At a glance
Sweep of the Heart
Urban fantasy
Sweep of the Heart
Book 5 of the Innkeeper Chronicles series
454 pages · First published 2022
Running Gertrude Hunt, a magical inn that shelters travelers from across the galaxy, has never been easy for Dina DeMille and her werewolf partner Sean Evans, but their latest challenge may be the most outrageous yet. When Sean's beloved mentor Wilmos is kidnapped and taken to a nearly inaccessible planet, the only way to secure his rescue is to host an intergalactic spouse-selection competition for Kosandion, the powerful Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion. Soon the inn is overflowing with alien contestants, rival delegations, political schemers, and an enormous audience watching the proceedings unfold across the galaxy. As Dina orchestrates increasingly elaborate challenges, she must protect her guests from assassination attempts, manage dangerous rivalries, and keep the existence of extraterrestrial life hidden from her unsuspecting human neighbors. Meanwhile, unexpected revelations about longtime guest Caldenia and the continuing mystery of Dina's missing parents add personal stakes to an already perilous undertaking. Brimming with witty humor, imaginative alien civilizations, clever political intrigue, and high-stakes adventure, this urban fantasy is ideal for readers who enjoy magical hospitality, unconventional competitions, and capable protagonists navigating extraordinary chaos.
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Jump to the pours ↓Red Carpet Cherry Fizz + Competitive Espresso Martini
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Frequent fantasy and science-fiction violence, including armed confrontations, gun and bladed-weapon injuries, bloodshed, murder, attempted assassination, and deaths. Kidnapping, captivity, torture, forced medical experimentation, and threats to vulnerable characters. References to rape and sexual abuse, as well as disturbing historical atrocities, political oppression, prejudice, and exploitation. Animal and alien-creature deaths, with some disturbing violence. Discussions of grief, family loss, and past abuse; a reviewer also reports assisted suicide in a historical account within the story. Romantic attraction, courtship, and kissing, but no independently verified explicit sexual scenes. Some profanity and alcohol references. The spouse-selection competition includes both male and female candidates for a male ruler, without requiring a heterosexual pairing. Editor's note: Despite its humorous, adventurous tone and mild central romance, this installment includes disturbing references to sexual violence, torture, and forced medical experimentation, along with significant combat violence. The low Spice rating reflects the romantic intimacy rather than the maturity of these subjects.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Red Carpet Cherry Fizz
A sparkling cherry fizz brings a little red-carpet glamour to the intergalactic spectacle at Gertrude Hunt, where every contestant hopes to impress the Sovereign and his audience.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail shaker ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Competitive Espresso Martini
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
With a galaxy-spanning competition to organize, unpredictable contestants to manage, and assassins to outwit, Dina could use the extra kick of this competitive espresso martini.
What you'll need
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled slightly ↗
- 1/4 oz simple syrup ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Vodka · 21+ ↗Search Total Wine for Coffee liqueur · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Shake vigorously with ice until well chilled and frothy. Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans.
- Glassware: Coupe.
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Coupe glass ↗Set up the bar cart
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