A review by mamadaughterbookclub
The Favorites by Layne Fargo

emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • 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

4.5

Sensational! I was hooked from the very first page and found myself staying up way past my bedtime to finish this book. I was thoroughly entertained, and fully immersed in the world of elite ice dancing. I found a few of the twists to be predictable, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of this fast paced, riveting, couldn't look away book.

The story centers around a dynamic ice dancing pair, Kat Shaw and Heath Rocha. Unlike most elite skaters, Kat and Heath grew up poor and without any support. Partnered since they were children, a pair both professionally and romantically, Kat and Heath have their lives changed when they get an invitation to join the prestigious Lin Dance Academy, run by two time gold medalist (and Kat's childhood idol) Sheila Lin. The stars of the academy and their main rivals? Sheila Lin's twin children, Bella and Garrett.

What happened next was a decade of drama, betrayal, scandal, heartbreak, and so much more. It was like my favorite soap opera playing out over 3 Olympic cycles. I could not look away. I was enthralled.

I listened to the first third of the book on audio (full cast was terrific) and then finished it on my ereader because I could not stop reading. Definitely going to be on some top lists this year!