The Cougar Club

They are middle-aged, hear them roar. And so they do, this trio of 40-something careerists and lifelong BFFs—Kat, an out-of-work and out-of-love New York advertising exec; Carla, a St. Louis anchorwoman who’s protecting her turf from an invading bimbo; and Elise, a successful dermatologist wife and mom who’s undone by her empty nest and empty sex life. Kat’s abrupt job loss sends her running home to St. Louis, which triggers a reunion of the three friends and prompts their rediscovery of each other and the awakening of their inner cougars. In the process, the gals rifle through a slew of good-looking young hunks in the search for love and meaningful employment. The journey is full of curves and detours, even if the destination is a foregone conclusion. McBride, author of the YA series the Debs, explores new territory with these adult heroines and puts together a good-old-girls club with characters who are smart and insatiable, and who like their men young, athletic, and accommodating. It may not be likely, but it sure is a fun fantasy. (Feb.)