Not the right vibe.

I enjoyed the characters but just wasn’t as suspenseful as hoped. Extremely predictable but as always, Lovering knows how to right a character that sticks with you.

These characters were perfectly dislikable and I loved how this was an over the top horror story of a long term friendship falling out. I found the ending to be a little predictable. However that did not take away from the fact that this was just a fun, enjoyable, and quick read

I'll read anything that Carola Lovering writes and this one was amazing. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story.

An exploration into female friendships. Also shows that sometimes its better to leave childhood friendships behind. I thought that it was a good story about how you don't always know when to let go.

*Bye, Baby* is an engrossing and emotionally charged domestic suspense novel that hooks you from the start. Lovering masterfully weaves themes of motherhood, secrets, and betrayal into a gripping story with well-drawn, complex characters. The twists are perfectly timed, and the tension keeps building until the very end. If you enjoy thought-provoking thrillers with plenty of heart, this one is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of *Big Little Lies* or *The Last Mrs. Parrish.*

I absolutely binged this book, read the entire thing in three sittings. Suspenseful, dark, even humorous at times, I loved every moment of it and cannot WAIT to read more of Carola Lovering's backlog!

Sometimes I just love messy books with messy characters. After being a fan of Tell Me Lies, I think that's the author's strength. The characters are toxic and they make decisions that you just want to shake them over. The plot moved at a good pace, I never felt like it was dragging. My only complaint was that I wanted more after the last page and would've been interested in seeing where the two main characters go from that point on.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title and thank the publisher for providing me with an eARC, however as so much time has passed since this works publication date and my lack of urgency with this piece, I am unfortunately going to move on. I hope to one day read this work at a later time and if I do, I will adjust my review. Thank you again for the opportunity.

This was my first Lovering book and I can say that I really enjoyed the writing style and general plot. While this didn't necessarily stand out amongst the large amount of thrillers I read, it was a fun ride while reading. At the core of this book is a friendship unraveling that felt relatable and poignant in some moments. The unhinged baby stealing was just an added bonus to the already tense undercurrent.

After coming across Tell Me Lies at the library, Carola has become one of my go to authors.
the suspense and writing style with very good character development keep me coming back reading her books.
I hope every year a new book is released!
Highly recommend!

Difficult topics, but a good read that reels you in

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this review copy!

"Bye, Baby" was a heavy read surrounding topics of kidnapping, abuse, mental health, and trauma. The novel discusses Billie and Cassie and their rather toxic friendship that comes to a head as the girls grow into women. It is no spoiler that Billie kidnaps Cassie's baby, but the reasons behind it seem so far fetched and left me thinking "okay, annnnnd?".

The first half of the book had me devouring it, but the second half lagged and I ended up skipping ahead some because there were too many topics covered without much depth that the entire plot seemed superficial. That being said, I would still recommend this one. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity.

I have really enjoyed some of Lovering’s earlier works, so I was happy to get my hands on “Bye Baby.” This one reads more like fiction than a suspense or thriller novel. The story of this one seemed a bit unbelievable and while the pacing was good, it felt like a bit of a letdown with the conclusion. The ending was a bit anti-climactic and just left me feeling slightly unsatisfied. Perhaps it’s my fault because I’m used to more thrilling works by this author and it didn’t fit the bill. 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy for review.

This book captivated me with its complex exploration of friendship, identity, and the lengths we go to for the people who have shaped our lives. While the plot may seem outlandish—a woman kidnapping her best friend’s baby to repair a fractured relationship—it’s a powerful metaphor for the entanglements we often feel with people who are so deeply tied to our sense of self. Billie and Cassie’s relationship felt raw and authentic, reflecting the bittersweet truth that old friendships, even those we’ve outgrown, can still provide an odd kind of comfort.

The alternating perspectives added depth, allowing us to see both sides of their strained dynamic. The tension is palpable, and the twists kept me hooked until the very end.

While some elements stretched believability, the emotional truths at the heart of the story made this a compelling read. It’s a suspenseful, thought-provoking look at how friendships evolve and how far we’ll go to hold onto the people who once meant everything to us.

Wowww such a thriller! I flew through the pages. I bet this one ends up popular! Highly recommend for someone looking for a quick, intriguing read. Read for the readheads book club!

This was just not for me. I love this author but this book was alittle far fetched for my liking. I just did not enjoy it as much as i thought I would.

In this book, Carola Lovering explores the complicated friendship between Cassie and Billie, who have been best friends since childhood. Cassie has become a glamorous influencer with a wealthy husband, while Billie feels lost and alone in her life.

When tragedy strikes Cassie, she reaches out to Billie, but Billie’s impulsive decisions complicate their reunion. I found this twist really gripping. It highlights how friendships can change over time, especially under pressure. I think Lovering does a great job of tackling tough topics like motherhood and the societal expectations placed on women, especially the stigma around choosing not to have kids.

The story shifts between their past and present, giving us a deeper understanding of how their friendship evolved. I felt for Billie, who struggles with feelings of inadequacy, and I often found Cassie frustrating, which made the dynamic feel very real. It was hard to watch their toxic friendship unfold.

I also read "Tell Me Lies" by Lovering and I absolutely loved it, so I had high hopes for this one, and it definitely delivered. Overall, "Bye, Baby" is a great exploration of friendship and the challenges women face today. I can’t wait to see what Carola writes next!

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering delivers a twisty, tension-filled story about betrayal, guilt, and the complexities of friendship. While the plot had potential, I found that it didn’t quite grip me in the same way Lovering's You series did. The suspense was there, but the pacing felt slower and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I hoped. Still, the exploration of how friendships evolve, the echoes of past trauma, and the impact of choices on relationships kept me intrigued enough to finish.

If you're a fan of Lovering’s writing, Bye, Baby is worth picking up.

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering is a gripping tale of friendship and betrayal, where Billie kidnaps her best friend Cassie's baby in a desperate attempt to mend their fractured relationship. The novel masterfully alternates between past and present, unraveling the deep bond and dark secrets that have tied Billie and Cassie together since childhood. Lovering's character-driven narrative delves into themes of childhood trauma, the evolution of friendships, and the impact of women's choices on their lives.

I loved how the story kept me on the edge of my seat, revealing layer by layer the complexities of Billie and Cassie's relationship. The suspense was real, and the emotional depth was spot on. While it may not fit the traditional thriller genre, the book's suspenseful and engaging storyline, combined with its exploration of complex relationships, makes it a compelling read.

Overall, Bye, Baby earns a solid 4-star rating for its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes. If you're into character-driven stories with a touch of suspense, this one is definitely worth picking up! 📚✨

Bye, Baby is the story of two lifelong friends Billie and Cassie, who have drifted as the years progressed. Cassie is an influencer— constantly posting about her life married to a wealthy man, her experience as a new mom, and her fashion empire. Billie is unmarried and childless, obsessing over Cassie's Instagram stories, wishing they could go back to the way things were. The book opens with a scream in the night. As Cassie realizes her baby's gone, Billie looks down into her arms at the little one. How did they get here? And what happens next? Told between alternating character viewpoints and timelines, this novel is one you won't be able to put down!