You can never go wrong with an innkeeper book. I just love the concept. This one was again great, with lots of well-known characters. I could have done without the little summaries at the start of each chapter, I think it takes you out of the story. But fine, the online readers liked them, so I see why they are included. Although, I think reading a chapter each week is different from reading the whole book, and once you've done the chapter thing, you can't really judge the experience as a complete book anymore. So quite frankly, I think the online opinion shouldn't count. The can't judge the book as as a complete entity anymore. ( )

Very good, in the usual vein. Quiet life is interrupted by someone needing help, which through various machinations ends up with the Inn hosting yet another high-stakes, complicated, multi-species event. A lot of very old threads get tied off neatly here - we finally learn what really happened to Dina's first and eternal guest, for instance. Who, by the way, shows an _amazing_ talent for said machinations - she's done it before but this is spectacular. Particularly as she was surprised. Event earns them a favor (actually, several), which lets them go help... which provides a lot of answers (and a few more questions). And a happy ending with some very interesting new threads coming from it. Lovely, and as usual I want the next, and also to reread several of the previous books. Sweep of the Blade has some interesting connections throughout. ( )

Argghghh! I need to say this first - The Bachelor game theme was not THE plot. It was the structure the authors wove their plot into and on. What was the plot? A ruler cleaning house and winning his partner. The overarching plot is still ongoing and hosting the 'game' moved that forward. To say more would be a huge spoiler and I'm not too fond of spoilers. I quit reading any review that starts to recap the plot.
Brilliant - on the edge of your seat brilliant. ( )

Sean's friend and mentor Wilmos is in trouble, and the only way Sean and Dina can rescue him is with the help of the Seven Star Dominion, a galactic superpower. In exchange for their help, the Dominion asks Dina and Sean to host a major event at their inn. It's a spousal selection, so basically The Bachelor on an inter-galactic level, with twelve candidates of differing alien species competing to become the consort of the Sovereign. Oh, and also, there might be an assassination plot or two. If the Sovereign is killed, all bets are off, and Dina and Sean lose the inn. So, no pressure...

This series continues to delight, and I am glad to find that, though this is the most recently published book, it leaves plenty of room for additional sequels. Naturally, I wouldn't advise that you start here, but I do highly recommend the entire series. ( )

Possibly one of my favorite series of all time -- starting to rival Terry Pratchett -- I love that it encompasses the same level of silliness, beloved characters, and contemporary commentary on the world that we live in. It just keeps getting richer, funnier, and ultimately more satisfying. I was on the edge of my seat at the end and so relieved with the resolution. Yes, I know this is published as a regular serial, but I lovelovelove the collected story where I don't have to wait for the next installment.

Aliens meet the Bachelor, with political intrigue, a larger story, and fluffy, fluffy merchants. So good. Can't wait for the next one. Yes. I read it twice back to back. What. ( )