Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl

Genre: Contemporary Romance, lawman, small town

Spoiler free description: Molly is a super secret successful erotica writer. She uses a pen name to publish her stories and keeps everyone she knows in the dark about what her occupation is. She's inherited an house in her small hometown and decides to move there to get away from her creepy and annoying ex-boyfriend. And she's looking forward to finding old friends... like her big brother's BFF and her longtime secret crush (and star of her dreams) Ben. The thing is, Ben is happy and living a scandal free life, and he'd like it to stay that way. And did I mention that Ben does NOT want any scandal in his life? And Molly, she's got scandal written all over her, yet Ben can't keep himself away.

The best: Molly's self confidence. I liked how she was happy going after Ben. I loved their scene in Ben's police truck. And the suspense plot that normally would have totally annoyed me had enough twists and turns to be really enjoyable.

The worst: I really liked it all.
Grade A

Hot Mail, by Janice Maynard

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Jane and Ethan were best friends for years until they split when Ethan got engaged four years ago. Though he never married and they never renewed their friendship, Jane still has a huge crush on Ethan, and he still considers her a best buddy. She decides to send him anonymous hot mail - erotic poetry - to see if that will bring them together.
The best: It was fun to see them come together and tip toe around each other trying to figure out where they stood. The secondary storyline of Ethan's sister and his co-worker was just as good as the primary HEA.
The worst: The Super big Super Secret of WHO was sending the erotic valentines had me wanting to bang my head on the wall.
Grade C

It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!
Spoiler free description: Phoebe's father dies that's ok with her - he's always treated her like crap. And that doesn't stop with his death - in his will he leaves her ownership of his football team, The Chicago Stars. Phoebe may look like a blonde bimbo, but she she's got brains to spare, and she's not interested in playing her father's games. The coach of the Stars needs her to play, without her help, his team is stranded. And then there's this unexplicable attraction they have to each other...
The best: I love the pacing of this book! It takes it's time - there's no HEA overnight here. The story is complex and very believable. This is one I'd go back to again and again. Best of the best - opening scene with the poodle. And so many others...
The worst: I didn't really enjoy the storyline with Dan's ex.
Grade A

This Heart of Mine, by Susan Elizabeth Philips

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Once again I've come in in the middle of a series. I don't think the book suffered at all for having missed the first ones. Molly, an author and football heiress (who's given away all her money), has long had a crush on Kevin, the quarterback of the Chicago Stars - the system her sister and brother-in-law own and manage. When they end up sharing a cabin for a weekend, the tension is there, but sparks don't really fly. Until Molly does something really stupid. And they end up in a quickie marriage that falls apart even quicker than it came together. And only after all that do they begin to see each other.
The best: Molly, Kevin, and all the secondary characters are awesome and believable. The road blocks to Molly and Kevin's realationship are believable. Everything in this story is believable. I got sucked in and found myself rooting for Molly and Kevin. Best of the best... the young newlywed couple concerned enough to give Molly and Kevin marital advice.

The worst: I really liked it all.

Grade A

A Grand Passion, by Jayne Ann Krentz

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary
Spoiler free description: Cleo knows he's the man for her the minute she sees him. He's also immediately attracted to her. And, yeah, there's suspense. I don't htink I've read much romantic suspense before, and I didn't really like it.
The best: Throughout the book, Cleo, as an author, talked about romance novels and erotica and what readers and non-readers think of it. That was cool. Also, the thing that kept the two apart, that was very believable
The worst: I just didn't really care.
Grade C - it was probably good for someone else

One Bite with a Stranger, Christine Warren

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Spoiler free description: Reggie and her friends started a "Fantasy Fix" for each other, where they set each other up with men who can fulfill their fantasies for the night. Reggie says she wants a dominant vampire. When her friends set her up, a real life vamp steps in to take over the Fantasy Fix
The best: I enjoyed the chick feeling to the book, especially when Reggie was with her friends. I thought the BDSM motivations were explained well, and it was hot.
The worst: For all the early work put in to explaining the BDSM side of things I didn't feel like it carried through consistently. I was dismayed by how easily Reggie turned her life upside down.
Grade: C

Flat Out Sexy, by Erin McCarthy

I think I've read some short stories by Erin McCarthy in some anthologies. I know I've heard her name before. I was curious when I read the good review for this book on http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/ so I got it from the library. Winner!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, NASCAR

Spoiler free description: Two years after her famous race car driver husbands dies in a race, Tamara is finally ready to start dating again. She literally bumps into Elec, and though he is younger than her, the sparks fly. She figures she could do with a one night stand, he's looking for a relationship. Elec tries to convince her it's worth a try, but there are hurdles to cross - she's a single mom, the previous generation has a family feud, and she's a bit older than him...

The best: No unbelievable villians out to get anyone. Really, no villians at all. This felt like ROMANCE to me. They have issues, they work them out. I love Tamara! Sensible, logical, gets swept away, but still keeps up with all her responsibilities.

The worst: Elec was a little too perfect. I can't really complain about that.

Grade A-

Bet Me, by Jennifer Cruise

Genre: Contemporary

Spoiler free description: Minn is an average looking, man-hating, logical actuary. Cal is a gorgeous womanizer runs from commitment. When Minn's ex bets Cal that he can't bed Minn (because, of course, since Minn wouldn't sleep with her ex in 2 months, she must be frigid...) and Minn overhears the bet, hilarity ensues

The best: Really well written! Just about the best sexual tension I've ever read. And laughter abounds in the secondary characters as well as Cal and Minn. Awesome.

The worst: Cal's ex. Cal and Minn's parents. Cold, almost non-human.

Would you recommend this book? Absolutely!!! To anyone
Grade: A