When 5 stars feels like an understatement!

Set to be a modern adaption of Wuthering Heights (which you don't need to have read) the Favourites was unputdownable. Many times the book left me speechless and I was obsessed with finding out what happens next - when I say nothing happened the way I wanted it to - I remained fully invested so that at every plot twist, I was praying for peace and happiness and a happy ending for the characters. What I have to emphasise is that this is not a fairytale story although the FMC has big dreams that she wishes would come true; to be an Olympic Gold Ice Dancing Champion. 

I haven't read anything by Layne Fargo before but with this offering, I have immediately noted her down as an auto-buy author. The Favourites is scandalous, intense, toxic, dark in one breath and yet beautiful, alluring, passionate and addictive in the next. The book is like watching a movie play out in front of you (the writing is *that* good and I'm sure we will see an adaptation on the silver screen soon - or I am certainly wishing for that anyway!!) With the plot centred around professional ice skating, whether you are a fan or not, Layne is able to take the reader into that world to show the beauty and the ugly side and all that is at stake for these sportspeople. The reader experiences all the moments of high adrenaline and speed, the competitiveness and betrayal - I would find myself holding my breath where some scenes carried such intensity and drama across the pages. The format of writing the book in first person narrative and then broken down with 'interviews" of key players built up the mystery, emotion and sometimes humour - it ensured the reader is hooked and wanted to find out what happens next. 

Did I find the characters loveable? Actually, yes. None of the characters are black or white in this book, some have more of one shade than the other, but I can't label them as bad/negative characters because they would argue every decision or option was the correct one and stand by that decision, hailing from "the ends justify the means" - mentality. Layne's ability to flesh out a complicated bunch of characters is also *chefs kiss*, they all have moments of weakness and yet, they're all so brutally human, you can't help  but root for them at one point or another.

Katarina with her fierce, no nonsense attitude, committing to the sport first and foremost, and bending everything to her will to realise those dreams, was everything. I really loved her growth and development in the book. The childhood friends to lovers to enemies trope with Heath and that equation was a flickering flame in this book that just dimmed and set the pages ablaze at certain points and was everything you would want from the protagonists to move the story ahead, anything but mediocre or boring. I really loved Heath's backstory and his own struggles were well written by Layne so you could really emphasise with his character. Katarina's competition with the Lin Twins as well as her adulation of Sophia and complicated familial relationships are also dealt with wonderfully in the book. Special mention also to Ellis Dean and his comic timing, although he did frustrate me at times but he absolutely was the reason behind a couple of laugh out loud moments for me!

It really is a journey as you turn each page with the book dealing with every shade of raw human emotion and serious/sensitive topics in a very realistic setting; The Favourites is totally unpredictable and a book that pulls at your heartstrings!  Take all the stars for your brilliance Layne Fargo! This was the easiest 5 star I have given this year so far (maybe even my first?). 

Thank you @Netgalley @RandomHouseUK and @Vintage for the advance  copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.

Seeing so much hype for this, I was keen to read this to see what the excitement is all about. It is very addictive like watching a binge able tv show. However for me this book never quite completely gripped me and I wasn’t as interested in Kat and Heath. I got sick of the repetition regarding their “chemistry”. I think because this story is a retelling of Wuthering Heights, a book I know quite well, a lot of the plot felt predictable and I could see where the plot was going.
I get why other readers loved this but it just wasn’t for me.

As soon as I saw the blurb for this, I knew I wanted to read it! This was the perfect combination of books like Magnolia Parks, and told in the same way as Daisy Jones - though to say that doesn’t mean it doesn’t stand on its own two feet as a real solid story!

I enjoyed the writing style so much, and the mixture of the story told by Katarina and other perspectives from interviews in the documentary really kept my attention throughout. It was messy, raw and captivating. I absolutely thrive off this level of drama, and I though the emotion was written well. It shows how cutthroat the world of ice dance is and I have absolutely loved learning more about it, especially as I knew nothing beforehand!

I feel like the author has definitely done her research, and her passion for these characters shone through.

Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

This is a book that has been all over my social media feed and I see why. If you have an itching left from Daisy Jones and the Six and want something to fill that void, this is the perfect read for you. It’s emotional, it’s full of drama, and romantic in a bittersweet way. Painful and heartbreaking! I devoured this book.
Ten years in the noughties Heath and Kat were one of the top, competitive ice-skaters. They were passionately in love. All eyes were on them. Until something tragic happened. Now a decade later a documentary is being made with interviews and Kat’s own narrative to set the record straight.
This was a gorgeous read. Immersive and interesting with I,Tonya vibes. This is a sport I don’t know much about but found myself completely engrossed. This is my first Layne Fargo. I just hope her previous novels also get a re-release in the UK cause they are so darn hard to find here.

A dramatic & emotional story about the complexities of love, rivalry, intense competition and the true cost of fame set in the high-stakes world of competitive sports.

The story centers around Katarina Shaw, a competitive ice dancer who wants to be the best and win an Olympic gold medal like her idol did. The story is told in alternating documentary interview on the anniversary of the 2014 Sochi Olympic games, and Katarina’s POV.

This book had me hooked, it was full of drama and angst. I loved the exploration of the media portrayal, showing her as bitch if she stuck up for herself and being more interested in a wedding and if she wanted children than winning a gold medal🥇. There were so many elements to this book, strong women, friendships, sabotage, romance, heartbreak, overcoming the odds, the list goes on but it’s safe to say you won’t get bored. I love a book that makes me think and before this I had absolutely no idea how expensive the world of ice dancing at an Olympic level could be!

I do wish we had had more from Heaths perspective but I understand that this was both Kats story and not the writers place to write from his minorities point of view.

If you like TJR books then you will enjoy this, it has the transcript element like Daisy Jones and short chapters that reveal just enough to make you hungry for the next with lots of twists. I have heard some amazing things about the audio to so if your an audiobook fan I’d definitely check it out!

I’m now off to watch you tube clips of Olympic ice dancing…

What was the last book that completely hooked you

I could not put this book down. If you want a book that has so much tension and drama that you feel like you are going to throw up then look no further than here. From start to finished I was hooked on each word. This takes place is the elite level of figure skating. We see how Katarina and Heath became the iconic pair skaters. It starts all the way when they are in middle school and goes until they are well in their adulthood. You the good, the bad, and the ugly. You see the pressures and lifestyle that elite skaters have to face. You also see the betrayal and deceit at such a high level. If you love Carrie Soto or Daisy Jones definitely check this one out.

What a dream of book. This had me hooked from the start and would not let me go until I made it to the end. I loved the way it was written and the documentary aspects of it were so fun and interesting and a great way to keep the intrigue going. The way this narrative was spun and written was so engaging and did such a good job of displaying the characters and their flaws but also their strengths.
The way Kat was so unapologetically herself, even though it cost her in some ways, was so wonderful and refreshing. The same for Bella. They were such good counterpoints for each other. I also really liked Garrett and his whole character arc made me so happy. And there was Heath - my heart was in my mouth for the last 5% of this book I was so worried about Heath. The whole Sochi Olympics part was so stressful and great and heartbreaking.

Overall, a really great book that gave me the drama and tension that I needed.

I’m confidently predicting that if you are a big fan of TJR, and especially Daisy Jones and The Six, that you will love this novel about the cutthroat world of ice dance.
Written in documentary style, and spanning decades, this tells the story of Kat and Heath. Childhood sweethearts from poor backgrounds, driven by obsession (mostly Kat) to become ice dance champions, this charts their complex story, and the lengths that people will go to in order to win.
Kat and Heath are invited to train with twins, Bella and Garrett Lin, who are the the children of a former Olympic champion. This adds a layer of complexity to their lives which unfolds in multiple ways.
This book is not about ice dancing per se, but I learnt a lot about how the system of selection works. We know that it’s a ruthless world; remember Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan? This book brings it all to life, alongside a love story, asking if love or the desire to win is more important.
Great stuff. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

The way this book is written is what kept me interested, I enjoyed the documentary structure and how the timeline unfolded.
Shaw & Rocha aka Kat & Heath grow up together and also grow in their skating career, this book follows the trials and tribulations of competitive ice dance. I have to say for me personally there are no likeable characters but this didn’t stop me getting stuck in.

I would recommend this book, especially to anyone with an interest in the sport.

Kat and Heath have skated together since they were young, however, they don’t have the budget of most other ice dancing teams and it’s obvious. When they have the opportunity to leave their world behind for the city lights of LA and be coached by Kat’s idol (and also biggest competitors Mom), Heath is reluctant but Kat won’t stop at anything to achieve her dreams.

This is told in part by interview style and definitely gave me Daisy Jones & The Six vibes, but it was predominantly just in prose. I really enjoyed this book and it definitely deserves the hype it’s getting! None of the characters are particularly likeable and I usually don’t like a book where I don’t connect with the protagonist but this was definitely an exception. We also got a glimpse of how it ends in the prologue which kept me hooked!
One of the best books I’ve read for a while and a definite easy 5*. Thank you @eloise.reads for recommending it!

Thank you to Layne Fargo and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story was not what I was expecting, but it positively surprised me. The narrative is structured like a documentary, and the drama is exceptional, featuring a very closed-door romance. The rivalry keeps the characters on edge, and their development is outstanding.

Absolute perfection is this book! Whether you highly interested in the skating world or just want a good hook you by your seat book this is DAISY JONES & THE six on ice! I loved every minute and will be counting the minutes till it’s on screen

Beautifully brutal. This book gives a mix of ‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ meets ‘Magnolia Parks’. Perfection!

Sports romance is not a genre that usually appeals to me but there was something about this one that drew me to read it. I'm so glad I did as this is a really great book.

We follow the story of Katerina Shaw and her ambitions to be a gold medal winning Olympic skater. Nothing is going to stand in her way and she brings childhood sweetheart Heath Rocha along for the ride. This is a captivating read about ambition, obsession, friendship, rivalry and the lengths people will go to in order to win.

It did take me a little while to sink into this book but when I found myself thinking about the characters when not reading, then I knew I was hooked. I loved the writing style, especially the use of the documentary style way of moving the plot along. I loved the drama, the tension, the heartbreak and the scandal. I think Kat is a fantastic character. She's fierce and determined and I enjoyed following her character development throughout this book.

Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Ever since I first watched Torvill and Dean back in the eighties, ice skating has always held a mystique for me, not as something I wanted to do, accident prone and two left feet means that when it comes to me and ice it’s a case of never the twain shall meet. But watching skaters, their grace, elegance, and speed as they seemingly flew effortlessly across the rink was addictive to the younger me so when I saw The Favorites was based around a skating trope, I just had to read it. I loved the overall story even it did destroy all my naive illusions. I knew skating wasn’t easy especially at that level but everything that went into it, the intensity of the training, the competitiveness, the pain and the drive to win at all costs shocked me. They basically lived and breathed skating with no room for anything else to the extent that the initial attraction between them was probably down to the convenience of close proximity rather than any feelings. The writing was first rate and kept me absorbed from the start without being too technical and the chemistry between the protagonists Heath and Katarina was electric and essentially what made them such a great pairing on the ice till it blew up just as they were at the pinnacle of success but that’s where it lost marks for me. When I’m reading a book the difference between whether or not I’m going to love it or merely like it comes down to the characters and if the author has made me care what happens to them and unfortunately, I just didn’t like Katarina. Saying that I could honestly see this book being adapted for the big screen and being a hit, I know I’d watch it.

The Favorites is a book that is hard to describe! It is a romance set in the world of sports, but it is so much more than that. It is a story of scandal, rivalry, love, family and found family. We get to follow our protagonists through many years from poor, lonely young loves, to (in)famous champions and more. The highs are high and the lows are low. I could not have guessed half of what was going to happen in the lives of our protagonists, but I enjoyed every second of the ride.

Recommended for fans of high intensity, dramatic reads. You do not have to be a lover of romance novels, or know anything about ice skating, to get hooked on this story.

This was addictive from the start - I love the interview style of writing to break up the action of the chapters. It’s a brilliant portrayal of toxic relationships and how the world of competitive sport can affect your decisions. I am not a fan however of time jumping in books and therefore that dropped a star for me but that’s a personal preference

GOD what a read. I tore through this one while sick with flu, and it was transportive - the perfect antidote to how bad I felt. It’s a retelling of Wuthering Heights - lost on me largely, i’m not going to lie - set in the ultra-competitive world of ice dancing. It’s part documentary style, part POV of one of the main characters, Kat Shaw.
I absolutely adored this book! Characters can so often feel ephemeral to me as a reader with no imagination (there are dozens of us) but the characters in this novel felt so real to me, I found myself doing a fancast in my head while reading. One of the only other books I’ve done that with in recent years is Daisy Jones and the Six; the comparisons are justified, to my mind!
Fargo writes with an earnestness and sincerity about ice dancing and romance that can border on cheesy but I ate it up. The main characters, Kat and Heath, live in poverty in the Midwest, but find each other at a young age. Kat is also obsessed with ice dancing from the time she can walk, and they fall head-over-heels in love at a young age, with Heath following Kat into the cut-throat world of ice dance. Slowly but surely, the couple work their way up the competitive ice dance ladder.

They are unstoppable together, but their passion for one another causes a lot of drama, to say the least. And how I loved the drama! I was gripped by the twists and turns of this story, and at times had no idea what was going to happen next. There is just as much interpersonal drama as there is sporting drama, which I loved - a couple of romantic plot twists left me genuinely screeching.

I read an early copy of this so I didn’t see any acknowledgments/author’s notes, but I’d love to know it the author acknowledges any real-life inspirations for the incredible ice dancers in the novel - i’ve seen one review that mentions Lin & Lockwood, the inspirational ice dancers who introduce Kat to the sport, are based on Torvill and Dean, who won a gold at the Olympics in 1984. I love little tidbits like that, so fingers crossed these real-life legends get their shout out in the finished copy of The Favourites.

An outrageously fun and dramatic novel that I had the best time with. It’s out now and I’ll definitely be picking up a copy ASAP!

Heath Rocha and Katarina Shaw are American Figure Skating champions, destined to win big at the Olympics. Everyone loves them, and the Gold medal is almost guaranteed.

The Favourites is told largely from Katarina's (Kat's) point of view and follows Heath and Kat's rise to fame, from their early years of skating together as poor teens with no coach, to the Olympic games.

They are as famous off ice, as they are on. Their relationship is complex and dramatic.

The stuffy skating committees and official boards hate them, the fans love them.

Together they are unstoppable.

Ten years on from the Sochi Olympics, a tell all documentary is being made about them 'the Favourites: The Shaw and Rocha story', and the novel intersperses bits of the documentary with Kat's point of view.

We hear from fellow skaters, coaches and friends of the pair, and wonder who exactly is telling the truth, and who is embellishing.

I saw a quote that described this book as Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones and the Six and thought nah, not possible, but it is genuinely the closest I think I have come to another Daisy Jones style book, and I absolutely loved it. (And it would make a great movie/tv series..)

It's early days of course, but I think The Favourites will be one of my favourite (no pun intended) reads of 2025. It has something for everyone, and was a really enjoyable read.

An Okay Read 🤔

Not what I was expecting. Whilst I finished the book it didn’t grip me, I think more young adult vibe.