Book Review: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

 

From the publisher:

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.

A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones was released December 6th, 2022 by St. Martin's Press.

My thoughts: It's a good mystery novel with plenty of snark and humor. It has both serious mysteries and lighter ones. And in addition to Sunshine and her Sheriff's department investigating, her daughter Auri can't keep herself from lending a hand even though she is only in high school.

If you've read the first two books in this series, then this one is a must read. Some plot arcs that have taken place over all three novels are resolved.

If you haven't read the first two books, in theory you could read this one and enjoy it as a stand alone. There are plots and subplots that are only in this novel. But, you would get so much more if you started with book one. 

I liked the characters and the setting of small town Del Sol, New Mexico. It's a fast paced book. Pace increases the further you get into the story. And there's a little heat between Sunshine and Levi.

Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It has humor, interesting plots and subplots, good characters, and an interesting setting. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy some humor with their mysteries and don't mind a hot scene or two between characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.

Happy Book Birthday to Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

 

Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones is released today from St. Martin's Press.

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

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

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

This is the third and final book in the Sunshine Vicram trilogy. I've just started this book and I'm already enjoying it. Darynda Jones has a way of blending humor, mystery, and a touch of romance that is wonderful.

Have you been looking forward to this book? 

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #414: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

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.

The final novel in a three-arc trilogy, A Hard Day for a Hangover is the finale to the Sunshine Vicram series that will have you laughing and cheering all the way to the end.

A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones is expected out December 6th, 2022 from St. Martin's Press.

Why am I waiting on this book?  I really enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy. I love Sunshine and her daughter Auri. I'm wondering how things will end up with Levi. And Darynda Jones writes well and with plenty of humor. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Quincy Cooper had been her bestie since she'd throat-punched Peter Bailey for knocking him down on the playground. Quincy had grown since then. Now he looked roughly like an industrial freezer with a grin that could melt the panties off a comatose nun. (1% through on my Kindle)

A Good Day For Chardonnay by Darynda Jones is expected to be published July 27th, 2021 by St. Martin's Press. The above quote comes from an ARC, thus it and it's location are not final.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Gravedigger's Son by Darynda Jones

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Try leaving again without saying goodbye, and you’ll find out just how angry I can get.” 

He snaked a hand up her T-shirt and over her rib cage, causing an outbreak of goose bumps to spread over her skin. “Is that a promise?” he asked. 

“It’s a threat.” 

“Ah.” 

“And not an idle one, either,” she warned. “There is nothing idle about my threats. My threats are hardworking. Not afraid to get their hands dirty.”

-- p. 78 on my Kindle

The Gravedigger's Son by Darynda Jones was published May 11th, 2021 by 1001 Dark Nights Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Bewitched by Darynda Jones

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“I’ll be ready in forty-five. You should probably change into something less devout.”

 She sulked. “But these are my favorite sweats.” 

“They have more holes than a can of Spaghetti-O’s.” 

“And?”

(25% through on my Kindle)

Bewitched by Darynda Jones is the second book in the Betwixt and Between series. Book three, Beguiled, is expected out February 15th, 2021 from Feather & Leaf, LLC.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Book Review: Betwixt by Darynda Jones

 

Defiance Dayne has pretty much lost everything except her car in a nasty divorce. Much to her surprise she learns she has inherited a house in Salem, Massachusetts from a stranger named Ruthie Goode. She gets in her vintage mint green Volkswagen Beetle and heads east. 

Defiance meets the lawyer at the house where the lawyer practically throws the keys at her in her hurry to get away from the house named Percival. Not long after that, she meets the delicious looking handyman, Roane. Soon her BFF Annette joins her at the house. People start showing up at the door asking her to help find things. They seem to think she is a witch. After some weird events, Defiance begins to think they may be right.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were for the most part likable except for her ex and his mother. We meet her family and the chief of police among others.

The style of the writing is similar to the Charley Davidson series. I had no issue with this. I enjoy that style. I had a very minor issue with the way that Defiance comes across as much younger than her 40 something years.

Plot moves along at a fast enough rate. I just wanted her to open the first file on the computer faster. I enjoyed the twists. The end was a little bit of a cliffhanger. I'm glad I'm reading it now when the second book is already available.

I gave this book 5 stars. Overall it's worth a read. There is mystery, paranormal,and a touch of romance. If you've read other things by Darynda Jones and liked them, you will enjoy this book. It's full of snark, action, and twists. 

Betwixt is the first book in the Betwixt and Between series. Bewitched is book two and is available now. Beguiled, book three, will be available February 15th, 2021 from Feather & Leaf, LLC.

Teaser Tuesday: Betwixt by Darynda Jones

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

In a word, he was stunning. Because nothing short of stunning would give me pause in this particular situation. I had never, in all of my forty-plus years, thought a possible intruder handsome. The mind didn’t work that way. If it did, survival of the fittest would be a moot point. All of Darwin’s work for naught.

Then again, it could have been the kilt. (p.15)

Betwixt by Darynda Jones  was published February 18th, 2020 by Feather & Leaf, LLC. It's the first book in the Betwixt and Between series.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

 

Sunshine Vicram is the newly appointed sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico. It's her first day on the job and already things are really hopping. A woman crashes her car into the police station on her way to report her daughter missing. An escaped criminal is loose in the area. And a rooster named Puff Daddy has gone missing. Investigating will bring back memories of years past, both good and bad.

It's also her daughter Auri 's first day of school. Auri knows the missing girl and wants to help with the investigation. 

Sunshine has a winning personality: friendly, efficient, and full of snark. She is very down to earth and relatable. Sunshine works with her best friend, Quincy. But she is drawn to other men like Levi Ravinder, a reformed bad boy.

Auri is smart, sweet, and shares her mother's gift for snark. She also shares her mother's investigative abilities. Part of the book is told from Sunshine's point of view and part from Auri's. It's interesting that Auri's point of view sounds very much like the adolescent she is.

I pretty much enjoyed the character interactions. The book was also well plotted. The story moves along at a good pace. Things are revealed as they come up. And even though the book covers a short period of time, the characters show some growth. 

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. There's a balance between the bad and the good. The humor is important to this. It's a good read. If you enjoyed the Charley Davidson books, you will enjoy this one even though there is only a touch of the paranormal. And if you enjoy a good mystery with humor, you will most likely enjoy this one too.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones was published April 7th, 2020 by St. Martin's Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect the content of my review. 

Teaser: The Graveyard Shift by Darynda Jones

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Garrett's ire skyrocketed so fast he saw stars. Just like she knew it would. The scene was played to orchestral perfection. Each line delivered with just the right pause. Just the right inflection. The man's expression full of menace. Hers full of fear, yet her chin lifted in defiance. 

Garrett had been played like a heated game of Monopoly. (p.22)

The Graveyard Shift by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson series #13.5) was published on June 9th, 2020 by 1001 Dark Nights Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Thick clouds soaked up the vibrant colors of daybreak and splashed them across the heavens like a manic artist who'd just scored a new bottle of Adderall. Orange Crush and cotton candy collided and dovetailed, making the sky look like a watercolor that had been left out in the rain. 
 (1% through on my kindle)

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones was published April 7, 2020 by St. Martin's Press. This is book one in the new Sunshine Vicram series.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #308: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series!

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

Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshall, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free. 

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is expected to be published April 7th, 2020 by St. Martin's Press.

Why am I waiting on this one? I loved Darynda Jones's Charley Davidson series. This book sounds like it has quirky characters and interesting happenings. It seems like it will be right up my alley.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

Charley has been exiled from the earthly plain for eternity. But, somehow she is back after a mere 100 years. And Reyes is waiting for her. Sexy times commence.

A hell dimension has opened up in their home city. There is something infecting people and driving them mad. And there are still a couple of more storylines causing Charley to multitask to get everything done that she wants to be accomplished before the possible end of the world as we know it.

So, is it a wrap? Kinda. It seems like this wraps up Charley and Reyes story. Lots of things come to logical conclusions. Some things are still a surprise. Lots of sarcasm and sexiness as we've come to expect. And the fate of at least 2 characters is up in the air. Which leads us to the question so often asked... Will Beep's story be told? And on her blog, Darynda Jones confirms that at some point in the future it will be. When is up in the air, but it will be told. We have that to look forward to.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars for being a pretty satisfying conclusion to the series. There were a few parts that seemed a little rushed or contrived, but overall, it is good and satisfying. All the things we've grown to love about the series are present. I would recommend the series to fans of urban fantasy with paranormal aspects and a little romance and sex going on. This is not a standalone novel and should not be read as one.

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones was released January 15th, 2019 by St. Martin's Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Teaser Tuesday: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

She smiled up at me for the first time, and I wanted to hug her and pet her and squeeze her and possibly change her name to George.

Just when I thought we were bonding, she put a finger over her lips and said, "Shhhh, you just have to listen," seconds before her molecules separated and she flew away on the wind. (33% through on my Kindle)

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones is the final installment in the Charley Davidson series. It's coming out today, January 15th, 2019 from St. Martin's Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #242: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Expected publication:
January 15th 2019 by St. Martin's Press

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series!

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person stark raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently, it is. Bummer.

She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

Why am I waiting on this one? It's the last book in the Charley Davidson series. I'm curious to see how Darynda Jones will wrap everything up. I'll be sorry to see the series end. I've been enjoying the characters, the humor, and the plotlines. And even though it comes out in January of next year, I am still eagerly awaiting it.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

Reyes is back from a Hell dimension, but he's not quite his lovable self. Charley and her friends are trying to find a way to revert him to that state. And while she has a limited amount of time to perform this miracle there are other mysteries for Charley to solve including a grisly string of murders most likely committed by someone else supernatural. And there's a budding private investigator business to mentor. She's also seeing her usual ghosts.

The dialogue, both internal and external, is loaded with humor and sarcasm. Charley has quite a wit about her. And Charley wouldn't be Charley without the sarcasm, coffee, and the supportive group of friends.

Overall, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written and engaging. It's hard to put down. And it has a cliffhanger ending leaving you wanting the thirteenth book in the series ASAP, but you have to wait until next October for it. Number 13 is going to be the last book in the series.

While you probably could read it as a standalone, it's such a great series, I would recommend that you start with an earlier volume if you haven't read any yet. If you love urban fantasy or paranormal tales with some romance, this would be a good series for you. Charley is a kickass, snarky heroine. You can read more about the author and the series on her website here.

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones was released October 31, 2017 from St. Martin's Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Teaser Tuesday: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

So, yes, I could see them. I could also talk to them and arm-wrestle them and style their hair. But seeing the departed and convincing said departed to go into the light were two very different skill sets.(1% into the book on my Kindle)

You can read an excerpt from the book here. And read an interview with the author here. This is reportedly the second to the last book in the series at least for now.

The Trouble withTwelfth Grave by Darynda Jones is scheduled to be released on October 31, 2017 from St. Martin's Press. What a treat!

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Ambrosia of The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Then, as if my perpetual state of sunshine couldn't allow such a negative thought to infect my mind - I'm pretty sure I was a flower child in a past life - I just had to see the cup half full. Hopefully of Jack Daniel's."
~ 43% Through on my Kindle

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones is the first book in the Charley Davidson series. It was released February 1, 2011 by St. Martin's Press.

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!