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.”
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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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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."
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

www.books2read.com/readsecretsw... Domestic abuse survivor, Lyric, has sworn off men. Classically-trained musician, Zane, is determined to help Lyric recover from her past. -learning to trust -found families -loyal canine -fun banter

Black background with silver fireworks. Text: Now on sale everywhere for $2.49 from July 1 - July 31 ebook only. Book cover: attractive blonde staring straight ahead with a apprehensive expression and her left hand draped over her right shoulder. Underneath her is the outline of a concert crowd, hands raised, and stage lights. Secrets We Keep

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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.
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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?
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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?”
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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.”
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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?
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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

#fridayspark | chance Pretty sure I'd be mixing up my idioms as well Buy link: books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #separationgame

I clutched my phone like a talisman, silently begging Cynthia to arrive and save me. This place was a meat market and I was chum in the water. And yes, I was mixing my idioms, but I was twenty-some years out of practice at this sort of social encounter. And as my kids liked to point out, I wouldn't know cool if I googled it.
CHANCEs were I was about to embarrass myself again. Only this time it would be in a packed bar instead of my backyard.
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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

#fridayspark | glass Love a good makeover scene buy link www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandja #romancereader

It was too beautiful a day to be sitting inside wallowing in self-pity. A glass of wine by the pool sounded like a better option.
Pulling the sedate one-piece swimsuit out of my drawer, I blanched.
Was this why Derek didn’t want me anymore? Over the past fifteen years of campaigns he had molded me into someone I didn’t even recognize. Frumpy clothes, frumpy hairstyles, even frumpy underwear and bathing suits. Well, I took care of the frumpy underwear this morning. And the hair.
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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

#fridayfling | contradiction the best I could do for today's word is deny buy link: www.books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

He squeezes my hand, turning in his seat to face me. My mouth dries and my skin prickles with awareness. Without even looking, I can feel the weight of his gaze, and the expectation building as the seconds tick by. Shit, he’s going to kiss me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date—there’s no use denying this is a date—but I remember enough to know this is definitely the part where the kissing happens.
Secrets We Keep

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

#fridayfling | unique Happy May friends! I'm going with strange for this week's prompt. www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader #separationgame

“Trent was hot. More than hot. I saw him slip you his card. You definitely need to call him.”
“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 · 24/04/2026

#fridayspark | plant This clip is from my wip Promises We Break, second chance story, and a stand-alone follow-up to Secrets We Keep, due out before the end of the year. Fingers crossed. #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

I turn to watch her take a picture of the big oleander bush just off the path. Then the hibiscus. Then several of the bamboo, that would grow everywhere if left to its own. She's taking pictures of bamboo for fuck's sake. Mika's passed a dozen well mannered flowers without giving them a second look, but for some reason the most annoying, invasive plant in the garden deserves her attention.
Damn, I love her.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

#fridayfling | march I love the chemistry between Lyric and Zane so much:) buy link: books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

“Sacha’s about to go through the window wondering who’s out here.” I tip my head toward the house and swallow down my reservations. “Come in. I'll tell you.”
He comes around to open my car door, smug smile firmly in place. I shove my finger in his face. “But there will be no sex.”
I march past him, ignoring his unhinged laugh as if what I said is somehow funny.
Secrets We Keep

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

#fridayspark| doubt Think Nicki should listen to that little voice screaming in her head? #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader books2read.com/separationgame

Gabriel gently stood me on the plush carpet. I pulled him down, fitting his hungry mouth to mine, ignoring the doubts screaming in my head, shoving my uncertainty out in the hall, and then slamming the heavy bedroom door with my hip for good measure. This was happening and I looked forward to seeing the expression on Derek’s face when I confessed my sins.
Someday.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

books2read.com/separationgame Available wide, and free with Kobo Plus and at your local library! #marketingmonday #romancelandia #booksky #romancereaders #writesky #seasonedromance

Ebook and paperback book set on a gold and dark brown chessboard. Cover depicts a black queen chess piece standing over a fallen white king and a set of gold wedding rings. Separation Game a seasoned romance by Darci Ann Baker

Text: Why did I have to obey the fucking rules when my cheating husband got to break them?

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

#fridayspark | box A little grocery store fun this Friday:) #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader www.books2read.com/readsecretsw...

Zane stops me with a finger to his lips and a motion of his eyes.
“Adorable toddler on your four o’clock. Watch.” He leans back against a stack of bagged potatoes, arms crossed.
“Is this what you do when you’re not accosting women?” I whisper, watching the mother of a toddler negotiate over a box of cookies the tiny boy brought over from the bakery.
He shoots me a scowl at my accusation. “Socializing, not accosting. Grocery stores are the perfect microcosm of life. I find inspiration in watching people.”
The mom lifts the little boy and lets him set the cookies into the cart.
I can’t stop smiling. At the scene in front of us, and that Zane would be interested in such things. This man has way more layers than I first suspected. “Okay, that was adorable.”

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

#fridayspark | name Poor Zane. This meetcute isn't going the way he planned. #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader www.books2read.com/readsecretsw...

Hot pink border decorated with fun squiggles and circles. Secrets We Keep

Text:
“Wait. Aren’t you going to tell me your name?”
Halfway down the store aisle he’s at my side, his interest obvious. This time I offer him no polite smile with my answer, just a withering glance that says go away, along with a stern “No.”
He stumbles to a stop, confusion clouding his expression. I pause for only a moment, then head toward the front of the store. The sooner I’m out of here the better.
“But… but I told you mine.”

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

A gorgeous Saturday by the Calumet River. Spring is here! #chicago

View of a rusty old lift bridge with triangular supports spanning the turquoise-blue waters of the Calumet River on the Southside of Chicago. Pale blue sky and not quite ready to leaf out bushes and trees in the foreground.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

For one week my ebooks are 50% off on Smashwords! Separation Game books2read.com/separationgame Secrets We Keep books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

Smashwords
READ AN EBOOK WEEK
Cartoon image of a woman with black hair and square orange glasses, matching sweater and hair bow, with a pale blue background. She's gazing lovingly at an ereader. The ereader is giving off heart shaped bubbles

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

#fridayspark | storm This quote comes from Secrets We Keep, which releases in two days! Link in bio for those interested. #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

Fat raindrops pelt against my head as I rush under the front porch. Unlocking the door, I let Sacha in and lock back up. A brilliant flash of lightning gives me a second’s warning before the loud crash of thunder shakes the house and the rain comes down in earnest. If only Zane Brody had come with a similar warning. Would I have been able to avoid him?

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

#fridayfling | keep This quote has two keeps, and it's in the title of the book (which releases in two days!) #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

“Zane…” I shake my head. The man is too nosy for his own good. “My secrets keep both of us safe.”

“Secrets keep no one safe, Lyric. It’s an illusion.”

Secrets We Keep

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

She's rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive marriage He's a talented musician with a tortured past Can they heal each other, or will their combined secrets tear them apart? Releases Feb 1. books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #booksky #romancelandia #romancereaders

Foggy background with a guitar player on the left. Book cover on the right depicting a beautiful blonde woman with her left hand on her right shoulder fading to the outline of a concert crowd.
Title: Secrets We Keep.
Quote: He has issues, I have issues, together we're the perfect disaster.

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Secrets We Keep releases Feb 1. Get it at the reduced presale price everywhere ebooks are sold! books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #writercommunity #writingprompts #romancelandia #romancereaders

Foggy background with a guitar player in silhouette. Ebook cover on the side: image of a pretty blonde woman fades to a concert crowd below.
Text: Preorder available now along with a quote "He has issues, I have issues, together we're the perfect disaster."

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Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

#WIPsnips | pipe Apparently I do not write about pipe smokers or pipe bomb makers or plumbers. But I do have a snip about a surfer #writesky #writercommunity #writingprompts #romancelandia #romancereaders #secretswekeep

Pale green palm frond background with a cartoon surfboard stuck in a lump of sand.

Text: Never question a Hawaiian’s surfing skills. Yeah, Hawaii. The man spent his childhood in a small town on Oahu before his parents split. His mom lives in Santa Barbara and his dad's place is just a stone’s throw from the Banzai Pipeline. Jackson’s dad was a champion surfer, and he's still one of the most sought-after teachers at the island’s best surf school, according to Jackson. What he’s doing at my little beach is the question. There are way more challenging spots to surf.

Secrets We Keep

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