The Favorites by Layne Fargo

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 roller-coaster 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. 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. laynefargo.com

I love figure skating, especially Ice Dancing and I also love a romance story that’s a little dark and complicated.  The Favorites by Layne Fargo throws these two elements together to create one of my favorite books not just of 2025 but it’s going on my mental list of favorite books ever.  I could tell Fargo was a fan of skating just by the level of depth she describes the world – the drama, the personalities, the sacrifice and the breathtaking skill and talent needed to excel at the Olympic level.   The story is told through varying timelines with transcripts from a documentary of Shaw and Roca’s career.  However it’s never confusing as to the who and where we are in the story.  The relationship between Kat and Heath is inspired by Wuthering Heights which is passionate and complicated but the real love story on display here is the love of skating.  Your heart will race and break multiple times through this book.  I could see it all so vividly in my head and hope that someone adapts this for the screen.

I got my copy of The Favorites through my local library via the Libby app. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to add to my permanent library though.  You can pick up your copy at your local library, bookstore or online shop.