Review: The Favourites - Layne Fargo

Review: The Favourites - Layne Fargo - January 2025

The Favourites by Layne Fargo is a gripping and emotionally intense novel that immerses readers in the cutthroat world of elite figure skating. From the first page, the book draws on the obsessive love of Wuthering Heights, set against the modern backdrop of competitive ice dancing. At the heart of the story are Katerina Shaw and Heath Rocha, two talented skaters whose chemistry and passion leave an indelible mark on the ice—and in the reader's heart.

The narrative unfolds as a documentary-style recounting of the pair's turbulent relationship, spanning over two decades. Kat and Heath’s journey begins when they are just children, brought together by shared pain and a burning desire to escape their troubled pasts. Together, they rise to become champions, captivating the world with their performances and fiery bond. However, their obsession with each other comes at a steep price, leading to an explosive downfall.

What makes The Favourites such a compelling read is not just the skating world it portrays, but the raw, palpable tension between the characters. The drama that swirls around Kat and Heath’s relationship, full of highs and devastating lows, left me with a heightened emotional state. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page is turned, much like the movie A Star Is Born—the emotional weight of the journey makes you pause and reflect.

Though not quite a five-star masterpiece, The Favourites excels in its ability to stay with you which is what pushes it for me to be a 5 star read , it is the aftermath of reading it is what truly sets it apart. For fans of Wuthering Heights, like myself, the parallels are undeniable, and the way Layne Fargo captures the obsession and destruction in Kat and Heath’s love story makes it a must-read for 2025. It’s a tale of love, loss, and legacy, and one that will resonate with anyone who enjoys stories of passionate, tortured love.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EoxVQo