The Favourites

A tale of love, ambition, and scandal in figure skating

Layne Fargo author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:16th Jan '25

Should be back in stock very soon

The Favourites cover

In The Favourites, a young figure skater confronts her past as a documentary reignites public interest in her tumultuous relationship with her skating partner.

In The Favourites, the story unfolds around Katarina Shaw, a young woman who has always dreamed of becoming an Olympic figure skater. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Heath Rocha, a boy from the foster care system. Their immediate connection on the ice transforms them into a powerful duo, navigating the challenges of their turbulent lives together. As they rise from childhood sweethearts to celebrated ice dancers, their intense chemistry and rebellious spirit capture the hearts of fans everywhere.

However, the story takes a dramatic twist during the Olympic Games when a shocking incident shatters their partnership, leaving both Kat and Heath to grapple with the fallout. Fast forward ten years, and an unauthorized documentary reignites public interest in their once-glorious partnership. Kat finds herself at a crossroads; if she wants to reclaim her narrative, she must confront her past and share her truth.

As the narrative alternates between Kat’s reflections and scandalous interviews featured in the documentary, The Favourites explores themes of passion, ambition, and the true meaning of victory. With sensational rumors swirling around them, the real story behind Kat and Heath’s relationship may be even more surprising than the headlines suggest. This captivating tale delves deep into the complexities of love, ambition, and the sacrifices made for success.

'The Favourites is a true literary triple axel- a smart and nuanced retelling of a classic, a tense sports drama, and a perfectly twisted romance.' * Rachel Hawkins, author of The Wife Upstairs *
‘A glittery compulsive whirl of a book, filled with spite and love and sequins and ambition’ * Holly Gramazio, author of The Husbands *
'An addictive read... as shimmering and lethal as ice-dancing itself.' * Emma Brodie, author of Songs in Ursa Major *
'If you have ever watched Olympic ice dancing teams and wondered if the chemistry between them persists when they’re not competing . . . well, have I got a book for you. Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones And The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance, and will keep you guessing until its last page.' * Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE and MAD HONEY *
‘A scorching saga of rivalry, betrayal and love’ * Melinda Salisbury, author of The Sin Eater’s Daughter *
‘As romantic as it is thrilling’ * Ela Lee, author of Jaded *
'As a former competitive figure skater, I devoured this... Layne Fargo proves she is the queen of writing complex, fierce and utterly compelling women' * Wendy Walker, author of What Remains *
'Layne Fargo is back with another deliciously scathing, sexy novel. You might not have known you needed Wuthering Heights on ice, but trust me, you do. Passionate, cutthroat, and irresistibly fun. You won’t be able to put it down.' * Julia Fine, author of MADDALENA AND THE DARK *
'The Favourites is nothing short of breathtaking. The ferocious passion between Kat and Heath leaps off the page' * Margarita Montimore, author of The Rearranged Life of Oona Lockhart *
An utterly compulsive read… Fargo’s experience as a thriller writer…is evident in the breathless pace at which The Favourites unfolds…The Favourites will be your next obsession * Bookseller *

ISBN: 9781784745486

Dimensions: 240mm x 162mm x 40mm

Weight: 674g

448 pages