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!

I just finished reading Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering, and I’m buzzing with excitement to share my thoughts with you!

This book is an absolute must-read! It’s a masterful blend of suspense, emotion, and intricate storytelling that kept me hooked from start to finish. Lovering’s writing is both captivating and deeply immersive.

One of my favorite scenes is when the protagonist, Izzy, stumbles upon a hidden diary in her late mother's attic. The diary entries reveal shocking secrets about her mother’s past, and Lovering's vivid descriptions make you feel Izzy’s whirlwind of emotions. This discovery sets off a chain of events that are both thrilling and heart-wrenching, showcasing Lovering’s talent for creating suspense and emotional depth.

What I truly love about Bye, Baby is how it explores the complexities of family dynamics and the secrets that shape our lives. The characters are so well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and profoundly moving. Lovering’s ability to weave together past and present seamlessly adds an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the story.

If you’re looking for a book that’s impossible to put down, Bye, Baby is the one. Trust me, you’ll be engrossed in Izzy’s journey and the beautifully crafted narrative.

I listened to the audio book, alternating with the ebook. The narrators were expressive and kept my interest as they gave distinct voices to each character. The story begins with a kidnapping and then goes back in time to both the teen/young adulthood of the main characters, giving their family situations/school days/college days/relationships while alternating with what immediately preceded the kidnapping and then afterwards, showing what is the fallout/consequences. It was a bit predictable at times, but a very enjoyable and engaging story, so I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see what happened next! The book deals with themes of trauma, abuse, dementia, friendship, frenemies, motherhood and social media--very timely topics.

I absolutely loved this book. The way the character development continued to evolve throughout the story was perfect! Once I started reading this book I literally could not put it down (I tried i really did). I can't wait till I can read more from this author

Carola Lovering has always been an instant read author for me and this book was no exception. Although it was a bit unbelievable, the twists and turns in this book kept me guessing.

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the future because I will definitely be picking it up!

Adored this book! This was my first book by Carola Lovering and it made me dive into her backlist. Very tight, cohesive plot that left just enough breadcrumbs that, looking back, you could see how everything was coming together.

This book grabbed me from the very first page. Told through dual timelines by two childhood best friends, it’s packed with drama and unforgettable twists. Both characters are deeply flawed, which only adds to the tension and intrigue. This was a wild roller-coaster ride I won’t soon forget!

I received an ARC of Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering through NetGalley. This was my first time reading this author, and while the book had some intriguing elements, it didn't fully meet my expectations. Bye, Baby centers on the complex and toxic friendship between Billie West and Cassie Barnwell. Once inseparable, their relationship has deteriorated over the years. Cassie, now a wealthy influencer and new mother, has distanced herself from Billie, who feels abandoned and hurt. The story takes a dramatic turn when Cassie's baby goes missing, and Billie is revealed to be the one who took her. The narrative unfolds through dual timelines, alternating between the present day and the past. In the present, Billie kidnaps Cassie's baby in a desperate attempt to rekindle their friendship. The tension escalates as Cassie, unaware of Billie's involvement, spirals into panic and suspicion. In the past, we see the evolution of their friendship, marked by shared secrets and traumatic events, including a tragic incident involving Billie's abusive stepfather. As the story progresses, Billie struggles with her guilt and the consequences of her actions, while Cassie grapples with the fear and uncertainty of her child's disappearance. The plot delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of past traumas on present relationships. While Bye, Baby offers a compelling premise and well-developed characters, some plot twists felt predictable, and the pacing could have been tighter. However, the character dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Billie and Cassie, kept me engaged. Lovering's exploration of the complexities of female friendship and the lingering effects of childhood trauma added depth to the narrative. Overall, Bye, Baby is an interesting read for fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. Despite its flaws, the book's emotional intensity and character-driven story make it worth a read. #netgalley #bye,baby

*Bye, Baby* by *Kerry L. Lovering* is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of secrets. The novel alternates between the perspectives of two lifelong friends, Billie and Cassie, offering readers an intimate look at their evolving relationship over time. Set against the backdrop of their contrasting lives—Billie, single and childless, and Cassie, a married mother and influencer—the story explores how the choices of the past can reverberate through the present. The two timelines weave together slowly revealing the deep-seated trauma and unresolved issues that have shaped their bond. The suspense builds as Billie takes drastic, unsettling actions that threaten to unravel Cassie’s seemingly perfect life.

The portrayal of influencer culture adds a contemporary layer to the narrative, highlighting the superficiality and pressure of social media while contrasting it with the raw, unfiltered history the women share. What truly shines in *Bye, Baby* is the complexity of the friendship. It’s a bond tested by time, distance, and betrayal, yet it’s clear these women understand each other in ways that no one else ever could. Lovering’s sharp writing and suspenseful pacing keep readers on edge, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of long-term relationships and the dark side of personal histories.

3 stars. This book has a lot going on but also feels like nothing happened. It talks about complex issues, like SA involving a parental figure, loss of friendships, kidnapping, death, and deception. I'm a big fan of Carola Lovering and her writing style, especially with the past and present storyline, but at the end of the book I just thought hmmm... that's it? 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love a book with a dual perspective, and this suspense/thriller novel from Carola Lovering kept my attention.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.