Member Reviews
Finlay takes us to Atlantic City. Book 4 takes us where book 3 left off. I had just as much fun reading this as the previous books. I don't want to give any details away if you haven't read the previous books, but I highly recommend reading the whole series not just as stand alone. This one was close to being as great as the first book. I can't wait to continue on with the series.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice (Finlay Donovan, #4) by Elle Cosimano. This is one of the books I was most excited about being able to read before it was in stores. I received the eBook for free in exchange for my honest review.
The fourth installment picks up where the last book ended and ties up the loose ends from Finlay Donovan Knocks Them Dead (Finlay Donovan, #3) . . . so much so that I thought that this was going to be the last book in the series. However, Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice ends up having a couple of cliffhangers, making me wonder what kind of trouble Finlay and Vero are going to get into in the next book. I expect that the next installment will take a different turn and am looking forward to seeing what direction Elle Cosimano takes us in.
As far as the storyline in this fourth book goes, it can be a bit outlandish at times. It's still a super fun read that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Just expect to suspend belief in certain parts of the book. I consider this to be a beach read, but in a good way! It's reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.
Two characters feature more prominently, the ex-husband and the boyfriend. Steven comes across as a man child, and I found myself disliking him even more than I did in previous books. Although, there were parts where I almost felt sorry for the poor schmuck. As far as Nick goes, I enjoyed getting to see his character developed a bit more, and I find myself liking him a lot more than I did in the first book. He's definitely growing on me with each book that comes out in the series.
In fact, this series is getting better with each book. Five out of five stars is what I gave Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice (Finlay Donovan, #4) by Elle Cosimano. This book was published on March 5, 2024.
Another fantastic installment in the Finlay Donovan series aka the love of my life. For a second there at the end it was looking like this was going to be the final book and I started hyperventilating a bit… so that should tell you how attached to (and in love with) this series I am 🤣
Finlay Donovan rolls the dice takes off right where the previous one left off….and it’s just as hilarious, witty, chaotic, heartfelt and wholesome as each previous installment. I never fail to find myself laughing out loud to Finlay and Vero’s shenanigans while also having my heart racing a mile a minute at… well their shenanigans. The mystery aspect is always engaging and thrilling, the story in itself absorbing, the perfect amount of romance and the characters (all of them even the bad guys) endearing and entertaining. I love this series SO FREAKING MUCH and can’t wait for more 🥹
the fourth installment in the finlay donovan and simply continuing with the fun, captivating storytelling! there was so much happening in this one, one moment after the other, and I finished it within the span of a day. it was fun getting back into this world and seeing finlay and vero again but I honestly would have likely needed to reread the third one because it seemed like an abrupt jump into the new one, with little recap of what had previously happened, so I had refresh my memory as it went on. this plot line was intriguing but at times were was just too much that I felt was unnecessary at times - simply not sure that I am as invested in the series as I was at the beginning. despite this, I still had so much fun with this one and it was an excellent quick read that brought me back into a series I have really enjoyed!
I wanted to like this a lot, but I found myself DNF'ing this one. I will give this another try down the road.
In the latest of Finlay's escapades, the antics and trouble that she and Vero find themselves in is unimaginable and ridiculously over the top once again... and I am here for every second of their messy decisions. I thought there might be a wrap on some loose strings in the series, but there are still answers we need... Overall, I found this installment to be a fun, quick read with all the highlights of Finlay and Vero's typically bizarre (but strangely touching) friendship of nonsense.
This is the third book in the Finley Donovan series and it’s been awhile since I read the first two books. Each book is a continuation of the last one, with re-occurring characters and ongoing issues. As a result, I found it a bit difficult to jump back into Finley’s story. And, there’s a lot going on and it’s quite a ride.
Finley and Vero, Finley’s side-kick and nanny, are trying to locate Vero’s friend, Javi, who has apparently been kidnapped and could be somewhere in Atlantic City. At the same time, they are also trying to avoid the Russian mob, various other bad characters, and Finley’s boyfriend, Nick, who is part of a law enforcement team. For obvious reasons he poses a threat to their rather unorthodox plans.
If you think it sounds like Finley Donovan Rolls the Dice has lots of balls in the air, you’d be right. There’s also the addition of Finley’s mother, her two children, and an ex-husband. And those are just the major players. It’s non-stop action and it seems like one thing just leads to another. My only complaint is that it’s difficult to sort everyone out since the story is a continuation of Ms Cosimano’s previous book. A little more recap of the previous escapades would have helped immensely. It’s 3.5 stars for me. NetGalley provided an advance copy.
FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE had more of the classic Vero and Finlay antics than books 2 and 3 did, which made me happy. I always enjoy their ridiculous dynamic and the trouble they get themselves into. This was a fun read and certainly set us up for another book in this series. I hate saying this because I Ioved the first book in this series SO much, but I’m getting a little burnt out here. The romance part of the plot IMO is really kind of silly and I think the series could survive without it, but here we are. 🤷🏻♀️ I also think sometimes we’ve got too much going on and too many characters to keep track of. I’m hoping maybe we can get a new set of cozy mystery characters out of the author soon!
I give it 3.5 stars.
Finlay, Vero, the kids, Finlay's mother and Stephen all head to Atlantic City. Vero is desperate to find Javi, while Finlay is less than thrilled that Stephen is along (their divorce agreement states neither parent can take the kids out of state without the other parent's permission, so that's Stephen's reason for being tagging along and being a pest). Finlay's mother sees this as a girls' vacation, and a break from her less than appreciative husband.
Finley and Vero are up to their usual level of high jinx and frantic seat-of-the-pants plans as they must deal with Javi's kidnapper Marco (and Vero's loan shark). Then there are dead bodies, attempts to pretend that they're still alive, and find clues to both Javi's location and who killed the men.
Then four members of the police from home arrive, increasing Finlay's and Vero's stress levels astronomically, as not only will the pair have to hide their investigative activities from their travel buddies, but also officers of the law. Not a problem, right?
This series pushes credibility all the time, from its inception with Finlay and Vero's attempts to deal with their financial and personal issues, and ending up entangled with the Russian mob, dirty cops and various individuals intent on thwarting the women's safety and happiness. Instead, I read this series because it's just fun, silly, funny, and madcap, with the fantastic, central relationship between Finlay and Vero, which exemplifies trust, respect, sisterhood and friendship, from their first body burying, to their ridiculous jaunt through Atlantic City.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, particularly as it seems Finlay and Vero may be entering a new chapter in their particular brand of mayhem, based on the resolution to a plotline from book one.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is the fourth book in this series, and I am amazed at how the series still keeps my attention, is written so well, flows so well from the first three books, and is still so hilarious. This series definitely needs to be read in order, but I cannot recommend the entire series enough. While some parts of the story are somewhat unbelievable, it is still highly entertaining and a fun quick read!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book re ignited my love for this series. It had everything I loved from the series that I felt I was losing in the last book. I loved the humor and Finlay walking head first into a mess and making poor choices. Vera is forever my favorite character and this book kept with that. The ending will have me lining up for the next book when it comes out.
Cosimano does it again! I never know where the next Finlay book is going to go or how it was be executed. This story was one of the best in the series!!! The buildup in the series has led us to the funniest adventure yet. I was howling and laughing out loud in coffee shops all while reading this.
The audiobook, as always, TOP TIER.
This series is perfect for buddy reads!
I've loved all of the previous stories from the Finlay Donovan series! I couldn't wait to listen to this, and it did not disappoint. It was a fun ride, full of twists and turns! I would definitely recommend this to fans for the previous Finlay Donovan stories!
🎲 Ok, I think going forward with this series, audio is the way to go! Thank you to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for the early look at this. The newest installment in the Finley Donovan series is out now!
🎲 This is the fourth book in this series, and I’m not sure I’d sit down with another physical or ebook copy and read with my eyeballs. But listening to this book was the perfect way to dive back into the shenanigans of Finlay and Vero. I was highly entertained.
🎲 My one complaint is that there are so many characters (villains)— and I often have a hard time keeping track of who is who and how Finlay ever got wrapped up with them. That said, it’s not a book to overthink, and overall I really enjoyed it!
When Elle Cosimano swings she doesn't miss! Honestly this whole series is just such a delight, and I don't think any of the four books dip in quality. They are all very strong reads, when usually there's at least one dud in any book series (imo).
All of the Finlay books require a healthy dose of suspension of belief, but I think that's part of the fun with this particular series. The ridiculousness makes it so fun and so funny. But I also can't always guess which way the plot is going to take me, so I really appreciate that it's not a predictible read. It's a hot mess express in the best possible way, and you have no choice but to enjoy the ride.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
If you are a fan of Finlay Donovan’s shenanigans you will love the latest book in the series. She takes the show on the road to Atlantic City this time. And if you think Atlantic City is nasty (which it is, trust me), the city has nothing on what happens to Finlay and Vero.
Thank you to Minotaur and Net Galley for a gifted copy!
This series is just such a fun experience! I will say that although it hasn't been that thing since I read book 3, I found myself losing the plot a little with all the different people that have been introduced so far in the series. I found myself really confused on who certain people were and what role they played in previous books. I tried not to stress too much about it and just enjoyed the ride, but I do feel like I need a glossary to remember everything that's happened and who did what in the past!
I really love Vero and Finlay's friendship, and it did not disappoint in this book! I laughed at all their bickering and the outrageous situations they put themselves in, and I wanted to hug them both at so many points. While this series definitely has moments where I want to shake the characters and ask them "why would you do that?!?!" it truly is consistent with where they started. I'm VERY curious to see what happens next!
Elle Cosimano does it again! This might be my favorite Finlay book yet. The whole gang, including the kids and ex-husband road-trip to Atlantic City to lay low, but trouble follows Finlay every where she goes. Laugh out loud funny and intense, I love this series so much. Can’t wait for the next book.
#FinlayDonovanRollsTheDice:
Thank you @macmillan.audio @minotaur_books parter for my gifted copies!
Finlay and Vero are back, and I couldn’t be happier. We’ve got the slapstick hilarity (Weekend at Bernie’s anyone?), a dashing cop, and still some momming at its finest.
Listen, I’ve always hated Steven. I don’t want him to ever have a redemption arc. May I remind everyone what he tried with Vero and what he constantly did to Finlay in book 1. I was SO GLAD Finlay finally really got to stick it to him about how many times he left, how she always had to do both parents, and how it’s just not happening bro. I loved it. She finally got to tell him off in her Finlay way and it made my day.
You already know the audio was amazing. Angela Dawe, as always, Finlay personified. I’m so glad we got to see a lot of older characters come back, but was very shocked at the ending.
This was a wild trip for the crew and I’m so glad they got a little weekend away to fix or unfix things. There were so many moving parts, I don’t know how Cosimano was able to kept track of everything while writing, but I’m so glad she did. It was such a good 4th installment and I’m glad I got to listen to it.
Out now!!
QOTD: You’re at a casino, where can we find you? The slots, the tables, the bars, or the buffet?
This was a fun read. Definitely prefer this series on audio. Just gives it a bit extra. I loved the banter with all of the characters. The romance with the detective and the badass female MC(s).