Review: The Favorites by Layne Fargo – Passion, Scandal, and the Drive to Win #LayneFargo @PRHAudio

The Favorites is an intense, multi-decade story set in the cutthroat world of figure skating, blending drama, passion, and suspense with a captivating romance and unforgettable characters.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

The Favorites is an epic love story set in the ruthless world of elite figure skating, following Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, a passionate duo who rise from turbulent childhoods to become Olympic ice-dancing sensations. Their fiery chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship captivate the world—until a shocking incident at the Olympics abruptly ends their partnership. A decade later, an unauthorized documentary threatens to redefine their legacy, pushing Kat to break her silence and reveal the truth behind their all-consuming bond and dramatic fallout. Inspired by Wuthering Heights, this tale explores obsession, ambition, and the price of success.

My Thoughts:

Layne Fargo’s The Favorites is a dazzling and dramatic exploration of passion, ambition, and obsession set in the high-stakes world of elite figure skating. As someone who has adored figure skating since childhood, I was instantly hooked by the intensity and emotion that leap off every page of this novel.

The story spans decades and revolves around Katarina Shaw, a determined young skater who grows up without her mother and with limited family support. Her father sacrifices to fund her burgeoning skating career, much to her brother’s dismay. When Katarina meets Heath Rocha, a foster child with his own troubled past, their connection is immediate, both on and off the ice. Together, they rise through the ranks of domestic figure skating, their bond and rebellious style captivating audiences.

The turning point comes when Katarina’s idol, former world champion Sheila Lin, invites them to a prestigious summer camp in Los Angeles. There, they encounter Lin’s own prodigies—ice-dancing twins Bella and Garrett. These characters play pivotal roles, shaping the story in ways I won’t spoil here, but their relationships with Katarina and Heath add layers of tension, rivalry, and intrigue.

This novel is an absolute page-turner, filled with twists, drama, and a relentless drive akin to the intensity of a figure skating routine. Fargo masterfully portrays the cutthroat nature of competitive skating, evoking memories of real-life scandals like the infamous Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding saga leading up to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Yet, The Favorites is much more than a sports drama—it’s a gripping tale of ambition, love, and the price of success.

The romance between Katarina and Heath simmers throughout the story but never overshadows their shared ambition and the sacrifices they make to stay at the top. Their partnership is both electrifying and fraught, a dynamic that keeps the reader engrossed.

The Narration:

I chose the audiobook version, performed by an ensemble cast, and was utterly captivated. The format—interviews and reflections from characters looking back on the events—added authenticity and depth, creating the feel of a documentary. The performances were impeccable, bringing each character vividly to life and elevating an already stellar story.

Final Thoughts:

The Favorites is an exhilarating read, brimming with heart, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a figure skating fan or simply love a story about resilience and ambition, this book is not to be missed.

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