Pub Day: January 14, 2025

Genres: Sports Romance, General Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Toxic friendship/relationship, violence, bl00d, emotional abus€, b*llying, d€ath, injury/injury details, sexism, body shaming, gaslighting, etc.

My Thoughts:

The intensity! The drama! The ruthless world of competitive ice skating!

This book is a whirlwind of ambition, obsession, and scandal, and once I started, I could not stop. Layne Fargo crafts such a vivid story that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you’ll love the mix of first-person storytelling blended with documentary-style interviews—it makes everything feel real.

I listened to the audiobook, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal. The full-cast performance makes every rivalry, sacrifice, and gut-wrenching moment hit even harder. And yet… I hated every single character. Every. Single. One. But somehow, that made it even more addictive. I just had to know how it all unraveled.

Katarina and Heath’s relationship is a collision of love and ambition—childhood friends turned ice-dancing partners turned… something far more complicated. So complicated—for no reason!

Kat’s obsession with Olympic gold consumes her, while Heath, with his past and relentless drive, is right there beside her. Their journey, spanning decades, is filled with heartbreak, passion, betrayal, and redemption. I had to shake my head more than a few times.

I really wish we got Heath’s perspective—it would’ve added so much depth. By the end, I felt like I didn’t really know him. And speaking of the ending… it felt like a slap in the face. I had so many questions, which is why this wasn’t a 5-star read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either—even though I couldn’t stop listening.

It was like watching a slow-motion car crash. Miscommunication was a dealbreaker for me! I also couldn’t connect with the side characters—or Bella, for that matter. And Heath and Bella’s relationship? It made zero sense to me. But hey, life is messy and often irrational, which is probably why it all felt so real. And let’s be honest—this sport is brutal.

If you’re craving ice-skating drama, skip the fiction and watch “I, Tonya” instead—the biographical film about Tonya Harding starring Margot Robbie. Now if you love all the drama and ice skating, that’s a story worth watching.

Read if you’re into:

🏆 The Olympics & ice skating

⛸️ Friends-to-lovers

💕 Second chances

🎤 Documentary-style storytelling

🔥 All the drama & angst

🎧 Full-cast audiobooks

❤️‍🔥 Toxic relationships

📖 Retellings (Wuthering Heights)

😍 Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes

Layne Fargo absolutely nailed the tension and drama—if that’s your thing, add this to your list!

Songs:

— For the intense, obsessive, and dramatic vibe of The Favorites, here are rock and metal songs that capture its energy with some pop-ish exception:

• “Going Under” – Evanescence
• “The Beautiful People” – Marilyn Manson
• “My Curse” – Killswitch Engage
• “Love Bites (So Do I)” – Halestorm
• “Black Honey” – Thrice
• “Hurricane” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring
• “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish
• “The Kill” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “Take Me to Church” – Hozier (but the extreme rock cover by Starset)

Description: 

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, 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.

About the Author:

Layne Fargo has a background in theater, women’s studies, and library science, so it’s only fitting that she now writes deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories for a living. She’s the author of the novels The Favorites, They Never Learn, and Temper, as well as co-author of the bestselling Young Rich Widows series, and her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. Layne lives in Chicago with her partner, their pets, and an ever-expanding collection of books Author’s Website Instagram: @LayneFargo

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.

Am I still obsessed? Absolutely.

I’m fully invested in this series, and I cannot wait for book three to drop later this year. If you want to check my review of the first book and get to know a bit more about the main characters tap here.

Book Pub Day:  January 7, 2025

Genres: Romance Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction

• It incorporates elements of mystery, thriller, and romance.

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Trying not to be on any blocked list, I am writing TW like that. I hope you don’t have an issue reading it.

• Viol€nce,
• Bl00d
• D*ath
• War scenes
• Minor S€xual Content
• Confin€mnt- T0rture

My Thoughts

The Aesthetic Appeal

This book is visually stunning, from the jacket and cover art to the gorgeous stenciled and sprayed edges. Just look at the pictures! It’s a masterpiece, right? 

You can check my review of the first book here.

The Story & Characters

Four Ruined Realms is the second book in The Broken Blades series, and these characters have completely won me over, especially Royo and Aeri. There’s just something about them that I absolutely adore.

The story picks up right where book one left off, throwing our misfit heroes into yet another high-stakes quest. If you’re familiar with the series, you know it follows three central couples:

• Royo & Aeri

• Mikail & Euyn

• Tiyung & Sora

In book two, Royo and Aeri’s chemistry finally starts evolving, and I love their romance. That said, I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, and I really hope it gets resolved in book three—because Royo deserves the truth. Honestly, everyone in this series has suffered, but Royo’s been through hell, and he deserves better.

Aeri, though? She’s my girl. I was cheering for her the whole way through. She’s an absolute badass, but she needs to grow up, take charge, and trust Royo more.

And then there’s Sora… my heart broke for her. But at the same time, I wish she would pause for a moment and put herself first. Meanwhile, Euyn completely blindsided me again. At one point, I literally gasped, put my book down, and just stared at the wall for ten minutes. I can’t say more without spoiling anything, but trust me—it’s huge.

Mikail… oh, Mikail. Always with the secrets. And yet, somehow, he feels clueless? I honestly don’t know how I feel about him anymore.

As for Tiyung… I have no words. His story felt messy, and I’m hoping book three will untangle everything. But in this installment? He felt like the least useful character.

Audiobook Thoughts

I highly recommend the full-cast audiobook—the narrators did an incredible job bringing these characters to life. That said, Tiyung’s chapters felt off this time. His narrator seemed to struggle, and while I think he was trying to capture Tiyung’s situation, it just didn’t work for me. Hopefully, that improves in book three.

I really hope you give this series a chance! It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and completely gripping. The worldbuilding is richly inspired by Korean mythology and history, adding so much depth to the story.

If you’ve read it, let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Soundtrack for Four Ruined Realms

I listen to rock and metal, so that’s what you’re getting. These tracks capture the intensity, dark themes, and emotional weight of the book:

• “The Game Is Over” – Evanescence

• “No Masters” – Bad Omens

• “Hail to the King” – Avenged Sevenfold

• “The Catalyst” – Linkin Park

• “In the End” – Black Veil Brides

• “Snuff” – Slipknot

• “Fade to Black” – Metallica

Book Description

The King of Yusan may be the greatest liar of them all.

His sister’s ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants—even manipulating the five blades to steal it.

Bonded by a common enemy, then divided by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon’s pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.

A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another—despite their lives, their families, and the fate of the realms hanging in the balance.

They can all agree on one thing: the king can’t win. But can they beat him at his own game?

For the blades, this time it’s not just personal—it’s revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but vengeance will bring them together.

Reading Order:

Book #1: Five Broken Blades

Book #2: Four Ruined Realms

Book #3 Three Shattered Souls (pub date: July 22, 2025)

About The Author:

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

What is January Reset? January is a time to breathe deeply, reset your focus, and set the tone for the year ahead. It’s not about massive overhauls, but about making small, intentional changes that add up to a big difference over time.

This month, I’ve been embracing simple shifts—like daily walks, decluttering my home, and rethinking my habits. These aren’t grand gestures, but they feel like a fresh start, and I’m loving every second of it.

If you have never been into self care this is the time to try. Your body, mind, and environment reset is also self care. It is about creating simple, intentional habits to feel refreshed and balanced. I have been focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome meals, staying hydrated, and moving daily, even if it’s just a walk.

I carve out time for relaxation, like journaling, skincare, or reading, and set clear boundaries to protect my energy. Prioritizing quality sleep is key, so I stick to a consistent bedtime routine and avoid distractions before bed. By making small, mindful changes, I can reset my January and feel more grounded moving forward.

It’s never too late to start making a change. No matter where you are in life, the best time to begin is when you feel ready. The start of a new month can feel motivating, but the truth is, any moment you choose is the perfect time to reset. Don’t overthink it—trust your instincts. When you feel that pull in your gut, take it as a sign and go for it!

Fuel Your Body with Intention:

Food prep and portion control have been game-changers for me. Instead of late-night snacking while reading or watching TV (a habit I’m guilty of), I focus on mindful eating. I don’t eat breakfast but instead break my fast around noon, which works wonders for my energy and focus.

Soon, I’ll be starting a “Lunch Box” series to share my mid-day meals and why they work for me. Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s brought a sense of balance and control to my day.

I’ve also started incorporating Daily Super Greens powder into my routine. It is prebiotic and probiotic, and I’ve never felt more energized!

To refuel after workouts, I’ve been enjoying healthy snacks like Greek yogurt bowls. They’re a great way to boost protein and fiber intake—just enough to keep me energized without overdoing it.

Refresh Your Space:

There’s something therapeutic about changing your bedding, washing old sheets, and letting your room feel like new.

Decluttering has been another major focus for me this month. I’ve made peace with letting go of items that no longer serve me—those things I’ve kept “just in case” but never actually used. I’m also rethinking my purchases, making a conscious effort to only buy what I truly need and repurpose what I already have. 

Things are just things, and letting go feels lighter, freer, and so much better.

Move Your Body, Find Your Joy:

I’ll be honest—working out isn’t my favorite thing to start, but I never regret it when I’m done. Whether it’s a walk, a dance session, or lifting weights, I try to keep it fun and varied because I get bored easily.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with YouTube dance videos—Zumba, hip-hop, and even dance workouts with weights—and it’s been such a joy to move in ways that don’t feel like “exercise.”

This year, I’m focusing more on weightlifting to strengthen my body as I head into my mid-40s. It’s not about bulking up; it’s about preparing for the future and feeling strong and capable in my skin.

Inhale, Exhale, Let Go:

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to let go—of things, habits, and even people who don’t bring joy or peace into your life.

For too long, I’ve held onto relationships and worries that didn’t serve me. Now, I’m focusing on the present and the people who love and support me. 

Meditation has been a huge help in this process. If you’re new to it, find a guided meditation that resonates with you and just start. It’s amazing what you can release when you give yourself that quiet space to breathe and reflect.

Fixing Sleep Schedule:

To reset my sleep schedule and consistently go to bed before midnight, I’ll set a fixed wake-up time and stick to it every day, even on weekends. I’ll gradually move my bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes each night until I hit my goal.

I’ll create a relaxing nighttime routine, like dimming the lights, avoiding screens, and doing something calming like reading or meditating an hour before bed. I also cut back on caffeine and heavy meals in the evening and make sure my bedroom is comfortable, dark, and cool for better sleep.

I don’t like sleeping in warmer rooms even during winters, especially now that hot flashes hit unexpectedly. Try sleeping in a cooler room. I am sure that it will be one of your best sleeps.

Journal Your Heart Out:

Writing has always been my therapy, my creative outlet, and my way to process life. I don’t journal every day, but when I do, it’s a chance to pour out my thoughts, reflect on my emotions, and clear my mind.

Sometimes, journaling sparks creativity—I’m hoping it’ll inspire me as I work on my next story. Whether you write by hand or type on your phone, journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional release. 

It’s a bit like meditation: a safe, private space to let your thoughts flow without judgment.

Take this month to refresh your habits, nurture your body and mind, and reflect on where you want this year to take you. Every small step you take now will ripple through the months ahead, creating a foundation for growth, strength, and joy.

• Please let me know in the comments what you have to do to reset your body, mind, and space around you?
• Would you try resetting for a month or maybe a week?

Check out all my latest posts HERE 

P.S. I am working on Februaury Reset! 🙂

Sending love and warm hugs to anyone who needs them.

Love,

S A N N A

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