Sweep of the Heart

Innkeeper Chronicles #5

by Ilona Andrews

We invite you to relax, enjoy yourself, and above all, remember the one rule all visitors must obey: the humans must never know.

Life is busier than ever for Innkeeper, Dina DeMille and Sean Evans. But it’s about to get even more chaotic when Sean's werewolf mentor is kidnapped. To find him, they must host an intergalactic spouse-search for one of the most powerful rulers in the Galaxy. Dina is never one to back down from a challenge. That is, if she can manage her temperamental Red Cleaver chef; the consequences of her favorite Galactic ex-tyrant's dark history; the tangled politics of an interstellar nation, and oh, yes, keep the wedding candidates from a dozen alien species from killing each other. Not to mention the Costco lady.

They say love is a battlefield; but Dina and Sean are determined to limit the casualties!

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Audiobook

456 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2022

About the author

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)

Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending!!! THAT ENDING!!!



P.S. Caldenia + Gaston? Gaston + Karat? Karat + Dargorkun? Dagorkun + Gaston? Gaston + Orro? Orro + Droplet? The possibilities are deliciously endless!
P.P.S. As Unessa found out in this installment, one should never leave home without a rebuttal. No, one should definitely not.
P.P.P.S.S. The Costco Lady says hi 😬.

✉️ Note to self: thou shalt not prune guests to use as fuel for a BBQ. No, thou shalt not.

· Book 1: Clean Sweep ★★★★★
· Book 2: Sweep in Peace ★★★★★
· Book 3: One Fell Sweep ★★★★★
· Book 4: Sweep of the Blade ★★★★★
· Book 4.5: Sweep with Me ★★★★★



Sept. 29, 2022: the book is available for pre-order (already in the top 5 Kindle best sellers on Amazon, yay and stuff!!) and will be published on December 13, 2022!! Let's dance and stuff!!





➽ Sept. 26, 2022: it's time for the Grand Finale!!



➽ Sept. 23, 2022: Chapter 26, parts 2 and 3 are up!

➽ Sept. 20, 2022: Chapter 26, part 1 is up! So that's what this was all about!!

➽ Sept. 16, 2022: Chapter 25, parts 2 and 3 are up!

➽ Sept. 9, 2022: Chapter 25, part 1 is up! I want to be Karat when I grow up. Well either that or kidnap marry her NOW and stuff.

➽ Sept. 8, 2022: Chapter 24, part 3 is up!

➽ Sept. 2, 2022: Chapter 24, part 2 is up!

➽ August 26, 2022: Chapter 24, part 1 is up! It's her!!! It's HER!!!!!!



Note to self: pruning guests to use as fuel for a BBQ is a big no-no.

➽ August 19, 2022: Chapter 23 is up!

➽ August 12, 2022: Chapter 22 is up!

➽ August 5, 2022: Chapter 21, parts 2, 3, and 4 are up!

➽ July 29, 2022: Chapter 21, part 1 is up! Giant fluffy cats with deadly names FTW!



Wheeeeeeeee!

➽ July 22, 2022: Surprise!! Chapter 20, parts 2 is up! Gaston the space musketeer = 😍😍😍.

➽ July 15, 2022: Surprise!! Chapter 20, parts 1 is up! Dushegubs and paparazzi and pirates, oh my!



➽ July 12, 2022: Surprise!! Chapter 19, parts 2 and 3 is up!

➽ July 8, 2022: Chapter 19, part 1 is up!

➽ July 1, 2022: Chapter 18, part 2 is up!

➽ June 24, 2022: Chapter 18, part 1 is up! Caldenia, will you marry me? Pretty please and stuff?

➽ June 10, 2022: Chapter 17 is up! Believe me when I tell you that Karat + Dagorkun =



➽ June 3, 2022: Chapter 16 is up! Space pirates incoming! Yay and stuff!

➽ May 27, 2022: Chapter 15 is up! An Otrokar warrior debating a space fish with a space chicken presiding the discussion, aka just another day at Gertrude Hunt.



Indeed.

➽ May 20, 2022: Chapter 14, part 2 is up!

“Do you have a rebuttal?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t told I had to bring one with me.”



P.S. Kidnapping Bestata and locking her up in my High Security Harem before Kosadion decides he wants her for a bride and stuff.

➽ May 13, 2022: Chapter 14, part 1.5 is up! First Scholar Thek is baaaaaccckkkkk!!!!!!



➽ May 6, 2022: Chapter 13 is up!

➽ April 29, 2022: Chapter 12 is up! First immutable law of the universe: Her Grace Caldenia ka ret Magren is everything.

➽ April 15, 2022: Chapter 11, part 2 is up!

➽ April 11, 2022: click here for a summary of the story so far, along with a with a list of all spouse candidates for this first edition of the Intergalactic Bachelor.

➽ April 8, 2022: Chapter 11, part 1 is up!

➽ April 1, 2022: Chapter 10, part 2 is up! Oh, this is going to be gooooood!



➽ March 25, 2022: Chapter 10, part 1 is up! Oomboles and Donkamins and Kai and Dushegubs and Dagorkun and Karat, oh my oh my oh my oh my!



P.S. "Don't come in" 😂😂😂.

➽ March 18, 2022: Chapter 9, part 2 is up!

➽ March 11, 2022: Chapter 9, part 1 is up! And now the lees are here as well! Reading this series really feels like wearing a despicably comfy and revoltingly fluffy sweater.

P.S. Orro and Gaston, a romance for the ages.
P.S.S. Still no idea who Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler's wife might be. Damn.

➽ March 4, 2022: Chapter 8, part 2 is up! Watch out, Gaston incoming!



P.S. Wait, what? Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name) is married???!!! 😱😱😱

➽ February 25, 2022: Chapter 8, part 1 is up!

Note to self #1: don't forget to add Resven to my Need to Die Soonish List (NtDSL™).

Note to self #2: add Miralitt to my Potential High Security Harem Candidates List (PHSHCL™) and get a crustacean search & abduct rescue team ready, just in case.

➽ February 18, 2022: Chapter 7 is up! Orro + Droplet = 💕lurve💕 is in the air, methinks!

➽ February 11, 2022: Chapter 6, part 2 is up! The Bachelor, Interstellar Edition! 300 guests! 14+ species! Calculating, homicidal, sentient trees who feed on animal life! I need the next chapter whole book NOW!



➽ February 4, 2022: Chapter 6, part 1 is online! Caldenia shenanigans coming right up? YES, please!



➽ January 28, 2022: Chapter 5 is up! It's Georgie time!!! Also, Klaus, you are in SO much trouble *rubs pincers in nefarious anticipation*

➽ January 21, 2022: Chapter 4, part 2 is up! That poor kitty sphinx didn't stand a chance. First Scholar for president!



➽ January 14, 2022: Chapter 4, part 1 is up! The koo-ko space chickens are back!!!! Watch out, teachable moment incoming!



➽ January 8, 2022: Chapter 3 is up!



➽ December 31, 2021: Chapter 2 is up!

➽ December 24, 2021: This is really happening!!! Chapter 1 is really up!!!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright. This was cute.
Not my favorite, but it was still cute.
There's a Bacheloresque competition that is being televised across the universe to find the next Empress. Naturally, there are a lot of aliens and politics and backstabbing.
And front-stabbing.
Well, lots of stabby behavior just in general.



Why do Dina & Sean agree to end up hosting this wildly unstable, highly unsafe, intergalactic shitshow at their inn?
Simple. Because they need the Emperor of the Dominion to give them access to a planet that will help them find Sean's mentor Wilmos. <--he's been kidnapped and in a lot of danger by the time they figure out what happened to him.



Again it was a cute story.
Loved the somewhat unexpected love story in this one.
And I loved the thing at the end when they found the old inn. Gotta say I teared up at the resolution to that.



However.
While I do enjoy the Inkeeper Chronicles, I really just want more Julie. And every time I read an Ilona Andrews story that isn't a second Aurelia Ryder book, I die a little inside. What happened to the second Iron Covenant book, btw? <--asking for a friend

Recommended for fans of Ilona Andrews.

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fifth installment of the Innkeeper Chronicles, Dina and Sean must host a televised intergalactic spousal competition for Kosandion, Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion, in order to get help to rescue the abducted werewolf Wilmos, Sean‘s mentor and friend.

At first I wasn’t too thrilled with the premise as, for one thing, it meant detailed descriptions of twelve different candidates and their respective alien cultures and customs as well as their distinctive lodgings in the Inn. And for another, I was not excited to witness a competition where none of the candidates is a viewpoint character and no one actually expresses any romantic interest. I also was a bit dismayed that the plot would not revolve around Wilmos’s rescue but around the competition.

Boy, was I wrong. Were the different races hard to remember? Sure. Did it matter? No. IA made it so that by minute references you were made aware of who is who and I was never confused. (There is also a short and a long list of character explanations at the end, which I sadly didn’t see in time.) Also, the competition was entertaining on its own merits, and the stakes were high with political maneuvering and assassination attempts. Wilmos’s rescue, however, takes the back seat, only framing the larger plot of the competition. The tone remained light and humorous, though, and that‘s something I generally love about this series, even if it’s not my favorite one. (That would be Kate Daniels.)

We also finally learn why and how permanent resident Caldenia murdered her brother, the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion, father to our bachelor Kosandion. And it’s quite the tale. How will aunt and nephew react now that they see each other for the first time since the assassination?

As to the mystery of what happened to Dina’s parents, we get a few new clues but otherwise we are still being kept in the dark. I hope we will get answers or at least more hints in the next book.

Sean and Dina’s relationship did take a back seat and I confess I would have like to see more of them. Dina herself is just such a cool character; she is so self-assured and calm in the face of anything the universe throws at her and it’s truly a joy to watch her work her Innkeeper magic. Sean is ever the competent badass super werewolf, just how we like him.

As for the GraphicAudio production, I simultaneously read and listened, which I sometimes like to do, but it was a lot harder than usual because many sections were left out or rearranged. Those omissions didn't take away much from the story, however; it was mostly chapter summaries, descriptions or world building sections not entirely necessary to the story, which is why I would still recommend the adaptation if you’re so inclined. Please note also that Dina is now voiced by Nora Achrati/Sofyan – she also reads the Kate Daniels GraphicAudio, which is why I hardly noticed the switch.

All in all, another wonderful installment that leaves me wanting more!

[carol. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to try this one again, in published book form.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try... well, you know how it goes. As a serial, this was a disaster for me. As a book, it was much better. Not a home run, but not a quit-with-prejudice, either.

Instead of an overwrought episode of The Bachelor, it was more like Survivor (or something; I've never watched it), with political machinations underlying manufactured competitions. Oh, but let's not forget how the production (yes; it really is a broadcast production) is bookended by Sean and Dina's personal crisis, because where would we be in the Andrews' universe without a personal crisis? Anyway, despite the strange pacing and stranger tone, it is at least moderately entertaining. Moderately. There continues to be a lot of filler descriptions (suitable for those playing around at home to create outstanding wallpaper) of rooms, grounds, and clothes, because, well, that seems to be what people expect. (It's probably easier to hit word counts as well).

I felt like there was even more handwavy stuff than usual, which led me to a minor grumble on if an author wants to write a fantasy universe, can they at least keep track of their own rules? I particularly noticed this with the large building expansion by Gertrude Inn, as well as the doors to other universes. I also noticed it as she flitted off to a couple of particularly dangerous situations, leaving her inn alone. You remember that one book where she almost died doing that and recovery took chapters and chapters? Well, not so much any more.

Not an entire burnout, but probably not re-readable for me. The quest surrounding Wilmos is literally a bookend for the rest of the story, so not advised if you are a fan that plotline. Also not romance focused, at least between Sean and Dina, if you are hoping for more of that dynamic. They are solidly in Married Person territory.

Two-and-a-half stars.
*******************************************
https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapte...

I've been following along as a serial.

Thoughts so far: A lot of description. Of rooms, of thrones, of costumes, of the visual look of a species. Not so much of dialogue, or of action, where we could see the culture or pretties happening. Literally one week's installment was nothing but description of each race, which reads a little like character cards for Dungeons and Dragons. Kind of boring. The room parts feel like someone who loves purple prose writing for Architectural Digest. I'm waiting around for trademark Andrews dialogue and action to show up. I would be willing to bet that a lot of this gets trimmed in the book.

[Aisling Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

New free online serial!!
This review will be updated frequently (weekly probably) with every new chapter uploaded on the authors website! Enjoy!
https://ilona-andrews.com/sweep-of-th...

28/12/21
Chapter 1!
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/ha...

02/01/22
Chapter 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/ch...

08/01/22
Chapter 3
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

10/01/22
Cover reveal!!
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/in...

14/01/22
Chapter 4 Part 1
https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapte...

21/01/22
Chapter 4 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

Image direct from authors site.
28/01/22
Chapter 5
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...
Things are getting complicated!

04/02/22
Chapter 6 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

11/02/22
Chapter 6 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


Dr. Who to the rescue for sapient tree images!
19/02/22
Chapter 7
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


26/02/22
Chapter 8 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

04/03/22
Chapter 8 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

13/03/22
Chapter 9 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

19/03/22
Chapter 9 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

27/03/22
Chapter 10 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

01/04/22
Chapter 10 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

08/04/22
Chapter 11 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...
Harmony is the new world peace here, clearly!


11/04/22
A summary and a list of the spouse candidates and delegations.
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/in...

15/04/22
Chapter 11 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

29/04/22
Chapter 12
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

6/05/22
Chapter 13
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

12/05/22
Intergalactic Bachelor Vote!
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/in...
Nycati of the Gaheas:

Prysen Ol of the Kai:

Unessa Sybate of the Dushegubs:

Bestata of House Meer:

Surkar of the otrokar:

Cyanide of the Higgra:

Donkamin candidate:

Amphie from Dominion1 (Team Smiles):

Pivor of the Murder Birds:

Ellenda from Dominion 2 (Team Frowns):

Oond of the Oomboles:

Lady Wexyn of the Temple of Desire:

13/05/22
Chapter 14 Part 1.5
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

20/05/22
Chapter 14 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

27/05/22
Chapter 15
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...




03/06/22
Chapter 16
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

10/06/22
Chapter 17
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

24/06/22
Chapter 18 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...
Caldenia being her usual badass self!

01/07/22
Chapter 18 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


08/07/22
Chapter 19 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...
Helen Mirren as Caldenia? Perfect casting right?

12/07/22
Chapter 19 Part 2 and 3
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


15/07/22
Chapter 20 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

Sileta of House Korsa, Daughter of Lorsan and Delendine, Granddaughter of Olasard the Ripper of Souls.
22/07/22
Chapter 20 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

29/07/22
Chapter 21 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


05/08/22
Chapter 21 Part 2, 3 and 4
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


12/08/22
Chapter 22
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

Kosandion direct from the authors website, curtesy of "Isabeau Backhaus who is bringing her incredible talent to Sweep of the Heart’s interior illustrations."
My casting:


19/08/22
Chapter 23
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

26/08/22
Chapter 24 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

02/09/22
Chapter 24 Part 2
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

08/09/22
Chapter 24 Part 3
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

09/09/22
Chapter 25 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

16/09/22
Chapter 25 Part 2 and 3
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...



20/09/22
Chapter 26 Part 1
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

20/09/22
Chapter 26 Part 2 and 3
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...

Lady Wexyn by Isabeau Backhaus direct from authors site
26/09/22
Chapter 27! The Grand Finale!
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/ch...


THE END! Or is it??
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/sw...

[Lucie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you Orbit Books). All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ The Inn & Innkeeper role
✅ Beautiful cover
✅🆗 Romance (cute, but very secondary)
✅🆗 Pace (too many descriptions)
🆗 Plot

"We can’t even just walk into a trap like normal people. We have to work really hard first."

This was not bad, but it was not what I was expecting.

It started off well, and I was ready for a galactic adventure to find and save a kidnapped Wilmos, and figure out who was laying a trap for Dina and Sean, but instead, it turned out to be a Bachelor 2.0 with aliens for 90% of the book. Basically, Dina and Sean must host the Dominion’s Spouse selection in their Inn, and in exchange, they will have access to one of the Dominion’s portals to get to the planet where their friend is being held.

I am not a fan of competitions to find a spouse and Bachelor crap, so I was not super excited when I realized that most of this book would be about presenting contestants, having competitions, talent shows, organized dates, and an elimination process. I didn’t mind it at first, but instead of being a stepping stone for the plot to progress, it became the main focus of the book, and while it was not boring exactly, it’s not something that interest me that much, so I was not that involved in the book. There were nice, cute, and funny moments, and there was some action, but overall, I found the plot to be bland and the stakes didn’t feel that high, even though there was a lot of politics involved in the Spouse selection.

Another thing that annoyed me is that there are too many descriptions in this book. Maybe it would not have been so bad had I read the Kindle or physical version of it, but I received the audiobook, so I had to listen to descriptions about the people’s appearances, their clothing, the rooms, the clothing again (because they changed outfits), and the food for blocks of 10-15 minutes sometimes! It would have been faster for me to read it, so maybe it would not have appeared so long, but I swear, sometimes I zoned out a few times because it was just descriptions upon descriptions, upon more descriptions; what the representants of the delegations look like, what they are wearing, what type of food they enjoy eating for breakfast, how their quarters look… Those are all interesting details, but I don’t need to know them for all the delegations, it created some long descriptions that started to feel very repetitive after the third or fourth delegation.

The fact that there were so many characters didn’t help either. There were 12 contestants, and their retinue and their names just started to mingle and mix in my head after a while. The fact that I had the audiobook didn’t help either because I am very visual when it comes to names and species. I think that 12 contestants were too much, and in the end, only half of them ended up being relevant. Having the audiobook also means that I didn’t have the illustrations to help.

“This could be made much simpler if we just locked Caldenia up until it’s over,” Sean said.
“Sometimes you say things that make me wonder about you.”
“No need to wonder. I’m a simple man. I love you and I will protect you. And the inn. Even if I have to murder Caldenia and everyone else to do it.”
I stood on my toes and kissed him. “What if we don’t murder anybody?”
The corners of his mouth curved. “No promises.”

One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the revelation of Caldenia’s past. I found it so interesting to learn more about her motives and history, and it was also heartbreaking. From the very beginning of this series, I’ve liked her, and I still think that she should have a bigger role in this series. She made this book more interesting at least, and she added some craziness to the political aspect of the book.

It was nice to see Sean take up the Innkeeper role, and I liked this side of him, but I really would have wanted to see more of him, and more of him and Dina together. Sean was mentioned here and there, and he was active a few times, but he felt like a secondary character that could have been absent without impacting the plot that much.

The usual subplot about Dina’s family was sprinkled here and there, of course, and we got some new information, but overall, we are still left with the same questions about their disappearance, and after 5 books I am just not involved in that specific subplot anymore. I would have been more involved if we’d gotten more pieces of information in the previous books, but I just feel that while it’s mentioned many times in each book, nothing is being done to develop this plotline.

The last 5% were very engaging though, and it promises an interesting sixth book, I just hope that we will make progress with Dina’s parents’ plotline at last and that it will stop being dragged on from book to book. I will read the next book because as a whole, this series is very good, but this fifth book disappointed me. I am ready for a satisfying conclusion now. That being said, if you enjoyed spouse-hunting reality TV shows and detailed descriptions about what everyone is wearing and what the rooms look like, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did.


0.5 Gerard Demille and Helen meet ⭐⭐⭐
1. Clean Sweep ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Sweep in Peace ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. One Fell Sweep ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Sweep of the Blade ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 Sweep With Me ⭐⭐⭐.5

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[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from this talented husband and wife team of authors. I have been reading this series since it began in 2013 and I have loved every second of it.

In Sweep of the Heart Dina and Sean are obliged to host an interplanetary event at their magical Inn and the consequences are amazing and enormous fun. We meet all kinds of strange creatures and watch the Inn stretch itself to accommodate them in the manner to which they are accustomed. Dina's own magic has grown in each successive book and she is now someone to really be reckoned with.

The authors have created an amazing magic system in the Inns and their Innkeepers and their creatures from other worlds are well thought out and original. This book is actually a compilation of a weekly series and consequently it is fast paced and full of action. Once I started reading I found it nearly impossible to put the book down.

I do not think I have ever read a book by these authors that I did not like but, for me, this series is their best. I hope there will be many more!

[aarya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread on March 8, 2025: I actually can’t think about this book too much because my vision goes red when I contemplate Magnolia Green’s fate. Read via audio (narrated by GraphicAudio full cast).

Reread on June 24, 2024: I recently had a long DM conversation about why Innkeeper is the ultimate Cozy Fantasy and is an accurate comp to media like Howl's Moving Castle and so on. The Cozy Fantasies that tout themselves as "Studio Ghibli readalikes" borrow visual aesthetics while discarding crucial themes like war and grief (don't get me started because I have an entire rant about this). In contrast, Innkeeper actually understands that the coziest media has darkness intertwined with the comfort. It's a feature, not a bug. Look at all the beloved fantasy movies we turn to when we're in need of solace: The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, Stardust, and more. They have stakes! We give a damn because of stakes. I don't need graphic violence or end-of-the-world consequences, but I do need stakes. Innkeeper is definitely cozy because there's a reason why I reread this damn series so frequently. Read via audio (narrated by GraphicAudio full cast).

Reread on January 19, 2024: Waiting two more years for the next Innkeeper novel is gonna be my thirteenth reason. 😔 Read via GraphicAudio (narrated by a full cast).

Reread on February 12, 2023: I've learned to tolerate (and even reluctantly enjoy) Renée Raudman's narration for IA's backlist, but man. The absolute joy I feel now to listen to my favorite books with a narrator I sincerely love. Priceless. Read via audio (narrated by Nora Sofyan).

***

First read on December 13, 2022:

2022 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Self-Published

Technically this is a reread since I followed the weekly blog serial religiously, but the last 10% was brand-new content only available in the final version. I don’t even know what to say after that ending. If we have to wait two years for the next installment, I’m going to cry. IA nailed [redacted spoilers] reveal so perfectly. It says a lot about how much I love Innkeeper Chronicles that I read the purchased ebook at midnight, refusing to stop until 6 am despite needing to prepare for an 11 am flight.

Disclaimer: the authors dedicated this book in the memory of a close online friend who passed away this summer. I miss you so much, Geri. 💛

General comments on March 2022: This serial is taking over my life. My existence revolves around Friday updates and cliffhangers and speculation about the next chapter. I'm too weak to wait for the final published version.

If you want to be miserable like me, read here: https://www.ilona-andrews.com/sweep-o...

[Corina · Rating 4 out of 5]

woohoo!!!!!
This is going to be my Christmas and birthday present wrapped in one - can't wait, especially since it was so hard not to read the online serial.

Hard decision in front of me - should I start today or wait until the weekend and enjoy it without interruptions?????????

This was a highly entertaining read. It was the perfect weekend read, especially since I was able to read it in one sitting without any interruptions.

Each book in this series starts out as a free serial on the authors homepage, and it's the ONLY serial I ever read that actually felt at the end like an actual book, thought through, with a plot that makes sense.

If you are interested in really great characters, engaging and thrilling plot lines, smart and witty dialogues, and a power couple to boot - you need to pick up Clean Sweep - you won't regret it!!!

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Melindam · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I found the intergalactic Bachelor contest and all the political intrigue behind it very entertaining, I was not riveted by it: too much unnecessary details.

Despite its length, the book felt a bit like preparing the ground for something more ominous to come.

Sooo, objectively speaking (ha-ha) & compared to the other books of the Innkeeper series, this is a 4-star read "only", but because the Innkeeper series is one of my cherished comfort reads and because of all the delicious details, much beloved characters and THAT ending and because the pretty irresistible Karat-Dagorkun ship has been launched I am awarding it the full 5 stars, because ....



I was not a fan of previous Innkeeper books (1-3) narrated by Rene Raudmann, but loved Nora Sofyan as the new narrator for this instalment.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweep of the Heart was probably my most anticipated read of 2022, but I'm not going to lie, I had a bit of a scare at the beginning of the book. It started off like a crazy mash-up of The Bachelor-meets-The Hunger Games, and I had a pit in my stomach thinking that I wasn't going to love this story. However, Ilona Andrews pulled it off in the end, and I couldn't put this book down.

I think this book requires a bit more patience and brain power than I was expecting. Can you manage to keep over a dozen characters and species straight while following a convoluted plotline involving assassination attempts, kidnapping, and romance? I barely could, though it got easier as the story progressed. I was often confused with who was who and what was what while reading, and it really felt like the authors were throwing the whole kitchen sink at this one.

However, I promise if you stick with it, it WILL get better. I really settled into a rhythm with this story, and read until late at night and even at stoplights the next day (don't tell my husband or the police!. Anytime I have the urge to do that, I usually 5-star a story, but this was just too messy for that 5th star.

I loved seeing lots of interesting species and characters, learning more about a couple characters we've seen in previous books. The cliffhanger ending also just made me want MORE! I'm reading book 6 already. Note: One thing that annoyed me was the commentary before each chapter's beginning- that should have been omitted in the final copies and left for the serial format.

While Sweep of the Heart will not be a standout for me in the amazing Innkeeper Chronicles series, it was still a very addictive read and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I say this every time, but Ilona Andrews can do no wrong.

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[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read

Looking forward to listening to the graphic audio version as Part of the Books of my Heart Read Along Here

Again the Andrews have created a fantastic full story with so many great moments. I enjoyed this all over again and I see Caldenia in a whole new light now. So many political machinations a foot and Dina and Sean caught in the middle of it all in this inter-galactic marriage selection.

I can't wait to see what they come up with next for this series as the corruption of the Inns/Innkeepers has been developed a little more and there seems to be a connection to Dina's parents disappearance. What will they come up with next!

These have been so much fun with the full cast.

Original Review

Well the Andrews have done it again and created a great story with plenty of twists and turns in it. How do you make a magical inn bonded to an Innkeeper to ignore most the laws a physics even more interesting. You host a Royal Bachelor competition Intergalactic style.

Sean and Dina are settling into life together at the Inn and everything is going pretty well overall. The Inn is growing. The permanent guest, Her Grace Caldenia, is content and the live in Chef Orro happy. Everything is going great until we learn Wilmos is missing and may need a little rescuing.

“Nothing can ever be easy,” he said. “Nope. We can’t even just walk into a trap like normal people. We have to work really hard first.”
....“We haven’t done anything dumb or dangerous for almost six months.” Sean pushed away from the wall on which he was leaning, walked over, and kissed me. “Let’s do this.”

To save their friend Sean and Dina need the use of a very special portal that only the Dominion can grant access to. No problem...they can strike a deal. Catch is to use the portal the Emperor of the Dominion (Caldenia's Nephew, cue family drama because she killed his father) needs the inn to finish out the Royal Selection (#Intergalactic Bachelor) at the inn so he can get it done and maybe not lose any more contestants.

I LOVED this. This isn't creepy bachelor where we watch one guy smooch on multiple chicks until he picks the hottest and most smoochable. No no no. Everyone still in the spouse selection is there for a boon for their people from the Dominion. Twelve contestants, from various sectors of the galaxy will compete to see who would be the best spouse, parent and partner to the Emperor. Everything is televised to the people of the Dominion and they get to vote on who they like the best.

The contest was so much fun...Seriously seeing characters from cultures we already know about was great but taking a tour of some of the other creatures from the galaxy was so interesting. The Andrews are so good at showing their readers through actions and events what drives certain characters and they did that beautifully here as well. I loved seeing all the characters interact with each other pushing buttons and seeing how the subtly tried to maneuver through the competition. Caldenia is definitely the best at it.

“He seems rather annoyed,” she said.
“You permanently damaged Surkar.”
“I did no such thing.”
“You broke his spirit.”
“Then it wasn’t that strong to begin with. Pain is the best teacher. Whether he learns his lesson is of no interest to me.”

The story is a big blend of political intrigue along with manipulation to get to the final selection. I loved every minute of it. Then there is all of the action of trying to find Wilmos and getting him back. Which led to some interesting discoveries and brought up more questions.

Thank you to the Andrews for another fun and fantastic story. Also bonus to the readers who loved the Edge Series...we get an update on some of our, favorite kids grown up, characters of George, Sophie and Jack.

Narration:

Nora Sofyan is new to the narration of Innkeeper chronicles. We previously listened to the fantastic Renee Raudman and while I'm not sure of the details on why the need to change I think Nora did a really good job picking up a series that previously had a different narrator. Dina the main voice of the series seems to be in good hands and while I did need to adjust my listening speed to 1.65x instead of 1.5x the feeling and voice of all the characters was preformed well and was well distinguishable.

[Linniegayl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected to love this, as I've enjoyed the series. But I found myself skimming -- a lot -- through seemingly endless pages of descriptions. There were cute parts, don't get me wrong, but overall this just didn't work for me.

In this episode of the Innkeeper's Chronicles, Dina and Sean spend most of their time hosting what seems to be an alien version of The Bachelor. We have the top 12 contestants competing to be the Sovereign of The Dominion's spouse. There's the fish delegation, the tree delegation, the cat delegation, the somewhat humanoid delegations, etc. While this leads to some funny (and also scary) moments, it also leads to pages of descriptions of the rooms set up in the inn for the various aliens, their costumes, etc. I honestly couldn't keep them all straight, and stopped trying fairly quickly.

Why were Dina and Sean doing this, since it was dangerous? They were trying to rescue someone from a dangerous planet, and the only way to get to the planet was through a device owned by the Dominion. Initially the rescue seemed like the main point, but then we immediately lept into the 80% of the book focused on the spousal quest/competition. By the time the spousal quest/competition was over, I'd pretty much forgotten all about the original rescue, and it really felt like an afterthought when we did get back to it.

Will I pick up a future book in the series? Of course! But did I like this one? For the most part, no.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2026 Re-Read

I always enjoy revisiting an Ilona Andrews novel. I still completely agree with my first review, written in 2023. This is the Innkeeper Chronicles greatest hits album. The Andrews redeploy so many of the characters that we have met in the previous four volumes. The only ones missing are Dina's sister Maude, her partner Arland, and daughter Helen, but their presence is felt anyway.

Sean and Dina begin the story quietly, their biggest problem being supplying their inn, Gertrude Hunt, with enough building material to claim a new portal. Their domestic peace is disturbed by an unknown werewolf woman who informs them that Wilmos, Sean's werewolf mentor needs assistance. Investigation reveals that he has indeed been abducted and the adventure begins. Wilmos is being held on a deadly planet and there is only one portal. In order to access this portal, Sean and Dina must host a spousal selection extravaganza, basically an intergalactic version of The Bachelor.

The gang's all here. Orro is cooking his heart out. Caldenia is plotting and planning. Tony Rodriguez is flexing his ad-hal abilities. Hector Marais is moonlighting as extra security (and we get a moment of levity when we realize that Dina knows his wife. They met in Clean Sweep.) First Scholar Thek, that venerable space chicken, gets two chances to shine. Nuan Cookie gets to gather intelligence for his clan. Lady Karat and Under-Khan Dagorkan meet for the first time and it's not love at first sight. George Camarine makes a brief appearance, but sends his cousin Gaston to keep a finger on the pulse of the selection process.

The best addition to the Dinaverse has to be the new species of sentient murderous trees, the Dushegubs. Do you wish to discuss? Dina must get special permission from the Council to even allow them in the Inn. All other guests are treated with loving care, but the Dushegubs get dumped into a pit and only allowed out for formal events. There's nothing to discuss--they're highly entertaining and provide comic relief when necessary.

Like all members of the Book Devouring Horde, I look forward to the final book in this series while also dreading it. Yes, I'll get to know about Dina's missing parents, but there will be no more Innkeeper Chronicles. That will be a happy/sad day.

Original Review

Love, love, love the ending!

I really enjoyed this book! I mean, I love Ilona Andrews just as a general principle, but Gordon and Ilona outdid themselves here. First, there is a wonderful circling back from the conclusion of the story to the beginning (supplying the Inn with loads of wood as it prepares to open a new door to a new planet). A very satisfying call back.

Secondly, this was the Greatest Hits album of the Inn Keeper series. Caldenia gets her moment to shine (and glower, threaten, plot, etc.) Orro gets to show his mad Red Cleaver skills. Tony and Marais get to flex a little bit and there was giggling when the identity of Hector Marais' wife is revealed. Lady Karat and Under-Khan Dagorkun are always entertaining, with their predilections for sword play and scheming. The return of First Scholar Thek was noteworthy and his role as debate moderator was perfect. The kidnapping of Wilmos gets the ball rolling, and his Auul wolf, Gorvar, gets to stay with Sean at Gertrude Hunt as he waits for his master's return. And what would an Inn Keeper book do without the lees? Cookie, looking all grown up and plotting with the best of them, is still adorably fluffy. Similarly, we get a cameo of George Camarine and an update on his life provided by Gaston, who becomes the enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies for this intergalactic version of The Bachelor. Even Olasard, the cat, gets a moment.

Third, we get a whole cornucopia of new species. The Andrews always have imaginative aliens and they didn't stint on the novelties here. There are the Oomboles, sentient fish. The Donkamins, highly intelligent but also highly disconcerting and distressing to other humanoids. The Higgra, who seem to be civilized snow leopards. The Dushegubs, sentient, murderous trees. All these species and more, gathered together for a spousal selection ceremony for the Sovereign of the Dominion, Caldenia's nephew, Kosandion. He must choose a spouse from the 12 “contestants" provided, all the while dealing with various plots and running an interplanetary empire.

In short, this was worth the wait. Just when I was starting to wonder if it was lost in the mail, my mailman appeared at my door with the package. I'd read the weekly installments on the Andrews' website, but those did not include the dramatic conclusion! Even the parts that I was familiar with had been edited for clarity, making the whole novel better. I sense we are getting much closer to the end of the story arc, which is both good and bad. Good, in that we may finally find out what has happened to Gerrard and Helen Demille and see a reunion of Dina with Klaus and Maud. Bad, in that I really don't want the Inn Keeper series to end! I enjoy my visits to the Inn so much. Thank you, Iona and Gordon, for hours of reading pleasure.

[Choko · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 4.65 ***

"...“The ugly truth about democracy is that it breeds anxiety. The responsibility for the government is shifted onto the body of the citizenry, who often lack the awareness and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. They are tasked with electing their officials, they stress over it, they fall into despair when their side loses and act like their lives are over, and then when the government they elected inevitably does something they don’t want, they feel betrayed. There is no constancy in leadership, the policies vary wildly from one administration to the next, and one never knows where the nation shall be in ten years’ time. It is chaos.”..."

For a fun, slice-of-life in a Fantastical Inn story, this has a great thoughts on government and democracy:):):)

Once again, I absolutely loved the tale the Andrews team is spinning. We are back at the Inn and Dina Demille and Sean Evans are co-innkeeping, while their chef Orro and permanent guest Her Grace Caldenia, are co-existing in harmony and constant, very entertaining drama:) The regular guests, those that come, visit and then go, are often the main entertainment. In this case, literally. The Dominion's ruler is looking for a bride, and the venue for this "Bachelor" style selection is bestowed onto our own Gertrude Hunt, the up and coming in the interstellar Inn network establishment. Twelve brides/grooms are presented and they have to prove why they are the ones to be chosen for the honor of becoming the Spouse! Thigs become even more complicated when we discover that Caldenia has history with our Bachelor, and it is not what you think... Also, we have a friendly werewolf to rescue, which brings the stakes of hosting the event, without incurring any casualties, even higher.

"...“This could be made much simpler if we just locked Caldenia up until it’s over,” Sean said. “Sometimes you say things that make me wonder about you.” “No need to wonder. I’m a simple man. I love you and I will protect you. And the inn. Even if I have to murder Caldenia and everyone else to do it.” I stood on my toes and kissed him. “What if we don’t murder anybody?” The corners of his mouth curved. “No promises.”..."

As I already said, this was fun, engaging and very pleasant to read, as usually the Andrews' works are. I utterly enjoyed myself!!!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilmos, Sean’s werewolf friend and advisor is kidnapped and the only way to reach the place he was taken is through a portal controlled by the Dominion. They’ll agree to give access if Dina and Sean host their spousal selection at Gertrude Hunt. This is a huge undertaking with representatives from twelve different alien species. Several very tricky and dangerous. It is a risky event, one refused by the other Inn’s and Dina wouldn’t take it on except for the situation with Wilmos. Sean and Dina definitely have their work cut out for them.

Caldenia is a big part of the story. Officer Marais and even the Costco lady has a role. First Scholar Thek of the koo-ko, aka: space chickens!!! We met them in the novella, Sweep With Me, and First Scholar Thek is with us again sharing his enlightened intellect. So, so funny!

I’m always amazed by Ilona Andrews’ writing talent, they’re just so good, and I’m immediately sucked in every time I pick up one of their books. Here I was in wonder over their imagination, creating all the different species and worlds, and the ways Dina accommodated them at the Inn. At every turn there was a problem to overcome, but Dina and Sean tackled them together as a united team. As usual, humor is woven through the story that at times had me laughing at loud.

Sweep of the Heart is part of the Innkeeper series, book five, and these books are best read in order. Such a phenomenal series, so if you haven’t started you are in for a treat and you can binge read!

The audio version was fantastic! Nora Sofyan performed all the voices beautifully. I loved her portrayal of Dina, which for me was the most important as the lead, and she gave each character (there were many) a distinct voice. I listened at my usual 1.5-1.75x normal speed. Definite recommend!

An audio copy was kindly provided by NYLA in exchange for an honest review.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - The macro plot pay offs in this were wonderful! And I did enjoy the spouse competition plot line, especially understanding more about Caldenia & what her background is. But I don't think the two parts of the book marry together very well- I wonder if this had been split into a novel and a novella if the pacing would have been more successful

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent narration, Sean is swoon worthy
The complicated balance of running a magical intergalactic inn is complicated more with the great bride challange. There are so many species, all competing to be the blushing bride. Oh the details of their environment, customs, and attitudes are fantastic ! So that is all insanely intense, but wait hold my beer, it gets more intense for them. Dina and Sean have their hands full. The end…… :O
I’ve read the book twice once as an online serial, then as an ebook, now as an audiobook. I love it, love the characters, the world and need more. I found things I missed in the other versions in each one. Favorite off main character moment, Chicken-ish vs Sphinx-ish. Bwhahahahahahahahahaha !

[Woman Reading (is away exploring) · Rating 4 out of 5]

almost 4 ☆

In Sweep of the Heart, the 6th installment of the Innkeeper Chronicles, Ilona Andrews went all out to explore the complexity of sentient life forms in the galaxy during a high stakes version of "The Bachelor." Gertrude Hunt B&B plays host to 300 guests representing at least 14 different species.

"The entire thing has the Arbitrators' fingerprints all over it," Mr. Rodriguez said. "Is an Arbitrator involved?"
"Yes," I said.
"Is it George Camarine?"
"Yes," I said again.
"That man is a menace." Mr. Rodriguez shook his head. "No other inn on Earth is willing to host this mess."

All the other inns refused because the scale of the event is unprecedented. Innkeeper Dina Demille wants Gertrude Hunt to flourish because she hopes that eventually one of her alien guests will recognize the portrait of Dina's parents. The elder Demilles and their inn had literally disappeared off the face of earth nearly seven years ago, and Dina badly needs a clue where to resume searching. But this spousal selection is such a gargantuan spectacle with enormous logistical requirements that not even Dina's missing parents could motivate her to play host.

"We haven't done anything dumb or dangerous for almost six months… Let's do this."

But her partner Sean's parental figure has been abducted. If they can successfully pull this event off, then they will receive assistance from the Dominion to rescue him. And the Dominion is the only recourse they can find.

The Seven Star Dominion spread across nine star systems, five of which had more than one habitable planet. The Dominion was a powerful force.

If they ever took over our solar system, within three hundred years Mars would be terraformed, Mercury and Venus would be on the way, and the Moon would sport a massive colony.

The Dominion plotline dominated the novel; expect political debates, assassination attempts, and lots of intrigue. And with different species as contestants, there was a lot of story to tell. Even though Ilona Andrews had their fun such as with the homicidal moving trees (like Tolkien Ents but totally killers), it was going on a bit long for me. By the time the plot returned to rescuing the hostage, it was wrapped up a bit too quickly. And honestly after Dina going on about how exhausted she was, why they didn't take a night to regroup and plan was a bit foolish. The ending raised many more questions that only made me hope for Ilona Andrews to advance the missing Demilles mystery. I would also enjoy it if the authors incorporated a POV from Sean, the newest Innkeeper, every now and then. Like its predecessors, it's not absolutely vital that the books in this series are read in chronological order.

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated 12/24/2025: This was a great re-read. I know that technically "Sweep in Peace" comes in between this and "Sweep of the Blade" but honestly I loved "Sweep of the Heart" more. Probably because we get more information on the Dominion and Calendina's past and what did it mean for her to go from one of the most fearsome rules in the universe and what caused her to give it up.

I also loved reading about the other species and even though I never got into that series, we get callbacks from some characters we met in the first InnKeeper book (Gaston and George). Again this ended on a perfect note and seemed to be a perfect set-up for another novella or conclusion to the series, but it's been several years and I don't think we will see what happens to Dina, Sean, Maud, and Arland anytime soon.

Fantastic
This was freaking fantastic. Dina and Sean definitely show us what two innkeepers can do when everything they have is on the line. I can't wait for the next book!

"Sweep of the Heart" follows the awesome events in the last book and novella. Dina and Sean have hit a nice rhythm until things take a turn and one of Sean's werewolves friends gets kidnapped. The kidnappers have dropped him on a planet with a portal that will be hard for them to get access to. Dina and Sean are there offered the chance to host the Dominion's version of "The Bachelor." There are great callbacks to all of the books and we get even more insight into Dina's powers and the powers of the innkeepers.

The illustrations that are included are awesome. I loved the pictures that Ilona Andrews had on their blog while they were publishing the chapters to "Sweep of the Heart" this summer, but these ones are next level.

I loved the ending and I feel so greedy because Ilona Andrews set up a perfect pivot point to have us follow up with Maud.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possibly my favorite-ever fantasy series. Every new book brings so much joyfully imaginative fun, fierce compassion, and hope, and this new one was a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency-read for me (during a family health crisis) that 100% delivered and made me feel so much better.

These books are always first published in serialized form on the Andrews's blog and then collated and edited for their wide publication. I've only read them in final form, rather than following along chapter by chapter, but I'm guessing that the one nitpick I had with this book was a stylistic decision formed for the sake of readers who were following that serial format. Unlike any of the earlier books, this one includes little summaries in the chapter headers of what happened last time and sets up hints of what's upcoming. They're all wittily done, and I can see how wonderfully helpful they would have been for readers who were reading along at the rate of one chapter a week. (In fact, I'm making note of the idea, as a writer, for the next time I serialize a novel online!). Unfortunately, they don't work as well for readers who just want to race through and devour the whole book at once. (We already know what just happened, because we just read it, so for me, the reminders/hints were a distraction rather than a help.)

However, once I started skipping those chapter headers, this book brought me nothing but joy and comfort and, honestly, a lot of gratitude to get this perfect new comfort read just when I needed it.

I can't wait for the next story in this series! And I'm now planning to do a full series re-read for total comfort.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, so I was really looking forward to reading this. It started out great, but what I thought would be a book about finding a kidnapped werewolf, and figuring out the who, where and why of that, ended up being an episode of The Bachelor with aliens. If that had been a subplot it wouldn't have been so bad, but it took over almost the whole book and I got bored with it. On top of that, some of the species were just ridiculous to even consider as a spouse for the bachelor, especially if he wanted offspring. There were some mildly cute parts in the book, but there was no real interesting plot line. There were a few discoveries about Dina's family that were interesting though.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innkeeper Chronicles series is a personal favorite of this author team's fabulous line-up of books. I was so excited to see the latest 'chronicle' wrap up as a serial and be pulled together and edited into novel format for my reading pleasure.

Sweep of the Heart is the fifth book in the series following a sweet holiday novella, Sweep With Me. The series is an ongoing story that is best read in order.

After a little time to themselves and some quiet 'normal' days at the inn, Dina and Sean discover that Sean's werewolf mentor, Wilmos, is missing. The disturbing circumstances of his capture and disappearance are enough that Dina and Sean accept a complicated commission from the office of the Arbitors - host a Galactic Emperor's intergalactic spouse search. Said emperor will give them access to the harsh, nearly inaccessible world where Wilmos is being held.

And, so the emperor's entourage plus the entourage of twelve alien spousal candidates arrive at Gertrude Hunt. Dina and Sean thought it was tough enough that their assignment was to keep the candidates from killing each other off, but oh no, there's more, a reliable source hints that the emperor is also on someone's hit list. So, the inn council is watching with interest to see if they'll keep their new rating, the threat that if the emperor doesn't come through alive or they'll lose Gertrude Hunt, and the whole galaxy watching the event of the spousal challenges and 'dates' live, Dina, Sean, Orro, Caldenia, and the added help of Tony and Gaston, feel the pressure.

I was riveted from start to finish and enjoyed meeting new aliens and learning their ways as they stayed at the inn, got Caldenia's interesting backstory, further reveals and updates with the twisted ad hal trouble and the search for Dina's parents. Dina and Sean are a solid team and I loved seeing them working together as work and romance partners. It was fun to have Tony join the team for the event and then Gaston share updates on George, Sophie, and Jack and then stick around to help. Oh, but the fun one was Officer Marais on external security and learning who 'the Costco lady' is.

I was finished all too soon and had the urge to simply click back to page one and go again. With a sci-fi feel from all the intergalactic goings on, but an urban fantasy vibe from the magic of sentient inn, werewolves, and vampires, this series will have vast appeal across both genre lovers.

Audio version:
My first time listening to Nora Sofyan's narration work and I thought she did a fabulous job with well-loved familiar characters and all the alien races in this latest. Looking forward to more of her work.

This second visit with the book even this short time after the first read was still as stellar as before. I was able to pick up details I missed the first time and appreciated the story even more.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what perfection would looks like.

*sigh* Honestly, if I could be given a chance to pitch a book to become a TV series/movie, I would say this series. Despite Hidden Legacy and Kate Daniels being a more prominent series coming from this brilliant duo authors, the Innkeeper Chronicles would always have a piece of my heart within it. I mean, the concept alone! Can you imagine the kind of epicness visual imagery we would get? I would literally die.

In this one, we started with a case of a missing werewolf, which imploded into an intergalactic dating show. Yeah, it was that wild. As ever with Ilona Andrews, the characters she written, as vibrant, intriguing and so incredibly well done. The worldbuilding is as impeccable as ever. The descriptions brought the book alive and I really want to live in Gertrude Inn. The pacing was immaculate and easy to read. I love the competition aspect of it, although it did come out nowhere and kinda acts as plot filler to get them to solve the case of the missing werewolf. But there is a difference between a filler just to thicken the book and a filler to enrich and develop the world in the book more. And they did it flawlessly and I would welcome any filler that would make me forgot what their end goal should be. Plus the humour, it was brilliantly interwoven into the more dramatic and tense subplots. I can praise this author more in how they manage to balance humour and lightheartedness well with the more darker and intense scenes where you might drop a few tears.

All in all, I have another great time in this world and can't wait for the next installation.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the free online version.

The Bachelor drama, which I’m not a fan of, ( and is most of the book) took center stage at the Inn, just felt confusing.
I had a hard time trying to remember the plethora of names, titles and species who were competing in the spousal selection along with their motivations and alliances, that I simply stopped trying to, and disengaged.
Everytime a character was referred to, I kept thinking “Who the hell is that!? Is it the tree/fish/vampire/etc?’
Skimmed the weekly chapters but content was more descriptions of contestants that I had no emotional connection with, so no interest in reading about.

The actual resolution of the conflict which began in the first couple of chapters was left to the last chapter, which was a teaser to be read in the published version.

I was constantly waiting for the actually story to unfold, but it never did.

I love the Innkeeper series but this one didn’t engage me at all.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m honestly not sure how to rate this book, I enjoyed it but I was confused often since there was a lot if names - only to discover there’s a list of characters at the end. I also think I’m reading to move on from this series? But we also met a bigger bad guy and the main mystery isn’t resolved yet. I would love to watch a tv serial honestly of the Inn & guest hosting. It would be fun to watch.

[İlkim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bu seride 4. kitap Maud'un hikayesiydi, yani en son uzun macera olarak 3. kitabı okumuşum (aradaki 4.5 kitabını saymıyorum) ve onu da 2017'de okumuşum. 5 sene geçmiş... Bir 5 sene de devam kitabını beklersem ağlarım.

[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, this is not my favourite IA series but looking back I've given this series more four stars than I would've thought. Probably because somehow this author duo still manages to pull things off even if I'm not invested in the plot or as enamoured by the characters as I am for their other works. And also because this series takes more.. concentration, focus, and requires more push to make it through the events and (often) huge strange cast of characters involved. And this was no exception.

Book five in this series can basically be summed up as a intergalactic alien Bachelor extravaganza with all the expected politics and assassins one might expect. But Gertrude Hunt, Dina and Sean's inn, along with their motley crew, are roped into hosting for the benefit of a favour. Also a nice little bump in rations and reputation if they manage to keep everyone alive.

While the events that take up 85% of the plot weren't always interesting -- I skimmed some of the long paragraphs of some of the dates or the backstory of some of the players -- I was really fond of how it resolved. It gave me a bit of an inner squish.

Having said that, I don't think I was fully prepared for the shift in the plot, once the favour was granted, because a few pages later I found myself crying over a house. Okay, crying sounds dramatic, but I got choked up and felt weepy about it. I'll admit I did predict some of the reveal but nevertheless it still had impact.

So, yeah, is this my favourite world? No, but it's creative as hell. Is this my favourite couple? Absolutely not, unfortunately I don't find either of them all that charismatic or interesting, though the events and circumstances around them can be; and I dig the magic system. But I am invested in the big mystery of the piece and it seems like we're finally getting closer to that. I have no idea what the longterm plan is in the sense of forecasted length for this series but I've yet to give up on anything IA and I'm not starting now.

3.5 stars

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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller · Rating 4 out of 5]

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These authors are some of the very few who qualify for the “drop everything and pick up on release day” category. As the Innkeeper series is actually a web serial first and only later published into volumes, I suppose I could be even more on the ball and read them as they’re published. As it is, these books are very episodic and wildly entertaining.

My favorite thing about Sweep of the Heart was the alien interactions. Hosting a matchmaking event at the Inn, the main characters had to navigate many off-world politics while keeping their guests from being eaten by other guests. It was loads of fun – the different biological makeups adding even more variety to an already enjoyable read. I also liked the element of competition in the book, as these species were all in attendance seeking the hand of a single ruler in marriage. Now, how the marriage and, er, succession producing would work between two different alien species was a little over my head, but the technicalities of it didn’t seem to take away my enjoyment of the story.

That’s something I can say about all of IA’s works. They’re so much fun and some of the few stories that can take me out of critical mode into just enjoy it mode almost every time. The fun components here were entertaining enough that I think under different circumstances I may have given it a five stars, but it took me a bit longer than it should have to get reacclimated with the story and the characters. It had been so long since I’d read book four that I spend a lot of time at the beginning trying to remember context and who everyone was (yet another reason why I should probably follow the series online instead of waiting for it to go to print). Once I figured it out though, it was smooth sailing to the end.

I consumed this one on audio and would endorse going that route for the series. Most of IA’s works are narrated by Renee Raudman, but this one was performed by Nora Sofyan and honestly I didn’t even notice the shift until researching for this review. I thought she did an excellent job at bringing the story to life and had a good mix of character accents.

Recommendations: the Innkeepers is another delightful series from my ultimate favorite urban fantasy writers. If you want the full effect of everything going on in this series, consider reading the Edge series first, as there is some crossover.

Thank you to my Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Katrin, Melissa, and Derek! <3

Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com

I'd like to thank Ilona Andrews, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for the chance to read and review an early audio copy of Sweep of the Heart!

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