I've been looking at road bikes. I like the Giant's. I think in your price range it would be a good bike for you. That said, when you get into the better models they don't compare well to other manufacturers, imo. For example, lots of their bikes don't have a carbon fork yet they cost more for similar groupsets. One thing I see on the Contend 3 is the tire size is narrow. A real racer at 25mm. Personally I would prefer more rubber on the road, up to like 32c and maybe 35c if you go off the asphalt..

Not to throw a curveball at you but places like BikesDirect or Lim Bikes, both of which are online bike sellers, they have great prices with great components. I've narrowed my choice down to a Scott Speedster 20. It has Shimano Tiagra hardware with 32c tires, carbon fork and steerer for $820. That's at Lim Bikes. BikesDirect has even better deals on Motobecane bikes with great Shimano components.
A bit pricey in comparisons but at the price of the Contend 3 I think it'd be a good bike for you. I like the color scheme for sure.