I’m here for a twisty thriller circled around a complicated lifelong friendship. I loved the alternating POV of Cassie and Billie. The author kept me on my toes and it has a perfectly wrapped ending

CONTENT WARNING: kidnapping, exploitation of person with dementia, sexual exploitation, grief, loss of a parent, sexual assault, alcoholism, murder, trauma, mention of abortion

I was really curious about this story. The plot summary sounded really intriguing, and I couldn’t wait to find out what actually happens in the story. And while there were parts that didn’t quite hit my expectations, it was a really good read for me overall.

Lovering knows how to capture her readers, for sure. The book opens with Billie looking down to see a baby in her arms, while her best friend from childhood, Cassie, is shrieking about her baby daughter being missing. After this short chapter, the story flips back a little bit in time. We see both Billie and Cassie’s POV, both in the immediate and distant past, as we uncover what led up to what were ultimately two traumatic incidents—one that is never mentioned outright, and the other being the kidnapping.

Both Cassie and Billie were unlikable, but in different ways. And speaking to Lovering’s skill, she somehow managed to make me root for them both. Normally, I’m not a fan of unlikable characters, but there was something about this story that made me want to read through to the end and find out what happens. Their unlikability comes from trauma, rather than simply who they are, and demonstrates how damaged they are from their early years. However, I found myself rooting for both of them to have a happy ending somehow, even if I wasn’t sure how that could possibly happen.

Cassie is overly focused on gathering things as a status symbol, and is basically an outright gold digger, but outside of that, she’s not a bad person at all. She’s fixated on the tangible things in her life, and has determined that Billie doesn’t fit into her life. Maybe because she views Billie as more of a reminder of the childhood that she is trying to leave behind, but she’s pushing Billie out of her life to the point of being nearly cruel to her. Cassie has a clothing store that recently expanded and added another location, but spends most of her time working as an Instagram influencer. It kind of felt like she looks at everything in her life as a tangible symbol of her status in life, including her daughter.

“The wedding pictures, the penthouse apartment, the beach house, the baby. The life of my dreams.”

Billie, on the other hand, can see Cassie pushing her away, but is doing anything she can to prevent it from happening. She’s willing to demean herself in the extreme for Cassie so that she can still claim the title of friend, but in all areas of her life, she seems like a decent, level-headed adult. But when it comes to Cassie, it’s like she loses all sense. In the absence of being able to spend time with Cassie, she gains a window into her life through her near-constant Instagram story updates. But I found it endlessly frustrating to see Billie sabotaging her relationships for someone who doesn’t prioritize her.

As for the mystery of what happened in the past, that one was easy to figure out. I accurately guessed it at 32% of the way into the book, but since I wanted to find out how Billie ended up with Cassie’s baby, I was still hooked. The fact that there was a second mystery in the story kept my attention focused. And even after finding out how that happened, I needed to know how that got resolved in the end. While it isn’t an overly twisty book, it was fast paced, with short chapters and a gripping plot that always had me wondering what was going to happen next. Even with the fact that the characters were unlikable and one of the mystery aspects was easily predictable, I still found this to be an intriguing read that grabbed hold of my attention quickly and didn’t let go until the satisfying end.

Bye, Baby is about two childhood besties who have grown apart but a secret keeps them from fully losing touch. I was hooked from the opening chapter, wondering what was going on between the characters. It is very bingeable and the multiple POVs and timelines create great character development and suspense. I really enjoyed this and am eager to check out Carola Lovering’s backlist!
Thank you St Martin’s Press for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This one was one of those books where there were no likeable characters. Two friends start to drift apart as their adult lives go in different directions. This all becomes clear to Billie when she realizes she wasn't invited to Cassie's birthday. This leads to a big impulsive decision that both these ladies will regret.

I did enjoy the dual POV and different timelines. I was really missing the suspense in this story that I’m used to in the author’s other books. I still liked the storyline but wasn’t gripped by it. I look forward to reading this author’s next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a shock. I genuinely couldn't put it down! With the focus being placed on female friendship, it pushed the boundaries of thrillers and really just made you sit down and really invest yourself in the story. A must-read!

I’m not even sure how to describe this book. Toxic friendship, influencer, secrets?! I was enjoying myself throughout the book, but the ending felt very abrupt and lacking. A little disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my 2nd book by Carola Lovering.

Can't Look Away was my first (⭐⭐⭐💫) and her latest hit about the same for me.

"A missing baby. A fraught friendship. A secret that can never be told."

Don't be fooled, this is not a thriller. It's not a mystery, either. It's a friendship drama.

"Told in alternating perspectives ... Bye Baby confronts the myriad ways friendships change and evolve over time, the lingering echoes of childhood trauma, and the impact of women’s choices on their lifelong relationships."

I didn't want to be friends with either of the women in this book. I thought the writing was fine, but this is more of a character than a plot driven book, and things started to drag for me towards the end.

A fine read, but not one I would recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Available now.

Unfortunately, this kidnapping storyline was too triggering for me. I couldn't get past the first chapter.

Bye Baby definitely held my interest throughout. Definitely showcased a childhood friendship as well as how circumstances can challenge and undermine it. Billie and Cassie both bonded so closely with each filling in holes in the other’s life. Once I was introduced to Cassie’s grandmother I saw the writing on the wall…and frankly, so wish Billie had as well. Cassie was so instrumental in preserving Billie’s young adulthood but I believe it definitely caused the beginning of a wedge between them. Cassie’s shallowness and newfound career, friends, and marriage finished their friendship, much to Billie’s heartbreak.
As the episode with Ella evolved it was so very predictable, yet I totally understood Billie’s choices. It was heartbreaking that Cassie reached out to Billie, finally needing her, just as Billie struggled with her own dilemma, yet was willing to put Cassie’s happiness before her own. Wishing Billie better friends in the future.
Loved the way Carola Lovering alternated between both women telling the story from their point of view. I also enjoyed reading about Cassie’s influencing, such a sign of today’s social media. The ending brought everything together and I certainly wish both women success and happiness in their future.
Although certainly not in the thriller genre, I found this read to be very entertaining. Many thanks to Carola Lovering, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for affording me hours of pleasure reading an arc of this recently published book…three and a half stars.

"Bye, Baby" by Carola Lovering presents a gripping narrative centered around the complexities of friendship, secrets, and the weight of past traumas. Lovering skillfully weaves together alternating perspectives to unravel the tangled relationship between Billie and Cassie, two women haunted by their shared history.

The novel delves into themes of betrayal, motherhood, and the enduring bonds of friendship with depth and nuance. However, the storyline can feel somewhat predictable at times, and certain plot twists may be anticipated by readers familiar with the genre.

Despite its occasional predictability, "Bye, Baby" offers a compelling exploration of the repercussions of past actions and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets. Fans of psychological suspense will find this book to be an engaging read, although it may not offer many surprises for seasoned readers of the genre.

I absolutely love Carola’s toxic writing. I’ve devoured every one, including this one. The combination of train wreck paired with the hope of happiness is so addicting. A great story about how one simple choice can lead to the next and eventually determine how life will happen. Thank you to the author and #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Now RUN! And get this one on your shelf.

My first #ARC truly didn’t disappoint! I absolutely love the details that @carolatlovering works into her books, and this was no exception.

This book centers around Cassie and Billie and the events that shaped and molded their (very toxic) friendship. It’s not so much of a thriller, so don’t go into it expecting huge twists and crazy turns. I did enjoy the dual timelines and alternating viewpoints and I was curious to see how it would end, as there were multiple relationships hanging in the balance throughout.

Overall, a solid 3/5 for me! This book releases March 5, 2024 - thank you to #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

With hardly anything in common, Billie and Cassie are connected by a gripping bond from their past. The two have known each other for most of their lives but have drifted apart; each living a different lifestyle. One is fully immersed in her life as a wealthy wife and mom and the other is happy to remain single and childless. This toxic yet comforting friendship made for an entertaining read. I’ve read my fair share of thrillers and the inclusion of a kidnapping brought this to a new level!

Having read the author’s previous two books, I was expecting another devious thriller. While this storyline is captivating, it leans more towards a domestic suspense than the thrill ride I had hoped for. With that said, I loved the development of the characters and how the story unfolded

Carola Lovering is a queen at drama filled books!! I was immediately hooked by this one and continued to be sucked into the characters lives. The multiple POVs between two best friends and the interspersed memory chapters paint detailed pictures of their lives, the loveable and unlikeable parts. I connected with pieces of both Billie and Cassie. I think there are aspects many could connect with. I loved this one and highly recommend!

Carola Lovering gives good toxic relationships. If you like unhealthy female friendships, this book is your jam. It kicks off with a bang and centers around ex best friends and a missing baby, tackling issues of friendship, loneliness and motherhood. Well written with alternating chapters from former BFF Billie and Cassie's perspectives, my big issue is that I didn't like any of the characters and therefore was not heavily invested in the outcome. I understood and felt for Billie- tied to Cassie from her childhood and so desperately hanging onto what their friendship once was- but I wanted to hit her over the head with a frying pan to knock some sense into her. Gold-digger, momfluencer Cassie was just awful and I thought her ending was more than she deserved.

Though this is marketed as a thriller, it's really more of a domestic drama. If you go in expecting a thriller you will be disappointed. There were elements of mystery, but definitely not enough to call it a thriller. Three and a half stars downgraded to three stars for me. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ability to receive an early review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a readers copy of this book. My reviews are freely given and never contain spoilers.
This is a tale of a lifelong friendship between two women, Cassie and Billie. They share a deep secret that binds them together, but their present lives find them estranged from each other. Billie is struggling with the distance between them, while Cassie continues to pull away.
The writing illustrates the push and pull of the friendship well. Both women act in ways that they can justify as reasonable to themselves, even as others see things differently. An enjoyable read with a satisfying and nicely executed ending.

Talk about some unlikeable characters. That said I did enjoy the story. I was not sure how it was going to end but I had a feeling it was not going to be good. The end end seemed a little unbelievable but that might just be me. Best part of the book is I found out about a job I totally want, luxury travel consultant.

Loved this deep dive into friendship between Cassie and Billie. Told in a creative way, we see the constructing of a dependant friendship and its destruction. A must read read with some shocking twists!

3.5
Two best friends estranged over time as one becomes a wealthy and famous influencer and the other just a mere travel creator. It is unknown why their relationship is strained. We start with the theft of a baby! The first page. Shocking! I loved that quick intro and then the suspense that built up to the reason why!

I love how well Lovering can pull the reader in and create a true sense of place with rich characters and a solid plot. I quite enjoyed the two POV lines in this book to give me a feel of the whole picture and understand what each woman is feeling and why they are behaving the way they do. I also enjoyed the backstory of their lives and relationship spread throughout.

I thought the plot was great, but overall, it was a little underwhelming. I felt like I wanted more drama? The reasons and actions overall felt somewhat weak. If you've read it, let's talk.

I also didn't love the past sexual abuse storyline, I mean obviously, but I felt like it wasn't necessary to use for the formation of the story. I understand why Lovering used it, but I think there may have been another way. It felt...out of place in this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the gifted eArc.

Ehhhhhhh. My main problem with this is that it’s being marketed as a thriller and it.. is…absolutely not…? Domestic drama, maybe?
The stolen baby trope just gives me the icks so I should’ve known better 😖

👍🏼
•Multiple POV
•Dual timeline
•Short chapters
•Characters you love to hate
•Hooked me quickly, engaging/ mysterious premise in the beginning…

👎🏼
•The last 25% underwhelmed
•The synopsis above is basically the entire book
• Abrupt, anticlimactic ending
• Romance plot missed the mark for me

✨ Fine for a quick read and easy read I guess 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you @netgalley for this ARC