As a long-time lover of both Wuthering Heights and Daisy Jones & The Six, I fell head-over-heels for Layne Fargo's The Favourites. Excellently written, with a gripping, addictive plot and rich characters, this exhilarating story of toxic love is bound for small (or even big) screen adaptation someday soon. I absolutely loved this book. More than anything, it was an incredibly fun read. I'm excited to see what Layne Fargo does next!

This took me longer than expected to finish.
The pacing was really up and down and I kept expecting the book to finish but then there was more.
Feel like it was a bit longer than needed and expected more about skating and not just love drama, otherwise a good book

I couldn't put it down. The elements were handled superbly to deliver us this toxic love story that compels you to turn to the next page. This will have consumers of reality TV hooked. It is just drama after drama.

It’s the 1st of January 2025. How is anything else meant to top this?

Imagine Wuthering Heights, on ice, told in the same documentary style as Daisy Jones…perfection really.

Fargo really encapsulates the lust, passion-fueled toxicity that has us both hating and understanding the MC’s relationships with each other and themselves. It’s reductive to say they’re toxic, selfish and manipulative because whilst they are, they’re also so much more complex. Every decision made is both for themselves and the different loves they have for each other.

Brimming with drama, betrayal, heartache and a love that spans decades of passion and sabotage, I think Fargo recreated Cathy and Heathcliff perfectly in Katarina and Heath, even down to the Lin’s (Linfords) and the other supporting characters.

I really struggled to put this down. The pacing is good and it matches that of an actual documentary, where each chapter ends on a character sound bite that eludes to a big thing that happened next for dramatic effect. I could easily listen to this as an audio book if they cast multiple narrators to bring it to life. The book is also really well researched in the world of figure skating, it reads and feels like a labour of love from Fargo and I think the effort and the hard work has created something really special in what is a modern retelling of one of literatures most well know, and well appreciated complex couples.

This novel will stay with me for a long time.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to open this review with one certainty: you (whoever is reading this review) should read this book. If only to get ahead of what I consider to be an inevitable adaptation for the screen.

According to an article in The Bookseller, this is a sort of adaptation of Wuthering Heights and reader, let me mis-quote another Bronte novel by saying I got 0 inclination that that was what was going on here. Someone who understands WH more than I do can perhaps find the similarities, but for me, it was just a novel set in the competitive world of ice dancing, blending snippets from a documentary with first-person prose from Katarina's perspective. And I can confidently tell you that this book is an incredibly addictive reading experience. When the book was down, I wanted to pick it back up. Things move at a lightning pace so you never have a chance to feel bored. The cast of characters explodes with bitter rivalries, romantic clashes and tension. It's like watching endless episodes of the Real Housewives (both a good and bad thing as I'll elaborate below). The characters are generally unlikeable, but you understand why and they're really fun to read about. Again, I don't see the Cathy and Heathcliff of it all (with the exception perhaps to the names of the lead characters which has literally only just occurred to me). If your book is going to be 'inspired' by a piece of classic literature, maybe include that in the marketing materials??

It's a good book, I had a great time reading it. But I also had some issues with it.

For me, 'The Favourites' was a book written to be turned into a TV show. And I hope they do adapt it. Because 6-8 hours of properly paced television is the best way to explore this narrative as it's written. Nothing ever goes smoothly. No one succeeds. There's always some sort of drama, some sort of chaos, injury, criminal activity, sexual manipulation, bog-standard manipulation, drama - it's happening on every page. Considering how frequently the author needed to tell us that Kat was 'the ice queen' and super focused on her goals, every time something even went minorly wrong before a performance, she would completely fall to pieces. Because of the structural choices in the book, huge chunks of time are summed up in short, unbiased paragraphs from the documentary. I can't help but think had the author chosen to commit fully to the 'Daisy Jones & The Six' multi-media style for this novel, it would have been more successful.

A lot happens in here and by about the halfway point, the book jumps the shark and things start to get so ridiculous, you no longer feel particularly invested in the outcome. Every obstacle that could be thrown at these characters is - everything AND the kitchen sink. It goes full soap opera, including the literary equivalent of the ad break line. For example - 'I turned around - and froze in horror.' or 'I screamed' - chapters cut off and jump to documentary clips in the name of tension that I didn't feel worked very well. The incidents towards the end - I can't say much because of spoilers - should have been better set up as a through line through the novel, which means the ultimate conclusion left me feeling rather unsatisfied. We've spent 400+ pages with these characters and that's the ending we get? After all that? If you're going to conclude with sabotage, then build the sabotage up throughout the entire book not just that last 25%.

Because we only get Katarina's perspective in the prose sections, the other main characters - particularly Heath, Bella, and Garrett - are all held at arms length and left me wanting more development. Rivalries only last for so long before burning out and taking another direction. You've really got a novel of two halves here and I wanted more from the first half to travel over into the second. I felt Katarina was well-written and the journey she went on through the book was really well developed and put together. But she's not the only character here and because so much effort has gone to including this enormous cast, I wanted more from them too.

When the inevitable adaptation comes, I really hope it's for TV. Give this book the space it needs to breathe. Give it the time, much like Daisy Jones & The Six had. A film would condense it all far too much and take away from what could be some incredible visual work. I'm also surprised this book wasn't held back to be released in 2026 to coincide with the winter Olympics, but reading it will certainly get you in the mood for Milan 2026.

Thank you to the UK publisher and Netgalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, I requested this expecting a thriller based on what I knew of 'They Never Learn', but I'm so glad it wasn't.

This book was an epic tale. About elite sport. About Rivalry. Pressure. The dark side of fame. And I absolutely loved it.

I can't quite believe Katerina Shaw isn't real. The characterisation in this book was sensational. Not just for Kat but all the characters. And the format incorpating a documentary and 'normal' chapters alongside it to get Kats perspective really worked for me.

A book Taylor Jenkins Reid would have been proud to produce. Props to the author

I was so happy when the Random House UK granted my wish. I loved this book. It’s so gripping and unputdownable. The characters are interesting. Their chemistry is beautiful. Loved reading about the Olympic skaters. Kat and Heath are childhood sweethearts and they go from variance of emotions from growing up, friendship, love, heartbreak to giving each other second chance. The book has it all mystery, romance, secrets, and twists. Get yourself ready to get to know everything about highs and lows and everything in between about Kat and Heath’s life. And I wasn’t expecting that ending. The book kept me on edge and kept getting engaging and mysterious like an emotional ride.

I only read 10.5%. I maybe wasn't getting it. I think it was supposed to be like a script but I just wasn't gripped. Sorry, I always feel bad saying this about people's hard work but it just wasn't for me. I know if I'll like a book bit the first 10% was so hard that I couldn't invest more time in it

So many comparisons to Daisy Jones and the Six, and it's easy to see why. The narrative is predominantly from the point of view of Katarina Shaw, chronicling her determined ascent through the world of international ice dancing, but it's interspersed with commentary from a number of other characters as part of a documentary ten years after... well, a massive event that we as readers know we're hurtling breathlessly towards, one competition and drama and unexpected twist at a time. The sport itself is depicted in vivid detail, and the narrative also deals with the themes of fame in the fledgling Internet era, ingrained misogyny, and the strength and level of sacrifice required in order to succeed. At the centre of it all is Kat and Heath, two gloriously flawed characters locked in a desperately complicated relationship which everyone seems to have an opinion on - but in the way of all good documentaries, the reader is left to draw their own conclusions based on the characters that we directly hear from, and also the ones that we don't. It's well-paced, it's intense, and it completely drew me in.

This was an addictive read which showcased the determination and motivation it takes to be a world
class athlete.

Heath and Katarina have known each other for a long time and she is determined to be the best skater in the world. Ice dancing with Heath and winning is her dream and we watch as their relationship goes through different phases as she stops at nothing to get her dream.

Heath is only in love with her and isn’t as determined as Katarina is and their relationship is fundamental
to him. As the story is told in a documentary style some years later we learn their journey to stardom and the sacrifices they both make.

I enjoyed this one, it’s quite addictive and I enjoyed their never ending pull to each other. A great read.

I've been really poorly over Christmas, I have this flu/cold bug that everyone else seems to have. It's been difficult to focus on reading, but this one was pure escapism and an easy read.

It has Daisy Jones vibes and there are interviews with other story characters - this blends nicely with the story narrated by the main protaganist, Kat.

It's an entertaining read, with a good, varied cast of characters and the story keeps the reader engaged, there is plenty of suspense. I found some elements a little far fetched, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment. A brilliant story, it has all the elements for a great TV series/movie too. Not sure if it has been snatched up yet, but someone should!

You are going to be seeing a lot about this book in the coming months, I'm expecting a big campaign from the publisher and you should believe the hype! I understand it is out in January, so keep your eyes peeled for it.

Thanks to Vintage and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

The Favourites is the story of Katerina Shaw and Heath Rocha, following their lives as they meet as children, and start to compete as ice dancers, following their turbulent lives and careers as they fight all the way to the Olympics, determined to take the gold.

The book is framed through an anniversary documentary that has been produced, discussing the career of Shaw and Rocha along with the allegations of wrongdoing, cheating and sabotage that has dogged them throughout their entire career. This is a great way to frame the story as it is a clever way to allow comments from other characters in the story that you normally wouldn’t hear from, so there are talking heads from their Russian competitors, Olympic judges and their old coaches and teammates. I thought this was a really beneficial way to tell the story and be able to move about in the timeline smoothly, and I think that the author employed this well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would wholeheartedly recommend it to others - it was well paced, held lots of interest and had lots of ups and downs, but it felt believable for the world that it was set in and the story was really well told. It was interesting to read about such a competitive environment and how hard every single person has to work in order to have a chance to make it, and how ruthless people need to be in order to compete at higher levels of competition. I thought the characters were well defined and believable, and I just really enjoyed the story as a whole!

Full marks from me for this book - a gold medal all the way!!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Recipe for Success:
- 2 cups of Daisy Jones & The Six
- 5 tbsp of Friends to Lovers and Lovers to Enemies
- 3 tsp of cheorgraphy to bangers from the 80s-00s and
- A generous dash of fiercely competitive Olympic athletes
- Steam, bubble over and bake over 448 pages and bingo you have a binge-worthy novel on your hands.

The Favourites brings us the story of Olympic hopefuls Katerina Shaw and Heath Rocha. Reflecting over their stellar rise to global fame as competitive ice dancers, through a tell all unauthorised documentary.

This style of story telling will forever be linked to Daisy Jones and the Six, and as we know, imitation truly is the best form of flattery but it has to be acknowledged, when it works and this time it does, it *really* works.
It takes no length of time to get caught up in the twists of Katarina and Heath's dramatic backstory and relationship as they strive for success with all the odds stacked against them.

Every 4 years I get absolutely hooked to the screen and watch as much of the Olympics as I can (summer and winter). I also was interested in the return of Simone Biles in 2024 and the documentary she made about the impact competing at the very top had on her mental health, family and personal life.

Layne Fargo did a really good job of bringing those elements through this story. Katarina and Heath are at their peak in the 2000s but there are loads of references to ice dancers from the 80s and 90s which will invoke memories of Torvill & Dean and of course stark rivalry between Team USA and Russia.

We see the ruthlessness of competitors and coaches alike, the corrupt judging space and the personal pain and willingness to give your entire life over to the task of medal success. I absolutely loved it, devoured it and can already see the Hulu spin off and accompanying Spotify playlist.

It has it all 🤩

Thankful to Random House UK for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Many have compared The Favourites to Daisy Jones and the Six - I agree. Although, I enjoyed DJATS fractionally more. Similar also to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I think a conversation between Taylor Jenkins Re8d and Layne Fargo would be brilliant.

The Favourites is a book that is led by a host of vibrant characters; characterisation is brilliant and I could vividly picture them early on. This would make a great series!

As for the plot, predictably there are many ice dancing competitions where our lead characters place in a host of positions. The ups and downs of their professional career mirrors the ups and downs of their relationship. It's all very dramatic - a good thing.

I enjoyed reading The Favourites, and if you are finding the beginning a little slower, then do keep going because it really ramps up in the second half.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

The Favourites was AMAZING! So immersive, engaging and fun while also inserting a wonderful level of romance. If you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid and especially Daisy Jones, you'll adore this. And rightfully so.

Well, this was one helluva suspenseful compulsive and utterly addictive sports romance. The first book for me by this author, and im sure it won't be the last. 

I was in awe at both Kat and Heath, as a couple and as individuals. Their strength and sheer determination were equally matched but for different reasons. Kats was to be the best of the best and to win gold medals, but Heaths was to be the best for Kat and for her to want to be with him forever. It was quite sad actually to know that everything Heath was doing wasn't for himself but for Kat. Their backstories were what made them inspirational, their journey from where they came from to where they got to. It goes to show that if you work hard enough that anything is possible. 

The format of the book was great. I really enjoyed kats' POV being in first person, but also, the third person interview / documentary format it gives a different level of insight for the reader. 

Overall, this was a great book of friendships, love, competition, betrayal, passion, and so much more all based around the world of ice dance. 

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy.

Firstly I would like to thanks Layne Fargo , Random House UK, Vintage | Chatto & Windus and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of ' The Favourites' to read and review.

Due to be published in January 2025, the story focuses on the relationship of its main characters Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha and their journey from being childhood sweethearts to a formidable ice skating partnership. The story spans decades highlighting their tumultuous relationship and the obstacles they face whilst becoming competing champions.
Full of twists and turns , I was gripped from start to finish and read into the night as I was invested in the characters and completely lost in the storyline. I ended up devouring it at every opportunity. Personally I cannot believe that this is the author's debut novel and am excited to read future titles. I cant remember the last time I enjoyed a contemporary novel so much and can easily see this becoming an on screen dramatisation.
The chemistry between the characters leapt from the page and culminated in a riveting tale of passion , betrayal , love and scandal.
It was an easy read , but certainly an unforgettable one . An easy 5 star rating as I didn't want the book to end.
I cant recommend this novel enough
#TheFavourites #NetGalley

𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧…
⛸️ a toxic love story
🎤 childhood best friends
⛸️ it’s always been you
🎤 figure skating partners
⛸️ backstabbing & betrayals

𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨…
Ice skating partners Katarina & Heath were an obsession… until a scandal & a tragedy at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Ten years later a documentary interviews those who were close to them, and we get the real story from Kat alongside this.

𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨…
Trust me when I say this book is *wild* 😳🤯😂 I loved it, and at the same time wanted to throw my kindle at the wall… but it’s safe to say I was obsessed.

Think a spin on Wuthering Heights with Daisy Jones interview-style prose, a Carrie Soto-esque ruthlessly driven fmc, and Magnolia Parks level of toxicity… on ice ⛸️

It’s a love story, but this isn’t a romance. It’s a look at the ruthlessly competitive world of figure skating and what people will do to get to and stay at the top. And the answer is… a lot 😅

I really expected to dislike our ruthless & driven fmc Katarina, who sacrifices anything & anyone to be the best (including love), but by the end I actually loved her a lot. I felt for her throughout this and think she is treated much worse by Heath than she ever treats him 💔

Which brings me to why this isn’t quite a full house of ★s… I truly couldn’t stand Heath 🫠 He’s toxic & possessive sure, but given his later actions nothing will convince me he actually loves Kat. If she’d have done the same to him..? 🤯 Because of this I wasn’t rooting for them as a couple, and I didn’t find their toxic betrayals as painful as I otherwise might have done!

The Favourites is truly scandalous,- you’ll love and also hate the characters, with each twist more outrageous than the last.

I love ice dance obviously we have Torvill & Dean so was really excited to read this book
It follows the story of Kat who has also loved ice dance all her life dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal herself and her dad pays for her lessons every week
And the story is told from various angles from Kats, from pher partners, publicists and commentators all along the way. Kat starts skating with her friend Heath but soon becomes apparent he isn’t at the level she is and she is taken under her idol Sheila Lin wing and skates with her son at her academy
I have to say the book is great until over half way through then I was bored with it all the same stuff over and over so I did wish those chapters away
Too technical in parts too for us none skaters
But otherwise an ok read

I have been completely and totally enamoured by The Favourites. This may be the best book that I have ever read. I had the time of my life reading it, and I know it will stick with me forever.

The story of The Favourites is told through a combination of first person narration from Katerina and documentary/interview footage, providing multiple perspectives of a tale that is both tragic and healing. Katarina and Heath have loved each other since they were children. and I think you could easily consider them trauma-bonded. Their mutual strife and their dependency on each other is both what gives them life and what tears them apart. While Katarina wants whatever skating can give her, Heath wants what Katarina can give him. They are each other's constants, and that gives them each the power to break each other over and over again.

The Favourites broke my heart multiple times. I experienced such a range of emotions, at times feeling genuinely betrayed by these characters and frustrated with Katarina when she didn't share my sentiments. The story is filled with tension, sometimes sexual, often not. It is salacious and scandalous, jaw-dropping and vulnerable. There is the obvious found family that Katarina and Heath create from their childhood, but also gorgeous relationships that blossom with their fellow skaters that broaden their worldview, both literally and figuratively. There is heart-wrenching miscommunication throughout this book, but there are also lessons learned. The documentary begs the question: can you still pass the test if the class ended years ago?

Layne Fargo's world setting is unmatched. I could so perfectly visualise everything that unfolded in the book. Told over two decades, I felt myself grow with these characters. With each twist and turn in their story, I learned and I grieved and I loved. I could feel the yearning that Katarina and Heath carried with them to such a point that I could not put this book down. I needed to know how their story ended, and, as their tale unfurled, I cried and gasped and laughed and smiled. I felt every emotion as if I were witnessing their story play out in front of me, a true testament to Fargo's extraordinary story-telling.

The Favourites is filled with twists, and some of these I did figure out before they were revealed. That did not take away from the story, however, because they were written with such heart that even the twist that I prayed wasn't true and that made me angry, jealous and, frankly, overwhelmed with the feeling of heartbreaking betrayal felt right to me. Yes, I was disappointed that a character had let me down, but it made the story all the more real. This book does not play out like fiction. It is realistic in its devastation. Life isn't perfect, people will hurt you, and sometimes you won't be the best, but you keep going. It doesn't kill you, and that's where you find your strength to keep going.

I could truly rave about this book forever, but I don't want to give anything away. What I will say is that if you want to read a book filled with love and angst, competition and scandal, betrayal and devotion, The Favourites is the book for you. If you want your heart to break and your heart to heal, The Favourites is the book for you. If you just want a bit of gossip? No judgment, The Favourites is the book for you.