At the beginning of every month this year, I’m telling you about a couple of upcoming contemporary romance novels worth coveting. These are books I really, really want to read, or have read early copies of and can highly recommend.
And if you tell me about a contemporary romance novel being published in March that you’re looking forward to, you could win a $10 book gift certificate for yourself AND the author. (Giveaway details at the end of this post.)
This month, I’m highlighting a book I’ve read and one I haven’t yet.
Hot Under Pressure by Louisa Edwards
Prepare to turn up the heat with the final book in the sizzling “Rising Star Chef” trilogy from romance author Louisa Edwards.
Henry Beck thought he’d already faced the toughest kitchen challenge of his life. After all, what could top sweating it out as a Navy cook on a submarine? But when he learns his competition for the title of Rising Star Chef is the sweet hippie girl he married…and left…ten years ago, the heat is on.
Now Beck and Skye Gladwell are going head to head in the finals…and sparking up old flames every time they touch. But Skye wants more than a win over the man who abandoned her when she needed him most—she wants a divorce! Then her sexy almost-ex makes a deliciously dangerous proposition. He’ll give in to her demands, but if his team wins the RSC, he has a demand of his own…one last taste of the only woman he ever loved.
336 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Publication date: 27 March
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at The Book Depository
My opinion
I haven’t read any of the Rising Star Chef series yet, but only because glomming on Louisa Edwards’ books is favorite hobby of mine, so as soon as I finish one I feel a desperate need to start the next one.
Now that the last in the series is coming out, I can buy them all, clear a few weekends, and lose myself in her steamy kitchens with some of the most sensuous-sounding food…not to mention her very hot chefs.
Protector by Catherine Mann
TRUST, LOVE …AND LIES.
After barely surviving enemy torture, Captain Chuck Tanaka doesn’t trust himself to do more than ride a desk—but new orders leave him no choice. Assigned to the investigation of a mob boss whose luxury cruise ship is reportedly a hub for terrorist activity, Tanaka goes undercover. His target: Jolynn Taylor, the mob boss’s daughter
As a child, Jolynn saw her beloved uncle murdered. Since then, she’s stayed far away from her father’s crooked empire. But when he falls ill, she returns, hoping to mend the gap between them. Instead, she finds herself on the run, one step ahead of unknown enemies. The only thing keeping her alive is the man she knows as Charles Tomas, the only man she’s ever been able to trust.
Unfortunately, he’s also the man determined to destroy her family…
304 pages
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publication date: 6 March
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at The Book Depository
My opinion
I really enjoyed this fast-paced military suspense, where no one is what they seem and the hero has every reason to doubt his ability to be heroic.
You can read my full review here.
Giveaway!
Answer at least one of the questions in bold below. By “contemporary romance” I mean romance between human beings set in the present day. It can be romantic suspense, inspirational, erotic, category-length or whatever.
I’ll choose one winner on Tuesday March 13th. That person will get a $10 gift certificate to the online book retailer of their choice, AND I’ll send the same to the author they mention.
If the winner mentions more than one author, I’ll ask her to choose which one gets the gift certificate.
This is open internationally.
Questions:
What contemporary romance novel(s) are you looking forward to in March? Have you read anything by the authors I mentioned? Which of their books do you like best?
Note: Comment by March 13th and you’ll also be eligible for my $25 gift certificate giveaway.
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I’m so glad you reminded me that Louisa Edwards has a new book coming out tomorrow. I’m horrible at keeping track and now that Borders is closed, I don’t wander the aisles of book stores as often. We have a B&N, but it’s a little farther, so I have to plan to go there. I’ve been waiting for Beck’s story. Also, I’m looking forward to Tawna Fenske’s new book Believe It or Not.
i’m new to the genre in fact but after reading your review of Protector by Catherine Mann, i really hope to be able to discover it one day so that the contemporary romance i’m looking forward.
Even if i haven’t never read anything by her or the other author you spoke of
I haven’t read a book by Louisa Edwards yet but heard really good things about them. And the covers are swoonworthy! 🙂
I can’t wait for Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton to arrive in my mailbox. No e-copies from these books, nope. *g*
You HAVE to read Louisa Edwards! She does a fantastic job of character development especially with the secondary characters (total scene stealers). They’re sweet and sexy and wonderful. If you can’t tell, she is one of my favorites…
I haven’t read anything by the authors you mentioned above, but I got my pre-orders. Both are westerns:
– contemporary – “Quinn” by RC. .Ryan
– historical – “Logan’s Outlaw” by Elaine Levine
Haven’t read them yet, but I hope they are good.
I haven’t read these authors either. I am looking forward to Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleyplas love her books. Also looking forward to Elaine Levine’s Logan’t Outlaw
I’ve got a couple of Louisa Edward’s books on my towering TBR pile. The food theme attracted me, but I just haven’t gotten to them – too many books, too little time. I don’t usually read romantic suspense, so I haven’t tried any of Catherine Mann’s books. Even with my TBR pile, I’m sure I can make room for Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton – that one would be on the list just for the cover alone.
I have only read one of Louisa Edwards’ short stories and that was some time ago so I will be looking for the Rising Star Chef trilogy soon. Edwards certainly does have gorgeous covers!
And speaking of eye-catching covers . . . . I am looking forward to reading Jaci Burton’s March release, Taking A Shot.
I have read everything by Louisa Edwards including Hot Under Pressure, and yes, I’m totally bragging here, feel free to be jealous now 😉 They are all awesome books and I wish I had you strength to actually wait until all three books are out before reading them.
I haven’t read anything by Catherine Mann but that cover is making me want to! LOL
Oooo I’m very interested in *both* Louisa and Catherine’s upcoming books! Oh! And Jaci Burton’s Next Play by Play novel “Taking a Shot.” … Anyway I better stop, because I’m on a budget. :X
I love watching the food network, especially those cooking competitions, and therefore Hot Under Pressure by Louisa Edwards sounds like the perfect contemporary romance for me. This author is new to me, and I’m willing to give it a try.
Definitely looking forward to Louisa Edwards new novel, but also anticipating Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton (tomorrow!) and Beyond the Night by Janelle Denison.
I’m looking forward to Run From Fear by Jami Alden. I read her previous book and really enjoyed it. I have read books from both authors above but not in a while. Their new ones look good though.
I have my copy of “Protector” and can’t wait to read it. I’m also excited about Jaci Burton’s “Taking a Shot.”
I am looking forward to Louisa’s Hot Under Pressure among many others. LOL.
I read all of Louisa’s Rising Star series books and loved them. I have not read any of Catherine Mann’s. I love to see contemporary books highlighted especially ones between humans. LOL.
I’m looking forward to Jaci Burton’s Taking A Shot? Thanks got the giveaway.