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nikkileighreads's review against another edition
I'm sure this is a fine story, but I can't continue on past about 8% in. I wish there was a trigger warning for the way age and fertility is talked about, as this can and will be triggering to some women. I also just don't like any of the characters. Cassie is a terrible friend and Billie is just flat out annoying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Infertility
tyreadsbooks_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
» Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering «
★★★★ 4/5 stars
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
“A wise friend once told me, “You can’t f*ck up what’s meant for you.”
» synopsis
Billie & Cassie used to be inseparable, but now in their 30s, their lives have taken different paths & friendship has become strained. But when Cassie's infant daughter goes missing, she turns to Billie, her oldest friend, for help.
Told in dual POVs & timelines, Bye, Baby explores how friendship changes over time,
uncovering the dark secrets that bonded them together, & the events that pulled them apart in the present.
» Read if you like :
- Dirty Dancing
- cats named Willie Nelson
- Character driven stories
- 90s/2000s nostalgia
- NYC setting
- Dual POV / Dual Timeline
- Toxic friendship drama
- Influencer trope
- Themes surrounding motherhood
» my thoughts
Although this one is marketed as a thriller, I'd call it more of a domestic drama that explores complex (& sometimes toxic) female friendship. What it lacks in twists, it makes up for in nail-biting suspense!
The flashbacks were well placed & relevant, adding depth to the current timeline. I found it so easy to empathize with the characters, especially Billie - from having a “boys” name, to feeling a little left behind in life. Even if I didn’t always agree with her actions, I appreciated the character development.
I was so anxious while reading, I had no idea where this story was going. I couldn’t imagine how on earth there could be a satisfying resolution, but I was pleasantly surprised! It wrapped up nicely in a way that felt realistic.
I highly recommend the audiobook too! Helen Laser & Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating.
I like the writing style & I definitely want to read more by this author! If you’ve read any of Lovering’s other books, drop me a rec!
*I would suggest checking trigger warnings
Thank you to @netgalley, @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to read + listen to this ARC ◡̈
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Infertility, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping
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