Originally published in four anthologies between 2017-2018, these stories of people finding their happy endings amidst political change are brought together here for the first time?along with a brand new story previously only available to newsletter subscribers.
Truth, Love, and Sushi
When First Daughter Caroline Crosby finds herself in possession of the one document that can bring her father and his administration down, she turns to a real-life social justice warrior for help. Max Wilcox isn't sure what to make of Caroline: is this an elaborate hookup or a political conspiracy? But he has to make up his mind fast because the information?and their chemistry?could change the world, or break their hearts.
Mr. Klein Goes to Albany
When the Canadian government?via hockey player-turned-diplomat Adam Klein?proposes a workaround to the irrational president, legislative aide Tamara Schneider knows she needs to set them straight. She arranges a road trip to show Adam that the state is bigger than just NYC, a tricky business given their history. Can she give the Canadian diplomat a second chance?
Never Again
Actor Sam Moskowitz has an overdeveloped sense of social justice and strong feelings for preschool teacher Deb Taubman. Deb adores Sam but doesn't trust him?or their chemistry?enough to let him into her life. In the wake of anti-Semitic attacks, they're drawn closer together. Will their newfound closeness be shattered when the secret he's been keeping is revealed?
Rogue Files
Reporter John DiCenza wants to go back. Back to New Jersey, back to his life, back to the hockey team he covers, and the fanbase he's proud to know and support. Back to before he had the Rogue Files?documents rumored to be the final nail in President Crosby's term.
Journalist Sophie Katz wants to move forward. Toward her new TV show and a life where the stories she tells will make a difference. She needs the Rogue Files?and the story behind them?to get there. But when life comes at them, John and Sophie realize that the true story behind the files is standing up for the truth right where you are.
The Fifth Question
Jess Wilcox is hiding. From her past, who she really is, and the world outside her Queens apartment. The daily chat she moderates in the NAWHL chatroom has been a balm, as have conversations with her sister and brother-in-law down in Virginia. When they ask her to take a special role in their friend group's video seder, she's not sure what to do.
Ben Klein is also hiding. The Empire's rookie is stuck in his cousin Adam's Manhattan apartment and, for the first time in his life, not playing hockey during what should be the regular season. He doesn't know what to do, so he's reading to children, helping to deliver food to those in need, and indulging his fandom in a women's hockey chatroom under an alias.
When Jess discovers Ben's identity, she asks him to tutor her so she can play her part in the seder without a hitch. But four questions about history lead to one question about the future. As the seder draws near, they need to decide if the truth of Jess's past is too much for their fledgling connection to bear, or whether it will set them free to get to know each other without walls between them.
