There are a lot of good bikes between $700 - $1000. Unfortunately you are looking a bit late. Quickly check out your local bike shops. See if there is anything in your size and to your liking in a left over 2008. Prices jumped like crazy for 2009. In 2007 you could get an aluminum frame with carbon forks and stays with all 105 for $700. Now that same bike is about $1300. You should be looking for Shimano 105 group on what ever brand you like. I like Bianchi, Trek, Specialized and Fuji.
I started out on a trek 1000. It's a very entry level road bike. I didn't know if I was going to like it or stick with it. It served me well for a year or so and I just recently moved up to a Trek Madone. I completed my first 180 mile bike trek last summer. I am hooked! I love the Trek line.
the best advice though, is to go to several different bike shops and let them fit the bike to you. Tell them you want an entry level road bike. Then I would check out Craigs list or something similar. I sold my 1000 on craigslist to someone just starting out, like me.