⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bye, Baby by Carola Loving

Billie and Cassie have been best friends forever. Until something in their 20’s tears them apart. Cassie lives a world of glam, motherhood, and riches. Billie lives a life consumed with Cassie. Then one night, something happens that brings them back together.

This book was messed up. Cassie and Billie were so messed up in their own ways. Neither are likable. And even though I didn’t like either one, actually abhorred Cassie and pitied Billie, I somehow was still hoping they would make it in the end.

This is a story about a toxic, traumatic, f-ed up female friendship. These two needed to run far, far away from each other. Cassie was trying so hard to be someone she wasn’t, but also was at the same time. Billie was obsessed and dysfunctional. Their thoughts about each other and their actions towards each other were utterly broken and irreparable.

I was engrossed in the story, intrigued enough to want to keep going, to find out how it was all going to be resolved. I. DID. NOT. LIKE. THE. END! Really?? Ugh!

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The book is told in POV’s of Cassie and Billie and was narrated by two narrators. I really liked the different voices for each character. Both narrators did a phenomenal job.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title for review.

I’ve been a fan of Carola Lovering’s writing for a while now, and have read all of her books. The first word that comes to mind when I think of her novels is JUICY! They are always full of drama, shocking moments, fun twists, and 100% addictive. I always prepare myself for a wild and crazy ride when I pick up one of her books. Her forthcoming novel, Bye, Baby is focused on two old friends, Billie and Cassie. Their friendship seems to have shifted recently after Cassie became a mother and lifestyle influencer. Billie is feeling left out, pushed away, and forgotten. And oh boy, the drama just escalates from there! I’d call Bye, Baby a domestic drama that studies and really dives deep into the complexities of female friendship. Along with friendship, it also includes a few more of my very favorite themes: motherhood and marriage. Lovering’s crafty writing style really made this one a winner in my eyes. She incorporates quick flashbacks from the past that effortlessly weave into the present storyline, and make things really click for the reader. You really get a better understanding of each woman’s character and behavior. I thought that the execution of it all was flawless. I wouldn’t necessarily call either woman particularly likable, as I went through periods of distaste and irritation for both of them, but also felt small pangs of sympathy and understanding as well. That’s some brilliant character development right there! Overall, this was a fun one to listen to. If you’ve enjoyed Lovering’s novels in the past, I’m very confident that you’ll enjoy one too. Bye, Baby releases on March 5th, and it gets 5/5 stars from me!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

A tale of two lifelong friends, filled with secrets, lies, and a toxic relationship that traps you and doesn't let go.

Billie and Cassie have been through a lot together. As kids they were inseparable, but as they start transitioning into adulthood, the dynamic of their friendship shifts and becomes a toxic, co-dependent relationship that leads to betrayal, jealousy, and tragedy.

This book is marketed as a thriller and it is not, but regardless I enjoyed it for what it was - a domestic/friendship drama. I found myself coming back to the audiobook to see what direction their relationship would head to next. Told in alternating views, I enjoyed getting to know each character individually. This is a very character-driven plot and having alternating POV's puts things into perspective nicely.

The audiobook was great! The narrator's voices were distinct and I could easily tell who was talking.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book.

Billie and Cassie grew up together and despite being very different people, they have been best friends since they were 12. Cassie has been pulling away from Billie in recent years and Billie can't understand why as nothing has happened to cause the wedge. Cassie is so engrossed in her upscale life that she feels Billie is pulling her down, but all of that changes when her baby daughter goes missing - from then on Billie is the only person she needs.

I have loved Lovering's prior books and I think having read them my expectations were properly set going into this one. I knew not to expect a thriller that would keep me on the edge of my seat but to instead expect a mystery that would keep me engaged and wanting to know more, and that is exactly what I got. This was definitely a character driven story and I thought Billie and Cassie were very well developed. I felt for Billie a lot and Cassie was just awful, but despite not liking her I still was engrossed in her chapters. While it was character driven, the plot continued to move and it never felt slow or boring. I loved that their backstories were sprinkled throughout the book and it really just built everything up and kept me interested. My only somewhat of a criticism was that it didn't feel like Cassie's story was wrapped up enough at the end, Billie's definitely was but I wanted more on the Cassie front. Overall the book was very well executed.

I thought the audio was amazing and so well done! I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to stop listening. The narrators were excellent!

*I do think some trigger warnings should be included in the final copy because there was a lot to unpack here.

I'm around 4.5 stars on this one but rounding up!

Synopsis: Best friends Billie and Cassie used to be inseparable, but now in their thirties, their friendship has become strained. But when Cassie’s infant daughter goes missing, she turns to Billie, her oldest friend, for help.

Thoughts: I really think you should go into this one blind - don’t even read the full blurb. I had no idea where this story was going, but it had so much depth and so many layers to uncover that I was riveted. I wouldn’t call it a thriller or mystery as much as a domestic drama, but it was very captivating and well-written. If you’re like me, you may be extremely frustrated with the main character in the beginning, but as the story unfolds through dual timelines, her motivations become more understandable. Overall, this was a well-crafted exploration of trauma and female friendship that is worth a read! Definitely check out the trigger warnings for this one as the author explores some pretty dark themes. The audio narrators were so good at bringing both characters to life. Loved it!

Read this if you like:
🍼 female friendships
🍼 dual timelines
🍼 dual pov
🍼 domestic drama

[TW: Language, drinking, toxic friendships, depression, classism, drug addiction, Alzheimer's, sexual assault, cheating, rape (graphic), smoking, anxiety, PTSD, abortion]

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
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.

So begins the story of Billie and Cassie's friendship--both in recent weeks, and since they met twenty-three years ago, in their small Hudson Valley hometown the summer before seventh grade. Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, including a traumatic, unspeakable incident in high school, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a fashion and lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind--including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. Hurt and rejected by Cassie’s new priorities, Billie will do anything to restore their friendship, even as she hides the truth about what really happened the night the baby was taken.

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.
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 352
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Writing is okay
2. Cover is nice

What I Didn't Like:
1. Boring
2. Predictable
3. Not a mystery/thriller
4. Plot holes

Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer I write my review as I read}}

I found it really funny that they're talking about Billie having a sad and empty life because she doesn't have kids, but Billie is annoyed with Cassie for having a kid. They are both saying the same thing about one another; that they each other doesn't have a life. It's obviously wrong because you can have a life without children and you can have a different kind of life with children.

80 pages in and you know it'll be Cassie and Billie that kill Wade. YEP, THAT HAPPENED

Why does Billie keep trying to be friends with Cassie??

I kind of found it annoying at how centered this book was with Wade. Billie can't go to school because of Wade. Wade assaults Billie. He holds the fact over her that he will keep her mom at home if she sleeps with him. She even says she'll go to the cops but he counters with that she is 18 but it's still called rape if you are 18. I understand that it's her mother but Billie told her when she was 14 that Wade was groping her and her mother brushed it off. There is no way I'd let my stepfather rape me so my mother could stay home when she never put her daughter first.

One of the biggest problems I had with this book was that Billie is sexually assaulted/raped pretty violently by her stepfather but it seems to barely come up in modern day Billie. The main focus of her is basically just that she doesn't want kids. There is zero feelings or thoughts to what has happened to her when she was younger. It's just this huge focus on how weird and lonely she is because she doesn't want kids, and no emotion to what's happened. I suppose she has moved past that traumatic phase. It just felt like the focus was off course once we learn about the abuse.

Don't know how Cassie never noticed that Jane was looking at the apartment or that she moved in. She moved in and they never bumped into each other. Cassie works from home.

Cassie's baby is stolen - just kill the baby because I am so over hearing about how beautiful and wonderful the baby is.

How very unsurprisingly we find out that Billie actually took the baby. I'd love to see this woman who doesn't hold children a lot carry the baby down a fire escape ladder in her arm and go down with one arm. Because in the book she makes it seem like it's all seamless grab baby go down fire escapes super easy.

Don't worry baby doesn't die. Actually there is zero anything thrilling about this book.
• We know who took the baby
• We know what happened to the baby
• The baby is returned less than 24 hours later

Can't understand why Cassie needs Billie. Oh yeah, it's because of that random text she got and now she feels like she's being stalked. It was so long ago that it happened I honestly forgot someone even sent that.

Also it was weird that like Mick disappeared and then didn't know what happened. Like she's cousins with the husband so it's weird that his mother wouldn't call her. Or that someone wouldn't call her and see if maybe she took the baby somehow it's just weird that she wouldn't know anything.

Alex just forgiving Billie for everything. Ridiculous.

It grated on my nerves how many times it repeated that Billie didn't want to have kids. It was like Billie's personality.

Final Thoughts:
Calling this book a mystery or thriller is so far off what this book really is. Nothing that happens in this book is that.

The writing was good.

Unfortunately the story was boring, slow, and completely basic.

Holy smokes, this book was amazing! The audiobook narration had me hooked on every word and I struggled to put this one down, just needing to know how the ending was going to play out. Cassie and Billie had a complicated friendship but boy, was it entertaining! With dual timelines and POVs, this bingeable book has to be added to your list!

2.5 stars // I was so in for the whole book until the very end when it just kind of… ended. I wanted some sort of heart change/consequences after the glaring reality check for one of our main characters (her baby being literally kidnapped) who was incredibly entitled, snobby, and downright awful to her childhood best friend. She started out awful and ended the same way — completely out of touch with reality.

This book shocked me with its depth. I thought it would be fairly surface level (the biggest twist happens immediately in the story... leaves you thinking, okay, so what?). But these characters are surprisingly rich (literally and figuratively lol) and really well developed. There was a sense of tension throughout the second half of the book that really made the story successful. There was a switch where it went from okay, so what? to okay, now what??? where I was hanging on, wondering when the ball was going to drop. Would Cassie find out about what Billie did? I could sense it would happen, but that dreaded anticipation felt so real and consuming. It played out EXACTLY as it should have.

Other books have a similar format, where past events are interspersed between the present storyline. Sometimes, they give clues or major connections between the timelines. But in Bye, Baby, those chapters were there to help you understand these wonderfully flawed protagonists. It was a really well-crafted story, honestly. I can imagine this book really picking up on popularity upon its official release.

Shout out to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for early access in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a wild ride with the dynamics from high school-college-adult life and how much friendships and people evolve. While I had such a good time listening to this, I was disappointed it wasn't darker. Shock, I know.... I truly thought this was going to go in a different direction and I'm bummed it wasn't the direction I was hoping for. This is a good thriller for those who aren't as dark and weird as me, and do enjoy a little light-hearted thriller. Thank you @Netgalley and @MacmillonAudio for this ALC!

I really enjoyed this book. I went into it thinking it was more of a thriller and less adult fiction. So I was a tad disappointed when there wasn’t a twist!

BUT that’s now in this author. Because that was my assumption.

The audio was done so well, and it was so easy to binge in less than 24hrs.

You root, cheer, cry, scream for and love each character. & I loved how it ended!

4⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ New York City & Red Hook, NY
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 352 (p+ 52 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes
Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Karissa Vacker
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ 2 part story, multiple timelines, childhood friends, sexual assault, secrets, influencer, toxic friendship

Billie & Cassie became best friends when they were 11. Now they're in their 30's and have drifted apart. We begin on the day the baby was taken then head back 50 days before and then we're slowly coming forward to the present. And we also head back to where the toxic friendship began in 2000 and move forward to the present. I didn't find it as confusing as I just made it sound. We learn that jealously can lead to a spur of the moment decision that can change the course of what you thought you wanted.

You're just on the edge of your seat right along with Billie waiting to see when she'll get caught. They share a secret from the past, that while it is predictable I still enjoyed the suspense leading up to it being revealed.

I have family in Red Hook, so it's exciting when I am familiar with the location. Even where I went to college is mentioned. She gives a shout out to Holy Cow, which has the best milkshakes and ice cream cakes I've ever had, so if you're ever in the area you won't be disappointed if you stop there. I do have to say though that true Upstate New Yorkers say they're driving on the Thruway, not I-87.

I was lucky enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes:
A well done job by both! They were both seriously perfect for the characters.

Overall, an enjoyable psychological read.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* I actually really loved this book! I was wondering how it would end and i'll just say i loved that ending& the whole book! Would read more from this author

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
So many things in this book that I didn’t expect. Billie and Cassie are such different characters. Billie I kind of liked but Cassie I really didn’t care for.
The beginning was a bit slow and took me a few re starts to get into. After about 1/4 of the way through I was hooked though and was waiting to see what would happen next. Learning the twisted history of Billie and Cassie’s friendship in addition to their current relationship and issues was also interesting. There are a lot of surprises here. So hang out and enjoy the ride.

I received this audio book from NetGalley and really enjoyed the production.
Cassie and Billie are childhood friends who have had a bit of a roller coaster relationship.
The book begins with Cassie’s baby girl missing from her home. Who took her? Why? And how funny that after ignoring her the last few years, Billie is the first person she wants to call for comfort.
This story is told from the POV of Cassie and Billie which I enjoyed, it also takes us through multiple time periods of their friendship.
Disclaimer: I found some of the scenes graphic in nature. I might have found them easier to get through if I was reading the book, but the audio was hard to hear.
All in all this isn’t so much a thriller but a great drama, four stars for sure!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolute loved this story. It was very well put together. I loved the dual point of view and the dual timeline. The characters were insufferable - especially Cassie. The way she was described as an influencer was told so well that you just had to really think about influencer culture. Definitely a 4.5 STAR read!

This story line was done so well and kept me right on the edge of my seat! It was full of so many twists and turns that I had to know how it ended. The narrators were both fabulous making this such a fun read!

I made it to 50% but I can't/don't want to go any further. The subjects of child molestation and child abduction just aren't for me. I'm sure this book will find it's audience.

Thank you for the opportunity

These characters have so many layers. Billie’s layers are trauma and sad; you’ll really feel for her multiple times during the novel. Cassie’s layers are to show how superficial her ideal life is. Cassie thrives on money, status, appearances, social media, etc. The novel focuses on bouncing between the deep past of their friendship to that of 2023 and how these events have shaped their life together and apart. It was easy to follow the timelines and see the comparisons being made but I also felt like there was at least 1-2 unnecessary descriptions in every chapter causing drag and lulls.
Overall I’d recommend this to anyone who likes Womens fiction, Colleen Hoover, or suspense.