I very rarely read romantic comedies, VERY rarely, but I am loving the Finlay Donovan series! She's an author and single mom who finds herself in the most hilarious situations. I'm neither an author or single mother but somehow I identify with her and love reading about her antics! Highly recommend this series even if you don't normally read comedies. It's nice to take a breather every now and then from the "serious" books, especially true crime!

Finlay Donovan and her side-kick nanny, Vero, need to locate a contract killer (Easy Clean) for mob boss Feliks before the cops do. But Finlay and Vero suspect the contract killer is part of the police force. So they join a citizen’s police academy, which is the perfect cover to gather new material for Finlay’s new book, and hide from the mob. At the same time, they figure out the killer's identity.

What I love:
✨Finlay and Vero’s banter - quick-witted, sarcastic, down-right fun! I could listen to these two talk to each other all day! 😂
✨Good mystery - I did not guess Easy Clean’s identity.
✨Romance - Hot Cop Nick is back! 🔥 Julian also makes an appearance, so the love triangle hasn't completely dissolved.
✨Cliffhanger- the setup for book 4 is brilliant! I can't wait for the next installment.

I would highly recommend reading this series in order to appreciate the well-developed characters. The stories are full of mishaps, great comedy, and snarky banter. Read this series now if you need a stress reliever.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy - all opinions are my own.

This is, hands down and without question, one of my favorite series of all time. OF ALL TIME. I just cannot get enough of Finlay and Vero's misadventures together. Each book I worry that it is going to be too over the top and ridiculous to be believable and somehow Elle Cosimano manages to keep it between the lines enough to have me fully hooked, addicted and desperate for the next book by the time I am flipping the final pages.

In this installment, Finlay and Vero pick right back up where we left them in the last cliffhanger - stuck between a rock and a hard place, in debt to a man they have no interest in being involved with, and realizing the magnitude of the mess Vero left behind in her previous life. Things are heating up with hot cop Nick, and Finlay is smack dab in the middle of it all, trying to hold the threads of her increasingly complicated life together.

No spoilers but this edition is still laugh out loud hilarious, endearingly heartwarming with even more gruff, rough and tumble characters to enjoy. The mess Finlay originally found herself in is the criminal underworld gift that just keeps on giving to her, as she keeps trying to work out exactly how to extract herself without getting herself or anyone else killed...... again.

Every single book leaves me desperate for this series to be turned into a tv series (this is the next Dead to Me and I won't be convinced otherwise). Every single book leaves me ready for more of Finlay's adventures. I loved every single page, which I devoured in one afternoon. Perfection, honestly. If you aren't into this series yet, GET ON IT. And if you are, get ready for this drop come January!

I liked this one!! The second one took a bit of a dip for me, but this one brought it back. Vero is still hilarious and I love her very much. The drama felt more realistic in this one and I liked the somewhat closed door feel it had with Finlay and Vero being at the police academy most of the book. This is just a fun series and I’m hoping to see more books from it in the future! (That twist at the end with who the dirty cop was!!) can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

I haven’t been this excited for an ARC since I got approved for Elizabeth Acevedo’s most recent novel (if you know me, that’s saying something). I adore this series, and I really enjoyed this third installment. The characters are unique and vibrant, the plot is always moving forward, and the romance is just enough. It felt like this novel is inching us toward the conclusion of the series, but I’m sure I will love whatever comes next!

Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun is the third book in Elle Cosimano’s slapstick mystery series. I recommend reading the series in order to fully understand what is going on. The first two books are Finlay Donovan is Killing It (#1) and Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (#2).

Finlay and her nanny/accountant, Vero, are up to their usual antics while trying to discover the identity of a person who takes on hit jobs under the internet name, Easy Clean. Not only did Easy Clean try to kill Finlay’s ex-husband, but he or she is also trying to blackmail a Russian-American mob boss. The mob boss wants Finlay to id Easy Clean in exchange for paying off one of Vero’s debts. Since Finlay and Vero believe Easy Clean is a current or former police officer, they agree to attend a week-long Citizen’s Police Academy. One of Finlay’s love interests just happens to be in charge of the academy. Sparks fly in more ways than one.

As with the first two books, this one ends with a cliffhanger. I am glad to know that the dynamic duo will be back again for round four.

4-Stars. This novel will be published on January 31, 2023. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲…was it a charm?! Jury is out.

I loved Book 1 of Finlay - the audio had me laughing out loud countless times over the madcap adventures of Finn and Vero.

I enjoyed Book 2 as their problems with the Russian mob and Findlay’s ex continued.

Book 3 was entertaining buuuuut it required more memory from me than I had at my fingertips about previous books + just like the fictional author Finlay, it needed more steam and romance with her love interest.

And the ending?? While there was some resolution, it wasn’t enough to satisfy me. Aaargh, cliffhangers are not my fave.

Was I entertained? Sure. Will I read book 4? Maybe.

This series has my heart! I could not be more obsessed with Finlay and Vero’s quirky friendship and the hilarious situations they get themselves into. Without giving too much away, this book continues off the cliff hanger from book two and takes place the majority of the time at a civilian police academy training camp 😂

The pacing, wit, and humor in these books is astounding and I can never put them down! I highly recommend this series for anyone, but especially if you like a little suspense and mystery without being scared. I highly recommend reading FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT and FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS ‘EM DEAD to catch up before this releases in January!

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the advanced copy of this book! 🙏🏼

Welcome to another one of my unpopular opinions. Finlay and Vero are up to the same shenanigans as in previous two books, and the book definitely ends with a set up to book 4. I just feel like there should be a bit more growth in the characters and storyline by now , and all the coincidences are just to much - how small a town is this ?

✔️ I enjoyed the relationship between Vero and Javi and some of the smaller characters like Cam and Mrs what’s her name
🔘 the setting of a citizen’s policy academy seemed a little too ludicrous and kinda silly to me

If you enjoyed the first two books in the Finlay Donovan series, get excited for Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. It had the same trademark hijinks and humor while still progressing the various storylines. It isn’t all wrapped up with a bow so I assume more books are coming. That said, I didn’t feel like I was totally left hanging. I’ll continue to work my way through this series and look forward to the next.
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This book comes out Jan 31,2023 so get your hold or preorder in now!
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Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the eARC.
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I adore the Finlay series, and this was no exception. Finlay is up to her usual antics—this time at a citizens police academy. I think I might be entirely too invested in whether Nick is going to figure out that Finlay is totally sus, or whether literally ANYONE will figure out that real life definitely is a little (ok a lot) reminiscent of Finlay’s books…I was so anxious the entire book!

Elle Cosimano, if you keep writing, I’ll keep reading. I think Finlay is secretly every mom around. Doesn’t really have her stuff together, pretends to for her editor, keeps her kids alive, and does the impossible day after day because she feels like she has to (or it won’t get done).

LOVED LOVED LOVED!! This book along with the previous two were amazing. I can't say enough good things. This was so well written and I just love Finlay and her overall attitude. Vero and Finlay are such a great duo and this book just kept me laughing the entire time! Highly recommend!!

I am a huge fan of the Finlay Donovan series, so I was beyond excited to get an advanced copy of this book! This is the third book in the series, and it’s another wild ride as Finlay tries to balance her life as a writer, a single mom, and an accidental hitwoman for hire. It’s full of action, a little bit of romance, laughs, and more sticky situations that Finlay and her sidekick Vero have to find their way out of.

This book picks up where the second book left off, with Finlay trying to find Easy Clean, the hitman who tried to kill her ex-husband in the last book. She also finds herself in a tough spot when Vero’s troubling past comes back to haunt them both, adding more unsavory characters to the mix. In the midst of it all, Finlay and Vero are offered the chance to take part in a citizen’s police academy, with Finlay’s potential love interest Nick as the commanding officer. This week-long training is no walk in the park, and Finlay and Vero find themselves trying to keep the criminal ties that they’ve found themselves wrapped up in from being discovered, while trying to uncover the identity of Easy Clean…and doing all of it without the cops around them noticing.

I absolutely loved the first book of this series, and enjoyed the second book as well. This book was good, and I laughed at some of the quotes and situations. But I found myself longing for more resolution with the love situation and an end to some of the conflicts that have been introduced in the series. Finlay and Vero seem to find themselves getting into more and more situations, without getting truly caught. That worked in the first book and I feel like it ended fine in the second. But at this point, it’s becoming more of an unlikely outcome…honestly. At some point, things have to come to light. It’s inevitable. Finlay and Vero wouldn’t be this lucky in real life. Adding more conflict and more situations only works for awhile and then readers may get tired of it.

All in all, it’s a 4 star read for me. I still love Finlay and Vero’s friendship, there were lots of funny moments, and I do love Nick. But, I am hoping that everything gets resolved in the next book.

In book 3 of the Finlay Donovan series, Nick has started up a citizen's police academy, and Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero have decided to attend. For Finlay, the reason is two-fold. Her book deadline is looming and her editor hates the book as is, and so Finlay needs to do a deep dive into researching some steamy love scenes with a certain detective love interest. Also, this will give Finlay and Vero the perfect cover-up to sleuth out who is blackmailing Feliks and free themselves from the mob's clutches—all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero's past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood.
I love this series and this book was just as much fun as the previous two books were. There was non-stop action and laughs and I adore Finlay and Vero. I am really rooting for Finlay and Nick to become a couple. I love the over-the-top antics that Finlay and Vero get themselves into.........it reminds me of Stephanie Plum and Lula in the Janet Evanovich books. These books need to be read in order to really get the most out of the series, but they are so good. once you read the first one, you will want to keep going. I highly recommend this one!

4⭐️ to this gem. I was lucky enough to get an ARC through NetGalley. Dear Elle Cosimano, I will read anything you write. Really, if you're looking for a great cozy mystery series, this one is for you. It is impossible not to like Finlay, a newly single mom who finds herself solving crime with her nanny Vero....while trying to write a book, keep her kids alive and prevent her ex from getting murdered (for the kid's sake of course). Definitely start with the beginning of the series if you haven't yet!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the first two book in this series and I would probably say this one was my least favorite of the three. I’m a huge fan of Finlay and Vero! I love their personalities and crazy adventures. The storylines are always a little over the top but that’s the point! These books are funny and a great lighthearted break from my usual thrillers. My only negative comment that that by the third book things seem to be getting a little repetitive. And while I enjoy the craziness of their stories I feel like things have gotten a little too unrealistic. These books are fun and unique and I would recommend them to anyone will enjoys lighter thrillers!

Finlay Donovan is back! This is the third installment of the Finlay Donovan books and not really a stand alone book- I think you need to read the other two first to understand what is going on in this book.

This was my least favorite of the three books but as a fan of Finlay Donovan- I still enjoyed it! It seemed to have less action that the previous two- I didn’t love the storyline of Vero and Finlay going to police academy as it was fairly uninteresting. It was still fairly humorous but less so that the previous 2 which I adored! It was a little hard to remember everything that happened in the previous 2 books and while some recaps were included, more would have been helpful.

If you like the series, I think you will still find this book pretty entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy for my honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for an eARC of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun! AHHH! I took this approval as a sign from the heavens that I needed to absolutely binge the currently 3-book series of Finlay Donovan, and I have to say it was well worth it. All are 5-star reads, and Elle seemingly writes an even better book than the last every single time.

Dating. Diapers. And dodging bullets. Who said single moms can't have fun?

Finlay Donovan finds herself in yet another mess with mob boss Feliks who's running the show from behind bars. She's been told to find a contract killer before the cops. But what happens if this killer may be a cop? Luckily, her maybe-yes-maybe-no romance with hot cop Nick resurfaces when he's started up a citizen's police academy. Finay's getting pressure on her next book, and partner-in-crime and babysitter (accountant!) Vero is running from her past.

There's just so much goodness about this book and series, and the audiobooks are fantastic. I'm a thriller lover through and through, but I'd take Finlay over anything else any day. She is witty, sarcastic, funny as hell and JEEZ do I love hot cop Nick. While Finlay juggles the daily trials of parenthood while dodging the police in her not-so-legal scenarios she finds herself in, do yourself a favor and pre-order this one prior to pub day and catch up on the Finlay backlist. Your new obsession awaits!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 (4.5)

Well I lied in my last review, for the second book in this series ‘Knocks Em Dead’. I said I wouldn’t read a third if she came out with one. Not only did I read the third (this one, ‘Jumps the Gun’) in the series but I can honestly say I’m super excited to read the 4th if/when she comes out with it🤗 I feel like Cosimano went back to her roots & did this one right. Like this time she didn’t rush putting out the next book, she didn’t try so hard (to be funny) on this one. The cheeseball humor was more in line with her first book & was just funny & natural from the author’s brain…like when someone IS funny vs trying to be. This book & the entire series is kind of ridiculous, so you have to go into it knowing that & being ok with it. It’s unrealistic, dumb funny, cheese! But it’s also a book that makes you smile & laugh out loud, while simultaneously being suspenseful & making the reader question who is good/bad. I also love that she put so much more of Vero & her ‘story’ into this, that’s one thing i mentioned in my review of ‘Finlay Donovan Is Killing It’ is that Vero could have her own book so it was nice to have her character & her character’s past be more of the storyline. While the author did wrap up some of the loose ends (yay!😜) she also created some new cliffhangers for Finlay & Vero’s mess so I’m assuming & hoping there will be a 4th installment to this series.

To be honest I tried reading this awhile ago & I couldn’t get past the first chapter, I think too much of what I disliked about book 2 was still in my head & I just wasn’t in the right space mentally to read it & give it a fair shot. I’m so glad I gave it another chance (thanks to a fellow reader, Jayme, for giving me the push I needed to read it!). This was such a fun book, I was actually excited to pick it up whenever I had the chance. If you liked the first Finlay Donovan I’d definitely recommend reading this one (& book 2 for the sake of reading a series)🤗. If you’re reading this review you likely have read my other reviews on the first two books in the series or you’ve read one two or three of the Finlay Donovan books yourself…if that’s not the case these books are romcom meets murder mystery..or something 😜

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Short synopsis: Finlay and her nanny Vero are still trying to tie up loose ends from an accidental Murder for Hire. While trying to appease Feliks part of the Russian mob and find the mysterious EasyClean, Finlay and Vero sign up for Citizens Police Academy to find answers.

My thoughts: I think Finlay and Vero are quite the duo. Their banter and shenanigans are hilarious and awkward and their friendship is goals!

I thought the Citizens Police training was a fun addition to the story, and enjoyed seeing Mrs Haggerty a bit more.

I did feel like there were definitely some obstacles that Finlay and Vero faced that resolved a little too easily and they’d be in the next predicament. I would have liked there to be a little more depth to the problems, and not quite as many.

The first scene in the book had me laughing out loud. As a mother of a wild and curious 3 year old, I really hope and pray that I never have to chase him into the men’s bathroom at Walmart and climb under the stall to retrieve him.

Read if you love:
* Funny murder mysteries
* Friendship goals
* Hot cops
* Outrageous situations
* Writers block

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book! Publication date is January 31, 2023