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The Favorites
Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 18:42:20
15 copies available
U.S. only
To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.
An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating about a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice
She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.
As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the "real story" through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.
Inspired by the powerful love and hate that fuel Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, The Favorites is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.
An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating about a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice
She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.
As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the "real story" through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.
Inspired by the powerful love and hate that fuel Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, The Favorites is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Layne Fargo
6 books1,543 followersLayne Fargo writes dark, dramatic stories that support women’s rights—and also women’s wrongs. She’s the author of psychological thrillers THEY NEVER LEARN and TEMPER, co-author of the #1 bestselling Audible Original series YOUNG RICH WIDOWS (coming to paperback in spring 2024), and co-creator of the UNLIKEABLE FEMALE CHARACTERS podcast on Lit Hub Radio. Her first work of women’s fiction THE FAVORITES is forthcoming from Random House in early 2025.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Layne worked as a dramaturg, a librarian, and a corporate knowledge manager, and she still loves going down a good research rabbit hole. She lives in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood with a rescue pit bull and cat who are best friends, the only man she never wants to murder (well, almost never), and way too many books.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Layne worked as a dramaturg, a librarian, and a corporate knowledge manager, and she still loves going down a good research rabbit hole. She lives in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood with a rescue pit bull and cat who are best friends, the only man she never wants to murder (well, almost never), and way too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
July 10, 2024
Scandalous, stimulating, thrilling, addictive—this book is the true definition of obsession! You don’t want it to end and just want to spend more time in the wild ride madness of Kat and Heath.
This is an epic sports romance with a heart-pounding, exciting, hyperventilating, and also very realistic approach to the ice dance world. It delves into how far contenders will go to win an Olympic medal, with ambitions, power games, speculations, and manipulations taking over their high efforts and performances until the skaters hurt themselves physically and mentally, pouring their souls, sweat, blood, hopes, dreams, and hearts into their dance. Eyes on the prize, stakes are getting higher at each contest, and only winning ensures survival. Prepare yourself for betrayals even from your closest circle—nobody is trustable. When the gold medal is within reach, you cannot see anything except that before your eyes! That’s the dog-eat-dog world of competitive sports!
This epic journey centers on the passionate, yet sometimes toxic and dysfunctional, love story of two Olympic skaters, Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha—childhood sweethearts who ran away from home at the age of 16 to become an ice dance skating couple. Katarina escapes from her alcoholic abusive brother, while Heath is an orphan raised in the foster care system. Katarina is the only person he can truly be himself with.
Their fate changes when they meet the Lin twins—children of legendary Olympic Games golden medal-winning skater Sheila Lin. The Lin twins, living privileged lives, become new stars of ice dance competitions, following in their mother's footsteps.
When Sheila invites Katarina and Heath to train at her school, where they have the opportunity to reach the top of their game, Katarina feels like her dreams are finally coming true. She has admired Sheila Lin since childhood, seeing her as a role model, and is obsessed with becoming as tough and successful a skating star as her.
Katarina finds herself in the orbit of Bella Lin—a relentless rival, straightforward friend, and the charm of her brother, Grant Lin. Her close interactions with them and her thirst for winning create problems with Heath and ruin the relationship they built over the years.
Eventually, they find themselves in a rollercoaster relationship with so many ups and downs that push them to hurt each other, even though their passionate love still prevents them from killing each other in front of their fans. When a tragic incident leads to a sports scandal, a series of unexpected shocking events bring their partnership to a heart-wrenching end.
Ten years later, an unauthorized documentary reignites Shaw and Rocha's obsession, uncovering the truth about their untold story. The narrative moves through the timeline, telling how Katarina and Heath met, how they escaped from their hometown, and how their lives changed with the Lin twins. Interwoven are the perspectives of various characters, including ex-skater and popular gossip blogger Ellis Dean, Kat and Heath’s instructors, and their rivals.
The questions remain: what really happened ten years ago? Could Kat and Heath train for a surprise comeback? How will their epic love story resolve? Will they kill each other, or will they push each other like magnets forever against all odds, finding their kind of happy ending?
I fell in love with this book! It’s the best thing I’ve read lately. I can honestly declare it one of the best fictions of 2024, deserving more than five stars! Interestingly, sometimes I wanted to slap the characters, scream at their faces. Especially Katarina brings out so many mixed feelings from you. You respect her, but you also hate her for acting like a vindictive, self-absorbed person who only focuses on the gold medal, walking over anyone without looking back to get what she wants.
Heath made my eyes roll at some points, as he acted like a loyal puppy, letting Katarina treat him like trash without defending himself.
Let’s not forget Bella, who is also reckless when it comes to winning, manipulating people against each other.
Interestingly, I easily connected with each of these characters, even though they have qualities that made me irritated. Even Ellis Dean was the secret ingredient of this book—he was an antihero you dislike, but you get arrested by his weird charm.
Overall, this book made me excited, as if I’m watching sports performances in real life. It made me cry at some tragic parts, but honestly, it brought out so many complex emotions that I embraced them with the help of this powerful and somewhat inspirational, honest story!
And did I mention I adored the conclusion, which might be the best end or the beginning for the characters?
So far, this is the best Layne Fargo book I’ve read, and I advise you to read it over and over again!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this marvelous book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This is an epic sports romance with a heart-pounding, exciting, hyperventilating, and also very realistic approach to the ice dance world. It delves into how far contenders will go to win an Olympic medal, with ambitions, power games, speculations, and manipulations taking over their high efforts and performances until the skaters hurt themselves physically and mentally, pouring their souls, sweat, blood, hopes, dreams, and hearts into their dance. Eyes on the prize, stakes are getting higher at each contest, and only winning ensures survival. Prepare yourself for betrayals even from your closest circle—nobody is trustable. When the gold medal is within reach, you cannot see anything except that before your eyes! That’s the dog-eat-dog world of competitive sports!
This epic journey centers on the passionate, yet sometimes toxic and dysfunctional, love story of two Olympic skaters, Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha—childhood sweethearts who ran away from home at the age of 16 to become an ice dance skating couple. Katarina escapes from her alcoholic abusive brother, while Heath is an orphan raised in the foster care system. Katarina is the only person he can truly be himself with.
Their fate changes when they meet the Lin twins—children of legendary Olympic Games golden medal-winning skater Sheila Lin. The Lin twins, living privileged lives, become new stars of ice dance competitions, following in their mother's footsteps.
When Sheila invites Katarina and Heath to train at her school, where they have the opportunity to reach the top of their game, Katarina feels like her dreams are finally coming true. She has admired Sheila Lin since childhood, seeing her as a role model, and is obsessed with becoming as tough and successful a skating star as her.
Katarina finds herself in the orbit of Bella Lin—a relentless rival, straightforward friend, and the charm of her brother, Grant Lin. Her close interactions with them and her thirst for winning create problems with Heath and ruin the relationship they built over the years.
Eventually, they find themselves in a rollercoaster relationship with so many ups and downs that push them to hurt each other, even though their passionate love still prevents them from killing each other in front of their fans. When a tragic incident leads to a sports scandal, a series of unexpected shocking events bring their partnership to a heart-wrenching end.
Ten years later, an unauthorized documentary reignites Shaw and Rocha's obsession, uncovering the truth about their untold story. The narrative moves through the timeline, telling how Katarina and Heath met, how they escaped from their hometown, and how their lives changed with the Lin twins. Interwoven are the perspectives of various characters, including ex-skater and popular gossip blogger Ellis Dean, Kat and Heath’s instructors, and their rivals.
The questions remain: what really happened ten years ago? Could Kat and Heath train for a surprise comeback? How will their epic love story resolve? Will they kill each other, or will they push each other like magnets forever against all odds, finding their kind of happy ending?
I fell in love with this book! It’s the best thing I’ve read lately. I can honestly declare it one of the best fictions of 2024, deserving more than five stars! Interestingly, sometimes I wanted to slap the characters, scream at their faces. Especially Katarina brings out so many mixed feelings from you. You respect her, but you also hate her for acting like a vindictive, self-absorbed person who only focuses on the gold medal, walking over anyone without looking back to get what she wants.
Heath made my eyes roll at some points, as he acted like a loyal puppy, letting Katarina treat him like trash without defending himself.
Let’s not forget Bella, who is also reckless when it comes to winning, manipulating people against each other.
Interestingly, I easily connected with each of these characters, even though they have qualities that made me irritated. Even Ellis Dean was the secret ingredient of this book—he was an antihero you dislike, but you get arrested by his weird charm.
Overall, this book made me excited, as if I’m watching sports performances in real life. It made me cry at some tragic parts, but honestly, it brought out so many complex emotions that I embraced them with the help of this powerful and somewhat inspirational, honest story!
And did I mention I adored the conclusion, which might be the best end or the beginning for the characters?
So far, this is the best Layne Fargo book I’ve read, and I advise you to read it over and over again!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this marvelous book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
July 5, 2024
EEEEE there's a goodreads giveaway for this right now - go enter!!
*************************************
a writer known for her revenge novels retelling wuthering heights through the overlay of high-level competitive ice dancers? if i am alone in this venn diagram intersection, so be it, but i loved this book like candy.
yeah, i'm giving it a five for the recasting of nelly dean alone.
*************************************
a writer known for her revenge novels retelling wuthering heights through the overlay of high-level competitive ice dancers? if i am alone in this venn diagram intersection, so be it, but i loved this book like candy.
yeah, i'm giving it a five for the recasting of nelly dean alone.
September 2, 2024
“To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.”
From the moment she witness her icon, Sheila Lin, win the olympic gold, Katarina Shaw knew that was her destiny too. When she meets Heath Rocha, a foster care kid with no family, the two form a friendship and a partnership that will span decades.
Wow. As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I had to get my hands on it immediately. How convenient that I ended up devouring it during the Olympics, as so much of this book focuses on just how hungry these young athletes are to compete in the ultimate of sports championships, and just how much they will give up to do so. With everything you can imagine - from backstage drama to an intense love affair, beautiful friendships to bitter rivalries, this powerful and intense look inside the world of competitive ice dancing will have you on the edge of your seat at all times.
I was immediately taken with Heath and Katarina and found myself emotionally attached to each of them individually, as well as together. Because of the format and genre of this book, I had zero idea what to expect and that made the stress level as intense as the matchups that often left these characters broken and bruised. Their backstories were equally inspirational and heartbreaking and it is hard not to have a rooting interest.
The formatting style is one of my favorites, and very reminiscent of Daisy Jones and the Six. Layne Fargo uses both first person from Kat’s POV and third person interview format from the documentary the reader is simultaneously a part of, and it helps to make the story that much more dynamic. As each interviewee describes the most intense moments, I can envision everything from the details in the room to the sequins on their costumes and everything in between.
I think this format will be absolutely perfect on audio, and will help keep the pace flowing just a tad bit better than in the ebook/physical book, which can sometimes be slowed down by the back and forth. That said, every time I picked this one up, I had a hard time putting it back down. Basically what I am saying is, the second the audiobook is released, I will be doing a reread!
Read if you like:
• the olympics
• ice dancing
• forced proximity
• friends to lovers
• second chance romance
• mixed media format
• all the drama
Thank you Random House for the advanced copy. Pubs January 14, 2025.
From the moment she witness her icon, Sheila Lin, win the olympic gold, Katarina Shaw knew that was her destiny too. When she meets Heath Rocha, a foster care kid with no family, the two form a friendship and a partnership that will span decades.
Wow. As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I had to get my hands on it immediately. How convenient that I ended up devouring it during the Olympics, as so much of this book focuses on just how hungry these young athletes are to compete in the ultimate of sports championships, and just how much they will give up to do so. With everything you can imagine - from backstage drama to an intense love affair, beautiful friendships to bitter rivalries, this powerful and intense look inside the world of competitive ice dancing will have you on the edge of your seat at all times.
I was immediately taken with Heath and Katarina and found myself emotionally attached to each of them individually, as well as together. Because of the format and genre of this book, I had zero idea what to expect and that made the stress level as intense as the matchups that often left these characters broken and bruised. Their backstories were equally inspirational and heartbreaking and it is hard not to have a rooting interest.
The formatting style is one of my favorites, and very reminiscent of Daisy Jones and the Six. Layne Fargo uses both first person from Kat’s POV and third person interview format from the documentary the reader is simultaneously a part of, and it helps to make the story that much more dynamic. As each interviewee describes the most intense moments, I can envision everything from the details in the room to the sequins on their costumes and everything in between.
I think this format will be absolutely perfect on audio, and will help keep the pace flowing just a tad bit better than in the ebook/physical book, which can sometimes be slowed down by the back and forth. That said, every time I picked this one up, I had a hard time putting it back down. Basically what I am saying is, the second the audiobook is released, I will be doing a reread!
Read if you like:
• the olympics
• ice dancing
• forced proximity
• friends to lovers
• second chance romance
• mixed media format
• all the drama
Thank you Random House for the advanced copy. Pubs January 14, 2025.
September 1, 2024
I just want to say thank you to this book for giving me all the emotions possible over the last 24hrs
It reminded me why I love reading, the feeling of being sucked into a story, staying up late turning the pages, forgetting you're even reading because it's playing out like a movie in your head.
I will never forget you
This is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six and Magnolia Parks
It reminded me why I love reading, the feeling of being sucked into a story, staying up late turning the pages, forgetting you're even reading because it's playing out like a movie in your head.
I will never forget you
This is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six and Magnolia Parks
May 12, 2024
I’ve been salivating over this book since Layne spoke of drafting it! I’ve adored her earlier works but THE FAVORITES is a whole new level! I already know I’ll be rereading this steamy take on WUTHERING HEIGHTS every Olympic year!
August 16, 2024
The Favourites is a new favourite!
Ice skating meets Daisy Jones and the Six (but much better)!
According to the media, Katarina Shaw is a bitch, a diva, cold-blooded, a sore loser, a manipulative liar.
She is also one of the most (in)famous Olympic ice dancers alongside partner, and lover, Heath. This follows their obsession. Scandal. Tragedy.
Starting with a banger hint of what is to come (blood on the ice, headline news), we go back to the start of Kat’s ice skating journey. From Heath being sequestered firmly into her life after a bad foster past, her childhood with an abusive brother, and Heath’s protective relationship.
Heath is the only person to understand her. People joked they were either going to die in each other's arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between.
Two poor small-town Midwestern trash who don’t belong in the elite sport.
That free dance was the story of us: Heath and me, spinning away from each other one second, only to clutch each other close the next.
Never still, never simple, always pushing and pulling, shattering each other and putting the pieces back together again.
Told through both Kat’s perspective as well as interview transcripts from people who knew the couple, or professionals from the sport, these short chapters keep you on your toes and biting your nails.
This will put you through your emotions. Love, angst, pride, pain, rage, suspense, anger. I couldn’t stop turning the pages… it was so addicting.
I am a sucker for anything to do with dance or ice skating as a former competitive dancer myself. I know how the sporting world functions and seeing this through a thriller, romance, lit fic form was so enticing, ambitious, passionate!
Thank you to Penguin Books for sending me a PR box!
Bookstagram
Ice skating meets Daisy Jones and the Six (but much better)!
According to the media, Katarina Shaw is a bitch, a diva, cold-blooded, a sore loser, a manipulative liar.
She is also one of the most (in)famous Olympic ice dancers alongside partner, and lover, Heath. This follows their obsession. Scandal. Tragedy.
Starting with a banger hint of what is to come (blood on the ice, headline news), we go back to the start of Kat’s ice skating journey. From Heath being sequestered firmly into her life after a bad foster past, her childhood with an abusive brother, and Heath’s protective relationship.
Heath is the only person to understand her. People joked they were either going to die in each other's arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between.
Two poor small-town Midwestern trash who don’t belong in the elite sport.
That free dance was the story of us: Heath and me, spinning away from each other one second, only to clutch each other close the next.
Never still, never simple, always pushing and pulling, shattering each other and putting the pieces back together again.
Told through both Kat’s perspective as well as interview transcripts from people who knew the couple, or professionals from the sport, these short chapters keep you on your toes and biting your nails.
This will put you through your emotions. Love, angst, pride, pain, rage, suspense, anger. I couldn’t stop turning the pages… it was so addicting.
I am a sucker for anything to do with dance or ice skating as a former competitive dancer myself. I know how the sporting world functions and seeing this through a thriller, romance, lit fic form was so enticing, ambitious, passionate!
Thank you to Penguin Books for sending me a PR box!
Bookstagram
July 19, 2024
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4.75 GOLD stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Who let the Layne Fargo train depart without me on it and why are you just now letting me board?!
playlist 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68p...
pinterest board 📌: coming soon
A passionate tale of the bitter triumphs and self-inflicted tribulations of the elite figure skating world, The Favorites is a story that details the jarring reality of making a name for yourself in spite of those determined to oppose you for their own corruptive gain.
˚₊ · »-♡→ characters
In her own way, on her own terms, just as promised, our story is narrated by olympic hopeful, Katarina Shaw. Every ounce the powerhouse I hoped she’d be, our female protagonist will convert you from a silent supporter of women’s rights, to a proud advocate of women’s wrongs. It goes without saying that you’ll probably pull out a couple hairs along the way though, her strong-willed disposition an acquired taste at times. As for me, I believe I’ve been designed to love even the sharpest of edges unapologetically.
Lost in the orbit of her protective and all-consuming nature, Katarina’s orphaned childhood sweetheart, Heath Rocha, finds himself chasing the dreams of his lover at the expense of his own self identity. A man you hate to love, Heath disparagingly turns the ashes of his desperate and dysfunctional relationship into wounded and ruthless ambition.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Isabella Lin’s golden rule. As the poster child of Olympic gold-medalist, Sheila Lin, Bella’s learned that any relationship, platonic or romantic, is a distraction; a means to an end when it comes to her own competitive ambitions. A character that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end, the only person capable of taming the thoughtless and sometimes reckless abandon she conjures is her partner and twin brother.
The voice of reason, Garrett Lin is a reliable, yet reserved individual. With integrity that sets him apart from his familial counterparts, he kept me sane amidst a tragic rollercoaster of emotions.
Lovers, rivals, and champions, Kat and Heath’s dynamic is an enigma. Call it a scandal. Call it an obsession. Either way, as an angst lover, I’m down bad. I was rooting for them. I was rooting against them. I was rooting for everything in-between. Their partnership both on the ice and off is nothing short of salacious, cutthroat, and inevitable.
With a legacy destined to stay forever intertwined, the end is just the beginning for these two.
˚₊ · »-♡→ writing
Perfectly and predictably unpredictable, there’s no keeping a poker face with this one. I gasped, I laughed (okay, okay…snorted), I cried, I stared at the wall with a dropped jaw. You name it, I experienced it to a degree so extreme, it would sound made up if I even dared attempt to verbalize it.
I am just BEGGING, on my knees, absolutely salivating for this to be adapted for the screen. A sentiment, I would like to emphasize, I very rarely entertain. The imagery is far too surreal not to at least consider the mere possibility of it extending beyond the pages. The entire time, all I could think was, “oh the Daisy Jones and the Six girlies are going to eat this up!”
˚₊ · »-♡→ structure
The story being told in alternating timelines through documentary transcript and first-person POV give even the most sparsely seen characters a in-depth nuance. The suspenseful accounts from a colorful cast of potentially biased coaches, judges, and colleagues (excuse me, rivals) creates an addictive and thrilling tone that will make you lose all sense of time and reality.
Needless to say, Fargo’s mastered the art of captivating even the rowdiest of audiences with an unputdownable read.
˚₊ · »-♡→ tropes
That being said, forget hockey, the girls want more figure skating romances! I am the very anti-thesis of the word athletic, but I’ve somehow acquired the desire to become an Olympian. I mean, is it too soon to re-read? Asking for a friend…(it’s me…I’m the friend).
I would like to take a moment to appreciate 2021 me for going down the Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir rabbit hole that led me here. I will forever be indebted to you.
Thank you to Random House and Layne Fargo for so kindly providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
Who let the Layne Fargo train depart without me on it and why are you just now letting me board?!
playlist 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68p...
pinterest board 📌: coming soon
A passionate tale of the bitter triumphs and self-inflicted tribulations of the elite figure skating world, The Favorites is a story that details the jarring reality of making a name for yourself in spite of those determined to oppose you for their own corruptive gain.
˚₊ · »-♡→ characters
In her own way, on her own terms, just as promised, our story is narrated by olympic hopeful, Katarina Shaw. Every ounce the powerhouse I hoped she’d be, our female protagonist will convert you from a silent supporter of women’s rights, to a proud advocate of women’s wrongs. It goes without saying that you’ll probably pull out a couple hairs along the way though, her strong-willed disposition an acquired taste at times. As for me, I believe I’ve been designed to love even the sharpest of edges unapologetically.
Lost in the orbit of her protective and all-consuming nature, Katarina’s orphaned childhood sweetheart, Heath Rocha, finds himself chasing the dreams of his lover at the expense of his own self identity. A man you hate to love, Heath disparagingly turns the ashes of his desperate and dysfunctional relationship into wounded and ruthless ambition.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Isabella Lin’s golden rule. As the poster child of Olympic gold-medalist, Sheila Lin, Bella’s learned that any relationship, platonic or romantic, is a distraction; a means to an end when it comes to her own competitive ambitions. A character that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end, the only person capable of taming the thoughtless and sometimes reckless abandon she conjures is her partner and twin brother.
The voice of reason, Garrett Lin is a reliable, yet reserved individual. With integrity that sets him apart from his familial counterparts, he kept me sane amidst a tragic rollercoaster of emotions.
Lovers, rivals, and champions, Kat and Heath’s dynamic is an enigma. Call it a scandal. Call it an obsession. Either way, as an angst lover, I’m down bad. I was rooting for them. I was rooting against them. I was rooting for everything in-between. Their partnership both on the ice and off is nothing short of salacious, cutthroat, and inevitable.
With a legacy destined to stay forever intertwined, the end is just the beginning for these two.
˚₊ · »-♡→ writing
Perfectly and predictably unpredictable, there’s no keeping a poker face with this one. I gasped, I laughed (okay, okay…snorted), I cried, I stared at the wall with a dropped jaw. You name it, I experienced it to a degree so extreme, it would sound made up if I even dared attempt to verbalize it.
I am just BEGGING, on my knees, absolutely salivating for this to be adapted for the screen. A sentiment, I would like to emphasize, I very rarely entertain. The imagery is far too surreal not to at least consider the mere possibility of it extending beyond the pages. The entire time, all I could think was, “oh the Daisy Jones and the Six girlies are going to eat this up!”
˚₊ · »-♡→ structure
The story being told in alternating timelines through documentary transcript and first-person POV give even the most sparsely seen characters a in-depth nuance. The suspenseful accounts from a colorful cast of potentially biased coaches, judges, and colleagues (excuse me, rivals) creates an addictive and thrilling tone that will make you lose all sense of time and reality.
Needless to say, Fargo’s mastered the art of captivating even the rowdiest of audiences with an unputdownable read.
˚₊ · »-♡→ tropes
That being said, forget hockey, the girls want more figure skating romances! I am the very anti-thesis of the word athletic, but I’ve somehow acquired the desire to become an Olympian. I mean, is it too soon to re-read? Asking for a friend…(it’s me…I’m the friend).
I would like to take a moment to appreciate 2021 me for going down the Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir rabbit hole that led me here. I will forever be indebted to you.
Thank you to Random House and Layne Fargo for so kindly providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
April 24, 2024
I'd love to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read before publication.
The Favorites ... I will be shocked if this book doesn't get a movie pitch or turn out being like Daisy Jones and the Six.
The book has a first person narrative of Katherine. It also has this narrative sandwiched between a documentary that is being aired in present day, with interviews from supporting and minor characters that help propel the story along. This story is based off Wuthering Heights, so, it can be a bonus if you have read the book or it could be a flaw if you haven't. While I am familiar with the plot of Wuthering Heights, I haven't read it (it's part of a list of books I plan on reading, along with another Bronte sister and her Jane Eyre.) So for me, this was one hell of a ride.
As in the story of Wuthering Heights, Cathy is strong minded and Heathcliffe falls in love with her seductive and brash attitude, which then leads them down an interesting path of jealousy, betrayal, destruction, and end. In this, Kathy and Heath are teens who were lured into the seductive and competitive world of figure skating. The sexuality, allure, and power of figure skating works brilliantly here. Heath, an orphan boy, who watched Kathy from afar during her childhood skating practices, fell in love with her and her strive to be the best. Throwing everything into the world of skating allowed her to escape her life of cruelty living under the drunken eye of her older brother, Lee. It is her obsession for a figure skater that she wishes to emulate and honor that starts them on the path of absolute drama.
If you did not like how the story of Daisy Jones and the Six was written then you'll have issues with this. If you were a fan of the format of the book then you will love this one. The interviews from the characters allows you to understand them, the world, and what they aren't saying from Katherine's narrative.
The book has some gorgeous imagery for those who are in love with figure skating, you can picture the songs they skate to, the costumes they wear, and the sizzling and sometimes risque choreography as if it was happening right before your eyes. One of my favorite pieces of imagery is when Katherine gets hurt on the ice and Heath picks her up off the ice, carrying her with a stern look on his face and her white costume covered in blood. It was the image that brought them fame and stardom as the 'sweethearts' of ice skating. As someone who responds to text with visualizations as I read, it was a feast to imagine the things I was reading and picturing them in my head like a film. Which is why, again, I will be shocked this book doesn't make it to a film. I would watch a documentary about figure skating drama.
The ending is a roller-coaster and the things happening had me gasping for air, then submerging myself back into the text, almost drowning myself to get to the ending. The ending was satisfying, and I realized I read the book in a day. That's how obsessed I was with it.
I'm giving this book 4 stars - as someone who has never read the author before, I felt that she not only captured the spirit of Wuthering Heights, but the 90's and the art and seduction of figure skating. I encourage you to pick this book up, and, pray that it gets a film adaptation one day. These characters are flawed for sure, but man, they make the ice melt.
The Favorites ... I will be shocked if this book doesn't get a movie pitch or turn out being like Daisy Jones and the Six.
The book has a first person narrative of Katherine. It also has this narrative sandwiched between a documentary that is being aired in present day, with interviews from supporting and minor characters that help propel the story along. This story is based off Wuthering Heights, so, it can be a bonus if you have read the book or it could be a flaw if you haven't. While I am familiar with the plot of Wuthering Heights, I haven't read it (it's part of a list of books I plan on reading, along with another Bronte sister and her Jane Eyre.) So for me, this was one hell of a ride.
As in the story of Wuthering Heights, Cathy is strong minded and Heathcliffe falls in love with her seductive and brash attitude, which then leads them down an interesting path of jealousy, betrayal, destruction, and end. In this, Kathy and Heath are teens who were lured into the seductive and competitive world of figure skating. The sexuality, allure, and power of figure skating works brilliantly here. Heath, an orphan boy, who watched Kathy from afar during her childhood skating practices, fell in love with her and her strive to be the best. Throwing everything into the world of skating allowed her to escape her life of cruelty living under the drunken eye of her older brother, Lee. It is her obsession for a figure skater that she wishes to emulate and honor that starts them on the path of absolute drama.
If you did not like how the story of Daisy Jones and the Six was written then you'll have issues with this. If you were a fan of the format of the book then you will love this one. The interviews from the characters allows you to understand them, the world, and what they aren't saying from Katherine's narrative.
The book has some gorgeous imagery for those who are in love with figure skating, you can picture the songs they skate to, the costumes they wear, and the sizzling and sometimes risque choreography as if it was happening right before your eyes. One of my favorite pieces of imagery is when Katherine gets hurt on the ice and Heath picks her up off the ice, carrying her with a stern look on his face and her white costume covered in blood. It was the image that brought them fame and stardom as the 'sweethearts' of ice skating. As someone who responds to text with visualizations as I read, it was a feast to imagine the things I was reading and picturing them in my head like a film. Which is why, again, I will be shocked this book doesn't make it to a film. I would watch a documentary about figure skating drama.
The ending is a roller-coaster and the things happening had me gasping for air, then submerging myself back into the text, almost drowning myself to get to the ending. The ending was satisfying, and I realized I read the book in a day. That's how obsessed I was with it.
I'm giving this book 4 stars - as someone who has never read the author before, I felt that she not only captured the spirit of Wuthering Heights, but the 90's and the art and seduction of figure skating. I encourage you to pick this book up, and, pray that it gets a film adaptation one day. These characters are flawed for sure, but man, they make the ice melt.
Want to read
May 22, 2024If anyone can make me like a Wuthering Heights retelling, it is Layne Fargo. And ICE SKATING.
May 6, 2024
In The Favorites, we are introduced to Katarina and Heath, young and ambitious ice dancers whose goal in life is to win Olympic gold.
The beginning takes us through their troubled teen years, which helps the reader understand why they are so desperate to succeed.
It gets a little messy towards the middle, but everything ties up perfectly with the ending.
My only criticism is the use of a lot of technical ice skating terminology, which I’m assuming the average reader is not up to speed with. That said, it wasn’t difficult to understand and enjoy the story Layne Fargo so effortlessly tells.
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The Favorites will be released January 14, 2025.
The beginning takes us through their troubled teen years, which helps the reader understand why they are so desperate to succeed.
It gets a little messy towards the middle, but everything ties up perfectly with the ending.
My only criticism is the use of a lot of technical ice skating terminology, which I’m assuming the average reader is not up to speed with. That said, it wasn’t difficult to understand and enjoy the story Layne Fargo so effortlessly tells.
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The Favorites will be released January 14, 2025.
June 19, 2024
It has taken me a long time to write a review of this book. I'd argue that this is actually for a good reason - the plot, the characters the time skips everything was so wild it truly has taken me a month to go over my throughts on this.
" The favorites " has been strongly influenced by Catherine and Heathcliffs relationship from wuthering heights. Hence, the events of this book are less of a romantic tale, and more so of an exploration of the bond between two incredibly traumatized people amidst the competitive and quite cruel environment of professional sports.
There were so many emotions that this book evoked. I cheered, I raged, I needed the two characters together, I needed them to stay far away from each other (or at least I had to tell myself HEYYY THESE PEOPLE ARENT GOOD FOR EACH OTHER. STOP SHIPPING THEM RIGHT NOW THEY ARE GONNA DESTROY ONE ANOTHER) (and be very sexy while doing so, but still-). I felt the burning need for them to win their competitions as hard as the fmc did (and trust me the ambition and seer determination she had towards winning? Um chefs kiss. If you're looking for a book with a perfectionist "all or nothing" character this is for you.)
The exploration of racism in the sport and Hollywood as a whole, was also done to perfection. Heath as well as the original Heathcliff an abandoned boy finding comfort in an extremely temperamental, abused young girl, and growing extremely dependent on her, unable to handle the slightest rejection from his saviour as he sees her? Oh yeah I was obsessed.
The side characters were also quite a colorful cast displaying different aspects of just how much fame and unhealthy sportsmanship can ruin ones mental health. I cannot believe we have to wait THIS long for the book to come out! I sense or at least strongly hope it will be a hit as soon as it's released!
" The favorites " has been strongly influenced by Catherine and Heathcliffs relationship from wuthering heights. Hence, the events of this book are less of a romantic tale, and more so of an exploration of the bond between two incredibly traumatized people amidst the competitive and quite cruel environment of professional sports.
There were so many emotions that this book evoked. I cheered, I raged, I needed the two characters together, I needed them to stay far away from each other (or at least I had to tell myself HEYYY THESE PEOPLE ARENT GOOD FOR EACH OTHER. STOP SHIPPING THEM RIGHT NOW THEY ARE GONNA DESTROY ONE ANOTHER) (and be very sexy while doing so, but still-). I felt the burning need for them to win their competitions as hard as the fmc did (and trust me the ambition and seer determination she had towards winning? Um chefs kiss. If you're looking for a book with a perfectionist "all or nothing" character this is for you.)
The exploration of racism in the sport and Hollywood as a whole, was also done to perfection. Heath as well as the original Heathcliff an abandoned boy finding comfort in an extremely temperamental, abused young girl, and growing extremely dependent on her, unable to handle the slightest rejection from his saviour as he sees her? Oh yeah I was obsessed.
The side characters were also quite a colorful cast displaying different aspects of just how much fame and unhealthy sportsmanship can ruin ones mental health. I cannot believe we have to wait THIS long for the book to come out! I sense or at least strongly hope it will be a hit as soon as it's released!
August 14, 2024
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I couldn’t put it DOWN.
May 29, 2024
THIS WAS SO….. WHAT THE FUCK. i think i felt every emotion possible throughout this book. just so so so good. tears were shed, buzz was felt. yeah, just wow.
August 3, 2024
This is a fabulous novel about two sixteen-year-olds, Heath and Katerina who train ferociously to become the best ice dancers in the world. Who would believe that this sport is so cut-throat that competitors would literally do anything to thwart your chances at winning! But the two are dedicated both to each other and the ice so they train until they are worn out. It becomes a true love/hate situation as they win many competitions until they make it to the Olympics. And then all hell breaks loose! It's a fascinating story that is often difficult to read as I had no idea what lengths athletes will go to in order to reach the pinnacle of success! I so enjoyed Fargo's other novels and this one is beyond good!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Want to read
April 19, 2024I need this in my hands immediately you do not understand the itch I have for ice/ figure skating books
August 4, 2024
Just picture this the whole time you are reading this book (but add a woman skater and even more draaaaaaaaama than all four seasons of Succession combined)
Review TK, but omfg I loved this and apparently need to watch ice dancing now? Definitely one of my favorite books of 2025 that I read in 2024.
* thanks to Random House for the NetGalley review copy. The Favorites publishes January 14, 2025.
Review TK, but omfg I loved this and apparently need to watch ice dancing now? Definitely one of my favorite books of 2025 that I read in 2024.
* thanks to Random House for the NetGalley review copy. The Favorites publishes January 14, 2025.
July 10, 2024
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
a wuthering heights retelling for people who watch scott and tessa's pyeongchang moulin rouge performance every couple of months (me)
it's a great concept and was executed well. the plot was fast-paced and full of twists and turns from the original story as well as some creative liberties of course, i think it might be even more enjoyable to go into the book blind if someone hadn't read wuthering heights before. there are a lot of comparisons to daisy jones because of the documentary transcripts that follow each chapter. i liked it a lot more here than in daisy jones though, as it's not comprising the entire narrative and it's a neat way to establish more minor characters in the story and build out the world. i have a couple of quibbles about the pacing (would've liked to see more of heath and kat's childhood) and the ending (felt a little too convenient) but overall, really enjoyed my time with this book. i could see this being a hit with the taylor jenkins reid crowd and i hope it finds it's audience next year!
a wuthering heights retelling for people who watch scott and tessa's pyeongchang moulin rouge performance every couple of months (me)
it's a great concept and was executed well. the plot was fast-paced and full of twists and turns from the original story as well as some creative liberties of course, i think it might be even more enjoyable to go into the book blind if someone hadn't read wuthering heights before. there are a lot of comparisons to daisy jones because of the documentary transcripts that follow each chapter. i liked it a lot more here than in daisy jones though, as it's not comprising the entire narrative and it's a neat way to establish more minor characters in the story and build out the world. i have a couple of quibbles about the pacing (would've liked to see more of heath and kat's childhood) and the ending (felt a little too convenient) but overall, really enjoyed my time with this book. i could see this being a hit with the taylor jenkins reid crowd and i hope it finds it's audience next year!
August 9, 2024
Thanks to net galley for this e arc! I was drawn to the cover. Of this book immediately and when I read the synopsis I knew I would be interested. This story follows the drama of two ice skaters and the messy relationship that follows. The interview / documentary style that was weaved into this story was so fun and I loved it! This story was messy and so different from anything I’ve read before! 4 stars!
Want to read
August 22, 2024Wuthering Heights + a fictionalized I AM and/ or the Canton school in its heyday (Tessa & Scott, Shib sibs, and Charlie and Meryl). I need this in my life.
🙏🏽 Praying the ARC request I just submitted gets approved.
🙏🏽 Praying the ARC request I just submitted gets approved.
July 28, 2024
4.5 i feel hungover
June 5, 2024
The Favorites follows Katarina Shaw who has strived to be an Olympic skater most of her life. And while this book is pitched as a romance, I felt it was most about her obsession with achieving this goal and the length she'll go to obtain it - including straining her relationship with her partner, Heath. (It's got a soap opera kind of vibe to it if you ask me)
At a fourth of the way through this book, I was convinced I would love it. However, along the way the repetitive nature of the story started to grate on me. There were interviews that hinted towards an incoming scandal/reveal, that would occur, then a lot of skate practice and performances. I have to say I looked forward to the performance scenes, but felt that the description of these moments were not as impactful as hoped. I failed to feel the emotions of them and the characters within these critical moments.
I also had a hard time feeling the angst of Katarina and Heath's relationship. Their obsession was lost on me and I feel like their characters needed a bit more background/details for me to feel invested and most importantly, to back an understanding of why they continued to long for another even though they did not appear to be suited for another. I wish that there were more moments of stepping away from the rink or possibly focusing more on Katarina herself than this relationship. Or maybe a dual POV? I also have to add that I did not love the ending and how these relationships wrapped up. It just didn't sit well with me, probably due to reasons I stated above.
As a positive, the writing of this story flows easily and I did enjoy some parts of Katarina's story - mainly her intense drive to do whatever, even performing injured, to achieve her goals. I think these moments stand the strongest in this story.
I do know that Layne Fargo drew lots of inspiration for writing this story from Taylor Jenkins Reid, which I think is evident and will be to anyone who has read Daisy Jones & the Six. I commend her for trying what I think may be outside of her comfort zone but sadly, it did not resonate with me.
I do think this book will find its readers though and I know some of yall will eat this up.
PS I have never read Wuthering Heights which this also derived inspiration from.
At a fourth of the way through this book, I was convinced I would love it. However, along the way the repetitive nature of the story started to grate on me. There were interviews that hinted towards an incoming scandal/reveal, that would occur, then a lot of skate practice and performances. I have to say I looked forward to the performance scenes, but felt that the description of these moments were not as impactful as hoped. I failed to feel the emotions of them and the characters within these critical moments.
I also had a hard time feeling the angst of Katarina and Heath's relationship. Their obsession was lost on me and I feel like their characters needed a bit more background/details for me to feel invested and most importantly, to back an understanding of why they continued to long for another even though they did not appear to be suited for another. I wish that there were more moments of stepping away from the rink or possibly focusing more on Katarina herself than this relationship. Or maybe a dual POV? I also have to add that I did not love the ending and how these relationships wrapped up. It just didn't sit well with me, probably due to reasons I stated above.
As a positive, the writing of this story flows easily and I did enjoy some parts of Katarina's story - mainly her intense drive to do whatever, even performing injured, to achieve her goals. I think these moments stand the strongest in this story.
I do know that Layne Fargo drew lots of inspiration for writing this story from Taylor Jenkins Reid, which I think is evident and will be to anyone who has read Daisy Jones & the Six. I commend her for trying what I think may be outside of her comfort zone but sadly, it did not resonate with me.
I do think this book will find its readers though and I know some of yall will eat this up.
PS I have never read Wuthering Heights which this also derived inspiration from.
May 24, 2024
5 stars out of 5! Can I give it more?! It was that good.
Wow, what an incredible book! This has been one of my favorite reads so far this year and a top 5 ever. I was immediately drawn into the book and could not put it down. The book had a great set up where after every chapter there was dialogue from the interviews of the documentary about "The Favorites". I found myself invested in Heath and Katarina's relationship and was routing for them the whole time. This book was a perfect love story and I highly, highly recommend reading it!
In The Favorites, we follow the lives of Heath and Katarina. They met and grew up in a suburb of Chicago and both had a passion for skating. Kat wanted to be an olympic skater and would do everything she could to get there and win. The books gives us an inside picture of what happened during those years. We get the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow, what an incredible book! This has been one of my favorite reads so far this year and a top 5 ever. I was immediately drawn into the book and could not put it down. The book had a great set up where after every chapter there was dialogue from the interviews of the documentary about "The Favorites". I found myself invested in Heath and Katarina's relationship and was routing for them the whole time. This book was a perfect love story and I highly, highly recommend reading it!
In The Favorites, we follow the lives of Heath and Katarina. They met and grew up in a suburb of Chicago and both had a passion for skating. Kat wanted to be an olympic skater and would do everything she could to get there and win. The books gives us an inside picture of what happened during those years. We get the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2024
taylor jenkins reid's spirit lives on in layne fargo.. AND IM SERIOUS. they never learn was a clear 5 star read and now she comes back with THIS? this is like a mix of daisybilly and challengers and everything i'm obsessed with. i can only imagine whatever she releases next i will love even more like sky is the limit for this author and i'm not even joking. and ofc i cant forget the taylor swift serve included in this like she knew to pick the perfect song too
August 7, 2024
I thought this was really good and I was on pins and needles almost the entire book. The writing was intense and I could feel the chemistry coming off these two. It did have the Wuthering Heights feel that I hoped for and I couldn’t get enough. It was a very satisfying read. The author did a great job with the ice skating competition and I was holding my breath with each performance. Loved the ending and I highly recommended it.
Thanks Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Thanks Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.
May 23, 2024
THRILLING.
Read
May 27, 20243⭐️ Toxic relationships! Figure skating! A Wuthering Heights retelling! Full RTC!
August 1, 2024
I did not like a single character in this book. Everyone was so toxic and crazy and the drama was over the top.
I do love the cover tho
I do love the cover tho
June 17, 2024
I just finished reading an advanced reader copy of this and I already know that it will be my favourite book of 2024, because nothing can ever beat this. 🤯 The characters felt so real that I constantly tried to find their ice dance competitions on YouTube, completely forgetting that they were fictional. The book made me gasp and tear up multiple times, and I just can not stop thinking about it. Now, I can’t wait for the world to read it in January 2025, for it to become a huge bestseller, and I dearly hope this will be a TV show soon, too! ⛸️
August 5, 2024
Have to think about this one for a few days before I review it. 3.5⭐️ at this time
June 22, 2024
I, a 32 year old woman with no athletic training, will be making my comeback as an ice dancer.
The Favorites is an addicting drama about ice dancers and their olympic dreams but it is also about ambition, competitiveness, institutional corruption, feminism, classism, fear, and of course, love.
In my mind, this book is like Carrie Soto meets Challengers meets Daisy Jones and the Six. The characters are olympic athletes but Layne wrote them in a way that is so relatable. No, I have never competed at that level but I felt all of these characters' rage, hope, drive, and sacrifice and that is just good storytelling, baby.
The twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat and audibly gasping but I also loved the times I was begging the characters to have a different reaction or to do something other than what they did. THAT is a perfect five-star read, one that has me pulling and pushing like the ice dancers themselves.
I couldn't put it down, Layne, you have a new fan.
I am very lucky to have gotten an advance read on this. Thank you NetGalley and Random House!
The Favorites is an addicting drama about ice dancers and their olympic dreams but it is also about ambition, competitiveness, institutional corruption, feminism, classism, fear, and of course, love.
In my mind, this book is like Carrie Soto meets Challengers meets Daisy Jones and the Six. The characters are olympic athletes but Layne wrote them in a way that is so relatable. No, I have never competed at that level but I felt all of these characters' rage, hope, drive, and sacrifice and that is just good storytelling, baby.
The twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat and audibly gasping but I also loved the times I was begging the characters to have a different reaction or to do something other than what they did. THAT is a perfect five-star read, one that has me pulling and pushing like the ice dancers themselves.
I couldn't put it down, Layne, you have a new fan.
I am very lucky to have gotten an advance read on this. Thank you NetGalley and Random House!
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