The Favorites by Layne Fargo Book Review

A 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 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. Then a shocking incident at the Olympic Games suddenly ends their partnership.

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.

The Favorites Book Review

When The Favorites released, I saw it all over social media. It immediately caught my interest, so I was excited when it was chosen as my March book club pick. I really enjoyed this book and am so glad my book club gave me a reason to pick it up sooner!

The Favorites follows Katarina, an aspiring Olympic figure skater and her partner, Heath Rocha. When their partnership abruptly ends, a tell-all documentary released ten years later threatens to reveal long-buried secrets and reopen old wounds.

I really enjoyed the characters in The Favorites. Kat and Heath are complex and flawed, but their bond is both captivating and emotional. Kat is determined and unapologetic in pursuit of an Olympic medal. While I didn’t always agree with her choices, her fierce dedication is definitely admirable.

At the heart of this story is love — and not always the romantic kind. It’s about the love for the sport, the passion for chasing your dreams and of course, the complicated love between characters. Kat and Heath’s relationship is messy and layered which makes the emotional moments feel even more authentic.

I especially loved the documentary aspect in this book. The interviews were such a unique way to reveal different perspectives and I found myself constantly turning the page to uncover more.

Layne Fargo also does a fantastic job highlighting the toxicity of fame and the immense pressure athletes face — especially those chasing Olympic dreams. While the story is fictional, it feels raw and incredibly real.

Overall, The Favorites is a captivating and emotional read that had me hooked from the very first page. It’s full of passion, scandal, jealousy and betrayal. If you love character-driven stories with heartwarming moments and complex love stories, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR!

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

About the Author

Layne Fargo is the bestselling author of The Favorites, They Never Learn, and other deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories. She lives in Chicago with her partner and their pets.

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