The Favorites

"This is my first 5 star read in 2025! I loved the way it was written, alternating between a documentary and Kat’s version of her story. The growth in the characters throughout the course of the story was very believable given all they go through. I eagerly read it to see how it would all turn out. Do not miss this one! "

"This is the worst love story ever. This relationship was so toxic and all over the place I honestly didn’t even want them to end up together. And the weird thing with Bella??? I don’t see why it was compelling at all. I did appreciate the story and the way it was written which is the only reason it got 2 stars for me. "

"I’m so sad this didn’t live fully up to all the hype for me. I honestly think that if this book would have had some spice, it would have added some depth to it. It was just lacking something for me. A lot of ice skating talk and that’s pretty much it. It was easy to read, I guess I enjoyed the ending. Just okay!"

"“If there’s anything less…if there’s any room to doubt a woman, she will be doubted. Culturally, we find women less trustworthy, less stable, less believable.”<br/>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️<br/>I’m always down for a dark academia read. However, the first half of this was a lot stronger than the second half, at least in my opinion. Also, there was a weird emphasis on the 2016 election; I get how it was a nice parallel for what was going on in the story, but all the parts focusing on it just felt unnecessary, forced, and took me out of the regular plot. Overall, a great story on female rage, misogyny especially in academia, with an overall dark academia mood."

"MESSYYYYY this book was MESSY if you want some drama, READ THIS"

"jane currer and franny gaskell both deserved the nancy kerrigan special and then some, anything less is too good for them. argue with the wall!"

"4.50 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ for me!! <br/>Thank you, Ilia Malinin, for causing my hyperfixation on ice skating ⛸️ and thus, my interest in this book. <br/>I loved the structure of the book and all of the additional characters opinions. It kept the book steadily moving. I also loved the balance of victories vs. obstacles - things got wild!"

"⭐️ 4.25<br/><br/>Fans of Carrie Soto, this one's a must!<br/><br/>It delivers the drama, romance, and fierce competition that keep you hooked. Though a bit hefty and could use some snipping, the plot will have you so invested you won’t even notice."

"This story had me in a choke hold, so many emotions through out this story, were following Jessica moony a young girl who is seeking justice for her sister against a professor years prior and this story will grip you and suck you in I was on the edge of my seat and had to know what happened next check your triggers for this story before going in but definitely a great read"

"3.5 stars<br/><br/>The Favorites by Layne Fargo is about two childhood lovers who ascend from obscurity to notoriety, becoming the most famous ice dance champions of their time. The book is told from first person POV, alternating with third person POV transcripts from a documentary.<br/><br/>I have complicated feelings for this book, much like the two main characters do for each other. When picking this up, I didn't realize the story is a retelling of a very famous Brontë novel. I won't say which one for fear of being flagged for spoilers, but it's very obvious if you pay attention to the characters' names (and if you scroll to the end of the Goodreads summary, which I had failed to do). But once I realized this, it was impossible to unsee it.<br/><br/>On one hand, the allusions to the original classic make sense, because it certainly explains why the characters are so intense and, at times, over the top. But on the other hand, the allusions don't work so well when minor characters named after characters from the original novel take a very different trajectory. This makes the retelling feel gimmicky, as if it couldn't be helped that every character had to pay homage to the classic, even if they have nothing to do with their original counterparts.<br/><br/>With that being said, the quick-paced short chapters that alternate between the FMC's POV and the transcripts keep you hooked. Without fail, you seem to reach a mini-cliffhanger at the end of each chapter that makes you wonder: can it get crazier than this? (Somehow, it always does.) The word "scandal" is emblazoned on the top of the cover art, and that certainly embodies everything about this BOTM pick. If you can't help but glance at the tabloids while waiting in the grocery store, or if TMZ is your guilty pleasure, then this book is right for you.<br/><br/>Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.<br/><br/>The Favorites will be available everywhere January 14, 2025."