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.

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.

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

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
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.