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The Favorites: A Novel
To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice
“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
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.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice
“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
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.
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Community Reviews
Couldn’t put this down. Was a bit of a guilty pleasure but loved the insight into the world of ice dancing
3.75 âï¸ rounded up.
âThe Favouritesâ by Layne Fargo is a gripping mix of passion, ambition, and scandal, blending the intensity of âWuthering Heightsâ with the behind-the-scenes drama of âDaisy Jones and the Sixâ. The story centers on Katarina Shaw, a figure skater who has always believed her destiny lies in the Olympics. Her life and career take a pivotal turn when she teams up with Heath Rocha, a troubled foster kid, to form a powerhouse ice dancing duo. Their electrifying chemistry and rollercoaster relationship captivate the public, until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games destroys their partnership. Ten years later, an unauthorized documentary resurfaces, reigniting public fascination with their story. As Kat finally decides to tell her side, the narrative weaves between her perspective and the sensational interviews from the film, unraveling the truth behind their rise to fameâand the explosive rumors that have followed them ever since.
This book is a fast-paced and entertaining read, filled with complex characters and twists that keep you hooked. I finished in 24 hours despite it being almost 450 pages. The documentary-style writing gives the story a voyeuristic edge, making it feel like youâre watching a trainwreck unfold. However, while the story is engaging, the writing itself is fairly simple, and it lacks the gothic richness of âWuthering Heightsâ or the emotional depth of Taylor Jenkins Reid's work. âThe Favouritesâ reads more like a YA novel at times, with its melodramatic flair and younger sensibilities. This could be a turn-off for readers expecting a more mature narrative, but thereâs no denying its broad appeal.
Despite these drawbacks, âThe Favouritesâ will likely find a big audienceâespecially those who enjoy binge-worthy, dramatic reads that are more style than substance. Itâs an entertaining ride, but a little more depth in the writing couldâve made it even more memorable.
âThe Favouritesâ by Layne Fargo is a gripping mix of passion, ambition, and scandal, blending the intensity of âWuthering Heightsâ with the behind-the-scenes drama of âDaisy Jones and the Sixâ. The story centers on Katarina Shaw, a figure skater who has always believed her destiny lies in the Olympics. Her life and career take a pivotal turn when she teams up with Heath Rocha, a troubled foster kid, to form a powerhouse ice dancing duo. Their electrifying chemistry and rollercoaster relationship captivate the public, until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games destroys their partnership. Ten years later, an unauthorized documentary resurfaces, reigniting public fascination with their story. As Kat finally decides to tell her side, the narrative weaves between her perspective and the sensational interviews from the film, unraveling the truth behind their rise to fameâand the explosive rumors that have followed them ever since.
This book is a fast-paced and entertaining read, filled with complex characters and twists that keep you hooked. I finished in 24 hours despite it being almost 450 pages. The documentary-style writing gives the story a voyeuristic edge, making it feel like youâre watching a trainwreck unfold. However, while the story is engaging, the writing itself is fairly simple, and it lacks the gothic richness of âWuthering Heightsâ or the emotional depth of Taylor Jenkins Reid's work. âThe Favouritesâ reads more like a YA novel at times, with its melodramatic flair and younger sensibilities. This could be a turn-off for readers expecting a more mature narrative, but thereâs no denying its broad appeal.
Despite these drawbacks, âThe Favouritesâ will likely find a big audienceâespecially those who enjoy binge-worthy, dramatic reads that are more style than substance. Itâs an entertaining ride, but a little more depth in the writing couldâve made it even more memorable.
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