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The Cougar Club
Meet three women who aren't about to run and hide just because the world says they should be on the shelf and out of circulation.
Kat
Her life seems perfect until she loses her high-powered advertising job and catches her live-in lover in a compromising position—with his computer!
Carla
This sexy TV news anchor is in danger of being replaced by a twentysomething blond bimbo. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was the up-and-coming star?
Elise
A married dermatologist, Elise thinks her plastic surgeon husband is playing doctor with someone else.
Kat firmly believes that aging gracefully isn't about giving up; it's about living life with your engine on overdrive. So this unofficial "Cougar Club" quickly learns three things about survival of the fittest in today's youth-obsessed society: True friendship never dies, the only way to live is real, and you're never too old to follow your heart.
Kat
Her life seems perfect until she loses her high-powered advertising job and catches her live-in lover in a compromising position—with his computer!
Carla
This sexy TV news anchor is in danger of being replaced by a twentysomething blond bimbo. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was the up-and-coming star?
Elise
A married dermatologist, Elise thinks her plastic surgeon husband is playing doctor with someone else.
Kat firmly believes that aging gracefully isn't about giving up; it's about living life with your engine on overdrive. So this unofficial "Cougar Club" quickly learns three things about survival of the fittest in today's youth-obsessed society: True friendship never dies, the only way to live is real, and you're never too old to follow your heart.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2010
22 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Susan McBride
24Ìýbooks497ÌýfollowersSusan McBride is the USA Today Bestselling author of Blue Blood and five more award-winning Debutante Dropout Mysteries from HarperCollins, including The Good Girl's Guide To Murder, The Lone Star Lonely Hearts Club, Night Of The Living Deb, Too Pretty To Die, and Say Yes to the Death. Susan has a second bestselling series with HC/Avon, the River Road Mysteries, that include To Helen Back, Mad as Helen, and Not a Chance in Helen. A fourth installment, Come Helen High Water, will be released in 2017.
Walk Into Silence, a thriller featuring Texas police detective Jo Larsen, was named a Kindle First pick for November 2016 and was the #1 paid Kindle bestseller in the US and UK (and #3 in Australia!). Walk a Crooked Line, the second Jo Larsen book, will be released in July 2018 by Thomas & Mercer.
Susan's young adult thriller, Very Bad Things, was released by Random House in 2014. In addition to her mysteries, she has penned three well-received women's fiction titles from HarperCollins: The Truth About Love & Lightning, Little Black Dress, and The Cougar Club. Foreign editions of Susan's books have been published in France, Turkey, Croatia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria.
Susan has one nonfiction title: In the Pink: How I Met the Perfect (Younger) Man, Survived Breast Cancer, and Found True Happiness After 40, which tells her tale of becoming an "accidental Cougar" and marrying a younger man, her cancer diagnosis at age 42, and finding herself pregnant at 47.
She has authored several YA non-mystery novels for Delacorte about debutantes in Houston: The Debs (2008) and Love, Lies, And Texas Dips (2009). Gloves Off, the third book, will be out sometime in the future.
In January of 2012, Susan was named one of St. Louis's "Most Dynamic People of the Year" by the Ladue News. In April of 2012, she was given the "Survivor of the Year" Award by the St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As Susan likes to say, "Life is never boring."
Walk Into Silence, a thriller featuring Texas police detective Jo Larsen, was named a Kindle First pick for November 2016 and was the #1 paid Kindle bestseller in the US and UK (and #3 in Australia!). Walk a Crooked Line, the second Jo Larsen book, will be released in July 2018 by Thomas & Mercer.
Susan's young adult thriller, Very Bad Things, was released by Random House in 2014. In addition to her mysteries, she has penned three well-received women's fiction titles from HarperCollins: The Truth About Love & Lightning, Little Black Dress, and The Cougar Club. Foreign editions of Susan's books have been published in France, Turkey, Croatia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria.
Susan has one nonfiction title: In the Pink: How I Met the Perfect (Younger) Man, Survived Breast Cancer, and Found True Happiness After 40, which tells her tale of becoming an "accidental Cougar" and marrying a younger man, her cancer diagnosis at age 42, and finding herself pregnant at 47.
She has authored several YA non-mystery novels for Delacorte about debutantes in Houston: The Debs (2008) and Love, Lies, And Texas Dips (2009). Gloves Off, the third book, will be out sometime in the future.
In January of 2012, Susan was named one of St. Louis's "Most Dynamic People of the Year" by the Ladue News. In April of 2012, she was given the "Survivor of the Year" Award by the St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As Susan likes to say, "Life is never boring."
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July 14, 2010
Meet Kat, Elise, and Carla---the three fabulous women who star in author Susan McBride’s new series, The Cougar Club. With this new book, McBride leaps from Maggie the hard-boiled detective; Andie, the dropout debutant; and the three high school debs to ahem, women of a certain age. Closer to forty-five to be precise. McBride’s trademark style of humor and sarcasm makes the leap effortlessly, providing readers of all ages a guaranteed laugh.
When Kat loses her Manhattan advertising, she realizes she has also had enough of her boyfriend/boy-toy, Roger. She packs her stuff and heads back home to St. Louis. The Gateway City is just what Kat needs to soothe her soul. Not only is it “home,� it’s where her two best friends have stayed.
There’s local newswoman Carla, the face of St. Louis, who is being nudged out of her anchor chair by a blond bimbo, in much the way Carla forced out her predecessor. To round out the trio is dermatologist Elise, who everyone thinks has the perfect marriage, the perfect husband, and the perfect kids. However, poor Elise is suffering from a less-than-perfect sex life with the only man whom she’s ever slipped between the sheets.
While Kat tries to decide what to do with the rest of her life, she helps Elise and Carla navigates the minefield of men and life makeovers at middle age.
The Cougar Club is not only a celebration of women but of friendship and life and, finally, getting what you want out of life. There are three surprises waiting for the three friends and for the readers that will leave them with an OMG-I can’t-wait-for-the next-book longing.
When Kat loses her Manhattan advertising, she realizes she has also had enough of her boyfriend/boy-toy, Roger. She packs her stuff and heads back home to St. Louis. The Gateway City is just what Kat needs to soothe her soul. Not only is it “home,� it’s where her two best friends have stayed.
There’s local newswoman Carla, the face of St. Louis, who is being nudged out of her anchor chair by a blond bimbo, in much the way Carla forced out her predecessor. To round out the trio is dermatologist Elise, who everyone thinks has the perfect marriage, the perfect husband, and the perfect kids. However, poor Elise is suffering from a less-than-perfect sex life with the only man whom she’s ever slipped between the sheets.
While Kat tries to decide what to do with the rest of her life, she helps Elise and Carla navigates the minefield of men and life makeovers at middle age.
The Cougar Club is not only a celebration of women but of friendship and life and, finally, getting what you want out of life. There are three surprises waiting for the three friends and for the readers that will leave them with an OMG-I can’t-wait-for-the next-book longing.
July 28, 2010
Kat’s life fell apart, so she moved back home. Good idea. Home is where your heart is, and where you can go back and lick your wounds when you’ve been kicked the crap out of. Kat’s friends and family welcome her back with open arms, she wallows in her sorrow for a bit and spurs her on to figure out what she really wants to do with her life (that I totally called by the end of chapter 1).
You go girl� However. I felt like it took forever to get to that point. Four chapters into the book, and I was ready to throw in the towel. I think the only reason I didn’t DNF it by that point is because I felt an obligation to Crazy Book Tours to finish.
This book is supposed to be about three 40-something women finding themselves and embracing their awesomeness � even though or because of the fact that they’re “cougars�.
Carla came off as a vindictive Samantha-wannabe. She didn’t� jump any 25-30 year old with a penis and a heartbeat, but she did have a 28 year old boyfriend who she tried to pimp out to get back at the new version of herself. And somehow, he stays with her even though he gets pissed off at the suggestion. She’s got to be the luckiest broad in the world just based on that alone. Even when things go her way, she doesn’t learn her lesson and keeps blackmail material against nu-Carla (Amber Sue). I didn’t feel like she grew as a person/character and she just all around irritated me.
Elise has been happily married for 23 years, but now that her son is grown and off to college, she’s hoping that she and her husband can spend more time together. Instead, he’s spending every waking moment working. It’s hinted that she’s going to have an affair with her son’s old hockey coach, and I’ve never wanted someone to step out on their marriage before, but I sensed what was coming and I couldn’t help but yell DO IT!! Every single clichéd sign in the book is screaming that he’s having an affair, but she refuses to believe it. OHMYGOD GET A CLUE! He finally comes clean, and it’s about what I expected� with a twist. He’s gay. With this revelation, Elise is understandably shocked and upset, but she’s basically over it in two weeks. Um. Excuse me?! You don’t get over your husband of 23 years cheating on you and being gay in two MF’ing weeks!
Final thoughts: This “adult� novel seemed far too much like a YA book for me. I like YA, but I need a warning, so I won’t be so disappointed in the style of the book. Also, there was a big cliffhanger-type question (with regards to Carla) left unanswered. I don’t know if this is a setup for a sequel, but I haven’t seen anything saying that there will be another book. I hate books that leave cliffhanger endings with no sequel in sight.
You go girl� However. I felt like it took forever to get to that point. Four chapters into the book, and I was ready to throw in the towel. I think the only reason I didn’t DNF it by that point is because I felt an obligation to Crazy Book Tours to finish.
This book is supposed to be about three 40-something women finding themselves and embracing their awesomeness � even though or because of the fact that they’re “cougars�.
Carla came off as a vindictive Samantha-wannabe. She didn’t� jump any 25-30 year old with a penis and a heartbeat, but she did have a 28 year old boyfriend who she tried to pimp out to get back at the new version of herself. And somehow, he stays with her even though he gets pissed off at the suggestion. She’s got to be the luckiest broad in the world just based on that alone. Even when things go her way, she doesn’t learn her lesson and keeps blackmail material against nu-Carla (Amber Sue). I didn’t feel like she grew as a person/character and she just all around irritated me.
Elise has been happily married for 23 years, but now that her son is grown and off to college, she’s hoping that she and her husband can spend more time together. Instead, he’s spending every waking moment working. It’s hinted that she’s going to have an affair with her son’s old hockey coach, and I’ve never wanted someone to step out on their marriage before, but I sensed what was coming and I couldn’t help but yell DO IT!! Every single clichéd sign in the book is screaming that he’s having an affair, but she refuses to believe it. OHMYGOD GET A CLUE! He finally comes clean, and it’s about what I expected� with a twist. He’s gay. With this revelation, Elise is understandably shocked and upset, but she’s basically over it in two weeks. Um. Excuse me?! You don’t get over your husband of 23 years cheating on you and being gay in two MF’ing weeks!
Final thoughts: This “adult� novel seemed far too much like a YA book for me. I like YA, but I need a warning, so I won’t be so disappointed in the style of the book. Also, there was a big cliffhanger-type question (with regards to Carla) left unanswered. I don’t know if this is a setup for a sequel, but I haven’t seen anything saying that there will be another book. I hate books that leave cliffhanger endings with no sequel in sight.
May 14, 2010
Veteran author Susan McBride has taken off in a new direction: rather than debutantes she is dealing with women over 40 who don't feel their age should be a factor with which to judge them. Their skills on the job or in life don't suddenly disappear. They still have close friendships that will endure. They still have needs and desires they want to fulfill, and they feel they are far from being too old to do so. I know this with a newfound confidence.
The three main characters in THE COUGAR CLUB - three women over 40 - are multi-dimensional, sassy, funny, and real.
Susan McBride has proven herself that life isn't over at 40, so why shouldn't her characters enjoy their lives as well? I hadn't realized how much women were not just left out but pushed out, of their jobs, their social lives, their close relationships just for growing older. I salute the spirit of these cougars for holding on to their dreams and tackling life head on.
I could only come to this conclusion if Susan McBride had written her characters with passion, zest, and sometimes plain stubbornness. Yet they are human, too, needing that time to curl up with a childhood Snoopy and grieve what they've lost and what's been taken away. Then they dust themselves off and fight their way back to living happy fulfilled lives, meeting new challenges and making their way through the world with grace.
I very much enjoyed the uplifting story of three childhood friends reuniting, each at a different place in her life. Each of those places was about to change, but exactly how, and how much, was not evident until the last page was turned. I haven't enjoyed being caught off guard reading well into the night for quite some time. Wow, that was fun.
The three main characters in THE COUGAR CLUB - three women over 40 - are multi-dimensional, sassy, funny, and real.
Susan McBride has proven herself that life isn't over at 40, so why shouldn't her characters enjoy their lives as well? I hadn't realized how much women were not just left out but pushed out, of their jobs, their social lives, their close relationships just for growing older. I salute the spirit of these cougars for holding on to their dreams and tackling life head on.
I could only come to this conclusion if Susan McBride had written her characters with passion, zest, and sometimes plain stubbornness. Yet they are human, too, needing that time to curl up with a childhood Snoopy and grieve what they've lost and what's been taken away. Then they dust themselves off and fight their way back to living happy fulfilled lives, meeting new challenges and making their way through the world with grace.
I very much enjoyed the uplifting story of three childhood friends reuniting, each at a different place in her life. Each of those places was about to change, but exactly how, and how much, was not evident until the last page was turned. I haven't enjoyed being caught off guard reading well into the night for quite some time. Wow, that was fun.
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April 7, 2010My Thoughts: I enjoyed every single page of this book. I'm 41 and could so relate to how each of these characters felt about their bodies, faces, careers, and lives in general. I connected immediately with Elise because I know how hard it is to keep a marriage going, having children, and still trying to find time for yourself. This book was perfect timing for me because when I look in the mirror I see a frumpy looking woman staring back at me...who is that person??? I don't feel my age, but damn sometimes I look it!! Saturday I had my hair cut and colored, it's amazing how just a little bit of time spent on yourself can change the way you think about your appearance. The cougar term is one that I don't necessarily like, but I do know that I feel pretty good when a younger guy does a double-take...makes my self-esteem go up just a bit. For me, though, there should not be a term like this for when a woman loves a younger man...if they have that connection then I say go for it...regardless of the age!!! Overall, I felt that this was a very well-written novel and totally enjoyable!! I can honestly recommend this to any of my friends....even those younger ones, because believe it or not...you will be 40+ someday!!! P.S. The discussion guide with the author at the end of the story is fantastic!!!
September 7, 2022
This was such a fun read! I never really ever read anything in the Chik Lit genre but this was such a great exception! This book follows the lives of three accomplished, talented, and beautiful women in their mid forties. The book gave wit, humor, and sass like The First Wives Club. But what was so great about this book is how with the times and contemporary it was. The three women are each having their own very specific struggles with men. They all have in common the adoration for younger men, hot and equally accomplished younger men. We get to watch these amazing women navigate in their own brilliant way through life and making life work for them! I loved the excited plot lines for each character and the fast paced forward motion of this novel. If you love a good beach read this is the absolute perfect choice. I took this book on vacation a couple weeks ago and really couldn’t put it down. The vibes are all around good with this biting quick witted story! Girl power forever, no matter what the age!
March 24, 2010
This book came special to me from blogging buddy Megan from WriteMeg! We did a little swap with books. I sent her One Amazing Thing. And although I told her not to send me anything in return, she did and I have never been happier to receive a book in the mail. This was a very pleasant surprise and one I had near the very top of my To Be Read list.
Kat is 45-years-old, has a great job and a super hot 20 something boyfriend. That all changes in the first chapter. She uproots from her NYC home and goes back to St. Louis where she grew up. She catches up with her best friends from high school, Carla the news anchor and Elise the dermatologist.
All these women are realizing that at the age of 45, nothing is guaranteed. Jobs are on the line and marriages are on the line, but the good thing about 45? All the young guys love them a cougar. Now, this book isn’t about a bunch of women going around hooking up with younger men. Yes, it happens once or twice throughout the book, but it is more of a coming of age, finding yourself book.
Quickly, I fell in love with these women. Of course, I felt a connection with Carla because we’re in the same business and although I don’t anchor or report, job security in media is a scary thing.
These women are more my mom’s age than mine, but this book definitely hit home on the family level. I’ve been through a similar circumstance that one of these women went through with her family so I was able to feel this book.
I really liked how this book was written. It is definitely a 2010 book. Twitter and Crackberry are just a couple of terms that I remember from the book that kept me reading because I felt like I really lived in the same world they do.
As much as I love Chick Lit, I always feel paranoid when I read them. They normally give me hope that I know I can get through things, but they never really give me much hope for the future of my marriage. I kind of got away from these books right before the wedding because they paranoy me, along with Lifetime Movies, but I can’t stay away.
Another paranoia these books give me is that I need to make sure I keep working out now so I don’t regret not doing it later. At one point in this book, after almost 20 years of not working out, one of the ladies goes back to the gym then turns around and walks out. At that moment, I started dong squats while reading. I am such a dork I know!
I give The Cougar Club 4 bookmarks.
Kat is 45-years-old, has a great job and a super hot 20 something boyfriend. That all changes in the first chapter. She uproots from her NYC home and goes back to St. Louis where she grew up. She catches up with her best friends from high school, Carla the news anchor and Elise the dermatologist.
All these women are realizing that at the age of 45, nothing is guaranteed. Jobs are on the line and marriages are on the line, but the good thing about 45? All the young guys love them a cougar. Now, this book isn’t about a bunch of women going around hooking up with younger men. Yes, it happens once or twice throughout the book, but it is more of a coming of age, finding yourself book.
Quickly, I fell in love with these women. Of course, I felt a connection with Carla because we’re in the same business and although I don’t anchor or report, job security in media is a scary thing.
These women are more my mom’s age than mine, but this book definitely hit home on the family level. I’ve been through a similar circumstance that one of these women went through with her family so I was able to feel this book.
I really liked how this book was written. It is definitely a 2010 book. Twitter and Crackberry are just a couple of terms that I remember from the book that kept me reading because I felt like I really lived in the same world they do.
As much as I love Chick Lit, I always feel paranoid when I read them. They normally give me hope that I know I can get through things, but they never really give me much hope for the future of my marriage. I kind of got away from these books right before the wedding because they paranoy me, along with Lifetime Movies, but I can’t stay away.
Another paranoia these books give me is that I need to make sure I keep working out now so I don’t regret not doing it later. At one point in this book, after almost 20 years of not working out, one of the ladies goes back to the gym then turns around and walks out. At that moment, I started dong squats while reading. I am such a dork I know!
I give The Cougar Club 4 bookmarks.
February 18, 2010
Three best friends, Kat, Carla and Elise, are back together in the same town after many years apart. They are now in their mid-40's and are each at a turning point in life:
Kat just recently lost her job in Manhattan because her superiors have decided younger employees are the way to go and upon finding her much younger boyfriend having some cyber fun, she has decided he's got to go too. So she packs up and heads back home to St. Louis and her two BFF's.
Carla is the town's news anchorwoman... a celebrity of sorts. She's hot at 40, and she knows it, not to mention she's going out with the young Sportscaster at her station. But she suddenly finds herself in a déjà vu moment, when a younger woman is a threat to her job... just like she did once upon a time to her predecessor.
Then there's Elise - whose life seems to be the most stable. She's been married for years, her children are grown and gone from home and now she finds herself in a rut. Her marriage and sex life sucks and her husband is quite possibly cheating on her.
Their unofficial "Cougar Club" is what they'll need in order to see, get through and move forward from these not-so-great moments in life.
This was a fun and quick read that had it's funny and light moments but also had some moments that were thought-provoking. I love the idea of a cougar. Why? Well because I've never felt that age should define a person. Plus I give kudos to any woman who at 45 can still live and look like they are in their late 20's, early 30's. You go girlfriend!
Ms. McBride's writing is hip and fun. She really brought these woman to life - made you feel as if you could know someone like them in real life. The issues and struggles they face were realistic and most women over 30 can definitely relate. I truly enjoyed this story about friendship, love, and just life in general.
I loved the Club's motto:
True friendship never dies, the only way to live is real, and you're never too old to follow your heart.
I think that is so true and certainly something every woman, no matter the age, should live by.
This was a wonderful treat to read and I definitely recommend it.
Kat just recently lost her job in Manhattan because her superiors have decided younger employees are the way to go and upon finding her much younger boyfriend having some cyber fun, she has decided he's got to go too. So she packs up and heads back home to St. Louis and her two BFF's.
Carla is the town's news anchorwoman... a celebrity of sorts. She's hot at 40, and she knows it, not to mention she's going out with the young Sportscaster at her station. But she suddenly finds herself in a déjà vu moment, when a younger woman is a threat to her job... just like she did once upon a time to her predecessor.
Then there's Elise - whose life seems to be the most stable. She's been married for years, her children are grown and gone from home and now she finds herself in a rut. Her marriage and sex life sucks and her husband is quite possibly cheating on her.
Their unofficial "Cougar Club" is what they'll need in order to see, get through and move forward from these not-so-great moments in life.
This was a fun and quick read that had it's funny and light moments but also had some moments that were thought-provoking. I love the idea of a cougar. Why? Well because I've never felt that age should define a person. Plus I give kudos to any woman who at 45 can still live and look like they are in their late 20's, early 30's. You go girlfriend!
Ms. McBride's writing is hip and fun. She really brought these woman to life - made you feel as if you could know someone like them in real life. The issues and struggles they face were realistic and most women over 30 can definitely relate. I truly enjoyed this story about friendship, love, and just life in general.
I loved the Club's motto:
True friendship never dies, the only way to live is real, and you're never too old to follow your heart.
I think that is so true and certainly something every woman, no matter the age, should live by.
This was a wonderful treat to read and I definitely recommend it.
March 11, 2010
In Susan McBride's fast-paced The Cougar Club, we alternate seeing the world from each woman's perspective which, when done well, works great for me. I'm happy to report McBride made Elise, Kat and Carla individual women and successfully blended their unique, sometimes snarky "voices" with that of the omnipresent, all-knowing narrator. It was easy to flit back and forth between each friend as she struggled with the myriad of issues doing a number on her energy and self-confidence, though I liked Kat's sections best.
Where does all the talk of "cougars" come in, you might ask? Both Kat and Carla have their respective "boy toys," which isn't really a fair term for them. Kat was in a committed relationship with a man almost twenty years her junior and, though it didn't work out, it was a real relationship -- despite the chiding of her family. Carla's trysts, on the otherhand, come off the most "cougarish" of them all... and I can't say I was entirely comfortable with that! But they didn't offend me on a deep level. It was just... meh, a tad awkward.
Despite my misgivings about Carla, who came across as rather cold-hearted at points, I had to give her credit for standing up for herself and refusing to become a doormat. Elise, too, for eventually confronting a painful and awkward situation -- and dear Kat, my favorite of the ladies, who eventually figured out what she wanted and wouldn't let anyone come in and railroad her.
The novel was less about "cougars," a term which makes some cringe, and more about friendships -- developing them, keeping them, learning from them. At the heart of this book are three women who care for each other and try to protect each other as they all search for that big, elusive love. Even if, you know, he's young enough to be her son. (Or at least a much younger nephew.) A quick read sure to please lovers of women's fiction with some genuinely hilarious and poignant moments!
Where does all the talk of "cougars" come in, you might ask? Both Kat and Carla have their respective "boy toys," which isn't really a fair term for them. Kat was in a committed relationship with a man almost twenty years her junior and, though it didn't work out, it was a real relationship -- despite the chiding of her family. Carla's trysts, on the otherhand, come off the most "cougarish" of them all... and I can't say I was entirely comfortable with that! But they didn't offend me on a deep level. It was just... meh, a tad awkward.
Despite my misgivings about Carla, who came across as rather cold-hearted at points, I had to give her credit for standing up for herself and refusing to become a doormat. Elise, too, for eventually confronting a painful and awkward situation -- and dear Kat, my favorite of the ladies, who eventually figured out what she wanted and wouldn't let anyone come in and railroad her.
The novel was less about "cougars," a term which makes some cringe, and more about friendships -- developing them, keeping them, learning from them. At the heart of this book are three women who care for each other and try to protect each other as they all search for that big, elusive love. Even if, you know, he's young enough to be her son. (Or at least a much younger nephew.) A quick read sure to please lovers of women's fiction with some genuinely hilarious and poignant moments!
May 7, 2010
This novel is one that will definitley catch your eyes before even opening it up. The cover is a gorgeous hot pink with a Black handbag with a cute little hotpink cougar on it. This is the first step , to say that if you are a male then this book isn't for you . Once you open to the first page, the story mode is set and its wham-bam into the story. Which if you are an impatient reader like me and can't stand books that you can't get into and discard never to wander that books pages again. Then this book is one to put on your TBR Pile as it keeps you entranced right from beginning to end. All three of the main female characters are in their 40's.
Meet Cougar number one Kat aka Mary Katherine, she has just been pink-slipped from her advertising agency job in NY because of her age and when she arrives home , she finds her 20's year old lover cheating on her . She then packs up her stuff and heads back home , here she reunites her friendships with BFF's Elise and Carla. Whom are about to experience , their turn at being a Cougar. Carla is the number one face of the News and is living with her sports reporter Randy- a young fit hunk and is now in danger of being replaced on the news with a young blonde Daisy Duke look-a-like all boobs and no brain. Is Carla's days of being the star over , has she reached firing age ?.
The last of their Trio is married wife Elise whose son has left the nest and is suffering Empty Nest Syndrome. When a face from the past - a younger face becomes reunited with Elise , is this a chance to live her life again and get her passion re-sparked or will she fall apart , when a nasty secret is revealed about her husbands life?.
This novel is suited to all women over the age of 40 , who thinks that when they reach that age-their lives have ended and the sparks are no longer a-flying. Also included in this novel is a set of what is called A+ and includes the authors insights and extras about the book itself.
Meet Cougar number one Kat aka Mary Katherine, she has just been pink-slipped from her advertising agency job in NY because of her age and when she arrives home , she finds her 20's year old lover cheating on her . She then packs up her stuff and heads back home , here she reunites her friendships with BFF's Elise and Carla. Whom are about to experience , their turn at being a Cougar. Carla is the number one face of the News and is living with her sports reporter Randy- a young fit hunk and is now in danger of being replaced on the news with a young blonde Daisy Duke look-a-like all boobs and no brain. Is Carla's days of being the star over , has she reached firing age ?.
The last of their Trio is married wife Elise whose son has left the nest and is suffering Empty Nest Syndrome. When a face from the past - a younger face becomes reunited with Elise , is this a chance to live her life again and get her passion re-sparked or will she fall apart , when a nasty secret is revealed about her husbands life?.
This novel is suited to all women over the age of 40 , who thinks that when they reach that age-their lives have ended and the sparks are no longer a-flying. Also included in this novel is a set of what is called A+ and includes the authors insights and extras about the book itself.
October 28, 2011
Why am I not shocked that I loved this book? All I can say is that I didn't want it to end, and it went way too quickly.
I love how all three women had a bunch of similarities, for instance them all being cougars, but then on the other hand, each woman had traits that were all her own.
At the end of the book I started thinking about the end of The First Wives Club. All three women, in both the movie and this book, experienced some not so happy things in their lives, especially where men have been real jerks to them. But with the help of their close friends, they were able to pick up the pieces and move on to Act 2. Even now as I'm writing this I'm thinking of the last scene in the movie, where Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler are dancing and singing "You Don't Own Me." Even though Carla, Kat and Lisie were not dancing and singing at the end of the book, they all toasted to champagne...well not all of them (I will not say anymore here). Very similar feel from the movie and this book. Having the "cougar" theme sets this book apart, from the MANY other books where there are 3 women main characters, all good friends who support each other.
I also felt a little bit of The Golden Girls sprinkled through out the book.
I have learned a few things from reading The Cougar Club. First I think it's going to be ok when I hit 40. I might not like it but I'm still going to have the same spunk that I have now. Also friendship is so important. My mom has 4 very close girlfriends and they remind me of the the 3 main characters in this book. Cherish them and always be there for them. Knowing your true self is key in life. If you don't know yourself, how can someone else get to know you, or love you. Don't settle for second best. You are worth way more that second best.
You have to also read "The Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride too!
I love how all three women had a bunch of similarities, for instance them all being cougars, but then on the other hand, each woman had traits that were all her own.
At the end of the book I started thinking about the end of The First Wives Club. All three women, in both the movie and this book, experienced some not so happy things in their lives, especially where men have been real jerks to them. But with the help of their close friends, they were able to pick up the pieces and move on to Act 2. Even now as I'm writing this I'm thinking of the last scene in the movie, where Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler are dancing and singing "You Don't Own Me." Even though Carla, Kat and Lisie were not dancing and singing at the end of the book, they all toasted to champagne...well not all of them (I will not say anymore here). Very similar feel from the movie and this book. Having the "cougar" theme sets this book apart, from the MANY other books where there are 3 women main characters, all good friends who support each other.
I also felt a little bit of The Golden Girls sprinkled through out the book.
I have learned a few things from reading The Cougar Club. First I think it's going to be ok when I hit 40. I might not like it but I'm still going to have the same spunk that I have now. Also friendship is so important. My mom has 4 very close girlfriends and they remind me of the the 3 main characters in this book. Cherish them and always be there for them. Knowing your true self is key in life. If you don't know yourself, how can someone else get to know you, or love you. Don't settle for second best. You are worth way more that second best.
You have to also read "The Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride too!
March 27, 2010
When Kat gets fired from her advertising job after 15 years she flees Manhattan for her home town in St. Louis. She leaves behind a much younger boyfriend who won't make a commitment and much worse, she doesn't fully trust. After a few days of feeling sorry for herself she finally gets up the courage to look up her old best friends, Carla and Elise.
Carla is the city's top rated news anchor yet her ex-husband, the station manager, is gently pushing her aside to make his much younger (and bustier) girlfriend the next big thing. Now "What comes around, goes around." is all to true as she remembers doing the same to secure her own job many years ago.
The Empty Nest Syndrome has got Elise very firmly in it's grasp. After her son leaves to college in Austin, Elise realizes that her husband has grown distant in recent months and she has a nagging feeling that he's seeing someone else. But she doesn't have the courage to confront him so she goes about her days as if nothing is wrong and spends night after night torturing herself with thoughts of what her husband might be up to.
For the three women in their forties, being back together again is just what they need to snap them out of their blues and find their true happiness, even if it means being on the hunt for a much younger cub.
The Cougar Cub was a great one-day read. Being 36 I could totally relate to these women because their stories were genuine. Their friendship keeps them strong and after a few rough patches they each come out on top to do as Kat says and, "Live Real". I highly recommend this one for fans of chick-lit.
Carla is the city's top rated news anchor yet her ex-husband, the station manager, is gently pushing her aside to make his much younger (and bustier) girlfriend the next big thing. Now "What comes around, goes around." is all to true as she remembers doing the same to secure her own job many years ago.
The Empty Nest Syndrome has got Elise very firmly in it's grasp. After her son leaves to college in Austin, Elise realizes that her husband has grown distant in recent months and she has a nagging feeling that he's seeing someone else. But she doesn't have the courage to confront him so she goes about her days as if nothing is wrong and spends night after night torturing herself with thoughts of what her husband might be up to.
For the three women in their forties, being back together again is just what they need to snap them out of their blues and find their true happiness, even if it means being on the hunt for a much younger cub.
The Cougar Cub was a great one-day read. Being 36 I could totally relate to these women because their stories were genuine. Their friendship keeps them strong and after a few rough patches they each come out on top to do as Kat says and, "Live Real". I highly recommend this one for fans of chick-lit.
May 16, 2012
Thank you to Susan McBride for donating this copy of The Cougar Club. This is a book worth reading.
Synopsis:
Kat, Carla, and Elise have been friends since grade school. They went their separate ways after college. These friends suddenly found themselves in their forties and wondering where life will take them next? Kat recently lost her job and moved back to St. Louis from New York. Carla is a television anchor at channel 3 in St. Louis. Is her job in jeopardy? Elise is a dermatologist and has a successful practice in St. Louis. She has the picture perfect family or does she? These friends come back together to share in each other’s trial and tribulations.
My Thoughts:
When this book was first released the subject matter was a turn off for me. I was very wrong about this book. I think the term cougar can also be misinterpreted. I loved Susan McBride’s take on the Cougar to be a woman who is free to become who she is. The book was very easy to read. It helped that the setting was my home town of St. Louis Missouri. I found the characters very likeable. This is a choice that will not do you wrong.
The setting of St. Louis Missouri was a trip back in time for me. I remember the Arena which was mentioned in the book. I attended the Ice capedes there. I loved old Bush Stadium and am a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan. I have never seen the Blues play at the Arena or their new home. I did live in Chesterfield for three and a half years. What home town memories do you have?
Ratings:
4.75/5
Synopsis:
Kat, Carla, and Elise have been friends since grade school. They went their separate ways after college. These friends suddenly found themselves in their forties and wondering where life will take them next? Kat recently lost her job and moved back to St. Louis from New York. Carla is a television anchor at channel 3 in St. Louis. Is her job in jeopardy? Elise is a dermatologist and has a successful practice in St. Louis. She has the picture perfect family or does she? These friends come back together to share in each other’s trial and tribulations.
My Thoughts:
When this book was first released the subject matter was a turn off for me. I was very wrong about this book. I think the term cougar can also be misinterpreted. I loved Susan McBride’s take on the Cougar to be a woman who is free to become who she is. The book was very easy to read. It helped that the setting was my home town of St. Louis Missouri. I found the characters very likeable. This is a choice that will not do you wrong.
The setting of St. Louis Missouri was a trip back in time for me. I remember the Arena which was mentioned in the book. I attended the Ice capedes there. I loved old Bush Stadium and am a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan. I have never seen the Blues play at the Arena or their new home. I did live in Chesterfield for three and a half years. What home town memories do you have?
Ratings:
4.75/5
February 24, 2010
The Cougar Club is an absolutely delightful book. I was pulled into the lives of Kat, Carla and Elise from the very first page and by the end of the book I felt like they were my friends. That's how well I felt I got to know them.
It's funny going from reading a lot of young adult novels to one about more mature women (which incidentally are only slightly older than me - and I'm feeling it since my birthday is Friday). But truly there is little difference between teenage girls and older women, mainly the age and some maturity level. Essentially though all women love men, great shoes and friends. That is the epitome of Kat, Carla and Elise who are there for each other in some tough times. Coming back together after quite a few years, these three high school friends act just like they just left each other. As they catch up and guide each other through new stages in life, the main thing is they are there for each other.
The Cougar Club is a wonderful feel-good friend book that inspires and entertains. The characters are well developed and the plot moves smoothly. So smoothly in fact that the pages just flew by.
Women young and old can enjoy this book and I highly recommend this wonderful read.
It's funny going from reading a lot of young adult novels to one about more mature women (which incidentally are only slightly older than me - and I'm feeling it since my birthday is Friday). But truly there is little difference between teenage girls and older women, mainly the age and some maturity level. Essentially though all women love men, great shoes and friends. That is the epitome of Kat, Carla and Elise who are there for each other in some tough times. Coming back together after quite a few years, these three high school friends act just like they just left each other. As they catch up and guide each other through new stages in life, the main thing is they are there for each other.
The Cougar Club is a wonderful feel-good friend book that inspires and entertains. The characters are well developed and the plot moves smoothly. So smoothly in fact that the pages just flew by.
Women young and old can enjoy this book and I highly recommend this wonderful read.
April 8, 2010
Susan McBride's The Cougar Club tells the story of three friends, Kat, Carla and Elise, who have been out of touch for a while, until the wayward, NY-living Kat, catches her boyfriend with his pants down and decides, it's time to make a fresh start. And heads home to St. Louis. Carla has problems too, though she's a popular TV news anchor, her station manager/ex-husband has plans for her coveted chair. Elise, seemingly the most stable of the three women, finds out her marriage isn't as stable as she expected. Poor girls... Collectively they’re beginning to wonder, what the heck are they, at forty and suddenly facing a new threshold, looking into what seems to be a minefield of upheaval, going to do to straighten out their lives? One thing’s for sure, there are plenty of fish in the sea, even if most of them are under forty—or in some cases, decidedly gay. As the three reconnect, some threads of their lives start to pull back together, as others fray a little more. But with the right attitude, and shoulders to lean on, maybe they’ll decide this being forty thing isn’t so bad after all.
September 9, 2010
I read Reading with Tequila's review of this book and I decided that I would check it out. I'm glad that I did because I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was fiction that was written in a way that addresses so many "real life" issues that women encounter in this day-n-age.
The three main characters in this book are not written like your typical cougar (predator). They just happen to be three hard working women "of a certain age" who just happen to like their men on the young side. There really isn't anything wrong with that right? They also are best friends who have unfortunately lost track of each other for a while, but once life starts kicking the crap out of them, they are reunited to take on the enemy (life) together.
This is a well written book about finding your true self after you've turned 40. There's humor, romance, there's a little bit of everything. The thing that really drew me to the story is how the "hot younger guys" are there but they defiantly take a backseat to the friendship of these three women.
The three main characters in this book are not written like your typical cougar (predator). They just happen to be three hard working women "of a certain age" who just happen to like their men on the young side. There really isn't anything wrong with that right? They also are best friends who have unfortunately lost track of each other for a while, but once life starts kicking the crap out of them, they are reunited to take on the enemy (life) together.
This is a well written book about finding your true self after you've turned 40. There's humor, romance, there's a little bit of everything. The thing that really drew me to the story is how the "hot younger guys" are there but they defiantly take a backseat to the friendship of these three women.
February 23, 2010
Another win from First Reads! :)
Kat, Carla and Elise are all 45-year-old women who have been best friends since childhood. They're reaching middle age, and in different ways, all their lives get turned upside down. There are some funny scenes and some touching scenes, and there are also a few obvious plot points that are easy to see before they come. I was expecting it to be crass in sexuality and language, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it wasn't. I guess this is "grown-up chick lit." Overall, I enjoyed it, and I'm interested in reading more from this author who I hadn't heard of before this book. Discovering new authors to read is one thing I really like about First Reads!
Kat, Carla and Elise are all 45-year-old women who have been best friends since childhood. They're reaching middle age, and in different ways, all their lives get turned upside down. There are some funny scenes and some touching scenes, and there are also a few obvious plot points that are easy to see before they come. I was expecting it to be crass in sexuality and language, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it wasn't. I guess this is "grown-up chick lit." Overall, I enjoyed it, and I'm interested in reading more from this author who I hadn't heard of before this book. Discovering new authors to read is one thing I really like about First Reads!
December 12, 2010
The Cougar Club centers around three life long friends- Kat, Carla and Elise. They've just turned 45 and each of them is facing changes in their lives. Kat gets canned from her ritzy Manhattan advertising firm and simultaneously dumps her going no where relationship with a younger man. She moves back to her home town of St. Louis where she reconnects with Elise, a dermatologist, and with Carla, a prominent local TV anchorwoman. Carla is in danger of losing her job to a younger woman and Elise's plastic surgeon husband might be having an affair. I really loved the friendship among the women and how they dealt with turning "older" in a youth obsessed society. I have to admit, Carla "Car" was my favorite. This was a fun, fast paced read with a happy ending that I didn't want to end!
November 14, 2012
This books is a fast and fun read. The women are all successful and they make 45 look pretty glamorous. They don’t need men, but they do enjoy them. I don’t know how realistic the stories of these three women are, but it was fun to be a part of their lives for a few hours.
I loved the sharp writing and I was especially drawn to the idea that you can always go home. I loved Kat’s journey back home to her family and friends after 20+ years. It’s a heartwarming thought.
there's more on my blog
I loved the sharp writing and I was especially drawn to the idea that you can always go home. I loved Kat’s journey back home to her family and friends after 20+ years. It’s a heartwarming thought.
there's more on my blog
October 9, 2017
This was a pretty light, frothy read... The characters were likeable, and I did sympathize with them. The writing wasn't too simple, something I detest in a novel, but it wouldn't strain the brain either. It's something my mom and I could both like, so it would be a good investment to buy! Thanks goodreads!
April 2, 2010
Just read and thoroughly enjoyed this stand-alone by Susan McBride, entitle The Cougar Club. It was sassy, light and enjoyable. A quick read that centers on three best friends reunited after years apart. The main concept is, obviously, that they are ‘cougars�. But life intervenes, as usual, so just Live Real.
February 12, 2010
As a 41 year old woman who has been married for 21 years, it was fun to live vicariously through Kat, Carla and Elise for a couple days. I don't see myself asking for a 'do over' in life like they had (nor do I want one) but it was fun to read about experiences so different from my own.
Read
April 13, 2010I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun read and kept my attention through out. Makes me wonder where the world would be if all older women wanted younger men and older men wanted younger women.
April 28, 2010
Really enjoyed this light, easy read! The characters were believable although as they were 10 years older than me (they were 45)I had a little bit of a hard time relating at first. Would definitely recommend!
March 5, 2010
This was a great book, not quite what I expected. The characters were well written and interesting. The story flowed along as each woman tried to figure out life in middle age.
March 12, 2010
Entertaining, light reading fun.
May 4, 2010
an entertaining book about friendship and women in their 40's
June 23, 2010
Fun read. The characters are funny, sensitive and enjoyable. A good book to read on vacation or to just enjoy.
July 1, 2010
Good Chicklit book to read. fun.
August 19, 2010
very fast and fun read
September 2, 2010
This was a fun, fastpaced book that was just an enjoyable read. The end was a bit of a stretch for a woman of mid-40's, but it is fiction.
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