Gamers romance!
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Arena by Holly Jennings
Ace Books
April 5, 2016
336
A fast-paced and gripping near-future science fiction debut about the gritty world of competitive gaming... Every week, Kali Ling fights to the death on national TV. She's died hundreds of times. And it never gets easier... The RAGE tournaments--the Virtual Gaming League's elite competition where the best gamers in the world compete in a no-holds-barred fight to the digital death. Every bloody kill is broadcast to millions. Every player is a modern gladiator--leading a life of ultimate fame, responsible only for entertaining the masses. And though their weapons and armor are digital, the pain is real. Chosen to be the first female captain in RAGE tournament history, Kali Ling is at the top of the world--until one of her teammates overdoses. Now, she must confront the truth about the tournament. Because it is much more than a game--and even in the real world, not everything is as it seems. The VGL hides dark secrets. And the only way to change the rules is to fight from the inside...
The year is 2054 and what are you watching? Virtual Gaming League, of course! Geeks have come full-circle to be the hottest celebrities around, and Kali is poised to be the most influential female player in an ever male-dominated sport.
Holly Jennings builds an interesting world where Virtual Gaming has become a spectator sport, and the players physically resemble their virtual avatars. Teams challenge each other Gladiator-style and battle to the death, virtually speaking, of course.
They call her “The Warrior” – Kali has trained her whole life to lead a team into the championships, and her strength of character is evident in her personal and virtual battles throughout the story. When tragedy strikes, we are introduced to Rooke. 
He is sexy, dark, brooding, and a mystery – everything we like in a guy, right? Besides, he flirts using BOOKS! *swoon* Watching the two characters grow is such a pleasure during this action-packed adventure.
It is a world that resonates with the dark fan fascination and dangers of current reality shows; where the line between reality and the virtual world become blurred with drugs, sponsorships, fan-pleasing, and insanity.
Jennings packs a punch with this book! There’s something for everyone; sex, lies, drugs, love, Taoist philosophy, mortal danger – you’ll find it here. Arena is appropriate for YA through adult. Sex scenes are kept PG, strong characters, and the frank approach to drugs and celebrity life make for an interesting and refreshing read.
You can find Arena HERE and more about Holly Jennings HERE.
I am off to brush off my gaming console; Perhaps after this read, you will too!
