The Favorites by Layne Fargo

The Olympics are coming in Milan, so let's talk about ice skating. In her new romantic novel "The Favorites," Layne Fargo has selected the perfect venue: the ice rink. The sport has built-in high drama, competition, romance and spice, not to mention aggressive coaches and family members behind the scenes. On line, some people have said "The Favorites" is a cross between "Daisy Jones & the Six" and "Wuthering Heights," and I can see both comparisons. The novel uses a documentary style to reflect on the past fictional stars of the sport through testimonials. In addition, at the heart of the novel are several love stories, including one brooding Heathcliff homage who even bares the first name "Heath." But the novel stands on its own as a glimpse inside the sport, and how people can go from being unknown ice dancers to skaters with Olympic potential seemingly overnight. This novel also examines the finances of ice skating, and how in order to become famous in the sport, you need the money for travel, costumes, and a top-notch coach, preferably American or Russian. The story centers around partners, Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, but on the ice along side of them is a fascinating cast of characters who seem real, determined, and talented. How do some ice skaters make it to stardom and others do not, is what "The Favorites" is all about. An excellent read for a snowy vacation or just a nice book to read by the fire with a hot toddy while waiting for the Olympics to come on. To buy this book on Amazon click here.