A review by gxcons
Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is the second book I've read by Carola Lovering, and I think I can say at this point she knows how to write not-so-sympathetic characters within a compelling story. Bye, Baby is a story of a friendship between two women, Billie and Cassie, who have known each other since middle school. In a moment of desperation, a boiling point of frustrations, Billie kidnaps Cassie's baby for appx. 5 hours. It's kind of funny how Billie is the preferable character, especially in the duo-POV format; Cassie is shallow, self-centered, and elitist, traits which only get worse with age/in the present day. I think Lovering does a good job of laying out this codependent relationship, though, like why Billie would persist in maintaining a friendship with Cassie, a toxic allegiance that can overrun all reason.

An absorbing read about female friendships and coming to terms with the fact that there are some relationships we outgrow and have to let go of. Would not recommend if you're looking for a mystery or thriller. And mind your trigger warnings!