A review by alyssa_b_dub
The Favorites by Layne Fargo

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think this will be my favorite book of the year. I loved Layne Fargo’s other book, they never learn. I was expecting more of a thriller like that. But this felt like a fast paced psychological study of a highly driven and focused figure skater and her skating partner/boyfriend/lover. Layne Fargo managed to make a “unlikable” woman so lovable. And even when I didn’t like her I still wanted her to win. Their relationship is beautiful, yet toxic, but you still are rooting for them. And the author takes these tiny moments or minuscule gestures and just makes them absolutely gut wrenching! I was expecting a different ending, but I think this was the perfect way to end the story.