Cate Ellink became intrigued by the erotic when her grandfather used to pass books to her father saying, "Don't let the girls read page X." Although her mother and sisters never bothered to chase those pages, Cate always did. Invariably, her imagination was better than what she read. While pursuing a career in science, Cate amused herself by writing about ordinary events and giving them an erotic twist. It's taken more than a few years to bravely expose her mind to the public. While the events in her stories may have occurred, it's highly likely that her imagination is far more exciting than the reality. Cate lives near the beach in NSW with her long-suffering husband. This is Cate's first novella. She has two short stories published.

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.

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.

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