Cocktail Hour

by Tara McTiernan

What if your friend - someone admired, envied, and fervently sought after by everyone who knew her - was really a dangerous sociopath?

Spring in glamorous uber-rich Fairfield County, Connecticut is a time of beginnings: a new diet for the approaching summer spent out on the yacht, fresh-faced interns being offered up at the office as the seasonal sacrifice to the gods of money, and corporate takeovers galore. Five women in their thirties have a brand-new friendship, too, one that's fed and watered regularly at local hotspots over cocktails. With all of their personal struggles - Lucie's new catering business is foundering due to vicious gossip, Kate's marriage is troubled due to an inability to conceive, Chelsea's series of misses in the romance department have led to frantic desperation, and Sharon's career problems are spinning out of control - the women look forward to a break and a drink and a chance to let their guards down with their friends. And letting their guards down is the last thing they should do in the kind of company they unknowingly keep with the fifth member of their cocktail-clique: Bianca Rossi, a woman who will stop at nothing to have it all.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Amazon, Romance, Ebooks

339 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2013

About the author

Tara McTiernan is the author of two novels, Barefoot Girls and Cocktail Hour, as well as a collection of short stories, Earth and Air. She is a voracious reader and also enjoys cooking, hiking, and traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and on an island in the Great South Bay on Long Island, New York, which has been the setting for her novel and short stories. Check her author page out on Facebook for info on giveaways, virtual and live events, new releases, etc.: https://www.facebook.com/TaraMcTierna...

NOTICE: Free ebook copies of Tara's latest novel, Cocktail Hour, are being given to GoodReads members who are willing to post an honest review on Amazon as well as GoodReads. Available files are mobi, epub, and PDF. Please contact Tara if you are interested at tara.mctiernan77@gmail.com

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you suspect one of your friends might be a crazy sociopath? Sure shes beautiful, and talented, and men fall all over her even if she is married. But something just isnt right. And how do you convince the other women in your Cocktail group? Five different women, Five different points of view. Who is really telling the truth? Who is hiding something? Who has a deep dark secret? Who is just trying to follow her dreams? Who just wants to fit in? And who just sees through it all? Let the drinks flow and the fun begin!!

What do you get when you mix five very different ladies and add alcohol?? Cocktail Hour!! These five ladies didn't really even know each other until one night when Chelsea asked Sharon,a co-worker, and Lucie, a friend, to meet her and Bianca for drinks not knowing Bianca invited Kate, her high school crush's wife, to join them also. Things are about to get interesting!! I'll give you a little information on each woman without giving too much away. I wouldn't want to spoil the book for you!!

Lets start with Lucie. Quiet, reserved, mind her own business Lucie. She is tired of the corporate world and is finally following her dreams to open her own catering business. With the help of her family and boyfriend things are falling into place. But at what cost?? Then there's Sharon. Call them as you see them, take no bull Sharon. When Chelsea invites her to come out with her she'd rather be at home with her cat. Her lack of sleep due to the noisy neighbor was making her cranky but what could one drink hurt?? Next is Chelsea. She only wants to find real, true love and get married and have a family and finally have her Happy Ever After. She thought she had that once, Until her best friend decided she wanted John for herself. They had a deal right? That brings us to Bianca. Beautiful, tall, sexy, and crazy as the day is long, Bianca. She married John for his money but even that wasn't enough. What lengths would she go to to get what she wants?? Oh y'all would not believe the things this woman comes up with! Which brings us to the shy, quiet little farm girl from Vermont, Kate. Kate just wants to fit in. Shes never been pretty or popular so when Bianca invites her to go out for drinks with her and her friends, she is more than happy to go along. Maybe she could finally make friends and not feel so homesick. Her husband Grant would be thrilled if she made new friends in Connecticut, or would he??

Oh My did I LOVE this one!! I couldn't put it down!! These ladies had me laughing and crying, they frustrated me and made me want to scream. But that's what a great book is all about right?? And this book was great. The characters were so well developed and I Loved the many different points of view and how the chapters were by drink of choice rather than number or name! Each person had a different attitude and personality that seemed to be so different from the others it made you wonder how any of them could be friends at all! Each woman has their own personal conflicts they are dealing with too. The friendships that develop though out the book are great. The daily struggles and how each person tied into the next in different ways without ever knowing it, made it all the more intriguing. At the end each one of the five women was not the same person as the first night they all met for drinks. This one is a MUST read!! I give Cocktail Hour 4.5 Stars!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of five women women Chelsea, Bianca, Lucie, Kate and Sharon who become friends, or so they think. Chelsea and Bianca are friends from high school who have a very dysfunctional relationship. Chelsea knows Lucie and Sharon through work and has invited them out for drinks along with Bianca, who has met Kate and invited her to the girls' night out or Cocktail Hour. What I love about this book is that it is written from the perspective of each of the women allowing for the author to both develop good characterization as well as allowing the reader to know from the beginning that one of the woman had an agenda that had nothing to with friendship and to see into the reasoning of an evil woman. I also enjoyed the end of Chelsea's story and glad the author didn't give her a typical happy-ever-after ending. The reason I only gave the book 3 stars was because of all the question marks in the story. I'm blaming it on bad editing however if this was the authors intention I would change my rating to 2 stars. It was distracting to say the least and reminded me of high school students. I'm going to look for the paperback version at the library to see if the question marks are in hardcover as well.

[Heather L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cleverly-written and highly entertaining read. It's been a long time since I read a book this fast. Started on Friday night and couldn't put it down until I finished it on Saturday evening.

This book includes one of the most compelling portraits of a sociopath I've read. Bianca is terrifying: evil and incredibly seductive. The other girls are so in her control they can't see the danger they're in. Yet, the reasons they can't see it make sense. They are the same reasons we all look the other way or make excuses for people. Why? Because we assume they're decent human beings. Found myself actually yelling NO out loud once! So believable and well-written.

I loved the other characters (not Bianca) in this book. Sharon was the witty and daring friend I've always wanted to meet, Lucie was like a sister, and I wanted to protect and help Kate and Chelsea. Each of them had their own story line that was fascinating in itself yet tied in with the main story. I didn't want this story to end at the same time I couldn't wait to find out how it ended!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocktail hour is a time to unwind, destress and hang with friends, old and new. But, McTiernan must have had a different idea in mind. The five very different friends portrayed in her novel each have diverse personalities, and we learn to distinguish each of the gals by their beverage of choice. It's a far cry than your typical chick-lit novel because it's dripping with drama, quite disturbing (in a good way) and emotionally charged throughout the entire storyline. The author has a special knack for writing and knows exactly how to create thrilling characters that will linger in one's mind long after we read the saddest two words known to every bookworm: The End. It's almost like Sex and the City, but more contemporary, more exciting and it takes place in Connecticut. Ok, so maybe it's nothing like the infamous novel or the acclaimed HBO series, but it surely is a hit nonetheless. So, belly up to the bar, order your favorite libation and let the turmoil unfold right before your very own eyes.

[Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this book: I think if Desperate Housewives and Sex in the City got together Cocktail Hour would be their love child. It’s the type of book that would be perfect for a week at the beach. There is an excessive amount of woman drama, fashion, and fancy parties, which kept me entertained. I can’t tell you how many times in the first few chapters I thought I wouldn’t want to finish the book.
However, I’m really glad I stuck with it because I grew to really like some of the characters, and the ending was satisfying.

Would I recommend it: Definitely! It’s as I said–the perfect book for a vacation or even a book club!

As reviewed by Gina at Every Free Chance Books.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

http://everyfreechance.com/2015/01/gi...

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Feeling:

Chick lit meets Hannibal Lecter.
As women we are caught in this fine game of back and forth/love and hate with other women. We want to surround ourselves with female friends so we feel “normal” but we often find ourselves comparing and gossiping … This book takes that unique tribe called “Girlfriends” and turns it into a page turning, anxious novel about a sociopath who sees everyone in her path as stepping stones to reach the top. Bianca, the psychotic female character in this novel, is cunning, manipulative, and deadly. The four other characters in the book range from a country dairy “mouse” to a strong willed, intuitive woman.

One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed was the creative way the author identified the characters by their drinks during “Cocktail Hour.” I loved that the perspective of the chapters changed by whose drink was the chapter’s title.

Strawberry Daquiri – Chelsea
Corona – Kate
Chardonnay – Lucie
Vodka Martini – Sharon
Mojito – Bianca

I was entertained and could not wait to find out how the end was going to play out. I think, out of all the characters, I related to Sharon’s the most. Somewhat older woman, with a good head on her shoulders, and a bit in tune to the “offish” behaviors of Bianca. I know that I have also run into a Bianca or two in my life.

There was one other character that I wanted to seriously smack the hell out of, “Molly.” Oh… My… God this woman was atrocious! Demanding, lying, holier than thou. She made a great subplot in the book.

If you’re into Chick Lit, and you want a good suspenseful book that will make your hackles rise read this book. The author, Tara McTiernan, does a wonderful job with writing a sociopath into a social scene. They are all around us, living and “normal” human beings.

[Holly Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best horror stories don't always have flesh-eating zombies or things that go bump in the night: they involve psychological chills of the neck-tingling variety that keep you looking over your shoulder because whatever you're reading seems like it could happen right around the corner, in the house next door, or, in this case, while you're having a cocktail after work with friends! This is one of those books. The characters are all believable and sympathetically drawn, even those who make mistakes, and they all, in one way or another, fall victim to Bianca, the sociopathic "friend" at the story's center. It was fascinating to read this book because you don't often get to see women this evil created so vividly on the page. I easily read it in a weekend! The only critique I had was that, at times, these supposedly smart women were so blind to Bianca's obvious manipulations, and I liked several of the characters so much that I would have loved to have seen them more vividly drawn. In the end it didn't matter, though, because not wanting these lovely women to fall prey to Bianca is kind of like knowing that the main character in your favorite horror movie should NOT go to the basement, the cabin, or the empty house alone. You find yourself screaming at the TV even knowing that, if she didn't go into that dark, damp place, there wouldn't be much of a movie! And the author's writing here is so smooth and fast-paced that I happily followed the characters right down into their respective basements. A great story, overall, and very well told.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocktail Hour is an intriguing story that revolves around five very different women, who form a cocktail-clique in chic Fairfield County, Connecticut. This eclectic group of women come together for a weekly night of relaxation, socializing, and sharing of what's going on in their lives. While their lives intertwine and a bond of friendship forms, it is overshadowed by the clever and smooth deception of one of them who is a dangerous sociopath. What starts out as a weekly girls night out for cocktail hour turns out to be more than just girlfriends getting together ...

Author Tara McTiernan pulls out all the stops in this dramatic and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that alternates between the perspectives of the five women who form the cocktail-clique. The reader is immediately drawn into the lives of Bianca, Lucie, Chelsea, Sharon and Kate. The author cleverly alternates between the individual women's stories with chapters named after their favorite drink: Mojito (Bianca), Chardonnay (Lucie), Strawberry Daiquiri (Chelsea), Vodka Martini (Sharon) and Corona (Kate). The chapters flows smoothly in this fast pace riveting tale, the author does a great job of providing backstories on each of the women and intertwining it with the current issues in their lives, all the while steadily building anticipation with every dramatic twist and turn of Bianca's warped schemes to get what she wants at the cost of the other four women.

The characters are all realistic, strong, down-to-earth, fun-loving yet flawed bunch of women, except Bianca who is in a class of her own. It is easy to relate to each of the women, they all are living their lives with issues to overcome and dreams they want to pursue, but they unwittingly get drawn into the deceitful web of a clever sociopath who is very smooth, engaging and appealing. There is no end to Bianca's deviousness, from a subtle catty behavior to her dangerous scheming, she preys on and exposes the weaknesses of the other four women to her warped and twisted advantage. Bianca is the type of woman that everyone loves to hate, and who wouldn't blame them?! This story makes one think about their friends ... there is always one in the crowd that is "out there" ... but if you can't trust your friends, then who can you trust? hmmm....

The author does a wonderful job of creating a storyline that is filled with family and friendship dynamics, drama, suspense, love, loss, romance and betrayal. She easily weaves a tale that is emotionally charged and has so many intriguing twists and turns that the reader better buckle up for one heck of a wicked roller coaster ride.

Cocktail Hour is a compelling and thoroughly engrossing story that will leave the reader pondering about their own friendships.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.


http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Bèbè ✦ RANT ✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocktail Hour is an intriguing story about five very different women in uber-rich Fairfield County, Connecticut, who enjoy each other’s company and discuss their hopes and dreams during couple of cocktails.

Kate, Sharon, Lucie, Chelsea and Bianca all knew each other for years and even with their busy lives they still managed to always find time for each other. Being all together made them feel better and they trusted each other. But none of the women ever knew what a back-stabbing b*tch Bianca was. With her evil but genius mind she goes out of her way to get what she wants. And Bianca will get everything she wants, even if it’s dangerous and will ruin their friendship.

OMG this book was absolutely incredible!!! I was always a fan of chick lit but Cocktail Hour is way beyond what I ever imagined it would be. I was really impressed with every single character that the author executed and Bianca was one of those people that you hope you don’t have in your life. Every women had different attitudes and personality and it was interesting to see how all-through the book their struggles and frustrations were starting to come out and how different they have become.

McTiernan is a very powerful and talented writer. Every word drew me in and before I knew it, I was always couple of chapters in. Cocktail Hour is a well-written and incredibly entertaining read that’s perfect for this summer. Every fan of chick lit that likes a little spice in their books – This is a MUST read for you!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cocktail Hour was an intriguing novel. Although it took a little while to connect to the five characters, and the five points of view, once I had them all in order, I was hooked.

The novel is written in a style that overlaps the story from chapter to chapter in order to show the interconnection of events, thoughts and actions of the five women: sensible Sharon, party girl Chelsea, conscientious Lucie, little mouse Kate, and absolute sociopath Bianca.

I must admit that I did find it a little hard to believe the blind faith placed in Bianca by some of the women, particularly on the part of Chelsea who knew the dark secret from Bianca's past. However, obviously, the reader is privy to information that the other characters don't have. Even so, this absolute inability to see Bianca's dark side did make me stop and wonder whether I sometimes ignore those warning bells when someone's behaviour doesn't quite seem to add up.

On the matter of the dark secret from Bianca's past, I also found that a little hard to swallow, but it is fiction after all. Read it and see for yourself.

Loved the way the author wrapped things up at the end. Not quite tied up in a nice, neat, happily ever after bow. I found it very satisfying.

A little more proofing wouldn't go astray, particularly with some very oddly placed question marks throughout, but overall, this was quite well done. It also kept my interest to the end.

Recommended for anyone wanting chick lit with a bit of a bite.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocktail Hour is one compelling read. When I saw the cover, I thought it might end up being one of those silly little light books that leaves no impact, kind of like cotton candy. Not! Sure it had fun elements of fashion and romance, but the characters were so well drawn and Bianca was so deeply evil that I found myself swept away by the events in the story and riveted to my seat. Part of it was how much I grew to care about the other girls in the story, each of them likeable in a different way. Kate's desperation to be a mother and her challenges made me cry. Sharon and her issues at work were so relate-able plus her budding relationship with her neighbor made me laugh with recognition. Lucie's struggles with her family were just like mine. And Chelsea? Oh, girl, I've been there with Mr. Wrong! Stay away from him!

Every time I thought I knew what would happen, I would be shocked at the twists and turns the plot would take. A great book must be shared so, after finishing it last night, I have been recommending it like crazy to anyone who will listen. I kept thinking as I was reading this book that this story would not end well for the girls, but even the ending surprised me. I couldn't tear myself away from this one, just kept turning the pages cause I had to know what happened next!

[Peyton Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone loves cocktail hour, right? And the group of friends chronicled in Tara McTiernan’s novel Cocktail Hour are no different. But perhaps they should be, because one of their friendship group – Bianca – could best be described as a low-level but high-functioning sociopath. What begins in the chick-lit genre quickly veers away into something darker, more though-provoking, and frankly, darn-right scary, as the girls’ pretend friend begins to toy with them like a pycho given an ants-nest and a magnifying glass. Spoiling their lives just for the hell of it is only the start.

The soap-like elements of the social whirl around Fairfield County are given a deft handling by McTiernan, and her balancing between page-turning action and believability are well-anchored by her fleshed-out characterization. In the hands of a lesser novelist, this would probably not be the case. This is a fabulous novel which should appeal to discerning readers of the chick-lit/romance and thriller genres. It would also make a great TV series along the line of Revenge, and I can think of five or six actresses who would be perfect for Bianca.

You’ll know who I mean once you’re finished this book… readers, cocktail hour has begun!

[S. Wideman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit hard to read. The reason: I really hate it when authors write with various different POVs. Especially like this one where it jumps every chapter.

The Good: Some of the plots intrigued me. I loved Kate's story and Sharron's story, and I was okay with Lucy's and Chelsea's. Frankly, I felt that Bianca didn't need a story, she was just the villain (and good at that), but she broke up the flow a bit.

The Bad: By putting in all five POVs, there were a lot of repeated chapters. It slowed the book down. There was only enough storyline for a book half this size. If I took out all the repeated chapters, it would have been half the size. There is one incident that takes FOUR chapters to tell, because it has to be said from Bianca's POV, Sharron's POV, Kate's POV, and Lucy's POV. Same thing repeated over and over and over again. It drags the book down. Not only that, but the whole using a question mark for Kate's way of speaking, it was horrible. No one talks like that!

Also, I hated the tacked on five endings where everyone (Bianca included) got their happily ever after.

[Pam Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm blown away. I started reading this around 11 am this Saturday morning because my kids were with their dad and it was quiet enough to read. Finished it 8 hours later..I didn't drink, eat or even go to the bathroom!

Loved everything about this book: the characters were real and believable, the plot was awesome, and even the setting was fascinating. Now I want to go and visit Greenwich with some girlfriends. Obviously the writer knows the town well and it will be interesting to see if I can find The Vault or something like it. This story really had me hooked....A MUST read that I'm getting for all my girlfriends ASAP!

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was okay. I had to finally force myself to stop reading all of Kate's dialog as a question. I get she's tentative and shy and not sure of herself. But no one except a complete moron speaks in broken sentences and the uplift at the end of the sentence all the time. I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt in that sometimes Kindle has wonky printing errors. However, several other characters spoke this way sometimes as well. It did take away from the story. Other misses are the unrealistic events and unsatisfactory ending. Kind of feel like a sequel is coming on and if it is, I hope Ms. McTiernan gets a good editor.

[Janet Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book on holiday and could NOT put it down, it was one of those 'perfect timing' reads and I kept finding I could relate easily to the characters in the story.

It is a well written book with strong, likeable characters and a very intriguing plot that kept me up late into the night turning the pages, as the plot thickened.

Cocktail Hour is truly riveting, with a complex mixture of love, lust, friendship, and betrayal I couldn't believe how cleverly different each woman was, but so perfectly portrayed in her personality.
I highly recommend this book, you won't regret reading it.

[Sally Malkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocktail Hour by Tara McTiernan is a girly book with five believable, if not always likable, female characters, personified by their favorite drinks. If you are into justice for all, it is served up and plated on an appealing dish on more than one occasion. The only annoying part for me – I am getting used to e-reader glitches, which hopefully will someday be eliminated – was the abundant use of the question mark, and commas after ellipsis. If you can over look that, I think women for the most part will find this an interesting summer read.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting twist on the stereotypical wealthy, elite, glamorous lifestyle!

The entire novel is written in 3rd person POC, but each chapter is written from the point of view of a different one of the five central characters. All of the characters are well-developed and were completely believable from the start. Their lives were fascinating, although they faced real life problems that the reader could sympathize with. The fast pace, especially in the second half of the novel, and mysterious aura of each chapter made it difficult to put this book down!

[Elam Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting Locked in from start to finish!! *****

If you are in need of a break away from the normal then this book will take you there. It will make you forget about time once you go into it. It makes you need to know more. You find yourself wondering what next. It satisfies every chapter. The characters are all unique and entertaining. I am a male and I've learned a lot, I found it much more exciting reading a book about a group of girls that are friends then any other male dominated book. I'm a fan! Great book!!

[Brandi Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I wasn't sure if I'd like it as it seemed like one of those fluffy books that has no meat to it. Wrong! This book was filled with fascinating believable characters in a situation that kept you wondering how it would turn out. I loved how the story was told from each character's perspective and that each chapter was titled by that character's signature drink. Most of all, Bianca is a "love to hate her" character - finding out what she was going to do next became an obsession quickly. Couldn't put it down!

[Jayde R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE books about sociopaths and this one doesn't disappoint! In fact it's a lot better than most, keeping you on the edge. The characters were well defined and likeable (except for Bianca) and the story was like a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs and surprises. The writer certainly has done her research on sociopaths and it shows. Also enjoyed the insights into life on the gold coast and the fact that each woman had her own set of challenges to overcome. Great read!

[Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down, what a gripping story

5 girls meet for cockails and the story unfolds. 4 of the characters - Lucie, Sharon, Kate and Chelsea you love to love and the 5th main character Bianca you love to hate.

Very well written and had me gripped to the end. Would recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of sociopathic chic lit :)

Definately worth a read...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my book club and, unlike most of the books that we've read this far, the pages flew with this one! The story is gripping and full of drama and excitement. The characters are wonderfully written, most of all Bianca, whose crazy behavior and thoughts had me guessing and frightened for the other girls. Loved it!

[Danielle Emme Pingley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was awesome! I couldn't put it down! Loved the multiple characters and points of view and found it very creative to label them as their drinks. Fascinating story. Looking forward to more from this author!

[Elizabeth Dietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining book but it didn't wow me. Got it as a free download for my Kindle & I am certainly glad I didn't pay for it. It was definitely a mindless, summer, beach read but not something I would highly recommend to my friends.

[Lauri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a book worth reading.. I don't know why I feel compelled to finish a book when its not even good.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better written Amazon freebies that I've gotten. Characters and story were both pretty well developed.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Kept me completely interested until the very end!

[Emily Strunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Holly Kailani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like watching a train wreck-horrible, but you can’t stop looking

A group of women, supposedly friends, but each highly dysfunctional in a different way. They meet often for cocktails, which is where the book and chapter titles come from. I couldn’t believe that the other women, supposedly intelligent, could not see how awful Bianca was. Especially Chelsey, who maintained their friendship after Bianca stole and married Chelsey’s love. I kept trying to stop but was somewhat fascinated by what a mess the whole thing was. Since I finished the book, I felt I had to give it two stars.