Made in New York and Manhattan: Made In Series Books 0.5 and 2, Ana Newfolk

With so much sweetness and promise, this was a fantastic prequel. We got to know Max and Isaac quite well in only a few pages and I was surprised at the depth each of them achieved in so short a time. What was also great was the foundation they created with only a day and a half of acquaintance. We were given hesitance, dancing around feelings, fun activities, steamy moments, and heartfelt confessions. While the ending is more of a cliffhanger, as is the case with prequels, we've got something truly solid to pursue in Made in Manhattan.

A connection forged in a short time can fade when distance enters the equation.  For Max and Isaac, their connection was strong, stronger than anything either man had ever felt before, but is it strong enough to overcome what lies between them?  Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and pride continue to thwart each possible reunion.  It isn't until they lay all of that aside to get answers that they have another chance.  Their trials aren't over, however, and they'll have to trust their new bond to withstand them all.  If they don't, then all that was made in Manhattan will crumble there too.

With a taste of their troubles in Made in Portugal, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect.  What we got was actually quite wonderful.  This didn't drag despite its length and surprise elements of drama.  The story felt focused on the couple as they had their ups and downs, how they continued to decide they wanted to be together rather than separated by things out of their control.  All of the dramatic moments didn't detract from their story, they made it more full and believable.

I do have to say that Isaac was my favorite.  He made it very clear all the time what his priorities were and where his heart wanted to be.  Max vacillated a bit too much for my tastes and his withholding of his past was grating.  With so much heartfelt and open honesty coming from Isaac I expected more from the man who so wanted to keep him.  This was the only part of the story that bothered me.  I loved the aspect of family and how empowering it is to realize what family means as well as who they chose to be part of it.  The feels were quite strong in this one and I'm very, very interested in who will be featured in the next addition to the series.