The Favorites

Bookseller recommendation

“Sports driven drama that follows the rise of ice dancing pair Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha from pre-teens through adulthood. Told in part by an unauthorized documentary, highly recommend the audiobook that is voiced by a full cast including ice skating legend Johnny Weir.”

— Jennifer • The Pretty Posy Books & Gifts

Bookseller recommendation

“I am always on the lookout for a book that is going to consume me, where when I’m not reading or listening to it I’m still thinking and obsessing over it. And THIS BOOK!!! Holy heck, I was CONSUMED! I finished listening while grocery shopping, which was a very bad idea, my hands were gripping the cart so tight with all this pent up anxiety over how the ending was going to unfold. I’m not sure I even bought everything I was supposed to but the book was worth it all! To say I have an epic book hangover is an understatement! Set in the competitive world of ice dance, this story hooked me from the start and wouldn’t let me go!!! The drama, ohhhh the drama and the rivalries and the jealousy, gah! I was here for it ALL. Katarina and Heath’s young romance burned hot and shown through their dances on ice but the need to be the absolute best and come out on top led to some harsh realities and heartbreaking outcomes. I love the way the story was told with a documentary style look back over their career and love life and everything that led to their downfall. The nervous anticipation to keep listening to see what was happening next set my anxiety on high alert! Literally had a jaw hit the floor moment while listening to this book, I could not believe what had just transpired and yet I couldn’t look away. All that to say, I cannot recommend this book enough, it was everything I didn’t know I needed in a book.”

— Kelly • Novel Grounds

Bookseller recommendation

“Could. Not. Stop. Listening. The incredible full cast takes Fargo’s Wuthering Heights retelling to the next level. The story weaves and carves at a breakneck speed just like Heath and Kat’s turbulent ice dancing and romance. It’s hard to say this might be a favorite of the year when it’s the second week in January but I think I just did…”

— Lissa • Book Club Bar

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved everything about this exhilarating novel. I raced through this epic love story set within the demanding, cutthroat world of competitive ice dancing filled with fascinating characters and all the drama we love both on and off the ice.”

— Anderson McKean • Page and Palette

Bookseller recommendation

“This audiobook was FANTASTIC! Easily 5 stars for the audio alone! I went into this book blind after seeing other RAVE. I am so glad I did! A drama filled, binge worthy book! Pick up this book if you are trying to get out of a reading slump!’n ”

— Madeleine • Neighborhood Reads

Bookseller recommendation

“I finished this book a few hours ago and I'm STILL wanting to be back in the world within the book. I love everything about it - the drama, the characters, the love story, the world of competitive figure skating... all of it was masterfully written and I didn't want it to end, but I couldn't stop listening. The full cast is brilliant and I'm going to have a tough time not telling people to skip buying the print book so they can experience it as an Audiobook. If you have a credit and you don't get this one you're missing out. ”

— Jennifer • The Bookstore at Fitger's

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is like a Daisy Jones and the Six and Challengers mash-up! The documentary style lends itself super well for the audiobook and the sports drama, sexual tension, and trauma kept me rapt the whole way through. ”

— Meghan • More Than Words

Bookseller recommendation

“This book became my obsession—mirroring Health’s obsession with Katarina. While you don’t need to be a Wuthering Heights fan to enjoy this novel, I think fans of the classic will appreciate the fresh way the story is told through ice skating duo Kat and Health. Their relationship is toxic and obsessive and will keep you captivated!”

— Morgan • The Last Word

Bookseller recommendation

“This audiobook will have you hooked from the beginning! The way they recorded it, the full cast, and the story all make for the perfect combo. ”

— Alyssa • The Pretty Posy Books & Gifts

Bookseller recommendation

“Um wow, I need 3-5 business days to process everything. The world was obsessed with childhood sweetheart turned ice dance partners, Katarina Shaw and Heath Roacha. The obsession grew when there was blood pooling on the ice over the Olympic rings. But what really happened? When an unauthorized documentary is released at the tenth anniversary of their final skate, everyone is trying to figure out the truth. Katarina wants nothing to do with the interview, and sets the record straight about her and Heath's relationship. Told similar to Daisy Jones & The Six interview style, the narrator interviews their closest friends and rivals trying to pull the truth. Spanning over twenty plus years, this book is filled with drama, hate, and stress inducing moments.”

— Sarah • Parthenon Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Did I know anything about ice dancing before starting this book? No. Did I finish the book and still only know a little bit more about ice dancing? Yes… If you are a fan Taylor Jenkins Reid’s, Daisy Jones and the Six or Carrie Soto is back, this is the book for you! Beautiful and dark, moving and devastating.. and easily one of the best audios I will enjoy all year! ”

— Laramie • Monstera's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Is it too soon to name The Favorites the best audiobook of 2025? I loved everything about this beautifully crafted novel. The story is intensely engaging, and every member of the audio cast is stellar. ”

— Kelli • The Novel Neighbor