Member Reviews
Somehow this was the most over the top, outrageous Finlay Donovan book yet lol. And that is saying something! I love how silly and ridiculous this series is. It’s always a fun time and I absolutely love the characters. It was really interesting to see them maneuver their way around so many roadblocks, especially when the whole family and police force decide to join on your trip! You do have to suspend belief a bit with this series and just enjoy it for what it is. I will say I have to take a lot of breaks with this series because it’s so anxiety inducing lol. I love Finlay and this series and that cliff hanger! I am hooked! Can’t wait for the next book l.
Finlay and Vero pick up right where they left off in the previous book in this series. The bulk of this one takes place in Atlantic City disguised as a girls weekend and once the action starts, it picks up speed. There are many comical moments and as expected, Finlay and Vero find themselves in sticky situations but manage to worm their way out of trouble! Both women have also found new interests that I hope to read more about in their next adventure! Thankfully, the ending hints that there may be more to this fun series!
I do not read too many series anymore but, the Finlay Donovan by Elle Cosimano series is one that I enjoy! This cozy mystery series is charming and makes me laugh out loud.
So, when I found out that the fourth book in the series, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey this Jersey girl was even more excited!
I always love the narration, and Angela Dawe always does such a great job keeping me entertained when I am listening.
The third book in the series had me thinking my run with Finlay was coming to an end, but this book had a completely fresh feel to it and I enjoyed it way more. If you didn’t like the third book as much, give the forth a chance.
I know there are always jokes and comments about people in NJ and there was a lot of stereotypical “Jersey” things that I was like really? did we have to include that? Including the delivery guy dropping off pizzas in an undershirt tank top. I’m sure other people in other states do the same on hot summer days! It’s not just a Jersey thing.
Overall, a fun cozy mystery that kept my hope for this series alive.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice in exchange for my honest review!
I've been having a ball with Finlay and Vero's antics since the first book, and I'm still enjoying it in this fourth entry. Sure, I do have to suspend my disbelief a lot of the time, but that's all right. You just have to accept that this is taking you through over-the-top territory, and if that's not your cup of tea, it's understandable. For me, it's what I'm willing to have fun with. Finlay and Vero remain lovable leads as they weave their way through the criminal underworld, barely avoid multiple attempts on their lives, and try their best to stop their family and friends from becoming exposed to all of these shady shenanigans. And while I do think the series feels like it could hit a formulaic rut sometime soon, I appreciate how this book leaves us with an intriguing denouement that makes me very curious as to what will transpire in the next novel.
Overall, I'm officially rating Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice 3.5 out of 5 stars, which I'm bumping up to 4 stars. I can't wait to gobble up more of Elle Cosimano's series.
A big bang to the FINLAY DONOVAN series! This book was great, and I loved that we got to see a little more of Vera's backstory. I honestly am hoping this isn't the last book, but if it is, at least I will know peace. Finlay is such a wonderful character, and this universe is the best escape. I cannot wait to see what Elle Cosimano writes next.
Video Review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLrghdVA/
Well, this was a wild, ridiculous and completely unrealistic ride but that’s exactly what I love about this series!
In Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, they changed locations again but still managed to include the majority of the ensemble of weirdos. Finlay’s mother, ex husband, kids, police, and even the FBI manage to highjacked Finlay’s and Vero’s trip to Atlanta City. There were even dogs who are critical characters in this book.
Atlantic city was a fun new location with things like strip clubs & psychics🤭. A perfect place for the hijinks ensue.
Finlay and Vero must investigate a kidnapping, protect a young hacker and of course solve a murder without the family and law enforcement finding out.
With all the deaths, the series remains cozy and hilarious. Also especially in Rolling the Dice, the series gets a bit steamy as Finlay’s life starts to mimicking her romantic suspense novels.
The novel is also a page turner. Although, Finlay and Vero have managed to the stay lucky throughout the series, there was so much suspense around how they were going to get out of this disaster. Will they get caught by the police? Will they stay under the thumb of the mob? Then there were all the will-they-won’t-they storylines to keep us guessing.
Now, what everyone loves most about this series is the relationship between Finlay and Vero.Finlay and Vero remind me of the amateur detectives version of Grace and Frankie ( if you haven’t seen that show do it). I love that they are a found family who are basically raising Finlay’s kids together.
Specifically In Rolling the Dice, I’m love seeing Finlay and Vero finding romance and getting success. They deserve their flowers.
I have read and enjoy all the books in the series and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you to Netgalley for gifting me this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Elle Cosimano, & St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Finlay Donovan series, and it did not disappoint! Book one is still my favorite but I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last two! Even though the situations Finlay and Vero find themselves in is silly, and a lot of times unbelievable, I love how funny and chaotic these books are. I also liked how this book had all the characters were forced to be together and it was so entertaining! I also loved that we got to know Finlay's mom a little more in this book. She's a trip!
I kind of expected this to be the last book in the series but with that ending I'm expecting at least one more book to follow!
It wasn't my favorite in the series but it was still a solid 4 star read for me!
Finlay, Vero and the rest of the family are off to Atlantic City to rescue Javi who has been kidnapped. When Finlay and Vero come to meet Javi’s kidnapper Marco and find him dead. To make matters worse Nick and the cops show up in town looking for the Russian mob boss who always seems to evade capture. Can Finlay and Vero save and rescue Javi right under the cops noses, along with keeping the charade of a vacation with her mom, kids and ex-husband?
I have to say this is my favorite book of the series! There is nonstop action and hilarity as well as some steamy romance! I loved it!
Finlay and Vero are back, and this time they’re off to Atlantic City to rescue Vero’s childhood crush! Tagging along with them are her two kids, her mom, and her ex-husband (oh, my!).
I really enjoyed this book! I have loved this series so much, and book four brings the same antics, humor, and edge-of-your-seat excitement but developed the relationships between characters in that way you hope for from a fourth book.
The romantic relationships begin to solidify, and I thought that the development of Finlay’s relationship with her ex-husband Steven was a great benefit to this book! I really appreciate that Elle has written this story in a way where he has clearly messed up but also loves his kids and wants to do right by Finlay as a co-parent.
This is a fun and refreshing story and I can’t wait to see where book five takes us!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This is the first Finlay book I’ve read and unfortunately I don’t think I’m a Finlay fan. It was too much for me. There’s a lot of characters. There’s a lot going on. Maybe if I would’ve read them in order I’d like them better but right now they’re not for me. The characters are all just names. The plot is linear but also not. The pace drags. There’s a lot that could add to the story but also is so crazy that you’re just like what is happening. I’m disappointed I didn’t like it but it happens.
When I get through my tbr maybe I’ll try another but right now it’s a no for me dawg.
I really enjoyed the first three Finlay Donovan books, so I was super excited to get a chance to read book four early! For me, this ended up being possibly my least favorite of the series so far - it felt much slower than necessary and that threw me off a decent amount. I ended up enjoying it, and I have to say the Vero and Javi glow up is AWESOME. Just felt like it needed some paring down for readability.
Finlay and Vero are at it again. This time they are off to Atlantic City to find Javi, who was kidnapped in Book 3. Under the guise of a girl’s weekend, they try to take off without any additional baggage, but soon Finally’s mother has invited herself along, as has Steven, the ex-husband, who won’t let Finlay take the children across state lines without accompanying them. With the whole gang in Atlantic City, soon joined by Finlay’s police boyfriend Nick, her cop sister and her significant other, and Charlie, the crooked cop, mayhem ensues as everyone is looking for mob bad guys, missing cars, and a thumb drives that holds the key to a fortune. And, of course, there are dead bodies that must be disposed of! Lots of fun - a mixture of “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “Lucy and Ethel”. I devoured the book in two days.
I love this book and author! This is one of my favorite series. I would highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series. The book was such fun. I just love Finlay and Vero. They get in to the craziest situations. The story felt like it moved along well, I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this author and series.
Elle Cosimano has done it again! Finlay is back for another wild adventure this time in Atlantic city with her ex-husband, children, and mother. I definitely enjoyed this one a little bit more than the last one. Will definitely recommend!
Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice (ARC)
Elle Cosimano
4⭐️
Pub Date: 3/5/2024
Finlay and Vero are back! And they just couldn't catch a break!
Faced with 2 more bodies, they continue to navigate the dangerous path they were set upon since the first book. But now they have more people on their trail. It'll take only one small mistake before they get caught.
I'm actually very glad that I listened to the audiobook of the first 3 books. Actually, I binged them. The narrator was phenomenal and even when I'm reading this 4th book, I can hear the voices/narration. This 4th installment in the Finlay Donovan series is fantastic. I felt closer to the characters, like I know them. Each personality with more depth. My reading experience with this book definitely heightened. And the plot did not disappoint too! The cozy mystery feel still remains. For some reason, the author is able to relay the perfect combination of comforting and unease in the same book, at the same time! It's conflicting and yet, tremendously enjoyable. I felt the same rush as I did from the first 3 books. But because I know how smart Finn and Vero are, I felt less panicky about their current situation than the last 3. It's twisted and brilliant. Every move we'll thought of. I am so for the love interests in this book. I just wish I saw more of swoony Nick in this book. It actually ended well, and I felt like all loose ends were tied up and I can breathe a little easier for the 2 FMCs. But oooh was I wrong! That last few sentences got me going again and I can't believe I got another mystery open and will have to wait it out again!!! Overall, definitely one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I'm invested!
I absolutely loved it! Such a fun series with Finlay and Vero!
The audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe and she does such an amazing job bringing out both of the characters' personalities!
In Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, our amazing duo besties, are back at it again and headed to Atlantic City. But lo and behold, their road trip buddies are Finlay's ex-husband, their children, and her mother!
If you enjoy fast-paced, laugh out loud, fun mysteries with constant twists and turns, then this series is for you!
This series has been a blast, every single one is so much fun and this one did not disappoint!
Finlay and Veros adventure is so entertaining, it has me bursting out laughing and hanging onto every word waiting to see what crazy thing would happen to them next!
This is a series you will not want to miss. It should be read in order for the story line and character to make sense.
Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.
Content: clean
Romance: mild; fade to black, kissing, innuendo
Violence: mild; not gruesome, most things are done in a comedic way, but keeps with the other books, murder, etc.
Language: mild (no F words), some milder swears.
This series is just so fun. The relationship between Finlay and Vero keeps getting better. I love the way they banter and interact. Just when I think they can't possibly get themselves into anymore trouble...they do and with hilarious results. It was great to have Vero play a more central role in the plot in this book. Elle Cosimano's writing is so engaging and her dialogue is perfection. I can't wait for the next installment.
Finlay Donovan is up to her usual hijinks with Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice! I have been such a fan of Finlay and Vero since the beginning, but I real like we are losing the plot with each book!
Heres what I loved: Finlay and Vero are always finding themselves in some whack situation that they always manage to get out of. They are funny, they are silly, and they are obviously very smart!
Heres what I didn't love: Enough with the mob already? In my opinion, mob stories are so hard to follow. They're all devious dudes who you wouldn't trust, but you've got to pull one over them eventually, and pray that they won't get back at you. (BUT THEY WOULD. BECAUSE THEY ARE THE MOB.) I also found this book a bit hard to follow, as they claim that it happened days after book 3, but it comes out nearly a year later! Let time pass, Ms. Cosimano! It is okay!
Over all, I haven't loved the past two in Finlay Donovan. I am hoping we are more on plot in the next one.
Finlay is at it again, with more crazy, outrageous hijinks. I really enjoy this series, but each book gets a little more outlandish than the last. This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I still found it enjoyable. I love Vero and Finlay as a dynamic duo, and they did not disappoint here!