A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER - Darynda Jones

#3 in the Sunny Vickram series

CUTE AND ENTERTAINING - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - This book loosely follows the previous two in mentioning Sunny's background story along with Levi and her daughter. But mostly we see new cases in the police blotter, this time focusing on missing teen girls.

Writing - 4 stars - Jones writes in a entertaining and humorous way that tells a story, but it doesn't get bogged down in the seriousness of the police procedurals. The characters are fun, and the opening phrases at the beginning of each chapter sets the light-hearted tone.

Characters - 4.5 stars - This is where the story shines for me. Sunny is a great main character. She's serious about her job and her responsibilities both as a sheriff and as a mom, but she's funny and doesn't take herself too seriously. I especially like Ari as a main character--and she was an important part of this book. She's cute and smart, and I like the way her mind works. "What could go wrong?" makes me laugh every time she says it because, of course, something always does go wrong for her. Quincy is a great straight-man, providing a sounding board for Sunny. Levi is actually more of a secondary character this time, as are Sunny's parents, but they all provide a solid base and some amusing moments.

Title - 3.5 stars - I'm not sure I would have focused the whole book on Sunny's one day of work with a hangover. Yes, that began the story, but I didn't think it was particularly important.

Cover - 4 stars - A beautiful cover that draws the eye to the main features, which show up clearly against a clean white background.

Overall - 4 stars - This is such an entertaining series, and I loved that Jones casually mentioned a series to read about a Grim Reaper (that is, of course, the other Jones series). Sunny is a great main character, although I think her abduction background is kind of convoluted. But it works to bring her and Levi and Ari together. The various cases are usually serious, the danger is real, and the police work is good, but the joking between characters lightens it up considerably. I really don't enjoy anything to do with the Dangerous Daughters. The meetings are intrusive, and the people are not funny (although I think they're supposed to be). I just don't quite understand what their purpose is (except, perhaps, to review the open cases for the reader), and I could do with much less of them.

A solid, funny fiction with some elements of a mystery. I love the sarcasm of the characters and there are truly some laugh out loud moments. However, the mystery aspect didn’t keep my attention like I’d hoped and I found myself getting confused with the amount of characters and corresponding backstory. Solid book, but just not one that I loved. 3 stars ⭐️ . Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

★★ 4.5 stars! ★★

The much-anticipated conclusion to the Sunshine Vicram series will have you on the edge of your seat and your heart pounding in your throat.

Told with Jones’ signature sass and sarcasm, there are multiple mysteries to be solved and loose ends to be tied up before the last page—and let me tell you, everything ends in the best possible way. Fans of Darynda Jones' writing and/or this series will be very happy!

I have loved this entire series and really hope that there will be a spin-off series with the next generation of super-smart kids.

I have loved this series and could not wait for this book but...I felt slighlty disconnected. I think in this case it was definitely a *me* thing and am sure at some point I will go back and reread the entire series and feel differently. It may have been the time, it may have been that part of the big mystery was resolved.

That being said I love what Ms. Jones writes and this was no exception - she has amazing characters both main and secondary with so many interesting things to further explore. I hope this isnt our only visit to town!

I flew through this book, getting annoyed when life demanded I put down my iPad. The final installment in the Sunshine Vicram trilogy was hilarious and intricately plotted and suspenseful and awesome. My apologies to the author and the publisher for not writing a much longer review the moment I finished reading. Darn work and home life! But I loved this whole series, and I'm sad this was the last installment. The only weak spot in the book was the unnecessary repetition of how hot Levi was (we get it!), and the suspension of disbelief it required to go along with the idea that he could be squashed by a truck, etc. and still be physically capable of all his feats of derring do with no medical attention or recuperation/healing time. Otherwise, *chef's kiss*!

Book three in the series and you would think that everything would get old with the characters and with the story and yet it does not. The author has kept everything fresh with the girls missing and Sunshine is working at trying to find what is common with each of the disappearances. Levi has a relative escape from prison, you find out for sure who is Auri's father and yet that is not a big surprise. During all of this Bug is still worried about Cruz and still has problems staying at school. Sunshine teller her what she needs to do or not to be an FBI agent is every parent's thought process. Yet you find out so much more. This story has so much going on and yet you are able to follow all of the characters the author makes it about life in a small town with quirky people. A very good story, with good characters, and again the sayings before each chapter are very funny, a must-read.

Absolutely loved this series! Sunshine and Levi amazing! What an incredible journey wish the series was longer but still overall loved everything about the series!

I absolutely adored this series and I was really sad to find out that this was a planned trilogy, so most likely there will be no more Sunshine Vicram stories. This series of mysteries is laugh-out-loud with fun character interplay and even a little bit of romance - which is usually not my jam. I loved the relationships and witty banter, and hope that Jones will rethink bringing Sunshine and crew back for another book - or two or three :)

It’s been a few weeks since I finished this one, and yet I could still tell you what happened. That doesn’t happen very often for me! It might be because I already have an established love for these characters and their town from the previous Sunshine novels, but I’m going to go with they are just that good. I love them and they make me happy.

Do you like lighter mystery novels? These are perfect for that. There is always a lot of drama going on in Sunshine and Auri’s lives, but it’s also hilarious. Speaking of Auri, what a great little detective she’s turning out to be! A real chip off the old block, as they say. Their mother/daughter relationship is still one of my favorite parts of this whole series.

And just like with the other books, I want every sign that exists in Del Sol, New Mexico. They are always clever and make me laugh.

I will be sticking with this series for as long as @daryndajonesofficial writes them 💜

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my thoughts!

Darynda Jones books are always a delight. I've really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to what happens in this little town next.

I just adored this series from Darynda Jones. She makes you laugh on almost every page even when the situation is serious, but at the same time she knows when to curb the snark when needed. The only thing I don't like is that the series is likely over. I really enjoyed all of the characters, but my favorite relationship in the book is the mother-daughter relationship that Sunsine and Auri share. They are amazing and I hope my daughter grows up to be half as fearless as Auri, but only half!

I have loved all of the books by Darynda Jones and this one was no exceptions. Her way of writing gives me so many laughs and I find myself glued to it until it's done and I'm wishing for more.

I totally related to Sunshine. Oh how I related. I think that really helped me to become so addicted to this. She is personable and yet wants to avoid all the drama. Her daughter, Auri, is everything a daughter should be - full of spirit and keeping a Mom on her toes. Throw in a love interest and this book is going to appeal to those who love romance as well as those who love a good mystery!

This third entry in the series ties up all of the loose ends from the previous two books in a tidy bow. Ultimately, for me, it was not as satisfying as the other two because the book barely focused on the drama beyond the lives of the main characters. I was pleased for the characters as I had come to care for them but I wanted a little more than steamy sex and coincidence.

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.

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 our a narrator. She is insatiably curious, and sticks her nose into all the trouble of the town.

My video review: https://youtube.com/watch?v=g4sV2O7Iw7M&feature=shares&t=155

This book feels like a season of a TV show. It's the type of the 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.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

A Hard Day for a Hangover is the third and final book in the Sunshine Vicram series.

There is never a dull moment in Del Sol. Reluctant sheriff, Sunshine Vicram is on the case. When a young woman is found unconscious at the bottom of a cliff, Sunshine puts on her sleuthing hat to solve the case. Auri, her precocious teenage daughter, does a little investigating of her own. Of course, the case isn’t the only thing on Sunshine’s mind. Her continuing love for Levi is causing a bit of a distraction. Can sunshine balance the foils of her professional and personal life to solve the case?

Like the other books in the series, A Hard Day for a Hangover is full of romance, humor, and a killer mystery. As a conclusion to the series, it definitely does not disappoint. The book is fast paced and full of high tension action. The mystery element, interaction between the characters, and of course the laughs kept me going from page one. There are twists and turns in the case that keeps readers guessing. A bit of a warning, A Hard Day for a Hangover is a bit more graphic than other books in the series. Jones does a wonderful job of finding a balance between the serious and comical scenes. She transitions nicely. What I love most about this book and the others in the series is the characters and their interactions. I absolutely love Auri and would love to see a young adult series with her as the main character.

The Sunshine Vicram is high on my list of books I recommend to my friends and patrons, especially those who are fans of sassy main characters and comedic mysteries. Overall, the series and this latest installment are solid books. They are fun reads and bring a bit of sunshine into my reading, pun intended.

The previous bookA Good Day for Chardonnay left off with Sunshine telling Levi that he's Auri's father, and then he basically disappears. Cruz is recovering from being stabbed while saving Auri's life. The events between these two books seemingly pick up almost immediately and span a week or two if I remember correctly. That's always challenging for me. When two books each carry some extreme events, like Cruz getting stabbed, Auri almost getting killed, several mysteries solved, and now we're picking up almost immediately with another series of major events and more multiple mysteries to be solved. It's unbelievable that the characters can experience such dramatic events so frequently. But I don't necessarily read these books for believability.

Darynda Jones writes insanely likeable characters. I love all of them. Sunshine is similar to the other leading women she's written before, and I can't complain about it. I like her so much. Of course, Sunshine is extremely different from myself. Even though she often seems like she doesn't exactly have everything together, she's extremely smart, perceptive, and pulls so much together to solve all these puzzles.

If anyone annoys me out of the character set, it's Auri. Okay, okay, don't jump on me just yet. I love Auri. But sheesh, she can't seem to obey her mother for anything. I mean Sunshine doesn't really discourage her from her disobedience. But as a mother myself, this is a pet peeve. Sometimes we need to understand the why of our parent's instructions, and sometimes we need to obey for obedience's sake. But also, Auri is following in her mother's footsteps and learning the ropes of investigating. She has a knack for following the right strings. Finding out that Levi is Auri's father was a big revelation, and now Sunshine, Levi, and Auri have to work through the fallout of this information. Auri goes from believing that she's the product of an assault on her mother to finding out that a man she loves separately from her mother is actually her biological father. This makes my heart so happy for her.

Levi already had me. Granted, he's so stoic in the past two books that it's hard to read him at times. A Hard Day for a Hangover revealed more about where Levi's head is and what he wants for Sunshine, for himself, for Auri, for all of their futures. If Reyes didn't set the bar as high as he did in the Charley Davidson series, Levi would definitely rank up there right under Reyes. I have a special place reserved for him. Regardless, Levi is pretty stellar, and I can't wait to read more of their story in the upcoming books.

Auri and Cruz didn't have as much of a leading part of this story. They had moments enough to connect and keep us interested and wanting more, but the focus of this story was elsewhere. Auri did have such a large part in the entire book, but her relationship with Cruz just wasn't as present because of Cruz's recovery. He did have some progress, so he wasn't completely absent.

I never want to discuss the mysteries in too much detail because too much can be spoiled for the next reader. Darynda Jones never fails me. I don't usually figure everything out, even if I figure out pieces. There are too many pieces overall to know exactly what's going on.

Favorite quotes:
-Sadly, she didn't do nonchalant well. She was much more of a chalant.

-"And cowboys and vampires and there's this one series about a female grim reaper who's in love with the son of--"

-As the three of them sat eating her mother's famous lasagna, also known as Stouffer's,

A Hard Day for a Hangover is another book of exactly what Darynda Jones does best. I love the character building she does while solving multiple mysteries. All of the pieces of all the puzzles are moving forward at just the right pace. Sunshine and Levi were my favorite part of A Hard Day for a Hangover, but Auri really had a huge role in this book and overall story. There aren't many authors that end every book with me wanting more. I'm always dying to get my hands on the next book by Darynda Jones. A Hard Day for a Hangover gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Hard Day for a Hangover? What did you think? Let me know!

I devoured this book. I sat down to read a few chapters and almost finished it in one sitting because I could not put it down.
For a small town, the town of Del Sol sure holds a lot of big characters. It's too bad for Sheriff Sunshine Vicram that she's the one in charge of keeping them in line. It's one thing after another with even bigger stakes than ever as very little hint dropped in previous volumes comes to a head in a series of explosive conclusions.
There are missing and abused women, the Ravinder family causing all kinds of chaos, the town flasher finally getting his comeuppance, and even lots of emotional revelations. And this is why I love Jones as an author, the topics touched are extremely serious and treated as such, but woven into every bit of the plot are gloriously fun little moments of light that made me laugh out loud at least once a chapter. It's everything from sarcasm to sass to classic puns, all perfectly integrated into the story to keep things from getting too dark despite the horrible things going on.
My only minor gripe is that it spends too much time on Auri and her very poor decisions. But she is very much her mother's daughter and those decisions lead to some of the most exciting moments in the series, so I'm willing to forgive it a bit.
This being the third book in the series, I do feel obliged to mention that it is the kind of book that you probably won't enjoy as much if you're not familiar with the previous volumes. There is way too much backstory that a reader would have to be familiar with to fully enjoy all the goings on. It would still be a fun read, but it won't be the fantastic read it is without knowing all that happened in the previous books.
Overall, a phenomenal read that continues to prove that Darynda Jones is a brilliant writer when it comes to crafting sarcastic, brilliantly-flawed heroines.

Extremely happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to review this gloriously funny story!

4.75 Stars!
I'm so, so sad this series is over. I enjoyed each and every book. Sunshine's friends and family were some of the most entertaining and sometimes odd groups of characters. The mysteries were always intriguing even if this one was a little too on the nose.

This book focused a bit more on Sunshine and Levi's romance while the two mysteries were nearly secondary. No complaints since I love the romantic aspects. Levi and Sunshine's road to happily ever after was fraught with misunderstandings, interruptions, and lots of longing, but this book brought it full circle to a satisfying and at times, emotional conclusion.

There wasn't much mystery to the mystery, but like the previous two books, once it ramped up, it was heavy on action and nail-biting suspense. A couple of additional red herrings might have made the mystery more surprising. If this had been book one, I might have wanted more mystery development, but being the third and final book, the focus on revelations, reconciliations, and relationships made me a satisfied reader.

NOTES ON THE AUDIOBOOK:
The narrator for this series was the ideal choice. She captured the humor (snark), poignancy, thrills, and romance perfectly. The presentation was exactly how it sounded in my head.

Sunshine Vicram is the sheriff in a small town in New Mexico, where she grew up and her parents still live. Sunshine has a lot on her plate – a fifteen-year-old daughter, several unsolved assaults and one murder involving young women, and a love life that is complicated to say the least.

Darynda Jones’s third (and final) book in this series is filled with interesting characters and witty dialogue. However, there’s a lot going on and, for the most part, the story is over the top and convoluted. As long as this book is read and appreciated for its quirky characters and their somewhat inexplicable behavior, then it can be enjoyable. The only part that I found to be totally unnecessary was the presence of the secret vigilant group. It only served as a detraction and didn’t seem to add anything to the enjoyment of the book.

I would definitely recommend that the three books in this series be read in order. There are a lot of references to previous events and people without very much backstory to fil in the gaps. It has been an enjoyable ride.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.