Girl in the Arena does have similarities to Hunger Games – strong female protagonist who will fight to the death to save her family.  But this dystopian novel is set in current times, with a ne0-gladiator league that rivals the NFL.  Lyn wants nothing to do with the gladiator culture – not shocking after losing 6 previous fathers.  But she really liked the 7th father and this time more is at stake.  Claiming her 7th father cheated during his last match, the gladiator company, called “Caesar’s”, will take away everything promised to her mother–her house, future inheritances from the deaths of her husbands, everything.  And, during the last battle, the winner, Uber, took Lyn’s bracelet that had fallen from her father’s wrist in the match.  This meant Lyn would have to marry Uber.  Whether she wins or loses, she will save her family and herself if she becomes the first woman gladiator fighter.  Add in a little romance and an autistic brother that sees of the future and this is a pretty good story despite the annoying dash marks used instead of quotation marks.  Recommended as one to get to continue to satisify those who liked Hunger Games.