Cover Image: A Hard Day for a Hangover

A Hard Day for a Hangover

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Member Reviews

I am BEYOND sad that there will be no more books in this very very very short series [hmph. I guess that is actually incorrect. It is a TRILOGY. Hmph]. It is rare that I love a book so complete as I have the three books in this set, but here we are. There was something almost perfect [for me] about how well Sunshine, Auri, Sun's parents and assortment of friends all work together along with Quincy and the amazing team of police staff that Sun has working under her [My GOSH isn't Quincy just so freaking hilarious? I love him] - it makes the already great read [because great characters absolutely need great writing and a great story and this has that in spades] even more fantastic.

This book finds us just days later from the previous book and those who are healing are barely there when chaos once again erupts all over the place and of course Sunshine and her crew [including her fearless daughter Auri] are right in the thick of it and when it really gets going, you are barely able to draw a breath until it is all over [<spoiler>I had to stop reading/listening at one point and go stalk around the house and RANT to my poor mother. I swear if Auri or her grandfather had died, this would have been a MUCH different review</spoiler>].

I was pretty sure I knew who the attacker/killer was [it was interesting to have a side story in the middle of the whole Ravender story, and BOY HOWDY was this a story of all stories], though I was disappointed to be correct. What a sad, sad thing [and don't even get me started on all that happens during the reveal. Good grief. Ugh] and I don't know about you, but I felt that I never really got a full explanation as to why, but I guess when you deal with a sadistic psychopath, there doesn't need to be a reason, but simply because they can.
The rest of the story was equally intriguing [though I would have loved to have known more about Quincy and his quest to woo the woman of his dreams] and I really like how Sunshine and Levi handled things that could have gone much worse with lesser people at the helm.
Hmph. I want more. I will learn to be content with what I did get, but I will never stop wishing for just "one more book". ;-)

I was once again happy to receive the audiobook ARC of this book and I have to say, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating this books. Lorelei King does an amazing job and really makes a great story even better with her absolutely fantastic narration. I really need to look for other books that she has narrated; really well done.

I was asked to read and review this book by St. Martin's Press and I thank them, NetGalley, Darynda Jones, Lorelei King - Narrator and Macmillian Audio for the ARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Let me start by saying I have been a fan of Darynda Jones since I read the first Charley Davidson book. And as each new book would come out I'd think there was no way this one will be as good, but they always were and this series is no different.

This book gave me all the feels, seriously all of them, happy, sad, scared, all the feels, and can we talk about the comedy that's woven into this book, I found myself laughing more than once.

Sunny and Levi have been crossing each other for years, it never being the right time for them to be together but all of that changes in A Hard Day For A Hangover, we finally see them find their way to each other and it's perfection.

We also see so many of the secrets that have been held by the people in this community coming to light, answers to questions are all over the place in this one and I loved it.

Since I had the joy of listening to the audiobook let me just take a moment to talk about Loreili King, she is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators, the tone and quality of her voice are second to none and she has perfect inflection for the zingy one-liners that the author is known for.

I adore this series, as each book goes on these characters become more like people you know, they're relatable, realistic, and so well-written it's almost like hearing a story a friend is telling you.

Now as for the spice, yes there is some and in my opinion, the right amount and between the right people. Would I have liked to hear more, well if I'm honest yes, but Levi and Sunny are just finding their way back to each other so there's time

All in all, I can't recommend this book or this series enough, it's funny, well written, and makes you wonder how Auri is going to make it through high school in one piece, but she is her parent's daughter and personally, I can't wait to see what happens next with all of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance copy of this audiobook, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Darynda Jones - always such a delight to read (especially to listen to) her books! I've read a few of her books before, specifically the Charlie Davidson grave series, so to pick up the Sunshine Vicram series was a real treat -this series was so unexpected! I'd seen many posts on Bookstagram for the first 2 books and knew book 3 (Hangover) was coming up. When I had the opportunity to get the ARC from Netgalley, I jumped on it, knowing it was going to encourage me to read all 3, which it definitely did. Being able to also get the ALC and to read and listen at the same time - it was perfect, since I had books 1&2 also in audio.

Sunshine Vicram was a character like no other, and this was a series like no other I've read before! A Hard Day for a Hangover is not a standalone. If you have not read the first two books, you will be very lost. It does not really explain what happens in the first books and is a continuation with the information in this romantic mystery series. I scoured reviews to see if I could dive into this book or if I did need to read the others first - I couldn't find the answer so I'm putting it out there. NO. You must read them all, in order, or you will be very lost and asking a lot of questions! Character arcs and the storyline goes throughout all three books.

I spent 3 days in a row reading (listening to) all 3 books, and I'm very glad to be able to do all 3 back-to-back. The story arc is constant through them all and the first 2 leave with a bit of a cliffhanger question at the end of each one, so to be able to go straight into the next was critical to answer the question and know what happens next, and how it all plays out. The overall mystery of what happened to Sunshine as a teenager is discussed through all of them, but each book has a new mystery plot. Sunshine has her overall romance throughout the series as well. She pines for Levi and has since she was a teen, though there's a side plot with another (lol!). Friendships abound, with the bookclub, a secret friendship, Auri and her school friends, the grandparents (oh, I love her parents!!), the old lady who loves to confess to every crime that happens in town, the secret society of Daughters - so many fantastic things and they all arc through all three books.

The final book, this one, is extremely action-packed, with the Ravinder family plot being revealed, a huge town plot coming to a head, and even more hospital visits!! So much drama, so much action, and even some heartache and a whole lot of romance!

Audio - all three books are narrated by Lorelei King, a gal who's been a favourite narrator of mine since at least 15 years ago (or whenever it was that I started listening - at least that long ago). One of the first audios I picked up was her voice, and she's been with me on my whole audio journey, and I've loved her that long, but she's been the voice of Stephanie Plum in my head the whole time (though I think after 3 solid days and books of her as Sunshine, it'll be hard to go back!). A top narrator if ever there was one!!

Everyone needs this series in their lives! It's drama, it's mystery, and a lot of romance - perfect for lovers of romantic suspense, but great for romance readers to get a little mystery and action, and great for mystery and suspense readers to get some romance! A recommendation from me for readers of all the genres!

I received an advance listen copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

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This book was a pleasant listen. The characters were all well done. It's sad this was the last in the series. It will be interesting to see what the authors next book has in store. Love, love, love the narrator. She has been doing a lot of books for another author and really is enjoyable to listen to. All in all, well done!

Thank you to Darynda Jones, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me access to an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

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was given an audio copy to review from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.
This is book 3 in the Sunshine Vicram series. This is the first I have encountered. I was drawn in by the description. The story takes place in and around Del Sol, New Mexico. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram awakes with a hangover from the night before. The rest of her day doesn’t get better.

There is so much going on. This story continues shortly after the end of the last book. We learn a lot about the Sheriff, her family, her true love, and her community.

This is not for the faint of heart. It’s sad on some levels and joyous on others. I enjoyed the rollercoaster effect and the ending.

Our main story begins when a local hunter calls the sheriff’s office. He spotted a seriously injured and sexually assaulted young girl at Copper Canyon. He stays with her until she is rescued and taken to hospital. Auri, Sunni’s fifteen year old daughter becomes deeply involved in trying to solve what happened to the young woman found in Copper Canyon.

So without giving away any secrets I’ll wrap this up by saying I enjoyed all the facets of the story and the narrator. It took me a few minutes to place her voice. I have listened to many Stephanie Plum novels that she has narrated.

Loved the pithy saying from local stores & T-shirts that peppered the novel.

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A Hard Day for a Hangover is the exhilarating third book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones. There is plenty of action, mysteries to be solved and most of all the quirky humor that will make the reader laugh out loud. Lorelei King's excellent narration makes this book even more delightful. There is a thoroughly satisfying conclusion with questions answered in both mysteries and relationships.

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This was a really good, snarky, suspenseful read that must be read in order. I'm sad this trilogy is over, but was wrapped nicely. Sun's daughter is still involved and questions are answered about her paternity. I wished more romance was flushed out though, but this was not a boring read at all, still entertaining.
The audiobooks are fantastic and Lorelei King did amazing narration as always.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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I love this series and have listened to the previous 2 books. I love the consistent narration throughout the books.

This book and series is just fun! The characters are perfectly eccentric. The dialogue witty. The mystery is interesting. I love the way the book has new and previous plot points.

My favorite part is the signs and clever sayings from the various Del Sol establishments at the beginning of each chapter!

You’ll find me over here waiting impatiently for book #4!

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I love this author and this narrator, they are two of my favorites. I have read every single book Darynda Jones has written and listened to dozens that Lorelei King has narrated. They being said, I’m heartbroken that this is the last in this series!! Everyone of her books is written with the same serious subject but funny tone, her characters are always well described and the mysteries are always intriguing.

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This book was the best one of the series.
It had mystery, laughs, and sex.
This can be read as a stand alone book but best understood by reading the series.
I loved how it all tied together at the end.

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A Hard Day for a Hangover
Sunshine Vicram #3
Darynda Jones

It’s hard to be sad for the finale of this series when the last book is just as good if not better than the first and there’s always re-reading the series, but gosh just when readers can’t get enough of Sunshine Vicram and her gutsy, quirky crew of characters it’s The End! But what an ending, readers will finally get closure into many of the previous mysteries in the series as well as being front and center for another totally new whodunit to solve as well. Then let’s talk about the drama, usually drama is a turnoff but in this case it’s an equal measure of eye-rolling, belly-laughing and OMGing that just so happens to be the life and times of Sunshine Vicram. Then there’s Sun’s teenaged/avenger daughter, Auri, who try as she might usually puts her foot in it before she turns it around and saves the day and will have readers nail-biting attention until the end. Then Sun’s parents have to be mentioned as well as the other totally unforgettable cast of costars like Sun’s bestie since childhood Quincy Cooper, and of course the eye candy who is Levi Ravinder. It’s hard to imagine that Darynda can outdo herself after this series, but then she’s done it before so Ms. Jones bring us the next best thing!

Narration:
Lorelei King’s narration is the best way to experience this book and this series, she is the PERFECT Sunshine and gives a really good performance for all the other characters as well including the male voices. But what’s the best is her ability to put the right emotion in the right place making the listening audience either roll on the floor laughing, rolling their eyes or biting their nails. Brava!

Sunshine Vicram’s had some really bad days since she was roped into being sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico but she’s about reached her limit. Not only is she facing some serious sheriff stuff with missing young women. Then her teenaged daughter Auri’s rebel with a cause phase where she’s trying to be SuperGirl but seems to fall out of the sky more often then not. But also there’s the little problem with Levi Ravinder the man she’s loved since she was a teen and who she just learned and confessed to him that he’s Auri’s dad and instead of embracing paternity he’s decided to ghost her. And if that’s not enough she’s got issues with the secret society that actually runs the town. No wonder she tried to drown her sorrows in a bottle, but now it’s daylight and she’s got to sober up and face her life, like it or not. Good thing her team in the Sheriff’s department including her bestie are all professionals; well sometimes.

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Did I forget nearly everything that happened in the first two books?
Yup.
Did I skip rereading them anyway because I was too excited to start this one?
Also yes.
Did it matter?
Nope.
They touch enough on the bits from the first two books to refresh my memory and allow me to enjoy this newest addition to the series without a reread.
Love when that happens!
Sunshine and gang are just as entertaining while bungling along in this book as I hoped.
This sass and sarcasm alone are worth it!
This cannot be read as a standalone without giving hella spoilers for the first two books.
You've been warned.
The series is fantastic, so not sure why you would want to skip the first two books, but you have the warning none the less.
Much love to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my DRC.

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This is the 24th book and third Darynda Jones series that I have read. Suffice it to say, I am a Darynda Jones fangirl. Jones is a master at creating bad@$$, smart, savvy, snarky and absolutely hilarious female leads. While she has mastered the urban-fantasy genre with her two previous series (Charley Davidson and Betwixt & Between), with Sunshine Vicram she has ventured into the murder mystery/crime thriller genre. And it’s a hit!!!

The book summary is more of a bullet list of storylines, not much meat. The book starts out a few days after the end of the previous book. This book is not a standalone either. You MUST read the first two books in order to understand the characters and storylines of this book. The primary storyline is the investigation of the missing and assaulted girls. Then there is the storyline of an escaped convict, that Sunshine requested to be transferred and since it’s a Ravinder brother, the FBI suspect Sunny is an accomplice. Then there is the storyline of Levi Ravinder (not the escaped convict) and Sunny and their daughter. Lastly, and by no means least, there is the investigation of the local serial flasher getting stabbed in the neck by a knitting needle. Needless to say, Sunny has a lot going on.

In the second half of the story, some of the storylines begin to merge, revealing some long-held secrets and some tragic twists. The end gets very scary for Sunny and her daughter as well as a busload of students. There are some nail-biting scenes that end tragically for some. This was a satisfying end of the trilogy and I’m saddened to see it go. I'm going to miss all of her snarky little quips at the beginning of every chapter. However, I have no doubt that Jones is already working on her next series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

I want to thank NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for sending me this eARC.

@NetGalley @MacMillianAudio @HardDayForAHangover

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I can't believe this series is over! Ms. Jones, I will need a novella to wrap up a few things, I'm not ready to leave this world just yet.

This trilogy brought so much joy to my life. Sunshine Vicram, her quirky family and precocious teenage daughter, are the perfect foundation for a madcap mystery series. The side characters are well established, fully fleshed out and super entertaining. This series is definitely worth the read!

Not to spoil anything, but the slow burn between Sun and Levi Ravinder (who is SUPER HOT, BTW) has an excellent resolution in this book, its worth reading just for this part alone

We are also always rooting for the racoon. IYKYK

The mysteries (because there is always more than one thing happing in Del Sol) are engrossing and keep you guessing until the end. If I can't figure out who did what before the end, I always count that as a huge plus in favor of the book.

Thank you Macmillan audio so much for letting me listen to this audiobook. I truly LOVE Lorelei King. She brings magic to everything she narrates.

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Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went in to this book not having read the first 2 in the series and I still enjoyed it. I will go back and read them. I read Ms. Jones's 1st Grave series and loved it. I Loved this book too. She did not disappoint. It was such a fun audio book to listen to. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. If you are looking for a fun, lol, fast paced, thriller read this book.

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This third (and final) installment of Darynda Jones's Sunshine Vicram series is brought to life by one of my favorite narrators, Lorelei King! She has narrated all of my favorite books, including all of those penned by Ms. Jones. Lorelei King is such a good voice actor that you can feel like you are truly experiencing the entire story with every sentence she speaks. If Darynda Jones ever writes a book that Lorelei King doesn't narrate, I probably won't listen to it because nobody else could ever be the voice of Darynda Jones's books. I would simply read the book and not listen to the audio book if anyone else narrated it.

About the book: A Hard Day for a Hangover is the conclusion to the bestselling Sunshine Vicram trilogy and I'm sad that the trilogy is now complete. Darynda Jones is one of my all-time favorite authors and she delivered another blockbuster story.

If you are looking to loose yourself in a good story, look no farther. She has written a humorous and daring wine mystery trilogy that you really don't want to miss. Her characters are well fleshed out, each story-line intertwines with the rest of the story seamlessly, and the chapter openers may just make you laugh-snort your beverage of choice when you read them. You might cry, but you will laugh as you read the adventures of Sunshine Vicram, her family, and her friends. I'm sad to see them go, but hope we will see them again in short stories or novellas in the coming years.

As this is the third book in the trilogy, this is not a standalone read, although the author has written small reminders of how the story arc has gone so far in several places, so you could read it standalone and still understand what is going on. You'll miss out on so many important details if you read it that way - so don't.

This series is on my constant re-read/re-listen shelf along with Darynda Jones's other books and I hope it will end up on yours as well!

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I love Darynda’s books!!!
& this is no exception.

I’m actually really sad this ended because it was my comfort. Driving to and from work listening to this book was my happy place. I love Sunshine, Ari, Levi, Quincy, all of them! I especially loved the ending of this where we find out who has been hurting the girls. It was super action packed!

This book was funny, thrilling, romantic, and all of the above. Checks all of the boxes!

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Saying it loud and proud: I am a fan of Sunshine Vicram! Having read Jones last 2 books in this series, I was thrilled to see book #3 of the trilogy. I can only hope Jones might decide to do a little spin-off of this series because there are still stories to be told for each of the characters.

Synopsis: Book # 3 brings us a series of young 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.

Like the previous two books, Jones keeps the action jumping back and forth between Sunny and Auri, from case to case, or from case to personal releationships. And every time you think you’re about to settle into one of the stories for a while, she yanks the focus to something else .

Reading a Jones book is like being tossed into the fray and just when you start settling in, you are time warped to another place and so on. A Hard Day for a Hangover is funny, charming and sweet. You will come for the mystery, but stay for the mom-daughter relationship which resembles the Gilmore Girls (Lorelai and Rory) - sassy, witty and full of love even in tough times.

If you haven’t read the first two books, stop here and go read them. I strongly recommend reading these books in order. Sunshine Vicram would make a great TV series. Hey, Netflix! Are you paying attention?

Note: I listened to this on audio and while I enjoy Lorelei King immensely, at times I got distracted and confused this story with Janet Evanovich's number series. I'm guessing its because of the narrators voice is the same. And note: I love both authors and King. The mysteries and situations are entertaining and the quick wit enjoyable. So, this isnt a take-away of the Sunshine series. I have listened to and read this series and I enjoyed them both.

Many thanks to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for sharing a delightful mystery that leaves you warm and content.

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A Hard Day for a Hangover (Sunshine Vicrum #3) by Darynda Jones
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator does an excellent job with the voices, and brings the book to life. This story was witty, had some entertaining and snarky banter, and plenty of humor. I hadn’t read the first two novels of this series, and there were moments where I felt something more had happened in the past, or I had missed something, but it was good nonetheless. The book was a fast read, and the various mysteries all came together in the end.
Many thanks to Darynda Jones, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review.

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A fabulous ending to a fabulous series! As usual I hated to see it end and want more! Sunshine and the gang are another great cast of characters and even though I know this is supposed to be the last book, I’m hoping for more! Loved it!

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