The Favorites by Layne Fargo
An epic 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 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 rollercoaster 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 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.
Inspired by the powerful love and hate that fuel Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, The Favorites is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.
Review: From early childhood, Katarina Shaw has felt destined to be an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely foster kid, their instant connection makes them a great team both on and off the ice. Ultimately, their skills on the ice and chemistry captivate the world. But behind the scenes, their relationship is turbulent, fueled in no small part by Katarina's desperation to win gold. On the ten-year anniversary of their final skate, a documentary seeks to uncover the real story through interviews with friends and rivals. And although Katarina wants nothing to do with it, she can't resist telling the story in her own words.
This book was filled with so much drama! Because so much of the story is from Katarina's first-person perspective, she can sort of skate (no pun) over her misdeeds to a certain extent, but the fact remains that she is ready and willing to betray anyone to get ahead in the skating world. In short, she is not a very likable person and it's unclear why anyone would trust her by the end of this book. The way she treats Heath is deplorable, especially since he is the only one who has always been there for her, and he has no one but her. Supposedly based on the toxic relationship in Wuthering Heights, Heath and Katarina's relationship is very much on and off again throughout and at times loving and other times fueled by hate and a desire for revenge. That being said, I never felt like I knew Heath very well. He seems solely motivated by devotion or hate of Katarina. And I never felt like Katarina really loved him but just found it convenient to keep him close.
Many reviewers have compared this book to Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I agree with the comparison. Instead of a famous rock band, this book focuses on famous figure skaters. They both feature a lot of drama and fame that goes to the characters heads. And both feature the frame story of an interview-style documentary to tell the story of the famous characters.
This was such an interesting insight into the world of competitive sports and the cutthroat race to win at any cost. Adding relationships into the mix gave this a passion and urgency that was deeply compelling. Katarina's story is messy and filled with dramatic twists and shocking revelations, but I was glued to it all. The audio version of the book was extremely well done, with a cast of characters to play the different characters interviewed for the "documentary." I did think the conclusion of this story was a bit too tidy and idealistic. I think with these characters, a more unhappy ending would have felt more appropriate.
Stars: 4
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