iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

#fridayfling | strange Spoiler: Trent's business card doesn't stay at the bottom of Nicki's purse as long as she thinks. Buy link: www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

image of woman with sleek blonde hair leaning over the shoulder of a handsome dark haired man in torn jeans and plain white t-shirt. He's reclining on crisp white sheets, looking back at her.

Text below: “No way, Cyn. The last thing Derek said before he left was to keep this quiet.” I had shoved Trent’s card to the bottom of my purse without even a glance. The thing was doomed to mingle with all the other bits of my disorganized life. The next time I pulled out that small bit of card stock it would likely be covered in lint, sticky candy wrappers, and exploded pen ink. “I’m pretty sure picking up strange men in bars doesn’t fall under keep this quiet.”
Separation Game

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

#SumLuv day 31. This last week has been a train wreck, but I'm going to try and catch up on the questions I've missed today. Fingers crossed. Thank you so much, Ellie, for organizing SumLuv! It's been fun making so many new friends and sharing my love of writing. 1/2

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Robyn Bachar @robynbachar.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Reaching Rotbottom is out today! Read the ebook free with Kindle Unlimited, or buy the paperback from Amazon, B&N, Bookshop.org, or order it from your favorite local independent bookstore! linktr.ee/robynbachar

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Jessie Mihalik @jessiemihalik.com · 20/08/2026

Did I spend more time than I needed to making this cover just because I was annoyed my existing social media graphic didn’t fit nicely in my FridayFling template last week? Yes, yes I did. 😂 If you need a free cozy romantic fantasy break, you can read it here: www.jessiemihalik.com/story/the-so...

The Sorcerer Next Door by Jessie Mihalik. A simple book cover made from the social media graphic, with an orange background and a witchy bookshelf, cauldron, and bottles.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 20 I couldn't decide which clip I liked better, so I'm posting 2. In Separation Game, Nicki and Trent finally find time to be alone. (I love a man who knows how to dance!) And in Secrets, Lyric makes the first move toward something more with Zane.

Image of a pretty blonde woman leans over the shoulder of a handsome dark haired man who's reclining on a bed, wearing a plain white t-shirt and ripped jeans.
Text below image:
He pulled the almost empty wine glass from my hand, then wrapped his fingers around mine, tugging me off my barstool. The pinot had settled warm in my veins, leaving my limbs comfortably heavy and relaxed. I smiled wide as he slowly spun me into his arms with the grace of someone who knew how to dance.

“Why, Mr. Richards, you have some serious moves.” I giggled as he dipped me with a confident grin. “If you are trying to seduce me, your plan is working.”

“Good.”

Separation Game

Sepia toned image of an acoustical guitar taken from the fret board down to the curvy body at a sharp angle.
Text above image:
Time slows. The world shrinks as I close the gap between us. Zane’s eyes dilate, the darkness of his pupils eclipsing the pale blue centers. The slight stubble on his jaw scrapes against the fingertips of my free hand. His scent is stronger this close, a combination of cloves, leather, and cedar, along with an undertone of warm, salty exertion.

“This is such a bad idea,” I warn as his hand comes up to cup my jaw.

“Reckless,” he adds before bending down, teasing the corner of my mouth with light brushes of his lips, before taking my mouth properly.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 18 Secrets We Keep has definitely gone through several evolutions since I wrote the first draft back in 2017. My critique group thought Zane was an asshole. One person threatened to call the cops on him. Yikes! It forced me to take a hard look at his character and softens his edges 1/3

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 17 In Separation Game, Nicki and Trent backgrounds are complete opposites. She's been a politician's wife for the past 20 years. Trent's a former NBA star looking for a good time. She needs someone who can show her what she's been missing. He's more than happy to accept the job. 1/2

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 16 Separation Game: For Nicki and Trent its all physical in the beginning. They have one goal. To bang it out;) Secrets We Keep: There's a lot of fun banter between Lyric and Zane. I also use internal dialog and thoughts to show their chemistry. For them, the physical comes much later.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 13 In Separation Game, Nicki is in the middle of a divorce with her politician husband. Does she even want a relationship now? And what will her almost grown kids think? Oh, and then there's the huge divorce settlement she been promised if she doesn't create a political scandal. 1/2

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 12 In Separation Game, Trent is attracted to Nicki's awkwardness. She's so far out of her comfort zone it's obvious. And endearing. Nicki's initial attraction to Trent comes from her bff urging her to explore her sexual freedom. And her impulsive need for revenge against her almost-ex.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Sign up for my newsletter if you want to hear me ramble on about life and my gardening woes and get a sneak peak at my cover for Engagement Game! www.darciannbaker.com

darciannbaker.com

Darci Ann Baker | Author

Author website for all the latest publishing information and newsletter sign up

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 11 I've always thought the 🌶️ rating was a bit ambiguous. Are my books 🌶️🌶️🌶️ or a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️? I have no idea. So I'm going to describe them with desserts. Because who doesn't prefer dessert over a pepper;0 1/2

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 10 Oooh! I love this question. Lyric meets Zane at the grocery store. 80s music plays in the background. She refuses to give him her name, so he's forced to find a nickname that suits her. Also, the pain in the lyrics of this Aerosmith song are so symbolic to Zane and Lyric's story.

“Angel?” I question. Not that I hate it. At least not as much as honey buns.
He pauses, pointing a finger into the air. For a second I’m confused, until I recognize the unmistakable voice of Steven Tyler singing “Angel.” “It’s our song.”
I barely restrain my eye roll as I stare into this guy’s handsome face. “We do not have a song.”
“If you say so.”

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 8 I'm going to focus on my Bedroom Games series and Seasoned Romance here because that's the direction I see my writing heading. We have an age bias here in the US (probably elsewhere too) but I think as the population ages there's a desire for sexy older characters in books. 1/2

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Jessie Mihalik @jessiemihalik.com · 07/08/2026

Today’s #FridayFling snippet is from ECLIPSE THE MOON! If getting injured while jumping out of a space station wasn’t bad enough, now Kee is trapped in a tiny hidden room with the telepath who soundly rejected her. 😭 Buy links + first three chapters: miha.li/ETM #Romancelandia #BookSky

Time lost all meaning. The glowing dress rotated through its colors in an endless loop. My right calf ached, then burned, then blazed with searing pain. I shifted minutely, trying to find a position—any position—that helped. There was no relief.

Varro wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. I resisted, but he leaned back, and suddenly there wasn’t as much weight on my calf. I sagged against him and cried in silent relief.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#SumLuv day 7 So many tropes to love! Here are my top 5. 🥊Enemies to lovers 🚫Forbidden romance (Sierra Simone's Priest will live in my ♥️ forever) 🚗Forced proximity (bonus if they're on a long road trip) ❤️‍🩹Emotionally wounded characters 💍Fake dating/fake engagement (if the reason is realistic)

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#fridayfling | rotate I don't have rotate but I have turn twice in this clip from Secrets We Keep. books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #booksky #romance #romancelandia #romancereader

I turn away, closing my eyes tight, but the soft tap-tap of footsteps tells me he’s approaching. Stay strong, Lyric. I let out a slow, measured breath and turn, ready to brush him off, but my mind goes blank. Almost on cue, Pat Benatar starts belting out “Heartbreaker” like it's this guy’s theme song.
Secrets We Keep

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 6 I ♥️ writing stories set in big cities. Separation Game and Engagement Game are both set in my hometown, Chicago and the North Shore suburbs. It's vibrant and excessive and sometimes gritty, and the perfect setting for both of these (vibrant and sometimes gritty) stories.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv day 4 I kind of talked about this on day 3, so I'm going to post a short snip from Separation Game and Secrets We Keep.

Aqua blue background with a swimming pool patterned border.
Text: Trent's easy charm unnerved me, and his penetrating stare sent a flurry of unwanted sensations though my veins. I fidgeted with the band on my watch. Then slid my right hand over my left, covering the deep groove left on my ring finger where my wedding rings sat until yesterday morning.
Trent leaned closer and smiled his easy, dimple-generating smile. "And if you are older, how can you be sure that wouldn't be a turn-on?"
Holy shit.

Tan upper half with text. Lower half depicts an acoustic guitar at a flat angle.

Text: Why are pretty men so hard to resist? Whatever. It’s time to set Mr. Gorgeous—Zane—straight and send him on his way.
“Look, I appreciate the tip on the tequila, but that’s all I came here for. You’re wasting your time here.”

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 5 I wish I could remember that far back! I was maybe 13? I vaguely remember the story involved a pirate captain. Definitely a late 70s early 80s bodice ripper that may have had Fabio on the cover. My best friend's older sister got them for us for educational purposes🤣

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 3 I love the meet cute, especially when it doesn't go quite so smoothly. In Separation Game, Nicki ventures out for the first time to a trendy bar to meet her bff. At 43, she's awkward and unsure. Then handsome Trent offers to buy her a drink and she just about has a heart attack. 1/3

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Chicago-North Romance Writers @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Join us for our next virtual meeting August 10 at 7 pm Central! Visit our website for a guest link. Learn the key principles of author branding and how it can help you leverage a better career at every step of the publishing process with author brand strategist, Andrea Guevara.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 2 I'm writing Cynthia and Travis's story in Engagement Game. Cynthia is Nicki's bestie from Separation Game. She's fifty-three, rich, driven, and doesn't believe in love. Travis is forty-nine and a divorced father of three, and a college professor who is trying to figure life out. 1/2

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#SumLuv I've been off for a few days, but I'm hoping to catch up! I'm Darci, and I've been writing since 2017. I've published two books in the past year, Separation Game and Secrets We Keep. I'm currently working on the second book in my sexy seasoned romance trilogy, Bedroom Games.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#fridayspark | rock A short introduction of Zane and Lyric from Secrets We Keep. I love the way they play off each other! Today is the last day to get Secrets We Keep for 50% off everywhere. www.books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

"See. If you had stayed the other night, if you had given us time to really talk, you'd know all about me now." He turns and sticks out his hand. "Hi. Zane Brody, high school music teacher, orchestra director, and rock god of the Twin Cities."
"Impressive. And definitely not humble." I shake his hand, doing my best to ignore the tingles that run up my arm. "Lyric James, goddess of kindergarten room two."
Secrets We Keep

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#fridayfling | bargain Didn't have bargain but I have deal twice in this clip where Nicki makes a bargain with her teenage son. And a reminder, today is the final day to get Separation Game is 50% off everywhere. www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

“Sorry about last night, Mom.” Mark looked up from his cereal. “The swearing, you know. Just… sorry.”
“I understand. Did a lot of swearing myself Wednesday night. Let’s just do better.” I gave him a crooked smile—the best I could manage—and set my coffee down next to him. “That means focusing on your grades, not your parents’ troubles. I got that covered. Deal?”
“Deal. Just don’t ask me to vote for him in the next election.”
Separation Game

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This is the last week to take advantage of this sale on my books. Don’t miss out! (Links in thread)

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Sandstone @quartzen.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Kobo is running a promotion for their Kindle Unlimited competitor service Kobo Plus, from now through August 4 where you can get a 14-day free trial and then your first month after that is 99 cents- might be a good time to check it out if you've been wanting to! Unsure if this promo is US-only!

kobo.com

Rakuten Kobo

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Bryn Donovan @bryndonovan.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

This week I had an ER visit for my eye, a late night opthamologist appointment, and an eye surgery. Everything is fine now! 😍 This was all out of network (because emergency) so if you were thinking of getting my Master Lists book, now is a great time 🥰 #writersky www.amazon.com/MASTER-LISTS...

Bryn Donovan, author with a friendly smile and slightly wonky bangs, holding her book MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: GOLD EDITION.

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Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Kelly Farmer @kellyfarmerauthor.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Too hot? Cool off with IT'S A FABULOUS LIFE! There's a winter festival, snow, cozy Christmas vibes & a fabulous drag queen wearing cute but impractical footwear. It's a sapphic romance! It's a queer It's a Wonderful Life retelling! It's Christmas in July! ✨ www.kellyfarmerauthor.com/its-a-fabulo...

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Beautiful harbor sunset off Lake Michigan

Vivid orange sunset reflecting off water. Sailboats and docks in the foreground

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

#fridayspark | pool So many instances of pool in Separation Game, now 50% off until the end of the month. (Oh, and Cynthia's book should be out by the end of the year––fingers crossed) books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #separationgame

Blue background with white text bubble. “Anything more? What have you done so far?”
I let out a slow exhale, my shoulders slumping. I gave the confused doorman an apologetic smile and pulled Cynthia forward toward the open door.
“My pool guy. God, Cyn. I don’t even want to talk about it,” I whispered.
Cynthia screamed, doubling over with laughter. I covered my face with my hand and shushed her. Not that it did any good.
“Your pool guy? You didn’t,” she whispered back while giggling. “Is this why you’re limping? Oh God, I need details. You have to tell me fucking everything.”
Separation Game

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

#fridayfling | vehicle This one's from Secrets We Keep. An emotional (almost) rockstar romance, on sale for 50% off until the end of the month. www.books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #secretswekeep

Halfway down the street, he stops next to a vintage Mustang Fastback, black and sexy. Now that school’s out for the day the streets are empty; it’s the only car around. But even if every parking spot had been taken, I’d know it’s his. Zane just isn’t a Honda guy.
Secrets we keep

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Linda Dunn @dunn4authors.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Did you leave a book review for the last book you read? Do it. Make it a habit. A potential reader may find a book BECAUSE of your review. The author will appreciate you. #BookReviews

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Chicago-North Romance Writers @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Join us Monday 7/13/26 for An Overview of the Heroine’s Journey with author Gail Carriger! What is the Heroine’s Journey (as opposed to the Hero’s) and what aspects make for compelling narrative and voracious readers? Virtual Meeting! Guests: head to our website and Request a Guest link!

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

#fridayspark | fool Nicki's introduction back into the single world is more intimidating than she thought. buy link: books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #separationgame

I paused, the feeling of being completely out of my element urging me to turn around. Get the hell out of there before I made a fool of myself among those young and hip patrons. What was Cynthia thinking?
People turned to stare from the middle of the long, high table, lit by some industrial fixture consisting of rusty pipes and Edison bulbs, spanning the full length of the room—or maybe it was my self-consciousness that made me feel as if I was the center of attention.
Did they even use the word hip anymore? God, I felt old.
Separation Game

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

#fridayfling | jaw Could he be more attractive? I don't think so:) buy link: books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #secretswekeep

I watch as he pulls down another bottle, taking a moment to appreciate my grocery-store hero. The combination of his warm, woodsy cologne and the rugged scent of his worn leather jacket waft around me. His chiseled cheekbones and unshaven jaw are a killer combination, even without those pretty blue eyes. And the way his dark jeans mold around his thighs—not that I’m gawking or anything—but seriously? Could this guy be any more attractive?
Secrets We Keep

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Matt @nosoupforgeorge.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

(trigger warning for racists) HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH HAPPY JUNETEENTH

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

#fridayspark | kick Once again Nicki finds herself the victim of her impulsivity. buy link: www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #separationgame

“Trent is on his way over. I may have given him the distinct impression I would be waiting naked in the pool.” My voice squeaked out the final words. Just saying it out loud caused my heart to kick into a gallop. “Oh God, Cyn. What do I do now?”
Separation Game

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

#fridayfling | confuse Can a health-food nut and a chocoholic fall in love? buy link: books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #rolmancelandia #romancereader #secretswekeep

My eyes widen in shock when a box of cocoa crisps lands on top of his whole-wheat pasta.
“Yes! I knew you had a dark side.” Pulling away, I point at him, laughing, while Quarterflash warns me to harden my heart.
His brows lower in confusion. “Dark side?”
“This healthy stuff you’re throwing in your cart. It was driving me crazy. Finally, something nutritionally barren.” I point to the cereal. “I knew you couldn’t be that perfect.”
Secrets We Keep

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Jessie Mihalik @jessiemihalik.com · 15/06/2026

SILVER & BLOOD is on sale for $1.99 in the US, maybe today only? Filled with cursed forests, deadly beasts, magical libraries, and a slow-burn romance between two wary, reluctant allies. Amz: miha.li/SB_Amzn BN: miha.li/SB_BN Apple: miha.li/SB_Apple Bkshp: miha.li/SB_Bkshp More: miha.li/SB

The book cover on a pinkish background surrounded by the following text with arrows pointing back to the cover:
He’s grumpy, she throws an apple at his head.
Fairytale vibes, but make it sexy.
Magical library.
Forced proximity.

SILVER & BLOOD ebook on sale for $1.99.

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Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Jessica E. Subject @jessicaesubject.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Ava’s life is limited by her social status. Nate is shunned from several planets because of his lineage. Can they find love on a distant planet? ANOTHER NIGHT, ANOTHER PLANET released 13 years ago! www.amazon.com/dp/B00DCYO1OW Also available as an #audiobook #BookSky #SciFiRomance #RomanceBooks

The cover of Another Night, Another Planet by Jessica E. Subject shows a tan-skinned woman's and a bronze-skinned man's face close to kissing. At the bottom of the cover is a bright sun and a planet.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

#fridayfling | concern Is this the start of an inciting event? I think it might be. books2read.com/separationgame #booksky #writesky #writercommunity #romancelandia #romancereader

My skin heated uncomfortably. Unlike my daughter, I'd grown impervious to Gabriel's good looks over the past five years. But up close? Nothing could prepare me for the full attention of his dark blue eyes creased with concern. Or the heat radiating off his deeply tanned skin. And lord help me, the way his crisp white T-shirt stretched across his muscled chest, forming to every ripple in his stomach?
Separation Game

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Bryn Donovan @bryndonovan.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Happy Pride Month, Chicago 🌈

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Dania Voss - romance author @daniavoss.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

📚 Cover reveal and pre-order available now! Two souls torn apart twenty years ago are unexpectedly reunited in Cascade Springs. Is their happy ending now within reach? books2read.com/sweetsurrend...

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Kelly Farmer @kellyfarmerauthor.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Chicago friends! I’ll be signing copies of all my paperbacks at Partners in Crime Romance & Mystery Bookshop in North Center next weekend! Let’s start off Pride Month together! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Saturday, June 6 11 AM to 2 PM www.partnersincrimebookshop.com

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Jessica E. Subject @jessicaesubject.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Danyka is set up with not one, but two hunky men. But how did she end up on a spaceship? Has she been abducted by aliens? SATIN SHEETS IN SPACE www.amazon.com/dp/B0086OO3GE #BookSky #RomanceBooks #SciFiRomance #AlienRomance #WhyChooseRomance

The cover for Satin Sheets in Space by Jessica E. Subject shows a light-skinned woman with red hair and wearing a red dress kissing a blue-skinned man with dark brown hair. Behind her is another blue-skinned man with dark hair who is kissing the back of her head. There are many stars and cosmic clouds around them on the cover.

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