As a new mom, this one had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the kidnap to actually happen. I knew it was coming (obviously) but I kept hoping she would just move on! I thought the ending was tied together nicely and while I didn’t really think any of these characters deserved a happy ending, I think the endings that they got were appropriate. I also love how this author tells the story from altering points of view!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC of Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering. I’m trying to come up with how this one was for me. This one isn’t too bad of a bad read. iIt bounced between present day and previous timeframes and the complicated friendship of Billie and Cassie. I don’t feel like it was wrapped up enough at the end. I also didn’t feel like some of the backstory made silence with the present day plot. If there ever is a sequel, I don’t know that I would feel compelled to read it. I do appreciate the opportunity to try this author out though.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC of Bye, Baby

Billie and Cassidy have been drifting apart, and not by Billie’s choice. She’s heartbroken that her long time best friend seemingly has no time for her now that she has married into money, has the perfect life with the perfect baby, and is consumed with becoming a successful influencer. But the worst night of her life - when her baby Ella goes missing - might change their friendship forever.

Told in alternating perspectives, along with flashbacks to the past, this wasn’t a typical thriller read but the suspense of the novel absolutely gave me the best kind of reader anxiety. I feverishly read this one to figure out where it was all going. I loved the really unique story of friendship here, the back and forth I felt about the characters, and the changing timelines and points of view. A lot worked well for this book and I will definitely be picking up more by the author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bye, Baby
Author: Carola Lovering
Source: NetGalley
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

Bye, Baby by author Carola Lovering is marketed as a thriller. Still, I thought it was more suspense fiction featuring a dysfunctional relationship between two girls from 10 years into their mid 30’s. They were so co-dependent, and yet they treated each other terribly until one of them went missing a baby. What a captivating tale about the lengths friends will go for each other, and maybe not in a good way. Whew…this was a freaky story, but I liked it. The publication date is March 2024, but I couldn’t wait to read this story so I moved up the TBR list. #suspense #friends #relationships #family #future #mystery #fiction #socialmedia #influencers #abuse @stmartinspress @netgalley @carolatlovering #ByeBaby #toxiclove #obsession
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: March 5, 2024.
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#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader

I didn't think I was going to like this book at first, but thankfully I was wrong. At first, I was wondering: Is it a thriller? Domestic suspense? Women's fiction? (It's the latter if you're curious). Billie and Cassidy felt a bit too extreme in their personalities at the beginning, but as the book developed they became more realistic characters. Still, the caricature-like personalities made it difficult for me to jump into the book at the beginning. Part two is where it all picked up for me, and from then on I was invested in it. Overall, a solid book by Lovering, though not my favorite of hers. A book that would be great for a plane ride or vacation. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for a review.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever I see Carola Lovering has a new release, I cancel all plans because I know it's going to be another cannot put- downer.

This time, instead of a love story, it's a great rendition of twisted intertwined toxic complicated female friendship. Wow, it did not disappoint.

Excited to say this was my first approved book from NetGalley! I've read all Carola Lovering's books and was thrilled to get my hands on her newest.

There's nothing I love more than a good psychological thriller and Bye, Baby delivered on all accounts.

Two life-long friends with tons of baggage as life takes them through lots of challenges and heartaches. I couldn't stop reading.

Thanks NetGalley for an advanced reader copy and the opportunity to read and review a great story prior to the March 2024 publication date.

In “Bye Baby” by Carola Lovering, readers are thrust into a world of suspense, secrets, and the complexities of friendship. Set against the backdrop of a missing baby and the ensuing turmoil, Lovering weaves a captivating narrative that explores the depths of human connections.

The story begins on a chilling note, with the sudden disappearance of an infant and the shocking revelation that Billie, the protagonist, holds a crucial piece of the puzzle. The narrative alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to Billie and Cassie’s formative years. This clever narrative technique creates a tapestry of emotions, as readers delve into the complex dynamics of their friendship.

Lovering masterfully captures the nuances of female friendships, showcasing how they evolve over time. The intricate layers of Billie and Cassie’s relationship are unveiled with each turn of the page. From the inseparable bond they shared in their youth to the rift that has grown between them in adulthood, their journey is both relatable and heart-wrenching. The author delves into the effects of trauma and the choices women make on their lifelong relationships, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these themes.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own flaws and vulnerabilities that make them feel incredibly real. Billie’s internal struggle as she attempts to mend her fractured friendship while harboring a dark secret is a poignant aspect of the story. Cassie’s evolution from their shared past to her current life as an influencer and mother adds layers to the narrative, creating a compelling contrast between their paths.

Lovering’s writing style is engaging and suspenseful, drawing readers into the mystery surrounding the missing baby. The pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the twists and turns are expertly executed. As the story hurtles towards its climax, the tension builds, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the disappearance and the past events that have shaped these characters.

In “Bye Baby,” Carola Lovering delivers a captivating exploration of friendship, secrets, and the profound impact of choices. With its gripping narrative, multidimensional characters, and skillful exploration of emotional depth, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy suspenseful tales that delve into the intricacies of human relationships.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow ok so I wanted to love this book and I do but’s one thing was missing at the end it didn’t wrap up like I thought this story could. I know that’s up to the author I was just hopeful for an alternative ending but no biggie I did love the book and I give it a 4/5 stars

3.5. Okay I fully admit that I a huge fan of Carola Lovering. So I was thrilled to receive this ARC from NetGalley and St Martins Press, set to be released in March of 2024.

This book is like a really slow grind. I kept reading it knowing that something was going to happen. So I found myself really reading it slowly wondering when IT was going to occur and what IT was that was going to happen.

Two best friends experience the ups and downs of high school where one has a wealthy grandma so she gets to go to Harvard versus the other one who has had some horrible events happen to her while in high school. Best friends forever … until they somehow drift apart bit by bit. Their friendship becomes quite toxic in fact with one feeling left out and forgotten by the other and the other only wanting to marry wealthy. If you love reading about toxic relationships - read her other book Tell Me Lies.

It all comes to a head one night when one friend does something quite crazy and the rest of the book is the fall out from that night.

While I loved the writing I did feel this was a bit slower than her other books. Bonus points from me on how it ended though.

When I first started reading this book I could see myself with a friend like Cassie. I could feel the jealousy that Billie had for her even though they were best friends although the author may not have wrote it right out front and Center . This was very relatable. When the baby goes missing without any leads it was very believable at how Cassie acted. I loved how well the characters were developed right down to the personality traits.
This book kept me in the edge of my seat wanting more and more.

This is a definite must read book!

4.5⭐️s for me

Thank you so much to Carola Lovering and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I don't remember why I even chose it. I think it was the description. (below) It just seemed intriguing. Then I started reading.
From the start, I was sucked in. Curious to know what leads a person to kidnap their friend's baby. I had several theories throughout the book. In the end, I was nowhere close! Well-written main characters, Billie and her friend Cassie are real. They are far from perfect, They are even unlikeable in some ways. Their story is unique, and their history has formed a bond between them that is keeping them tethered.
Such a great book so interesting and entertaining
Carola Lovering is now on my shortlist of authors I will keep an eye out for in the future. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Carola Lovering for this ARC!

Description
Every friendship has its shadow.

On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering—with a jolt of fear—that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.

Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind—including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do anything to restore their friendship…

Told in alternating perspectives in Lovering’s signature suspenseful style, 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.

This was a stressful read that grabbed me from the first page. I wouldn't really call it it a thriller but I haven't been sucked into a book like this in a long time.
This book covered a lot of touchy topics and I was itching to see where Billie and Cassie would end up in their friendship.
Billie did something horrible, but i dont think shes necessarily a horrible person. Cassie did something horrible too... their friendship has secrets and its what ties them together and pushes them apart. So happy for this ARC and the chance to read this one early! I love carola lovering and everything she writes!

Bye, Baby is a gripping and suspenseful read that will hook you until the very end. Four stars!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I screamed when I got a Carola Lovering book. To say I’m obsessed with Tell me lies in an understatement. This book kept me guessing the entire time and I loved the back and fourth. One minute I’m mad at Billie and then I’m mad at Cassie. The twists really kept me guessing. I would 100% recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC ❤️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was super suspenseful and I couldn’t put it it down! It centers on long-time friends Cassie and Billie, who have recently grown apart after Cassie got married and had a baby. Billie is desperate to keep Cassie in her life and goes to extremes to do so until one night she makes an impulsive and terrible decision that changes everything.

This is one of those unique books where the author makes you empathize with completely unlikable characters. Both Cassie and Billie were hard to like for different reasons, but I found myself rooting for each of them on and off throughout the book. I liked the alternating chapters and felt that the suspense was high the whole way through. The ending of the book was satisfying for me and seemed realistic, under the circumstances.

Overall, I enjoyed this book at least as much as the previous books by this author. Would definitely recommend to those who like psychological thrillers as well as the whole “friends with secrets” trope. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn’t look away from this one.
Cassie is a self proclaimed influencer documenting every moment of her life with her rich husband and new baby.

Billie and Cassie have been friends since they were 12 . They are tied together by history and a secret they can’t reveal and can't forget. Cassie has planned her life around finding a rich, old
money husband. Once she has all the pieces in place- she begins to ignore Billie.. Cassie’s constant IG posts, as she shares every part of her life with the world- are like a train wreck that Billie can't look away from.
Billie has built a great life for herself also. She has a job as a travel agent for the rich with lots of amazing trips as benefits, a loving group of friends and a new guy. But her obsession with Cassie could take it all away.

This book was well written and I will definitely read this author again.The author perfectly pegged the character of Cassie and the dopamine high she seems to get of followers over real people in her life. I found myself off doing something and wishing I was home curled up with this book. Thanks to NetGalley, & St Martins Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

No quotes because unreleased (coming out March 2024!!) but holy moly was this book good!! 4.5 stars! You're getting zero spoilers from me, It'll have to be a must-read for you next year.

One Line Review: They've been lifetime friends, harboring secrets they swore to take to the grave. But one night, and one unforgettable decision take their lives and turn them upside-down. Nothing will ever be the same for either woman, as they navigate a twisted new world of lies, deceit, and the toxic ties that bind them together (whether they like it or not.)

Synopsis: Join Cassie and Billie, based in New York, both living incredible lives that fit them to a T, or at least appears so. Cassie has always dreamed of being more than where her roots grounded her in childhood. She fights voraciously to gain status, wealth, and an online following, all thanks to her WASPy husband Grant's heritage.
Billie is an avid world-wanderer, made possible by her fantastic job that takes her everywhere she's ever wanted to go. While both women love the way their lives have evolved since childhood, it has forced their once air-tight bond into more of a casual acquaintance, much to Billie's disappointment. She feels Cassie distancing herself but doesn't know why.
The breaking point came on Cassie's 35th birthday, when Billie realizes that her life-long best friend blatantly lied about not having a party, leaving Billie (literally) watching in on the event from outside. In an unbelievable snap decision, Billie does something that she cannot come back from. To say that these two are the epitome of a toxic relationship is an understatement, but it was the reason I couldn't put this thriller down!

My Thoughts: The way that author, Carola Lovering, takes you through this journey is nothing short of thrilling (see what I did there LOL.) You're swept into Billie and Cassie's perspective and parts feel as though you are in the room with them, Carola truly immersing you in their lives. There was a moment where Cassie repeatedly had nightmares, and I got chills, feeling as though it were a dream I was vividly a part of myself.

Carola Lovering is now on my shortlist of authors I will reach for again in the future. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Carola for this Advanced Reader's Copy!! So happy to have this been my first ARC to get to read and review!!!

This was exactly what I needed to get out of a reading rut. I love Carola Lovering and was so excited to receive an advanced copy of Bye, Baby and it did not disappoint. Fans of Tell Me Lies will devour this. While not necessarily a thriller, there was an element of suspense that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Bye, Baby focuses on a complicated friendship between Billie and Cassie from teenager years to motherhood and everything (and I mean everything) in between. Carola writes toxic relationships SO well where you’re siding with one character in a chapter and then changing your opinion the next. I absolutely loved the ending and thought it did both characters justice and was realistic. I can’t wait for my friends to read this one.

Enjoyed the book. The beginning was a bit slow but it did pick up. The friendship between Cassie and Billie was sweet
And heartbreaking all at the same time. And something that i think readers would relate to.

This was the first book I read by this author. I am looking forward to reading more from her.