There is nobody better than TJR in crafting a book that feels like you are watching a movie. In the case of Carrie Soto is Back, it is that all encompassing feeling of watching a high stakes sports movie, except we get to be inside the head of the GOAT. As someone who’s tennis knowledge was limited to Wii Sports and the movie King Richard, I was completely consumed by the game and strategy involved as described by the author. You do not have to be a tennis expert to enjoy the suspense and thrill of Carrie’s journey in this novel.

In addition to the setting, the characters’ relationships in this story are incredible. Carrie’s relationship with her father/coach Javier develops from childhood to her comeback at age 37. The emotions and love between the two of them is so strong and heartwarming.

The commentary on women in sports and in the public eye is unfortunately reminiscent of what we see in the real world today. Carrie is ambitious and determined to win. She is unapologetically herself and although she truly does care about what is said about her in the media, she refuses to change to appeal to those who are critical of her in society.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Many thanks Random House for the ARC.

🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 ----⤼⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙻𝙴: Carrie Soto Is Back
𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚁: Taylor Jenkins Reid
𝙿𝚄𝙱 𝙳𝙰𝚃𝙴: August 30, 2022
𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶: ★★★★☆

𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞!

Ohhhh this one is going to be a rough review because I'm still not sure if that 4 star rating is accurate. It's probably a 3.5 rounded up. And I changed this many times, so who knows if I'll settle on this. Maybe it'll change again.

To anyone wondering, yes, this is all about tennis. Tennis games. Tennis practice. Tennis technique. Tennis. Tennis. Tennis. So if you're not a sports fan, this will NOT be for you. Am I a sports fan? Ehhh? I could take it or leave it, so keep that in mind.

This story is very, very character-driven, which isn't my favorite. I love plot-driven stories that have rollercoasters of twists and emotions. This one lacked a lot of that. But the weird part is, I really wanted to finish it and see how it ended for Carrie Soto. She's a flawed character that doesn't care if you love her or not, and I found her quite bitchy!

This is the type of book you don't skim. TJR's writing is flawless and I'll give her all the praise because she knows how to write an engaging story. It did feel a tad long, especially because I had to keep Googling the Spanish conversations that had no translation for fear I'd miss something. I loved Beau and her father the most!

To anyone wondering, here's how I'd rank the books I've read:
1. Evelyn Hugo
2. Maybe In Another Life
3. Forever, Interrupted
4. Daisy Jones
5. One True Loves
6. Malibu Rising
7. Carrie Soto

All right, as always, give this one a chance. I didn't hate it by any means. Was it my favorite of hers? No, but she's still a kick-ass writer and I'll still read anything she puts out.

Carrie Soto started slow for me, but it picked up pretty quickly. Carrie Soto is one of those characters that takes a little while to warm up to, but once I did I was rooting for her 100%. She is a complicated character, but as I got to know her better and understand her motivations, I became a huge fan. She is on a mission to remain the best tennis player in the world and won’t let anything get in her way.

However, over time she does begin to see what the single-minded cost her. I loved how she matured as well as the story progressed. The secondary characters are well developed, and the few people she lets in to her life really make an impact on her.

One thing that really resonated with me was the difference in the way Carrie was treated and viewed as a female athlete versus how the male tennis players were viewed and discussed. Characteristics that are acceptable or even welcomed in men are not allowed in women and instead are criticized or mocked. TJR weaves in both news articles and transcripts of sports commentators to demonstrate this in the book which worked very effectively.

This is a story I will not soon forget. Daisy Jones is my favorite of TJR’s books, but I think Carrie Soto is now up there neck-and-neck with Daisy Jones.

The character development in this novel is wonderful, and makes it my favorite book by Taylor Jenkins Reid yet! For the first time in a long time, I could not put this book down.
Carrie is a dynamic and beautifully flawed character, making her journey thrilling to read and the twists and turns unpredictable. I completely fell in love with Javier and Bowe.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who reads women’s fiction.

TJR has done it again. The way that she effortlessly dives into a new character and gives you a new perspective on them. Carrie Soto is a bitch, but she's my bitch and I love her. Also the DJATS mention had me screaming and crying.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Okay this book is fantastic, but if you can I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook too!! Hilarious! I really, really enjoyed this book! It was captivating and it hooked me from the very first chapter! Definitely recommend! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

The only reason I didn't rate this 5 stars is because of all the Spanish I could not understand. I know a little bit not enough for some of this book I guess. I started the book by googling translations but there were half page conversations in Spanish that I just couldn't keep up with and there was no explanation as to what the conversation was about. Plus I'm not even sure my translations were correct on some words. Did get father keep calling her pigeon (pichona)?
I loved all the references to TJR's other books! Yes, Mick Riva is mentioned. So is Daisy Jones and the Six! It's like TJR has a whole universe in her head where these characters exist in all her books.
I thought I would hate Carrie Soto based on her role in Malibu Rising but I was wrong. I loved her character and I learned so much about tennis. I highly recommend this book (especially if you are fluent in Spanish!)

🎾 Carrie Soto is Back 🎾

“This is fun, I think. How did I forget this is so fucking fun?”

Carrie Soto is Back and this is TJR’s best serve. Of her incredible female characters, Carrie is easily the ace. She is unapologetically herself, and she follows an incredible journey. Years after retiring from setting records in the professional tennis world following injury, Carrie Soto makes a comeback with her father as her coach, seeking to defend her title as female tennis player with the most grand slams. The relationship between Carrie and her father as they navigate tennis and Carrie’s growth is beautiful.

Normally, I say “check this one out if…”, but honestly, just check this one out.

In it, you will find:
🎾 An incredible comeback story
🎾 Strong female lead, pushing herself and learning what she needs
🎾 A beautiful portrayal of the love between a father and daughter
🎾 Journey of following your life passion
🎾 Feminist themes such as, “Some men’s childhoods are permitted to last forever, but women are so often reminded that there is work to be done.”

In a world where there is always work to be done, TJR reminds us that it is ok to play, it is ok to have fun.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC! Carrie Soto is Back will be on shelves August 30.

This book was absolutely beautiful. I 100% agree with the editor's note at the beginning of the book, Carrie is my favorite main character in a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. Despite her obvious flaws, you can't help but root for her from beginning to end. Her growth throughout the book is absolutely beautiful, and the epilogue really demonstrated that. The relationship with her father was so well-written and was, for me, the best part of the book. It was so emotional, both in their good and bad moments. Her relationship with Niki Chan was so interesting and showed that even two women who are constantly pitted against one another can found respect and friendship while still being fierce competitors. Even though the setting of the book (sports, tennis) didn't appeal to me as much as the movie or music industry that are the backdrop of TJR's previous books, I found myself so invested in those tennis matches, on the edge of my seat, desperately rooting for Carrie.
My one note is that many lines between Carrie and her father are written in Spanish without translation. Even if that wasn't a problem for me, I wonder if readers who have little to no Spanish reading comprehension abilities might get frustrated by missing out on those lines?

I think I know more about tennis now than I ever had even playing it. Tennis is really having a moment in books right now, I think. I liked the idea of taking a throwaway character from Malibu Rising and fleshing her out it but I never really felt like I got to know Carrie or the people around her very well. We know she likes to play tennis and win. We know she is close to her father but still willing to fire him. But that’s really about it.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her books are always so beautifully written and Carrie Soto is Back is no exception.

Carrie Soto is back--in the tennis world, that is. After hearing that her previous records are about to be broken by a new female tennis player, Carrie Soto returns to the court in order to win back her title. With the help of her father, Carrie undergoes several grueling months, both physically and mentally, in preparation for the match of her life. Along the way, her character transforms from one who is stubborn and, at times, unlikeable, into one full of grace and compassion.

I absolutely LOVED Carrie. I loved her relationship with her father and I was rooting for her growth throughout the entire novel. Taylor Jenkins Reid writes remarkable characters that you truly care about. I was so sad finishing this book and will likely read it again.

Carrie Soto is back is my favorite book of hers to date! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read an ARC in exchange for a review.

Carrie Soto - the girl you love to hate…but hate that you love her! A feisty, dedicated, take no bull kinda girl who believes winning is everything and losing is not an option.

As a collegiate tennis player myself, I LOVED all the tennis in this book and can’t wait to share with my old teammates when this publishes! I loved the other characters in the book, especially the down-on-his-luck, Bowe Huntley, and the breaking-records Nikki Chan. I also loved the growth of Carrie Soto and how the ending came about…with a smile on her face.

TJR - you are an auto-buy author for me, one of my absolute favorites. And Carrie Soto Is Back is no different! Clay, grass, or hard court…you can ACE them all!

Thank you to @NetGalley for the early addition of #CarrieSotoIsBack

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books, and Taylor Jenkins Reid for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually squealed when I saw that I was approved to read Taylor Jenkins Reid's new novel "Carrie Soto Is Back."

TJR has been a favorite author of mine since I picked up "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and this new book does not disappoint.

Reid has the uncanny ability to write a character that is at times off-putting but irresistible. I could not get enough of Soto and her father, Javier. Their relationship pulled me in and the story took over from there. Carrie Soto is the kind of character you are deeply frustrated by but you soon learn to admire how hard she works to become the best. Also, a story set in the 90s? Perfection! I will absolutely still be buying this on audiobook when it comes out. I need to complete the collection, okay!

I cannot wait for everyone to read this when it comes out 8/30/2022!

First of all, thank you Random House and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy! I’m not going to lie, I screamed and then did a little happy dance when I saw this in my inbox, being stuck home sick with covid this ARC could not have come at a better time!!

I'm going to start off by saying that the 2004 Wimbledon movie staring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany is one of my all time favorite movies and this book just gave off the same vibes!!!!

This book is GOOD. It's so freaking good. Its beautiful storytelling at its finest. The characters are amazing and each of their relationships with themselves and each other and growth throughout the book are pure perfection!!!! The Plot, fantastic!! The writing, is true TJR style!!

Carrie Soto has earned a spot right next to Evelyn, Daisy, Nina, Emma, Lauren, Elsie and Hannah
absolute 5 star read!!!! I already can't wait to read it again and to get my physical copy!!!

Taylor Jenkins Reid creates the best characters. You already know this if you read Daisy Jones or Evelyn Hugo, and she's done it again with Carrie Soto. I flew thorough this book and loved it. Just like her previous books, by the time you're done you'll think you actually watched Carrie play tennis. This is an easy, fun book to read, but has a good amount of drama built into it, as well. And, a little romance but not too much.

In addition to the characters, I particularly appreciated the pacing of the book. The tennis matches feel like you're there. The story moves quickly at the right times, and slows down at the right times, much like a good match. It's simply fun to read.

I'm giving Carrie Soto is Back 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounding down to 4. Not because it wasn't really good, but because I do feel like Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo, which both got 5 stars from me, went deeper into the character and story development. That said, I still highly recommend reading this book! Four stars.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has served up another ace with her highly-anticipated release, CARRIE SOTO IS BACK.

After dominating the women’s tennis scene from the late 70s to early 90s, juggernaut Carrie Soto steps away from the game to go out on top. 6 years later and no longer in her prime, Carrie comes out of retirement and back into the limelight to defend her world records at the age of 37.

While an undying love for tennis isn’t a prerequisite for the story, having the heart of a competitor may boost your investment in Carrie’s quest. Despite her callousness towards the media, her opponents, and even those closest to her, I couldn’t help but root for Carrie’s success on and off the court.

Carrie Soto is one of the most distinctive female characters I have read. Her hardened exterior and singular focus was the catalyst for her success, but life is lonely for her at the top. I loved that she eventually opened herself up to new experiences, even after she felt she had it all.

The story shines in its portrayal of a tender father-daughter relationship. Like my own father, Carrie’s father and coach played a prominent role in her success with his unfailing dedication and love.

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK releases on August 30, right before the US Open. Pre-order this book to savor over Labor Day weekend.

RATING: 5/5
PUB DATE: August 30, 2022

A big thank you to Ballantine, Random House, and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW!!! Carrie Soto is Back was a fast paced, deep dive into the amazing world of tennis in the 1970-1990s. This book made me feel like I wasn't just reading about tennis matches, but like I was right there WATCHING the matches happen in real life.

Carrie is by far my favorite character Taylor Jenkins Reid has written and her storyline, which I was so excited to see after reading Malibu Rising, was fierce! In Malibu Rising we are introduced to a hot-headed woman who you are meant to dislike. But in this book you can't NOT root for her. Her dedication, determination and insecurities were beautifully written and even the times she was a bit of an a** you couldn't help but laugh.

GO PRE-ORDER THIS NOW!

This book was amazing. I’ll be honest, I was nervous in the beginning but after the first 20%, I could not put it down. I carried my kindle around with me reading bits and pieces when I had a chance. Carrie Soto Is Back was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it’s already one of my favorite books of 2022 and maybe ever.

TJR writes fully fleshed out characters that feel like real people. I love that every character is flawed and imperfect but still so lovable. I was rooting for Carrie (and honestly every character) the whole time. No one felt like just a side character, everyone had a purpose and a personality. I got so wrapped up in this book that I forgot I was reading and had to take a minute to come back to reality when I popped my head up. I was genuinely sad when it ended because I wasn’t ready for it to be over but I think the ending was perfect.

I felt every emotion while reading Carrie Soto. I’m not a tennis person but during the matches, I was glued to the page with my heart racing and leg bouncing. I cried, I got the chills, I laughed at Carrie’s brutal but relatable honesty, I got excited, and I felt each characters’ sorrow. I also loved the mention of TJR’s previous books.

I am HUGE Malibu Rising fan and didn’t think anything could top that book for me but I think Carrie takes the crown. She’s my new favorite and I think she’ll be yours too.

If you read any book this year, let it be this one. I already can’t wait to read it again.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC!

TJR has such a gift for storytelling, in that her books basically read like autobiographies of their protagonist, and this most recent entry in the Evelyn Hugo Cinematic Universe is no exception. I never thought I’d be so interested in a story about a tennis player but Reid made Soto such an interesting, dynamic character and the sports parts were riveting - I read this whole book in a day.
The only reason this one isn’t a glowing 5-star is because I do wish we spent a bit more time in Carrie’s teenage years as she is coming up. One of her biggest traits is that she is brash and strongwilled, unafraid to say what’s on her mind, which makes her very unlikeable as a celebrity - but we never really learn exactly why she is this way.

Wow, this is my favorite book of the year and my favorite book written by Taylor Jenkins Reid! It has been a while since I have so thoroughly enjoyed a book from start to finish like I did this one.

It's a story about a cocky tennis player who comes out of retirement to defend her title as the greatest tennis player in the world. It is filled with tennis matches and great characters and captivating storytelling. This book was unputdownable, and I could not stop reading until the story was finished. Then I was sad that it was over, because I just wanted to keep reading about this world and these characters.

I really liked the characters in this story. Even Carrie, who is an extremely unlikeable character. But Reid made me like her and root for her by the end! Javier and Bowe were the absolute best. The father/daughter relationship between Carrie and Javier was beautiful, and the relationship between Carrie and Bowe just constantly made me smile.

This story is all about tennis. I personally really like tennis, so I ate every bit of it up. I thought Reid did a great job of writing the tennis matches and building suspense and tension. I felt like I was always on the edge of my seat, just like watching a tennis match in real life. I will be curious to hear from readers who don't like tennis and see if they still enjoyed the story as much as I did.

But beyond the tennis, this story dives into so much more. As in previous books, Reid does a great job of exploring the cost of fame and success. Carrie is the greatest tennis player in the world, but what did it cost for her to get there? Was it worth it?

I also thought it was an interesting exploration of the differences between men and women in sports. Actions that men may be praised for are widely condemned when performed by women. This story dives into that double standard, and I thought the excerpts from sports commentators were spot on and provided a lot of food for thought on how we talk about and pass judgment on athletes, especially females.

But really, this book was just so much fun and a must read for everyone! It comes out on August 30, just in time for the US Open! I recommend getting your preorders and library holds placed now because it is sure to be popular.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for sending me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.