The Favorites by Layne Fargo is a brilliant Women’s Fiction novel that explores the competitive world of couples figure skating and ice dance, starring the talented Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, whose palpable chemistry on and off the ice makes them a sensation.
Synopsis
Katarina Shaw’s first love was skating, and from childhood, she knew she would follow in the footsteps of her idol, Sheila Lin, and win Olympic Gold. As luck would have it she makes a friend and ice dance partner out of Heath Rocha, who falls for her and is determined to aid her in her journey towards becoming an ice dance champion.
As they navigate the challenges and circumstances of personal tragedies and sparse finances, they do what they can through hard work and determination to compete and work towards getting a sponsor and elite coaching. Enter the famous Sheila Lin, who offers Katarina and Heath the chance to train at her academy.
This launches them into the competitive world of ice dance, where competition is stiff and rivalries are a dime a dozen. The farther they go, the more this new world and the pressure to succeed against all odds tear them apart. Will they be able to navigate this world on opposing sides? Or, can they find their way back to each other to achieve the ultimate title and become Olympic champions together?
Tropes & Representation
- Childhood Sweethearts to Rivals
- Second Chance Romance
- Found Family
- The Underdog
- The Documentary Narrative
- LGBTQIA+, Queer Rep
- Asian American Rep
- Latin Rep
- Mental Health & Trauma
- Strong Women in Competition
Cast of Characters
Main Characters:
- Katarina Shaw- ambitious and driven Ice Dancer, FMC
- Heath Rocha- Katarina’s Ice Dance partner, MMC
Supporting Characters:
- Shelia Lin- Olympic Gold Medalist and Katarina’s idol
- Bella Lin- Sheila’s daughter, Ice Dancer, and Katarina’s Frenemy
- Garrett Lin- Sheila’s son, Bella’s twin brother, and Ice Dancer
- Ellis Dean- Former Ice Dancer, Gossip Blogger
- Lee Shaw- Katarina’s older brother
Content
This novel explores complex and fascinating themes regarding:
- Obsession
- Rivalry & Competition
- Performance versus Reality
- Power & Control
- Identity & Self-Image
- Fandom & Media Culture
However, my favorite theme centered around the idea of strong, competitive women being problematic due to their ambition and drive to succeed. We see how Katarina is criticized for her hyperfixation on pursuing her goals regardless of the cost. Yet, if it were a man displaying these same attributes, he would be commended for his ability to focus and pursue his dreams and goals.
Instead we have Katarina being labeled, cold, calculating, villanous and a bitch. Whereas, men would be considered strong, determined, successful, and hard-working.
Writing Style
Fargo’s choice of the structure of this novel makes it fun, interesting, and compelling. This story is told via a tell-all documentary exploring the controversial story of Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha for the tenth anniversary of their final skate approaches. It features Interviews with ice dancers, judges, and commentators who knew the duo at the height of their heyday.
We also get Katarina’s side of the story as she fills in the blanks where others can only speculate. This is such a clever way to tell this story, where we get Katarina’s viewpoint as well as an outside perspective, providing a well-balanced approach to the story that’s not one-sided.
Also, the prose was straightforward while providing detailed descriptions evoking rich emotion and visceral reactions. While this story is dramatic and can be read like a soap opera. It added the story, making it propulsive and addictive, providing just the right amount of camp.
Plot Development
While this novel is on the longer side, Fargo implemented a blend of internal and external plot points that progressed this story, creating steady pacing. It also aided in maintaining your focus so you don’t get bored or lose interest. This is where those campy, dramatic elements came in clutch.
Also, the way that the various storylines were wrapped up in the end provided a rich and fascinating conclusion. While not exactly satisfactory felt right.
Characterization
There was no character in this story that wasn’t developed in such a way that they added to the overall narrative and theme of this novel. Fargo paid just as much attention to the side characters as she did to the main characters. I loved how everyone experienced a character arc of sorts and how their storylines intertwined.
Another boon was how they were all flawed, morally ambiguous, and imperfect. There was a lot of grey area where you got to explore their actions and come to your conclusions.
Closing Thoughts & Rating
I enjoyed this novel immensely. I love reading novels with strong, complex, flawed female characters, and this delivered on all fronts for me. Katarina has become one of my favorite characters of 2025. And this novel is on my list of favorites for the year as well.
This novel is perfect for fans of reality TV and pop culture. I also recommend this novel for those looking to explore the Contemporary Fiction genre, but don’t want to sacrifice drama and romance. As well as those that enjoy, this will provide the propulsive and entertaining read you’re craving.
