Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
Halla’s late husband’s relatives try to force her to marry a clammy cousin in order to secure an inheritance unexpectedly left to her. A lawyer, a Gnole, and a sword set out to make sure it doesn’t happen on their watch.
A re-read. Kingfisher’s protagonists tend to be pragmatic and surrounded by a very believable cast of characters. Swordheart is no exception. I love this unreservedly, probably because I see myself in them.
However, upon re-reading, I realised how much more I prefer the Paladin books. I absolutely enjoyed this, but she writes such utterly perfect Paladins. ★★★☆☆