A review by kerosenelit
The Favorites by Layne Fargo

hopeful mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This throws you straight into the tension, offering practically no context beyond the fact that something big went down between elite figure skating duo Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha. As the story unfolds, it slowly peels back their incredibly determined yet tumultuous rise to fame.

It’s so easy to forget that Katarina and Heath aren’t real people. The inclusion of documentary segments truly brought the story to life, especially via audio! The sheer intensity of their passion, the politics within the sport, and the way Katarina toes the line between dedication and obsession created such an emotional wreckage that was impossible to look away from.

And let’s be clear, this is not a romance in a conventional sense. There's plenty of tender moments, yes, but also so much scandal, jealousy, and betrayal. It's a very toxic, all-consuming love between Katarina and Heath. It's messy, messy, MESSY. But I love that this story made me feel every single emotion. It was absolutely addictive! 

(heat level: closed door + language throughout)