I enjoy THR’s writing style but this book didn’t hold my interest like her other books have. I couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is Back!

This novel continued my deep dive into her work. With characters who are flawed but likable, I found myself drawn right into the world of Carrie Soto and competitive tennis. I couldn’t put it down!

I’m an avid tennis fan and coached tennis myself so this was a great book!! There were a couple thing that might not have been 100% accurate to tennis but it was pretty darn close. I will say the competitiveness of the narrator did annoy me sometimes but I was glued to this book and read it really quickly. Another great Taylor Jenkins Reid!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to honestly review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is such a talented writer. She has the remarkable ability to make me feel fully immersed in her stories right from the very first page. That being said, this was not my favorite work from her. I struggle when characters are so unlikable that I can’t “root for” any of them, and the tennis talk felt overbearing for me. While this missed my mark, sports lovers and readers who enjoy descriptive action may love it. Thank you so much for the ARC and I still remain a TJR fan for life!

This book was very thought provoking and powerful. This was different from TJR's normal books, but still amazing and interesting. I will be checking out the audiobook version of this as well when available!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

MRS. TAYLOR JENKINS REID HAS DONE IT AGAIN! This woman never fails to amaze me. This is 100% my new second favorite TJR book, right behind Daisy Jones and the Six, of course. I love all of the characters in this book so much. I also learned so much about tennis, and I really, really enjoyed that? This is one of those books where I love it so much, that I can't even put into words why. If you're a TJR fan, read it, read it, READ IT!!

TJR can seriously do no wrong. Carrie was so strong and such an unlikeable character that you couldn’t help but like. Her dad was so sweet and devoted to her. This book made me feel like I was at a tennis match and definitely taught me a lot about the sport. The way she writes is so engaging and immersive. I loved the Easter eggs for previous books and I can’t wait for the next book from her.

Carrie Soto is a legendary tennis player–one of the best the world has ever seen. Six years after her retirement, her record is being threatened by a new player. Carrie knows she needs to make a comeback to prove she is still the best. Coached by her father, she fights her way back–and she isn’t exactly welcome.

Carrie has never been a charismatic player; nicknamed “the Battle-Axe” (and sometimes worse things), the media questions her motives, her age, and her abilities. But Carrie is determined, and she will stop at nothing to maintain her title.

I had mixed feelings throughout much of this book. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but Carrie’s singular focus on being the best–forever–was difficult for me to square. It’s also VERY tennis-heavy. There were times the details of the matches got a little boring. All this said, Taylor Jenkins Reid pulled it off: I started to care about the game, the pacing seemed to improve throughout, and the ending came together.

While I didn’t love this like I did some of her previous books, Carrie is a worthy addition to the world of Evelyn, Daisy, and Nina.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. Taylor Jenkins Reid is an auto-read author and she’s done it again with Carrie Soto. I don’t know anything about tennis and I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the subtle 90’s references and I applaud the author for making me root for someone who is so clearly an asshole most of the time. A lot has been said about this novel already, but I am adding my voice of recommendation to the chorus.

Prior to reading this, I had heard the backlash about TJR writing from a latina perspective, as a white woman. Casting this problematic issue aside, Carrie Soto is a book unlike others I have read. Sports don't often make it into the literary fiction I read, so TJR was able to introduce a new world.
As with any TJR book, you're able to live in this fictional world that she has woven between all of her novels. Subtle yet engaging.
I was happy to see that the ending wasn't as predictable as expected (Why wouldn't Carrie win in her comeback?), and that Carrie was able to learn multiple lessons in her pursuit.

I was blown away by the emotional depth and poignant writing. The story follows Carrie, a former high school star athlete, as she returns to her hometown and grapples with the past mistakes and regrets that have been weighing on her.

The writing is raw and honest, perfectly capturing the complex and layered emotions of the characters. The character development is superb and I found myself fully invested in Carrie's journey. The supporting characters are equally well-written and add depth to the story.

One of the standout aspects of "Carrie Soto is Back" is the way it tackles difficult themes such as mental illness, addiction, and the consequences of past actions. Reid handles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, making for a poignant and thought-provoking reading experience.

3.75/5

This was a nice read, but I just wasn't invested in it. I loved Carrie's character and commitment to her tennis career, I LOVED that she had no sympathy for being a hard-ass and unapologetic in who she was, but through all of that, I just never connect with her and the plot. It felt very slow until the last 20%.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC copy of Carrie Soto is Back, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I really enjoyed this book and I love the way TJR keeps all of these stories in the same world. I will say if my daughter didn’t play tennis I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much though. Carrie is a strong character that takes no bull from anyone. Her dad keeps her grounded and gave some much needed heart to the story.

I loved this book as much as I loved Evelyn and Daisy. Its a different book though it does throw in a reference or two to Malibu Rising. Taylor is just a great story teller. I always feel that I'm really inside the lives of her characters. Carrie Soto is a bad a woman who happens to be the best tennis player in the world. Or, she was and now she's coming back to claim her title. But as much as the book is about tennis, its really about her relationship with her father/coach and her learning to leave the competitive spirit on the court and open herself up to genuine relationships with people.

Once again, I was sad to see a Taylor Jenkins Reid book end. I look forward to her next one.

Absolutely spectacular. I was fully immersed in the world of Carrie Soto. This is my favorite yet from TJR.

One thing about TJR is the woman can WRITE. Every book that I've read by her holds a special place in my heart and features themes I really connect to. With Carrie Soto is Back I loved Carrie's drive and determination to be the best. This was entertaining and heart pumping with every match keeping me on the edge of my seat, I'm not the biggest sport based book person but this tennis focused read was very refreshing! Compared to her past books not every character in this book I cared for which doesn't make it a perfect read for me. Overall I think it's worth it to experience Carrie beating the odds and owing being the "bitch" of the tennis world.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a masterful storyteller who can make anything she chooses to write about come alive and mesmerize you all at once! I loved every second of this reading experience and cannot recommend this enough!

One of the best (of the many excellent) aspects of a Taylor Jenkins Reid book are the characters. They're unforgettable, fighters, beloved, and feel so real. Carrie Soto fills these requirements and more.

I loved this book, I love Carrie Soto, I love Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I was surprised that one of the (briefly mentioned) characters from Malibu Rising would be the focus of TJR's latest book, but this choice did not disappoint. I might need to reread her other books because Carrie is fighting for my favorite of TJR's determined heroines.

Enjoyable read. Not my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book… by a long shot, but I enjoyed it. I think if you liked tennis this would be your favorite book, but I had a hard time getting into it. Carrie also felt a little bit less dimensional than previous TJR heroines

Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong! Anything that I read by her is absolutely amazing, and Carrie Soto is Back is no different. I'm blown away by TJR's storytelling, character development and her innate ability to pull a reader in. This book was so relatable as a former athlete and it gave me a lot of perspective. As always, I will never stop recommending TJR and Carrie Soto is no different!