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Sunshine Vicram #3
A Hard Day for a Hangover
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.
Like we said, the new day can take a hike.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2022
425 people are currently reading
12853 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
57 books16.5k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,653 reviews
July 13, 2022
Del Sol, New Mexico Sheriff Sunshine Vicram thinks the worst part of her day is the hangover she has after too many tequila drinks the night before. She’s in for a rude awakening.
This is book #3 in the Sunshine Vicram series, and it takes place just days after the previous installment’s events.
A young woman is found over the edge of a cliff. She’s barely alive, and looks to have been sexually assaulted. Sun and her team get her to the hospital, but she’s unconscious. Meanwhile, Sunshine’s daughter, Auri, can’t help but investigate the case from her angle as a freshman in high school. And she’s quite good at it too. Auri becomes aware of a missing girl who possibly may have been en route to the area. Could that be the Jane Doe that is currently in the hospital? And if so, who put her there?
While all of this is going on, Sun is also dealing with Levi Ravinder, the man she has been in love with forever! She previously learned quite a bit more about him and recently dropped some bombshells on him. Now it turns out his life may be in danger…and hers too if she tries to help him with his predicaments.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but thought it was just a tad too much on the silly side. I’m happy to say that each one gets better and better, and I absolutely loved this one! The characters are charming and wacky, yet lovable. The tension is legit. The humor hits the mark every time. I’m invested in the happenings of Del Sol now, and I can’t get enough.
This one is a bit more graphic than I expected…in terms of underlying plot, violence, and death. Nevertheless, it is the strongest…answering lots of questions us readers have been waiting for. One plot device moves WAY too abruptly, rapidly, and perfectly for my taste, but I can’t give it away to those who haven’t read the first two. Hopefully, this isn’t a case of “jumping the shark”.
I think fans of the series are going to be THRILLED with this installment (as I was), and I can’t WAIT to see what happens to Sunny and the Del Sol folks next!
4.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 12/6/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
This is book #3 in the Sunshine Vicram series, and it takes place just days after the previous installment’s events.
A young woman is found over the edge of a cliff. She’s barely alive, and looks to have been sexually assaulted. Sun and her team get her to the hospital, but she’s unconscious. Meanwhile, Sunshine’s daughter, Auri, can’t help but investigate the case from her angle as a freshman in high school. And she’s quite good at it too. Auri becomes aware of a missing girl who possibly may have been en route to the area. Could that be the Jane Doe that is currently in the hospital? And if so, who put her there?
While all of this is going on, Sun is also dealing with Levi Ravinder, the man she has been in love with forever! She previously learned quite a bit more about him and recently dropped some bombshells on him. Now it turns out his life may be in danger…and hers too if she tries to help him with his predicaments.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but thought it was just a tad too much on the silly side. I’m happy to say that each one gets better and better, and I absolutely loved this one! The characters are charming and wacky, yet lovable. The tension is legit. The humor hits the mark every time. I’m invested in the happenings of Del Sol now, and I can’t get enough.
This one is a bit more graphic than I expected…in terms of underlying plot, violence, and death. Nevertheless, it is the strongest…answering lots of questions us readers have been waiting for. One plot device moves WAY too abruptly, rapidly, and perfectly for my taste, but I can’t give it away to those who haven’t read the first two. Hopefully, this isn’t a case of “jumping the shark”.
I think fans of the series are going to be THRILLED with this installment (as I was), and I can’t WAIT to see what happens to Sunny and the Del Sol folks next!
4.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 12/6/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
December 6, 2022
Book three of the Sunshine Vicram series.
Looking for a light mystery with plenty of laughs? Look no further! As a matter of fact, the entire series is a fun romp! But if you haven’t read the first two no worries, you can easily jump in anywhere.
Sunshine is the reluctant Sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico. Reluctant because her over-bearing (loving) parents coordinated her run for office without her knowledge. Before she could object, she suddenly found herself the duly elected Sheriff!
Her young teenage daughter Auri is a handful, but not in the typical ways you may think. Auri is driven to help solve any crime that comes across her moms’ desk. Like mother…like daughter!
And then there’s Levi, a man Sunshine has (secretly) loved since she was a teen. Can they finally put all the pieces together and officially be a couple? Or will unforeseen circumstances continue to halt any hope for love?
I’m becoming a huge fan of this series, always saving these books for when I need something light to balance my dark thrillers.
The previous two books I read on my kindle. This time I had the opportunity to I listen to the audio version. Now I’m a bit torn which version I’ll continue with for the next installment. (Such a predicament!)🤣
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for all my versions!
Looking for a light mystery with plenty of laughs? Look no further! As a matter of fact, the entire series is a fun romp! But if you haven’t read the first two no worries, you can easily jump in anywhere.
Sunshine is the reluctant Sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico. Reluctant because her over-bearing (loving) parents coordinated her run for office without her knowledge. Before she could object, she suddenly found herself the duly elected Sheriff!
Her young teenage daughter Auri is a handful, but not in the typical ways you may think. Auri is driven to help solve any crime that comes across her moms’ desk. Like mother…like daughter!
And then there’s Levi, a man Sunshine has (secretly) loved since she was a teen. Can they finally put all the pieces together and officially be a couple? Or will unforeseen circumstances continue to halt any hope for love?
I’m becoming a huge fan of this series, always saving these books for when I need something light to balance my dark thrillers.
The previous two books I read on my kindle. This time I had the opportunity to I listen to the audio version. Now I’m a bit torn which version I’ll continue with for the next installment. (Such a predicament!)🤣
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for all my versions!
May 11, 2023
"A Hard Day for a Hangover" by Darynda Jones is Book #3 in the "Sunshine Vicram" Series!
This story picks up just days after Book #2 "A Good Day for Chardonnay" left off and it's the wildest ride yet for Sheriff Sunshine Vicram and her Del Sol Crew! Sunshine wishes her days would slow down just a little but today isn't that day!
Today, Sunshine and her team have their hands full with one incident after another:
- Doug, the town flasher, stabbed with a knitting needle...
- Randy, the pesky raccoon, on the loose again...
- An assault victim rescued at Cooper Canyon...
- A friend reports a home break-in...
- A teenage daughter, goes rogue investigating on her own...
- A prisoner escapes custody from a hospital...
To top it off, Sunshine sees a basket of Ruby's muffins' sitting on a desk in the sheriff's office. Could the presence of those 'cursed muffins' be causing another sudden spike in crime? It's quite possible!
The momentum is whip fast, faster than Sunshine would like while in the throes of a raging Tequila hangover. It's wild, it's fun, it's super mysterious and handsome Levi Ravinder is still hanging around. Sunshine is smiling and doesn't care what Levi's up to as long as it happens within her viewing range. He's such a distraction! She's loved that man since they were both kids, so it's all in a day's work, right?
This is definitely the best book and my favorite of this series but it's also the last one, which stinks! My only niggle is the ramp-up of more bloodiness than its predecessors, but the story is solid, the small-town humor first rate with an appropriate amount of snarkiness, and the quirky mix of characters is almost perfect!
This is the first book in this series I've read a digital copy rather than listened to the audiobook. It's strange how I hold the memory of what these characters sound like, so reading the words was like listening to the audiobook in my head. Does it make sense that I can hear their voices without actually listening to the audiobook and what does that say about me, I wonder? Regardless of what y'all think, it was a fun experience!
Simply said, I just adore Sun & her Del Sol Sheriff's Crew, her friends and her family. I'm awfully sad to see them all go but I'm thinking this author has something up her sleeves for another series and I'll be waiting patiently. I highly recommend this book and the entire series where each book was a solid experience! 4.5 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for a widget of this ARC through NetGalley. It has been my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
This story picks up just days after Book #2 "A Good Day for Chardonnay" left off and it's the wildest ride yet for Sheriff Sunshine Vicram and her Del Sol Crew! Sunshine wishes her days would slow down just a little but today isn't that day!
Today, Sunshine and her team have their hands full with one incident after another:
- Doug, the town flasher, stabbed with a knitting needle...
- Randy, the pesky raccoon, on the loose again...
- An assault victim rescued at Cooper Canyon...
- A friend reports a home break-in...
- A teenage daughter, goes rogue investigating on her own...
- A prisoner escapes custody from a hospital...
To top it off, Sunshine sees a basket of Ruby's muffins' sitting on a desk in the sheriff's office. Could the presence of those 'cursed muffins' be causing another sudden spike in crime? It's quite possible!
The momentum is whip fast, faster than Sunshine would like while in the throes of a raging Tequila hangover. It's wild, it's fun, it's super mysterious and handsome Levi Ravinder is still hanging around. Sunshine is smiling and doesn't care what Levi's up to as long as it happens within her viewing range. He's such a distraction! She's loved that man since they were both kids, so it's all in a day's work, right?
This is definitely the best book and my favorite of this series but it's also the last one, which stinks! My only niggle is the ramp-up of more bloodiness than its predecessors, but the story is solid, the small-town humor first rate with an appropriate amount of snarkiness, and the quirky mix of characters is almost perfect!
This is the first book in this series I've read a digital copy rather than listened to the audiobook. It's strange how I hold the memory of what these characters sound like, so reading the words was like listening to the audiobook in my head. Does it make sense that I can hear their voices without actually listening to the audiobook and what does that say about me, I wonder? Regardless of what y'all think, it was a fun experience!
Simply said, I just adore Sun & her Del Sol Sheriff's Crew, her friends and her family. I'm awfully sad to see them all go but I'm thinking this author has something up her sleeves for another series and I'll be waiting patiently. I highly recommend this book and the entire series where each book was a solid experience! 4.5 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for a widget of this ARC through NetGalley. It has been my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
December 7, 2022
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
This is a review of the audiobook of this novel.
I listen to this series for pure entertainment and this last installment, I think, is the best!!
While the first two seemed at times to be a little bit too silly, this book is packed with several mysteries to unravel.
The romance between Sunshine and Levi ramps up and there is more romance in this installment but it didn’t take away from all that was happening in Del Sol.
The novel begins with a hunter finding an injured young woman on the mountainside. It appears that she has been thrown from the cliff above after being brutally assaulted. Fortunately the rescue team was able to reach her.
After lots of digging, it appears that there is a pattern to these incidents and this is not the first!! The team of Sunshine, Deputy Quincy and others have to answer the usual questions of WHO, WHEN AND WHY???
While working this mystery there is another continuing and complicated threat against Levi’s life. He is struggling to maintain control of the family distillery that he built and made prosper. Levi Ravinder has a large family with some very dangerous, ruthless members who seem willing to stop at nothing to be rid of Levi.
Sunshine’s daughter Auri, age 15, likes to do a lot of sleuthing on her own. Despite promises to her mother that she will put this aside, Auri is too headstrong to listen.
PROS:
The description of the town of Del Sol, it’s inhabitants and the close bond they share
More than one mystery to solve
Characters that I enjoyed and cheered for
The narration of the audiobook was very good
CONS
Some unnecessary and constantly repeated descriptions of Levi’s “hunk” of a body, we get it already!
I wish that all of the action hadn’t been saved for the last 20% of the book, still it was an enjoyable audiobook
I would recommend this book to fans of this series and I strongly suggest reading the first two books before this one. There are quite a few characters that are important to know from the first two novels.
I received an digital ARC of this novel from the publisher and Macmillan audio through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to this well narrated audiobook!
This is a review of the audiobook of this novel.
I listen to this series for pure entertainment and this last installment, I think, is the best!!
While the first two seemed at times to be a little bit too silly, this book is packed with several mysteries to unravel.
The romance between Sunshine and Levi ramps up and there is more romance in this installment but it didn’t take away from all that was happening in Del Sol.
The novel begins with a hunter finding an injured young woman on the mountainside. It appears that she has been thrown from the cliff above after being brutally assaulted. Fortunately the rescue team was able to reach her.
After lots of digging, it appears that there is a pattern to these incidents and this is not the first!! The team of Sunshine, Deputy Quincy and others have to answer the usual questions of WHO, WHEN AND WHY???
While working this mystery there is another continuing and complicated threat against Levi’s life. He is struggling to maintain control of the family distillery that he built and made prosper. Levi Ravinder has a large family with some very dangerous, ruthless members who seem willing to stop at nothing to be rid of Levi.
Sunshine’s daughter Auri, age 15, likes to do a lot of sleuthing on her own. Despite promises to her mother that she will put this aside, Auri is too headstrong to listen.
PROS:
The description of the town of Del Sol, it’s inhabitants and the close bond they share
More than one mystery to solve
Characters that I enjoyed and cheered for
The narration of the audiobook was very good
CONS
Some unnecessary and constantly repeated descriptions of Levi’s “hunk” of a body, we get it already!
I wish that all of the action hadn’t been saved for the last 20% of the book, still it was an enjoyable audiobook
I would recommend this book to fans of this series and I strongly suggest reading the first two books before this one. There are quite a few characters that are important to know from the first two novels.
I received an digital ARC of this novel from the publisher and Macmillan audio through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to this well narrated audiobook!
November 18, 2022
Darynda Jones skilfully ties together all the threads in her final addition to her hilarious trilogy featuring Sheriff Sunshine Vicram of Del Sol in New Mexico. It is a joy to once again renew my acquaintance of Sunshine and her disparate cast of quirky and offbeat supporting characters. This includes her beautiful, determined amateur detective daughter, the 15 year old Auri, unfazed by the danger that comes her way as she insists on making her inquiries, and who expresses her desire to join the FBI in the future. Then there are Sun's able deputies, including Chief Deputy Quincy Cooper, Tricia Salazar, Sniper Zee, Poetry Rojas with his super power of recognising those have spent time in prison and her newest recruit, Keith Seabright, who has now in the process of settling in the area.
And of course, we cannot forget the love of Sun's life, Levi Ravinder with his colourful family, he runs the distillery that his villainous Uncle Clay is intent on wresting from him by nefarious means. It all begins with Sun waking up with one hell of a hangover, and her day progressively getting more and more challenging. A hunter rings in, he has managed to spot a seriously injured and sexually assaulted young girl at Copper Canyon, she is barely alive when she is rescued and taken to hospital. It is not the first time a young girl has encountered trouble in this spot. As Sun awaits news at the hospital, a prisoner suffering from a heart attack is brought in, only for chaos to ensue when he manages to escape. He is no stranger to Sun, it is Wynn Ravinder, she had been responsible for facilitating his move to the local prison. Sun's mother's group, Book Babes, want to experience ridealongs with her deputies as research to help them in writing a book, and Wanda wants Sun to help in the return of a sewing tin taken from her home.
This is an enthrallingly comic and entertaining crime read, there is plenty of wit and banter, along with some great slapstick moments, such as Quincy chasing the station's resident raccoon. I am sorry that this series is no more, I think Jones has created a genius group of characters that I came to adore, a town with its Dangerous Daughters and Sinister Sons, a group working behind the scenes to protect the place. However, I suspect it won't be long before the author comes up with a new book with another set of brilliant, engaging and mesmering characters for us to read about soon. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
And of course, we cannot forget the love of Sun's life, Levi Ravinder with his colourful family, he runs the distillery that his villainous Uncle Clay is intent on wresting from him by nefarious means. It all begins with Sun waking up with one hell of a hangover, and her day progressively getting more and more challenging. A hunter rings in, he has managed to spot a seriously injured and sexually assaulted young girl at Copper Canyon, she is barely alive when she is rescued and taken to hospital. It is not the first time a young girl has encountered trouble in this spot. As Sun awaits news at the hospital, a prisoner suffering from a heart attack is brought in, only for chaos to ensue when he manages to escape. He is no stranger to Sun, it is Wynn Ravinder, she had been responsible for facilitating his move to the local prison. Sun's mother's group, Book Babes, want to experience ridealongs with her deputies as research to help them in writing a book, and Wanda wants Sun to help in the return of a sewing tin taken from her home.
This is an enthrallingly comic and entertaining crime read, there is plenty of wit and banter, along with some great slapstick moments, such as Quincy chasing the station's resident raccoon. I am sorry that this series is no more, I think Jones has created a genius group of characters that I came to adore, a town with its Dangerous Daughters and Sinister Sons, a group working behind the scenes to protect the place. However, I suspect it won't be long before the author comes up with a new book with another set of brilliant, engaging and mesmering characters for us to read about soon. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
February 15, 2023
I do love this series! Throughout it, I either cracked a smile or laugh out loud!
I will suggest reading this series in order to appreciate the storylines.
A Hard Day for a Hangover begins as its name says. Sherriff Sunshine Vicram is experiencing a hangover after drinking too much the night before. The morning also brings a Jane Doe who has been left for dead and found on a side of a mountain. When she starts digging, it looks like more women have gone missing in the years prior.
Sunshine's daughter Auri, is also interested in the case. She can't help herself from learning more about the case and doing a little bit of digging on her own. Auri's boyfriend is still recuperating from the events of book 2, but he is still very much present.
Of course, Levi is also accounted for. Yes, someone might be trying to get rid of him but he is around to help both Sunshine and Auri.
I'm quite invested in this series and I can't wait to read the next one. I hope the humor, the silliness, and the mysteries keep on coming.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I will suggest reading this series in order to appreciate the storylines.
A Hard Day for a Hangover begins as its name says. Sherriff Sunshine Vicram is experiencing a hangover after drinking too much the night before. The morning also brings a Jane Doe who has been left for dead and found on a side of a mountain. When she starts digging, it looks like more women have gone missing in the years prior.
Sunshine's daughter Auri, is also interested in the case. She can't help herself from learning more about the case and doing a little bit of digging on her own. Auri's boyfriend is still recuperating from the events of book 2, but he is still very much present.
Of course, Levi is also accounted for. Yes, someone might be trying to get rid of him but he is around to help both Sunshine and Auri.
I'm quite invested in this series and I can't wait to read the next one. I hope the humor, the silliness, and the mysteries keep on coming.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 5, 2022
Those of you who follow my reviews are probably saying to yourselves “for a bitch who talks about how she doesn’t like sequels/series she sure is doubling down hard lately.” In my defense, I am nothing if not contrary – but also I am admittedly addicted to the Stephanie Plum series and have picked up Sunshine Vicram and Finlay Donovan looking to potentially make some new pals like I did with her and her band of misfit toys.
It might be time for me to break up with dear Sunny, however. This series is a whole lotta schtick and not a lot of substance. At the base of it there’s the mystery (that is instantly solvable as soon as you are introduced to the whodunnit character) of a young Jane Doe who was found dumped off the side of a ravine and remains unconscious throughout the book while Sunshine deals with the local flasher, petty thieves and the love lives of herself and everyone else around her. It’s chock full of a lot of “hyuck hyuck” type of humor, way too many pages are invested in Sunny’s “precocious” (a/k/a annoying) daughter and an ending that never ends due to action scene after action scene all crammed in for the big finale. And this time around it even left me with an unforgiveable earworm . . .
So there’s my take, but this currently sits at a 4.59 rating at the time of me typing my review meaning I’m obviously the outlier and you will probably love this if you like light mysteries.
2.5 Stars but with the acknowledgment of the title/cover perfection and the realization that I’ll most likely forget that I didn’t love this one and be first in line when #4 gets announced.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
It might be time for me to break up with dear Sunny, however. This series is a whole lotta schtick and not a lot of substance. At the base of it there’s the mystery (that is instantly solvable as soon as you are introduced to the whodunnit character) of a young Jane Doe who was found dumped off the side of a ravine and remains unconscious throughout the book while Sunshine deals with the local flasher, petty thieves and the love lives of herself and everyone else around her. It’s chock full of a lot of “hyuck hyuck” type of humor, way too many pages are invested in Sunny’s “precocious” (a/k/a annoying) daughter and an ending that never ends due to action scene after action scene all crammed in for the big finale. And this time around it even left me with an unforgiveable earworm . . .
So there’s my take, but this currently sits at a 4.59 rating at the time of me typing my review meaning I’m obviously the outlier and you will probably love this if you like light mysteries.
2.5 Stars but with the acknowledgment of the title/cover perfection and the realization that I’ll most likely forget that I didn’t love this one and be first in line when #4 gets announced.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
October 25, 2022
I was a big fan of the first two books I’m the series. But this one fell short. What seemed cute in the first two books felt tired here. Way too much time was spent describing every aspect of Levi’s physique. (steely buttocks - twice, sculpted mouth, sun-kissed skin, marble hard terrain of his abs, whisky -colored eyes - multiple times). The humor I remember from the first two was in shorter supply here.
This is one series I think you need to read in order. Jones tries to give background, but there are a lot of repeat characters and backstories and I don’t think it’d be easy to pick up as a stand-alone. I’ve read the first two and it still took me a while to get back up to speed.
The book begins with the discovery of a young girl on the side of a mountain. She’s been thrown from a car and left for dead. Soon, Sunshine discovers there have been other young women that have previously gone missing. The bad guy was obvious from early on in the book, and the ending played out as I expected. I’ve heard this is the last book in the series and I think that’s a wise move on Jones’ part. This one has run its course.
Jones starts every chapter with a sign from one of the town’s businesses, a bit of fun she has maintained since the first book. And most bring a true chuckle.
While this might be considered a cozy mystery, I’d consider it much more of a steamy romance mystery. The series would work for fans of the Stephanie Plum series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
This is one series I think you need to read in order. Jones tries to give background, but there are a lot of repeat characters and backstories and I don’t think it’d be easy to pick up as a stand-alone. I’ve read the first two and it still took me a while to get back up to speed.
The book begins with the discovery of a young girl on the side of a mountain. She’s been thrown from a car and left for dead. Soon, Sunshine discovers there have been other young women that have previously gone missing. The bad guy was obvious from early on in the book, and the ending played out as I expected. I’ve heard this is the last book in the series and I think that’s a wise move on Jones’ part. This one has run its course.
Jones starts every chapter with a sign from one of the town’s businesses, a bit of fun she has maintained since the first book. And most bring a true chuckle.
While this might be considered a cozy mystery, I’d consider it much more of a steamy romance mystery. The series would work for fans of the Stephanie Plum series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
December 6, 2022
A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
3rd book in the Sunshine Vicram series and conclusion. Mystery w romance.
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram has a full case load and a personal life that falls right in the middle of her day. A young, beaten, and unidentified female is found on the mountainside while an escaped convict has Sun and her team under investigation.
I listened to this first on audiobook then did a second reading by ebook.
The chapter headings are hilarious. The story itself compelling and gripping. A cast I want to watch a weekly television show about and that’s from a person that doesn’t do series or even much tv. The conclusion is fantastic but I’m going to miss these people.
A thrill ride.
Excerpt
“Auri was worried about the woman who birthed her. She’d been depressed since Levi escaped. Like, more depressed than usual. So depressed she’d turned to her archnemesis last night: tequila. Never a good sign, so it was up to Auri to hunt Levi down”.
Excerpt from A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones.
🎧 I listened first to an audiobook version narrated by Lorelei King who did the full series. I like the audio version for this series for the sarcasm and highlighting the humor. When I read text, it’s more of a movie where I get all the feelings and emotions. Plus it tends to stick more and I remember it. When I listened to an audiobook it’s more about the pacing and the voices of the characters. Here in particular, Sunshine’s sarcasm and daughter Audi’s vulnerability is clear.
I highly recommend this series in audiobook. I do listen at a slightly higher speed of 1.3. Anything higher and you’d have to pay very close attention to the chapter and POV changes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and St Martin’s and Macmillan Audio. I also purchased all formats of this book to share and keep and later re-read.
3rd book in the Sunshine Vicram series and conclusion. Mystery w romance.
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram has a full case load and a personal life that falls right in the middle of her day. A young, beaten, and unidentified female is found on the mountainside while an escaped convict has Sun and her team under investigation.
I listened to this first on audiobook then did a second reading by ebook.
The chapter headings are hilarious. The story itself compelling and gripping. A cast I want to watch a weekly television show about and that’s from a person that doesn’t do series or even much tv. The conclusion is fantastic but I’m going to miss these people.
A thrill ride.
Excerpt
“Auri was worried about the woman who birthed her. She’d been depressed since Levi escaped. Like, more depressed than usual. So depressed she’d turned to her archnemesis last night: tequila. Never a good sign, so it was up to Auri to hunt Levi down”.
Excerpt from A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones.
🎧 I listened first to an audiobook version narrated by Lorelei King who did the full series. I like the audio version for this series for the sarcasm and highlighting the humor. When I read text, it’s more of a movie where I get all the feelings and emotions. Plus it tends to stick more and I remember it. When I listened to an audiobook it’s more about the pacing and the voices of the characters. Here in particular, Sunshine’s sarcasm and daughter Audi’s vulnerability is clear.
I highly recommend this series in audiobook. I do listen at a slightly higher speed of 1.3. Anything higher and you’d have to pay very close attention to the chapter and POV changes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and St Martin’s and Macmillan Audio. I also purchased all formats of this book to share and keep and later re-read.
September 25, 2022
A Hard Day For A Hangover is the third and final release in the fan favorite Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones. As much as I lament the fact that this book ends the trilogy, the good news is Jones saved the best for last! A Hard Day For A Hangover has it all - fast paced over-the-top action, a killer mystery, roll-in-the-aisle humor, sizzling romance, a serial killer, and several well-deserved hangovers - you name it, it's all rolled up in this mesmerizing tale. I'm serious as a heart attack when I say I opened this book, fell off a don't-speak-to-me-while-I'm-reading marathon cliff and didn't crawl back out until the final line on the last page. It's that good.
Del Sol, New Mexico Sheriff Sunshine Vicram and her entire flamboyant gang have their hands full in A Hard Day For A Hangover. An unidentified teenage girl is discovered brutally beaten and violated, her body tossed over a guard rail like road trash and left for dead in a canyon. Lucky for her, a hunter spots her in time and a rescue ensues. As Sunshine begins working the case, similar cold cases surface leading to suspicions of a serial killer. With the help of her sidekick Deputy Quincy, Sunshine begins the daunting task of untangling a web of lies and deadly secrets while meticulously piecing together tidbits of information until a dark, disturbing picture begins forming. As always, Sunshine's daughter Auri, an amateur sleuth in her own right, gets involved stealing the show as things quickly escalate from dire to deadly. Not to be left behind, the armed, quirky secret society of senior citizens who police the town incognito throw in their two cents worth until Sunshine finds herself with a big old complicated mess to untangle. If that's not enough to drive her to drink, Levi Ravinder is back and things pick up right where they left off at the end of book two when Sunshine dropped a bomb in his lap and skedaddled. On top of that, Levi's life has been threatened by his Uncle Clay in an attempt to take possession of Levi’s distillery business. Really, sometimes it's just too much for a woman to handle so Sunshine succumbs to a party-for-one night of self-pity where she consumes copious amounts of alcohol awakening the next morning with a killer hangover thinking how much worse can it possibly get? Unfortunately, as another day dawns in Del Sol, she's about to find out.
A Hard Day For A Hangover is first and foremost . . . hilarious. Seldom does a book make me physically laugh out loud, but the witty, snarky banter and shenanigans perpetrated by these wacko characters kept me in stitches. Seriously, I snickered and snorted my way through this story in record speed. But fear not, this book is not all sassy one-liners although the comic relief is timely and spot-on. Fans looking for a good detective mystery won't be disappointed as the main plot line is riddled with danger, betrayals and uncommon-for-this-series graphic violence. There's a viper pit of red herrings that include some prominent people as well as most of Levi Ravinder’s family tree for readers to sift through. While I felt confident early on I was on the right track in sleuthing out the identity of the real villain, the path taken to get there is tension laden and page burning worthy.
Jones's expert, crazy good skills at getting just the right blend of mystery and humor are never more evident than in A Hard Day For A Hangover. She's rendered another sensational story line that bridges the comic scenes with the deadly serious ones with just the right amount of each. She then sweetens the pot with a pinch of swoon-worthy romance including a spicy scene or two. For fans of the series, this book dots the i's and crosses the t's bringing all the overall story arcs to a satisfying closure. If you haven't read the first two books in this series, do yourself a favor and read them before diving into this one. While A Hard Day For A Hangover stands alone, everything that goes down in this one is set up in previous books.
A Hard Day For A Hangover is full of snark, sizzle and pop from beginning to end. It's highly entertaining and readable with page after page of laughter, tears and suspense. There's so much I haven't mentioned in this review - Doug the flasher, Randi the raccoon, etc. - but rest assured they all make film-worthy appearances. If you haven't figured it out by now, I’m totally sold on this finale. While it saddens me to see this series end, I have my fingers crossed Jones may entertain a spin-off featuring Auri, Cruz and the gang as there's certainly plenty of fodder to work with. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense and romance with a great big ole southern helping of laughter.
Many thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book! This book will release Dec. 6, 2022. My review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews
Del Sol, New Mexico Sheriff Sunshine Vicram and her entire flamboyant gang have their hands full in A Hard Day For A Hangover. An unidentified teenage girl is discovered brutally beaten and violated, her body tossed over a guard rail like road trash and left for dead in a canyon. Lucky for her, a hunter spots her in time and a rescue ensues. As Sunshine begins working the case, similar cold cases surface leading to suspicions of a serial killer. With the help of her sidekick Deputy Quincy, Sunshine begins the daunting task of untangling a web of lies and deadly secrets while meticulously piecing together tidbits of information until a dark, disturbing picture begins forming. As always, Sunshine's daughter Auri, an amateur sleuth in her own right, gets involved stealing the show as things quickly escalate from dire to deadly. Not to be left behind, the armed, quirky secret society of senior citizens who police the town incognito throw in their two cents worth until Sunshine finds herself with a big old complicated mess to untangle. If that's not enough to drive her to drink, Levi Ravinder is back and things pick up right where they left off at the end of book two when Sunshine dropped a bomb in his lap and skedaddled. On top of that, Levi's life has been threatened by his Uncle Clay in an attempt to take possession of Levi’s distillery business. Really, sometimes it's just too much for a woman to handle so Sunshine succumbs to a party-for-one night of self-pity where she consumes copious amounts of alcohol awakening the next morning with a killer hangover thinking how much worse can it possibly get? Unfortunately, as another day dawns in Del Sol, she's about to find out.
A Hard Day For A Hangover is first and foremost . . . hilarious. Seldom does a book make me physically laugh out loud, but the witty, snarky banter and shenanigans perpetrated by these wacko characters kept me in stitches. Seriously, I snickered and snorted my way through this story in record speed. But fear not, this book is not all sassy one-liners although the comic relief is timely and spot-on. Fans looking for a good detective mystery won't be disappointed as the main plot line is riddled with danger, betrayals and uncommon-for-this-series graphic violence. There's a viper pit of red herrings that include some prominent people as well as most of Levi Ravinder’s family tree for readers to sift through. While I felt confident early on I was on the right track in sleuthing out the identity of the real villain, the path taken to get there is tension laden and page burning worthy.
Jones's expert, crazy good skills at getting just the right blend of mystery and humor are never more evident than in A Hard Day For A Hangover. She's rendered another sensational story line that bridges the comic scenes with the deadly serious ones with just the right amount of each. She then sweetens the pot with a pinch of swoon-worthy romance including a spicy scene or two. For fans of the series, this book dots the i's and crosses the t's bringing all the overall story arcs to a satisfying closure. If you haven't read the first two books in this series, do yourself a favor and read them before diving into this one. While A Hard Day For A Hangover stands alone, everything that goes down in this one is set up in previous books.
A Hard Day For A Hangover is full of snark, sizzle and pop from beginning to end. It's highly entertaining and readable with page after page of laughter, tears and suspense. There's so much I haven't mentioned in this review - Doug the flasher, Randi the raccoon, etc. - but rest assured they all make film-worthy appearances. If you haven't figured it out by now, I’m totally sold on this finale. While it saddens me to see this series end, I have my fingers crossed Jones may entertain a spin-off featuring Auri, Cruz and the gang as there's certainly plenty of fodder to work with. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense and romance with a great big ole southern helping of laughter.
Many thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book! This book will release Dec. 6, 2022. My review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews
September 27, 2022
Cute, adorable, and fun rolled up into one book. (a bit of suspense too!)
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram is back along with her cast of mostly lovable friends, family, and that lovable hunk, Levi Ravender, who Sunshine has loved since the beginning of time. With her very rambunctious daughter, Auri, they are knee deep in a new crime as girls have disappeared. Auri is off on her own trying to solve the crime single-handedly at the despair of her mom, Sunshine.
Then there is Levi, who sets Sun's blood boiling and takes her breath away and his very questionable family, some of which want to see the end of both Levi and Sun. The two of them plus Auri's rebelliousness sends them round the bend and gives them all many moments of breathless danger and death.
Auri is just like her mother, but Sun tries to protect her as she treads on dangerous ground and also has herself a main crush and they seem to be headed down the same path as Sun and Levi.
This series always provides a great amount of fun, quips, and of course danger. It's always a hilarious ride but also provides a fine amount of murder and mayhem. Always enjoy my time spent with Sunshine, her wonderful family, and the people of her small town, especially Levi and his hoodlum family.
Thank you to Darynda Jones, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this stunning and action packed story. Looking for a fun story that will keep you engaged from cover to cover get a hold of this one and if you haven't read the first two, better get busy.
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram is back along with her cast of mostly lovable friends, family, and that lovable hunk, Levi Ravender, who Sunshine has loved since the beginning of time. With her very rambunctious daughter, Auri, they are knee deep in a new crime as girls have disappeared. Auri is off on her own trying to solve the crime single-handedly at the despair of her mom, Sunshine.
Then there is Levi, who sets Sun's blood boiling and takes her breath away and his very questionable family, some of which want to see the end of both Levi and Sun. The two of them plus Auri's rebelliousness sends them round the bend and gives them all many moments of breathless danger and death.
Auri is just like her mother, but Sun tries to protect her as she treads on dangerous ground and also has herself a main crush and they seem to be headed down the same path as Sun and Levi.
This series always provides a great amount of fun, quips, and of course danger. It's always a hilarious ride but also provides a fine amount of murder and mayhem. Always enjoy my time spent with Sunshine, her wonderful family, and the people of her small town, especially Levi and his hoodlum family.
Thank you to Darynda Jones, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this stunning and action packed story. Looking for a fun story that will keep you engaged from cover to cover get a hold of this one and if you haven't read the first two, better get busy.
August 15, 2021
I cannot wait for this book to come out. I am hooked on Sunshine 🌞
November 1, 2022
Sunshine is back! She is not about to let a tequila hangover interfere with her duties. There is A LOT going on in this one. I loved the progress being made with her Levi story (although not a huge fan of the open door scene). Her daughter Aurora is one of my favorite characters. She really shines in this one. And I think I have a crush on her deputy Quincy. I have a weakness for those law enforcement types having been married to one for 33 years. If you have been following this series, you will want to pick this one up. Official release date is December 6, 2022. The quirky captions at the beginning of each chapter will make you laugh out loud. If you have enjoyed the Stephanie Plum books on audio, then you will feel at home with Lorelei King narrating this series as well. Wish I didn't have to wait for Book 4!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2023
5 Stars for A Hard Day for a Hangover: Sunshine Vicram, Book 3 (audiobook) by Darynda Jones read by Lorelei King.
I just love these stories. This was just what I needed right now. We learn so much more about the characters in this final book in the series. The story is really interesting and Lorelei King’s voice just puts it over the top for me.
I just love these stories. This was just what I needed right now. We learn so much more about the characters in this final book in the series. The story is really interesting and Lorelei King’s voice just puts it over the top for me.
December 2, 2022
Because I am not a fan of paranormal books, I had never read anything by Darynda Jones until I started the Sunshine Vicram series. I love this series. Some of the reasons I do are it has a strong heroine in a tough male dominated job, she has a strong family foundation, she has great friends who support her, and I absolutely love her daughter and their relationship. I can't wait until one of my Goodreads Groups choses them to read so I can reread them and discuss and believe me - that is big, because I don't reread much of anything.
When Sunshine got up after a Tequlia bender due to a bad encounter with the love of her life, Levi Ravinder, and boy, is she regretting that indulgence because this is the day from Hell for her. First off, she is confronted with Del Sol's resident flasher in the ER after being attacked. Then she is faced with the discovery and recovery of a young woman from the side of a steep canyon. Next up a convict she had transferred to New Mexico escapes. On top of this her daughter, Auri, just hasn't learned her lesson about sticking her nose into active investigations and is getting into trouble, again. Auri has mad instincts when it comes to investigation, only, like last time, this one could be deadly. Overall, it is really A Hard Day for a Hangover.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When Sunshine got up after a Tequlia bender due to a bad encounter with the love of her life, Levi Ravinder, and boy, is she regretting that indulgence because this is the day from Hell for her. First off, she is confronted with Del Sol's resident flasher in the ER after being attacked. Then she is faced with the discovery and recovery of a young woman from the side of a steep canyon. Next up a convict she had transferred to New Mexico escapes. On top of this her daughter, Auri, just hasn't learned her lesson about sticking her nose into active investigations and is getting into trouble, again. Auri has mad instincts when it comes to investigation, only, like last time, this one could be deadly. Overall, it is really A Hard Day for a Hangover.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
October 28, 2022
A Hard Day for a Hangover is the latest installment in Darynda Jones's wine mystery series. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram would rather give the day 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.
This book is not a standalone and you should definitely read the first two before reading this one.
One of the things that makes this series so addictive is the author's ability to create believable and suspenseful plotlines. In A Hard Day for a Hangover, Jones does an excellent job of balancing the light-hearted humor with darker, more suspenseful scenes. The result is a page-turner that is both laugh-out-loud funny and compulsively readable.
Simply put, A Hard Day for a Hangover is another roaring success from Darynda Jones. This series is a must read for fans of cozy mysteries and Law and Order alike.
tw: sa, suicide, depression, ptsd
This book is not a standalone and you should definitely read the first two before reading this one.
One of the things that makes this series so addictive is the author's ability to create believable and suspenseful plotlines. In A Hard Day for a Hangover, Jones does an excellent job of balancing the light-hearted humor with darker, more suspenseful scenes. The result is a page-turner that is both laugh-out-loud funny and compulsively readable.
Simply put, A Hard Day for a Hangover is another roaring success from Darynda Jones. This series is a must read for fans of cozy mysteries and Law and Order alike.
tw: sa, suicide, depression, ptsd
December 12, 2022
I adore this series, in fact I adore all of Jones's writing but there is something about this series that I absolutely can't get enough of. I was so eager for this new installment and I both tried to savor it and read as quickly as I could.
It did not disappoint and reminded me all over again why Jones's is one of my most favorite authors and why I love this series and all it's quirky characters so very much. It truly has it all and I can't get enough of it.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
It did not disappoint and reminded me all over again why Jones's is one of my most favorite authors and why I love this series and all it's quirky characters so very much. It truly has it all and I can't get enough of it.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
November 13, 2022
4.5
Sunshine, I love this girl and will miss her adventures. She is such a great character, with the right amount of heart, intelligence, sass, loyalty and bravado. Her love, Levi is a sexy mass of trouble, just the way we like them. I didn’t adore her daughter, maybe because she throws herself into danger at every chance. Yeah stupid invincible teenager syndrome. LOL It’s not that bad but as a mom I was screaming at her.
So in this final book in the trilogy (I wish it wasn’t) everything goes crazy, dead girls, mysterious connections lead them to a surprising conclusion. Levi and Sunshine finally talk and resolve their issues. Oh boy is there some history there. Everyone gets their time to wrap up loose ends, still I didn’t feel like the story was over. There is more there, perhaps Ms. Jones will give us a holiday short or brief visit with these characters again. :D
Honestly she is one of my top 5 authors, I’d never miss a book from her. Her books are always fun, with fantastic characters. Give her books a try, you’ll be very happy you did.
Sunshine, I love this girl and will miss her adventures. She is such a great character, with the right amount of heart, intelligence, sass, loyalty and bravado. Her love, Levi is a sexy mass of trouble, just the way we like them. I didn’t adore her daughter, maybe because she throws herself into danger at every chance. Yeah stupid invincible teenager syndrome. LOL It’s not that bad but as a mom I was screaming at her.
So in this final book in the trilogy (I wish it wasn’t) everything goes crazy, dead girls, mysterious connections lead them to a surprising conclusion. Levi and Sunshine finally talk and resolve their issues. Oh boy is there some history there. Everyone gets their time to wrap up loose ends, still I didn’t feel like the story was over. There is more there, perhaps Ms. Jones will give us a holiday short or brief visit with these characters again. :D
Honestly she is one of my top 5 authors, I’d never miss a book from her. Her books are always fun, with fantastic characters. Give her books a try, you’ll be very happy you did.
January 18, 2023
The third, and according to the acknowledgements page, the final installment in the Sunshine Vicram series. A Hard Day for a Hangover starts just days after the previous book with a new mystery to solve.
However, the multiple mysteries were just background noise. What brings this to life are the characters and their zany lives. This series is fun and witty. I'm sad to see it end!
But let's be honest, the story/mystery (or lack thereof) was missing from this one. Knowing that it's the final installment of the series, it makes sense. A lot of questions and story arcs came full circle. The mystery of a young woman found tossed over a cliff was executed with zero effort. The perp might've well just worn a big neon sign saying IT'S ME. If thrillers/mysteries are like puzzle pieces, this was a 4-piece puzzle you buy for a 2 year old.
But that's ok. I'm going to miss all the whacky characters of Del Sol and the funny signs at the beginning of each chapter.
Note: this series must be read in order to get the full experience.
Cheers!
However, the multiple mysteries were just background noise. What brings this to life are the characters and their zany lives. This series is fun and witty. I'm sad to see it end!
But let's be honest, the story/mystery (or lack thereof) was missing from this one. Knowing that it's the final installment of the series, it makes sense. A lot of questions and story arcs came full circle. The mystery of a young woman found tossed over a cliff was executed with zero effort. The perp might've well just worn a big neon sign saying IT'S ME. If thrillers/mysteries are like puzzle pieces, this was a 4-piece puzzle you buy for a 2 year old.
But that's ok. I'm going to miss all the whacky characters of Del Sol and the funny signs at the beginning of each chapter.
Note: this series must be read in order to get the full experience.
Cheers!
December 6, 2022
Darynda Jones' brand new book A Hard Day for a Hangover is absolutely stunning. The plot is action packed and exciting. It's one of the most engaging thrillers I've read this year. The story has plenty of added romance, humor, and love sprinkled throughout the fast paced mystery. This is the third and final novel in the Sunshine Vicram trilogy. I enjoyed it as a stand-alone, but am excited to read the other two in the series.
Synopsis:
Sunshine (Sun) Vicram is a hard-hitting female sheriff raising her 15-year-old daughter Auri. When women in her small community begin disappearing, Sun investigates to discover who is responsible. Auri, who takes after Sun, is determined to help her mom put an end to the attacks.
A Hard Day for a Hangover draws readers in from the first chapter. I read the book in one night. It does have some sexual content and may not be suitable for all audiences. Check the trigger warnings before proceeding.
A Hard Day for a Hangover is available on December 6th.
(5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing this novel with me. It is the perfect book to curl up in a cozy warm blanket and enjoy.
#AHardDayForAHangover, #SunshineVicramBook3 #DaryndaJones #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
Synopsis:
Sunshine (Sun) Vicram is a hard-hitting female sheriff raising her 15-year-old daughter Auri. When women in her small community begin disappearing, Sun investigates to discover who is responsible. Auri, who takes after Sun, is determined to help her mom put an end to the attacks.
A Hard Day for a Hangover draws readers in from the first chapter. I read the book in one night. It does have some sexual content and may not be suitable for all audiences. Check the trigger warnings before proceeding.
A Hard Day for a Hangover is available on December 6th.
(5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing this novel with me. It is the perfect book to curl up in a cozy warm blanket and enjoy.
#AHardDayForAHangover, #SunshineVicramBook3 #DaryndaJones #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
December 5, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I have a fantastic time with this book! I listened to the entire book in a single day, which is somewhat unusual for me. I was enjoying the book so much that I didn’t want to stop listening which is such a great feeling. I loved the sense of humor present throughout the book and I really enjoyed spending time with all of the characters. Apparently, this is the third and final installment in the Sunshine Vicram Trilogy and while I am sad to see the series end, I must say that it was a great finale.
Sunshine once again has her hands full. There is a girl found in a ravine that has been left for dead which leads Sunshine to discover that other girls may have also gone missing. Despite her promise not to do any investigating, Auri is once again trying to solve crimes. Plus there is the small issue of Sunshine’s relationship with Levi. I was so glad to finally see things getting resolved between Levi and Sunshine and was happy with how it worked out. I thought that this book was very exciting at times and I loved that the action was balanced out with a nice dose of humor.
Lorelei King is one of my favorite narrators and I thought that she did an amazing job with this story. I really like all of the character voices that she uses to help bring the story to life. I thought that her delivery of the funnier moments of the story was perfectly done and I liked that she was able to add more excitement to the action-packed scenes. I do feel that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This has been such a fun series with a lot of laughs, some romance, great characters, and solid mysteries. My only complaint is that it doesn’t look like there are any more books planned in this series. If that changes, I will be first in line to get my hands on a copy of the next book in this series.
I received a digital review copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio.
I have a fantastic time with this book! I listened to the entire book in a single day, which is somewhat unusual for me. I was enjoying the book so much that I didn’t want to stop listening which is such a great feeling. I loved the sense of humor present throughout the book and I really enjoyed spending time with all of the characters. Apparently, this is the third and final installment in the Sunshine Vicram Trilogy and while I am sad to see the series end, I must say that it was a great finale.
Sunshine once again has her hands full. There is a girl found in a ravine that has been left for dead which leads Sunshine to discover that other girls may have also gone missing. Despite her promise not to do any investigating, Auri is once again trying to solve crimes. Plus there is the small issue of Sunshine’s relationship with Levi. I was so glad to finally see things getting resolved between Levi and Sunshine and was happy with how it worked out. I thought that this book was very exciting at times and I loved that the action was balanced out with a nice dose of humor.
Lorelei King is one of my favorite narrators and I thought that she did an amazing job with this story. I really like all of the character voices that she uses to help bring the story to life. I thought that her delivery of the funnier moments of the story was perfectly done and I liked that she was able to add more excitement to the action-packed scenes. I do feel that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This has been such a fun series with a lot of laughs, some romance, great characters, and solid mysteries. My only complaint is that it doesn’t look like there are any more books planned in this series. If that changes, I will be first in line to get my hands on a copy of the next book in this series.
I received a digital review copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio.
December 8, 2022
Rating: 4.5
I had no idea this was a series when I first started reading it. Luckily, it didn’t feel like I was missing anything so you could definitely read this as a standalone. But I would probably recommend you read the other two first because it will bring you closer to the characters and their dynamics. I had zero expectations for this book mostly because I just randomly received it and started reading it. I found this one to be SO fun! What a great read this was. My friend told me she loved the audiobook version so I now want to give it a listen! This is the type of book you really didn’t know you needed until you read it. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you so much @stmartinspress for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had no idea this was a series when I first started reading it. Luckily, it didn’t feel like I was missing anything so you could definitely read this as a standalone. But I would probably recommend you read the other two first because it will bring you closer to the characters and their dynamics. I had zero expectations for this book mostly because I just randomly received it and started reading it. I found this one to be SO fun! What a great read this was. My friend told me she loved the audiobook version so I now want to give it a listen! This is the type of book you really didn’t know you needed until you read it. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you so much @stmartinspress for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 16, 2022
Sunshine Vicram, newly appointed sheriff of Del Sol County, New Mexico, awakes with a hangover. Her day quickly goes downhill from there: there's a stabbing victim; an unconscious young woman who has been beaten and dumped; a home invasion robbery, and the escape of a state prisoner from the hospital. She also has her lovely and too clever teen daughter Aurora to deal with--the one who pictures herself a budding detective who manages to keep putting herself in danger. And the death threat to Sunshine's love interest, Levi Ravinder. And the town's secret club called Dangerous Daughters and Sinister Sons who think they really run things behind the scenes. Whew! What a headache!
This is a fun and entertaining mystery with some steamy romance in the mix and quite an exciting ending! Definitely for fans of the Stephanie Plum series. I would recommend starting with book one if you are new to the series as each book builds the storyline and characters. Kudos for another cleverly-done cover design.
I received an arc of the book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fun and entertaining mystery with some steamy romance in the mix and quite an exciting ending! Definitely for fans of the Stephanie Plum series. I would recommend starting with book one if you are new to the series as each book builds the storyline and characters. Kudos for another cleverly-done cover design.
I received an arc of the book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2022
This is the third book in the Sunshine Vicram series. Sunshine is the sheriff of the small town of Del Sol, and something is always going wrong in the town. Oftentimes, something that deals directly with Sunshine's messy personal life.
Her teenage daughter, Auri, is also a narrator. She is insatiably curious, and sticks her nose into all the trouble of the town.
This book feels like a season of a TV show. It's the type of TV show that takes place in a small town where nothing should be happening that is all that interesting. However, all of these murders and plot twists keep happening anyway! And our main characters are always in the middle of it! It has the small town charm of everyone knowing everyone, with all of the shenanigans thrown in.
Another reason that it feels like a TV show is that there are so many plots. There are side plots heaped on side plots. There is always something happening and so many balls to juggle.
As Sunshine herself puts it in this book, "This town is like Smallville only none of the crazy people were infected by meteor rocks."
Every time the love interest, Levi, is on the page, Sunshine completely loses her mind to tell us how incredibly sexy he is. It's a strange mix of entertaining and over-the-top annoying. However, it does lead to some sexy payoff, so it's certainly plot relevant.
Overall, this is a solid book that pushes the series in a new direction.
A review including this book will feature on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://youtube.com/chloefrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Her teenage daughter, Auri, is also a narrator. She is insatiably curious, and sticks her nose into all the trouble of the town.
This book feels like a season of a TV show. It's the type of TV show that takes place in a small town where nothing should be happening that is all that interesting. However, all of these murders and plot twists keep happening anyway! And our main characters are always in the middle of it! It has the small town charm of everyone knowing everyone, with all of the shenanigans thrown in.
Another reason that it feels like a TV show is that there are so many plots. There are side plots heaped on side plots. There is always something happening and so many balls to juggle.
As Sunshine herself puts it in this book, "This town is like Smallville only none of the crazy people were infected by meteor rocks."
Every time the love interest, Levi, is on the page, Sunshine completely loses her mind to tell us how incredibly sexy he is. It's a strange mix of entertaining and over-the-top annoying. However, it does lead to some sexy payoff, so it's certainly plot relevant.
Overall, this is a solid book that pushes the series in a new direction.
A review including this book will feature on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://youtube.com/chloefrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2022
Okay, hear me out. I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and read it knowing it's a series (without reading the other books first). Could've been a mistake. Could've been a good choice. The first few chapters had me hooked! However, majority of the bits following those were so drawn out. Like the overly descriptive bits about certain characters then the action parts being sort of crammed in and not as descriptive. Once you can look past all of that and get to the last 20% it picked up to a face paced interesting book. I rated this a 3.5 however with the last 4 chapters I decided to bump it up to a 4 star review, as the ending made this book a worthy read.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are honest opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are honest opinions after fully reading this book.
January 26, 2023
What a fantastic ending to the series. SO much action. The truth coming out made for some very emotionally, happy scenes. Everything concluded, but I admit I want more. I just love these characters so much I wish we could get more in the series. This is one of my favorite series I've read and I know I will be revisiting it often in the years to come.
December 3, 2022
For me this series becomes more entertaining all the time. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram comes into her own a little more each book and I love the 'Gilmore Girl'ness of her relationship with her daughter. If you loved the banter and fun of Gilmore Girls then the Sunshine's brand of dialogue and banter with everyone around her will probably work for you.
This has been my favorite book in the series so far. I love that Sunshine and Levi are finally taking care of their past and all the secrets from when Sunshine was abducted and lost about a month of her memories are out. I have a thing for the second chance romance trope and this one has been great for me.
Last book I struggled with how much ended up focused on Auri and her trying to super slooth around behind her mom's back. It was a bit too much but I think Darynda Jones has found a better balance. Yes Auri is still breaking rules to investigate behind her moms back but it is more believable this time around and more appropriate to her age. There was a girl found in a canyon, barely alive and Sunshine is looking for who she is, how she got there and how it matches up with a few other girls that have disappeared in the last few years that wasn't taken seriously under the previous sheriff.
Between racoon antics, alternating coffee and wine dependencies, sex talks with her daughter (so hillarious), and doomsday muffins Sunshine will sort out her romantic life, figure out who the serial rapist is and somehow raise her daughter, keep a relationship with her parents and prevent the love of her life from killing the family member out to destroy him.
Really the best book of the series so far and I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans Sunshine and Auri can get up to in the future.
This has been my favorite book in the series so far. I love that Sunshine and Levi are finally taking care of their past and all the secrets from when Sunshine was abducted and lost about a month of her memories are out. I have a thing for the second chance romance trope and this one has been great for me.
Last book I struggled with how much ended up focused on Auri and her trying to super slooth around behind her mom's back. It was a bit too much but I think Darynda Jones has found a better balance. Yes Auri is still breaking rules to investigate behind her moms back but it is more believable this time around and more appropriate to her age. There was a girl found in a canyon, barely alive and Sunshine is looking for who she is, how she got there and how it matches up with a few other girls that have disappeared in the last few years that wasn't taken seriously under the previous sheriff.
Between racoon antics, alternating coffee and wine dependencies, sex talks with her daughter (so hillarious), and doomsday muffins Sunshine will sort out her romantic life, figure out who the serial rapist is and somehow raise her daughter, keep a relationship with her parents and prevent the love of her life from killing the family member out to destroy him.
Really the best book of the series so far and I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans Sunshine and Auri can get up to in the future.
December 3, 2022
There isn’t another current heroine that I love as much as Sunshine! With each book, I feel like I’m spending time with an old friend and I dread the end as it comes closer with each turn of the page.
Sunny continues to amaze me with her deductive reasoning, her people skills, and most of all, her offbeat wit and sense of humor. I love the way she deals with both victims and perpetrators. Especially the band of hooligans she arrests this time around. My face hurt from grinning so much.
We get a lot of quality time with Levi in this book and even more of him with Sunny. I would love to have some of his perspective so I could connect to him on a deeper level. However, there are a lot of reveals in this book and that went a long way to helping me get to know him better.
Along with all the laugh out loud moments, this is also laced with danger and drama including scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. When you add in the whole cast of characters, each with their own passions or quirky natures, it makes for a well rounded mystery that will definitely be a reread in the future.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Sunny continues to amaze me with her deductive reasoning, her people skills, and most of all, her offbeat wit and sense of humor. I love the way she deals with both victims and perpetrators. Especially the band of hooligans she arrests this time around. My face hurt from grinning so much.
We get a lot of quality time with Levi in this book and even more of him with Sunny. I would love to have some of his perspective so I could connect to him on a deeper level. However, there are a lot of reveals in this book and that went a long way to helping me get to know him better.
Along with all the laugh out loud moments, this is also laced with danger and drama including scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. When you add in the whole cast of characters, each with their own passions or quirky natures, it makes for a well rounded mystery that will definitely be a reread in the future.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
September 13, 2022
Not the conclusion I expected—or wanted
Thank you to Darynda Jones and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Kejana Alaya for providing the ARC.
It’s about goddamn time. We could have had this book a year ago, but the publisher wanted to let us stew for a while. Marketing, scheduling, I don’t care why. Paired with Moonlight being delayed for over a year now, and toss in no progress updates on anything from Jones, except to further delay Moonlight, I got pretty salty. Graveside Bar and Grill was lackluster and hardly appeased my appetite.
So, was Hangover worth the wait?
Meh.
If you don't want anything spoiled, think twice about reading the rest of this review. Ye be warned.
Thank you to Darynda Jones and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Kejana Alaya for providing the ARC.
It’s about goddamn time. We could have had this book a year ago, but the publisher wanted to let us stew for a while. Marketing, scheduling, I don’t care why. Paired with Moonlight being delayed for over a year now, and toss in no progress updates on anything from Jones, except to further delay Moonlight, I got pretty salty. Graveside Bar and Grill was lackluster and hardly appeased my appetite.
So, was Hangover worth the wait?
Meh.
If you don't want anything spoiled, think twice about reading the rest of this review. Ye be warned.
February 10, 2023
A Hard Day for a Hangover is the 3rd and final book in the Sunshine Vicram series and it picks up right where book 2 left off. This time a young Jane Doe is found unconscious, dumped off the side of the road, down a ravine.
What I love about this series: The small town vibe of Del Sol, NM and its quirky characters which are what kept me coming back for more. Levi Ravinder (swoon). The book titles and covers. The way each chapter is titled with fun signs from around town.
What fell short: The mystery in this one was not much a mystery at all. I had it figured out quite early on and I am definitely no super sleuth. Auri's inability to stay out of trouble for some reason was a tad annoying in this one. I love Sunshine but as Sheriff, she really overlooked a lot of very obvious clues regarding the identity of her daughter's dad. I think pretty much everyone figured it out before she did.
This series is OTT and a lot of fun, but honestly, while I'll miss the characters, I think 3 books was the perfect amount to bring everything to a nice conclusion without it getting old. Not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it. 3.5.
What I love about this series: The small town vibe of Del Sol, NM and its quirky characters which are what kept me coming back for more. Levi Ravinder (swoon). The book titles and covers. The way each chapter is titled with fun signs from around town.
What fell short: The mystery in this one was not much a mystery at all. I had it figured out quite early on and I am definitely no super sleuth. Auri's inability to stay out of trouble for some reason was a tad annoying in this one. I love Sunshine but as Sheriff, she really overlooked a lot of very obvious clues regarding the identity of her daughter's dad. I think pretty much everyone figured it out before she did.
This series is OTT and a lot of fun, but honestly, while I'll miss the characters, I think 3 books was the perfect amount to bring everything to a nice conclusion without it getting old. Not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it. 3.5.
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