Another great novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid about a strong woman. I devoured this in one day. Loved reading about Carrie and how she developed and grew as a tennis player as well as a person. Highly recommend.

Read this book about a powerhouse competitor with a savage heart that is willing to do everything to become the best! Carrie Soto is inspiring in her dedication and desire to become the best tennis player in the world. Right next to her is her father who knows just how much to push, motivate and teach her to build her up to BECOME!

I loved watching her passion for the game, her love for her father, and even perhaps the blindness she had about her life in general. I became Carrie, wanting her to achieve and take all the wins! I hurt when she hurt, I cried when she lost, I loved when she loved.

I loved the relationships in this book! Carrie is not overly emotional, but the few people she is close to we see a small weakness in her for those she loves. She gives her heart in the small ways that she can.

There were a few nods in here to Malibu Rising AND Daisy Jones and the Six which was so fun to incorporate into this story!

This was 100% about tennis, but weaved within these pages there are lessons to learn and seek out. Dare I say this is my favorite TJR book....? It's a close tie for me with Daisy Jones and the Six!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-copy of this book!

I literally just finished this book and I feel so emotional. I feel so happy I received an advance copy, I feel so sad that its over. I feel so emotional over….IT ALL!

TJR has such a way with words and storytelling. You almost forget your reading a book if not for the act of turning pages. You feel like you’re in your best friends living room, sipping wine, listening to them tell you a fascinating story of their life. Every time TJR releases something new, I think, this will be the one that I like, that is ok, but doesn’t live up to her hype. Every. Single. Time. She proves me wrong. I started reading TJR in 2015 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Booksta came along way after my love of TJR began and I felt oddly possessive, like I liked her first! then I heard other people’s takes and opinions and ideas about TJR and I fell even more in love with this platform - we all get different things out of every story we read and that is what reading is all about for me.

Carrie Soto is a damn force. She was a wrecking ball before Mylie. She ran the world before Beyoncé. You get where I’m going here. She was strong, fierce - in every sense of the word, petty, sarcastic-to-her-core, tough, sometimes harsh, but always out working everyone else. While reading this book, I kept a parallel of Carrie Soto to Kobe Bryant. She was the fictional, female tennis version to Kobe’s real, male basketball star. She outworked, out hustled, out smarted and would let herself be out coached to ensure her greatness. When that was called into question years after her retirement, she didn’t bitch about it. She came out of retirement and competed to win it back.

There were times I wanted to hug her, times I hated her, times I felt her pain and times I laughed at or even with her. The lessons, the growth, the stubbornness…it all was so magical. There isn’t enough space for a NetGalley review let alone on Instagram to truly convey my love of this book, but wow this was special. This goes down as my favorite of TJR of all time and Carrie reigns supreme as my favorite TJR heroine. Balk at me all you want, come back and lets chat about it after you’ve read this.

Game. Set & Match goes to TJR. This was one for the ages!
Thank you NetGalley and RandomHouse/Ballantine for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to fall in love with reading all over again!

Does anyone else get super nervous to read the newest book by your beloved author?

Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be more excited that we are blessed with a TJR book this year, but for some reason I worry.

But fear not.

I will admit, some hesitation came from the fact this centered around tennis- a sport I know little about… but I gotta say- I was on pins and needles for every game just holding my breath to see who would win.

I loved Carrie’s drive. Women are treated very differently in sports. Men throw fits watching their teams lose on TV, yet women athletes have to plaster a smile on their face and be friendly to everyone.

Carrie is a bad ass (all the women TJR write are) and I loved watching her grow throughout the novel.

Did it make me cry? OBVIOUSLY. TJR makes me cry every. single. time. And I never thought I’d get emotional about a tennis book, but HERE WE ARE!

Is it my favorite novel by her? No (what could ever beat Daisy Jones?!), but it is a fantastic read and a great book! I totally recommend this book to fans of tennis and people (like myself) who know nothing. This is about character and heart more than tennis.

*super special thanks to Ballantine Books for an eARC to review

Bravo to TJT! Carrie Soto is a strong, no holds bar, bitch on and off the tennis court and I just fell in love with her! She was the best player back in the 70s and 80s and then she retired. Not many liked her-fans, media and other players alike but she didn’t care. Carrie played to win and second place wasn’t good enough. Flash forward 10 years and she comes out of retirement. This is where the story really gets good. Carrie Soto Is Back is a must read!

Carrie Soto is Back! This was probably one of my most anticipated reads of this year so I was overjoyed to receive an advanced copy - many thanks to Random House / Ballantine - to review. I love Taylor Jenkins Reid's books and couldn't wait for the latest installment in the TJR Universe... the TJRU? I hope I made that up. #TJRU

We were introduced to Carrie Soto in Malibu Rising as the world-famous tennis pro "other woman", last seen telling Nina Riva's husband Brandon to "fuck right off".

Carrie Soto is Back is the story of Carrie’s rise to GOAT status under the wing of her charming and charismatic father / coach, Javier and her subsequent return to tennis in 1995 at the age of 37. One of the things I loved about this story is that it's a departure from the twisty romances of TRJU books prior and is about the relationship between Carrie and her father and the battle against herself. I really loved her devil may care attitude toward fame and public opinion.

I'm reading this and thinking like... wow I really love sports stories. I don't even like sports, but sports movies? 30 for 30? The Last Dance? Love it. I don't know anything about tennis either but, no need, for the first notes I took for this review were:

i feel like i'm learning
about tennis
how to play tennis
scoring
wow

I watched the Mardy Fish documentary on Netflix recently, which I really enjoyed, and it made Carrie's experience - her rise to greatness and publically percieved underdog status during her comeback (Carrie would never call herself an underdog - I don't think the word appears once in this novel) - seem very real. I should read Andre Agassi's autobiography too, come to think of it. Did you know he wore a wig?

Everyone is going to read this and I hope everyone loves it too; fans of TJR will enjoy some of the easter eggs referencing previous TJRU stories. I think it would make a great companion piece to Molly Shannon's autobiography Hello, Molly! - another outstanding father and daughter story. // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, available August 30th

4.5 ★

“Eres perfecta, incluso en tu imperfección.”

It's difficult to write a review of this book, but here we go... This book tell us about Carrie Soto's come back. Carrie decides to go back to play tennis since her record of twenty Grand Slam titles can be taken by another tennis player. At 37 years old, she comes out of retirement despite all the criticism from the industry and her peers.

To be honest, the book wasn't a roller coaster of emotions like other stories of the author. In here we learn how Carrie's career started as a tennis player, everything she had to sacrifice to become a legend until the moment where she decides to come back.

Like every TJR book, it also makes us see how misogynistic and sexist the sports industry can be since the main character has to fight for many things and one is the respect she has to gain as an athlete. Because what she does is "not okay" for a WTA player, but it's fine for a tennis player who competes in the ATP.

The plot itself is interesting, it talks a lot about tennis, but it gives you the adrenaline rush you feel every time you watch a match of your favorite athlete or team, it felt quite natural. In my opinion, this book may or may not be loved because, as I mentioned above, there's a lot of tennis, and it only focuses on that, on Carrie's relationship with the sport. Also, the book some times was predictable.

Let's talk about Carrie. She is a stubborn, egocentric and persevering character; however, she is seeing as a b*tch because of her bad attitude, and she doesn't change much throughout the book. What I liked most about the character was that she never gave up, and she was willing to sacrifice everything to achieve what she wanted. And some readers may find her a bit annoying. But I liked her, I want to be like her when I grow up.

On the other hand, there's also a crucial character in Carrie's career, and that's her father, Javier Soto, the "Jaguar", he's the one who teaches Carrie everything about tennis. I liked the character, every time I remember him I get emotional. I liked reading about him and the relationship he has with his daughter, it was beautiful, I wish I had a father like Javier Soto. Of course, I don't agree with some things he did, but I did like all the support and guidance he gave to his daughter. If I keep talking about him, I'll end up crying.

I enjoyed Carrie Soto Is Back, not at the level of Daisy Jones or Evelyn Hugo, but she still has a special place in my heart. Of course, it is a different story, it may be amazing or boring. As I said before, there's a lot of tennis, and that's what it's about, about Carrie's relationship with tennis.

LOVED this book so so much. I will be shocked if it's not in my top 5 of the whole year. Taylor Jenkins Reid has a talent like no others when it comes to weaving a story with the most believable characters. She makes the reader feel what the characters are feeling and engrosses the reader from the very first page. Highly highly recommend!
Thank you to net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by Taylor Jenkins Reid in exchange for my honest review.***

Once a young tennis phenom, Carrie Soto is on the verge of losing her record for the most wins in tennis history. Now thirty-seven and retired, she decides to make a comeback to reclaim her record. Standing in her way are younger, quicker players and her bum knee, but Carrie hasn’t let a little adversity stop her.

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. I’m not usually interested in historical fiction, but I LOVE a good sports book focusing on elite female athletes. CARRIE SOTO IS BACK has a lot of tennis including play by play of grand slam matches.

Carrie is an interesting character, unapologetically strong and confident, even cocky. She’s not a good sport and is unkind to her competitors. I still liked her though if this wasn’t a sports book, I might not have. Carrie grows within the story while still maintaining who she is at her core.

I don’t think CARRIE SOTO IS BACK will appeal to every reader, but I loved every minute of it. I had chills at the end, the sign of a great novel.

I didn't think I could love a Taylor Jenkins Reid character more than I love Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones, but I think Carrie Soto has them beat. I finished this one in just a couple sittings - it was pretty much impossible to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.

Wow! What a ride... Carrie Soto, the world's best tennis player of the early 80s, decides to make a comeback when a younger rival threatens to beat her Slam record. At the ripe old age of 37, Carrie must work her tail off to overcome her body's injuries, her mind's intrusive thoughts, and the media's backhanded compliments of her legacy. The Battle Axe becomes known as The Bitch when she refuses to give up, shows no mercy, and goes to war for her title.

I found this novel to be extremely fast-paced, very well written, and just a pleasure to read. It would go perfectly with a day at the pool or on the beach, and you'll be imagining yourself courtside watching Soto vs. the world's best players. I especially enjoyed trying to figure out which characters were based on more popular tennis greats. Were Venus and Serena turned into a character? What about Anna Kournikova? You'll have to read this one to find out.

Okay, let me introduce you to my new favorite read of 2022. I absolutely LOVED Carrie Soto is Back. I laughed, I cried, I dug out my old tennis skirts, and swiftly pulled a muscle because I’m still not an athlete.

Carrie Soto is back and she is officially my new favorite TJR character. She’s abrasive and stubborn and you can’t help but love her. She gave me a new appreciation for female athletes, especially those that paved the way for women today (although it’s evident we still have a very long way to go). Carrie stands up for herself and speaks her mind and I think one of my favorite quotes from the book sums her attitude up perfectly: “Why do I have to be nice when most of the men aren’t? Last year, Jeff Kerr called an umpire a ‘dogshit salad’ and he’s hawking underwear for Fruit of the Loom.”

The plot is very heavily focused on tennis, and rightfully so, considering Carrie Soto’s entire world revolves around the sport. I myself am a huge tennis fan, so I found reading about her training and matches exhilarating. Of course, TJR’s writing is phenomenal and it was almost as though I could smell the grass at Wimbledon and my heart was racing before every serve. I couldn’t get enough, but I expect some readers might find the sports-centered plot a bit much.

The characters in this book might be some of TJR’s best (at least in my opinion). I adored every single person and the father-daughter relationship made my heart melt. I was a bit apprehensive that this might be too much of a recap or crossover of Malibu Rising, but I was pleasantly surprised to find Nina Riva’s name is only mentioned once. I loved Malibu Rising, but I wanted Carrie’s story and by god I got it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book; all opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to be an early reader.

I was SO excited when I discovered a new book was coming from Taylor Jenkins Reid. Then, when I saw the title, I couldn't place Carrie Soto in my recollection for previous novels. It turns out that she was only a mention and a side character in "Malibu." But she becomes a full and memorable character quickly.

Carrie is a tennis phenom, thanks to her father Javier who was once a gifted tennis player himself but realizes his full potential as Carrie's coach after her mother dies young. They are a close father-daughter duo, but from the outside looking in, it's painful to see young Carrie singing for more of a connection to her mother and her softer side, denied by Javier. There is no shortage of love, but the end result is that Carrie hardens to most emotions that aren't about tennis and her drive to be the absolute best.

It is an entertaining read to go on this journey with Carrie. After the first third of the book, I felt a little dismay that so much of it was about tennis, but the second and third parts of the book develop her character fully and we are invested and immersed in her journey to the top....and beyond.

This book! I love TJR - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but I think this is my favorite of hers to date!! It is a story of courage, heart, gut, pushing yourself to your limit, finding what truly matters in life and who truly matter in life. The character portrayal was SO real and the plot SO captivating. It is tennis heavy - I know the sport but I wouldn't classify myself as an avid fan - but TJR tackles so much more than just the sport. I read it in a day because I had to know what happened and I still can't stop thinking about Carrie. If you're a fan of sports stories - Miracle. Remember the Titans, Bend it Like Beckham - you will love this.

Thank you NetGalley, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Random Publishing House for the eARC. I cannot wait to own a hard copy when it is released in August!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of Carrie Soto is back. This is my honest review.

This book was very hard to put down. I love watching tennis and I started getting anxious during Carrie’s matches! The characters were rich and the plot was beautifully written. Carrie is not the typical “likeable” main character, but I was rooting for her and became very invested in her fast. I also enjoyed the cameos to a couple of the author’s other novels. Five stars from me!

An early advanced reader by TJR!? Yes please! I dropped everything and tore through this in one sitting. The book follows Carrie Soto, from the 70s-90s, who we met in Malibu Rising. Carrie is a fierce tennis champion who is brought up with a love of the sport and the win. Her father is her coach and we follow the pair to her ascent. Along the way she is mostly seen by the media, men and the general public as someone to admire but not necessarily love. Is she feminine enough? Charming on the court? Does she court fans? No to all. Carrie retires and then (in the 90s) after a younger woman steals her winning streak she decides to attempt a comeback. Can she do it and what will she learn or lose along the way?

I am not a sports fan. At all. I don’t watch or play tennis. And there is A LOT of tennis in this book. But the pacing is great, the sheer love of game is there and it at times had me feeling like I did watching The Natural. Somehow TJR sucked me in and got me loving the journey and the game. She has a sure gift for sweeping you up in the story, and while at first you may be put off by Soto or even the amount of tennis you come to get her and root for her and the game itself..

I also found it a funny follow up to the last book I read, This Time Tomorrow, which also flashes back to the 90s and focuses on the father- daughter dynamic. I’d say the 90s references were more flushed out there but I really appreciated the daughter-dad bond and story in both.

I think this will be a great discussion book about how women are treated in the media, and in general in the working world, the push for excellence by parents, competitiveness, the price of excellence and more.

Other books I’d recommend if you liked this:
Trophy son
Andre Agassi’s memoir

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a great contemporary fiction that was really catchy and kept me entertained. I enjoyed this one!

I loved this “comeback” story of Carrie Soto from retirement into competitive tennis again. The matches, the training, the back and forth, the family relationships, the search for meaning in her life, and the realization that there is more to life than competitions and ratings…it all just blended together perfectly.

I really enjoyed Carrie’s internal and external struggles, and her ability to recognize and overcome her flaws and battles. The positive changes were inspiring.

Such a unique book with a great conclusion.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/30/22.

First half of book: 2 stars (quite boring, unless you love tennis)
Second half of book: 4 stars

Taylor Jenkins Reid usually excels at writing interesting characters. Carrie Soto is not interesting. She is one dimensional and unlikeable. I wasn’t rooting for her. Until i was - but it took until over 3/4’s of the way through for me to care about her.

This book was mostly boring had too much tennis and took too long to have heart and character development.

Overall, this is my least favorite of this Jenkins Reid’s books and i would recommend reading with caution and only to her existing fans.

TJR does no wrong ever, but Malibu Rising was my least favorite out of her Hollywood Series so I was a little hesitant. But I love Carrie Soto (the book and the character), I think TJR does a great job of showing a person who is morally grey at times and makes you root for them and love them because the person is just so much more realistic. I will say the closer the series comes to the current era, TJR loses some of her great atmospheric writing but the characterization is still amazing. Only complaint is that the tennis talk feels a little much at times, but this book is obviously about a tennis player so that may be my own issue.

This book was a fun treat! I loved it! It was a good reset after I read a heavier book. It kept me flipping pages well past my bedtime!!