Layne Fargo

From the author of the “raw, ingenious, and utterly fearless” (Wendy Walker, USA TODAY bestselling author) Temper comes a dynamic psychological thriller about two women who give bad men exactly what they deserve. Scarlett Clark is an exceptional English professor. But she’s even better at getting away with murder. Every year, she searches for the worst man at Gorman University and plots his well-deserved demise. Thanks to her meticulous planning, she’s avoided drawing attention to herself—but as she’s preparing for her biggest kill yet, the school starts probing into the growing body count on campus. Determined to keep her enemies close, Scarlett insinuates herself into the investigation and charms the woman in charge, Dr. Mina Pierce. Everything’s going according to her master plan…until she loses control with her latest victim, putting her secret life at risk of exposure. Meanwhile, Gorman student Carly Schiller is just trying to survive her freshman year. Finally free of her emotionally abusive father, all Carly wants is to focus on her studies and fade into the background. Her new roommate has other ideas. Allison Hadley is cool and confident—everything Carly wishes she could be—and the two girls quickly form an intense friendship. So when Allison is sexually assaulted at a party, Carly becomes obsessed with making the attacker pay...and turning her fantasies about revenge into a reality. Featuring Layne Fargo’s trademark “propulsive writing style” (Kirkus Reviews) and “sinister, of the moment” (Chicago Review of Books) suspense, They Never Learn is a feminist serial killer story perfect for fans of Killing Eve and Chelsea Cain.

They Never Learn

For fans of the high-stakes tension of the New York Times bestsellers Luckiest Girl Alive and The Lying Game, comes “a brilliantly paced thriller that gets under your skin in the best possible way” (Megan Collins, author of The Winter Sister) about female ambition and what happens when fake violence draws real blood. After years of struggling in the Chicago theater scene, ambitious actress Kira Rascher finally lands the role of a lifetime. The catch? The mercurial Malcolm Mercer is the director and he’s known for pushing his performers past their limits—on stage and off. Kira’s convinced she can handle Malcolm, but the theater’s cofounder, Joanna Cuyler, is another story. Joanna sees Kira as a threat—to her own thwarted artistic ambitions, her twisted relationship with Malcolm, and the shocking secret she’s keeping about the upcoming production. But as opening night draws near, Kira and Joanna both come to the realization that Malcolm’s dangerous extremes are nothing compared to what they’re capable of themselves. An edgy, addictive, and fiendishly clever tale of ambition, deceit, and power suited for fans of the film Black Swan, Temper “revels in its mind games, delivering twist after twist as it races toward a Shakespearian climax. The final page will leave you gasping” (Amy Gentry, author of Last Woman Standing).

Temper

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

The Favorites

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating about a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and rollercoaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the "real story" through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary. But she can't stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy either. So, after a decade of silence, she's telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

Inspired by the powerful love and hate that fuel Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, The Favorites is an exhilarating dance between passion, ambition, and what it truly means to win.

The Favourites 

Kimberly Belle

Cate Holahan

Vanessa Lillie

Young Rich Widows

A Novel

"An 80s romp with big hair and even bigger secrets! Grab your popcorn and settle in for this incredibly fun and twisty read." — Jeneva Rose, New York Times bestselling author of You Shouldn't Have Come Here 1985, Rhode Island. A private jet carrying four partners of a Providence law firm crashes outside New York City, killing all aboard but leaving behind more questions than answers and setting the stage for four widows to find the truth. Justine: a former fashion model adjusting to suburban life Camille: a beautiful, young second wife whom some suspect is a gold digger Meredith: a stripper who was in a relationship with the firm's only female partner Krystle: a founding partner's wife committed to the firm being a legacy for her sons While the crash is initially ruled a tragic accident, something's not adding up: the team wasn't supposed to be in New York that day, and it's soon revealed there was a very large sum of cash that burned up with the plane. The scene is as wild as '80s neon, and the manic chase to uncover the Mafia-laced secrets gives this rip-roaring read a rad vibe that will linger long after the '80s soundtrack fades and the hairspray falls. "Young Rich Widows is hands down the most original thriller you'll read all year. Laugh out loud funny, twisty and full of surprises." — Wendy Walker, international bestselling author of What Remains

'Deliciously dark, razor-sharp, and unapologetically wrong in all the right ways' C.J. Skuse, author of SWEETPEA He wasn’t afraid of me. That was his first mistake. Read the cult word-of-mouth hit readers are obsessed with: ‘Such an incredible read!’ ‘Holy hell this book was fun!’ ‘Included all the things I like in fiction...vigilantism/revenge, cold, calculating women, themes of obsession, queer desire’ ‘Amazing twists!’ ‘You guys NEED TO READ THIS!’ Scarlett Clark is an exceptional English professor and an even better serial killer. She’s made it her mission in life to track down predatory men on campus and kill them and she’s preparing for her biggest murder yet. Carly Schiller is just trying to survive her freshman year at college – keeping her head down and focussing on work. But when her roommate Allison is assaulted at a party Carly becomes obsessed with making the attacker pay. When police start investigating the spate of local deaths, Scarlett starts to realise it’s only a matter of time before her secret life is exposed and everything she’s built comes crashing down with it... ‘Deliciously satisfying... The feminist revenge thriller we need and deserve’ Megan Collins ‘A gorgeously-written ragestorm of a thriller...will shock readers as much as it satisfies them’ Wendy Heard ‘Grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go’ Samantha Downing

The queer feminist serial killer read of the summer

Descubre la tormentosa historia de amor que está causando furor internacional. Una épica historia de amor inspirada en el clásico Cumbres borrascosas, ambientada en el despiadado mundo del patinaje artístico de élite y con una protagonista decidida a labrarse su propio camino dentro y fuera del hielo. «Todo el mundo cree que Heath Rocha fue mi primer amor. No es cierto. Mi primer amor fue el patinaje artístico». Katarina Shaw siempre ha sabido que estaba destinada a llegar a lo más alto. Cuando conoce a Heath Rocha, un chico solitario, su conexión instantánea los convierte en un dúo formidable sobre el hielo... Hasta que un impactante incidente en los Juegos Olímpicos los separa definitivamente. Años después, por el décimo aniversario de la última vez que patinaron juntos, un documental reaviva la obsesión pública al afirmar revelar «la verdad sobre Shaw y Rocha» a través de entrevistas con sus amigos y sus rivales. Kat no quiere tener nada que ver, pero tampoco puede soportar la idea de que otros definan su legado. Así que, después de una década de silencio, cuenta su historia: desde las tragedias de la infancia que la unieron a Heath hasta el choque de deseos que los separó. Y resulta que, a pesar de que los rumores han seguido cada uno de sus pasos durante años, la verdad puede ser aún más impactante que los titulares.

Los Favoritos / The Favorites

Descubre la tormentosa historia de amor que está causando furor internacional. Una épica historia de amor inspirada en el clásico Cumbres borrascosas , ambientada en el despiadado mundo del patinaje artístico de élite y con una protagonista decidida a labrarse su propio camino dentro y fuera del hielo. «Todo el mundo cree que Heath Rocha fue mi primer amor. No es cierto. Mi primer amor fue el patinaje artístico». Katarina Shaw siempre ha sabido que estaba destinada a llegar a lo más alto. Cuando conoce a Heath Rocha, un chico solitario, su conexión instantánea los convierte en un dúo formidable sobre el hielo... Hasta que un impactante incidente en los Juegos Olímpicos los separa definitivamente. Años después, por el décimo aniversario de la última vez que patinaron juntos, un documental reaviva la obsesión pública al afirmar revelar «la verdad sobre Shaw y Rocha» a través de entrevistas con sus amigos y sus rivales. Kat no quiere tener nada que ver, pero tampoco puede soportar la idea de que otros definan su legado. Así que, después de una década de silencio, cuenta su historia: desde las tragedias de la infancia que la unieron a Heath hasta el choque de deseos que los separó. Y resulta que, a pesar de que los rumores han seguido cada uno de sus pasos durante años, la verdad puede ser aún más impactante que los titulares. La crítica ha dicho: «Uno de los romances más desgarradores, épicos y apasionados que he leído en bastante tiempo... Ya me gustaría poder volver a leerlo por primera vez». People «Esta novela de alto voltaje sobre patinaje sobre hielo no podría haber llegado en un momento más perfecto... Inmersiva, salvajemente adictiva». Paste «Una premisa sencilla, ejecutada a la perfección: Cumbres Borrascosas, pero con patinadores olímpicos. Buenísimo». CrimeReads « Los favoritos es una novela brillante». Bookreporter « Los favoritos combina la emoción de una historia de madurez con el sensacionalismo de los titulares más audaces, creando una lectura intrigante». Chicago Review of Books «Atrapante, emocionante y francamente pertida». Booklist «El romance al estilo de Colleen Hoover se dirige a la pista olímpica. Abrochaos el cinturón». Kirkus Reviews «Un drama de proporciones épicas». Library Journal «Un libro reluciente y compulsivo, lleno de rencor, amor, lentejuelas y ambición». Holly Gramazio, autora de Los maridos «Qué lectura tan adictiva...». Emma Brodie, autora de Canciones desde la Osa Mayor «Si alguna vez has visto a los equipos olímpicos de patinaje artístico y te has preguntado si la química entre ellos persiste cuando no están compitiendo..., tengo un libro para ti. En parte Cumbres borrascosas y en parte Todos quieren a Daisy Jones, esta novela está tan brillantemente coreografiada como una actuación digna de medalla de oro y te mantendrá intrigado hasta la última página». Jodi Picoult « Los favoritos es espectacular. La feroz pasión entre Kat y Heath salta de la página, y el cautivador drama que se desarrolla dentro y fuera del hielo es implacable». Margarita Montimore

Los favoritos

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession. ‘Perfect if you’re a fan of Daisy Jones and the Six’ Cosmopolitan ‘Brilliant... will keep you guessing until its very last page’ Jodi Picoult 'A delight - I was completely hooked' Sophie Cousens ***** READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE FAVOURITES***** ‘A true gold medal 5-star book’ ‘Forever changed me’ ‘Completely captivating’ ‘Spectacular drama’ ‘My book of 2025 – already’ ‘Get ready to be obsessed’ The whole world was obsessed with Kat and Heath. Childhood sweethearts turned Olympic champions, they captivated fans with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style and rollercoaster relationship – on and off the ice. Until that fateful day. As the world watched, the unthinkable happened. Everyone saw it. Nobody knows the truth. But that’s about to change. NOW INCLUDES A BONUS STORY TOLD FROM HEATH'S PERSPECTIVE

Lace up for the epic love story and 2025's biggest reader obsession

The Favourites

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession. 'Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones and the Six . . . As brilliantly choreographed as a gold-medal performance' JODI PICOULT ***** READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE FAVOURITES***** 'A true gold medal 5-star book' 'Forever changed me' 'Completely captivating' 'Spectacular drama' 'Get ready to be obsessed' Everyone thinks Heath Rocha was my first love. He wasn't. My first love was figure skating. Katarina Shaw has always known she's destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating - and each other - to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating fans with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style and rollercoaster relationship. Until, at the Olympic Games, as the world holds its breath, a shocking incident instantly destroys their partnership. Ten years later, an unauthorised tell-all documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha. If Kat wants to own her story, she must break her silence. As Kat's account of her dramatic rise and fall alternates with scandalous interviews from the film, The Favourites spins into a dance between passion, ambition and what it truly means to win. Sensational rumours have haunted Kat and Heath's every step for years, but the truth may be even more outrageous than the headlines.

Claire Allouch

Tout le monde pense que mon premier amour était Heath Rocha. C'est faux. Cela a toujours été le patinage artistique. Katarina Shaw a toujours su qu'elle était destinée à devenir patineuse olympique. Quand elle rencontre Heath Rocha, un orphelin solitaire, leur connexion immédiate fait d'eux un formidable duo sur la glace. Ils s'accrochent au patinage - et l'un à l'autre - pour échapper à leur vie tourmentée, captivant le monde par leur brûlante alchimie. Jusqu'à ce qu'un terrible incident lors des jeux Olympiques brise leur lien. Dix ans plus tard, un documentaire ravive l'obsession du public pour leur histoire. Cette fois, Kat décide de révéler la vérité derrière les rumeurs qui les ont hantés tout ce temps. Une vérité bien plus choquante que les gros titres... Inspiré par les puissants sentiments d'amour et de haine à l'oeuvre dans le classique d'Emily Brontë, Les Hauts de Hurlevent, The Favorites est une danse enivrante entre passion et ambition. « Si vous avez déjà regardé le patinage artistique pendant les jeux Olympiques en vous demandant si l'alchimie entre les athlètes se poursuit hors de la glace... j'ai le livre qu'il vous faut. » Jodi Picoult « En tant qu'ancienne patineuse artistique, j'ai dévoré cette histoire d'amour épique qui se passe dans l'univers passionné de ma discipline. The Favorites est aussi captivant que brillant. Layne Fargo nous prouve une fois de plus qu'elle est maîtresse dans l'art d'inventer des héroïnes complexes, farouches et envoûtantes. » Wendy Walker « Un captivant tourbillon de paillettes, de rancune, d'amour, de sequins et d'ambition. » Holly Gramazio « The Favorites est un véritable triple axel littéraire : une réinterprétation intelligente et nuancée d'un classique, un drame sportif intense et une romance parfaitement tordue. » Rachel Hawkins « Un roman brûlant de rivalité, de trahison et d'amour. » Melinda Salisbury

The Favorites. Un'ultima volta noi

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession. NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice—now with bonus material including two never-before-seen chapters! “Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end. As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public fascination with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

Layne Fargo

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