Feed Your Reader: Get Down & Dusty

All eight stories together for the first time!

Welcome to the heart — and heat — of Australia…

They say that no one has secrets in a small town — these women prove them wrong.

Eight stories from some of Australia’s hottest writers in Australia’s hottest genre. From the bar stools of the local pub to the wide open plains of the biggest stations in the world, these tales travel the dusty roads to the heart of Australia and the women who understand how to work hard — and play even harder.

In the latest in the wildly successful Secret Confessions series from Escape Publishing, the women of Down & Dusty invite you into their lives — and their bedrooms.

Included in this anthology:
Casey – Rachael Johns
Lucky – Cate Ellink
Kelly – Fiona Lowe
Brooke – Eden Summers
Clarissa – Mel Teshco
Skye – Rhyll Biest
Maree – Elizabeth Dunk
Frankie – Jackie Ashenden

Booktopia, iBooks, Kobo, Nook, Google, Amazon AU, Amazon UK, Amazon US

Feed Your Reader: Sports Menage

She’s never been shy about what she wants – and now she wants them both…

Hannah Maynard, sports reporter, is sure it’s only her lust-filled fantasies linking Australian rugby league captain, Charlie Maxxin, with relative newcomer, Lyle Smythe-Jones. She and Charlie have shared quite a few steamy sessions over the years, so surely he’s not in a relationship with the young, unflappable player she’s dubbed Marble Boy?

Hannah lures Charlie to dinner and his reaction is all the answer she needs. But she doesn’t want to report on the biggest secret in Australian sport – she wants to take part. However, it’s not just Charlie’s decision and it can’t be just casual. If Hannah wants in, she has to be all in, with Lyle, with Charlie, and with the hottest action any of them have ever experienced.

“I’ve found book heaven!” – Lily, Goodreads

“I love Cate Ellink’s writing and this was such a hot, steamy read” – Evie, Goodreads

“Team Player is a HOT, sexy, no holds barred ménage, that will set the pages on fire and leave you breathless with unquenchable desire” – Karen, Goodreads

Available Now: iBooks, Booktopia, Amazon AU, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Nook, Kobo, Google

Exclusive Excerpt 2: Team Player

She’s never been shy about what she wants – and now she wants them both…

‘They’re going to want to know about grandkids, if I know Mum.’ Lyle doesn’t sound happy. I thought he’d be the one keen to discuss everything. He’s the one who usually brings this shit up.

‘Tell them nothing.’ Charlie’s even less happy.

‘That’s not going to help,’ I point out. ‘We have to give them some kind of an answer.’

‘Like what?’ Charlie rests his chin on my head. ‘How can we answer something we don’t know?’

‘We say something like, “At the moment we aren’t ready for kids but unconventional families are pretty much the norm now days, so I’m sure we’ll work something out.” Would that work?’

Charlie’s nod is gentle and felt through my scalp. Lyle looks at me intently. ‘That’s good, Hannah. You’re good at this.’

‘I’ve had all day to think about it.’

Each must be lost in their thoughts because no one says anything for a long time.

‘We should sleep,’ I say softly. ‘You guys have to be rested before you go.’

Charlie hums but doesn’t stir. Lyle, frowning, looks at us both. ‘We need to have this talk tomorrow, otherwise it’ll hang over us.’

I nod. ‘I’ll talk to Irene and Lauren first thing.’

‘Should we?’ Lyle asks quietly.

‘If I organise it, neither of you will be cornered by your mother.’

‘I’m voting that Han’s our spokesman.’ Charlie, the big scaredy cat, is quick to agree with me.

Lyle nods. ‘I’m in complete agreement.’

I’m having a bit of trouble coping with the role reversal. I’m usually the one running from relationships and families and feelings. Who’d have thought I’d be doing this?

PREORDER NOW: iBooks, Booktopia, Amazon AU, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Kobo, Nook, Google

Exclusive Excerpt: Team Player

Baby, it’s cold outside – and we have just the excerpt to warm you up!

Head’s Up: Some NSFW language

I can’t do much but chuckle as caveman-Charlie appears. He almost drags me from the restaurant, not for the first time. They must hate us coming here. The first time I was far from sober. We were young, I’d hit on him all night, we were both way beyond horny and he looked after my needs in the best way possible. This time we’re both sober, not that being drunk bothered me before. How can you regret sex with Charlie Maxxin?

Just so you know, I don’t sleep with every hot sportsman I interview. But sportsmen have great sex drives, and I like sex. So if it happens, it happens. I never complain. And I don’t confine my exploits to men. If a hot sportswoman and I hit it off, I’m not knocking it back. This is the age of equal opportunity, right?

When we’re both inside Charlie’s huge 4WD, safe from ears and eyes, he turns on me and nails me with his stare. His great paw closes over my thigh, not at the knee as if he was a teacher, but higher because he’s claiming some rights and he’s got a big enough hand. ‘What are you asking me, Hannah?’

‘Two things.’ I lean forward, right up against his face. My nose brushes the side of his but I don’t break his gaze. ‘Are you fucking Lyle Smythe-Jones, and are you open to me joining in?’

Charlie’s gasp and withdrawal answers the first part of my question. The way his eyes flare, and his lips part, are so damn sexy. Not letting him get too far away, even in the confines of his car, I follow, brushing my lips across the gap between his.

‘It’s so fucking hot, Charlie.’ This time I swipe my tongue across his bottom lip and his hand moves higher before it tightens on my thigh.

‘I want to watch you with him. He’s your perfect foil. Small to your large, light to your dark. With youthful vigour to match your strength.’ With each word my lips rub against his, teasing us both. His lips are silken soft, snuggled inside his hairy beard, which isn’t too coarse at all. Imagining them together has me dripping with need, but knowing that they are has made me hotter than I expected. Squirming in the seat isn’t helping any, but it’s not hindering either. I’m getting wetter.

‘Han.’ He growls as his hand rubs against my cunt. Knew I shouldn’t have worn jeans, but I hadn’t come expecting sex in the car park.

‘Take me home, Charlie. I can get my car later.’

Charlie’s a great fuck. Always has been. We’re good together and bonk when we’re both free. It’s mutually beneficial, or I assume it is for him. He keeps coming back. Now that his hands are expertly massaging me, I realise he and I haven’t screwed in months, and I need him.

His curse is loud and strong.

My eyes almost drop from my head. That curse was a little inappropriate only because it snaps him from his lust-haze. His hands grip the steering wheel, leaving my cunt needy.

‘I can’t, Han. Fuck. I can’t.’ Rough and torn, that’s how he sounds. Not like Charlie at all.

Jesus. It’s serious. My eyeballs should be in my lap about now. ‘Because of him?’

---

She’s never been shy about what she wants – and now she wants them both…

Hannah Maynard, sports reporter, is sure it’s only her lust-filled fantasies linking Australian rugby league captain, Charlie Maxxin, with relative newcomer, Lyle Smythe-Jones. She and Charlie have shared quite a few steamy sessions over the years, so surely he’s not in a relationship with the young, unflappable player she’s dubbed Marble Boy?

Hannah lures Charlie to dinner and his reaction is all the answer she needs. But she doesn’t want to report on the biggest secret in Australian sport – she wants to take part. However, it’s not just Charlie’s decision and it can’t be just casual. If Hannah wants in, she has to be all in, with Lyle, with Charlie, and with the hottest action any of them have ever experienced.

Team Player will be released 4 August 2017.

ONE CLICK PRE-ORDER NOW! Amazon AU, Amazon UK, Amazon US, iBooks, Google, Nook, Kobo, Booktopia

Friday Five: Cate Ellink

Author: Cate Ellink
First published with Escape: 2013
Favourite romance trope: friends to lovers
Ideal hero: sexy, funny, respectful
Ideal heroine: independent, nature-loving
Latest book: Secret Confessions Down and Dusty: Lucky

What began your romance writing career? Why do you write romance?
Romance and sex are an important part of life, but in my experience, they are largely not talked about. I wanted to shine a light on this neglected part of our nature. (Sorry, I should have a romantic answer, shouldn’t I? *grin*)

How do you write? What is your process like?
My process isn’t one I’d recommend, but it works for me. I write a very messy first draft where I get to know the characters and have some idea of where the story is going. Even if these words get filed away as a bad idea, I still love this part! Then I spend quite some time making that mess into something like a story. It’s only at this stage that I can ask my early readers for their opinion. Before this point, it’s mine to love. I no longer discuss a story until it’s at this point.

What was your hardest scene to write?
Writing Secret Confessions Sydney Housewives: Lana, I came across a problem it took a while to get over. Lana needed to be an older woman who liked ‘toy boys’. I was excited by this character and began writing the story. Then my ever-helpful husband pointed out that Lana was my age, and the guy was his nephew’s age. Oh boy! Lana froze. It took me quite some time to lose reality and get my head back into the fantasy of Lana. I had to understand Lana, be non-judgemental, and write for my characters (and never talk to my husband about a story before it was done!).

What’s the thing about writing that has surprised you the most?
Sometimes when I read back over what I’ve written, especially if it’s a while later, I can have no recollection of writing the words. There’s no familiarity. It’s as if I’m reading a stranger’s work. That freaks me out—am I writing or am I channelling someone else?

Snacks while writing, yes or no? What kind of snacks?
I drink tea by the bucketload!

---

From Cate Ellink comes a sun-soaked, sandy, seaside erotic novel about a tropical paradise, two athletes used to getting physical, and a sex-filled, no-strings holiday fling.

Samantha is celebrating her newly retired status from competitive triathlons with a diving holiday in her favourite place in the world: Australia’s Lord Howe Island. But all divers need a buddy, and Sam can’t dive solo. A chance meeting with rugby league superstar Cooper Sterling in the dive shop seems serendipitous. Sam can’t wait to have a partner who might be able to keep up with her.

It soon becomes evident that Cooper and Sam are compatible both in and out of the water, and things gets seriously sexy. But Sam is disinclined to be another football groupie, and Cooper has been burned before. So the rules are clear: a holiday fling, no strings attached, and they part as friends at the end.

But as the final days of their time together come to a close and a life apart becomes a reality, Sam and Cooper start to question their decision. Is this holiday fling really the finish line or can Sam and Cooper turn their friendly competition into more than sizzling sex?

Hot Sales! (and we mean hot)

On top of our amazing Valentine’s Day promo (check them out here!) , we are so pleased to share that Google Play Books is also running a hot, hot, hot erotica sale…and do we have some hot titles at hot promotional prices for you!

An erotic new adult romance about old insecurities, new beginnings, and the things you can get up to in a tent…

“the attraction … is palpable and the sexual tension sizzling” (Jeannie Zelos, Goodreads)

Hook me up!

---

She’s a small town caterer, he’s a big city chef, but they don’t need a kitchen to make things sizzle…

“Grab it, gobble it up, and it will leave you feeling satisfied.” (Ms RomanticReads, Goodreads)

Yes, please!

---

If there’s one thing Zoe Chandler, Historical Restorations expert, knows, it’s that naked bankers aren’t supposed to look like Greek gods.

“Humor, a hot hero, a feisty heroine, some super steamy love scenes (did I mention the love scenes were hot, like really hot, like melt the clothes off of you hot), and of course a happily ever after.” (Constance, Goodreads)

Take me there!

---

Four stories of eroticism, strength, experimentation, and ultimate salvation.

“If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, and spicy read, Release should be in your to–be-read pile.” (Lori, Goodreads)

Get this on my e-reader!

---

From Cathleen Ross comes a naughty-but-nice story about the fun one can have playing dress-up.

“The chemistry between Ruby and Jake is explosive and practically melted my kindle.” (Lea, Goodreads)

Gimme gimme gimme!

---

Natasha Raven is unqualified for her job – but a sexy customer service staffer is about to offer her some professional development…

“If you’re in the mood for a quick sexy read, give Room Service a try!” (Tracy, Goodreads)

Make this mine!

---

A dark, violent, and devastatingly sensual erotic fantasy about the binding force of love.

“The Sexy Time was SUPER hot!!” (Liz, Goodreads)

Yes please!

---

An Australian-set paranormal drawing on the Aboriginal Dreamtime in a hot, suspenseful series debut.

“great for a beach or bath tub read” (Stefanie, Goodreads)

Hook me up!

---

A guarded recluse, some dirty pictures and a spark of curiosity that leads to a dangerous attraction.

“This is one of the funniest, smartest and sexiest erotic romances I’ve read.” (Love Reading Romance, Goodreads)

Gimme gimme gimme!

---

Traditionally, leather is an anniversary gift. One couple is about to take that in a very non-traditional way…

“an enjoyable, short erotic romance” (Erinne, Goodreads)

Make this mine!

---

From Cate Ellink comes a sun-soaked erotic novel about a tropical paradise, two athletes used to getting physical, and a sex-filled, no-strings holiday fling. 

“Just make sure you grab yourself a fan, because things do get steamy!”(My Written Romance, Goodreads)

Get this on my e-reader!

Booking settings: the Daintree

by Cate Ellink

Have you ever seen Survivor or I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here? My trip to the Daintree was like that—but without the TV!

When I was at uni, there was a call for people to go on a scientific expedition to the Daintree, north Queensland. I loved camping and bushwalking, was studying Environmental Biology, and the trip seemed perfect. I applied and got in. Six weeks of hiking around the Daintree in the Christmas holidays seemed perfect!

I was 21 and naive. I thought this would be day treks from a lodge or something. The reality was setting off for 15 days on a walk, collecting plant specimens in that direction, with four guys and two girls I’d only met, lugging the heaviest backpack I’d ever carried.

Safety was important (well, for the 1990s), so we’d had a talk from the National Parks ranger about crocodile safety and snake-bite first aid—basically it was ‘avoid those things’. We did a three-day acclimatisation walk where we worked each other out and worked out what we needed (or more precisely, what we could leave behind). After Christmas, armed with food, gear, compasses and maps, we set off in the name of science. (There was no lodge. We camped in a paddock with a creek.)

This trip made me who I am. It showed me what I was capable of. I faced fears I didn’t know I had, and overcame them. I pushed past mental barriers that became physical barriers, overcoming obstacles like rock slides, crocodile nests, boulder-strewn creeks, being lost, and not really fitting in. I was the weakest link in that team, the one who’d be going home first if that was an option, and I fought tooth and nail to not hold everyone back. I discovered aspects of me I didn’t know I had.

Life-changing events should be recorded somehow, and so I chose that location and trip for a novel, The Virginity Mission. The reality of it was not a story—it was too harsh and raw. But the bones made for a great story, and adding in a romance made it suitable for the market. The greatest aspect of this trip was the ‘growing up’ and ‘finding yourself’, and so I tried to keep the feeling that this was life-changing for the heroine, Willow.

Have you ever done something life changing?

---

 

An erotic new adult romance about old insecurities, new beginnings, and the things you can get up to in a tent…

 

Save a Horse…

Book 2 in Secret Confessions: Down & Dusty…

As the single female owner  of Milpinyani Spring’s only pub, Lucky has learned that her behaviour has to be above reproach. She works hard at home, and when she needs to play hard, she does so—far away from the prying eyes of her neighbours and friends. So when the hot new cop swaggers up to bar, she knows the rules: look, don’t touch. But Dare doesn’t know how to play her game, and he’s about to show her that the only rules that count are the ones that you break.

Lucky is available today!

Secret Confessions: Down & Dusty

Casey – Rachael Johns
Lucky – Cate Ellink
Kelly – Fiona Lowe
Brooke – Eden Summers
Clarissa – Mel Teshco
Skye – Rhyll Biest
Maree – Elizabeth Dunk
Frankie – Jackie Ashenden

It’s Time to Get Down & Dusty…

Australia’s hottest writers writing in Australia’s hottest subgenre…

They say that no one has secrets in a small town—these women prove them wrong.

Eight brand-new stories from some of Australia’s hottest writers in Australia’s hottest genre. From the bar stools of the local pub to the wide open plains of the biggest stations in the world, these tales travel the dusty roads to the heart of Australia and the women who understand how to work hard—and play even harder.

In the latest in the wildly successful Secret Confessions series from Escape Publishing, the women of Down & Dusty invite you into their lives—and their bedrooms.

All stories available for pre-order now.

Reading order:

Casey – Rachael Johns. 3 January
Lucky – Cate Ellink. 10 January
Kelly – Fiona Lowe. 17 January
Brooke – Eden Summers. 24 January
Clarissa – Mel Teshco. 31 January
Skye – Rhyll Biest. 7 February
Maree – Elizabeth Dunk. 14 February
Frankie – Jackie Ashenden. 21 February

Works Well With Others…5 Reasons to Seek Out Group Projects

by Cate Ellink

I’ve had the pleasure lately to be involved in a few group efforts. Each has been a unique experience because of the different people involved changing the dynamics.

No matter what the dynamics, here are a few of the reasons why I enjoy these experiences.

1. Brainstorming sessions are heaps of fun. You never know what you, or someone else, might come up with. Someone’s idea might spark something really crazy in your mind.
2. You never really know people until you work with them. Writers are notorious introverts, so it’s not easy to get to know us. But working in a group allows for interaction, communication, and an online form of ‘bonding’. You cyber-meet, sometimes become friends, with people you may never have met otherwise. You’re working towards a common goal, which immediately gives you something in common – that’s great for introverts.
3. You learn. My writing always improves. Sometimes it’s because of someone in the group’s feedback. Sometimes it’s watching how another works with critique. Other times it’s learning how people develop stories. Or how much importance some writers place on factors you had dismissed, or hadn’t thought of. There’s always something to learn.
4. You’re exposed to story ideas/characters you’d never have thought of yourself. Take Lana from the Sydney Housewives. I would never have thought of, let alone tackled, a character who was an older woman who loved young men. Yet that was my task. It was challenging. Lana stretched my writing ability and my imagination. I had to work with a character a long way outside of my experience. She was a challenge I’d never have had if I hadn’t agreed to the project.
5. You share the promo with others. Promo makes me shudder, sweat, wriggle and squirm. When you can promo in a group, it takes the pressure off. I’m not shoving my book down people’s throats…I’m sharing our group project with the world.

That’s why I love group projects. Do you like group projects, or reading books from group projects?

---

Secrets Revealed! Bonus four epilogues, exclusive to this digital bind-up!

You’ve never met housewives as hot as these…They’re wealthy and glamorous. The elite of society. But appearances can be deceiving.

Eleven women are members of the influential Double Diamond Dinner Club. They are wealthy, elegant, poised and constantly in the public eye. But what goes on behind closed doors, in the private homes and parties where the cameras and paparazzi aren’t welcome?

Each woman has everything to lose if their fellow members learn of their needs, desires, and bedroom inclinations.

Eleven stories from eleven of Australia’s hottest authors — a scandalous, sexy collection that uncovers the privileged lives of Sydney’s affluent housewives: their work, their families, their friends and their men. Nothing is hidden, nothing is forbidden — and nothing will ever be the same.

Featuring: Rhian Cahill, Cate Ellink, Cathleen Ross, Tamsin Baker, Lexxie Couper, Shona Husk, Keziah Hill, Viveka Portman, Christina Phillips, Mel Teshco and Tracey O’Hara!