Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again by creating an in-depth look at another female character in a totally new industy--we have Evelyn in Hollywood and her story, Daisy Jones in her music industry, Nina Riva in surfing, and now we have Carolina (Carrie) in her newest book. I love how when reading her book I really feel like I am feeling the emotions of the character and I am right there in the issues she is dealing with. I love how she intermixes other media in her book and in this case--it is sports interviews. This is a book about intensity, competition, growing older, family, coming to terms with ones limitations and making sure that you spend time to really enjoy the path to success and how you define that success. Highly recommend.

TJR does it yet again! I absolutely devoured this book in only 4 days. Since I did not like Carrie’s character in Malibu Rising, I went in completely blind with this book, trusting TJR to do her magic and boy did she deliver!

While this book is tennis heavy, it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow and was discussed just the right amount for me. As someone who doesn’t know anything about tennis, I actually loved getting to learn about it. So much that I now want to follow tennis, just so I can continue living in the world the book has woven for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Javier and Carrie as not only father and daughter but also as coach and mentee. Parents have such an everlasting impact on their children and can mold them in any which way, knowingly or unknowingly. I loved carrie’s determination and dedication to go after what she wanted, but I’m also glad her character evolved from being almost completely self-absorbed to becoming self-aware. Also, Bowie holds a special place in my heart.

My only critique is the amount of Spanish that was in the book without translation. It wasn’t the end of the world since I read it on my kindle but for someone who doesn’t speak Spanish, it will be challenging to translate sentences while reading a paper copy of the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.

When I first heard Carrie Soto would be the focus of TJR’s next book, I was disappointed because I wanted to hate Carrie Soto after her part in Malibu Rising (when really all along I should have hated that dodo Brandon). And that brings me to Carrie Soto is Back, which is likely the best book I will read this year. Carrie is a deeply flawed character, but I couldn’t help but cheer for her total domination on the court and desperately wanted her to find her happy despite all the cutting, mean remarks and lack of emotional awareness. I loved the relationship between Carrie and her father; the complexities of his taking on single parenthood AND being Carrie’s coach, because I saw a lot of my own dad in Javier. This book is a beautiful commentary on what it is to be a woman at the top of her game, who just doesn’t give a damn what anyone else thinks, but who also learns that it’s okay to change and to let people care for her, and to move through the seasons of life that we inevitably face. If this review isn’t terribly coherent, I apologize because I was writing it through my ugly cry face immediately after reading the last pages.

I love Taylor Jenkins Reid, but this book was a bit of a letdown for me. Carrie was not a likeable character for me. The tennis talk was too much and there was a lot of Spanish without translation. I found myself glossing over a lot of parts of the book mostly because I didn’t understand it (either tennis talk or Spanish). I didn’t want Carrie to succeed at her ego trip vanity tour and Bowe deserved better.

I did like the Daisy Jones and the Six mention! And the writing itself is generally enjoyable - TJR is talented, no doubt.

Anyone else want a book about Gwen? She was far more intriguing to me.

Incredible story, perhaps my new favorite by this author. The writing is simply spectacular! I absolutely loved the Carrie Soto story, and her mission to come out of retirement to reclaim her titles record. Impossible to put down, impossible to root against her… all the stars for Carrie Soto!

Taylor Jenkins Reid has cemented her place on my (short) list of favorite authors. I love that minor characters recur in her novels, and in Carrie Soto, Ms. Jenkins Reid has taken a character from Malibu Rising and told her story in the most remarkable fashion.

Carrie Soto is Back tells the story of Carrie Soto, who in Malibu Rising is Nina Riva's tennis player soon-to-be ex-husband's mistress, revealing Carrie's vulnerabilities, hopes and dreams and in the process bringing the reader into the world of professional tennis. When Carrie determines to stage a comeback and to reclaim her title as the greatest player and Grand Slam record holder, no one believes that at 37 years old and 5 years away from the game she will have the slightest chance.

The growth in Carrie's character, from a pretty self-absorbed, laser-focused and unsympathetic pro athlete into a self-aware woman who loves all aspects of the game and has opened her heart to humanity is a fascinating thrill-ride. I loved the play by play of the tennis matches, and the commentary by sports reporters which was interspersed throughout. I read the book through in one sitting, putting it down only because I needed to sleep!

The only critique is that readers may want to have a Spanish dictionary handy, as Carrie's coach/father frequently speaks Spanish to her, and the translation is not clear within the English text (although it is fairly easy to get the gist of his statements). I am also fairly familiar with the game of tennis, and thus found the fame descriptions easy to follow--it may be more difficult for someone not familiar with the game though it will not be problematic if they understand wins and losses.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Taylor Jenkins Reid for the opportunity to read an ARC of Carrie Soto Is Back. The opinions in this review are my own.

This book is such an enjoyable read. Truly a pleasure. I know virtually nothing about tennis but it didn’t matter. I think the set up and structure of the book is terrific and paces the story really well. The book also makes some subtle but strong points about being a woman and how women athletes are perceived. Carrie is a great character and while she may be seen as prickly and arrogant she’s simply focused and extremely talented. I was rooting for her all the way. The story’s outcome feels both unpredictable and inevitable. And the cover image is awesome!

I'm so sad....but I cannot bring myself to finish this. This book is so boring and WAY to descriptive about tennis. Also, why did TJR not include any descriptions of the Spanish used throughout the book? I speak Spanish so I could understand what was being said, but I would guess that other non-Spanish speaking readers might struggle with this. Carrie is also just a terrible human being and a completely one-dimensional character. Her dialogue and focus got so annoying. And finally, the dialogue throughout the book in general was just not good. Lack of contractions and completely unrealistic conversations. I'm so disappointed TJR!!!

Carrie Soto is back, and thus - the TJR-verse has expanded. Fans of TJR will love the nods to her previous works which she does (and has done) so masterfully.

Carrie Soto wants to come out of retirement to reclaim her title as the best in tennis. Knowing absolutely nothing about the sport myself, what I appreciated was the care and time taken to explain just enough where I didn’t feel lost, but not too much where I felt like I was reading a how-to manual. That being said - at the core of this book, as with ALL of TJR’s books - are the characters you fall in love with from the moment they’re introduced and the attention to detail she puts into crafting their relationships with one another (regardless of what book they’re in).

Carrie is a force to be reckoned with - and you can’t help but root for her. You want to see her succeed. You want to see her win. You want to see her get the guy. You want to see her have the comebeack she’s been boasting about. But will she?

Carrie Soto is my favorite of the women TJR has introduced us to. Unapologetic, competitive, and strong FMCs make it better for women in the wild.

I FINISHED THIS LAST NIGHT AND.. IT
WASN'T MY FAVORITE TJR. IT'S A LOT OF
TENNIS. BUT THE FATHER/DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP ASPECT WAS REALLY WELL FLESHED OUT AND I DEFINITELY HIGHLIGHTED A FEW LINES THAT PUNCHED ME IN THE GUT. ALSO ENJOY THIS WHOLE HOLLYWOOD UNIVERSE THAT TJR IS BUILDING. SOME OF THE CONVERSATION FELT VERY STILTED TO ME AND MAYBE THAT'S JUST BECAUSE I'M NOT USED TO A CHARACTER LIKE CARRIE. SOME OF THE LARGER THEMES ALSO FELT
RUSHED.

Another fabulous book from Taylor Jenkins Reid. So descriptive of life as a world class tennis athlete. I was completely sucked in. Carrie Soto was a minor character in Malibu Rising and I loved how she took that character and brought her to life.

It pains me to give a lack-luster review to a TJ Reid novel, but I really struggled with "Carrie Soto is Back", sigh... I enjoyed so many of TJR's works, and adored both "Evelyn" & "Malibu", so thought I would love yet another chapter in the M. Riva world, but sadly, I really, really struggled to get through this one, putting it aside for days at a time. I think primarily it was the over-whelming details of tennis, tennis, tennis - I really didn't need that much to enjoy the story - I got a lot out of that tennis movie about the Williams sisters without being bored to tears. And Carrie herself is just so very unlikeable that I found it hard to root for her at all. I also struggled with the Spanish convos & I even have a passing understanding of it. Of course, the writing itself is technically really good, even if it wasn't my taste, TJR is great about her characterizations & the 90's setting also appealed to me, along with the call-backs to previous works. I am still down for Ms. Reid's next! My sincere thanks to the publisher & Net Galley for the complimentary DRC, the exchange of which did not affect my review (obviously).

Carrie Soto watched her talented, widowed father coach tennis from the side of the court until she was old enough to hold a racket. Training daily, a champion was born. Ignoring the media that called her “the battle axe”, Carrie rose to the top and shattered records on her way before retiring from the sport. When Nicki Chan threatens to overtake her record of most Grand Slam titles, Carrie decides to come out of retirement at the age of 37 to break her own record.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again with this masterfully written book. I fell in love with each of the characters and was devastated when it ended, laughing, crying, and smiling along the entire way. This is a must read of 2022 and will have you signing up for tennis lessons and watching Wimbledon for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read and loved all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books and Carrie Soto is Back blew me away! TJR writes beautifully flawed, strong female characters! You want to forgive their weaknesses, cheer their successes and mourn their losses. Carrie Soto is such a wonderful role, I can’t wait to see who plays her in the movie! This is a perfect summertime read! You can feel the sunshine, smell the asphalt, clay or grass, and hear the thwack of the racket and the thump of the ball. And for Pete’s sake, Julia Whelan must be one of the narrators for the audible version! Now I must go and read this awesome book again! I wish I could give it more stars!

Carrie Soto is Back tells the comeback story of retired tennis champion and Malibu Rising cameo character Carrie Soto. Faced with giving up her hard-earned Grand Slam records, Carrie decides to come out of retirement and defend her titles with her dad by her side as Coach. Regardless of the level of your own dedication to tennis, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for every match, inspired by Carrie’s sheer determination. There’s a little bit of a love story, too, and if I had any criticism of this book it’s that I wish Carrie’s romantic relationship was explored even more! But like any Taylor Jenkins Reid book, I couldn’t put this one down! Carrie Soto is Back will be a great addition to your summer bookshelf.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of Carrie Soto is Back in exchange for an honest review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again! Yet another book by this author that I couldn't put down. I knew very little about tennis starting this book, but I came away with a new understanding of the game. The main character, Carrie, is very driven to make a comeback in the sport of tennis, often to the detriment of other aspects in her life. Does the name Carrie Soto sound familiar to you? Think "Malibu Rising".... Read this book, you won't be disappointed!

I came into this book fairly blind, but happy to receive an ARC as Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my auto read authors.

This book follows the career and comeback of Carrie Soto, one of the greatest tennis players in the world. I was completely immersed in the story and invested in what happened to Carrie.

Carrie was not always a likeable character, but she was always true to herself and determined to achieve her goals.

I found this book extremely satisfying. It dealt with issues such as accomplishment, aging, love, and purpose. I think this will be a highlight of this year’s reading. Highly recommend.

Carrie Soto is my new favorite TJR heroine! I truly care nothing about tennis, but this book immersed me in that world and made me love it. It helps that Carrie is a woman of a certain age… ahem, my age, and still gets out there and kicks ass. Of all the TJR books (and I love them all), this is the one I’m dying to see brought to life on the big screen. I want to watch Carrie dominate IRL. And hey, we’d still get a small glimpse of a few of our Malibu Rising faves.

Taylor Jenkins Reid (TJR) knocked it out of the park, again. That's the wrong sports metaphor so I suppose the equivalent for this novel would be...she hit a grand slam? Either way, it's a great read. For fans of Reid who have read Malibu Rising, the name Carrie Soto might be familiar. Soto makes an appearance in Malibu Rising briefly as the woman who had an affair with the main character, Nina Rivas's, husband. in this brief appearance, Soto was the albeit brief villain in Nina's story which makes her an unlikely choice for leading lady in her won novel. But Reid has done it and she has done it well. And by the end I guarantee any reader will has respect for fictional Carrie Soto, and the women she represents.

TJR tells a fast paced story of why Carrie might be rough around the edges and leads into her comeback into tennis after being retired for several years. As she has done with Malibu and Seven Husbands, she gives the reader a glimpse into the glitz of the rich and famous and the double edge sword that fame can be. Filled with lots of tennis action, a little romance, and a touching father daughter relationship, and a lot of girl power, TJR reminds the reader that the world just works differently for woman. The rough exterior is only part of who Carrie Soto is. Her comeback is not just about her tennis career, of course.

Would recommend widely to anyone who has enjoyed Reid's previous hits as well as readers interested in sports, biopics, or family relationships. Reid intersperses narrative with fun newspaper article clippings and newscaster scripting to immerse the reader in the time and energy of the plot. She explains Carrie, as she does her other main characters, in a way that lets the reader feel like they are getting to know her as you would any other friend.