This was AMAZING!!!! I usually take my time with ARC's so that I can fully soak them in, but I had a hard time slowing down my pace with this one. I was a bit nervous because I could honestly not care less about tennis and was worried that piece would bore me, but I was so invested in Carrie Soto as a character that I couldn't stop reading regardless of all the tennis talk.

Daisy Jones was amazing, the Riva Family was great but not quite on par with Daisy, but Carrie Soto....she is everything! It is no secret that TJR knows how to write people. I said it when I reviewed Malibu Rising and I think it is work repeating here, she has an AMAZING gift for making it hard to remember that these characters are fictional. They feel so real! And again, I felt like I could relate to some of what they go through.

Absolutely stunning! This has easily taken over as my favorite TJR book (I have yet to read Evelyn though).

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the master of creating flawed characters that will capture your heart. She did it with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, she did it with Daisy Jones & the Six, and she has done it yet again with Carrie Soto is Back.

When an injury forced her into retirement at the age of 32, Carrie Soto had cemented her reputation as the best female tennis player in the world. She had broken numerous records and had won an incredible 20 Grand Slam titles. Becoming that great of a player has come with a cost for Carrie though. Not only did she completely isolate herself from anyone she could have possibly formed a relationship with (friendship or romantic), but she was also cold and pretty arrogant when it came to speaking to the media and even to her opponents on the WTA tour, earning herself the nicknames “The Battle Axe” and “The B*tch.”

Tennis is everything to Carrie and so when, five years after her retirement, another player is threatening to beat her 20 Grand Slams, Carrie becomes obsessed with making a comeback to defend her record. She decides to come out of retirement for one season to play the Grand Slam tournaments, and she asks her beloved father, who had coached her for much of her career, to coach her one last time.

I’m a sucker for an underdog story anyway, but there’s just something even more special about a legendary player trying to make a comeback and rise from the bottom back to the top. What especially got me about this story is with the way Carrie behaves, so cold and arrogant at times, she should have been completely unlikeable as a protagonist. But instead of hating her, I just loved her all the more. There was just so much more to Carrie than what she showed the world, as well as a well hidden vulnerability, and it really surprised me how invested I became in watching her take this journey and watching TJR peel back the layers of Carrie’s personality and let us in.

The tennis matches we witness are all adrenaline rushes that made for riveting reading, but I also think readers will fall in love with this story whether they are tennis fans or not. While Carrie’s comeback in the world of professional tennis is obviously front and center, Carrie Soto is Back is about so much more than tennis. It’s a story about never giving up but also about accepting yourself as you are, and it’s also about love and the importance of letting people into your life. My favorite scenes in the book are the ones between Carrie and her father as they train. We get to see those both in the past when Carrie was first rising to the top, and then again through her comeback, and it’s clear they have a special bond. Those scenes were incredibly moving and I adored her dad because of all the good he tried to instill in her and how he always believed in her no matter what. I found myself tearing up a few times as he was talking to Carrie. She was his world and it showed in every word and action.

I devoured Carrie Soto is Back in less than a day, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a book and a protagonist that will stick with me for years to come.

I started reading Taylor Jenkins Reid when I picked up a copy of Daisy Jones and the six last year. I absolutely loved it, so I quickly started reading her blacklist. When I received an ARC of this book, I was thrilled. For the most part, I enjoyed this book and I grew to love Carrie Soto. I gave the book a 3 star overall for the excessive tennis talk (which I realize some would be there as this is a book about a tennis star), and all the Spanish dialogue without translation (as someone who speaks very little Spanish it was hard at times to understand what was happening). As usual the writing and character development were wonderful and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

This was my first book by TJR, but it will not be my last. Initially, I had trouble really investing in the book, mostly because of the tennis, which I'm not a fan of. However, the characters really won me over and I found myself rooting for just about all of them. I still had trouble with the tennis (mostly because I don't know the rules), but the background and the strength shown by Carrie Soto was absolutely beautiful, just like her tennis game.

TJR is a must-read author from me. This book grabs your interest from the start and follows a successful female tennis player who tries to return to her glory days after retirement. It is very tennis-heavy, more than I anticipated. That being said, I was rooting for Carrie along her journey and was always looking forward to seeing how the next chapter in her comeback would go. This story touches on sexism in sports and in the media. This is a solid read, but does not reach the level of my TJR faves-“Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” (the GOAT), “Daisy Jones & The Six”, and “Malibu Rising.” Quick and enjoyable story-3.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again. Daisy Jones, Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising were all in my top 10 reads of 2021 so I reread them all again this year in anticipation of reading Carrie Soto is Back! Everything she writes is incredible and this one is no exception.

Carrie Soto is Back tells the story of Soto's tennis career; her rise to fame, her retirement and her attempt at a comeback. TJR develops these characters in a way that makes me think I'd see them if I turned on ESPN and her description of Soto's tennis matches were easy to imagine even though I only have basic tennis knowledge. They were detailed enough for me to imagine it happening in real life, but they weren't bogged down by too many details. I was so impressed with TJR's writing yet again!

On top of tennis, readers will learn a lot about Soto's struggle to maintain relationships. She wasn't a very likeable character, yet I still found myself rooting for her and wishing her the best! I loved reading about Carrie and Javier's father/daughter relationship and how tennis strengthened and challenged their bond.

I couldn't be more thankful to have received an advanced copy of this book. I can't wait until it's out in the world on Tuesday so I can see all of the amazing reviews it's sure to receive!

5⭐️

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a master of pulling you into her world and making you believe that her characters are living, breathing people. Carrie Soto might be my favorite of all of her characters. She is ruthless and fights hard for what she wants. She wants to be the best and she is the best. She doesn’t care how people view her in the slightest and even leans into it when people start calling her the Battle Axe and a bitch.

Carrie Soto lost her mother when she was young and was raised by her father who coached her in tennis. Carrie becomes the best, and retires from tennis in her early 30s after settling countless records. Carrie is now 37 and comes out of retirement to defend her legacy from Nick Chan. Carrie’s father coaches her once again, and Carrie has to fall in love with tennis again in order to prove everyone wrong and make a major comeback. She must cope with losses, both on the court and in her personal life and ultimately becomes the best version of herself.

This book absolutely destroyed me. I was so invested in it from the very beginning. Carrie’s not perfect, and she can be unlikeable at times, but she does reflect on her actions and becomes a much better person than she was. Carrie’s relationship with her father is truly something special and is my absolute favorite aspect of this book. They’re so close and there is so much love between them, even when Carrie decides to get another coach or during their arguments. This is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best one yet.

“‘Go out there . . .’ He looks me directly in the eye with an intensity I have not seen in years, maybe even since I was a kid. ‘And show them that the Bitch, the Battle Axe—whatever they want to call you—it doesn’t matter. They cannot stop you. And they don’t get to decide what your name is. Carrie Soto is back.’”

If you’ve read author Taylor Jenkins Reid’s last book Malibu Rising, you’ve already met Carrie Soto, the best female tennis player in the world. In Carrie Soto Is Back, the star athlete has returned, and we get to learn all about her, including how she became such a successful player. When the book begins, it is 1994 and it has been a few years since Carrie has retired from tennis. She still holds the record for Grand Slam singles titles but perhaps not for long. Nicki Chan is now the top player and is threatening Carrie’s place in tennis history. At 37-years-old, Carrie comes out of retirement to protect her legacy. But has too much time passed? After extensive training, she decides to play the four 1995 Grand Slam events. With her father/coach by her side and Bowe Huntley, a 39-year-old player on the tour serving as her hitting partner, she sets out to do the unthinkable – win.

Carrie Soto Is Back was an engaging and satisfying read. While Carrie was not the nicest person, especially to her fellow players, it was impossible not to be interested in and even root for someone so talented, determined, and ambitious. Set within the world of professional tennis, Taylor Jenkins Reid has done a fine job creating lots of tension and excitement during each of Carrie’s matches. As someone who loves tennis, this book was well suited for me. If you have no interest in the sport, you can still appreciate the story. But it’s a real advantage if you understand the game. This favorite author has served up another winner.

How smart to release the book during the first week of the main draw of the US Open.

Rated 4.25 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy, I started it today and it reminded me that I don’t enjoy memoirs by athletes that largely talk about the nuts and bolts of training, Turns out I also don’t enjoy novels that real like memoirs by athletes that largely talk about the nuts and bolts of training,

DNF at 15%

When she retired, Carrie Soto was the greatest tennis player of all time. Six years after retirement, there is a new star on the rise, threatening to break the records Carrie set. Determined to stay the best, Carrie comes out of retirement for one final season to reclaim her record.

I never thought I would get excited about a book about tennis, but here I am, raving about a book about tennis. As always, Taylor Jenkins Reid is an incredible story teller, and in this story she does an incredible job sharing the price of success as well as writing the most beautiful (and painful at times) father-daughter relationship. Of TJR’s most recent 4 books featuring famous/successful women, I think Carrie is my favorite main character. She is strong and complex and relentless in her pursuit of her goals. I flew through this book and adored every page.

After reading this book, I had a chat with some friends about some of the conversations happening around this book that I also feel I need to acknowledge. Particularly that the main character is Argentenian-American and this book was written by a white author and whether or not this is ok. While I didn’t personally find this book or these characters problematic, I do acknowledge that many Latinx authors are not getting the opportunities and/or publicity that an author like TJR gets. This is definitely a huge problem in the publishing industry, and after reading an interview with TJR she acknowledges this (and her position of influence as well). In the interview, it doesn’t sit well with her to only write straight, white women and that she wants to use her position to tell many different stories. In the Time Magazine article she says, “I’m trying and figuring it out with the awareness that my intention to create good representation does not mean I have done it right. I come to it conflicted and open to criticism.” Personally, I’m still grappling with my thoughts on this and appreciated hearing many different perspectives in the chat I was in. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments as well.

Thank you Ballantine Books for the advance copy.

<i><b>"I always believe I can beat the best, achieve the best. I always see myself in the top position." - Serena Williams</b></i>

Carrie Soto was raised by her father after her mother's death. Tennis was her life's blood. She and her father practiced drills and she played her way to the top! She was known as the Battle Axe. She was tough and unstoppable. After a knee injury, Carrie thought she was done. But now she is back and ready to make a comeback. She is determined, hungry and a warrior. She knows they talk trash about her, she knows what they say, what she is called. But nothing is going to stop her from making a comeback!! With her father coaching her again, she is going to prove that she is the best there ever was!

I loved every single page of this book. I am not a big tennis fan, but I was a fan of Carrie and this book. I loved watching her play in this book. She was a fierce competitor. This book played like a movie in my mind while I was reading it. I loved her drive, her determination, and her spunk. Carrie says what she thinks, and I admired that about her. I loved how she was strong and was not afraid to show it. I rooted for her the entire way.


Another solid well written hit by Taylor Jenkins Reid! This is a great book for tennis fans. You will get Serena Williams vibes. This is also a great book about a strong inspiring woman. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a gifted writer and her talent shines through in this book!!

#CarrieSotoIsBack #NetGalley

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Carrie Soto is my second favorite TJR character (Evelyn Hugo is #1 so it's all good company). Soto is tough, messy, driven and I loved every moment of my time reading her story. Brava to TJR!

Carrie Soto is back and so is Taylor Jenkins Reid. Who knew that I would love a book about the 90’s tennis world as much as I did? That being said, I do feel like it would be irresponsible for me to mention that I feel like this story belonged to someone else - particularly someone of color. As a white woman, I am not qualified to speak on this and will be deferring to the opinions of my Hispanic and Lantinx peers. Overall, I thought the story was great but the question of authorship did plague me as I was reading.

***BOOK REVIEW***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Carrie Soto is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid


I really enjoyed Carrie Soto is Back. It’s a story about hard work and not giving up. And I liked how the love story element wasn’t the main thing taking place. I could have used less tennis but it worked.

I really loved Carrie Soto. Her I don’t give a shit attitude that reminds me of myself. Also, I think the best part of her is that no matter what if you work hard you can achieve anything, no matter your age.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for a copy of Carrie Soto is Back in exchange of an honest review

Thank you Taylor Jenkins Reid, Random House-Ballantine, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I'll be honest, Malibu Rising fell a little flat for me after how much I LOVED Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones. This one made up for it.

Carrie Soto is not likeable by any means but that's exactly how TJR intended her. She is ambitious, strong, driven, and competitive to a fault. She says what she thinks- none of the nice "well it could have been anyone's match" nonsense that she sees in her other female competitors. She's never afraid to state just how good she is. I loved the dynamic between Carrie and her Dad, who also at times serves as her coach and put her on this path.

4 stars!

I found this book to be both exciting and exhilarating. Carrie Soto is a tennis player who has loved the game since she was a child and has been playing ever since being coached by her father Javier. She literally has given her life up for tennis. She hurts her knee and retires being the greatest woman tennis player. Six years past and Nicki Chan breaks Carrie's grand slam record and Carrie makes a decision. She 37 years old and decides she has to get back on the court and claim her fame back. This story is captivating and so well written. Carrie is a character you love and hate at the same time. Just like the media who writes about her. This story has family relationships and love relationships. You keep reading because you are excited to see how this all plays out and the ending will not disappoint. I highly recommend.
Thanks to #netgalley,#ballantinebooks and @tjenkinsreid for an ARC of the great read.

This author’s books have been hit or miss for me. I enjoyed Evelyn but was lukewarm on Malibu and Daisy.

I know absolutely nothing about tennis, but I do know I absolutely loved this book and that it got me out of a reading rut!!

Carrie Soto, the founding woman of modern day tennis, now 37 years old and 8 years into her retirement, decides it’s time to come back to defend her record of most Slam titles.

This book. A freaking masterpiece. First things first, I have always loved a good sports movie (insert Miracle and Remember the Titans here). Now imagine every great, outstanding moment of a sports film - every feeling of loss and triumph and all the adrenaline rushes - and morph it into a novel. And walla - Carrie Soto is born.

I loved Carrie Soto. She was an unapologetic, hardworking, talented badass. I want to be Carrie Soto when I grow up! And her character development was so beautiful throughout the book. I cannot say enough how much I loved I fell in love with all the characters in this book - especially Carrie Soto.

And while this book does circulate around tennis and Carrie’s comeback, the plot gives you so much more than that. You are not only rooting for Carrie Soto on the court, but you also cheering for her to overcome her fears and losses off the court.

As somebody who came into this book knowing absolutely nothing about tennis, I can confidently say TJR did an absolutely fantastic job describing the sport in a way that anybody could read and enjoy.

While I have a few of TJR’s books left to read, I have a very good feeling that Carrie Soto will remain in my #1 spot. Thank you, TJR, for giving me Carrie Soto and a sports novel I never knew I needed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

With US Open approaching, Serena announcing her retirement, and Rafa aging like a fine wine, this book was timely. Play by play telling of the games gave me the same thrill that I feel watching the matches.

Don’t we love a determined woman? Us women, yes. Men? No. (Also there is a special place in hell for those women who don’t support each other 😡). Everyone was dissing Soto’s return to courts to defend her hard earned record. They called her names that made Elton John’s certain song a very fitting theme song. With her father on her side, she made up her mind. She was going to defend her records and go for another Slam win. After a rocky start and few events that shook her to her core, she remembered why she started playing in the first place: the sheer joy of playing the game…

I’m not sure if I liked this book because of the story itself or because of tennis. There were few cheesy things about it where I thought this must be to please romance lovers 😝😝 Also, you would find few nods to Jenkins Reid’s other works. If you are big fan of her, you’ll like this book too. I just like that she is dedicating her books to different eras.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 5 stars!

Carrie Soto is the best women's tennis player on record, smashing all records by winning twenty Grand Slams. But it came with sacrifice - she has no friends, on or off the court, and is know as the Battle Axe. Her father, Javier, was her coach from the age of 2 and taught her well - her entire world was tennis. But six years later, there's a new kid on the block - Nicki Chan - who has now tied Carrie's record and is set to beat it. At the age of 37, Carrie makes the decision to come out of retirement and reclaim her record.

Carrie is an interesting protagonist. She doesn't care what others think about her, she's brutally honest, won't let anyone close, and only cares about the win. But she's also determined, willing to put her body and mind on the line for what she wants. This book totally immerses you in the tennis world and I was happy to be a part of it. I loved the ending and the message both the author and Carrie's dad tried to instill - you don't have to prove anything to those you love and who love you. My only slight complaint is that there are a lot of Spanish sentences in here - if you are like me and want to know every word of dialogue, you'll be using the translation feature on your Kindle a lot! I love Jenkins Reid's books and highly recommend her latest!