Literary Leftover: The Favorites by Layne Fargo a Sports Romance Drama

Just in time to revel in the glory of the Winter Olympics comes this drama set around ice dancing. This sport requires partners who can read each other’s minds and move as one. So whenever romance is added to the competition, there is bound to be high drama that will keep your attention on every page.

This novel is so well written that you will think it is based off a true story. The drama is a cross between a fast paced reality dating show and a cut throat sport that only allows competitors to peak once every four years.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Literary Leftovers are book reviews and recommendations that do not contain recipes, but are books that I highly recommend.

The Favorites

by Layne Fargo

Outline and Tone:

I’ve reviewed Layne Fargo before, They Never Learn, it is a psychological thriller with exciting twists. Thinking this was a thriller mystery, I was surprised when the twists came in the form of twizzles and not a murder mystery. Have no fear, you won’t be disappointed! The drama level in this novel is off the chart! It far exceeds the Tanya/Nancy episodes.

The novel is a Netflix-style documentary about the lives of Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha who are kids from the wrong side of the tracks with Olympic dreams. However, the novel doesn’t follow a typical underdog to success storyline. Rather expect ruthlessness from competitors who will do anything to win. I strongly recommend listening to the novel as an audiobook. The characters are voiced actors including Johnny Weir who voices a former ice dancer turned gossip blogger, Ellis Dean. There is a climatic event that is the impetus of the documentary; however, the story of these ice dancers and how they got to that point is the true gold metal of the novel, and not the shocking event.

Point of View:

Because it is told in a documentary style presentation, there are several 3rd person points of view.

The author: Layne Fargo

According to Layne Fargo’s website, she writes books that support women’s rights—and wrongs. She lives in Chicago. Before making writing her full time job, she was a literary manager, dramaturg, and a librarian. She is active on X (formerly Twitter) @LayneFargo. On Pinterest, she has several boards that highlight her books. She does have a Facebook page, but she has not posted yet (at the time of this original blog posting). She is much more active on her Instagram page. I am looking forward to what she will post about next.

What is not to like?:

Nothing in this novel follows an expected trope. It was so much fun to listen to, I have no notes!

The verdict:

While I’m sure that reading the novel does not detract from the drama, the audiobook is voiced by many people and makes this book a must for listening to.

Book Statistics

The Favorites

by Layne Fargo

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genres: Romance, Thriller, Drama, Sports
Setting: Multiple contest and the Winter Olympics
Pages: 496 pages
Other books by this author I’ve reviewed:
Format: Hardcover, Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook
Get Your Copy at: Amazon
Published by: Random House (January 14, 2025)
Information Sources: Amazon, Goodreads, and Author’s website

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