Love Taylor Jenkins Reid so much!! This is just another great one. I loved the tennis setting as well. I found it so interesting to read about Carrie Soto. I cannot wait till this comes out

I can tell this book was researched, but the research was often misapplied, and a lot of the tennis jokes will go over people's heads. A historical fiction book should make the reader want to research the topic more because the book has made it interesting, not make them need to research the topic just to understand a bit of irrelevant text as was the case here. Carrie Soto is unlikeable the entire time. I didn't like that she's supposed to be this great feminist, but the entire reason she's coming out of retirement is to prevent another woman from breaking her record (and then she doesn't even win in the end). The conversations about marginalized communities fell flat as they felt shoved in. Speaking of conversations, large portions of the book were in Spanish, which I wouldn't mind if any kind of translation or general gist were also provided, but that wasn't present, leaving the reader in the dark.

We first met Carrie Soto in Malibu Rising, as the tennis star who has an affair with Nina's husband. I was really intrigued when I saw there was going to be a whole book about her!

Carrie Soto was a phenom. She retired from tennis at 31 after becoming the best in the world. But now a new tennis star is about to smash her record, and Carrie decides to un-retire and defend her record. But can she do it? She's now 37, and the world isn't sure.

I really enjoyed this book. I played tennis when I was young, so I understood the tennis references, and found it an interesting part of the story. Carrie grew on me over the course of the book--she's not a totally likeable character, but she does seem to grow up and realize that there is more to life than tennis.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I was excited to get an advanced reader copy of Taylor Jenkins Reid's newest novel and it did not disappoint. Being a tennis fan, I found this book to be fast-paced, exciting, and easy to follow. Carrie Soto is a strong female character that is resilient in the face of pressure. The book flashes back to Carrie's childhood and tennis career, setting the stage for the final match. The father daughter relationship adds depth and shows Soto's humanness.

While I enjoyed some of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books more than this one, it was well written. I'm not a huge tennis fan so that part of the story didn't hold my interest. And I don't speak Spanish so it was hard understanding at times when words were not translated. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

At 37 years old, after a 5 year hiatus, tennis star Carrie Soto comes back and tries to win one more grand slam event. Can a fiercely competitive athlete like Carrie ever accept loss and be happy? Will she listen to her loving father and coach Javier, and her supportive hitting partner and love interest Bowe? Tennis fans will love this book, but the play-by-play accounts of her matches might not hold the interest of other readers. Also, Javier frequently uses Spanish, and not all of it is translated.

I really liked this book… 4.5 stars. It was a tiny bit hard to get into with all the tennis terms (I know nothing about tennis) but the author did a great job of explaining a lot. I loved the growth of the characters, the descriptions of the matches, and the commentary in between. The ending was perfect, tho I definitely wouldn’t have said no to another chapter. My only concern was the amount of Spanish in the book - I understood because my mother speaks to me in Spanish but I wondered if others would find it frustrating? Maybe not tho, it’s not that much… tho it’s nice to know what’s being said.

On another note, so far I have loved everything Taylor Jenkins Reid has written and I love how she ties characters in between books together. So nicely done.

TJR does it again! Wow. First of all - I’m blessed that NetGalley allowed me the privilege of receiving this ARC. The book gods had my back with this one! Secondly - this book encompasses everything I love about TJR; a strong female main character, a little bit of love, and a plot that makes you race to the last page.

I’m not going to lie - I’m not a huge fan of Carrie Soto, but I respect her. She’s brash with no filter. She’s confident and she doesn’t hide it. I hate that she is like that… but I also understand why she is that way. Honestly, you gotta respect someone who knows who the hell they are.

I love TJR’s casual mention of Daisy Jones & the Six, reminding us that all of these characters exist in the same universe (I love that universe). I would love to know TJR’s writing process - did she know Carrie was going to have her own book when she wrote Malibu Rising? I have so many questions!

Now that I’ve finished reading this book, I have to go make tennis my entire personality. BRB.

When Carrie Soto retired from tennis six years ago, she was the best player the world had ever seen, shattering every record imaginable. Now a hotshot new tennis star is threatening to break Carrie's legacy. At 37, Carrie attempts to come back for one more epic season to defend her title, even if defying all the odds means she has to train with a man from her past.

If you've read Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto is that tennis player, but you don't need to read Malibu Rising to enjoy the book. I love that Reid gives crossovers hinting at her other books in such a way that it's fun for fans, but doesn't preclude you from reading the book independently. 

I absolutely loved Carrie Soto is Back. I started it half an hour before my bedtime and literally did not put it down until I had finished it. Taylor Jenkins Reid shines with her brilliant writing and complex characters. You do, however, need to at least enjoy tennis, because much of the suspense comes from the actual tennis matches.

I discovered my love for Taylor Jenkins Reid's titles a bit later than everyone else, with the first book I read by her Malibu Rising. I was HOOKED after and quickly read Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo. I pretty much jumped out of my skin when I was approved for Carrie Soto Is Back.

The story follows professional tennis player Carrie Soto, once the best in the world, as she tries to make a comeback at the age of 37. I will say this upfront, Carrie is a very unlikeable character, however, being around the same age she is in the book, I can respect the determination and grit it takes to do what she does. Not that I've ever been a professional athlete, but even in my day-to-day trying to get back to working out, I can relate.

While I enjoyed the story and the triumphs and defeats, I didn't love it as much as her previous titles. I found it a bit slower than her previous one and had a harder time getting through it. And it's not because I don't love sports; I do. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't love it as much; perhaps it's simply because I wasn't a fan of Carrie.

Having said all of that, it's still a fantastic book. It's a powerful story with a wonderful ending. And despite my feelings for Carrie, I was still cheering her on the whole book.

4/5 stars

Thank you Ballantine Books, Random House, and NetGallley for the gifted eARC!

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK is truly one of the best books I have read this year. Taylor Jenkins Reid has already stole our heart with her previous female leads; Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones, and Nina Riva. I was so excited to see more of Carrie after getting a small glimpse of her in MALIBU RISING. Soto is one of the most unapologetic and strong characters that I have ever read in a novel. Her voice and thoughts are so authentic and they spoke deep to my soul. This book in its entirety was a complete marvel. From the fast-paced matches, to the emotional depth weaved throughout--this is one I could not put down. Reid has truly established herself as such a powerhouse in the Women's Fiction genre. I am very much impatiently waiting to see what her brilliant mind will come up with next!

The talent of this author blows me away. Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones, The Riva siblings, she creates characters that feel so real. Carrie Soto was no exception. After Malibu Rising, I had no desire to ever hear the name Carrie Soto again but am so glad I did. I enjoyed Carrie’s book even more than Malibu Rising.

Carrie Soto, one of the greatest tennis players with a reputation of being a a bitch. Because a strong willed, determine to succeed female who cannot show emotion or be considered weak is automatically a bitch, right? Although, Carrie does not help herself, let me tell you. She definitely gives off vibes, makes selfish decisions and will do anything to succeed. But also, she is sensitive and emotional and has worked so hard to succeed you cannot help but cheer for her.

I am not a tennis fan but this book made me excited about each match.

My favorite parts of the books were the relationships:

-The father/coach daughter relationship was so well done and fraught with drama which seemed entirely realistic.

-Carrie’s relationship with former lover/current training partner Bowie was really interesting. Both trying to prove they still have what it takes. Both trying to explore the connection they have with eachother when they don’t make it easy.

-Carrie’s relationship with the other competitors including Nicki Chan was one of my favorite parts of the book.

No one does complex characters like her. And Carrie now has a special place in my heart!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest feedback.

Carrie Soto may sound familiar to you as you met her briefly in Malibu Rising. Carrie has an affair with Nina Riva’s tennis star husband, Brandon Randall (fyi this isn’t a spoiler)!

Carrie Soto Is Back explores the world of tennis, ageism, family, and vulnerability. Overall, I loved this one and it deserves all the stars! I adored the relationship that Carrie has with her father/coach, Javier. I loved that TJR shows the up and downs in their relationship along with overcoming difficult situations. To some readers, Carrie may come off as a cold-hearted bitch, but given that she’s under the public’s eye and every move she makes is scrutinized, it doesn’t surprise me she is the way she is. What I love the most is that we get to see Carrie’s character grow and change throughout the story. I liked how it’s mostly told through Carrie’s perspective, but there is also tidbits of sportscaster commentary and articles to break it out. One aspect of the novel I loved the most was the fact that TJR touched upon how society views women aging. There were so many incredible quotes I ended up tabbing. Highly recommend picking this one up if you’re a TJR fan!

Carrie Soto is Back reminds me of growing pains and being a young girl growing into a woman. Another wonderful story. In Taylor's writing, it is always assuring to see how her women are as logical as they are emotional. Although, this seems relatively easy to accomplish it is how she beautifully weaves it into their core traits.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC.

4.5 stars. I will preface this with saying that I would read pretty much ANYTHING TJR puts out. So - maybe I'm a fangirl but I'm okay with it.

Carrie Soto Is Back is a novel about family, love, tennis, and the price of fame.

The novel opens in 1994 when former tennis star Carrie Soto witnesses her record of 20 Grand Slam titles shattered. She comes out of retirement at age 37 and makes an arduous journey back to the court to prove that she is the best female tennis player in the world. We learn about Carrie's rise to the top and then it comes back to the present time where she grapples with her true reason for playing the game, being successful and all that goes with it.

I literally know nothing about tennis, nor do I care about tennis even a little. As much as this novel is about tennis, it is also not. The heart and soul of this book is Carrie's relationship with her father Javier, as well as what her rise to the top and singular focus on tennis did to the *rest* of her life.

Carrie isn't a likeable character, but I came to love her (and Javier, Bowe and Gwen and even Nina!!)

I absolutely devoured this book. Also - I love how TJR takes a "minor" character (in this case from Malibu Rising) and creates a new story, but also gives nods to a few of her previous books. It makes them all connected without feeling like a series. I love it. Brilliant!

Carrie Soto is Back is TJR's latest historical/contemporary fiction novel. It follows tennis professional Carrie Soto, who is coming out of retirement after ~5 years to try to win back her record of most Slam titles after tennis pro, Nikki Chan, tied her record. What follows is a beautiful story with themes of breaking down walls and letting people in _____________________________.

TJR is easily one of my favorite authors, so I was very excited and had high hopes when I received an early review copy. I was nervous I was overhyping myself, but fortunately that is never a concern with TJR. This book blew me away and is definitely up there as one of my favorite of her books.

What I loved:

- TJR has this capability of creating such nuanced and dynamic characters. That base starting point, coupled with the development her characters go through throughout the book, make her books feel so realistic and like these are actual people. She is a master class at character development and it never ceases to impress me.

- While that point above is talking about TJR's skills in general, in this book in particular, I loved the character of Carrie Soto, which is impressive because Carrie is a flawed character. She is someone where a number of times throughout the book, I did not like her. Carrie is single-minded and guarded, independent and abrasive. She says and does what she wants to and doesn't care who she offends or what names the media may call her in the process. She is crazy ambitious and cutthroat in the pursuit of her goals. She's a character that made me feel so many different things for/toward her: pride, disappointment, empathy, compassion, anger. I feel like I could go on and on, but it always comes down to the fact that TJR writes well-rounded, powerhouse female characters and it is always so refreshing to see!

- The relationship between Carrie and her dad was a high point. I loved it so much! Their relationship was exactly as a parent-child relationship should be. Carrie, as mentioned, is guarded and can be a difficult person to reach, but her dad was so loving and supportive and was the perfect side character to balance her out. TJR is a master of showing, not telling. And the depiction of this father-daughter relationship was the perfect example of that. We saw their relationship from when Carrie was a young girl and it really helped the reader see and understand how Carrie grew into the woman she was.

- Bowe. Another great addition to the cast of characters and another great balance for Carrie!

What I didn't love:

- Nothing. It was beautifully done.

Ultimately, there was so much to love about this book, but as in all TJR books, I feel the things to gush about and that truly set her books above others is the characters she creates and the development they go through. I will read anything and everything she writes and I look forward to seeing whatever she may do next! This was an easy five star read for me!

Enthralling. I hate to fly and this book got me through a very long flight. Carrie Soto is Back is a woman's fiction about a very dedicated tennis champion. I don't know much about tennis and this book did a great job keeping me interested in a sport I don't know. In fact I was glued to my kindle. Great characters, especially Carrie. She's tough as nails and not someone you would typically like but the author manages to make her likable while still keeping her true to her character. Her relationship with her father, to me, was the heart and soul of this book.

***Advanced copy obtained from Random House via Netgalley***

My absolute stand-out favorite in what’s slowly becoming referred to as Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Mick Riva Universe”

Conceptually and structurally - this book is beautiful. Are there other tennis books out there like this? Not that I’m aware of — it was original and entertaining. The way TJR shaped the parts and chapters around the Opens and each of Carrie’s matches within them made me feel like I was glued to the tv watching it all unfold.

I certainly recommend brushing up on the basics of tennis before you read this — it makes the match chapters much more tangible — but I think you would enjoy it regardless.

I understand that Carrie is written to be the “unlikeable” female MC that grows on you. I didn’t find her as such. I liked her from the start. There is a quote in this book regarding exception women constantly having to make room for mediocre men, and it touches on so much of how I feel about Carrie — why should she ever have to shrink herself for others’ comfort? She shouldn’t. I loved every second of her being unapologetic for her talent and work ethic.

Anyways, I don’t want to spoil any of the pure bliss of a reading experience that this book was, so I’ll leave you at that.

Carrie Soto is Back is a shining example of what Taylor Jenkins Reid is best at. This fantastic novel about a female tennis player who is a force to be reckoned with, is filled with great character dynamics, struggles, and incredible women dominating the sport of tennis.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC. I truly loved it! #Netgalley #TaylorJenkinsReid #CarrieSotoisBack

Taylor Jenkins Reid's new book " Carrie Soto is Back" is a great read. Set in the world of professional tennis you need not like tennis to enjoy this novel. This book is a page-turner and I appreciate how the author lets her protagonist have flaws and that she doesn't go for the easy answers. Carrie, her father, and Bowe are all distinct characters--each flawed and so human and interesting.

I've been on a reading binge at the beach and this book is one that I enjoyed above the others. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.