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A review by diamondxgirl
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
dark
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
The Favorites delivers a smart reimagining of classic themes, a tense sports drama, and a scorching romance that feels as much about ambition as it does about love. It’s a glamorous, messy ride full of spite, love, and enough ambition to make your heart race. Told in a documentary-style format, it's as gripping as a figure skater’s breathtaking Olympic performance. The structure, comprising interviews, diary entries, and fragmented perspectives, mirrors the layered complexity of the characters’ emotions, making for an utterly immersive experience. The narration, which expertly balances intensity and subtlety, brings this story of obsession and sacrifice to life in a way that feels both voyeuristic and intimate.
At the heart of the novel is the electric relationship between Kat and Heath, two ice dancers whose love and rivalry are as intertwined as their skating routines. Their ferocious passion and manipulative dynamic will keep you hooked. The audiobook’s performances capture the tension and messiness of this relationship perfectly, every spoken word feels charged, making each shift in their connection feel real and raw. This is a full docu-drama, and I was 100% in at all moments.
The Favorites is unpauseable (see what I did there). The story moves at a thrilling, almost dizzying speed. From one jaw-dropping twist to the next, the plot never lets up, keeping you on the edge of your seat, unsure of who to trust and who will come out on top. The documentary format adds an extra layer of suspense, like piecing together a puzzle from conflicting perspectives, you’re never entirely sure who’s telling the truth, which only deepens the intrigue. From the very first chapter, you’ll be hooked on the glittering, twisted journey, and you’ll find yourself desperately wanting to know what happens next. If you’re looking for a high-octane story full of passion, betrayal, and unforgettable characters, this story will have you completely captivated from start to finish.