• Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • audiobook
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
  • Series Orders
    • The Complete Guide To Kristen Ashley
  • What to Read after Fifty
  • About~Privacy
    • Advertising
    • Contact ~ Review Requests
    • Terms and Conditions. Privacy Policy.
    • Archive
  • Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog

Romance Book and Audiobook Reviews and Deals

  • Ana's Attic Book Blog
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • 5+++++++ Stars
    • 5 stars
    • 4-5 stars
      • 4 stars
      • 4.25 Stars
      • 4.5 stars
      • 4.75 Stars
    • 3-4 stars
    • Audiobooks
      • Audiobook 5+++ Stars
      • Audiobook 5 stars
      • Audiobook 4.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.5 Stars
      • Audiobook 4.25 Stars
      • Audiobook 4 stars
      • Audiobook 3.75 Stars
      • Audiobook 3.5 stars
      • Audiobook 3 stars
      • Audiobooks Under 3 stars
  • New-Sale-Free-Preorder
    • Monthly Release Recaps
  • Favorite Lists
    • 2021 Top Picks
    • 2020 Top Picks
    • 2019 Top Picks
    • 2018 Top Picks
    • 2017 Top Picks
    • 2016 Top Picks
    • 2015 Top Picks
    • 2014 Top Picks
    • 2013 Top Picks
    • 2012 Top Picks
    • Top Picks and Favorite Lists
    • Recaps and Best Sellers
  • Book Extras
  • Upcoming Book Releases

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Audiobook Review

09/09/2022

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez and a Full Cast

Standalone with some crossovers from other TJR Novels

I usually wait at least a week to review a book to see how it settles and how memorable it is, but I just need to tell everyone about Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We met Carrie Soto briefly in Malibu Rising, but it is not necessary to read that first. There are some mentions of Daisy Jones and the Six as well as a crossover mention from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but they do not play into this story at all.

This book is about tennis. I am not a tennis player, nor am I a tennis fan (though this book might have changed that), and I tend to not pick up sports romances unless they are by a favorite author. Carrie Soto is Back is literally ALL about tennis, with play-by-plays of the game. There is some romance, and there is a strong family story, but the tennis was what made it unputdownable, even for a non-tennis, non-sports fan like me.

“Every match you play, you are one match closer to becoming the greatest tennis player the world has ever seen. You were not born that person. You were born to become that person.”

Carrie Soto was born to play tennis. Her dad was a big player in Argentina before moving to America where he lost his wife when Carrie was young. I absolutely LOVED Javier and his love for tennis and his daughter. Growing up, they were single-minded in her tennis training. She was brought up being told she will be the greatest tennis player in the world, and she and her dad worked her whole life to make that true.

“Good is the enemy of great.”

Carrie was known as “The Bitch” or “The Battle-ax”, and I think this was written so well, because although she was these things, we were in her head so much, we know that she just never really learned to have social skills. Her whole life was tennis-focused without a mom or even friends.

“No matter how good I was on the court, I was never good enough for the public. It wasn’t enough to play nearly perfect tennis. I had to do that and also be charming. And that charm had to appear effortless.”

Carrie retired holding several records, but 6 years later, when her record of most Slam wins is threatened, she decides to come back to hold onto that record. She’s 37 and there are 18-year-olds playing. The game has changed since she played—shots are harder and faster, and her knees have sustained a lot of damage. Can she do it with Javier’s help?

“I am afraid of losing. I am afraid of how it will look to the world. I’m afraid of this match being the last match my father ever sees me play. I am afraid of ending this all on a loss. I am afraid of so much.”

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Taylor Jenkins Reid somehow made me root for this unlikeable woman who I kind of loved at the same time.

Carrie Soto is Back was very different than other TJR books—it’s kind of crazy how she changes the writing styles and story devices for every book. This was a very straightforward, first person story and it kept me up all night.

Likes:

  • I loved Javier and his use of Spanish. I liked how TJR didn’t feel the need to translate everything he said because we were able to infer it from everything else.
  • How I somehow fell in love with this unlovable woman.
  • The diversity of the characters.
  • The tennis matches! I have never had any interest in tennis and I was riveted. If you like tennis this will be amazing for you!
  • I loved how the news reports and sportscasters showed us her public persona.
  • Showcased misogyny and racial inequality, especially in the 90s.
  • How hooked I got!

Things I Would Have Liked More:

  • I would have liked to know a little more of how she spent the “retirement” years before the comeback.
  • I would have liked a reaction from her old coach to her comeback (or did I miss that?).

Reviewer Note:

The author is white writing a Latina woman. Carrie also had a Black manager and an Asian rival. While I loved the diverse characters, I mention this because I know that some people will not like that.

The Narration:

OHMYGOD. The narration was FANTASTIC. Stacy Gonzalez was definitely a part of why I loved this book so much. You would totally think it’s a duet because her Javier was so good that I was able to picture him. All of the different sportscasts with intro music done by all different voices including some tennis greats just added to the already phenomenal listen. I highly recommend listening to this one. In this case I don’t think I would have loved it nearly as much reading it over listening, because the listen was such a big part of the experience.

The Down & Dirty:

I’ve never written a review so fast. This all poured out of me because I am still blown away by the fact that this non-tennis fan loved this all-tennis book so much. This was a great way to round out “The Famous Four” (Daisy Jones, Evelyn Hugo, Nina Riva from Malibu Rising & Carrie Soto), and though nothing can beat Daisy Jones for me, Carrie Soto comes close. I loved that Carrie Soto is Back tackled so many issues women in sports face, especially women of color. This powerful story really illustrated the costs of greatness, and the sacrifices one needs to make in order to make it to the top. Carrie Soto is Back is a book I shouldn’t have loved: I don’t like sports and I insist on loving the heroine. But I grew to love her and the tennis kept me on the edge of my seat.

Carrie Soto is Back is for sure going on my 2022 Favorites list.

Rating: 5 Stars, No Heat, 5+++ Narration

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Though not technically a series, these books all cross over to each other in small ways. You don’t have to read them in order, but Evelyn’s 3rd husband crosses over into all of them as well as some other characters. (Evidence of the Affair is a short story with a quick mention.)

See My Review for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
See My Review For Evidence of the Affair 
See My Review for Daisy Jones and the Six
See My Review for Malibu Rising

The Famous Four: How Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books Interconnect


Related posts:

  • September 2023 reviews and Releases RecapSeptember 2023 reviews and Releases Recap
  • The Protector by Susan Stoker | Audiobook ReviewThe Protector by Susan Stoker | Audiobook Review
  • First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones | Audiobook ReviewFirst Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones | Audiobook Review
  • Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer | Audiobook ReviewKissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer | Audiobook Review
  • Off The Grid by K. Bromberg | Book ReviewOff The Grid by K. Bromberg | Book Review
«
»

5 stars, Audiobook 5 stars, Featured, Reviews, Stacy Gonzalez, Taylor Jenkins Reid 0

Follow Me Here!

Join our Facebook Group

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stalk Me – I Like It

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay up to date on my blog!

Welcome! Over 18 please

Ana's Attic

Ana’s Attic Book and Audiobook Blog was established in 2012.

Search this site:

search by category

.
Disclosure: Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Many of the books reviewed on Ana's Attic were provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. We never accept payment in any form for reviews or recommendations. For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.
DMCA.com Protection Status

reading next:

Next Review:

reading:

Listening:

Visit These pages:

Visit These pages:

Founding Member

Passionflix

#officialfifty

#officialfifty

New single out now!

Affiliate:

Ana's Attic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Privacy Policy

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

The only time I collect e-mails is when you sign up for the newsletter or if you register This information is NEVER shared, and is only used to deliver your email to you.

Ana’s Attic does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.

You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings.

We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission.

This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on May 24, 2018. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly here: ana@anasattic.com

Please note:

This blog is meant for adults 18+ only. All opinions are my own and custom images are copyright protected. I never accept payment for reviews. All books reviewed are either purchased by me or provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Prices reflected are valid at the time of post only. You are responsible for checking the correct price before completing the purchase.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Contest Winners: Contest Winners have 48 hours from my e-mail to get back to me or another winner is chosen. Flash Giveaway winners on Facebook are responsible for checking back to see if they are a winner. Mailed prizes are US only unless otherwise stated. I only pick rafflecopter winners once per month, all at once.

Instagram

anasatticblog

📖Romance Book &
🎧Audiobook Reviews since 2012
📚New Releases
💰Sale|Freebie Lists
📆 @startingon_monday
🏖Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog
September is over but you an still find all the Se September is over but you an still find all the September releases as well as a recap of all my reviews at https://anasattic.com/september-2023-recap/ and check out the new October list for tons of new deals!
—
#bookreleases #septemberbooks #septemberrecap #readingrecap #booksales #newbooks #audiobookrelease #booksbooksbooks #romancebooks
Part 1 of my September Reading Recap includes #boo Part 1 of my September Reading Recap includes #books from @authorrklilley @kristenashleybooks @kbromberg @jeanmeltzer and more. You can see my reap and all of my reviews at anasattic.com
—
#bookreviews #audiobooks #audiobookreview #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #septemberreads #recommendedreading #romancereader #romancebooks #bookblog
LAST CHANCE to grab a ton of great book sales and LAST CHANCE to grab a ton of great book sales and freebies! Hundreds of these sales end at the end of the month, so check out the top post at anasattic.com to see all the latest sales and freebies before they’re gone!
—
#booksales #kindle #bookstagram #bookdeals #freebooks #kindlebooks #booksonsale #bookhoarder #bookhoarders #fillyourkindle #booksbooksbooks #booklover #romancebooks #romancereader
The Protector by @authorsusanstoker was so easy to The Protector by @authorsusanstoker was so easy to get sucked right into. It’s a little cheesy and formulaic but that didn’t stop me from gobbling it up like addictive candy. Despite insta-love, 3rd person, corny lines and predictability, I still could not stop listening and loving it, almost like a guilty pleasure. I have already downloaded the next in the series, The Royal, and I can tell you I will be grabbing the rest of the series as they release. I’m HOOKED.

BONUS: Both the book and the audiobook are in Kindle Unlimited!

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/3PyZEPP
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/469Z5mF
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/the-protector-susan-stoker/
—
—
#bookreview #bookstagram #audiobookreview #audiobookstagram #honestbookreview #addictivebooks #romanticsuspensebook #kindleunlimited #kindleunlimitedaudiobooks #recommendedreading #bookrecs #militaryromancebooks #romancereader #bookblogger #bookaholic #romancenovels
My in depth reviews always explain the reason for My in depth reviews always explain the reason for my ratings without spoilers. They also have my likes and dislikes and a brief down and dirty review. I am very honest, even if I don’t like a book from an author I’m friendly with. I review every book I finish and try to keep it as positive as possible. There are nice(ish) ways to say you hate a book! I do not accept money for positive reviews, but I do offer advertising that does not influence my ratings. 

These were my September reviews but I may sneak in another 1-2 tonight. Check them all out at anasattic.com
—
—
#bookreviews #audiobookreviews #bookblog #bookblogger #bookbloggersofinstagram #honestbookreviews #septemberbooks #booklover #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #romancebooks #romancebookrecommendations
Anonymous Mom Posts by @jenifergoldinwrites may be Anonymous Mom Posts by @jenifergoldinwrites may be one of my favorite books of 2023. It’s so unique and fun! It’s about a local Facebook moms group and focuses on 6 different women in the neighborhood. Each chapter starts with a post and comments, and I thought it was a fun and unique read!

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/45bmW4D
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/anonymous-mom-posts/
—
—
#bookreview #bookstagram #womensfiction #momcomedy #momlit #recommendedreading #bookrecs #diversebooks #favoritebooks #bookrecommendations #readthisbook #funbooks #jewishrepresentation #momswhoread #suburbanmomlife #jenifergoldin
I wholeheartedly enjoyed Kissing Kosher by Jean Me I wholeheartedly enjoyed Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer and would recommend it to anyone Jewish or wanting to learn about being Jewish. I would recommend it for anyone with chronic pain as well. Though there were a few issues I can pick at (see my review for details) I very much enjoyed the listen, and I think it may be my favorite of Jean Meltzer’s three releases. 

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/3PCLMnL
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3PCLNrP
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/kissing-kosher/

#audiobookreview #bookrecs #audiobookrecs #audiobookstagram #romancebooks #bookstagram #jewishbookstagram #jewishfiction #jewishromance #bookreview #chronicpain #jewishromcom #diverseromance #spoonie #pelvicpain #ownvoicesbooks
When I saw the entire series of The Runaways by @d When I saw the entire series of The Runaways by @devneyperry was available for just one credit, I couldn’t click fast enough! I loved Runaway Road and I can’t wait to listen to the rest!
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/runaway-road-devney-perry/
📚The Series bundle: https://amzn.to/3RtkEdj
🎧Series bundle on Audible: https://amzn.to/3rhD861
📖Read just Runaway Road: https://amzn.to/457NyCV
🎧Listen to only Runaway Road: https://amzn.to/48vot7Z
—
—
#bookstagram #audiobookstagram #audiobookreview #audiobookrecommendation #audiblebooks #bookbundle #devneyperry #bookreview #smalltownromancebooks #romancebooks #romancereader #bookblogger
Formula 1 is by far the sexiest sport. I don’t k Formula 1 is by far the sexiest sport. I don’t know why we don’t have more romances set in racing and I’m so glad @kbromberg has set her latest series in my favorite sport. Riggs started off not-so-good but completely won me over with his sweet, fun, lighthearted personality. I laughed and I cried. It was slow-burn, but the last 25% had me riveted and I hate to wait until January for the next in the Full Throttle Series.
Note: there are triggers, please read them. My review lists my likes and the things I really didn’t like. 

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/46fP6LW
🏎️Special Edition: https://amzn.to/3RD6kie
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/off-the-grid-k-bromberg/ (or see my bio)
📚The Series: https://amzn.to/45i6e37

#bookreview #kbromberg #formulaone #bookstagram #bookish #spicyromancenovel 
#racecarromance #racingromance #f1fangirl #f1girls #recommendedreading #romancereader
It was great to see this display of books featurin It was great to see this display of books featuring curvy heroines! What would you add? #barnesandnoble #bookstagram #bookdisplay #inclusivebooks #curvyheroine #bookworm #booklover
Happy New Year to all who celebrate! #roshhashana Happy New Year to all who celebrate!
#roshhashana #jewishholidays #highholidays #shanatova
One more post about #readersontheriver - it was ni One more post about #readersontheriver - it was nice to be at such a well organized, not overcrowded or overscheduled signing. @jrwardauthor and @christopher.rice.writer were absolutely hysterical and @1001darknights_blueboxpress were great hosts. Looking forward to 2025!
@thebdaggerb @luglifebags @lowie1111 @robinssaltz #booksigning #booksigningevent #bookcon #girlsweekend #1001darknights #bookstagram
Oh how I wanted to love this book! Told half in f Oh how I wanted to love this book!  Told half in flashbacks of a forbidden romance in the 50s and half and the present, I really loved both stories, but a few things held me back from loving it. Check out my review to see what they are. 

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/3PGxLqa
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3PH0z1W
(Both the book and audiobook are in KU)
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/shes-up-to-no-good-by-sara-goodman-confino/
(Or you’ll see it in my front page)
—-
#bookstagram #audiobookreview #audiobooks #kindleunlimited #kindleunlimitedaudio #bookreview #jewishbooks #jewishlit #romancenovel #romancereader #historicalromance #contemporaryromance
Is it a dagger or something else? 🤔😇 @lowie1 Is it a dagger or something else? 🤔😇 @lowie1111 made this special gift for @jrwardauthor and gave it to her at #readersontheriver hosted by JR and @1001darknights_blueboxpress — it was a fabulous weekend! More to come!
—
@thebdaggerb #blackdaggerbrotherhood #jrward #vampirebooks #jrwardauthor #3dprinting #paranormalromance #booksigning #bookevent @robinssaltz
Fighting the Pull by @kristenashleybooks is LIVE a Fighting the Pull by @kristenashleybooks is LIVE at MIDNIGHT! While the River Rain Series has had its ups and downs for me, I absolutely loved Fighting the Pull. Elsa is by far my favorite heroine of the series and Hale was all bossy and sexy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a billionaire either. As more and more background about the characters comes up, it’s made me want to re-read the whole series with new eyes while I anxiously await for the next in the series!

📖Read it: https://amzn.to/3sOTJhJ
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/46q2xJF
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/fighting-the-pull/
📚The Series: https://anasattic.com/river-rain-series-order/

#bookreview #kristenashley #arcreview #fightingthepull #romancenovel #romancebooks #readersofinstagram #favoriteauthor #recommendedreading #jewishbookstagram #jewishrepresentation #blueboxpress @1001darknights_blueboxpress 
#alphamale #kindle #audible #newbooks #newreleasetuesday
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright

All images and text on this blog are credited to Ana’s Attic, unless otherwise stated. Book covers are from Amazon.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including translations) without express and written permission from Ana’s Attic’s author is strictly prohibited.

Excerpts (no longer than a short paragraph) and links to this blog are permitted, providing that full credit is given to Ana’s Attic with clear and specific direction to the original content.

For our full, in-depth Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies, CLICK HERE. By using this website you are consenting to our Policies as set forth here.

Facebook Page

Wicked Book Weekend

Ana's Attic Book Blog © 2023

Web Design and Development by emr design studio