Contemporaries to covet in April – and giveaway!

April is set to be an awesome month for fans of contemporary romance!

Those of you who’ve been following my blog for a while know that every month I highlight the contemporary romance releases I’m most looking forward to. Sometimes they’re books I’ve read advance copies of, sometimes they’re by authors whose novels I always love.

And to celebrate these releases, I give away a $10 gift certificate to one person who leaves a comment AND to the author she mentions in her comment. That way authors get a fun reward for writing such wonderful books. (See details below.)

This month, I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of these books, but they’re novels I’ve looked forward to for a looong time.

Ready, freddy? Here they are!

About That Night by Julie James

He’s playing games.

About That NightThough Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.

But she’s making the rules.

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten. . .

My two cents

Julie James is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her novels are smart, funny and always a guaranteed good read. If you comment on my interview with Julie James before April 10th (tomorrow), you could win a copy of About That Night.

Read an excerpt on Julie James’ website
Read my interview with Julie James
Buy About That Night by Julie James on Amazon.com

Publication date: April 3, 2012

Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire

Barefoot in the SandWhen all you hold dear is taken away . . .

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong’s home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he’s going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong’s architect. What’s not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay’s designs on Lacey’s heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

My two cents

I’m a huge fan of Roxanne St. Claire’s romantic suspense novels, and I’m thrilled that she’s branching out into my favorite genre, contemporary romance.

I’m also happy to say that I’ll be publishing an interview with Roxanne St. Claire on April 23, and she’ll be giving away a copy of Barefoot in the Sand. Mark your calendars (or, better yet, subscribe to my blog :))

Read an excerpt on Roxanne St. Claire’s website
Buy Barefoot in the Sand on Amazon.com

Publication date: April 24, 2012

Catch Me A Cowboy by Katie Lane

Catch Me a CowboyShirlene Dalton has it all: a dream marriage to a man who spoils her rotten and the most outrageous mansion Bramble, Texas, has ever seen. But when her husband unexpectedly dies, Shirlene finds herself right back where she started-in a rundown trailer on the wrong side of the tracks. Never the type to let a little bad luck and a whole heap of heartache get her down, Shirlene is ready to prove to the local gossips she can make it on her own . . . until she ends up living next door to the most tempting cowboy in town.

Billy Wilkes has a score to settle and a plan to wipe Bramble right off the map. But when his sexy, redheaded neighbor figures out what he’s up to, his good ol’ boy charm won’t be enough to save him. With the town on his tail, Billy will have to come clean quick-or kiss Shirlene goodbye.

My two cents

When I read Katie Lane’s first two books last year, I was immediately drawn into one of the quirkiest towns ever created – Bramble, Texas.

I’ve looked forward to Shirlene’s story since last summer, and I can’t wait to see this feisty woman get her happily-ever-after!

Buy Catch Me A Cowboy by Katie Lane on Amazon.com
Read an excerpt on Katie Lane’s website
Read my interview with Katie Lane

Publication date: April 1, 2012

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 April 17th. 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 April? Have you read anything by the authors I mentioned? Which of their books do you like best?

By Kat

Kat Latham writes sexy contemporary romance, including the London Legends rugby series. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. She's a California girl living in the Netherlands with her baby girl and British husband.

31 comments

  1. Happy Easter, Kat! I really liked “Going Cowboy Crazy” by Katie Lane. It’s a bit over the top, but it has its charm. I was really intrigued by Shirlene’s character & can’t wait to read her story.

  2. i would like the book by julie james, i haven’t read anything by her yes but everyone recommend her too me so i want to try

    Happy Easter

  3. I didn’t know Roxanne St. Claire had a new book coming out! I am now looking forward to that very much — thank you! The first book of hers I read, years ago, is called “French Twist” and I can highly recommend it. From Amazon, “St. Claire’s second swashbuckling romantic intrigue (after Tropical Getaway) mixes American grit with European glamour.”

  4. I would like to read Julie’s book – I think I may have read all of hers and highly recommend her work. I have been looking forward to this new book and if I won I would love to have her win the g.c.

  5. I really want to read the new Julie James’ book About that Night! I have not read her yet but I love contemps and everyone is raving about this book! I should get the first in the series though. I heard this whole series is awesome! Thanks for sharing with us!

  6. I am really looking forward to Katie Lane’s new book. I love me some cowboys, so would love to read this one.

  7. I keep wanting to try Julie James. I’ve read excerpts from some her books that were great. Maybe this book will finally get me started.

  8. I am looking forward to reading Kyle’s book. Julie James has never disappointed yet. I’m also looking forward to Christina Dodd’s “Betrayal.”

  9. I agree with everyone who’s excited by Julie James latest “About that Night.” Her books are always fantastic and I can’t wait to read it.

  10. I have read Julie James’ previous books and loved them, as well as Roxanne’s Bulletcatcher series. Never been disappointed by those authors.

  11. Well I am waiting for Catch me a Cowboy of course… Also The Princess and the Outlaw by Leanne Banks..

  12. Wow – so not a fair contest. I love all 3 authors. Read them all and loved them all but since I just finished Catch Me A Cowboy by Katie Lane – that’s who my vote is for. It was such an emotional ride. Laughed so hard on the first two and was brought to tears in Catch Me A Cowboy…

  13. Love Katie Lane and who doesn’t want to catch a cowboy! I have Barefoot in the Sand on my list to read. I have not read anything by Roxanne St Clair or Julie James. My vote is for Catch Me A Cowboy it was great!

  14. I would love to read Julie James book About Last Night. It sounds like a book I would love to read. Thanks for the giveaway!

  15. I love Katie Lane! I have not gotten my hands on Shirlene’s story yet but I plan to! I Loved Hope and Faith!

  16. I love Katie Lane and have all her books except Catch Me a Cowboy which I can’t wait to get my hands on 🙂 I haven’t read anyhting from the other two authors but About That Night looks great!

  17. I’m with you, Kat. I was hooked with the first two books and now have CMAC in TBR pile. I expect there will be “snark” and do so enjoy it — Shirlene should be able to deliver! Thanks, Katie! I’m looking forward to many books I’ve ordered from Amazon – Christina Dodd’s Betrayal; Jodi Thomas’ Just Down the Road, Robyn Carr’s Sunrise Point, and Julie James’ About That Night. Sheesh, there’s more but that’s my short list!

  18. I am looking forward to Barefoot in the Sand I like the contemporary romance novels and read alot of them i also get a few chances to review them before they hit the stands so you have to read thru the book a little faster than i normally read but i also love baseball books that comes from my son loving to play baseball and following it so close now he and i are huge fans of a team so romance involving baseball is exactly up my alley but since there aren’t alot around but this has nothing to do with your contest but i am going to read John Grishams new book that came out today Calico Joe nothing to do with my son joe that i am reading it lol but yes for this contest i am looking forward to Betrayal and Barefoot in the Sand…thanks

  19. So many great books mentioned, hard to pick just one. Looking forward to reading, Somebody To Love by Kristan Higgins. Always enjoy her contemporary romances. Thank you for the contest!

  20. Barefoot summer!! I haven’t got it yet!! just read Catch me a Cowboy, but would love to have a signed copy!. Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!

  21. I am looking forward to Katie Lane. I love the first two books in the series and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Shirlene.

  22. I’m reading About That Night by Julie James right now. I’ve read her entire backlist and have enjoyed all the books. My favorite so far is probably Something About You, but that may change once I finish About That Night.

  23. I am looking forward to two of the books you featured: Julie James’ About That Night and Katie Lane’s Catch Me a Cowboy. But I am also looking forward to Lori Wilde’s The Cowboy Takes a Bride and Carolyn Brown’s One Hot Cowboy Wedding.

  24. Katie Lane’s new release just arrived in the mail yesterday and I’m looking forward to reading that as I really enjoyed the first two in this series.

    I’m mostly waiting for Kristan Higgins’ Somebody to Love. Catch of the Day is a favourite of mine and I can’t wait for Higgins to re-visit Gideon’s Cove.

  25. I’m looking forward to reading Betrayal by Christina Dodd. I haven’t read anything by Julie James yet, but plan to.

  26. I have read 2 books by Julie James so far: Just the Sexiest Man Alive (LOVED it!!) and Something About You. I really love Julie’s witty and delicious stories full of intelligent and sexy banter between the h/h 😀 About That Night is on my wishlist, I can’t wait to get my hands on it! 🙂

    Thank you for the chance!

  27. What contemporary romance novel(s) are you looking forward to in April? Have you read anything by the authors I mentioned? Which of their books do you like best?

    Julie James book. I gotta hound the hubby to let me buy it.

    I’ve read A Lot like Love by James. Why I want her latest!
    And I love Roxanne St. Clare’s Bulletcatcher books. YUMYUMYUM

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