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Second Chances #2

Together Again

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One night. A second chance. Third time lucky?
Happy ever after won’t come easy...

After a difficult past and a lifetime of lies. I never thought I’d meet a man who’d unpeel the careful layers I've wrapped around his heart.
One day together is all it takes for Isaac to do that... and more.

He is the safe place I didn’t know I craved
He has the strength I didn’t know I needed

But loving him means letting him see all of me—even the parts I've spent a lifetime hiding.

Together Again is a MM romance with a second chance and hurt/comfort themes, unexpected twists, lots of steam, all the feels and a HEA.

Content Warning: This story contains sensitive themes including death from AIDS-related illness, experiences of houselessness, and homophobic behavior/language.

Together Again was previously published as two separate books. A short story under the title Made in New York, followed by a novel titled Made in Manhattan, under the pen name of Ana Newfolk. Both stories have been joined into one. While the manuscript received a light edit, and an additional chapter has been added to link both books, the story itself hasn’t changed.

444 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2020

62 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Ana Newfolk

8 books43 followers
Ana Newfolk was born in Portugal but has lived in the United Kingdom for so long, even her friends sometimes doubt if she really is Portuguese.

After getting hooked on reading gay romance, Ana decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming an author.

These days you can find her in front of her laptop bringing her stories to life, or in the kitchen perfecting her recipe for the famous Portuguese custard

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5 stars
53 (37%)
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70 (49%)
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12 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
May 15, 2020
Fate seemed to have crossed Max and Isaac's paths, make them feel like they've found the other half of their souls...to only have them lose track of each other for months on end. Did I think that, with enough will, either of them could have reached out to the other sooner? Yes, I did. Obviously, it wasn't their right moment, and they needed that time apart to better sort out their lives and reevaluate their priorities. No doubt, they were perfect for each other. But they had to shed a lot of tears and learn that an intense connection isn't enough without communication. I liked how, eventually, each mistake they made was only a lessen learned to help them be stronger together.

My favorite thing about Together Again, though, was how many lives the author has linked together. There are so many amazing characters in this book, each with their own story.  And incredibly, they are all connected in some way, and by the end of the book I've come to care deeply for all of them and hoping for their happiness.

Lovely story. Recommended.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,540 reviews47 followers
May 19, 2020
This is a great follow up to Home Again. Ana Ashley has written a wonderful romance that crosses the Atlantic and brings together two people that has an connection from the moment Max rescues Isaac from a burning building in New York. Their time together is short and sweet.... and hot, but that doesn't stop feelings from developing. What follows is a series of events that bring them closer but also tear them apart as an ocean still sits between them. A surprise visit from Isaac gives the two men the chance to see if there feelings are strong enough to give them a future together when decisions will have to be made.
I loved these two characters. When they are first together, it's like scenes out of a romance movie as they tour New York and spend the night getting even closer to each other. Time jumps allow us to focus on important moments in the time that they spend apart, explaining the whys of certain events or communications. When they finally get the chance to spend some real time together, first in Lisbon and then New York, you can really sense the depth of feelings they have as well as the fear of things happening too quickly. Their friends and family know them best and help them through the tough times, often with the right words and show of support when needed, especially when Max has some family drama rise up that brings up a whole lot of unwanted history from his teen years. This is when it's a real show of the strength of their relationship, despite how short it is.
I loved all of the aspects of this book. Ana is great at setting the scene whether it's Christmas in New York or summer on the beach in Portugal. Then there's the whole host of emotion that a lot of the characters goes through throughout the book. It's an entertaining read that, at times, really pulls on your heartstrings. Definitely a recommended book and series. I'm looking forward to who comes next and gets their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
669 reviews18 followers
May 13, 2020
Together Again by Ana Ashley is Book 2 in the Finding You series. It is the story of Max, a nurse in New York City, and Isaac, a founder and worker in an LGBTQ center in Portugal. Isaac is visiting an LGBTQ center in NYC when a fire breaks out there and he is rescued by Max. They have an instant connection and spend the week together. They are brokenhearted when Isaac has to return to Portugal and vow to correspond with each other but a problem occurs with E-mail addresses and each thinks the other does not want to continue the relationship. Several other things happen that hinder them getting back together but Isaac finally returns to NYC and they work it out. They face several other challenges throughout the book but they love each other and find ways to conquer them. I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Ashley developed the characters in a way that you understood them and what they did. Both Max and Isaac had hard upbringings that colored their actions and they had to overcome them in order to be happy together. She kept introducing more obstacles that kept you guessing what would happen next and how Max and Isaac would deal with them. If you read Book 1 many of the characters appear in this book also as friends and brothers who help them make decisions that lead to their happiness. I would highly recommend this book and I'm hoping there will be more in the series.
Profile Image for Kathy Seabrease.
731 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2021
2nd book of the series and 2nd book of Ana's that I have read. I love when there is a series and not only we get the side characters come to the forefront in a book, but also get such an outstanding story, that still includes the side characters or adds more that we grow to love. I was so glad that she decided to give Max and Isaac and second rode to love. They had such similar lives, even their back stories were almost the same. Both being rejected and put out of their childhood homes by their parents for being gay, they could really appreciate each others pain. When Lucy was thrown into the mix, it really threw a curve ball in there! Who even saw that coming? I loved it. There is again so much depth to Ana's characters and the store lines just mesh. The characters, both main and side are so well written, it makes me want to move to New York and Lisbon to meet them and be part of their support system. I chuckled and of course, I choked up and cried. Damn you Ana, is this a theme with you? LOL! I am moving right into the next book of the series. Can't wait to read it. Keep the books coming, Ana!
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
May 15, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.  This book backtracked to catch the reader up to the guy Max is down and out about in Home Again, which I just love. Maybe fate had different plans on these two after all Max is given a chance to talk with Isaacs again while in Lisbon. With past hurts and new beginning  is fate stepping in after the cluster of mixups between these two? After all what are the odds of both of their best friends being the others lost love?  Be ready for drama to unfold in many different forms on the scale of family and the children from the Youth center. Can all this bring  Max and Isaac closer together or further apart. How can these two think going from instant love to just friends was going to work? Can I just say that absolutely loved the protective little fur-ball.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,534 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2021
Isaac runs an LGBTQ Centre in Portugal, Max is a nurse in New York who volunteers with LGBTQ youth. They meet when Max saves Isaac in a fire, and their attraction is strong. They fall in love, but both know it’s not realistic, so they part.

Due to misunderstanding and fear, they don’t talk, then Max has a chance to go to Portugal. They reunite, realize it’s worth pursuing being together, and decide to live in New York. Max is forced to face his past when his half sister shows up, and he finally shares his tragic story with Isaac.

I like their story, but the twist of Max’s sister seems to come out of left field. The bonus scene is also unnecessary and disconnected from the book, brings up more questions than answers.

KU
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,143 reviews25 followers
May 10, 2020
What a roller coaster ride Max and Isaac had to endure before they get their HEA.
They are two very likeable characters but they both have a miscommunication problem. This leads to sorts of ups and downs after their very first rather dramatic meeting. A meeting in which they both acknowledged “love at first sight”. Even when separated by events and things beyond their control, their initial attraction develops further and the bond between them strengthens. There’s lots of chemistry, sweet and tender moments and lots of steam. Add in some drama, a dash of angst and a cast of wonderful side characters and you’re left with a very enjoyable read.
1,551 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2020
Loved, loved, loved Max and Isaac.
I've been dying to read more of Isaac and Max since having a glimpse of them in Home Again.
I love how the author decided not to drag their initial misunderstanding which led to their failure to keep in touch after their first meeting.
And I love how, as soon as they get back together and admit their feelings for each other, they stand together as a solid unit to face anything that comes their way. Their love is strong and unstoppable.
I appreciated that both men, despite their difficult past, which could easily lead them to grow bitter and resentful, have instead turned their lives into helping others, and they are both so caring and giving men.
379 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2020
I never had the opportunity to read Made in New York or Made in Manhattan so when I was given the opportunity to read Max and Isaac's story in one novel I jumped at the chance. This book was amazing. It had all the feels.I loved how Alex and Isaac fought to make their relationship work despite all the obstacles in my way and the ending, all I can saw is awwwww, it made me cry. Getting to see David and Joel from Home Again was awesome as well. I can't wait to read more from this series because the characters are just written in a way that makes you feel as if you know them and I want to see happy endings for the others. I would highly recommend this book because, THE FEELS!
Profile Image for Anna Torres.
385 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2020
A fire brought them together!

A sweet and low angst love story of two people who met under unusual circumstances. They spent a very short time together but the attraction they felt was something deeper, very significant for two people who just met.

They had to part ways because they live in different countries. Miscommunication happened which resulted to some misunderstandings. Communication is truly important in any relationship.

Long-distance relationships coupled with misunderstanding can sometimes be a poor foundation and break a very tenuous relationship to begin with. Both parties must be willing to work hard on it! This story tells you that and so much more!
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,405 reviews22 followers
May 16, 2020
From the moment Max comes to Isaac's rescue, the connection they share is palpable. They spend a wonderful time together but then Isaac has to return to Portugal. Some unfortunate things happen and they're both hurt when they think the other doesn't want anything more. Even when they do reconnect, the barriers don't stop there. They both have to work hard and work on their communication. Despite their difficult pasts, a touch of angst, and some hurt/comfort, Max and Isaac stand strong together to get a lovely HEA.
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,047 reviews9 followers
May 16, 2020
This book was amazing, and definitely a page turner! This was 2 previous stories joined together, and it was done seamlessly. As with everything Ana writes, it's easy to get immersed in the story and feel like you're right there with the characters. I highly recommend this book!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,958 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2020
Max and Isaac's story is amazing! I absolutely love reading this story. I just hook on this one from page one to the last page. I absolutely love reading about their journey to love and how they fight the obstacle that is in the way of their happy ending. Ana Ashley has pulled me on this world and I love it. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Elsie.
573 reviews
June 8, 2020
Max and Isaac

This is Isaac and Max book. They're story is so sweet, both suffered a lot by the hand of the people that was supposed to protect them but they made amazing friends and a new family along the way.

I really love me this two and all the secondary characters that form this amazing stories.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,239 reviews23 followers
April 13, 2021
A journey to love

Max and Isaac have a mere two days when they first meet but there is magic between them. Fate brings them back together again and again till they get it right. There are some significant road bumps along the way but they grow stronger as their journey brings them together.
Profile Image for Ken Cook.
1,581 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2024
Set (mostly) in NYC

Mature twenty-somethings meet briefly in New York before one jumps the pond. In a love-at-first-sight trope, Ashley reveals a whirlwind romance, throwing in trips to Lisbon, cathartic revelations, hot passion and a cat. Brilliantly written, emotional and satisfying, this is a great read.
Profile Image for Linda.
698 reviews14 followers
May 14, 2020
The story twisted & turned & held my attention from start to finish. Suspense, romance & angst. Story was equal parts romance & hot sex. *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
555 reviews
April 30, 2022
Just like the 1st book, overall, I enjoyed reading it. However, there’s something that kept me from loving it. It maybe because I couldn’t believe that both of them got the email address of the other wrong when they were so into each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,249 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2020
I was so excited to figure out that after meeting Issac and Max in Home Again that they would have their own story! I cannot say enough wonderful things about this world Ana Ashley has created and the characters she brought to life. Max and Issac's once again sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. It was a beautiful tale about second chances and finding your one true love even if they are an ocean away. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,926 reviews9 followers
May 15, 2020
Another hit in this series. This time it is Max and Isaac the bestfriends of David and Joel. I love these guys.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,189 reviews
May 5, 2023
Max and Isaac meet briefly, but their time sparks deeper feeling both want to explore. The time and distance away do not help, nor the misunderstandings between them. Relationships take work.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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