Carrie Soto Is Back

Submitted by sailingg t3_10o2e4b in books

I'm a big TJR fan - the first book of hers I read was Evelyn Hugo, which I absolutely loved and devoured in one sitting, and then I read and loved Daisy Jones, Evidence of the Affair and Malibu Rising as well.

I was really excited to read Carrie Soto and was waiting for it to come out, but then I didn't get to it until now since I've been in a reading slump. And I absolutely loved it! I binged it until past 2am because I couldn't put it down.

I am a tennis fan so I think that definitely contributed, but I just absolutely loved the entire book. First and foremost, Carrie's character development is incredible. She is definitely a prickly character and I can see why people would find her unlikable, but I found her refreshing and very rootable (which I know isn't a word but still). Javier might be my favourite character, though. I absolutely love his relationship with her and his "Let me feel it and say it. You're the meaning of my life" brought me to tears. Also the scene with them finally eating ice cream sandwiches!

I like Carrie's relationship with Bowe a lot too and felt that the development of it was very natural. I like that he told her "I love you" and she couldn't say it back right away but he was okay with that. And the way he supported her after losing Javier was so heartwarming. I also like Carrie's friendship with Gwen. It was really nice to see that respect and support between them. It was definitely a big moment when Carrie apologized to her.

And I love Carrie's rivalry with Nicki. I was worried that TJR would write Nicki as fake and catty but Nicki really was a big fan of Carrie's and genuinely respected her. But also wasn't afraid to tell her that she was looking forward to beating her. I love that. And I loved it when Nicki called Carrie out on not respecting Nicki the way Nicki respected her. I totally didn't see the turn of Carrie coaching Nicki but I loved that.

I feel like I've used the word "love" a hundred times 😂 I have to say, when I saw Carrie in Malibu Rising, I definitely never thought I'd be so captured and moved by her story. But I expect nothing less from TJR. And I'm sad we won't get another installment in this universe but grateful we got Evelyn, Daisy, Nina and Carrie.

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Comments

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cowboi-like-yade t1_j6cdqgc wrote

I have read everything she has ever written and I adore it all! Your analysis is so correct!

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sailingg OP t1_j6dod8f wrote

Thanks! Have you read her older books like One True Love and Forever, Interrupted?

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scottishfoldwannabe t1_j6dppj0 wrote

I have! They’re great - my favorites are One True Loves and After I Do

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sailingg OP t1_j6dq70h wrote

Ooh ok I was thinking of trying them but I heard they're not like her newer books at all so I was hesitant.

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scottishfoldwannabe t1_j6dqkbo wrote

They’re not historical fiction books like Evelyn Hugo or Carrie Soto, they’re more classified as romances but they’re more profound and realistic than contemporary romance novels that are currently being marketed

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sailingg OP t1_j6dtmcn wrote

That's good to know, thanks!

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cowboi-like-yade t1_j6esoof wrote

I agree with what they said^. The vibe between her older books and newer is definitely different but the quality of writing is still very high.

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sailingg OP t1_j6h3gbg wrote

Ah I've heard they're very different and fans of her newer books might not like her older ones at all, so I was worried about the quality of writing, so it's good to know it's still very high!

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Fun-Daikon-7185 t1_j6ejqc9 wrote

I was surprised by how great this book was. The title made me think it would be more light and fluffy but it had more weight than I expected.

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sailingg OP t1_j6h8dm5 wrote

I think TJR is great at balancing deeper themes and a page turning story. Have you read any of her other books?

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Fun-Daikon-7185 t1_j6igb97 wrote

I have read her historical fiction. Malibu Rising was a favorite. I thought Evelyn Hugo was a bit overrated.

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sailingg OP t1_j6jxs6l wrote

I read Evelyn Hugo without knowing anything about it and having no expectations, and I think that was great because it's hard for works to live up to enormous hype.

I couldn't get into Malibu Rising for a while and then it really grabbed me. But I only really like Nina; the other Riva siblings are kind of meh to me. I think TJR thrives with first person perspective centering on one character.

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Leviathan_Bakes t1_j6g76vs wrote

I devoured it. Finished in one day. For years I refused to read TJR because I thought she was overhyped and overrated but I read one short story of hers I got on KU then Evelyn Hugo and I haven’t looked back since. She is easily becoming one of my favorite authors

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sailingg OP t1_j6h8ii1 wrote

TJR's books are so devourable (making up words again). I read all of them in 1-2 days. Was the short story Evidence of the Affair?

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Leviathan_Bakes t1_j6l7p10 wrote

Yes it was. I didn’t expect to like it but I was sucked in. It was short but very poignant

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