Hill Country Hero
Ann DeFee
Harlequin American, Feb 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753000

Collier "CiCi" Hurst knows the biggest mistake of her life was marrying cheating Green Bay Packer star Tank Tankersley who she assumes is illiterate though he has interest in libraries; or at least one librarian. Money is not an issue as Wisconsin is a community property sate and he made a bundle. Back home in Houston she asks her daddy for a job at one of his car dealerships, but Texas Bob instead offers her a position as the NFL's last place Road Runner's mascot.

Star tight end Jake Culpepper assumes his former convict cousin Dwayne Scruggs wears the mascot outfit as he got him the job. He tackles the mascot out of ire for grand theft auto of his Porsche now in the repair shop only to find the boss' daughter inside. His penalty for "illegally sacking CiCi is time at Camp Touchdown working with inner-city kids and CiCi. As they fall in love, she has doubts about romancing another football dummy but poses one question to him: can he read?

This is a fun often amusing sports romance starring a woman who stereotypes football players as a group who obviously failed to play with helmets and a receiver who is unsure his hit on the boss' daughter is a good or bad thing. Fans will enjoy their gender battle while also containing a wonderful story of how much a professional athlete can bring to the community.

Harriet Klausner