I'm just going to come right out with it. This book was awful. The writing is bad. The editing is worse. There is no character development and the story is flat. Reading this book was a struggle and a disappointment after her other books. I would give it no stars if I could.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has become one of my favorite go to authors...I will read anything she writes. Carrie Soto is Back was another great book where you feel like you are living the characters life. I don't know much about the ins and outs of tennis but she writes it so you feel like you are actually part of the game and on the edge of your seat to see what happens. If you like any of TJRs previous books I definitely recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy!

Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers another masterpiece. Her writing style is so unique and refreshing that I know anything she writes will take me on a wonderful adventure. The way that every tennis match was described made me feel like I was actually watching a game. At one point I was holding my breath tensing up waiting to see who would get the point. AMAZING! I loved Carrie and her fierce attitude. She was not going to have anyone tell her what she could or couldn’t do. This book is a must read for 2022!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up.

This is a book about tennis, winning, personal growth and a father-daughter relationship. But most of all, it's really about tennis. I play tennis, I love tennis, so I enjoyed this book. If you aren't into tennis, then the constant tennis talk could pose a problem for some readers. The book really reads like a memoir and reminded me of Andre Agassi's, "Open." But, in typical TJR fashion, it is compulsively readable.

3.5 stars because while I really enjoyed this book, it lacked the deep emotional connection that I would have liked to feel. It said all the right things, but it didn't give all the feels.

Oof this one hit me right in the feels. The notes I have in my copy start pretty quickly with Carrie's father and mother talking over their baby. And I just said "I love how parents discuss babies with aspirations and grandeur while the babies just eat their hands".

Carrie Soto is a goddess among tennis players and she busted her ass to get there. In the usual Taylor Jenkins Reid way, it reads like watching a good movie, nothing overstaying its welcome. Each memory paced well and placed thoughtfully. I am still straight up astounded I read a book with a tennis theme in a day. There's a true bit of magic.

The commentary about fiery women being called names by the media was dead on the money. The men in the competition, I've run track, I remember those dudes. I wanted to throw a shot put right at them.

It's an absolute nail biter to read the comeback kid do her victory lap and I can't wait for everyone to read it.

"But that is far from the point. It is her right to have fun, to keep playing. To not help with dinner."
-Taylor Jenkins Reid, Carrie Soto is Back

Also, it lowkey sold me an imaginary pair of Adidas.

Carrie Soto is Back is on sale August 30th. Preorder your copy at your local bookseller!

My copy was sent by Ballantine and Netgalley, and didn't influence my review in any way

Full review to come later!

I never thought I’d care anything about a “sports-based book” but this really captured my attention!! I did feel like the “authentic touches” to date the book took me out of the story more than it helped (Aka mentions of princess Diana, Other celebrity events etc). But otherwise I was just really engrossed in Carries story and wanted the best for her the whole time!

I eagerly picked this up, having loved all of Reid’s previous books, and it did not disappoint! Carrie Soto was the world’s best tennis player, but Nicki Chan is poised to take her title. Soto comes out of retirement with the help of her coach/father. I’m not a tennis player, but I found myself itching to see how she performed in each match. Her character development is flawless. Great read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Carrie is an icon who loves fiercely, plays hard, and has a reputation as a bitch. But this story makes you love her fierce determination, large capacity to love, her unyielding competitive nature, and her need to be the best. It is a story of determination and refusal to settle for anything less than self perfection. It is also about love. Love for family, love for the game of tennis, romantic love, and self love. .Carrie is strong and confident and Is simultaneously admired and hated by tennis fans around the world.
I could not put this book down and wound up rooting hard for Carrie! The writing is fluid and characters are well defined and real! Taylor Jenkins Reid is a fabulous writer and it am a fan. I will read anything she writes with pleasure!

This book was unputdownable! All the Stars.

The Author never fails to write an unputdownable book. I think this could be the best yet!!!

Carrie Soto is Back by @tjenkinsreid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If it’s by Taylor Jenkins Reid, it’s an automatic read for me. I was beyond excited when the @netgalley approval email came through for this arc!! Put this book on your TBR for its August 30th release date.
The book title should be “Carrie Soto is a BAMF” because she’s a really bad a$$ character and I loved how much grit she had for the love of tennis and how she just lived her best life.
The book follows Carrie’s professional tennis career and goal at becoming the best tennis player. Set predominantly in the 90’s, Carrie’s coming of age story revolves around her sheer determination and steadfast support from her Dad (and coach) to propel her to that spot.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about tennis, but you don’t necessarily have to as the scores and strategy are simply spelled out. The book chronicles Carrie’s return to pro tennis after another pro tennis player is tempting to steal her record of most Slams. The obstacles she overcomes both mentally and physically are the crux of the storyline and it was really compelling to read about her journey. 🎾
I recommend this book for all TJR fans and it’s not to kids for the summer!

❓What are your rankings for TJR’s books?
Mine are: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones and the Six, One True Loves, Carrie Soto is Back, Malibu Rising

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookrecommendations #netgalley #carriesotoisback #taylorjenkinsreid

In true TJR fashion, I am gutted by fictional characters who don't exist and events that never happened. And, somehow, she got me to give a shit about tennis. How. Stunningly simple prose, rippling with tension practically the entire time ... reading this was watching like watching the ball rally over the net, back and forth, and being completely unable to blink.

Carrie Soto is my favorite kind of character to read about - the kind that lives in a gray space between hating them for their arrogance, hypocrisy, and general unkindness, and caring about them so much that you love them despite and because of these flaws. Carrie Soto is one thing on the outside but on the inside is something else completely.

I know nothing about tennis really , but now I feel as if I do. Make no mistake, this is a book that focuses on tennis, and what it means to compete in a sport at the highest level. In other words, not the kind of book that I would typically be drawn to. But this is Taylor Jenkins Reid, and by now I know that I’m in good hands when I pick up one of her books. I already can’t wait for whatever comes next from her. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In true TJR fashion, she had me hooked from the very first page! Definitely a different read for me! I’ve never been a tennis fan, but it was written so well that I never felt lost or confused.

Carrie was such a unique character, so focused on her career and being the best, which caused her to lacked in other aspects of her life and I really felt for her character with that. I loved how Carrie & her fathers relationship was showcased, And don’t even get me started on Bowe, he was my favorite & I needed more of him! 🫶🏼😍
Overall loved this story and the characters!

Thank you NetGalley, Taylor Jenkins Reid & Random House for the ARC!

✨CARRIE SOTO IS BACK ARC REVIEW✨

This story is not a romance but it is most definitely a story by @tjenkinsreid I always say her writing is like a breath of fresh air because it is! It’s so easy to read and she puts feelings and thoughts you’ve always had into words in a way you didn’t know was possible!

The story was quite heavy on the tennis but I never once felt that I didn’t like it. I loved learning about Carrie Soto and why she is the way that she is. Her and her dad were so fun and sad to watch at the same time, a beautiful relationship. And don’t get me started with Bowe 🫠

TJR writes these “bitch” heroines, but you see who they really are and that they don’t deserve that title - they are successful woman that fight for what they want with all their being and you grow to love and cheer for them the whole way thru!

Thank you to @tjr @netgalley @randomhouse for this ARC! I was so happy to receive it and thoroughly enjoyed the story.

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book, but I ended up loving it! It tells the story of powerhouse tennis player Carrie Soto (introduced in Malibu Rising) who is the best there is, but has to retire due to age/injury. However, she mounts a comeback in an attempt to beat her previous record, which was recently beat by player Nicki Chan. The story highlights her lifelong love of tennis & how hard she had to work to be the best, pushing herself even further than her father/coach. The book also shows the intermixing of their relationship and tennis, which was also his great love and how it forged their strong bond, especially after "spoiler alert" the death of her mother when she was young. Combine a story of tennis, a strong father/daughter bond, and a strong female Latina lead & you get one fabulous book, the perfect summer read!

Are you into sports? Tennis in particular?🎾

It’ll certainly help if you are…but not necessary. This book will appeal to anyone fond of reading about strong characters. The sacrifices it takes to crawl your way to the top – and stay there.

I am a huge sports fan, and do enjoy watching (and playing) tennis so this was a great fit for me. The fact that Serena Williams is my favorite tennis player helped, as this book felt as though it was loosely based on her life.

As a little girl Carrie Soto watched from the sidelines as her father played tennis. Once she was old enough to grip a racket, he had her on the courts. Quickly his focus turned from his dwindling career to the rise of his daughter’s. Knowing in his heart-she had what it took to be the best in the world.

But after countless injuries and years of endless matches, time caught up with Carrie. It was a stellar career, but she was begrudgingly forced to retire.

Now, with her records on the line and about to be broken, Carrie prepares for the biggest comeback in tennis history. Like so many former champions she’s driven to hold on to and extend her records.

As mentioned, I love Serena so I was naturally drawn to Carrie too. The incredible strength, dedication and focus to become a world champion. Every aspect of her life revolved around tennis.

Throughout this read, I felt like I was on tour with Carrie. The French Open, Wimbledon and the US open. Right there front and center for each of her matches, cheering Carrie on as loud as I could! Impossible to put this book down. I’d sneak in every chapter I could when I had any moment of downtime.

My only negative (and it's a small one) was that her father spoke to her primarily in Spanish with no translation offered. I tried using the translation option on my kindle but it became frustrating, slowing the tempo and flow of my reading, eventually I resorted to just skimming over the Spanish.

A buddy reading with Susanne.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest book Carrie Soto is Back is, as per usual, phenomenal. I read and loved Daisy Jones and the Six (I can’t wait for the movie!) and adored Malibu Rising as well, so it is safe to say I had high expectations for Carrie Soto. To say this book knocked them out of the park would be an understatement (sorry, I tried to think of a tennis pun for this but I fell short…haha). Long intro short, Carrie Soto is my new favorite TJR book and I have a feeling it’s going to blow up bestseller lists and For You pages shortly. I’ve had trouble in the past pinning down exactly what makes her books so special, but Carrie Soto spoke to me in a way few other books do, and my conclusion is the obvious time, effort, and research that goes into her works. Carrie Soto is a story about an incredible woman, in the past and present, as she deals with love and loss in her mid thirties. But, it’s also a story about tennis. I am guessing TJR wasn’t an elite tennis professional in the eighties and nineties, and yet readers feel like they are reading a biography of one of the greats. The level of detail is an essential piece of the deep immersion readers feel when they pick this book up. I highly recommend this book to anyone--it’ll make the perfect gift for all your friends and is sure to be one of the books of the summer. A very special thanks to Ballentine for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Carrie Soto is back! Wow. I just finished this new novel by TJR and am blown away. I don’t like sports novels, I know nothing about tennis, and I was less than excited when I found out that was what this book was about. But Taylor Jenkins Reid makes it clear that it doesn’t matter if her book is about a rock star, a movie actress or a tennis star— he style and characters shine through whatever the story line. I really enjoyed this story. It had me feeling deeply for the characters, holding my breath as the story unfolds and crying for their successes and their struggles—in a way that is so familiar with TJR’s style. I am so grateful to have experienced this book, however my only critique of this is that I don’t speak fluent Spanish— only a word here or there. There is more than a little banter between Carrie and Javier in Spanish. And while I could get the just of much of it, there were several times I could not and needing to translate these lines did detract some from the story for me. Still a great emotional read— Reid does it again! Thank you NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I was so excited to get an ARC of Carrie Soto. Much like her previous books, this book did not disappoint.

I have never been a huge fan of tennis, but TJR has me wanting to go watch Wimbledon in person! This book details the career of Carrie Soto, one of the greatest tennis players in the world, as she attempts to make a comeback in her thirties. Her relationship with her father (and coach), is mesmerizing. Her relationship with Bowe is one you root for, Her relationships with fellow tennis players, well, that is complicated by her "Battle Axe" demeanor.

This book has an ebb and flow of whether you are rooting for Carrie or are against her. It details what it takes to be great, and the sacrifices that come with being at an elite level in sports.

TJR has always had a way with words. She is a phenomenal storyteller. I hope everyone runs out and picks this book up when it's out because you will love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Copy!

Another fantastic read from TJR--even better than the last in my opinion! I could not put this book down. The story was so compelling, and so realistic! I learned a ton about tennis and can only imagine how much research went into writing this book. The MC was not supposed to be likable, and she technically wasn't, but I rooted for her all the same. While there is a romance, it does not take center stage, and really, this book is for anyone who loves an underdog story, a badass woman story, a redemption story, or a sports story.