Review: The Favourites by Layne Fargo
The Favourites grabbed me from the first page — it’s a high-stakes, emotionally charged story that feels like living inside a mesmerising, chaotic performance.
At its heart are Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, two figure skaters from opposite sides of hardship who become Olympic hopefuls — and each other’s anchor. Their lives crash into each other on and off the ice, and suddenly their partnership is more than just about medals. A decade after their final performance, a documentary digs through the wreckage of their past, threatening to expose all the secrets, rivalries, and raw ambition they tried to bury.
What struck me most was the intensity. The book blends passion, downfall, and redemption so seamlessly, you can almost hear the blades scraping the ice. Layne Fargo’s storytelling is vivid and cinematic — the drama, the betrayal, the longing is all so sharp it felt as if I was in the rink, watching every fall and triumph.
The documentary-style interviews added an interesting layer, but for me they occasionally pulled me out of the emotional heart of the story. That said, I still found myself swept up in the messy brilliance of Kat and Heath. They aren’t flawless — they’re ambitious, stubborn, and beautifully human.
By the end, I was impressed by how Fargo captured the cost of chasing greatness and the complicated relationships that form in its shadow.
In short: gripping, raw, and memorable. A strong four-star read for me.
KELLY’S INSTAGRAM
https://twitter.com/KellyALacey
Click below to learn more about my book publicity services!
In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog
contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for us (at no extra cost for you).
Kelly Lacey & Love Books Tours 