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Manhattan Dinner Club #4

Amar o No Amar (Manhattan Dinner Club ( Edición Española) nº 4)

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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.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2014

8 people are currently reading
263 people want to read

About the author

Jean C. Joachim

108 books588 followers
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.

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5 stars
27 (61%)
4 stars
10 (22%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
2 stars
4 (9%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Got Romance!  Reviews.
325 reviews40 followers
September 19, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Content: M/F
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: September 10, 2014

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.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
July 25, 2014
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 was written as a multi point of view.

Would I recommend this book: OMG Yes!!!

Would I read more from this author: Absolutely!
Profile Image for Diana.
188 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2014
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.
824 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2014
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!!!!!!!
68 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2014
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
Profile Image for Laura.
378 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2021
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 can't believe I am done with this book.

The rest of this review can be found on Lauar Lu's at https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
741 reviews10 followers
March 16, 2018

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
Profile Image for Stephanie Allen.
157 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
July 29, 2014
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**
Profile Image for Mîndy Gømer.
40 reviews
August 15, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Amy O'neal.
161 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2014
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
Profile Image for Molly.
Author 34 books27 followers
July 15, 2016
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!!!
Profile Image for Kettyco.
511 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Madita Dl.
47 reviews
May 4, 2020
De todas las amigas está quiza es la que más me gusta, una serie bastante entretenida.
Profile Image for Lluvia L..
36 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Theresa Needham fehse.
447 reviews16 followers
March 18, 2015
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.

I rate this book 5 stars
Jennifer W
Profile Image for Jennifer.
157 reviews31 followers
February 6, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Carrie Waltenbaugh.
148 reviews9 followers
May 6, 2016
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.
Profile Image for V.L. Locey.
Author 212 books728 followers
September 15, 2014
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!
Profile Image for Dee.
2,012 reviews107 followers
June 7, 2015
3 stars

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.

book received as part of NERFA judging/panel
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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