I've read and enjoyed every novel Taylor Jenkins Reid has published. I always say that my favorite is One True Loves, although I also loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (my first TJR) and Malibu Rising (in my top 5 of last year).
So I was surprised and overjoyed (and SO GRATEFUL) when I got approved by NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine to receive an eARC of her latest - Carrie Soto Is Back. I started reading it as soon as I could and raced through it pretty quickly.
This book is very different from Reid's previous books, in my opinion. The cast of characters is smaller. The universe is tighter. The focus is singular - the tennis career of 37-year-old Carrie Soto (who we met briefly in Malibu Rising). That's it. That's the book. It's a redemption story, a sports novel, an ode to a father and his daughter. But mostly it's an intimate examination of the psyche of a hyper-competitive champion with a one-track mind - winning tennis games. 
For these reasons, I think the novel might be hit or miss (to use a tennis concept) for TJR's fan base of readers. Speaking for myself, I loved the sprawling plot and yet intricate characterization of Malibu Rising, in particular, and was eager for more of the same. Solely diving deep into one athlete's mindset (especially when I'd presume it basically aligns with the outlooks of most world class athletes) left me wanting more and caused me to skim through some of the lengthy tennis match descriptions. I did want to see how the story ended, but I was disappointed when I realized the novel's universe was never going to expand and give me what I was expecting from one of my favorite writers.
Still, I have to give TJR credit for taking chances (as she did in Daisy Jones, as well) and telling the very specific story she wanted to tell. As a very successful creative person, she surely has earned the right to follow her own instincts and keep herself engaged with the art form for (hopefully) decades to come. The one thing Carrie Soto Is Back definitely managed to accomplish with me is making me wonder what Reid's NEXT book will be like. What type of story will catch her interest next? I definitely appreciate that she is keeping us fans on our toes, ready for the next ace serve she's going to release into the world.

4.75 stars
AHHHHHHHHHHH (had to let that out)
How refreshing it is to read another TJR book. I wasn’t hyped going into this bc I wasn’t curious of Carrie’s story from Malibu Rising but my god did I have fun with this. She’s stubborn, cocky, intimidating, fierce and the list goes on.
I know nothing about tennis but I had so much fun with this. I have never felt so thrilled and hyped for a match before. My heart was beating & my body couldn’t stay still as I was reading the games. I felt like I was in the stands.
Her father is just a great character and dad all around. He exudes warmth, support and knowledge.
Gwen is a lovely side character. She fights for Carrie and shows her unconditional support. She refers to her as her almost sister that is a brat. I like that Carrie has an older woman to watch over her. Bless Gwen for all the moments she had to drag Carrie away before she said something too harsh.
Bowe is actually a good guy (a shocker to find). He takes what Carrie throws at him and stays when she pushes him away.
Nicki Chan is so great. Although her interactions with Carrie are few, they added so much. Carrie was able to be empathic with Nicki’s struggles and hit her with fire at the same time. The banter between them brings a smile to my face. I love how Nicki would try to be friendly and Carrie would run away as if not seeing her. Nicki is one of my favorite characters.

This is the story of a champion, who returns to tennis to defend her title. The book has a lot of tennis in it, I knew nothing about tennis and was less interested in that part. It was more about a woman learning how to lose, how to live with maybe not being the greatest, how to open her heart to friends, to love and to make peace with herself.

I can't stop thinking about this book. I easily could've read this book in one sitting (like most TJR books in all honesty.)

I didn't think I was going to enjoy reading about Carrie Soto. She wasn't a favorite of mine in Malibu Rising, but my viewpoint changed almost immediately after stating this book. Carrie Soto is a freaking badass!! 20 grand slams?? Damn!

The story starts where we find that Nikki Chan has tied Carrie Soto's world record. Carrie had been retired from tennis for 5 years when Nikki tied for the record, this creating a spark in Carrie. She has to get her title back. Carrie comes out of retirement and we follow along as she goes to the various tournaments and makes her way competing against her opponents.

Carries dad, Javier, is her coach. In reading about Carrie and Javier, it reminded me of my dad and myself. I always watched tennis with him when I was younger so I really connected to this book. TJR took some time to incorporate the rules of tennis into the book, so that it wasn't as confusing for anyone who doesn't watch or knows nothing about it.

Does Carrie reclaim her title of the most grand slams in a career? I guess you'll have to find out.

We love a good women empowerment story!! Hell yeah TJR, keep. them. coming.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC !! loved it and I cannot wait to get a physical copy so I can reread it again. (Hint hint if you want to send me a physical copy, I wouldn’t be mad 😂)

As a TJR completist, I was thrilled to get my hands on Carrie Soto. Though it is solidly written with a fast moving plot, I missed the multiple characters and/or storylines I have come to expect. I would absolutely recommend it, with the caveat that is is a little more simple in its focus than what she has been producing in her most recent novels.

I loved this addition to the world TJR is taking! When I first read Malibu Rising, I never would have though a book about Carrie Soto would be next, and I also thought I wouldn’t have liked it as much as I did.

Carrie Soto is Back is in my top 3 of TJRs now and what amazing character she was! I loved her journey and I felt like I was there watching these tennis matches in the seats. Carrie is another badass female that TJR has magically created and had also made her such a complex character.

I literally have no complaints. There were some great ups and downs. Some great character development. Heartbreak and love. Funny moments and a great ending as well. I read this is in a little over 24 hours and really had a hard time putting this down. I’m excited for this to hit shelves and will definitely be buying a copy to add to my collection!

I loved this book!! I am primarily a suspense/mystery reader, but I will admit that Taylor Jenkins Reid is a huge exception to that rule. Her characters are flawed, yet relatable and her writing style sucks me in from page 1. I became a huge fan after Daisy Jones and the Six and I'm so happy that her subsequent outings have been equally fabulous. Carrie Soto is a complex character and the peek inside the world of tennis was unique and engaging. I will absolutely purchase this book as an audiobook as well. I know I will want to revisit this story again down the road.

I am so grateful to have received an advanced copy of this book. Thanks to Netgalley for providing the ARC for an unbiased review.

I’m not a fan of tennis, probably because I do not understand the game. However, this novel had me tensely anticipating every serve, every volley, every win and loss. I enjoyed Javier and his drive. I especially loved the Spanish. Bowe, ah Bowe. ❤️ Carrie, though, was a force to be reckoned with. I liked that she was true to herself and loyal to her father. (And the nod to Daisy Jones and the Six was perfect.) Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

This may be my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book yet. But the why is what has me stunned. I don't like Carrie Soto. I didn't care for her in Malibu Rising even though I felt sorry for her. But through most of the book she made me uncomfortable. She is unlikable and doesn't care. So why am I rooting so hard for her?? And there you have why it is a five star!

4.25/5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the published for the e-ARC of the book! Although I found certain things predictable, I enjoyed Carrie’s life and her acceptance with things that she can’t control by the end. The character development was slow but realistic because of the speed; you can’t change what has been drilled into your head overnight. Bowe and Nicki have my entire heart. Full review to come to MaeflowerReads soon

TJR has outdone herself - again! Carrie Soto is Back is completely un-put-downable!

Carrie Soto's character is one we love, even though she herself is so unapologetically unlikable. A loner and tennis competitor from early on, she makes a comeback after retirement. Is winning everything? This is a question she finds herself battling up to the very end. Whether you know and like tennis or not is irrelevant here. You'll be sucked in whether you like it or not.

Javier, Carrie's father, is also her coach. He is full of heart and wants nothing more than to love his daughter, win or lose. You never really know if he is talking tennis or talking life - his quips apply to both and are warm and endearing.

This is written SO well. You can hear the crowds and feel the anticipation of each match. Thank you, Netgalley, for this AMAZING read!

I've read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six and most recently Malibu Rising. Each of those books have been 4 star books for me. They were good but didn't BLOW ME AWAY.
I saw Carrie Soto is Back become available on Netgalley as a wish item. I went ahead and clicked it after just finishing Malibu Rising and remembering her interesting character moment in the book. I never thought my wish would be granted but I was given an ARC of the book. When I tell you guys this book was a PAGE TURNER, I'm saying I stopped all real-life activities and immersed myself into Carrie Soto's come back. I was up until 1:30 in the morning finishing this book knowing I have two small kids to take care of in just a few hours.
This book centers around Carrie Soto. She's retired from tennis and has just been outed from her record holding place. The book is largely tennis talk. I'm still not even sure I like tennis. I'm still not even sure I like Carrie Soto. However, this book had me so engaged. I was ROOTING for Carrie in this book. The supporting characters are superb. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing for the ARC.

TJR IS BACK, BABY!!! I absolutely adored this book. Carrie Soto might be a new fave. I am a huge TJR fan, and while I didn't love Malibu Rising, I will read anything she writes. This book was phenomenal. Although extremely technical, it made me want to grab a racket and some tennis balls & take it to the court. This will easily make my top ten of the year. Loved it so much!

🎾 Carrie Soto Is Back 🎾

More like TJR is back and I'm here for it!!

This book was so nostalgic for me. I wouldn't consider myself a huge tennis buff, but I did spend parts of my childhood watching tennis stars like Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Jennifer Capriati and of course, Serena and Venus Williams.

Although the story lines are very different, I also got King James vibes while reading this one. Put your thoughts on Will Smith aside and go see that movie.

This book is very tennis heavy, so if you hate tennis, this may not be the book for you.

I also spent a good amount of time using Google translate as for some reason I thought it would be best to take French in high school, rather than Spanish. At least when I get to France, I'll know how to ask for the bathroom. I can see the need to look up many translations bothering some, but it didn't effect my thoughts on this book.

I loved it. I was swept away in this story from the beginning and couldn't wait to get back to my Kindle when I had to step away.

The only thing holding me back from 5⭐️ on this book was my feelings for some of the characters, or better said, lack thereof. I always felt I had one foot in the door when it came to knowing several of the characters and I was left wanting more. I also wanted to throat punch the love interest with a racket, but I loved Carrie, faults and all.

This was 💯 a solid read for me and TJR remains on my auto-buy list. Add this to your summer reading list!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

4.5 !

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I will read anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes. Ever since I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo back in 2018, she has cemented herself as one of my favorite authors. I did not even need to read the synopsis of this book to be excited for it but I was very curious to know more about Carrie after Malibu Rising.

Carrie was a very interesting character to be in the head of. As she says herself, she is cold and very focused on her professional goals more so than any relationship outside of tennis. As always, Taylor Jenkins Reid worked her magic and made me care so much about this woman and her comeback to a sport that I knew very little about before reading this book.

Carrie is unapologetically blunt about being one of the greatest tennis players of all time and I believe that Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the greatest authors.

I had very high hopes for this one and it fell flat for me. I feel like I've read this premise many times before. There was nothing new or exciting.

The only line I did love was " We live in a world where exceptional women have to sit around waiting for mediocre men" Now ain't that the truth!

PS-Evelyn still has my heart!

My least favorite of TJR's so far but still REALLY good... She's such a great writer! This is basically a character study and unlike her other books it really only focuses on one character. It did remind me a bit of Daisy Jones in the sense that you think it must be based on a real person. There is A LOT about tennis, which I have very little knowledge of, but I didn't mind and I even ending up having tennis dreams!

Taylor Jenkins Reid never fails to deliver a strong female lead character that the reader wants to root for through the story, or as this one goes, through the years of Carrie Soto's tennis career. If you enjoyed the characters in the recent, Liane Morarity's Apples Never Fall, you will enjoy this one.

Carrie is a born and raised tennis champion. who decides to come out of retirement to defend her title. I'll admit, I'm not a sports person but I love a character-driven novel. This book has a LOT of tennis in it. Like, I'm ready to go play after reading it. But you also want to cheer for someone who is not always good but not always bad... Carrie is your person. I can definitely relate. Not my favorite of Reid's books but I'd still recommend it to fans of hers.

I keep believing there is no way Taylor Jenkins Reid can write a better book than her last masterpiece, but she surprises me every time with each book getting better and better! Carrie Soto Is Back sucked me in, broke my heart, and then mended it back together. After six years of retirement, Carrie Soto decides to return to professional tennis to defend her Grand Slam record from newcomer Nicki Chan. With her father back as her coach, Carrie fights with everything she has to prove to the world that she is still the greatest tennis player, even if she isn't the most well-loved. She even begins practicing with Bowe Hunter, the man she almost opened her heart to ten years before, who also has something to prove before he retires. This book broke me in the best way! I grew up playing tennis, and my dad was my coach, so I loved to see the amazing relationship between Carrie and her father and how they connected through tennis. All of TJR's books are character-driven, but this book is different because, instead of focusing on multiple characters or telling the story through multiple perspectives, it focuses entirely on Carrie, how she viewed the world, and, most importantly, how she viewed herself. It was so easy to fully commit to Carrie and root for her success with everything you have. Also, I love how TJR manages to include different media elements in her books. It is so fun to have the story include articles, news stories, and transcripts of sports reports. It adds extra layers to the story and makes the characters feel more real! This book is incredible, and I am so glad I read it! I will be recommending it to everyone I know, including my tennis-obsessed dad!

I want to start by saying I LOVE TJR! I have enjoyed all of her books. So when I was accepted to read and review her newest book through Netgalley, I jumped at the chance!

Carrie Soto is a larger than life character. She is a very complex and she is impossible not to love. I cheered for her through every tennis match and I was DYING to see her win. Seeing the game of tennis through her eyes was fascinating.

Along with the character of Carrie, I also love the father daughter relationship portrayed in this novel. I wanted Javier to be my dad. He was such a good influence on Carrie's life. It was really satisfying to watch.

Overall, I raced through this story because I was desperate to know what would happen to Carrie, Javier, Bowie, Gwen, and even Nikki.

5 STARS!!!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this incredible book!