A los 28, la hermosa Miranda Bradford se ha dado por vencida con los hombres (¡ya que ellos al parecer se dieron vencidos con ella!) Le había dado pausa a su vida para ayudar a su madre enferma y a su hermana en la universidad. Lo que significaba: que no estaba disponible para “citas de media noche”, era paseadora de perros para mantener a su familia, y tenía muy poco tiempo para emprender lo que más amaba: escribir obras. Cuando el empresario de bienes raíces Penn Roberts fue derrumbado en Central Park por uno de los perros de Miranda, se dio cuenta que era realmente ella quien lo había derrumbado con su sexy figura, sus brillantes ojos azules, su natural piel color durazno con crema, y su largo cabello tan oscuro como la media noche. La atracción entre los dos fue instantánea: como una chispa provocando grandes llamas – de manera inesperada e innegable. Y ninguno de ellos sería el mismo más nunca. ¿Fue destino que se conocieran – o más bien desgracia? ¿Probaría Penn, también llamado Mr. Bombón, ser el mejor amigo de Mira, y el candente amante o el arquitecto de su más grande traición? ¿Compasivo como su madre – o despiadado como su padre? ¿Será él el hombre que iría más allá de sus sueños más salvajes, o quién le causaría el daño más salvaje? Quebrantada y confundida, se apoya sobre sus amigas en el Club de Cenas de Manhattan.
I've been making up stories for as long as I can remember. When other kids wanted to be doctors, teachers or firemen, I wanted to be a writer. As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I'd read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites. In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care. Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I'm blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I'm still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Miranda has a lot going on in her life, with taking care of her ill mother, and her younger sister being somewhat unreliable. She meets Penn in the park when one of the dogs she is walking, escapes his leash and runs the poor guy over. They hit it off quickly and begin to see more of each other. It turns out they are on opposite sides of an emotional and highly personal issue and they end up pitted against each other. Neither is willing to give in and it leads to some sneaky dealing on Penn's part to get what he wants.
The relationship seemed to move a bit fast for me. They were only meeting for breakfast every day but already she was thinking in terms of being in love. Then when they each found out who the other was and the confrontation happened, I was seriously unimpressed with Penn's reaction to the situation. He behaved like a spoiled brat who lashed out in a temper tantrum when it was clear he wouldn't get his way. Miranda seemed to be an independent, strong female character and I didn't find it believable that she would just forgive him for humiliating her in front of other people. As for her sister's betrayal, I thought she got over that too quickly as well. But I guess certain things can be overlooked when it leads the object of your desire straight to your bedroom door.
Still, as much as I would've liked to see her stand her ground a bit longer against Penn and her sister, I also wanted to see her find her happiness. Miranda is an extremely likable character and I've rarely found myself so looking forward to seeing if the heroine gets her happy ending. I enjoyed her easy relationship with her mom and I loved the pugs. Her dinner party friends seemed like an interesting group and I find myself wanting to read the other books in the series to get to know them better.
Omg this is the best one yet!!! This by far is my favorite of the four in the series. The other three were fantastic but this one...wow! It is beyond words.
I was on such an emotional roller coaster ride with this one. I could see what was going to happen but it did not hinder in the reading in the story because I did not know HOW it was going to happen. I haven't cried so much from a book in a long time. I wanted to crawl into this book and shake the hell out of Mr. Hottie. At first, just when you think he is going to do something stupid he redeems himself but not for long because he outdoes himself by being a major wanker and boy did he jump into it with both feet. Too bad he wasn't wearing concrete shoes when he did it. Can he redeem himself?? Yes he can and he does it with style, determination and best of all heart.
This book was so well written. The description to detail was fantastic, the dialogue was breathtaking and the characters were spot on. Especially loved Maggie and John. They were such sweet characters and were a huge part of this book I believe even though they had small roles. The only thing I missed was more followup on from the previous 3 books. Yes it included the girls from the Dinner Club but not a lot of info was provided concerning them.
This is a sweet and a strong testament to the power of love. Neither Mira nor Penn are willing to give in. At least not easily.
I felt Mira was a strong female. Not giving in to her lust or her love if it means compromising her wants and needs. Her mother safe and cared for, her sister successful with her career, her father's house. Penn has excellent guidance from his parent substitutes Maggie and John. They guide him through his emotions and help him to the place where he can chose love and people in his life over the business his father left to him. Everyone wins in surprising ways by the end of this book.
I can actually say that I truly enjoyed reading this and I think I may be more critical than others because sweet HEA love stories need that something more. The more here is the love that surrounds these two as they feel there way to forever. It's difficult to explain but part of it is those who love them let them work through this seemingly on their own while working behind the scenes to finally acknowledge their own needs and giving them the freedom to make the right choices.
Seriously, I got this book free for an hosest review and wasn't sure at all about it. Surprise me.
Yet another great story in the Manhattan Dinner Club series! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and every story is so well written and draws you into it. The characters are real and you find yourself pulling for them and hoping for a happy ending. An added plus in each story, cute pugs! Jean made all of her main characters strong women with a soft side. The best thing about this whole series is that all of the women in the club stand by each other and have each other's backs. The women don't tear each other down, they help empower each other. Each story showed the strengths and vulnerabilities of each member. Miranda was living her life, doing what she thought was expected of her and putting herself behind other obligations. Miranda met her Prince Charming and his work was cut out for him and at times he slipped, just like a normal person and not just an imaginary character in a book. It is this type of writing that draws you into the story. Highly recommend that you read this whole series.......and adopt a pug if you are able!!!!!!!
I am sad to see the Manhattan Dinner Club series come to an end. This book drew out so many emotions in me, I think the strongest was murder lol. If I had been treated the way Miranda was in this book, I seriously would have killed a few people off. The chemistry between her and Penn is immediate and hot. He's a spoiled ass through out most of the book, but it made the book that much more enjoyable. With the exception of the other members of the Manhattan Dinner Club, I wanted to smack for the supporting characters in this book for one reason or another. (but again, it's realistic. You aren't going to like everyone in your life, and those you love and care for will be the ones who betray and hurt you the most) This book had me in tears while wanting to jump through the pages and shake a few characters. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a book that has a lot of angst, an almost too nice heroine, a hot alpha hero, and twists around the corner
I was given To Love or Not to Love for and honest review by Manic Readers
Miranda Bradford has a hectic life with the care of her ill mother, her sister in college, her play to finish and her dog's to walk. Where does she have time for am man and besides they just run for the hills when they find out her time is limited and not always available to them. That is until one of her dogs runs over Penn Roberts during a squirrel chase.
Penn Roberts is determined to build his "tribute", thinking he needs to live up to his deceased father's beliefs no matter the cost. Meeting Miranda turns his world upside down forcing him to question what really matters. Will it be worth what he stands to lose?
I am sad to see the Manhattan Dinner Club series come to an end. This book drew out so many emotions in me, I think the strongest was murder lol. If I had been treated the way Miranda was in this book, I seriously would have killed a few people off. The chemistry between her and Penn is immediate and hot. He's a spoiled ass through out most of the book, but it made the book that much more enjoyable. With the exception of the other members of the Manhattan Dinner Club, I wanted to smack for the supporting characters in this book for one reason or another. (but again, it's realistic. You aren't going to like everyone in your life, and those you love and care for will be the ones who betray and hurt you the most) This book had me in tears while wanting to jump through the pages and shake a few characters. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a book that has a lot of angst, an almost too nice heroine, a hot alpha hero, and twists around the corner
You first meet the tall, dark, and handsome Penn Roberts. He's arrogant but has a heart that is screaming to be shown. He meets and instantly falls in love with the dog walker/inspiring playwright, Miranda Bradshaw. She's stubborn and is afraid to let go, after many years of taking care of her very sick mom and younger sister. Penn and Miranda go through the "on again, off again" relationship quite a bit throughout this story, even though they have that once in a lifetime kind of love. This author kept me interested, because every time I think it's going to be a "happily ever after," BAM! The characters are wonderfully descriptive and the story flows very easily. I did enjoy this story quite a bit.
Sometimes you miss seeing the forest but for the trees! Penn Roberts lost his parents when he was a teenager but has made a good life and profitable business. Miranda Bradshaw has struggled and sacrificed caring for her ailing mother and younger sister in college. She has put her own life on hold, especially when it comes to men. Boy meets girl, they date and fall in love but other dreams and wishes cloudy up the plans. Hurtful words and accusations can change everything and drive a wedge between them. Can two people who are in love get past the plans they each had envisioned and can a future be made. **I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review**
this one has it all...my second fav of the series! The sweet little pugs are the stars yet again! sweet over extended miranda , her sister (id love to smack her silly) hot rich boy penn....great story line. i love how he waits and watches for miranda to walk the dogs just to see her. i wanted to punch penn a few times, until he took his head out of his arse! miranda is witty and the chemistry is awsome.
loved this book. Glad that Penn realize he didn't have to prove anything to his dad. This book had me in tears after the "meeting" so glad they found their happy ending. hope there more books to come after this. I love reading about all these ladies in the Manhattan Diners Club
Loved this! The only reason it took me so long to read it is due to two secret projects and two extra family members staying with us. Love how she weaved in characters from another series into this one!!!
Quise esperar hasta el último libro para dar mi opinión sobre toda la serie. Fueron entretenidos en el 70% del argumento, el contexto, (amo los libros ambientados en Nueva York) pero sentí que no había una conexión entre las historias, ellas se conocen en un parque, tienen perritos lo que las animó a fundar el club, y a medida que leía se pierde la interacción entre ellas, sólo unas pocas veces fue resaltado este aspecto. Entiendo que son libros con tramas independientes, pero el que la autora haya dejado de lado esa conexión me hizo olvidar por momentos que las protagonistas eran amigas; además en el 3er libro se dice que el protagonista del cuarto es familiar del prota del primer libro, por tanto lory y penn deberían conocerse, y en el cuarto libro parece que no se conocen; son detalles que ningún autor debe pasar por alto, parecen de principiantes. Otro detalle que aparentemente no es importante, es la línea temporal en que suceden las novelas. Me explico: el epílogo del cada libro es una escena del siguiente lo que da una probada de lo que será el siguiente, bien con eso. Luego de la resolución del problema pasan semanas, o sea pocos días de estar juntos, luego cuando la escena sucede en el libro siguiente, parece que ha pasado mucho tiempo, luego no sabes si las historias pasan de manera simultánea o si son continuas. Son este tipo de cosas las que desanima a veces a leer series. En resumen En resumen, historias de amor y romance le pongo 5 de 5, todo sucede tan casual, línea argumental 3 de 5, algunas fueron predecibles. El segundo y tercero me gustaron mucho por ser más coherentes. No pretendo persuadir a nadie para que no los lean, yo solo digo lo que percibí.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Embarrassing misogyny-laced plot line featuring a boy-next-door/handsome CEO in disguise who forces a poverty-stricken heroine’s hand to sell a beloved property. Very “You’ve Got Mail”-coded … if you stole the joy and humor out of it.
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogpsot.com
Miranda Bradford had given up on men. Weighed down by family “baggage”: a sick mother and a sister in design school, Miranda had become the responsible one. An aspiring playwright, she walked dogs to put food on the table. Not available for “over-night” dates, she was stamped “undesirable” by most men, despite her good looks. Until Penn Roberts came along.
Drawn to her by a mutual love of dogs and laughter, he moved in quickly on the sexy, dark-haired beauty with the magnetic blue eyes. Attracted to him by his outward qualities, it was his loneliness and caring attitude that turned heavy-duty chemistry into love.
A secret revealed soured her love to hate, or did it? Hope for affection, so long dormant, had buoyed her heart. But the truth had destroyed her dreams, leaving her bitter. Betrayal forced her to face her true feelings and make a decision whether TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE.
I totally loved this book. I loved the characters & the story line..I couldn't wait to see what was gonna happen next. The characters are so real you can't help but love them. This is the last book in this series & I was sad to see it end. Amazing author & I can't wait to see what she's going to come up with next.
Miranda Bradford had given up on men. Weighed down by family “baggage”: a sick mother and a sister in design school, Miranda had become the responsible one. An aspiring playwright, she walked dogs to put food on the table. Not available for “over-night” dates, she was stamped “undesirable” by most men, despite her good looks. Until Penn Roberts came along.
Drawn to her by a mutual love of dogs and laughter, he moved in quickly on the sexy, dark-haired beauty with the magnetic blue eyes. Attracted to him by his outward qualities, it was his loneliness and caring attitude that turned heavy-duty chemistry into love.
A secret revealed soured her love to hate, or did it? Hope for affection, so long dormant, had buoyed her heart. But the truth had destroyed her dreams, leaving her bitter. Betrayal forced her to face her true feelings and make a decision whether TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE.
I totally loved this book. I loved the characters & the story line..I couldn't wait to see what was gonna happen next. The characters are so real you can't help but love them. This is the last book in this series & I was sad to see it end. Amazing author & I can't wait to see what she's going to come up with next.
To love or not to Love was a well written book that kept the reader wanting more. The story was about Miranda and Penn "bumping" into each at the park. The spark was there from the beginning and reader watched it developed in short span of time. The development of the characters has you rooting for them to be together. Drawn in from the beginning and keeping your finger crossed that the "shoe doesn't drop" on their feeling for each other. But the shoe does drop and the story the unfolds with them fighting their feelings for each other but yet waiting to be close to each other. It was great to read how while they had obstacles to overcome, the author showed how they processed and worked it out. You got to see how Miranda and Penn dealt with problems in their way. I would recommend this more if you looking for a light-heart feel good romance.
A wonderfully written realistic romance filled with drama and sharp banter. That is one of the highlights of reading a book by Jean Joachim, the crisp dialog. Well, the romance, tight plots, pugs and sensual bed-play are darn nice as well, but it's the dialog that always leave me coming back for more of this author's work. Even though I`m done reading the book I`m still chuckling over a line from the hero that came mid-way through. A truly touching book that was perhaps my favorite of the series. I can`t wait to see what this writer brings us next!
This was an okay story, but not entirely for me. It was quite fitting that the main character cared for dogs, as the angst reminded me of a dog with a bone!
Let it go already! The drama went on for too long, and the ending was a little predictable for me.