I absolutely loved this one! I was completely immersed in this story. Carrie Soto retired from tennis at the top of her game and years later, comes out of retirement to take back her title. The unconventional writing style, the flaws/vulnerability of her characters, and the subtle connection that you build with each of them, this is why I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. One last thought, I loved Bowe and Javier…that is all. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for this e-ARC for my honest review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Carrie Soto Strikes Back" is a triumphant and enthralling sports novel that will leave readers cheering. With its fiercely determined protagonist, gripping plot, and poignant exploration of sacrifice and redemption, this book shines as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Reid masterfully captures the complexity of Carrie's character. As a fierce and relentless competitor, Carrie is unapologetically ambitious, determined to win at any cost. Yet, beneath her tough exterior lies a vulnerability and a deep longing for validation. The author skillfully navigates Carrie's journey, delving into her past, her sacrifices, and her tumultuous relationship with her father, who served as her coach. Through Carrie, Reid explores the price of greatness, the sacrifices made in pursuit of one's dreams, and the toll it takes on personal relationships.

Reid's writing style is captivating, with vivid descriptions that bring the world of professional tennis to life. The matches are depicted with such intensity and detail that readers can almost feel the adrenaline pumping through their veins. Moreover, Reid seamlessly weaves in themes of identity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, elevating the story beyond a simple sports narrative.

"Carrie Soto Strikes Back" is a deeply resonant tale of redemption, reminding us that success is not always measured by trophies and records. It explores the complexities of human ambition, the sacrifices required to achieve greatness, and the profound impact of second chances. Reid's masterful storytelling and empathetic portrayal of Carrie's journey make this book an absolute winner.

Taylor Jenkins Reid once again proves her prowess as a storyteller, delivering a five-star novel that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. This book serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of greatness is not without its costs, but it's the resilience and determination of the human spirit that truly defines a champion.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Carrie Soto is BACK. I love everything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes.

If you are interested in a female-driven comeback story- and you loved Reid’s other novels- this is for you!

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

Gah!!! TJR is becoming a fast favorite and I didn't think I could love anything more than Daisy Jones & The Six, but this was just as good! Such a good character, such a bada**!! Can't wait to read more from her!

I have read all of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books and unfortunately, this is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, in typical TJR fashion, the writing is phenomenal. I just could not keep up with the tennis talk. It kept me from really grasping the storyline until towards the end. Overall, I loved Carrie's bada** attitude and the relationship she had with her father.

My favorite TJR yet. Pulls together all the energy of the past 3 heroines and ends the series with rapid honesty, excitement, and talent.

Wow this book is a lot of detailed descriptions of tennis and it is not for me. DNF at page 63. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the free ebook to review. I tried starting this around when it came out and it didn’t work and I thought maybe just bad timing. I tried again now and am calling that it just isn’t for me.

Possible spoilers ahead. I also just really really don’t like Carrie. I can sometimes stay on the ride with unlikable characters but that plus allllllll the tennis talk is too much for me. Right from the very start when Carrie had to decide to go back to tennis because someone was beating her records from years ago I thought - but why? Do you need to keep the record of most wins forever??? Someone had it before you and someone will have it after you. Let go. And know what? This is probably why I’m not the GOAT of anything. Because that doesn’t matter to me. And was a good sign this book wasn’t for me. I still love TJR though and am excited for whatever she writes next.

I don't know why I couldn't get into this. I've loved her other novels. Somehow the plot just didn't do it for me.

Having recently finished the previously published “Carrie Soto is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books!

I know little to nothing about tennis and hoped this book would help educate me, as well as entertain me. Carrie was written as a self-absorbed and flawed character, determined to succeed in her chosen sport, but her drive left little to nothing in what I quickly envisioned to be her tiny, yellow, tennis ball shaped-heart. I would have enjoyed reading about her comeback, if I had liked her more before her fall.
But then, toward the very end of this story, a little black notebook and the love of a father warmed my heart, and seemed to bring back "the joy of smashing a ball" that had been missing from Carrie’s heart during her career. I still don't know what all these tennis terms mean, but reading "Carrie Soto is Back" was at times a "perfectly executed" and entertaining story.

“I do not know how to play tennis without my full heart.”

This book brought back my love for all things tennis - watching a tournament losing track of time was just what I did once I started reading. Carrie Soto returns to tournament play after retiring six years prior to regain her position of the most Grand Slam wins when another player catches up to her. I loved everything about her competitive spirit, the relationship she has with her father / coach and Bowe, a romantic interest. Another strong driven woman who knows what she wants and goes after it.

I absolutely loved this book and I'm not quite sure why it took me so long to read this novel!! Before reading Carrie Soto I read TJR previous novel, Malibu Rising and the character of Carrie Soto was perceived as very egotistical and bratty. I think since I already had this character in my mind- the idea of reading a story devoted to this character I was on the fence about. However, of course, I was totally wrong! Carrie Soto is a brilliant come-back story that depicts how you aren't too old to follow your dreams. I look forward to more historical fiction novels by this author, since I 100% believe this is where TJR excels.

I have to start off by saying I am not usually a fan of sports books. However, I am a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid. So I gave this a chance. I am so glad I did. As always this author's books hook me in and I can't put them down. This was really good but not as good to me as Malibu Rising and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I did really enjoy the character Carrie. She is such a strong, fierce, competitive, and stubborn character. Even if sports books aren;t your thing, give this a chance.
*thank you to netgalley for an arc.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again with this fast-paced book. I am not a fan of tennis, but even if you know nothing about the sport or don't like sports at all, you should read this book. It is about overcoming our greatest obstacles, even if that obstacle is ourselves. I finished it in 1 sitting and you won't want to put it down until the last ball is served.

The fourth book in this universe, Carrie Soto Is Back, introduces the reader to a strong protagonist figuring out who she is and where she is headed. The book starts out as a tennis primer, with Carrie preparing for a comeback as the world’s best player. With the many tennis references, it seems the first half of the book is more about lessons and strategy than a story.

However, there is a shift about halfway through, and the plot becomes much more relationship oriented, and in my opinion, much more interesting. Whether Carrie is bantering with her father, a love interest, or an opponent, the dialogue is strong and the writing is compelling, leading to a satisfying and appropriate ending. Though I preferred Reid’s first book in the series, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I can also see why this installment is so popular.

I received a copy of the book through NetGalley and have written an objective review.

I heard from so many other influencers how wonderful this book was. Being about tennis and a comeback, I thought it would be a great story. I was not totally wowed by it--it was good but i didn't think it was fabulous. This was my first read from this author, but I will read other books she puts out. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher
for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you know nothing about tennis, and don't want to pick this book up because you think that's all it will be about... get yourself back on the court, pick up your racket and rally again. Taylor knows how to capture your attention no matter what the subject is, and that is because of her ability to write REAL characters. I absolutely adored the way she wrote Carrie. Everyone knows someone with Carrie like qualities. I will absolutely be praising this book every single summer when I see someone playing tennis. I loved it, and reading it made me feel like I was racing to win a game.

I enjoyed reading this book and learned more about tennis and the professional tour than I ever thought I would. I am always excited when I see a new Taylor Jenkins Reid book, so I couldn't wait to read this one. While it wasn't my favorite by the author, I did enjoy it.

Truly easy to see why TJR wanted to spend more time with this character - this is a satisfying indulgence of a read, and it's wonderful to see the movement through Carrie's life.

Listen, I love sports fiction. I am a huge fan of it, in fact, and I always love reading about sports I know less about, so I was very excited when I found out Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new book was a book about a tennis player, since I know next to nothing about it.
So, believe me when I tell you that this was too much about the sport, even for me. There was almost nothing aside from tennis matches and tennis rules, and it became very boring very quickly, because I could have watched a real match instead, if that’s what I wanted.
The worst part is that I actually liked Carrie as a main character, in spite of her being unlikeable. She was strong, she knew what she wanted, and yes, she may have been a bit rude, but in some cases you have to be, if you want to be taken seriously as a player.
I also liked her dad and their relationship, and I honesly wish the book had focussed more on that. The romance subplot was totally unnecessary and a waste of pages that could have been devoted to exploring her character and her dynamics with her dad a lot more.
The writing style was nice as usual, even if the book dragged a lot, seeing as there were entire chapters revolving around games, as I have told you. My favourite bits were the radio, newspaper and TV extracts. I am always down for some mixed medias in books.
Overall, this was the worst Taylor Jenkins Reid’s book out of the four I’ve read, and I am beginning to wonder if I should keep reading them. I have given The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo five stars, Daisy Jones & The Six four, Malibu Rising three and this one two. If the trend keeps going, I am bound to give her next release one, I don’t think I’m ready.
I don’t know if she will write anything else in this universe, but if she does I’ll have to pick it up. If it’s completely unrelated, I think I might skip it, to avoid the disaster.
Anyways, I honestly would not recommend reading Carrie Soto Is Back, unless you are specifically looking for a book about tennis. If you are not a fan of sports fiction or sports in general to begin with, this is going to be so tedious for you, so I’d recommend skipping it. If you are willing to endure endless tennis talk for the sake of TJR and universe continuity, I’ll say that at least this is going to be a quick read. If you find the audiobook, even better.

I cannot believe I am typing these words, but I DNF'd this Taylor Jenkins Reid book.

I am a die-hard TJR fan. I am completely obsessed with every book she's ever written... ... ...except this one. Why? I'm not sure exactly. But I do know that it did NOT pull me in at all. AT. ALL. And, I have to say, when this book came out, it did not get a lot of hype outside of the fact that TJR had put out a new book, and that she was writing a Latina woman as a white woman...which is a no-no.

*sigh* I was so excited about a new Taylor Jenkins Reid book and I hate that I was so let down. Will I continue to read and praise her other books, OF COURSE! One book isn't going to put me off of one of the top writers of this generation.