The Grave Robber by Darynda Jones Release Blitz

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Darynda Jones comes a new story in her Charley Davidson series…

Eric Vause is done.

Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with asshole demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one. Even now, five years later, the rage he absorbed from the creature has yet to wane, so he decides a road trip is in order. Surely some cool air, great scenery, and a case of Dos Equis will shake things loose. Unfortunately, supernatural events happen everywhere. When he meets up with a friend whose partner’s daughter needs help with a pest problem—aka, a ghost—Eric takes that as his cue to leave.

Until he sees her.

He can tell Halle’s house isn’t the only thing that is haunted. The hopelessness behind her eyes tugs at something deep inside him. Something all too familiar. The fact that she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen has nothing to do with his change of heart. And he vows to leave her in his rearview the minute he takes care of the poltergeist. Then again, vows were never his strong suit.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Charley Davidson series!
For books #1 – #12, click HERE to check out our Charley Davidson series post.
For book thirteen, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, click HERE..
For the novella, The Gravedigger’s Son, click HERE.
For the novella, The Graveside Bar and Grill, click HERE.

 

 

Book 13.8
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

“What do the notes say?”

She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, stalling. She stalled some more when she said, “I can’t always read them.”

“Halle,” I warned.

Her shoulders deflated as she released a surrendering sigh. “At first, they were just numbers. They started right after my mom died. The number twelve kept popping up. But a month later, it changed to an eleven. Then a ten. Then a nine.”

“A countdown.”

“Yes. Every month for the last year, he’s been counting down. And now we’re at number two.” She leveled an accusing gaze on me. “And you’ve known since the first time you laid eyes on me.”

“Not the first time,” I said, slightly offended. “What makes you think they’re death threats? They could mean anything.”

“Because the other note he leaves is pretty explicit. It’s just one word. Payback.”

Ah. Now we were getting somewhere. “Halle, what happened seventeen years ago? What changed your life so dramatically? And who wants payback?”

She shook her head and looked away, tears shimmering in her eyes.

I leaned onto my elbows and put a hand over hers. “Halle, I know this is hard, but please trust me.”

“It’s not that. It’s not that I don’t trust you. You’ve earned that and then some. But if I tell you what happened, what I did, you won’t want to have sex with me anymore.”

I almost snorted. Clearly, she didn’t understand the male thought process.

But I needed to chill. I was pushing her too hard. I wanted her to bend. Not break.

The furball started whimpering at her feet. Halle picked her up, nuzzled her, then set her in the box she’d brought along with a dry towel from the bathroom. With a full belly, the furball settled immediately and went to sleep.

Halle straightened and walked over to stand in front of me. “Is that a yes?”

“No,” I said, taking in every curve she had to offer. She smelled sweet, like jasmine. “It’s a hell yes.” I put a hand on her hip, the heat from her body soaking into my skin as she straddled me.

With hesitant fingers, she tested the abrasion on my jaw. “Are you sure this is okay? You were hit by a truck yesterday.”

“I was sideswiped by a truck. Huge difference.”

She nodded and grew thoughtful as though making calculations in her head. Now was not the time for math.

“I’m pretty sure you’re a supernatural being,” she said, completely serious. “That you’re not real and will disappear as soon as all of this is over.”

“I have several friends who are supernaturally inclined. I am not one of them. And I’m not going anywhere.”

She buried her fingers in my hair and covered my mouth with hers. I’d never welcomed a kiss more in my life.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
I adore the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones; honestly, I love anything written by Darynda Jones! This shorter story is no exception.

No need to catch up on the series if this is your first, but I would highly suggest checking it out.

Eric has an ability, of the paranormal variety, to see a person's cause and time of death. While this power can be useful, it cannot be shut off. Choosing to use this power for good, Eric can save people!

This has everything: mystery, humor, seriously sarcastic humor (worth mentioning again), romance, quirky characters, and hellhounds. I would expect no less from this author!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a huge, huge fan of the Charley Davidson series, and am delighted that these novellas give me another taste of that world. I do think that you would understand it best if you are up to date, or at least read a few, so that you get the premise of the world we are entering – such as Aunt Lillian and her muumuu dresses!

Eric has a talent which I am not sure anyone would really want – he can tell when someone is going to die. Not just an estimate, but an absolute time and method. This story gives him a number of opportunities to use this knowledge to good – and after the past he has had, he will take the wins.

Summoned by an old college buddy, Jason, he makes his way to what I have to say sounds like a super cool bar – with a road running through the middle to give bikers a chance to ride through and show off their rides. Here he sees two people who are not long for this world unless he does something about it. As we get to see him uncover the truth for Halle, we also see how the two of them complement each other – and have to hold on for the ride in the hope that our wishes match their destinies.

Always happy to jump back into all things Charley Davidson, thank you!

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda Jones!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Grimlets

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Grave Robber (Charley Davidson #13.8) by Darynda Jones to read and review.

A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

The blockbuster conclusion to the bestselling Sunshine Vicram trilogy

Some people greet the day with open arms. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram would rather give it a hearty shove and get back into bed, because there’s just too much going on right now. There’s a series of women going missing, and Sunny feels powerless to stop it. There’s her persistent and awesomely-rebellious daughter Auri, who’s out to singlehandedly become Del Sol’s youngest and fiercest investigator. And then there’s drama with Levi Ravinder—the guy she’s loved and lusted after for years. The guy who might just be her one and only. The guy who comes from a family of disingenuous vipers looking to oust him—and Sunshine—for good.

Like we said, the new day can take a hike.

Compulsively readable, laugh-out-loud funny, and brimming with big-hearted characters, A Hard Day for a Hangover will have readers cheering to the very last page.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Sunshine Vicram series!
For book one, A Bad Day for Sunshine, click HERE.
For book two, A Good Day for Chardonnay, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)
St. Martin's Press (Macmillan)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
A Hard Day for a Hangover is the third book in the Sunshine Vicram series and the previous book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’ve been really looking forward to seeing what was going to happen next between Sunshine and Levi.

A Hard Day for a Hangover is hugely entertaining. From the mystery of who stabbed the town flasher with a knitting needle to who broke into a little old lady’s house, the escape of a prisoner and, more seriously, the case of an unidentified teenage girl left for dead on the side of a mountain, there is never a dull moment. The book combines humour, clever mysteries, loveable, quirky characters, and a dose of action and danger. I’m completely in love with Sunshine, Levi, Auri, and the people of Del Sol and I didn’t want the book to end. There is still more to learn about these people and I’m dying to spend more time with Auri and Cruz and see their teenage romance play out. I hope that the author is going to give us more stories from this town because this has been one of the best series I’ve ever read and I want more.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
Book three in the Sunshine Vicram series, A Hard Day for a Hangover, was as good, if not better than the first two!

Sheriff Sunshine and the law enforcement officers responsible for the safety of Del Sol, New Mexico are in the middle of a situation.

Actually, make that a few situations... such as the resident flasher being stabbed and an inmate escaping. Can't forget to mention the discovery of a body in the desert, which leads to a full-fledged investigation. This story doesn't pick up steam as it goes – it's fully charged from the get-go!

Wait, I can't leave out Auri, the teen wiz! The junior investigator who has such an amazing heart and sarcastic approach (my fav). She is such an incredible character, smart and young. This story really is Auri's but I will let you find out for yourself.

I love this town and its quirkiness, I adore Sunshine and her attitude, but I really appreciate Levi Ravinder and all that he brings to the table. This series just sucks you in. I was laughing, crying, laugh-crying, and cheering for the good guys. You never know what's going to happen, but somehow it all makes sense and leaves me wanting more!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order. In fact, I would do more than that – you NEED to read them in order. If you are not up to date, then please go back and enjoy all the fabulousness that is Sunshine, Auri, and Levi from the very beginning.

As sad as I was that this was the conclusion of the trilogy, I could not help but hide away and read it from beginning to end in almost one sitting/lying. It is really great to be back with the madness, to get some answers for Sunshine, some happiness for her family's future, and some mystery solving along the way – in no small part, in the hands of Auri.

I am loathed to reveal any more, but I can say that I fell straight back into their world and enjoyed every minute, laughed, may have shed a tear or two, and was delighted as it all pulled together and went just where every invested reader would wish.

I have pencilled in a couple of days in the Christmas holidays to read all three back to back – because who doesn't like Sunshine in their lives?

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda Jones

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Grimlets

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Hard Day for a Hangover (Sunshine Vicram #3) by Darynda Jones to read and review.

The Graveside Bar and Grill by Darynda Jones Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Darynda Jones comes a new story in her Charley Davidson series…

When Donovan St. James’ precocious charge asks him—no questions asked—to tail the doctor who keeps their ragtag team patched up, he wants to refuse. Not because the saucy teen is getting too big for her britches, ordering him around like a mob boss, but because the woman stirs feelings in him he would rather not explore. However, when evil threatens the doc’s life, he realizes he has no choice. Sia saved his life once. He will try to return the favor. He just prays he can do it without losing his heart.

Running from the supernatural entity that has destroyed entire worlds to have her, Sia thought she’d found a haven on Earth with a motley team of warriors protecting the girl destined to save humanity. But when Sia’s found, she realizes something on this plane is more scrumptious than her: that very teen. So, she runs—and Donovan St. James follows. Nothing is more alluring than a scruffy biker with a lacerating gaze. And she vows to tell him that… if they survive.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Charley Davidson series!
For books #1 – #12, click HERE to check out our Charley Davidson series post.
For book thirteen, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, click HERE..
For the novella, The Gravedigger’s Son, click HERE.

 

 

Book 13.7
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

“What are you doing?” a smooth, deep voice asked from behind her.

Sia spun around, fear and guilt seizing her lungs, though she couldn’t fathom what she had to feel guilty about. She clutched her phone to her chest, her gaze darting about. Because that surely was a great look on her. “Nothing,” she said after a moment. “What are you doing?”

Donovan’s dark lashes lowered over irises shimmering softly in the streetlamp’s light as he studied her. He tilted his head to one side, causing a lock of dark hair to fall over his brow. “Is everything okay, Doc?”

Forcing a smile at that point in her life was like peeling taffy that had melted and then cooled again off her car dashboard, but she finally managed to do it. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” She tried to cross her arms over her chest and lean against a stack of crates. She failed and almost landed face-first on the pavement.

He rushed forward, but she caught herself and smoothed a hand over her hair. “How’s Elwyn?” she asked, deflecting. Her cheeks burned, and she thanked the powers for low light. Blushing was another human trait she despised.

After a long moment, Donovan lifted a shoulder. “You’d know better than me, you being her medic and all.”

Medic. Wasn’t that a military term? Had he served? Donovan had been the first member of the group she’d met when she walked up to the main house of the Loehr’s compound, the one constructed to keep Charley’s daughter safe. Knowing that Charley wasn’t around to contest her proclamation, Sia had pretended to be a friend of Charley’s from school. She’d told them that Charley had asked her to keep an eye on Elwyn and offered her services. A man named Garrett Swopes, another of Elwyn’s guardians, had hired her on the spot as Donovan watched their interaction.

Coincidentally, Donovan was also the first of the ragtag team she’d treated when he laid down his bike to avoid getting beheaded by a truck that had pulled out in front of him. And yet, even after all these years, she still knew so little about him.

Her phone pinged, and she read the text from Benji. Run, Sia. And believe nothing.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of Darynda Jones brilliance

This is another fun novella from the Charley Davidson series, and I would most definitely say that it is a real treat for a fan, but could leave a new reader a little confused. The writing is fabulous, but I do believe that it is much easier to make sense of the scenario if one has the backstory.

I absolutely love all the stories in the series, and am loving that we are getting more... a drip, drip to get us (I am hoping) to another novel in the future! I felt that the first part of this one was a little bit slow, as people need to get up to speed, and then we enjoy the faster pace that really increases the tension.

I am not going to give away any of the story, but we do get to meet up with most of our old friends and have some insight into the upcoming battle.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
Oh the joy I felt when learning I could revisit Charley Davidson's world!

I must say I absolutely LOVE the main series, but haven't read any of the novellas that occur after the original series was wrapped up. Having said that, a few of these characters I recognized while others I cannot recall.

This was a small bite, nothing too extravagant, but it was a quick (I definitely want more) story with an interesting situation.

Donovan has been tasked with keeping watch on Sia, who he just so happens to have a wee crush on. He's human, has a toe in the paranormal world, but doesn't have any of the cool powers to defeat evil. Sia is something else... that's all I will say about that.

While I was happy to come back to this world, I will say this seemed a little rushed. I didn’t feel like Donovan was fully developed and wanted more of his backstory. If you're new to Charley Davidson, this is a great "taste" of the paranormal world, of the demons and spirits, and ultimately, love!

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda Jones

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Grimlets

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Graveside Bar and Grill (Charley Davidson #13.7) by Darynda Jones to read and review.

A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones

From the New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones comes the second novel in her laugh-out-loud Sunshine Vicram mystery series, A Good Day for Chardonnay.

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff—and even fuller-time coffee guzzler—Sunshine Vicram, didn’t get that memo.

All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that’s about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)

Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny’s got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he’s not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She’s seen it. Once. Accidentally.

Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn’t know when to quit, Sunny’s life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.

Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Sunshine Vicram series!
For book one, A Bad Day for Sunshine, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I can assure you that you absolutely have to read book one first. In fact, in advance of reading this installment, I went back and reread A Bad Day for Sunshine. I hardly ever do that, but I remembered it as an excellent read and that it was complex, so I just wanted to indulge myself for a change! And I have to admit it was a good thing I did, as I had misremembered a couple of key points – interestingly, possibly for my own sanity, I had made some decisions about what happened, so I could feel okay about things. Thankfully, this book addressed those floating issues, and I was not far from the mark!

I utterly adore the character of Sunshine, she has just the right level of strength, vulnerability, wit, and values. Her daughter, Auri, is pretty amazing too – and definitely gets some free rein in this book. The ever present and vigilant Levi is a sight for sore eyes, and so loyal, so caring, and, I think to the reader, so obviously involved... it is just understanding the how and the why.

I am still somewhat devastated that her memory loss over her kidnapping and rescue has resulted in so many years of confusion. I am not sure how I would feel about those around me knowing, if I were her. I keep rationalising it, but it is a lot. Thank goodness the clues help her process much of it as it comes back to her in flashes, and that her family and friends are near.

I rather raced through the book, desperate to get the key parts of the story revealed, and warn you that it is a danger, so make sure that you are well prepared to do little else than read once you have started. There are lots of crazy sidelines, but the main story is strong enough to carry the distractions. I am going to have to get friends to read this, so I can discuss how we would feel in these circumstances. It has been playing on my mind and will for a long while to come – I get the logic, I get the sense of it, but I still think it is horribly sad.

A much anticipated read, and it did not let me down. I will be looking out for more – ever hopeful!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
This book had everything I love in the story. Mystery, action, danger, an amazing love story, great friendships, lots of fun and crazy characters, and it is all set in a small town. This story gave me all the feels. Sometimes I laughed at crazy antics, other times I was on the end of my seat as various characters were in grave danger, sometimes I swooned because Levi is just everything, and an incredibly moving scene towards the end of the book had me crying so hard I woke up my husband who was sleeping beside me.

Sunshine is a pretty amazing woman and you’d need to be amazing to be the sheriff of this crazy town. There is so much going on in Sunshine’s work and personal lives, I don’t know how she managed to keep all the balls in the air, but she does.

I loved every single minute of this story whether I was laughing, cringing, or crying. A Good Day for Chardonnay is a brilliant story, but it can’t be read as a standalone. This is an ongoing series so if this grabs your attention, make sure you start off by reading the first book in the series, A Bad by for Sunshine. I don’t know how many books the author plans to write in this series but I hope there are still many more to come because this is one of the best I’ve ever read and I want more.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
A Good Day for Chardonnay is the second book in the Sunshine Vicram series. These books need to be read in order, and I highly encourage it as this builds on the first.

I have loved every book I've read by Darynda Jones, and this is no exception.

Sunshine is a small-town sheriff, she is a [single] mother (of an awesome child), she is an amazing daughter, and she is head over heels in love with her high school crush. She has no downtime or ‘me’ time. Knowing this, I need to mention that she has the best sense of humor and seems to just roll with the punches.

I love every single character in this series, and they all have distinct personalities. There is never a dull moment mainly because the town is a bit zany, but also because there are so many situations that need Sunshine's attention.

Aurora really shines in this book and is coming into her own. Wanting to follow in her mom's footsteps, she (along with her boyfriend and best friend) have their own case to solve.

I can't really classify this story under just one type: it’s partly mystery and suspense, it's humorous but sometimes serious, there is drama and romance, but bottom line I couldn't put it down.

I really want more Levi, and can't wait for the next book!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
Two books in and I have girl crush levels of love for Sunshine Vicram. Smart, funny, and growing in confidence, Sunny manages to be both fierce and relatable.

Caught between eccentric parents and her wildly imaginative teenage daughter, Sheriff Sunny attempts to impose a little law and order on both her family and her strange little town. The results are often laugh out loud funny. Sunny’s creative policing is oddly successful. There’s a fantastic balance between silly and serious in this book. In this second book, Sunny’s investigations are exciting and well-paced. Running alongside the series storyline about Sunny’s historic abduction is a second investigation into a violent attack in town.

While I enjoy Sunny’s investigations, it’s the development of relationships in this book that I love. Sunny and Auri, Sunny and her parents, Sunny and Levi… The relationships in this book are complicated, messy, loving, and life-affirming. I expect that every woman over 35 will find something to enjoy in Sunny’s perfectly observed and immensely relatable life. I’m already looking forward to the next book.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Grimlets

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram #2) by Darynda Jones to read and review.

The Gravedigger’s Son by Darynda Jones Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Darynda Jones comes a new story in her Charley Davidson series…

The job should have been easy.

Get in. Assess the situation. Get out. But for veteran tracker Quentin Rutherford, things get sticky when the girl he’s loved since puberty shows up, conducting her own investigation into the strange occurrences of the small, New Mexico town. He knew it would be a risk coming back to the area, but he had no idea Amber Kowalski had become a bona fide PI, investigating things that go bump in the night. He shouldn’t be surprised, however. She can see through the dead as clearly as he can. The real question is, can she see through him?

But is anything that’s worth it ever easy?

To say that Amber is shocked to see her childhood crush would be the understatement of her fragile second life. One look at him tells her everything she needs to know. He’s changed. So drastically she barely recognizes him. He is savage now, a hardened—in all the right places—demon hunter, and she is simply the awkward, lovestruck girl he left behind.

But she doesn’t have time to dwell on the past. A supernatural entity has set up shop, and it’s up to them to stop it before it kills again.

While thousands of questions burn inside her, she has to put her concern over him, over what he’s become, aside for now. Because he’s about to learn one, undeniable fact: she’s changed, too.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Charley Davidson series!
For books #1 – #12, click HERE to check out our Charley Davidson series post.
For book thirteen, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, click HERE.

 

 

Book 13.6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

“Intruder!” Kyle said from behind him, a day late and a dollar short.

Quentin glared at him, and Kyle stepped back reflexively. Then he refocused his glare on Amber.

“What?” she asked, her hackles rising as hackles are wont to do.

“What are you doing here?” Again, his signs were sharp with irritation.

As Amber sat in utter astonishment—He Who Must Not Be Named was literally the last person on Earth she’d expected to see today—she used the break to take him in.

How much could a guy change in five years?

If Quentin Rutherford was any indication, a hella lot.

She barely recognized him. He’d hardened—in all the right places. His shoulders had widened more than most twenty-seven-year-olds. He’d always been muscular, even when they were kids, but either he’d been hitting the gym, or he’d been magically photoshopped. The hills and valleys that covered his body to exquisite perfection could be seen through the long-sleeved T-shirt he wore, his biceps stretching the seams to their limits. And the jeans, the ones with a few holes here and there, were not a fashion statement so much as a favored pair of work pants.

“Ms. Kowalski?” Kyle said.

Quentin turned to him, and Amber caught a glimpse of two things: the profile of his steely buttocks that had developed as much as the rest of him, and a particularly well-placed rip in the worn jeans that showed part of the indentation in his left ass cheek. The fact that he wasn’t wearing underwear was a bonus. How could anyone she hated so much be so startlingly drop-dead sexy? Life was not fair.

Then she realized something. He’d heard Kyle. Quentin had turned when Kyle spoke, and she wondered if he’d finally gotten a pair of hearing aids. They’d never helped him that much before, so he never wore them, but technology had advanced a lot since then. Maybe they had more powerful aids now that could help him hear.

She snuck a glance but didn’t see any mechanical earpieces. Interesting.

When he turned back to her, she couldn’t get over how much he’d changed. His hair was shorter now and a little darker but still a rich, tawny blond. And he’d either started wearing it spiked, or he had bedhead. Either way, he was even more gorgeous than before. Full mouth. Straight nose. Deep blue eyes like the cobalt on a ceramic bowl.

Damn it.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
I was so excited to revisit Charley Davidson's world, and this was the perfect little story to do it with!

I want to mention that every single story I've read in the 1001 Dark Nights series has been the perfectly sized (on the shorter side), complete story, and has yet to disappoint.

Anyway, back to the story...

If you've read any of the Charley Davidson series, then you know who Quentin is, and you may also remember Amber. (If you have not read the series, what are you waiting for? It was fantastic!)

I won't spoil anything, but I loved everything about this: the supernatural angle, the investigation, the snarkiness, and the characters.

If you're looking for a quick, yet complete story or if you'd like a glimpse into this series, then definitely check this out.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Oh, what a great treat to get even a little return to the world of Charley Davidson! If you have not read any of the series yet, then this will give you a little insight into the complexity of the storylines, but I do not believe would spoil your enjoyment of it. To fans of the books, this is a cheeky little return to the crazy, without delving too deep – and we always knew that Amber and Quentin were destined to meet again.

For a short story, this packs a lot of punch in its demonic plotlines – a really clever double bluff in a way. But the real treat is finding Quentin is on the demon's tracks and this leads him back to Amber. Neither of them has forgotten the other, but only he knows why he disappeared and what happened to him. It makes for quite distressing reading, and wait till you find out about Rune!

Amber doesn't care about any excuses Quentin may have, she still loves him, and once the danger has passed, she is going to make sure he doesn't believe anything but that fundamental truth.

Oh, I do hope you enjoy this little dip back into Darynda Jones' fun and fascinating writing.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a quick, fun introduction to Charley Davidson’s world. Fans of the series who have watched Amber grow up will remember Quentin, her teenage love interest. In this book, Amber and Quentin are all grown up and they meet unexpectedly while hunting the same demon.

I think an Amber-focused spinoff series could be fantastic. Amber will remind fans of the Grim-Reaper Charley at the start of her series. Amber seems a little more grounded and a little less kooky – but she’s confident and engaging. Quentin is an unexpected treat in this novella – he brings a unique supernatural skillset to his demon hunting. The chemistry is fabulous between these two, even if the story feels a little insta-love. I really enjoyed this short read and I look forward to more books about Amber and Quentin.

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda

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Facebook Group: The Grimlets

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Gravedigger’s Son (Charley Davidson #13.6) by Darynda Jones to read and review for this tour.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the first novel in the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series—A Bad Day for Sunshine!

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.

Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee—and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter’s new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny.

But even clouds have their silver linings. This one's got Levi, Sunshine's sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshal. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol's normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty—and find the kidnapper who's terrorizing her beloved hometown—without falling head over high heels in love... or worse?

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is an absolutely brilliant start to a new series from Darynda Jones. Sunshine Vicram is a fabulous new leading lady and this eccentric small town crime thriller had me alternately terrified and laughing out loud.

Sunny is a badass crime fighter with a quick wit and a sharp sense of humour, but she also has a complicated past and more than one dark secret she’d rather keep hidden. Unfortunately, between the resentful mayor, her own meddling mother, and a daughter who has inherited Sunny’s enthusiasm for an investigation, there isn’t much room for secrets in Del Sol. I really love the mix of outrageous situations, gentle family drama, and a complicated blend of current and historic crime.

One thing I loved about the Charley Davidson books was Jones’ ability to write a good bad boy. Now, Levi might be completely human, but he is a delicious mix of danger with an attitude and possibly a touch of conscience. The story isn’t a traditional romance but the chemistry and banter between Sunny and Levi definitely makes for good reading.

While part of the investigation is tied up in this first book, the story actually leaves readers with more questions than answers. I loved this first book and I already can’t wait for the next one. I think I’m going to love this series.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
A Bad Day for Sunshine is the first book in a new series and the first book I've read by this author. Sunshine Vicram returns with her teenage daughter, Auri, to the small town she grew up in to take up the position of sheriff.

There is a lot going on this in this town, some of it funny, some of it serious. A new friend of Auri's goes missing, presumed kidnapped. An escaped prisoner is believed to be somewhere in town, there are cursed muffins, neighbours fighting over a rooster, and the list goes on. But the biggest mystery relates to Sunshine's abduction when she was 17, which resulted in her pregnancy and how Levi, the guy she has been crazy in love with for years, is connected.

The story is told from the point of view of both Sunshine and Auri. I loved the way this was done. There were times when there were parallels between what mother and daughter were going through. Sunshine and Auri totally rock. They are smart, sassy, brave, and they are my new book heroes. Sunshine and Levi's interactions were sublime. It is clear that things between them are going to develop over this series and I really can't wait to see it. Auri is also experiencing young love and Cruz, the object of her affections, is the kind of guy every young girl would want.

I loved everything about this story. The mysteries, the crazy characters, the complicated relationships, the romance. It all worked perfectly together. I hope the wait for the next book in the series is not too far away because I'm dying to find out what happens next.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 stars of absolute fabulousness – would award many more if I could!

There is only one thing wrong with this book... it ended 🙁. I could have just read and read and read – and have little doubt that once the series is complete, I will take great pleasure in doing exactly that! I adored the Charley Davidson series, so didn't even read the blurb before knowing I would love it too. It is completely different, but the same brilliant style of writing of somehow including us in the story, and the wonderful mix of fanciful and all too real. I both laughed and shed tears. I had to stop and shut off my Kindle for a second or two more than once, as I just knew what came next wasn't going to be good. Add in Levi... and well, what else does a reader need?

Sunshine and her daughter Auri (Aurora) are undoubtedly the stars of the book – and even though we see them as being close from the very beginning, when Auri admits to something deep between them, do expect to need plenty of tissues. I love that both of them have really important and meaningful relationships with a wide variety of people. And do expect to meet lots of them and get to understand how this is a book which may centre on Sunshine, but is much broader in its plots than just her.

I realise that I am possibly not doing a great job of describing this book, but to be fair, it is just one of those books which is full of so much goodness, that is difficult to know where to start and how to avoid giving something away. It is undoubtedly a mystery story, indeed multiple mysteries assail us. It is a story of second chances, as Sunshine has returned to live in her childhood town – elected unwittingly as the new sheriff – although she has been back for holidays, and Auri has spent summers there with her grandparents and making friends. Sunshine is now going to be able to work with her long-time best friend, Quincy, and has to keep seeing her biggest crush, Levi, and time hasn't changed that. I love that thread running through the story, although it has some dark undertones.

There are undercurrents of mafia, of a group of women who direct the town, of a muffin baker who foresees trouble, of a whacky, but wealthy book club, an escapologist rooster, school politics, and even legal moonshine gin!

I am so looking forward to the next book in the series being available, as I have the biggest book hangover... As you may have guessed from my somewhat disjointed review, my recommendation is READ, READ, READ!


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
I loved the Charley Davidson series, I honestly loved it. I had doubts about A Bad Day for Sunshine. I should never have doubted Darynda Jones and will not make that mistake again! I assumed Sunshine Vicram would be a carbon copy of Charley, how wrong I was. They have similarities in that they are both strong women who feel deeply, but never give up even when the world is against them, but that's about it.

Sunshine Vicram finds herself in a peculiar position as the elected sheriff of a town she doesn't reside in. Yes, it's her hometown but she left many years ago. She joins her best friend on the police force in Del Sol, NM and it's definitely NOT a quiet, peaceful town. Crazy, quirky, eccentric? YES, but also endearing.

While the town is a little hectic in and of itself, there is a lot going on for poor Sunshine to solve. Meaning there were no slow moments in the read. I never wanted to put this down. I needed to figure out each and every moment but especially the Levi dynamic. Levi, Sunshine's high school crush, is the epitome of alpha male. He's strong, he's capable, and he's mouth-watering attractive.

I loved the mystery, I seriously love Levi, and I am all about Sunshine's brand of sass. Add to that her daughter the super sleuth, Auri, and this never boring town of Del Sol, and I am ready to roll with this series to the end. I will mention that while the mystery is solved, I ended this book with more questions (and these ones NEED answers, like yesterday) than I started with or even developed throughout!

Overall, this was a strong four-star read and I am excited to see what's next.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram #1) by Darynda Jones to read and review.