New Release: The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt

The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merrill

Blurb:
His love is the key to her release. Sentenced to seven years of servitude in the penal colony of New South Wales, Bridgit Madden is thrust into a world unlike anything she's known, dangers she never imagined and enemies with their own interests at heart. Certain that the conviction has ruined her chances of ever having a real family, she is fearful of her future.

Despite his reluctance to take in a convict, Jonah Andrus, a grazier and pioneer cattleman, needs a servant to care for his orphaned niece. When presented with Bridgit, who is far too beautiful and distracting, he initially tries to refuse. However, with a busy cattle station to oversee, he needs help right away.

Upon her first meeting with Jonah's niece, Bridgit immediately falls in love with the girl and becomes entwined the mystery surrounding her birth. As she gets to know her employer better, Bridgit makes it her mission to remind him that family is priceless. When it seems as though she might have found the place she truly belongs, their love is threatened by lies and deceit, and both of them might lose everything they hold dear for a second time.

Excerpt:
His thumb passed over a tender spot. Bridgit stiffened. He nodded to himself, certain he’d found an overstretched muscle. A hole in the wool above her ankle revealed a whitish-pink mark. A scar left by chains, like the ones on her wrists. He caressed the scar. How could anyone consider her dangerous enough to shackle? Inching his fingers up her leg, he massaged the lean muscles and tendons. He rarely ever indulged in getting to know a woman’s legs so well.
He couldn’t help admiring the feminine curve of her calf. His gaze continued along the limb, running up her calf to her knee and the dark shadow cast by her skirt. As she bent closer, her breath stirred his hair. Was she frightened by his touch, or did the thought of the snake still bother her?
At the base of her knee, he stopped exploring. If he let himself go any farther, he’d not stop until the skirt was bunched around her waist. He frowned. The very thing he feared most was happening--if he desired his employee, what would prevent his men doing the same thing?