Tobar said:

A while ago someone recommended The Stainless Steel Rat.

Anyone have any recommendations for fun Sci-fi novels in the same vein as Star Wars?

"Deathstalker" by Simon R Green.

Space opera. Magic powers. Evil empire. Unlikely hero. Epic history.

Sometimes it's over the top beyond the strains of any credibility, but the author shows more creativity per chapter than some manage in their entire careers.

Then there's a series of three if you like it. Good stopping point.
If you like those you can read the next two. That's a good stopping point.
Then there's three 'prequal' novellas if you like what you've read so far.
If you're still going... there's three more "Next Generation" sequals.