Received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Look, the thing about Taylor Jenkins Reid is that she’s very readable - I read this in a couple days. I’ve read all her books, each in a couple days. There’s not always a lot there, but they’re fun and good at the time, but I don’t think about them much. Other than Evelyn Hugo, I’ve enjoyed her earlier books the best, and could do with more of those and less of these focused on famous people. That said, you’ll definitely enjoy this if you’ve enjoyed her other books.

If you’ve read Malibu Rising, you know a little of Carrie Soto. But here, here you get her whole story.

I loved Carrie, even when she’s hard to love, and her father, Javier. I loved watching her relationships with other players (Bowe and Nicki Chan foremost) grow and change. Some of these changes I saw coming, others I did not at all.

I know earlier I said there’s not always a lot there, and I do stand by that - I don’t know how much I’ll think about Carrie now that I’m done - but there’s still so much to take away from this book.

I loved watching Carrie grow and change. She’s a tough person to be in the head of. I wanted to yell at her to be nicer a lot. But that makes for a nice change when she begins to soften and relax into who she is now.

I don’t read many new books, but Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author that I always look forward to new books from. If you like her books, read this. If you don’t, you still might enjoy this. Who’d’ve thought I’d enjoy a book about a tennis player?!

<i>Carrie Soto Is Back</i> focuses on the return of tennis great Carrie Soto to the sport. With her father acting as her coach and a hitter whose reputation precedes him, she is determined to reclaim her tennis records no matter the cost.

I'll be honest: this was not the book for me. I came into this read starry-eyed from <i>Evelyn Hugo</i>, not having read Jenkins Reid's other novels, and was expecting something just as marvelous from <i>Carrie Soto</i>. Unfortunately, as refreshing as I found the former, the latter ended up being just the opposite.

<i>Carrie</i> commits all the deadly sins in my book. The first quarter of the novel focuses on a summarized version of Carrie's career up to her initial retirement - a huge chunk of the book, all things considered. The direction of the plot is clear from the set-up, and it does not waver from the path beaten to death by so many other books dealing with the same topic. The love interest is clear from the beginning and seems to see something in Carrie that I can't for the life of me fathom. And Carrie herself is an obnoxious protagonist, but not in the way one can actually root for; her "bitchiness" is not just a figment of the imagination of the men in this book, as much as the novel tries to hammer that home to the reader.

And therein is the narrative: a headstrong woman being called a bitch by the men in her industry when really she's just determined and ambitious. It's clear that is the story Jenkins Reid wants to tell, but it's so incredibly formulaic and without nuance given that, yes, Carrie is in fact a jerk and pretty darn unlikable! Those close to her either encourage this or tell her it's cold-hearted, though it's clear the reader is meant to always side with Carrie even in her dark moments, and frankly? I just couldn't deal with her. I wanted to put the book down so often because I was just so <i>done</i> with the combination of the well-trod plot and Carrie's dramatics.

The one beacon of light in this novel is Nicki Chan, Carrie's biggest competition on her return to tennis. Nicki, though a side character for much of the story, is fantastic, and she is proof that Jenkins Reid is capable of crafting complex, unique characters - which makes Carrie herself all the more disappointing in her shadow.

I can see why others might want to pick this up, if you're looking for a read that doesn't demand too much of the reader and can be inspiring for other headstrong, determined women. Sadly, that alone just doesn't cut it for me, and neither does <i>Carrie Soto</i>.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

4.5 out of 5. I got this ARC last week and needed to get straight to it. I love all of her books, Evelyn Hugo is amazing and one I recommend so much ( a book i gave 4.5 stars that really should have been 5 in hindsight as I was being quite stingy with my stars last year). This is a really good book just not quite as engaging as Evelyn. I loved the middle and the end, the start was a bit slow. I love that she ties all the books together, as Carrie Soto makes a cameo in Malibu Rising. I feel that to get to the core of the book a lot of description and buildup needs to be put in place that maybe was a tad slow. But when it gets going, it gets going and it is wonderful. I went from not really understanding or liking the character to shedding tears with her by the end. Such powerful character development. Also there are some mayor points to be had in this book as to how well the author conveys in writing the thrill of a tennis game. It could have been boring or repetitive, but no, I as on the edge of my page (pun intended) waiting for the game results and it was as effective as if I was watching the game on TV. This book, although great as TV, would be so good as a movie, it just has so much visual to it.

When I read the editor’s introductory comment that Carrie Soto is her favorite of TJR’s women, I knew this book was going to be epic. And it was!! I didn’t remember Carrie Soto as “the other woman” from Malibu Rising, but the connection was here and gone quickly. I’m glad of that because, while she loved reading about celebrity gossip, Carrie fought to be recognized only for her skills on the court.
This book was a love letter to tennis, and fathers, and little girls who just want to be the best at any and every age. Even though this wasn’t a “funny” book, I laughed so much at Carrie’s comments to other people. She was hard on others and even harder on herself. She gave, and took, no craps.
The layout of this book was perfection. I’m tired of trying to solve the jigsaw puzzle formats in fiction these days. It was so refreshing to have the book set up at the beginning and then be able to sit back and just enjoy reliving Carrie’s experiences in a linear fashion. I especially loved the Grand Slam descriptions. Each time a new match began, I felt anticipation and eagerly followed the play by play as if it were all actually happening.
Most of all, I loved this book because Carrie was unapologetically her authentic self from start to finish, especially when she was able to learn so much about herself in the final comeback year. As hard as it was to get her body back into elite fighting shape, she also had an emotional journey of reconciliation and self-discovery. I liked Carrie at the beginning of the book, but I loved her by the end. I wholeheartedly agree with the editor that she is my favorite of TJR’s women. And I can’t wait to see who’s next!
*Thank you to Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for this advance reader’s copy.

Masterful storyteller Taylor Jenkins Reid serves her readers a healthy dose of love and drama on and off the courts in Carrie Soto is Back. 🎉🎉🎉

Carrie fights for all of her tennis titles but refuses to be a media darling. If she's tough (shrug), that is on you. She can't be friendly and kick your ass at the same time. Her nickname, Battle Axe, was won through her ruthless game.

After winning every title (and facing an injury), a girl should just enjoy retiring. Right? Well, Carrie refuses to take take the easy road. She jumps back into training and challenges her body beyond its capabilities to try to win Wimbledon again. She also discovers that it is okay to be loved and needed by others along the way.

This is CINEMATIC in nature and pure book club catnip. Sweet, but never saccharine. Bitingly feminist-forward. It asks us to examine how we think about women in sports. Why must we be likable? Why are men held to different standards? What does it mean to age out? How can we find joy in the later years?

I held my breath through tennis matches when I care nothing about sports. I snickered through trash-talk. I ugly-cried through the ending and then cried again that this was over. I am trying to be measured with praise and I can't.

Reid has written another fully fleshed character that makes this book feel like a memoir. Was Carrie real? Is there a Wikipedia page on her?

This, to me, feels like TJR's best work yet. I have followed her career since her debut and have read her entire backlist in real-time. I did my homework, and I'm telling you, it is that good.

This book is highlighted with passages that made me laugh, cry, and challenge me. I am shooketh. This makes my top ten of all-time books.

My experience with tennis is mostly limited to watching it on weekends while cleaning my room on a teeny tiny antenna tv because it was the only thing that would come in; that is to say, interested in only the most passive way possible. Usually that would make me hesitate to pick up a book that centers so heavily on the game, but I trust Taylor Jenkins Reid to bring me into the world, and I was NOT disappointed, devouring this book in a single weekend.

Carrie Soto is an engrossing and engaging study in performance, greatness, family, and relationships. I learned a ton about tennis - enough that I'm much more interested in watching a match - but that knowledge and background was expertly woven into the story and character development so that it didn't feel forced or stilted. It reminded me the best fantasy world building, it's just that the rules of the world she's described are based on a real thing.

Not that there was really much doubt going in, but "Carrie Soto" cements that I will read, love and recommend absolutely anything that Taylor Jenkins Reid writes.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

TJR fans will NOT be disappointed in this gem of a book! And if you are new to Taylor Jenkins Reid, are you in for a treat. I have devoured all of her books, and this was no exception.

Set in the mid-'70s to mid/late '80s and fully immersed in the world of professional women's tennis, we are introduced to Carrie Soto. Fans of Malibu Rising will remember Carrie from that book, but this goes into her whole life story, and what a fascinating story it is. She could be the most likable UN-likable fictional character I've met.

While only a casual fan of tennis when the book started, I now cannot wait for Wimbledon! I feel like I know so much more about the behind-the-scenes world of professional tennis, and I would love for a real-life Carrie Soto to arrive on the scene.

The one thing I kept thinking while I was reading this was how often women are labeled "b*tch" just for doing the same things men do, saying the same things men do. She speaks her mind and has the utmost confidence in herself - something I know I wish I was better at!

I loved the exploration of her relationship with her father, with men, and especially with the other women on the tour. I also looked at the way the media treated her and was reminded to think about this perspective when reading/hearing about real professional athletes, and how there is so much more going on than what the public sees.

I can't recommend this book enough -- you'll want to read it the day it comes out (just in time for Labor Day Weekend beach/pool reading!

TJR has yet to disappoint. She has a talent for taking unique stories and pairing them with strong female characters you want to root for. Carrie Soto is no different. While it is VERY tennis heavy (I do not play nor do I care much about tennis), TJR still has me hooked through her description of Soto’s grit, growth, and determination. TJR remains on the top of my “must read” list!

“But of course there are no absolute morals or lessons. Only perspectives. One man’s bitch is another woman’s hero.”

I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about tennis and have never found myself interested enough to watch it being played. That being said, I was immediately sucked into the tennis world of this book and loved seeing the sport through Carrie Soto’s eyes! There is a lot of technical information, which I worried would be a bit of a slog for non-tennis aficionados. But this is Taylor Jenkins Reid we are talking about here, and she had me devouring this book and enjoying the tennis mechanics and rules and locations throughout! The different matches feel just as exciting as watching a live game, and it truly made me want to go find some tennis to watch, to see the adrenaline coursing through the players, to imagine what they’ve gone through to get to this place and this court and this tournament. I don’t know how accurately this book reads to someone who competes in this sport, but it looked amazing from the the perspective of a tennis outsider!

And just like any TJR book, this one has drama and humor and quick wit. There are huge character flaws and beautiful character development. I grew to love each of the characters, and I absolutely adored the relationship between Carrie and her father. The author is SO good at bringing tension and drama, but the relationships she details are my favorite thing about her writing. The character depth in TJR’s writing is always a draw for me as well, and this book is stunning in how layered our fierce protagonist is.

“You think you’re so tough, but you’re not, Carrie. I can see right through you. To all the raw, scared bits you think you’re hiding.”

Whether you care about tennis or not, if you’re a fan of layered characters, dramatic encounters, and nuanced relationships, this is a wonderfully entertaining read!

Absolute perfection from Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Carrie Soto is a determined, strong athlete who tends to be more about perfection and performance than finding joy. As she’s making her comeback at 37, she has to learn how to face her weaknesses, find her peace, and learn to open herself up.

For some, this might be a LOT of tennis. For me, I saw myself reflected in Carrie’s character as she’s striving to be the greatest tennis player of all time and struggling to be good enough in her own eyes. I scream-cheered for Carrie so much in my head today and just didn’t want this book to end… even though I don’t think I’ve ever watched a real tennis match in my life!

Relationships are the best part of this book: not only Carrie’s relationship with herself, but also with her incredibly lovable father, her assistant, her love interest, and even her main tennis rival. And let’s not forget the sweetest bond formed between her dad and love interest. I love where the characters wound up in the end and I just think Carrie’s character development over the course of the book was excellent. All the stars and praise for Taylor on this book.

Thanks to Random House - Ballantine for the copy of this book!

I definitely feel like part of my identity is loving everything TJR writes and Carrie Soto does not disappoint. It’s remarkable how three dimensional all of these characters are. I did find myself whenever someone was mentioned wondering is this the next main character?

Carrie Soto is back is an incredibly heartwarming and touching story about a pro tennis player that comes out of retirement. Something that I noticed was the way that TJR weaved in another title of her book along with some other characters. I was incredibly pleased that Brandon was mentioned from Malibu Rising but that her involvement with him wasn’t a main part of the story. The strength, dedication, focus, and determination that it requires to play tennis is depicted beautifully in this book. I also think that the sports transcripts will appeal to men as well because it gave a very really sports broadcasting feeling to the book and covering the matches. I can’t wait for everyone to have the opportunity to read this book. It’s simply beautiful and breathtaking.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was definitely a page-turner and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. In fact, I finished in one day.

It is about a tennis star whose father is her coach. It journals her ups and downs and goes through many of her matches play by play.

I have read several other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and thoroughly enjoyed this one more than the others. Great suspense and (some) romance.

I liked Daisy, I loved Nina, but Carrie is something else entirely. Several years into retirement and arguably well past her prime, can the once best player in women’s tennis pull off a miracle and defend her slam record?

I don’t care about tennis, at all, but I couldn’t put this story down until I knew what happened to Carrie, both in her personal and professional life.

Those Easter egg references to the author’s past books that readers love (or love to hate in the case of Mick Riva) are generously sprinkled throughout the novel as are tidbits from current events that will take you right back to the 90s.

Carrie Soto is back and so is tjr



Review will be posted on Goodreads, instagram @silverbeanbooks, Amazon, and provided to Completely Booked in Murrysville, PA where I periodically review arcs.

I received an ARC e-galley from NetGalley! I absolutely loved this page-turner from Taylor Jenkins Reid, even though I absolutely loathe tennis. Her characters and their development are what always keep me intrigued, and this novel is no exception. The development of Carrie throughout the book from a character you absolutely hate to one that you end up rooting for was remarkable. Like every novel that I have read from Taylor Jenkins Reid, this novel does not disappoint! It is wonderful!! #CarrieSotoIsBack

I give Carrie Soto Is Back 5 (THOUSAND) stars...I loved it!

I am a new Taylor Jenkins Reid convert. I fell in love with Evelyn Hugo about 4 months ago and have since read (and loved) nearly all of the TJR bibliography. I was THRILLED when I learned I was receiving the Carrie Soto ARC (like squealed in a restaurant and embarrassed my kid, thrilled). Not only was I not disappointed, this book exceeded my expectations!

Carrie Soto and the other characters in this book draw you in from page 1. The touching relationship between Carrie and her dad brought me to tears. In addition to the compelling characters and relationships in this book, there is also some really great tennis! I am an avid tennis fan, and the journey I took with Carrie, from junior tournaments all the way to her comeback at age 37, was something special!

This book definitely goes in the "couldn't put it down" category for me. Even non tennis fans, who appreciate reading a strong character driven novel, need to add Carrie Soto Is Back to their TBR. Look for this book at the end of August (just in time for the US Open!!).

Much appreciation to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

TJR’s best boom yet! And my favorite character. A book about tennis, strong AF women and fathers and daughters. A book I couldn’t put down. I’m grateful to publisher for ARC. Put this on your August TBR!

Five big stars for TJRs newest release! I actually think this may be my favorite by her and I've read them all!

What I loved:

-This story is really tennis heavy. Think King Richard (about the Williams sisters) but in a book. TJR does a spectacular job detailing an athletes rigorous training schedule and the drama and tension that stems from such a high-stakes game. I enjoyed that snippets where Carrie and her father discussed her strategy for each game. You will learn about all the different strokes and types of tennis courts and how versatile you have to be as a player to win tournaments. You definitely do not have to love tennis to love this book, but I do think it was definitely a perk.

-The way this book is outlined is perfect. In the beginning there are chapters that highlight Carrie Sotto's early career and provide the reader with a better understanding of who she is on and off the court, and then at 23% the story jumps five years ahead and dives into her comeback years. The chapter titles include details such as the date of the match, who Carrie is playing and what tournament she is in, making it really easy to follow along with and reading like her life memoir.

-Carrie's character development was some of the best I've seen. She started off as not one of the most likable characters- she is ruthless, driven and will do whatever it takes to win leaving her with more enemies than friends. However, as the story progresses, we get to watch her heart open up bit by bit and surround herself with people who love her.

-Carrie's relationship with her father was so tender and special. Javier turned out to be the coach any athlete would dream of and there was just so much unspoken love between the two of them.

-Carrie’s romantic relationship fit the story well. It did not take over the main story itself but had a nice charm that I was 100% routing for. Bowe was supportive, dedicated to helping Carrie train and improve her game, and was okay with being second best. He knew exactly what to do to support her emotionally.

-I love how this book emphasized the importance of resilience and showing what it takes to rise to the top. I do not want to give away any spoilers, but the lessons Carrie learned at the end of her career show us how much she's grown.

-I loved the suspense I felt as I was reading each chapter. I wanted Carrie to win SO badly and the way TJR wrote about each match, really felt as though there was an announcer in my head and I was sitting at the US Open. I felt the emotional hangover after finishing and am not ready to Les the characters go!!

There is probably so many more positive things I can say about this book once I let it sit for a little. But overall, this was hands-down a winner for me!!

This one comes out August 30th, just in time to read during the US Open! Many thanks toe Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Carrie Soto was a tennis phenom coached by her dad Javier. When she became a star, she left her dad for a professional coach. She set the record for most slams won and retired at age 31. Now, six years later, Nicki Chao is threatening to break Carrie’s record. Carrie decides to resurrect her career with Javier as her coach. Her goal is to win one of the major tournaments. I play tennis four to five times a week. Though I’m not playing at a high level, I feel Taylor Jenkins Reid has captured the stresses, both physical and emotional, of players in tough matches. Her descriptions of practices and skills-building are excellent. The major characters are all well-developed and believable. I loved this book and highly recommend it. I couldn’t put it down. It combined a sports story with a family story with a romance. It will be among my top books of 2022. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again! With Carrie Soto Is Back she once again has managed to immerse readers into the complex life of a woman thrust into a life fame. This time following tennis star Carrie Soto as she comes out of retirement to stage a comeback that no one thinks is possible. Going into this book I knew nothing about the game of tennis and by the end of it I found myself on the edge of my seat as each game unfolded. Taylor Jenkins Reid goes a great job of explaining the game and painting a picture so that even someone not familiar with the sport can follow along. Having briefly met Carrie Soto in Taylor Jenkins Reid's previous book, Malibu Rising, it was so refreshing to get to go deeper into this character and discover how and why she behaves the way she does. Carrie is one of those characters that on the surface you should hate because she is cold and uncaring and downright mean sometimes, but in reading from her perspective you find yourself rooting for her and loving those qualities about her. Very quickly I realized that she may be one of my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid characters to date. Carrie Soto Is Back also features a wonderful cast of supporting characters each with their own motivations and strong personalities - especially Carrie's dad/coach Javier Soto and Carrie's biggest competition Nicki Chan who both stole my heart instantly. The relationship between Carrie and her dad is one of my favorite parts of the whole book because it highlights the complexities of being a parent verses being a coach and the love and drama that comes along with that. At its heart, Carrie Soto Is Back is a story of perseverance and growing up and being unafraid to be bold even when everyone else tell you you are crazy. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to reread this book again once it is released in August!