Thus was a great read featuring several people I couldn’t stand and a sport I sucked at, and I loved it. Says a lot about the writing!

Thanks to NetGalley and Belletine Books for an ARC of Carrie Soto is Back to read and give my honest opinion.

I was beyond excited when I got approved to read Carrie Soto is Back. I’ve read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising and loved both books. Carrie Soto is Back has now been added to that list.

Carrie Soto holds the most slam title in women’s tennis- until Nicki Chan is about to break that record. Seeing her record about to break Carrie decides to come out of retirement to defend her record. At 39 she’s on the older side of the sport and will have to get back in top shape. Carrie coming out of retirement is where the story starts. Then we go back in time and follow her career from when she was a child.

This is so much more than just a story about a great tennis player. Reid has a way of writing dynamic characters and giving so much perspective into the obstacles they face. If you are a fan of any of Reid’s other books you absolutely must read Carrie Soto is Back.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I've not read Malibu Rising but I can tell you, you don't need to have read it to thoroughly enjoy reading Carrie Soto is Back. This is a phenomenal book, engaging and engrossing. I could hardly put it down.

Carrie Soto is the best tennis player in the world--at least according to her and her father. In this book Carrie makes am unexpected comeback into the fraught environment of, professional tennis after a five year absence. due to her retirement. She's older, recovering from injuries and damn well not going to let anyone beat her record.

This book crackles. With tension, with competitive play, with relationships, with Carrie's own abrasive, no holds barred energy. She says what she means and she means what she says, no sugar coating it. She's spent her whole life with one purpose, with her father at her side. She burned bright and flamed out but she's back now and nothing is going to stop her.

Carrie's relationship with her coach father is so well developed and riveting. The interplay, the back and forth--iike volleys on a court. Javier Soto is her champion, her cheerleader, her honest supporter and mentor. This book does such a good job of exploring both the positive and negative sides of their very co-dependant and loving relationship. They are each other's everything.

The way the matches are written was riveting--the exhilaration of good tennis, the frustration of missed shots, the tension of the play. I felt like I was watching it, it was that vivid.

Carrie undergoes tremendous growth in this book--as far as expectations of herself, as far as her relationship with Javier, and in regard to how she interacts and engages with her rivals and others in the tennis circuit.

The secondary characters are well fleshed out--from Javier her father, to Gwen her agent, to Nicki her rival, to Bowe the love interest. Each of them was interesting and held my attention, adding depth to the narrative. I really grew very fond of both Javier and Bowe, and their camaraderie and companionship really added to the story.

But Carrie is the centrepiece, the integral character, the focus of this book and she keeps the attention on her. She's flawed, she's mean, she's brusque, and so many other things but you're never able to look away. Her flaws are real, relatable, make her more human and provide a scaffold for an arc of growth in this book that is satisfying to watch unfold. You want Carrie to succeed, you want Carrie to be told off, you want Carrie to get what she seeks.

There are moments of angst and heartache. Truimph and resolve. Love and affection. Friendship and rivalry. It works. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. It holds you until the end.

Highly recommended. A great read.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an amazing author. While reading Malibu Rising, we first hear Carrie Soto’s name. She’s the “other woman” who we only get a glimpse of. She seemed volatile, aggressive and generally unlikeable. When I saw another book by TJR, I jumped at it and was thrilled to be given an advance reader edition of the book. I wondered how Carrie’s character would be in this book. She’s fierce to say the least, a tennis pro and champion holding the record for wins and has retired, but a threat to her record brings her back to the game. She has to be on top. The great news is that humans are more complicated than what we can boil them down to when we learn of them in passing like we did in Malibu Rising. The character and her coach father are very well developed protagonists. It didn’t take long to be on her side despite her flaws and her tendency to push away anyone that tries to get close. Great character study and well worth the read. You do not have to know much about tennis and the matches do not distract from the underlying story. Do yourself a favor if you like delving deeply into a character and learn more about Carrie Soto. Congratulations Taylor Jenkins Reid and Ballantine/Penguin on this marvelous book!

TJR did it again! This book is amazing! Super fast paced, reads like a tennis match (although I have no idea what the rules of tennis are). Loved Carrie. Loves her dad. Loved Bowe. Actually laughed out loud and cried real tears. A must read!

I should have known that if anyone could make me care about a sport, it would be TJR. Don't get me wrong, though: Carrie Soto Is Back is nothing groundbreaking, nothing extraordinary. TJR relies on old tatics, used by her in the past (the newspaper clips, for example, which were one of my favorite parts of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo) and everyone else in the literary world. Tropes we're all familiar with, and some clichés here and there. But that's the good thing about this anthology---every cliché, every trope, every plotwist we can see coming from miles away works because TJR knows how to work it. She knows how to write incredibly realistic characters. She knows how to write flawed, bitchy (haha) and unlikeable characters, and still have us rooting for them, crying for them, cheering for them, and Carrie is the most unlikeable of them all. Which is probably why she's one of my favorites. Nicki Chan, too, is a standout, and I'm already anticipating who will play her in the adaption that will surely happen, and I personally cannot wait for all the dramatic slow-mo shots of Carrie sending a ball absolutely flying through a tennis court.

Carrie Soto is the greatest tennis player in the world. She sacrificed everything, including her personal life, to reach the top with her father Javier, who is also her coach. However, Carrie's record of twenty slams is now being threatened by a rising star, Nicki Chan. Carrie and Javier make the decision for her to shock the world and come out of retirement at the age of 37, and the Battle Axe gears up for one last fight. What follows is a rollercoaster of a journey for a woman who is unapologetically talented and unashamedly herself, as she struggles to determine what she truly needs to be happy.

At this point, Taylor Jenkins Reid could write an IKEA instructional manual and I would absolutely love it. Carrie Soto is Back tells a sorely needed story of a woman who refuses to tone down her talent and pride in herself to make other people feel better. The novel explores how when women are successful, society only celebrates them if they are modest about it. The story also beautifully explores themes about searching for self-fulfillment, and the impossible vulnerability of opening yourself up to love. I loved how we got to see Carrie's growth over the course of the novel, and the romance element was wonderfully written. Fans of TJR's historical fiction novels will not be disappointed by this latest addition to her universe.

In fact, Carrie Soto might be one of my favorites. Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and Net Galley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I posted a 5-star review on Goodreads and Amazon. I read an advanced copy of this through NetGalley and it is FANTASTIC. Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again! Fast-paced, great character development, and the ending I didn’t know I needed.

One of my favorite reads of the year and my all time favorite from TJR! My five star reviews are always the hardest to write - 5 stars is a feeling more than anything to me - but I will try my best.

This is one of those books that felt like it was written personally for me. The plot revolving around tennis, Carrie's relationship with her father, her complicated feelings about winning, etc. were all themes that resonated so strongly with me. Carrie Soto is the perfect protagonist - someone intriguing that you want to root for, yet flawed in a way we can all relate to. TJR is fantastic at writing strong, realistic women to lead her books. You want to cheer for Carrie, you want to shake some sense into her, you want to give her a hug... I felt all the emotions during this book. TJR also explores some deeper themes about legacy, family, women in sports and one's purpose in life.

Naturally, this book is extremely heavy on tennis. There is enough explanation for readers that the terminology won't be confusing but it might be too much for readers who hate sports/tennis.

if BOOK LOVERS is the bookstagram ‘it book’ for the first half of summer, CARRIE SOTO IS BACK will be it for the second half. TJR does it again (of course). brief synopsis: Carrie Soto was one of the best tennis players in the world in the 1980s. in the early 1990s, with her beloved father Javier coaching her, she decides to return at age 37. takes place over course of one tennis year: Australia, France, England, and USA.
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the book moves quickly, and it’s all tennis. tennis is more than a backdrop. tennis scenes are exquisitely written. TJR must be a real fan. while the tennis keeps the pages turning, I love the book for its broader themes. the moral of the story is that the point of victory is enjoying it while you’re doing it, appreciating and loving your craft. Carrie Soto learns to live in the moment. I felt deeply satisfied by the ending, which wasn’t cliche. content warning for parental death.

I absolutely LOVED "Carrie Soto is Back" despite knowing nothing about tennis. This book is so much more than tennis. It's about the bond between a father and a daughter, it's about allowing your cold heart to thaw and letting someone else in, and it's about going for what you want, even if the majority of people don't believe in you.

There wasn't a single main character that I didn't like in this book. They were all well-developed and crucial in Carrie's journey. But, most of all, I loved watching Carrie grow. At the end of the book, Carrie and I are the same age, so I felt very connected to her. In your late 30s, it's almost like you're at the point where you navigate the first half of your life, make adjustments, and decide what you want from the rest.

"Carrie Soto is Back" is a beautiful addition to TJR's literary works like "Malibu Rising" and "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

This is my first TJR book and now I need to go read the whole back catalogue. This book was DELICIOUS - fiery, full of ambition, and centered by a woman who is unafraid to be proud of her strength. I loved it!

Oh, Taylor Jenkins Reid. I love your books. You create characters that stay with me long after I finish the story. Daisy Jones and the Six is one of my favorites.
So when I got an ARC of Carrie Soto, I pushed it to the top of the stack. So glad I did!
I love tennis and I love when authors put cameos in their books. Carrie Soto originated in Malibu Rising. She is the woman who has an affair with Nina Riva's husband. Carrie Soto has won 20 grand slams and was known as the best woman’s tennis player in the world at the height of her career. But now she is a retired 37 year old trying to make a comeback. She is cold, ruthless and her “unlikableness” makes her character so very “likeable.” You find yourself rooting for her and falling in love with her coach (her father) and her love interest, Bowe. The character development is fantastic. Well worth your time. This is a good one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

YESSS! I screamed when I received an advanced copy of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new book that is set to be published and released on August 30, 2022. I am a sucker for anything that TJR puts out, so when I found out her latest work is all about tennis, I was dying to get my hands on a copy!!!! And the hype I built up for this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT. This is easily my favorite read of 2022 so far and everyone should run to their local bookstore on August 30th and purchase this masterpiece.

Carrie Soto is one of the best tennis players the world has seen and holds the title for the most Grand Slam titles…until Nikki Chan arrives on the scene and threatens Carrie’s tennis legacy. As a fierce and determined player, Carrie decides to come out of retirement and try and reclaim the title that was once hers. Mix in a little light romance with a fellow retired tennis player, Bowe Huntley, and add a dash of drama to Carrie’s life and this book has everything. Carrie is a formidable opponent and has historically not been popular with fans and the media due to her brash personality, but Carrie won over my heart, as did every other single character in this book!!!!

I do feel like I need to point out the obvious that I may be very biased in my review of this book since I am an avid tennis player and find myself on the court at least three times a week. So reading A LOT about tennis was interesting and exciting to me, but not sure how my non-tennis friends would feel? Also want to note my one criticism of the book was the intermittent use of Spanish between Carrie and her father/coach Javier. The translation of the phrases was sporadic and many times if none was given I just glanced over those sentences without even trying to figure out was was said.

I found this book fast paced and exciting and I did not want it to end. However, I really loved the ending and would highly recommend this book!!!

Y'all, no one writes character-driven books like Taylor Jenkins Reid. This one is quite different from the first four of her novels that I've read, and that speaks to just what a brilliant author she is. This book focuses on retired tennis star Carrie Soto in the nineties. There is a new star in tennis, and Carrie just isn't ready to let her records go just yet, so she decides to mount a comeback. It's a little weird to read about a woman who is around your age being "old" and coming out of retirement, AND I also could relate with the feeling of trying to figure out where you fit into the world as you grow and age. Again, this author is masterful at writing compelling characters to create stories that just sweep you away, and Carrie (or the "Battle Ax" as she's been known) is so, so much that. I was thrilled to get this one early because I literally could not wait to get my eyes on this story. This is another must-read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this August 2022 release.

I have Reader Friends who don’t like a book if the Protagonists is not a likable character. Carrie Soto, a 37 year old retired World Class Tennis Player, is not a likable character. In fact, the press refer to her as “the Battle-Ax”! Yet it would be very hard not to enjoy this uplifting story. Carrie’s Father, Javier, himself a retired tennis pro, has coached Carrie since she was 2. He is definitely among my favorite fictional Dads. It’s also easy to root for Hunter Bose, Carrie’s Friend, Practice Partner, questionable romantic interest. And Carrie’s Manager/Friend, Gwen, is a supportive, loyal friend who teaches Carrie how to be the same. So, see, there are plenty of likable characters in this delightful story of grit, determination and unconditional love between a Father and Daughter. Taylor Jenkins Reid has once again given us an engrossing, moving novel. Thanks for the opportunity of an early read in exchange for an honest review.
#CarrieSotoisBack. #NetGalley

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

There is a lot of tennis here, with a good story woven in between the matches. I liked the parts about Carrie and her relationships, but I found myself skimming through the tennis parts after awhile. 3.5 rounded up.

I love everything Taylor Jenkins Reid has written and Carrie Soto Is Back is no exception! Definitely add this one to your summer reading list!

I loved this book and I’m not a huge tennis fan. It moves quickly and builds suspense. The characters are vivid and consistent in their development. The relationships among them are well-developed and I was happy for all of them. Carrie is not always the most likable character, but her intensity, dedication to her sport, and love and respect for her father/coach redeems her.

Taylor Jenkins Reid made me fall in love with fiction so I was more than eager and excited to get my hands on her upcoming release, Carrie Soto is Back. If you read Malibu Rising, you may briefly remember Carrie, but reading that book isn’t a perquisite for delving into this one. At the time that Carrie Soto hangs up her racket and retires, she’s considered the best tennis player in the world with 20 Grand Slam titles under her belt. 5 years later Nicki Chan comes along and swipes that title right out from underneath her. At the age of 37 she decides to come out of retirement at an attempt to win the title back under the leadership and coaching of her father, a long time tennis player, Javier Soto. Fighting for a championship at 37 isn’t easy, especially considering that the game and players having only improved since her departure year’s prior.

I would say everyone loves a comeback story, but unfortunately, I didn’t love this one. While I enjoy a good competition and sports novel, our protagonist came across as entitled, unfriendly, and exhibited poor sportsmanship making her unlikable all the way around with very few, if any, redeemable qualities. Therefore, I didn’t find myself rooting for her and supporting her comeback story. Aside from this, there was a lot of gameplay, too much in my opinion. I really didn’t enjoy the narration and play by play of match after match, even for someone who enjoys the sport of tennis. For what it’s worth, I enjoyed the last half of the book much more than the first, and I liked the ending. My expectations were high and this one fell a bit short for me.