libbyallen's review against another edition
5.0
TJR is one of the best authors I’ve ever experienced. While she does have the perfect balance of writing, somewhere between extremely detailed but also clear, concise, and intentional, the way she really allows you to know and become a part of her characters is something special. This is my third TJR book, and I’ve finished every one of them feeling full and grateful. She truly teaches invaluable lessons in every book, while keeping her characters relatable and real. Carrie is inherently very different to who I am, as I usually wear my heart on my sleeve. But seeing her process success, failure, love, and grief - it taught me so much. I’m also an ex-tennis player, so maybe I’m biased, but this is Evelyn Hugo level good. If not better. Would recommend this book, and any TJR books, to literally everyone and anyone.
iovreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
i think that carrie soto might just be the best character that TJR has written! i absolutely loved this book and the dynamic cast of side characters, as well as the development that carrie experiences throughout the story
this book is very tennis heavy so if you aren’t familiar with the game i’m not sure if you would like it as much, but i’m also in my tennis era rn so genuinely learned something about how to up my game from this book
this book is very tennis heavy so if you aren’t familiar with the game i’m not sure if you would like it as much, but i’m also in my tennis era rn so genuinely learned something about how to up my game from this book
ains_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.25
leah99's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
chrisiant's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
deborahsebastian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
ale_irigoyen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is is hands down her best book yet, (and that I've read so far). Taylor's back and with a Grand Slam!
I left Malibu Rising with a certain dislike for Carrie Soto but now, I completely understand her and I can't help but relate to her in so many levels.
Her relationship with her father killed me and made me cry a little. I'm a daddy's girl too, that's all I'm gonna say.
I understood her drive to be the best and I rooted for her to the very end. Even when she was a green youngster and her behavior was not well-liked; I felt like she could not have been written any other way. Carrie was ruthless in the sport because she had the drive to strive and become the best; she could not be bothered to care about her competitors' feelings because she was focused on herself and I loved it. She was not likeable among her peers for that, which to me is so sad, because she WAS the sport. That level of comittment and effort to be the very best is commendable and admirable.
At the same time, I loved her character growth, because even though she had all these amazing qualities, she also had her flaws. She needed to learn to be happy with herself and I loved her journey to get there. Bowe helped her for sure, but I just loved her realization. I can't wait to see what the amazing TJR comes up next.
And, on a side note. I quietly fangirled over the fact that the Daisy Jones book was referenced in this one and that Mick Riva was mentioned, briefly, but he was there!
I left Malibu Rising with a certain dislike for Carrie Soto but now, I completely understand her and I can't help but relate to her in so many levels.
Her relationship with her father killed me and made me cry a little. I'm a daddy's girl too, that's all I'm gonna say.
I understood her drive to be the best and I rooted for her to the very end. Even when she was a green youngster and her behavior was not well-liked; I felt like she could not have been written any other way. Carrie was ruthless in the sport because she had the drive to strive and become the best; she could not be bothered to care about her competitors' feelings because she was focused on herself and I loved it. She was not likeable among her peers for that, which to me is so sad, because she WAS the sport. That level of comittment and effort to be the very best is commendable and admirable.
At the same time, I loved her character growth, because even though she had all these amazing qualities, she also had her flaws. She needed to learn to be happy with herself and I loved her journey to get there. Bowe helped her for sure, but I just loved her realization. I can't wait to see what the amazing TJR comes up next.
And, on a side note. I quietly fangirled over the fact that the Daisy Jones book was referenced in this one and that Mick Riva was mentioned, briefly, but he was there!
tea__'s review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shannoncdoyle's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0