Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Carrie Soto Is Back

This book was fantastic. Carrie Soto is one of the best complicated heroines I’ve met in a while. I was a bit skeptical after her dramatic cameo in Malibu Rising. But I quickly grew to care for her and root for her. I also loved all of the supporting characters…Her father Javier is unforgettable. Such a character, and his love for Carrie is heartwarming - a story within the story. Bowe and Gwen just shine as Carrie’s chosen family. Nicki Chan is the best nemesis ever.

The tennis action was fantastically written, even for someone like me who barely understands the rules. I also like the sports media stories and commentary interspersed throughout. This booked moved. By the time I got to the middle, I couldn’t put it down.

This was my third TJR book and by far my favorite. (Saving Seven Husbands for last in this four book universe because I heard it was so good.) I think it being written in first person helped me connect better with the main character. Highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates strong character development, comeback stories, and/or inspiring sports action.

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claudiamb's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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sighclopss's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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kelseyfontaine's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely LOVED this book! As someone who played sports their whole life, I had a special appreciation for it and could understand a little bit of what Carrie was going through. I felt connection with each and every character, and I especially loved how the time period tied into the entire plot. As a romance reader, I appreciated the development between Carrie and Beau, but I liked how it wasn’t the main focus. Not to mention, the relationship between Carrie and her father, Javier, was raw and beautifully written. I also thought the integration of news articles and interviews was super interesting, and gave an outside view to everything that was happening. My only complaint would be the lack of translation at some points when Carrie and Javier were talking in Spanish, as it could be confusing at times when there wasn’t much context surrounding it. But, despite that, I really enjoyed the book and it was an amazing change of pace from my typical romance novel!

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katelynnelawson's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

TJR’s books always start slow for me then really start hitting me emotionally. Carrie is my favorite character I’ve read from her yet. Satisfying ending. I love Carrie’s relationship with her rival Nicki, with her father, and with Bowe. This book felt fully about her whereas I often find this writer pulls in ensembles casts. The side characters felt like players in Carrie’s story. She was impossible not to root for and love no matter unlovable she felt or was even determined to be at times.

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