The Favorites Book Review

Scandal. Obsession. Passion. Cut-throat Competition. I haven't read a book that inspires such fiery push-and-pull emotions in a very long time.

From the opening pages of The Favorites by Layne Fargo, I was immediately hooked on this amazing cast of characters.

Layne has a background in theater and wow does it show on each and every page. If Olympic ice dancing could be an evening soap opera, this story would be it. If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six, you too will be obsessed with this book.

Curious if this book is for you? Check out my full review below.

Summary of The Favorites

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 roller-coaster 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. 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.

Book Stats

Published: January 14, 2025
Pages: 448
Genre: Contemporary Women Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, Sports Fiction,
Get Your Copy: Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook
Format I Read: I very much enjoyed listening to the audiobook on Everand while highlighting some of my favorite quotes in my Kindle copy. I needed the "printed" word to keep the long list of characters straight at the very start but the audio narration was one of the best I've ever listened to once I had everyone straight.

What I Liked

Here's what I would tell my best friend about the book:

1. The Narration Style: I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I cannot recommend that format strongly enough! The book alternates between traditional prose and an interview/documentary style that was SO fun to listen to. The cast of voices added so much depth to the drama.
2. SUPER Strong Female Characters: Kat and Bella are forces to be reckoned with.
3. Ellis Dean / Johnny Weir: The character of Ellis Dean absolutely STOLE THE SHOW. I love, love, loved everything he brought to the table--humor, dramatic plot twists, and so much heart. In the audiobook, real life Olympian Johnny Weir provides the voice behind this amazing character.
4. So Many Plot Twists: The intrigue! The drama! I literally gasped out loud several times.
5. Behind the Scenes Peeks: I'm fascinated by the passionate dedication it takes to become an Olympic champion and I loved the peek into the years of training, backstage drama at competitions, and inside looks at the Olympic village.
6. Historical Fiction-esque: While this is very much a modern story, if you're a fan of the Olympics, you will recognize the realistic timeline of the Olympic games used as backdrop for the story.

What I Didn't Like

Every reader needs something different from a book. What I may not have preferred may be your favorite part so take this with a grain of salt.

Nothing. I can't think of anything that I didn't absolutely love about this book. Have you started reading it yet??

Overall Score

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I give The Favorites 5 stars.

This is the best book I've read so far this year. I've already recommended it to several people in person. The plot was thrilling, the characters were colorful, the intrigue was top notch.

The book needs to be made into a movie asap because I need to see the costumes and choreography and hear the music, though it was written so well I'm not sure anything could match my imagination!

If this is your first time reading one of my reviews, you may want to check out how I score my reads with this scale guide here.

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