I'm a huge TJR fan and she's hit a grand slam with Carrie Sotto. This book has everything we've come to love from TJR's work--memorable characters, pithy wisdom, and huge drama. It's just escapist fun from cover together--and yet you can't help but feel uplifted when it's over as if you've just had a fantastic therapy session. Highly recommend!

I loved this book so much, and it made me regain my interest in playing tennis. No joke, halfway through the book I bought a new tennis racket and ended up having a great time and relating even more to this book. However, that is not necessary to enjoy this book.
The story follows Carrie, a tennis player, from her childhood through her adulthood. A natural talent, she learns quickly and becomes a masterful player thanks to her father. However, people find her unlikable and she ends up being isolated for parts of her life because of it.
I really enjoyed the character development here, as the author ALWAYS does with her books, and it was tangentially related to her last book too - Malibu Rising. However, it stands completely on its own as a great and compelling book, and I will be truthful and say I totally cried at least twice in this book. Pick it up ASAP and you can thank me later!

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

RUN, don't walk to grab this book the SECOND it is available. I cannot even explain how much I loved this book. Carrie Soto has intrigued me since her minor role in Malibu Rising and her character arc in this novel is a GRAND SLAM. Carrie is everything I hope all women can aspire to be, someone who knows what she brings to the table and refuses to apologize for her greatness. Her relationship with her dad also reminded me so much of mine with my father it brought tears to my eyes. I loved every minute of this book and the fact that you can tell how much TJR loves this character by the way she is written in this novel.

5 star read for me!

Taylor Jenkins Reid has been capturing female fame across the latter decades of the 1900s in her past few books, and Carrie Soto is Back continues into the 90s, following retired tennis player Carrie Soto who comes out of retirement to reclaim her record of tournaments won. Reid holds up the standard she's held in her past three books, this being another fantastic installment.

Carrie joins the likes of Nina, Daisy, and Evelyn as one of the most compelling protagonists I've read from. Like her other protagonists, Reid has crafted a protagonist with such grit and flaws, and yet you still can't help but root for them. On top of this though, Carrie provides a new perspective to female fame that we haven't seen in Reid's novels before; in that Carrie is not very well liked by much of the media. For many, she isn't famous but infamous.

This book is also very easily digestible, just like all Reid's previous endeavors. I was able to move through it very quickly without it reading as underwritten. the plot follows a very clear structure of the four major tennis tournaments, but also never drifts into being repetitive. And of course, the classic Reid ending is still present in this book, finishing exactly in the right spot to not feel incomplete but also not overworked.

Overall, while this may not be my favorite of Reid's books, it still comes in as a heavy hitting entry in the Mick Riva universe and was definitely a favorite of this year.

Carrie Soto is back and we’re along for the ride! Taylor Jenkins Reid delves back into the world of Malibu Rising but this time focuses on legendary tennis star Carrie Soto

I’m a big fan of TJR, and this book was no exception. Carrie is such an interesting character and you cannot help but root for her throughout. I’m not a tennis fan at all, but the pacing and descriptions had my adrenaline pumping and speed reading to find out what happened next!

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy!

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a master storyteller and I have loved her writing ever since I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo a few years ago. I love the way she weaves these historical fiction stories and vividly brings her characters and their decades to life. I love historical fiction stories but get burnt out on war books sometimes, and TJR is always a great choice when I want something fun and different! Her books are auto buys for me and she has once again delivered a phenomenal story in her upcoming release Carrie Soto is Back.

One of my favorite things about TJR’s characters is that she writes complex and flawed characters. They’re not always likable but they do tend to be strong, and smart, and end up making readers root for them. Carrie Soto is probably one of the least likable of her characters so far and she’s routinely seen called the Ice Queen. Her father Javi, an immigrant from Argentina and famed tennis player, has always known Carrie would the greatest Tennis player to live. She’s spent her life living up to this ideal but in 1993 she’s 37 years old and her records are being threatened. As Nicki Chan slowly chips away at Carrie’s records, Carrie knows she has to return to the game to keep herself as number 1. As Carrie works to get back in peak playing shape, she’ll need to determine who she is and what it means to be the best.

I loved this book. I loved our characters, especially Bowe and Javi. I loved the challenge Carrie takes on in the book. I love the cameos from Daisy Jones and the Six and Malibu Rising, and most of all I love that the writing is so vivid it made me feel as if I was sitting in the stands. I like sports, to begin with, but my knowledge of tennis is pretty low. TJR does a great job of laying the basics of the sport out for readers and made me want to pick up my old racket again.

This will be the perfect end-of-summer read and I can promise you are going to want to binge this one. Dare I say that Carrie Soto almost dethroned my Evelyn as my favorite TJR book??

Ranking of TJR books I’ve read:

Tie – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo & Carrie Soto is Back
Malibu Rising
Daisy Jones and the Six


Carrie Soto is Back comes out August 30, 2022! Huge thank you to Ballantine Books and Random House Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.

This book is about relationships. Carrie Soto is the main character. The book followers her tennis career with her Dad/coach, other competitors and lack of friends. This book told what it was like to be a professional athlete. Especially after she achieved greatness, she decides to return to the court after five years in retirement. The story goes through what it takes to be an athlete but I felt it lacking into who Carrie was. The book goes step by step how Carrie makes a come back and especially with the relationship of her coach father. I have enjoyed other books by this author.

"Falling in love is really quite simple...You want to know the secret? It's the same thing we are do all doing about life every single day...Forget there's an ending."

Carrie Soto- a decorated tennis player is back after retirement to defend her record. Is she up for it?

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Carrie- she is strong willed, determined, and not afraid to let everyone know how talented she is. Her confidence is thrilling. I was a little hesitant about this storyline because it is so tennis centered but TJR writes in a way that feels like we are literally on the sidelines watching each match. 

Although this was heavy on the tennis, the relationships that Carrie had really brought this story to life. I loved her relationship with her father. His love for tennis was passed down to her and they share so much together. They were truly a team, and he brought out the best in her. I also loved her friendship with Bowe. I loved that their professional relationship flourished into so much more. He was one of my favorite characters and brought out the softer side of Carrie. 

TJR never disappoints. She has a way of storytelling that is rare and beautiful.

Do not miss this one! It comes out 9/30!

This is the 4th book I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I am always immediately entranced by her writing, constantly wanting more. When I heard this new book was focused on Carrie Soto (the unlikeable character from Malibu Rising), I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book, unlike the past 3 of TJR's novels, is very sports heavy - but don't let that sway you. Carrie Soto - a former (and unlikeable by many) tennis pro is setting out to defend her record against newcomer Nikki Chan. And although I yearn for stories and character about glamour and Hollywood, this one was much different. Carrie Soto may be my favorite main character of TJR's yet. I laughed, I cried, I learned so much more about what it takes to be a professional athlete and how it can really weigh on someone. I can't wait for the rest for the world to get their hands on this book.

Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Man, I love TJR!!! Daisy Jones and the Six, Evelyn Hugo, Malibu Rising, After I do….but unfortunately, this one is my least favorite.
Carrie Sotto has grown up with a tennis racket in her hand. She’s played her whole life, mostly in part to her father, former professional tennis star. In her prime, Carrie is unstoppable…the very best that exists, winning matches and tournaments all around the world. An injury forced her into early retirement and time goes by without Carrie playing. Now her records are being challenged and newbies are hot for beating her out. Carrie has only one option, get back in the game and prove she’s still got what it takes to be the best!
While I really liked Carrie and was rooting for her throughout the entire book, the book was mainly just about tennis.
Train. Compete. Win. Repeat
Train. Compete. Win. Repeat
Train. Compete. Win. Repeat
To me it became redundant after a while, and I have zero knowledge on the game of tennis, so it became uninteresting to me at times. Ironically, I read this right as Wimbledon was going on. I learned a lot about tennis by reading the book, and it was interning to see it play out as I was watching highlights.
Not my favorite TJR book, but certainly not my last.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can't remember the last time I read a book that this was this intense. I was absolutely captivated from start to finish.

Carrie Soto is difficult to like. She doesn't pander to the crowds. She isn't kind. She's abrasive and unapologetic. She's cocky and brash. She's also filled with doubt and insecurity. Carrie has built herself up to God-like status, but she's also incredibly human. I started out not liking her, and by the end of the book, I loved her.

Taylor Jenkins Reid created magic with this book. I do not know how she did it, but every time she wrote about one of the tennis matches, I felt like I was there. I rode the highs and the lows of the wins and losses. I was silently rooting for Carrie in my head, and sometimes, I would quietly set aside the book to take a breather. I physically needed a moment to gather myself before I could plunge back in.

The characters in this book are so well-crafted. I love Javier, Bowe, Nicki and Gwen. I love that they are so charming in their imperfections and that they are so supportive of a woman who is so difficult to care for. To love and admire someone who is so prickly and spiny because it's easier to be that way than be squishy and vulnerable.

"Carrie Soto is Back" is going to be one of those books that sticks with me. So, thank you Netgalley for this ARC. I greatly appreciate it, so here's an honest review for you.

Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong.

I was ecstatic to receive this arc as I just can’t wait to get my hands on anything TJR writes. Carrie Soto is Back was *chefs kiss.*

Carrie Soto was the worlds best womens tennis player in the 80s. It’s now the 90s and she’s considered “middle age” and retired. But her record has been threatened by Nicki Chan. Soto is so competitive she can not let this rest. Tennis is her entire life and personality. She decides to make a comeback to defend her record.

She trains with her father, who is also her coach, and quite possibly the most adorable human ever. Readers follow her training journey and what that’s like as a 36/37 year old as well as how she develops as a person. Tennis and winning is all she knows. She not friendly to the media or competitions and has quite a reputation for that. Soto is unapologetically herself. It was so refreshing to read about a character who doesn’t really care what people think and says what’s on her mind. (Again- TJK worked her magic in creating Carrie.)

I don’t know a thing about tennis and loved this book. I honestly don’t know how TJK does that. I hope this will one day be a movie because this book was wonderful. I loved the way we read from each character’s perspective but also the news and sportscasters reports. Carrie Soto was such a badass. She was so determined. She also had to learn that there’s life beyond tennis. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Another perfect book! BRAVO, TJK!

I literally worship the ground that TJR walks on, but the sports thing isn’t for me. I also wasn’t as drawn to Carrie Soto as a character as I have been with other characters from this author in the past. But this is still an enjoyable read and made me smile a ton!

I didn’t know I could become SO interested in tennis! I loved getting the full Carrie Soto story. It was beautiful.

I flew through this book. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened with Carrie Soto’s return to tennis after retirement. The extent of my knowledge about tennis is the little I can remember from middle school. However, TJR made it so easy to follow along and understand what was going on during Carrie’s practices and matches. If you’ve read her books about Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones and Nina Riva, you’ll be very happy with this story! And the ending was perfect.

Thanks netgalley. I have read every book from TJR. This one although wasn't my favorite was still a good story. I am not big on sports but was able to be a bit fascinated by the way she was competitive.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has always had an effortless way of crafting complex characters, and Carrie Soto is no different. Although Carrie falls into the “unlikable female character” trope, it’s easy to root for a woman with this much drive. I don’t know a thing about tennis but it didn’t matter, because the beating heart of this book is Carrie’s relationship with her father, Javier. It’s refreshing to read a story where a woman’s father believes in her and helps her achieve her goals. Carrie’s rivalry with Nicki was fun and unique too.


<i>Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an e-arc for an unbiased review.</i>

I guess this wasn't for me. I've really enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid's other books like Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising, so I was excited to dive into the life of Carrie Soto who we saw briefly in Malibu Rising and definitely left her mark. My biggest issue with the book however was Carrie's one-track mind about tennis. Everything was about tennis to the point where I never felt really invested in Carrie as a person. The book jumps from match to match and in between matches, there's just more talk about tennis and training. I really wish I could have loved this but it just fell flat for me. I will of course be reading anything else by TJR in the future since her other books have left an impact on me as a reader.

I was really intrigued by Carrie Soto's fairly small cameo in Malibu Rising so I was excited to see her get a book of her own. I don't know anything about tennis, and I don't have any particularly strong feelings about the sport, so I was a bit apprehensive, but I really enjoyed this. There is definitely a lot of tennis. Like, *a lot*. But even not always understanding the technical side of things, I was still immersed in the plot and characters - this is really just Carrie's book, and I liked the fact that we were with her basically the whole time, seeing basically everything from her perspective, rather than jumping back and forth between different points of view. Carrie is not a sympathetic or lovable or even really all that likable character, but she's super compelling, and I thought the shifting time frames in the narrative were really effective here. Like with Malibu Rising, I think it's hard to explain what makes this so good. With that one, "it's a book about some siblings throwing a party" doesn't come close to doing it justice, and with this one, "it's a book about a tennis player who wants to be the best" has the same effect. I can't wait to see what Taylor Jenkins Reid writes next.

Many people are calling this TJR's comeback, but to me she was never gone!

Beloved author Taylor Jenkins Reid is back (haha) with a new strong woman to love and hate- Carrie Soto. Carrie was the world's best pro tennis player in the 80's. She retired due to injury, but her life has been empty without competitive tennis. When a rival aims to overtake her record, Carrie decides to come out of retirement and wants to be back on top. However, she is older, her personality has not exactly won her friends, and her take no prisoners attitude is a turnoff to the media and much of the public. Can she find a more genuine side and take the courts again?

Carrie was a great character- you love her, you hate her, you'll root for her, and you'll want to sit her down for a Come to Jesus talk. But you won't forget her or this book. Way to go, TJR, for making me care about tennis (I don't; at all) and keeping me as a big fan. I also loved the father/daughter relationship. This is the pairing I wanted some other recent father/daughter stories to be.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.