Midsummer Sweetheart

Heart of Montana #3

by Katy Regnery

"Regnery's writing and tempo are top-notch." --Library Journal Xpress Reviews

Readers who love Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr, and Jill Shalvis will adore Katy Regnery's "sweet heat" Heart of Montana romances.

Erik Lindstrom never had much faith in love. He saw his parents' marriage collapse and  vowed to avoid the same anguish himself. His fiercely protective nature drew him to a career in law enforcement, where he's managed to keep himself and his heart safe...until now.

Katrin Svenson is in danger. After leaving her home in secret, her only hope for safety seems to lie in the hands of a man who has steeled himself against her deep blue eyes and sunny  smile.

During the annual celebration of Midsommardagen, sparks fly between the officer and the nurse, and those sparks turn to fire as Katrin melts the ice surrounding Erik's heart. Yet a dark force, determined to tear the young lovers apart, must  be vanquished before their sweet midsummer nights can turn into a sweet forever.

HEART OF MONTANA SERIES

By Proxy, Heart of Montana #1 (Jenny Lindstrom & Sam Kelley)
The Christmas Wish, Heart of Montana #2 (Tess Branson & Lucas Flynn)
Midsummer Sweetheart, Heart of Montana #3 (Erik Lindstrom & Kat Svenson)
See Jane Fall, Heart of Montana #4 (Lars Lindstrom & Jane Mays)
Meeting Miss Mystic, Heart of Montana #5 (Paul Johansson & Zoe Flannigan)
What Were You Expecting?, Heart of Montana #6 (Nils Lindstrom & Maggie
Campbell)

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 60 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.

Reviews

[Reanell Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 unbelievable stars!

Wow. Just wow. This book was not what I was expecting at all!! This is the first book for me from Kay Regnery and it will NOT be my last!


We meet Katrin as she is being told by her family that she must leave town to be rid of her ex who is a crazy drunk stalker. They inform her that Erik Lindstorm will be taking her to her knew location where a job is waiting for her. When Erik and Katrin touch, sparks fly!

Erik doesn't do relationships, and Katrin won't do 1-night stands. So they agree to be friends, but soon enough their feelings become more involved. When Erik decides the only way to get her out of his mind is to fuck her, he says something that makes my panties melt.


Did your panties melt???? I don't want to give away any of the story, so I won't go into details but this is where things get interesting!

I loved everything about this book! The writing style, the characters, the suspense, the "tortured soul" everything was perfect. I'm now off to find more books by this author because I want more! Highly recommended!!

[Huseina · Rating 4 out of 5]

One more down...!! And I m loving them all... beautiful story, lovely characters, great plot and loads of romance...🙂

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say this time and time again… I absolutely LOVE Katy Regnery’s writing style!! She always makes me feel drawn and connected to her stories, while keeping me hooked from beginning to end. Amazing. I will never cease recommending her books.

As always, I suggest you read book one, By Proxy, prior to Midsummer Sweetheart. We see the characters from that book in this one and we get more of their story.

“Am I your sweetheart?”

Erik Lindstrom wasn’t interested in relationships. He certainly was not interested in falling in love. That is, until he saw what his sister, Jenny, had with her new husband, Sam (main characters in By Proxy). Erik started wondering. Thinking. Maybe he was missing out? Or maybe not. But one thing was for sure….he was curious about it and that hadn’t happened before.

Katrin Svenson, Sam’s cousin, was living a nightmare. Her alcoholic ex-fiancée, Wade, would not leave her alone and things had only gotten worse with time. Now, he had even threatened to kill her. To say she was freaked out, would be an understatement. Wade would not back off!!! Because of him, Katrin had basically become a shell of her former self. She had in many ways, stopped living her life. She was just existing. She wouldn’t go out with her friends just to avoid running into him. You see, Wade had made her believe that he had gotten his drinking under control, but really he had just learned how to hide it. It wasn’t until the day of their wedding, when he did not show up because he had been so drunk from the night before, that Katrin realized just how much he had fooled her. It was then that she made the decision that enough was enough. That, however, did not sit well with Wade. He firmly believed Katrin was his.

Katrin had lost all hope of getting her happily ever after. Especially in her small town where everyone knew about her situation with Wade…where everyone pitied “poor Katrin”. Well, everyone but Erik. Katrin and Erik didn’t really know each other. Sure, they had ‘seen each other’ before since their families were so close, but they hadn’t really met. Until Ingrid intervened.

Worried for her sister-in-law’s safety, Ingrid asked Erik to drop Katrin off at a very small town up north where she had gotten her a job through a friend at a new clinic. She and Kristian, Katrin’s brother, figured she would be safe away from Wade. Erik had no problem with this since he was moving up north to start a training as part of his job as a police officer. Little did Erik know, this favor would end up changing his life.

When Katrin and Erik officially met, sparks flew. Quite literally, actually. Problem was, Erik was hell bent on not wanting a relationship…ever. But Kat was getting under his skin and staying there whether he liked it or not. He could not shake her off! They both had been drawn to each other, but the circumstances they we in weren’t exactly the best. Because of this, they friend-zoned each other. And yet, the attraction and chemistry, was very much there and they could not stop flirting! Talk about sexual tension!

“I want you. Your mouth. Your body. Your fingernails down my back. Your eyes rolled back in your head. Your voice calling out my name. In my bed. In your bed. In the shower. On your kitchen counter. Under the tress. Wherever you want.” – Erik

Two steps forward, three steps back. It all came down to the fact that Erik was scared. Actually, he was terrified…of love. He didn’t want to feel the ‘inevitable’ pain that came along with falling in love...the heartache of losing your beloved. So he pushed her away. But he was also torn. He didn’t want to call her his girlfriend, but he sure as hell didn’t want her to be with anyone else!

“Love is different for everyone. Best not try to figure it out when it comes to someone else.”

Once they both gave into their feelings, I felt like I could breathe easier. They had such a sweet romance! Erik truly became one hell of a romantic!! For someone who was firmly set on never loving another, he sure knew how to melt panties. ;) A true swoon-worthy guy. And how he protected Katrin?? Whew!!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story line flowed smoothly and it allowed great character development! I loved seeing Erik go from being petrified at the thought of a relationship, to realizing what he was missing out on and becoming an amazing boyfriend.

Midsummer Sweetheart is a heartfelt and beautiful romance you should not miss! Katy’s epilogues always pique my interest for the next book! I can’t wait to read it!!! Go one-click!!!

“Äskling”

[The Book Trollop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to Katy when she sent me a copy of By Proxy and I was suppose to review it by Christmas and so much shit happened and it slipped through my fingers before I had a chance to... Siiiggghh... So when I saw her second book Midsummer Sweetheart was coming out and there was a blog tour for it, I jumped on it in order to redeem my assholeryness from before. And I am so glad I read it but I am also kicking my own ass for letting the first one slip through the cracks!!

This book takes you inside the lives of Katrin and Erik.. A Hopeless romantic and a commitment phobe. Erik shies away from anything to deal with dating, flowers, or the big L word... of course that doesn't stop him from enjoying a woman from time to time but he makes it a habit to not "do" the same one over and over... A real charmer, that one.

BUT, of course, there is this thing about soul mates that seems to change your overall perception of love and commitment and it seemed Katrin and Erik were undoubtedly meant for one another. From the very first touch of skin on skin, there was just a magnetic pull. Even though they both pushed and pulled and tried to fight it, they couldn't.

This book was magnetic, charming, sweet, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Katy is a fabulous writer and her characters make your heart just swoon. I wasn't sure if I was rooting for Erik or if I wanted to smack him upside his head! But when the situations reversed and he was the one chasing Kat.. I couldn't help but fall for him hard core and root for them until the very end.
Oh and laugh at his expense of course ;)...

The way Katy described the scenery was adorable and I could picture myself up in the small town surrounded by charm and magnetic atmosphere. Most of the time when I think of Montana, I think of snow... lots and lots of snow... But Katy changed my perception and made me actually want to visit this place!!

The text messages were probably my favorite part of the book! They were sweet, flirty, and reminded me a lot of when my husband and I were dating... There was enough drama to make it more interesting and not overly sweet where I wanted to roll my eyes and throw the book across the room.

And, Oh boy, was the drama intense.
I was hanging on the edge of my seat in most parts, just waiting to see what that ex-douche was going to do...

But you'll have to read it for yourself and find out...

Overall, I give this book a 4/5 and if you want a clean romance with two strong characters that you can't help but love, then grab this book and DEVOUR it soon!!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midsummer Sweetheart (Heart of Montana) BY Katy Regency
Have read other works by the author and like the series very much.
Book starts out with Katrin Svenson, a nurse and her ex fiance is becoming madder and he's drunk. As the scene unfolds I can picture myself in this exact spot as if it was me there.
The cops do show up in time, this trip and lock Wade away for a few days. Since then her brother and sister in law have a plan for her escape. She will go to the other side of the national forest to a small town and be a nurse for a practice just starting.
She'd even have a place to stay and the towns small enough to walk around. The translation of the lake sounds perfect-The Pearl of the Bay. She'd be leaving her family behind but it's only for a few months.
Her cousin's brother in law Erik Lindstrom would drive her to her destination and he would continue onto his new police enforcement training in another town.
Love the Norwegian dialog with translations and learning of their traditions especially the midsummer celebrations and legends. He hates what Wade has done and tells Ingrid that he will look in on her once they all get settled with their new jobs.
He doesn't even want to get involved with Katrin because his parents breakup was so bad it left marks on his relationships.
Even though they spend a few hours together they each have thoughts of the other running through their minds and they just can't stop from thinking about..
Misunderstandings and medical problems will keep them apart, and can they make it back together....and just pray Wade leaves them all alone. Love how things from the past are dealt with..Love how this leads into the next book.
Received this as a contest in Facebook by the author

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Erik, Erik, Erik. I really felt for him. He had such a hard time with the death of his mother, he has built a wall a mile high around his heart, and then Katrin turns up. Katrin, who just wants to escape an abusive ex, is introduced to Erik by her brother and sister-in-law. He helps her to relocate, and so starts a relationship that blossoms in to more - with, of course, some speed bumps along the way. Well worth a read - Katy Regnery is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

[Katy Regnery · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun to write the follow-up to By Proxy!! I hope that my Heart of Montana readers enjoy Erik's story as much as Jenny's!! :)

[UltraMeital · Rating 5 out of 5]

4½ stars.

Another sweet and endearing story. Like the previous ones there is something very innocent about the writing and the characters. Don't expect any sex scenes, and be prepared for a rather flowery romance between the MCs. I enjoyed that, they both needed each other, and the way their relationship developed (even though it was a bit fast) they both got what they so deserved. Love eluded both of them, for different reasons entirely but here they got the best match for each other. I loved the Scandinavian references, the way they exchanges small sentences in their mother (and father ;)) tongue. We got a little bit of that in the first installment as well.

We've met Erik in the first book in the series, he is Jenny's youngest brother (still HER elder). Erik has always been a player, love is not something he cares or wishes for in life. His parents have been the most loving couple most of his life, and he cherished and idolized that relationship up until his mother's illness, seeing his father in a total different light making him question everything he believed in. Making him FEAR love / being in love. It was sad and endearing at the same time seeing him struggle with his feelings toward Katrin. She was quite patient with him, and really sweet actually but he was so confused. I get why he fell for her, not only because of who she is, character-wise or how she looks. There was something so very "familiar", in their mutual Scandinavian ancestry, the connection between the families, the fact he NEEDED to be there for her on behalf of Ingrid's request (His sister's best friend from early childhood). He was in this "position" to "let her in" - to his life, to his heart. With other women, before her, he never got close, he chose to be that way with them.

I feel like I'm getting ahead of myself and the story.. Let's back up a little.. we start the story with Katrin - Kristian's sister - freaked out after her ex-fiance tried to hurt her. She is shaken up and really not sure how to live her life with how Wade is behaving. Kristian and Ingrid (his wife) take her into their home for a few days but then prompt her to take a job in another town a few hours away where she can try and build a better future without Wade's shadow ruining her life. She accepts since she doesn't have any other option really.. Her ride is Erik who is also traveling north to a town not far away from Katrin's destination. After his sister move he moved as well, pursuing his interest in becoming a police officer. Now, on his way to a training program he agrees to help Katrin out. Ingrid asks Erik not only to drive her, but to see that she is all-right. He doesn't really like that, especially when he realizes how attracted he is to her and since she is so close to his family it's a BAD idea to pursue his interest (which is purely physical, right?).

Katrin feels a little embarrassed that she needs all this help, and the mess she made out of her life because she stayed with Wade WAY too long. Her reasoning is explained and I could see why she made the choices she did. Also it's hard to see a way out when you're in a relationship with someone this long and from such an early age. She is attracted to Erik but she doesn't want to just act on her attraction, she is a "good girl", the kind of marries, not fools around and since Erik can't offer her anything serious she tries her best to just be his friend. His friendship is something she learns to value and enjoy throughout the time she is staying up north. Her life in general is looking up. She really likes her co-workers at the clinic, and she loves the little town she is living in. She is just a little confused about what to do with Erik and his mixed messages..

Every sunday they meet and spend time together, and with each time they grow closer and it's getting hard for both of them to ignore what is REALLY happening but even talking about it freaks Erik out, and Katrin isn't sure she can even ask Erik what she wants even if it's getting obvious he wants more than just a fling. Calling her "sweetheart" is only the beginning.. But Erik is truly scared shit-less of what's going on with him (and her) especially when he realizes it's "Midsummer" and they will be celebrating it together, the two families.. Katrin is more than disappointed with him, she is also worried about returning home and where Wade will be or rather, what he'll do.

I feel there is much more I could say about this story, about Katrin and Erik, on their own and together, about Erik finding his resolve, about how being together in the "Midsummer" gathering of the two families they find love and truths they didn't expect to find. But I'll leave my review here because I don't want to spoiler.

I really enjoyed this book. There was something so sweet and heartwarming about it. The innocence, the simplicity of their lives, and the deep Scandinavian roots made this story a such an enjoyable read. My only complaint really is the ending which felt a bit "rushed" for me. I'm truly happy with the HFN endings and this one, trying to deliver a real HEA, was cutting it close to a rushed relationship/ending. I gotta say that though it seems it took me a long time to read it, it was just life getting in the way of my reading. I just started it, barely getting into the story when I had a few very hectic days leaving me exhausted and so when I finally sat yesterday to read, I found myself reading most of it till I fell asleep, unable to keep my eyes open, only to wake up early to finish it before I got ready to begin my day. Hurray for Katrin and Erik :)

More Reviews HERE

[Venessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pov: male & female

Main characters: Erik & Katrin

Minor characters: Wade (her ex); Nills, Lars & Jenny (his siblings); Kristian (her brother), Ingrid (Jenny's best friend/basically his sister), Sam (her cousin/Jenny's husband/his brother in law), Jose (her doctor boss)

My thoughts:

I really appreciate how much research the author puts into these stories. There are so many subtle references to events and traditions that are Swedish or Norwegian, but none of it seems overwhelming. There are references to places and roads that are real. You can tell how much thought went into this story. Everything just enhanced the story and made it feel real.

I loved that time passed and you could really see feelings growing. Their initial attraction was quick, but they really took time to get to know each other.

I loved Erik's internal conflict. I loved that her friend was purposely making Erik jealous, even though the friend had no interest in Katrin.

I loved the distinct voices of Kat and Erik, and how they were different from Jenny and Sam. I loved the relationships between the siblings. And how different the boys were with each other than they were with Jenny.

I liked that Wade was a threat, but he wasn't the whole focus of the book. He popped up enough that you didn't really forget him, but he was out of the way so the relationship was able to grow.

It was another great story and I'm eager to learn about everyone else coming up.


Synopsis:

Katrin was a shy nerdy girl growing up. In high school Wade transferred and liked her. He was popular and athletic.

After high school he started drinking. It started slowly and progressed. In college after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly she threatened to break up with him. He cleaned himself up and graduated.

He proposed. She was pregnant and said yes.

He got drunk the night before and missed the wedding. She decided enough was enough and broke up with him. He wouldn't accept it. She lost the baby. She found out he never quit drinking, he just got good at hiding it from her.

He showed up wherever she was trying to reconcile. 6 months after the wedding he showed up at her apartment and tried to break in. She was terrified and called the police. He threatened to kill her. He was arrested.

Katrin is a nurse and Kristian and Ingrid set up a new job for her in a new city to keep her safe. They had a friend from the military who was setting up a new practice. They knew Erik was moving for work and asked him to drop her off.

Erik is the 3rd son in a family of four from a small town in Montana. His mom got cancer and he and Jenny took care of her. His mom called for his dad but his dad wouldn't come. He was devastated because he always thought they were so in love. He decided love wasn't real or worth it.

Jenny met Sam and they fell in love (book 1). They moved to a bigger city to start their lives together and he realized he could move too. That he didn't need to stay in their hometown just because his brothers and dad loved it.

He moved with Jenny and put himself through school to work in law enforcement. He was moving again to go to a 3 month special training. Jenny and Sam asked him to pick up Katrin and drop her off at her new home.

Erik gets to Kristian's house and officially meets Katrin. When they shake hands it's like an electrical jolt. They both feel it.

Ingrid tells Katrin she trusts Erik with her life and he can be a friend close by. But Erik is not interested in anything serious. That he's sort of a player.

Ingrid asks him to check in on Katrin once in a while. He doesn't want to be around her because he knows he's attracted to her. She tells him to leave Katrin alone. That she doesn't need the quick relationship he likes.

They drive to her new town and he likes her more and more. She admits she's scared to move and he tells her he'll be close by. That she can call him if she's scared or uneasy.

They bond over losing a parent.

They talk about Sam and Jenny and she thinks their story is romantic. She asks if he's a romantic and he tells her that's not for him. That a relationship is like a trap. That he doesn't want to be tied down.

She tells him she doesn't have ideas about him. That it's actually perfect he's not interested in relationships because she doesn't need one right now. He's bothered that she put him in the friend zone, even though that's what he's always said he wanted.

They go to her new job and meet the doctor Jose. He's young and handsome and Erik hates him immediately. He warns her to be careful around Jose and she thinks he's being ridiculous.

While warning her he calls her sweetheart in Swedish, which she understands. He backtracks and she tells him and tells him her and the doctor aren't his business anyway.

He doesn't want to leave without knowing when he'll see her again so he asks her out for dinner. She says yes.

He texts her later that it wasn't a slip. They flirt through text and he doesn't know what he's doing.

She finds out Wade showed up at Ingrids house and her mom's house looking for her.

He misses her all week which makes him uncomfortable. He tries to remind himself she's basically family and if they got involved it would be messy. That she has baggage. But as soon as he sees her again he wants her more.

He comes for lunch and she mentions she's meeting Jose for a town concert. Erik is jealous.

They talk over lunch and she can tell he's a romantic but he's scared. She asks and he gets defensive.

They talk about their dreams and she admits she wants to fall in love and get married and have a family.

He imagines them together and married with a family and has a panic attack. She talks him through it and he's embarrassed. She tries to tell him it doesn't make him weak but he won't listen. She kisses him.

Before he leaves he asks if they can spend the entire day together next week.

She writes her mom a postcard.

She can't stop thinking of Erik. She knows he's interested in her but won't do a relationship. She decides she needs to make it clear they can only be friends.

He decides they need to sleep together to get her out of his head. That once they have sex she won't be special in his mind anymore. That they should be friends with benefits and that he'd be the perfect rebound for her.

He picks her up and she tells him they shouldn't have kissed. That they should just be friends. He tells her he wants her.

She's confused and tells him how can that happen if she's a relationship person and he isn't. He tells her he can be her rebound and she's mad and offended.

He knows he messed up and tells her it was all just an excuse. That he can't stop thinking about her. They kiss again.

They spend the day together and he brings up Jose. She gets annoyed because he keeps saying he doesn't do relationships but he gets jealous. She doesn't give him a straight answer.

They have a nice time together and when he drops her off he asks to spend the entire day together again next week. She has plans with Jose and her friend and Erik thinks it's a date.

She invites him along with her coworkers and he says yes. She notices his car is scratched and they assume it was a random person keying an off duty cops car.

She finds out Wade showed up at her brothers house drunk again and was arrested. Wade's parents beg them not to press charges and promise Wade's going to rehab.

Erik shows up for their date and a guy is there delivering flowers. The guy gives them to Erik and leaves. Erik gives them to Katrina's roommate.

He picks her up and she talks about Jose and how impressive and kind he is. Erik is jealous and she tells him she doesn't think of Jose that way. Erik is relieved and tells her he does think of her that way.

They have dinner with her coworkers and he notices she keeps using "us" and "we" as if they're a couple. It starts to bother him and he gets more and more distant as the night wears on.

When he takes her home she asks what's wrong. He brings up the holiday celebration back home and asks if she's going. He suggests it might not be safe to go home near Wade. She's touched he cares and assures him she'll be fine.

He tells her she shouldn't go and she realizes he doesn't want her to be there. He tells her he doesn't know what to tell their families and she realizes he means them as a couple.

He tells her there is no "them" really. That maybe they're moving too quickly. She gets mad and tells him he's he one who keeps asking her out. He's the one confessing his feelings.

He tells her everyone will see how attached she is to him and she gets furious.

She tells him he's a coward. That he's scared of his feelings for her. That there is something between them and he won't admit it. She tells him not to come back next week to check on her unless he's ready to be with her.

He's scared he lost her. He texts her later to apologize but she doesn't want to hear it. He tells her he's coming to see her and she says not to.

He's miserable all week. He knows he can't live without her in his life. He goes to visit her and finds out she got really sick and had to be put on iv antibiotics. He's scared and asks why no one told him. Jose tells him he's not anything to Katrin. And that she didn't want him there.

Her friends let him see her and she talks in her sleep. She promises not to get attached to him if he stays with her. He realizes how much he hurt her and is ashamed of himself.

She wakes up and he's in her bed. She's confused and he tells her he's there for "them".

They talk and his parents come up. He tells her his mom died alone. That his dad wasn't there for her. She realizes that's why he doesn't believe in love.

The next week they drive back home for the celebration. He asks where she's staying and they decide to stay at her old apartment together.

They go to the party and his brothers tease him. Her brother is furious at him. He realizes he's in love with her.

They sleep together and she's happy. She realizes she's in love with him.

In the morning she finds a pile of broken bottles and dead flowers outside her garage. She realizes it's from Wade.

Erik helps her clean up and notices the flowers. He asks what Wade looks like and tells her about the guy delivering flowers on their first date.

They realize it was Wade and he's the one who keyed the car. That he intercepted her postcard to her mom and found her with Erik. They tell the police.

They go to the party and Erik talks to her brother. Erik tells him he loves her.

Jenny tells everyone she's pregnant, which Erik already knew. They talk about their mom and she mentions how her mom didn't want her dad to see her sick. Erik is confused.

Jenny explains how their mom said goodbye to their dad a week before she got really bad. That she didn't want him or the boys to see her sick. That she wanted their last memories of her to be good ones. That Erik was allowed to help because Jenny didn't want to be alone. That their dad snuck in every night to see their mom, even though she said not to and was already so sick.

He's shocked and feels awful for believing the worst about his dad.

He decides to move in with Katrin because he doesn't want to be apart. He tells her he loves her. She tells him she loves him.

On their last day in town he leaves to say goodbye to his brothers. Wade shows up and beats her up. She was on the phone with Ingrid who heard everything. The cops are called and Kristian calls Erik.

Erik races back and finds Wade with a knife threatening to kill her. Erik tackles him and the cops show up.

She's badly beaten but recovers.

2 months later he's completely moved into her apartment. Wade is sent to prison.

They're looking for permanent housing and he surprises her with a plot of land. He tells her they'll build their dream house and proposes.

A year later they're married and moved into their new home. They have twin daughters.

[Krystle ~A Booknatic~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, sweet story, that will have anyone who reads it, fall absolutely head-over-heals in love with it! Midsummer Sweetheart is the second book in the Heart of Montana series that focuses on Katrin Svenson and Erik Lindstrom, if you've read the first book in the series By Proxy , you'll recognize this is Jenny Lindstrom's brothers story! What's also great, is that Katrin is Jenny's husband Sam's cousin! I love reading books that have returning characters, and that we get to keep up with what's going on in their lives!! Kind of makes it feel like the book doesn't completely end...okay maybe that's just me. :)

Also wanted to add how much I love the scenery that the author draws out for us, I want to either visit or live in Montana now!!!!

I adored Kat's character, everything about her! She's strong, witty, playful, smart, and extremely classy. There needs to be more characters like her in our real world, that's for sure.

I felt such a strong connection with Kat from this book, namely because it seems she and I sort of share the same history. We both were in a long-term relationship with our high-school flames, both which ended pretty nasty, although mine wasn't in a violent manner like hers was. I just wish I had some tall, blond, Nordic man to whisk me away on an adventure like she did!

And an adventure they had!

Erik Lindstrom is your run-of-the-mill player who likes to have his fun with women, but doesn't like the idea of commitment or the old ball-and-chain. That is, until his friend Ingrid, asks him for a favor - which involves driving Kat up north to a new town, new job, and a new life away from her violent ex-fiance, Wade – who in the beginning of the book, we see that he is a belligerent alcoholic who doesn't know how to let go of Kat – it's not like the drive is out of Erik's way, since he is starting a new job close to the area of Kat's destination. So he sort of begrudgingly agrees to play chauffeur, but then his childhood friend/Kat's sister-in-law tacks on the idea for Erik to also check in on her once a week...

And let the romance begin!

I really enjoyed seeing Erik open up to the possibility that love does, indeed, exist. From their first handshake upon being properly introduced, to when they were in the car on their way up north, and she would she would touch his arm in a friendly manner, there was this sort of spark, this gravitational pull, something he couldn't explain, yet he knew that he wanted more. Then, once he did drop her off at her temporary house and met her new boss. It was a whole new ballgame for Erik Lindstrom. Or just a new game of Finders Keepers, lol!

The text messages Kat would receive from Erik actually made me giggle out loud like I was the one receiving them. I loved their witty and flirtatious banter. What really made me laugh in the beginning was how Erik was basically trying to tell himself he didn't need to get involved with Sam's Plain Cousin, Poor Little Thing. She's too vulnerable after a wretched heart break, etc...then he sees her all dolled up, as this sexy little blonde. Now it's Erik's turn to say to himself Poor Erik. Poor Thing... I died LOL, how true was that? His heart never stood a chance for not falling for Kat!

This book had me grinning from ear-to-ear the entire time, I love it when I read something and it actually makes me sigh out-loud, or voice an opinion out-loud. Getting lost in stories like this, is why I love to read.

Also
PPS...
Yes, Ms. Regnery, Hallmark Channel should look into making a movie out of By Proxy *grin*

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in August I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of By Proxy by Katy Regnery. It was truly enjoyable, a romance prompted by the Montana “Marriage by Proxy” law.

In By Proxy this odd little law leads to a funny, touching and lovely little tale set in beautiful Montana, on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Kristian is posted in Afghanistan, while his fiance’ Ingrid is posted in Germany. A weekend leave leaves Ingrid ‘in the family way’, a condition that has both families up in arms, and makes a quick wedding rather imperative. Bring on Jenny, Ingrid’s best friend, and Sam, Kristian’s cousin, and let the fireworks begin!

In the second book, Midsummer Sweetheart, the Lindstrom family is at it again, as Erik Lindstrong, Jenny’s big brother, is tapped by Kristian and his wife, Ingrid (from By Proxy) to transport Katrin Svenson, Kristian’s twin sister, to Skidoo Bay in Big Lake County, Montana. Katrin is being stalked and threatened with death by her violent, alcoholic ex-fiance Wade, a loser of immense proportions.

As Eric is headed for the Kalispell County Sheriff’s Department, where he will begin training for three months as an Applied Technology and Drug Recognition Training Enforcement Officer, dropping off Katrin is on his way, and though he really doesn’t want to, he agrees to act as chauffeur.
byproxy

Click to order the First in the Heart of Montana Series!

So begins another Katy Regnery story that reached out and grasped my heart in both hands and carried me away for a non-stop adventure through the gorgeous Montana country, as well as a quirky, Norwegian/Swedish family that I have come to love. Regnery’s newest indulges in some of the Norwegian and Swedish language, which I found absolutely delightful. The newest characters to be added to the story are also charming. As a Nurse, Katrin joins Doctor Martin, who served in Germany with Ingrid, and Gabrielle, another Nurse who served with the Doctor and Ingrid overseas. Doctor Martin, or Jose Martinez as we come to learn is his real name (he assimilated in the military) is much more gorgeous than Eric had expected him to be, causing immediate jealousy (where did that come from?), while Gabrielle is Jamaican, with the beauty, speech patterns, and attitude to match.

This edition of the Heart of Montana Series is beautifully done, as was the last, and kept me rooted to my chair from beginning to end. I found it, as I said, absolutely charming, though Eric was a bit of a pain in the butt as he was so very sure that no one would ever be able to get under his skin and he acts the jerk more than once. Finding out more about him as the book went along, however, I came to love him as much as I do all of Katy’s other characters.

All in all, if you love a romance with a bit of excitement and suspense, you cannot go wrong with Katy Regeny. You should start with “By Proxy”. Not that you couldn’t pick this one up and start here and stay on the story line. However, the first one is so good, why deny yourself??

Highly Recommended.

_________________
Midsummer Sweetheart is out today! I was asked by the author to review this book. This in no way affects my review of this or any other book in the series. All opinions are my own.
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1aRG3UA
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midsu...

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midsummer Sweetheart (Heart of Montana) Katy Regnery
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I loved Katy's Playing for love at Deep Haven, so I was keen to read this despite not having read the earlier books about other characters in the Montana series. The books are standalone although connected so we get the gest of both worlds, characters we're familiar with after the first book, and a complete story, none of the dreaded, hateful, awful, horrible cliffhangers ( you can tell how I feel about them!!)
Anyway, this started all drama with poor Katrin on the phone to emergency services as her ex tries to break in, threatening to kill her. They've been apart for six months but he's got an alcohol problem and recently has been stepping up his harassment. This is too much for her and her family so they arrange for her to stay and work in a town far away setting up a new clinic. Katrin's a nurse, so this is perfect for her. She gets a lift with Erik ( I forget exactly how he's connected to the family, cousin or brother in law or something, to her sister I think) who is also stating a new job in the locality she's moving to. When he comes to pick her up something sparks between them, but Katrin isn't looking for romance yet, and Erik is determined romance and white picket fences have no part in his future. Somehow though he can't seem to stay away, telling himself he's checking on Katrin each Sunday to keep his and her family happy....Yeah – keep telling yourself that Erik. Of course things heat up between them and even though she's been warned about his no relationships, no girlfriends etc stance Katrin finds herself falling for him anyway. Erik isn't happy about what's developing and …..The family all gathered for an annual event that brings everything to a head. Things heat up then, with danger coming for Katrin, secrets get revealed and the reasons for Erik's cynicism are shown to be due to a mistaken reality. It leads to some passionate moments, deep drama and lots of emotion. Right up my street.
I enjoyed the story, Katrin was lovely, Erik – well at times he was a jerk, so entrenched in his beliefs he couldn't see past them to what was in front of him. He redeemed himself in the end though :) I do like it when authors let us glimpse what a person is reasoning by way of their mental musings, but sometimes in this novel Erik when into what became a long monologue, and I felt it was just too much info...I loved the story itself though, and they way things played out between Erik and Katrin, they way he was constantly battling and trying to give himself some kind of rationale other than love for his feelings. I'd kind of worked out the plot but it still made for a fun and entertaining read. Not one I’d re read, not quite deep and dramatic enough for that but a solid romance never the less. Still, as ever I’m just one person and if you want something easy to read and lighter than I enjoy this could be perfect for you. It's priced at £2.50 for 263 pages on kindle.
Stars: Four, good gentle romance, solid plot but not quite enough drama for a five from me.
ARC supplied by Tour Organiser

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first... This is my favorite Katy Regnery book to date! (which is saying a lot since I have enjoyed all of her books.) What I find so special about Katy's books is her writing style. There's something there that completely draws me in, entwining and engaging me in the story, making it feel so organic and natural, not forced or inauthentic.

As for the Heart of Montana series, Midsummer Sweetheart is the second book. I've read the first book, By Proxy, as well as the novella, The Christmas Wish, and I loved them, which is why I've continued this series. Midsummer Sweetheart can be read as a standalone if you haven't had a chance to read the first book yet. You will be spoiled about how the first book ended, but you can easily read By Proxy later if you want to read Sam and Jenny's story and still completely enjoy it. And I would recommend it.

As for the storyline, there was so much to enjoy about Erik and Katrin's story. Erik and Katrin are put into each other's lives as they both move out of town, Erik for work and Katrin to get away from her ex. For two people who have such different views about love, they connect on a level they did not expect, and a beautiful friendship begins, developing into more. But there is so much more to their story than some sparks and warm-fuzzies. There are deeper heart matters to face and an abusive ex to handle, and I loved how Katy developed and revealed it all. There were even a couple of scenes involving Erik's dad that really moved and touched me. But all matters were not heavy. Erik and Katrin are funny and sweet and silly and sexy. And the other family members make great appearances, bringing all their big blondness in masses.

As for the main characters, I loved reading about Erik and Katrin. Now Erik is a bit rough around the edges for a large part of the story. The guy has a set perception of how things are, and it takes a while for his defenses to come down. But I truly loved how Katy went about revealing the depths of Erik and making him face the truths in his life and his heart. And when you really get to know Erik, you'll fall for him, too. Katrin is just terrific. She's not your stereotypical weakling from an abusive relationship. She is strong and smart and hopeful. She hasn't given up on life or love, but she also isn't going to settle. The way she handles Erik made me smile, even in the tough times, because I respected her so much. The two of them together felt so real and right. There was nothing forced about their interactions. And their nicknames and Swedish talk were just perfect! They were a pleasure to read about.

Overall, I loved Midsummer Sweetheart. Erik and Katrin are a wonderful, beautiful couple that I loved getting to know and watching them fall in love. Their story, and the stories surrounding them, had a lovely mix of sweetness, humor, trepidation, spark, hope, and love. I didn't want to put their story down, and I didn't want it to end. I look forward to the rest of the books in this wonderful series.

[Tami Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered the ARC for Midsummer Sweetheart in exchange for an honest review. With Katy Regnery being on my list of most favorite authors, having read all of her prior novels and loving the Heart of Montana series, I knew this was going to be a MUST read for me. Well, not surprisingly, I absolutely loved Midsummer Sweetheart.

Erik Lindstrom was raised in a loving family always believing in the devotion and deep love shared between his parents. But when his mother became ill and his father was suddenly absent as she lied on her deathbed, what Erik once believed in is destroyed. Now he lives life going through nothing but unattached relationships, refusing to ever give his heart away for fear it will only end up broken, and he will be left alone just like his mother.

Katrin Svenson spent her high school and college years staying in a dysfunctional relationship. But when he failed to show up on the day of their wedding, that was the final straw. As his violent tendencies continue to escalate refusing to let her move on without him, Kat realizes she has to get away. As their families are intertwined through marriages, Erik agrees to watch over Kat helping to keep her safe and protected but promises his involvement with her with never be anything more. But at their first meeting they both feel an immediate and unexpected spark and as they continue to spend time together the connection between them lingers and grows. As a result, the walls Erik has erected around his heart begin to weaken. But will Kat be able to completely penetrate Erik’s heart and prove to him that an everlasting love between their two souls exists?

I loved the vulnerability of Erik in this story and it absolutely made me fall in love with him. The amazing chemistry he and Kat shared was spectacular. This is a beautifully told story of allowing yourself to take the risk of opening up your heart and letting another’s in to join you in what can ultimately become the love of a lifetime and something for which you would give your life to protect.

I was immediately drawn into this story and by the end of chapter 2, I knew I was going to have a difficult time in not being able to put my iPad down until I reached the last page. Another triumph for Katy Regnery! Midsummer Sweetheart is an incredible and heartwarming story of love and devotion. But be forewarned: there are multiple moments which are going to require a tissue. I LOVE when that happens. This was magical!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midsummer Sweetheart (Heart of Montana)#2
Another amazing book by Katy. Loved it!!!!!!!!!! A book full of surprises, adventures, & love. Another hard to put down read!*
Katrin Svenson,one of the main characters is a nurse and her ex fiance is an alcoholic and abuser towards Katrin. Starts out the cops coming to Katrin's apartment because her ex finance is outside trying to get in while he is drunk, and threatening to kill her they show up on time and put Wade her x finance away for a few days. So then her brother and sister in law have a plan for her escape well thought out plan. She will go to
to a small town and be a nurse for a practice just starting.
She'd even have a place to stay above the medical practice and the towns small enough to walk around. She'd be leaving her family behind but it's only for a few months. Katrin didn't like the idea of leaving her family & friends but she gave in to her brother and sister in laws escape plan.
Meet now the 2nd main character her cousin's brother in law Erik Lindstrom blonde, handsome, & muscular he would drive Katrin to the new small town where he would continue onto his new police enforcement training in another town not that far away.
He hates what Wade her ex finance has done and says that he will look in on her once they get settled with their new jobs. He thinks Katrin is very beautiful & nice and goes up there every Sunday where they get to know each other better but still Eric has his commitment phobia's which makes it hard on them both. Loved their times together doing different things & Katrin wondering how to break him down to find out why he has these issues with commitment but Eric agrees on dates and that is big for him. All the while back up Wade her ex is causing havoc with her family and they have to get restraint overs and file reports to the police because Wade is now trying to find Katrin so Wade get's up to different things as the book moves along.
Eric doesn't even want to get involved with Katrin because his parents breakup was so bad it left scars on his dating life. But can Eric breakdown that wall he has had up for so long to be with the beautiful Katrin he is falling for or will it hold him back and leave him still alone with his past.?
I totally enjoyed this book loved both the main characters Katrin and Eric. Loved how Eric was with Katrin helping her through her ordeal with her ex and the caring man he is. Well put together read. I love how this book goes into the next one in the series...

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second - full length- Kay Regnery book and, like the first I read, it is a very sweet romance.
It's very easy to read, it evokes the emotions of the characters beautifully and draws you in with flowing narrative and some warm and witty banter.
(I was especially fond of the text messages)
The story moves at a nice pace, slowly building on the instant attraction between Erik and Katrin until you are desperate for them to get it together and be forever happy. You want to smack Erik upside the head sometimes for being so resistant to something he so obviously, desperately, wants but it was great seeing him get brought to his senses.
There is only a little drama in this book, as it mainly focuses on the development of Katrin and Erik's relationship but there is enough in the shape of Katrin's ex-fiance (asshat that he is) to keep it interesting and build to a satisfying (if slightly predictable) ending.
The last chapter was kinda perfect and it left me happy, content and with a smile on my face.

Oh! The book is also PG-rated so if you prefer to read romance that doesn't give you a full blow by blow (so to speak) then this would be a book well worth considering.

Now... In the interests of being 100% honest in my review I'm going to list my bug bears. Don't worry there is only two of them and they may seem stupid to most people but they really annoyed me,
not so much that it horribly affected my rating of the book but annoyed me enough that I need to comment on them.

Bugbear 1:
The amount of times I had to read that Katrin was "the marrying kind" and "a good girl"...
It made the bitchy part of me jump and and down shouting "so all women who have sex without a serious relationship and promise of marriage are naughty slag bags?!" And "FFS, I GET IT! She's not a naughty slag bag..."
I'm guessing that it is the total opposite of what the author was implying but I can't control the voice in my head. I've tried. It gets me nowhere.

Bugbear 2:
I've taken this one out (it was on British geography) after reading Katy's comment on my blog post. I had an ARC for the blog tour and as it's fixed for the published edition it's now irrelevant, lol.

Anyways.

As I've already said. It IS a lovely read and will put a smile on your face.

*Review copy granted as part of blog tour*

[Rude Girl Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Erik Lindstrom, for looking at me like I’m worth something, like someone might want me someday, even if he’s not you…

Katrin Svenson had the rug pulled out from under her when her high school sweetheart stood her up at the alter. This eye opening experience had been a long time coming but Katrin was not prepared for the wrath that would come once she finally decided to walk away from her fiancee, Wade Doyle. Not only did Wade emotionally spiral out of control but so did his drinking. Wade’s stalking of Katrin was nearing dangerous territory and pushed Katrin into near seclusion whereby forcing her family into forceful measures.

Look where getting too serious got you, he thought, turning his gaze back to the road. It got you abandoned at the alter. It got you heartache. It got you nothing but a ride with a veritable stranger to some remote village to escape and start over.

Erik Lindstrom has been living the life of a carefree twenty something, working his way through college and pursing a law enforcement degree. He is the ever elusive bachelor running from the demons left behind during his adolescents.

A soft voice whispered in his head, You can only get your heart broke if you give it to someone in the first place.

Katrin and Erik are forced together under very stressful circumstances. Even though the timing is all wrong it does nothing to deter their attraction to one another. However, as their attraction grows so does Erik’s insecurities. Katrin senses the moments Erik’s needs space or reassurance and easily guides him back into the here and now, always with a soft embrace or smile.

What happens when Erik’s insecurities are put to the test? Does Katrin have the strength or patience to break down his walls or will she walk away before her heart gets broken, again...

Midsummer Sweetheart is the second full length novel in the Heart of Montana series and can be read as a standalone. Katy Regnery is a well established author whose writing is steady like a freight train. The writing is a solid 4 stars but the story hovers somewhere around 3.5ish. I enjoyed the story and characters but it isn't a book that I needed to devour in one sitting.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Katy is the second one in her Heart of Montana series, for my it was the first one to read by her.

The beginning of the story is full of action and drama. It took me in immediately and made me want to find out the whole background of what was happening.

Katrin had to suffer a lot in the past few weeks, even years. Her ex boyfriend Wade is dangerous and still wants her back. Her story really touched me and I totally understood her friends and family, who wanted her to be safe and wanted her to live somwhere else for a while. That's where Erik comes into the picture. The moment they first meet was amazing, I seldomly felt so much chemistry, connection and attraction between two characters. I was so curious how their story was going to continue.
Erik is a guy who doesn't want to commit and he's not the relationship type at all. I was so glad to read that Katrin had a certain effect on him and hoped he would change throughout the story.

I loved them so much together and was sad when they were apart. Their "relationship" developed in an untypical way, but that made this whole story so interesting and fascinating. We got to know both characters better, their families and their backgrounds. Family is really important to both of them, they look out for each other and have a genuine connection.
I loved the Swedish bits in it, this language is so adorable.

It was great to see how both characters realised their feelings for each other, Katy found a beautiful way to share this with us readers. Erik is great, I'd like a boyfriend like that, so caring, honest, sexy and passionate about his girl. Book boyfriend alarm!

Wade had an other appearance and that brought the action back, I just didn't want Katrin or Erik to get hurt.

I loved it that both characters were narrating and sharing their feelings. The writing is full of real emotions and so much depth.

The ending is so adorable, especially the epilogue. Can't wait to read more stories by Katy, she's a brilliant writer and I bought the first book of this series now: By Proxy and there is more coming already, after what the epilogue reveals.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midsummer Sweetheart (Heart of Montana) Katy Regnery

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
4 STARS!!!

This is the first book that I have read from Katy Regnery. I had not read the first book in the Montana series, but that did not cause any confusion or make me not enjoy this book. Midsummer Sweetheart can be read as a standalone, but I can’t wait to read more from this series and from Katy.

There is a lot of drama right away in the book with Katrin being threatened by her ex-fiancé. He has been harassing and stalking her so she and her family decide that she should leave town. They want her to leave town without anyone knowing. Erik Lindstorm drops her off in her in her new town when he is on his way to his new job. The moment they meet there are sparks. However, Katrin isn’t ready for a romance and Erik is strongly against having the happily ever after, however he just can’t stop checking in on Katrin or staying away from her.

The reader learns about Erik and Katrin as Midsummer Sweethearts progresses. You learn about why each feels the way they do. Katrin knows that she loves Erik pretty quickly, but has to wait until he is ready to admit to himself how he feels. Erik can be a jerk and tries to find every reason there is to why he feels the way he does other than it being love.

I liked that they story line was a little different from other books out at the moment. I loved that they relationship evolved and didn’t happen immediately. I hate when they both fall in love the second they meet. I normally like more conversation with characters, but this book worked well with reading what was going on in the characters heads. It helped you understand what was going on with the character better.

Katy did a wonderful job developing the characters and allowing the reader to understand them and able to connect with them. The only reason I didn’t give this book a 5 star is because I would have like a little more conversation between the characters and a little more drama, but other than that it was great. The passion between the characters was great. It isn’t over the top.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midsummer Sweetheart is the second book of the Heart of Montana series by Katy Regnery. I loved this book so much that I hated for it to end!

The Heart of Montana series is set in a small town, so these are characters you can easily relate to. Katrin has been living in fear because of her ex-fiance. Erik has sworn off of committed relationships in order to protect himself from a broken heart. But the moment Erik and Katrin meet there is instant attraction. It’s an attraction they try to ignore. I loved the way they flirted with each other and I really enjoyed how the author included the text messages they sent to each other:

“PS, no playing doctor” – Erik

“See you Sunday.
PS, don’t tell me what to do.
PPS, what kind of a girl do you think I am anyway?” – Katrin

“The kind every man wants to play doctor with” – Erik

After I read this I felt the butterflies in my stomach, my heart was racing and I had the biggest grin – which I can imagine is how Katrin felt when she received Erik’s last text message! I was completely blown away with how great this story was! This had me laughing, swooning and crying – I loved everything about this book!! Midsummer Sweetheart has romance, drama, action, comedy and family unity – which may seem a lot in one story but this is so well written that it was perfectly meshed together. I was hooked from the beginning. The more I read from Katy Regnery, the more I am impressed with her writing! Midsummer Sweetheart is my favorite (so far) from this series and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Even though this is the second book of the series it can be read as a standalone. Katy does a great job of including small bits of the first book, By Proxy, so that you can easily follow who the characters are. But once you read Midsummer Sweetheart you’ll fall in love with the Lindstroms and you will want to go back to read the other books! I highly recommend this book to everyone!!

I received an ARC for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Heart of Montana series. It can be read and understood as a stand-alone but let’s face it you’ll want to know what happens in the first book.

Katrin Svenson is a strong, independent woman who has had a few setbacks. She had a long term relationship with an alcoholic whom she finally broke it off when he didn’t show for their wedding day. Now the past few months have been spent in fear as his behavior spirals into psychotic and dangerous. For her safety, Katrin’s brother and sister-in-law have set her up with a new job and place to live several hours north. They look at it as a temporary situation in hope the ex-fiancée finally will move on.

Erik Lindstrom is heading north for a new job, it just so happens he’ll be in the same area as Katrin. His longtime friend (and Katrin’s sister-in-law) sets it up so he will drive her to her new job and subsequently keep an eye on her…you know just to make sure she’s safe. After watching his mother die and his father’s less than ideal behavior, he’s doesn’t think real love exists and instead chooses to focus on work while having a string of flings.

When the story begins, it’s so heart wrenching. Katrin is virtually forced to be uprooted and placed in a new community with no familiar support system. It’s difficult to imagine how it would be just getting a moment’s notice before having to start your life over. Fortunately, Erik is there to soften the blow. He doesn’t want to have to babysit her but quickly finds it’s not like that at all. They have an instantaneous connection which is tangible, but then it grows as the weeks go by. I love that he keeps making excuses for tiptoeing past his own boundaries, while she calls him on the carpet. Their emotional exchanges are intense, as I’ve come to expect from the author. While the focus of the book is on the relationship and not so much between the sheets, it is a blistering love story. Once thing is for sure, Montana has never looked so good.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~

[Kame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katrin Svenson needs to get out of a bad situation. Her ex-fiancé has started stalking her; her family is scared for her safety so they have made a plan for her to leave town. In order to leave with no trace they have asked a family friend, Erik Lindstrom to drop her off in her new town on his way to his new job. Neither wants a romantic relationship in their life but was that a jolt they felt when they shook hands?

Erik and Katrin revealed themselves more to the reader as this book progressed. Erik was vocal about his lack of interest in relationships, and little by little we learn why. Katrin is very patient with him and knows early on that she is in love. As for a plot, this book was rather unique. Their shared heritage seemed to bring them closer. Kat and Erik’s attraction was immediate. I enjoyed the slow pace that their relationship progressed; which was necessary since they lived in different towns. I would not call this book a sexy read – as any intimacy beyond kissing is implied; however this book does contain one of the most sensuous goodnight kiss scenes I have ever read. I thought my Kindle would combust! This book spends a lot of time in the character’s heads. There are pages of Erik rehashing in his head why he does not want a relationship. What I wished for was more dialog between characters. Kat and Erik had great conversations and even wonderful text message exchanges. They seemed to let their guard down with each other in those texts.

While this is the second full-length book in a series it can be read as a standalone with no problem. I myself have read the previous book and novella, and plan to follow the remaining brothers in this series. I find the small towns and families involved interesting and like nothing I have read before.

I received this book for promotion purposes for a blog tour I exchange for my honest review.

[Evette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I am completely enamored with Katy Regnery’s writing!  Her ability to draw the reader into her world with a beautiful story and flawed but wonderful characters is unique. I'm always happy when I finish reading her books.

 

Katrin is done.  She no longer feels safe or happy in her small Montana town of Gardiner.  She was left at the altar by Wade, her high school boyfriend turned fiance.  Six months later she’s unable to move on as Wade insists on trying for another chance.  He’s gone too far, so with the help of her family she makes the move up north to a new home and job.

 

Erik is also running away.  As the youngest son in the Lindstrom family he wants a different life than his father and brothers have as guides.  As a favor to his sister Jenny (from By Proxy) and friend Ingrid,  Erik agrees to take Katrin to her fresh start.  On the way to their individual new starts a connection is made, one that scares Erik, yet a connection he’s terrified to lose.

 

I’m not sure how Jose and Gabriella fit in this story.  Her patois was frustrating, and secondary to the storyline.

 

Their Sunday dinner/dates are fantastic.  Awkward, sweet with the zing of new love- a love that Erik is trying to deny.  The texting between them was so fun.  I wanted to shake Erik at several different points, so hard headed and scared.  His fear is so real, even crippling.  Yet when it matters he finally does step up. His eyes, once opened, are able to see what really happened, allowing him to forgive.

 

Katrin’s strength is admirable.  Her refusal to settle, to go for the love and relationship she needs makes her a little bit of a bada$$.

 

I adore the Swedish and Norwegian influences.  The traditions and family ties frame this sweet and tender romance.  Wonderful moments that will make up their unique love story.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erik he's something else there were times I loved him, times I thought he was a pig, and times I thought he needed a swift kick in the a**, one thing was always for certain though his mind is pure entertainment, "you only have one job to do, Erik. Drive her to Skidoo Bay. Don't get distracted by a pair of dimples, goddamnit." He can be courteous and it's in these times that Kat finds her attraction to him really strong, "hey,: said Erik. "Want me to wait for you in the car? Give you a minute?" She turned to face him and found him hovering in the doorway, his massive body taking up every inch of space. Lord, he was big." Remember when I said he was a pig at times well it was kinda just in his mind, but I didn't really like those thoughts, "yes. One thing was clear. He had to bed her, with no strings attached. But, how?" When something goes on for to long Erik has a tendency to blurt his feelings out, "I want you. Your mouth. Your body. Your fingernails down my back. Your eyes rolled back in your head. Your voice calling out my name. In my bed. In your bed. In the shower. On your kitchen counter. Under the trees. Wherever you want." Through ups and downs between Erik and Kat there was one thing that was always there, their attraction, and their playfulness toward each other:
Erik nodded, tilting his head to the side, trying out the words for the first time. "My girlfriend is hungry."
"Yes, she is, Minste," she said, saucily, "but I think we should have breakfast first."
"W-Whoa...Okay!" He chuckled, eyes widening with surprise, as his body reacted to her insinuation. This boyfriend-girlfriend thing might be alright!

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy Regnery has found her voice and I hear it loud and clear! I have thoroughly enjoyed every book that she's written so far so it seems impossible that they just keep getting better, right? Wrong.
This is the 2nd full novel in the Heart of Montana series (there is a novella) and my favorite so far.
While Midsummer Sweetheart is a little more on the steamier side than By Proxy, its still a closed-door romance. Trust me though when I say that the way Katy leads up to closing that door will give you plenty to get your imagination running.
I thoroughly enjoyed Erik and Katrin's story, especially after delving into each of their back stories. Katrin's belief in love never waivers despite the things she been through with her ex and she holds steadfast to the idea that she will settle for nothing more than a full commitment. Meanwhile, Erik has fought to avoid love at all costs after watching his idea of perfect love be shattered right in front of him.
As the two of them embark on new jobs in new towns their friendship quickly develops into more but Erik continues to let his past rule his thoughts. Will his fear push him to make a stupid mistake or can Katrin show him that love can last.
This book made me swoon, it made me swear up a storm, and near the end it put me in tears. I loved every second of it!

*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Amanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can also see this review on chillreviews.blogspot.com

Katrin is in an abusive relationship. Her fiance, Wade's anger has escalated to the point of threatening to take her life. Now her sister in law Ingrid has set up a job and a place to live for her so she can get out of town and maybe get away from her psycho ex. Ingrid asks her best friend Jenny's brother Erik to drive her since he was on his way north himself.

Erik doesn't believe in love and happily ever after. When his mom was sick and dying he watched her call for his father and his father not answer. He doesn't ever want to love someone so much and let them down. He's doing a favor for Ingrid, shes family practically. What he didn't expect was to feel a spark when he touched Katrin. Spending Sunday's with her kept breaking down the walls around his heart.

I loved that he got to know her and did things with her. He was scared but he was attracted. Granted he did think he could have sex with her and get her out of his system. Little did he know that his heart grew attached to her more and more every time he saw her. Katrin tried to not become attached to Erik, but it was like trying not to breath. He made her feel safe. Don't forget about Wade, where is he in all of this? You'll just have to read it and find out! Leave the author love in the form of a review!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is how you're supposed to write a sequel. First of all, you don't have to read By Proxy to understand this. This book isn't even set in the same town as By Proxy and the characters from the previous book are hardly in this one. There are references to things from that book, of course, but it's not overkill. That alone made me like it.

Secondly, this book has ten times the emotion of By Proxy. I can't really go into too much detail without giving it away, but I really enjoyed Erik's emotional journey from not wanting to get involved to falling head over heels in love with Kat. And he fell really hard too....the ending of this book alone caused me to raise my four star rating to a five star rating. In fact, I had to take a breather between the last chapter and the epilogue because I was so overcome with emotion.

Also, I love how Katy ties everything together in the book. Anything that's bought up in the book gets referred to later. Things like picket fences, flowers in braided hair, and even the title of the book have a deeper meaning. It's not just mindless filler to reach a page limit; it's there for a purpose.

And now I wait with bated breath for more Montana adventures.....

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** I received an ARC copy for an honest review *****

First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.

Wow Just Wow ok I should had just read the first book first, but no I read this one first but let me just say that I love it, love the characters and how the book turned out to be I will keep this short cause I don't want to give anything away.

The story begging with Katrin Svenson, she's a nursed and she is dealing with her ex fiancé, who is becoming madder and getting drunk, things are getting bad and The cops do show up in time, and lock Wade away for a few days, during the time that his lock up her family help her escaped, she move up north to a new home and a new job. then we have Erick who is also running away, since he wants a different life than his father and brothers, As a favor to his sister Erik agrees to take Katrin to her fresh start, what they did not expected is how much their life was gone be turn up side down.

I really enjoy and love reading this story, and I hope that once you read it that you would love it and enjoy as much as I did, author Katy Regnery THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome book and this great characters cant wait to read more of your books.

[Maryline M's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was first publisehd at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be as part of a book tour.

Another fabulous novel by Katy Regnery.
When we meet Katrin, she's very vulnerable. She's been hurt, she's scared, she's lonely... but she hasn't given up. She still believes in love, but it's doubtful she'll find it with Erik. Everyone did warn her that he's not 'the marrying type'. 'Commitment-phobic' is a more accurate description... Right?
Katrin is a very easy to love MC. She's kind, she's courageous, loving,... and so is Erik. Although he's mostly stubborn... and scared - not that he'd ever admit to that, of course. Neither of them expected to fall in love. Hell, they didn't even think they'd like each other.
From the very first page, Katy Regnery draws you in. You feel protective of Katrin and you're swept of your feet by the sexy, handsome Erik. You can really feel and understand the love these characters have for each other and their loved ones, but also their doubts and struggles are very real. You're sucked into their love story and you're oblivious to the world around you while reading Midsummer Sweetheart. Katy Regnery has done it again.

[Barbara Garren · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, Erik Lindstrom intrigued me from the first book he appeared in, "By Proxy."

Tall, blonde, handsome as a Norse God - yet enigmatic and out of emotional reach. I wondered what had happened to Erik and what it would take to melt the ice from his heart.

Kristen Svenson is petite, warm, vibrant and terrified of her ex-fiance. For good reason - he tried to kill her.

When these two are thrown together by the lead characters of the first book, the emotions and the real, believable reactions will have you laughing, crying, giggling and staying up way past your bed time.

Katy Regnery amazes me. She rights hot, hot romances like "Playing for Love at Deep Haven," and sweet, touching realistic romances like this. Her dexterity and ability to balance the trauma surrounding Kristen's flight from her home with the beauty and sincerity of that first hesitant sense that she's met, in Erik, someone beyond special? Well, that's a joy you have to read for yourself.

There's nothing pat or formulaic in Katy's books. Nothing taken for granted, including the ending which will have you on the edge of your seat.

If you love a good story with depth and beauty, read this.