⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this edition to the series. I was of course sucked back into another adventure with Finlay and Vero. I love that we got to see more of Stephen for this one. This one is based in Atlantic City and there is a murder investigation. Finlay and Vero try to wrap up their situation before anyone finds out. This read was cozy and hilarious. I loved the ending, but I felt like there was an opening for another book at the end maybe?

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice has:
✨ Murder Mystery
✨ Strong female characters
✨ Laugh out loud moments
✨ Weekend getaway

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It is rare to find a series that in it's fourth installment, has me laughing and feeling just as I did when I read the first. Finlay, Vero and the gang are such lovable characters, and I love reading about the unfortunately hilarious events they find themselves in. I would read about these characters for the rest of my life if Elle would continue publishing them,

The prose was great, the plot was full of twists and humor, and the ending left me yearning for more. A fantastic read!

Finlay Donovan Roll the Dice by Elle Cosimano
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

#4 in a series...
I feel like the series lost its appeal after the 2nd. The 3rd was OK, but this one just didn't tickle my funny bone like the first 2 did, I adored the first two. And these last two were also fun reads. Don't get me wrong.
I just feel like the sparkly humor of the first couple died ✨️
However, it was good enough to enjoy to an extent. And I would highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good, humorous, and wholesome feel.

I listened mostly to the audio of this one and it’s always very entertaining!The story for me though was the same thing over again with the silly humor and unbelievable things happening. I really liked the first one of the series into the second, but for me, the series should have probably ended 2 books ago. I think I would have enjoyed this series more if it wasn’t so drawn out since it’s all a little repetitive. If you are a huge Finlay fan, you will probably like it because it’s more of the same crazy situations of trying to dig their way out of trouble.

Having read and enjoyed the three other Finlay Donovan books, I was very excited to read Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. I am happy to say, again Elle Cosimano delivers an entertaining story.

While this book could be read as a standalone, the reader definitely benefits from knowing all the crazy history of Finn and Vero. This story wraps up past story lines, of course adding many wrinkles along the way. Finn and Vero are the Lucy and Ethel of the book world. They are endearing, loveable, smart, capable, sassy, sarcastic and hilariously funny. As they head to Atlantic City, NJ to try and clear Vero of past complications, they are joined by an unending cast of characters. Not too many to keep track of, but if you are a fan of the series, characters you will be happy to see and read more about. This is hijinks at its finest. The dialog is perfection and will have you laughing out loud throughout the book. The plot moves quickly, making for a fast read.

This latest Finlay Donovan was day brightening and a joy to read. I was literally teary when it was over, not wanting it to end.

Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Publishers for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. It was a pleasure!

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano is brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and a touch of sparkle. This refreshingly funny novel was a delightful escape.

Finlay and Vero are back, better than ever, and this time the whole gang is along for the ride! The dynamic duo are heading to Atlantic City to track down a kidnapped member of their ever-expanding inner circle. What ensues is engaging, thrilling, and hilarious.

I adore the Finlay Donovan series and I've both read and listened to the available audiobooks. The banter between the employer/employee turned confidants and best friends makes me literally laugh out loud and crave to have the same friendship in my own life.

I have yet to rate any of the books below 4 starts; this one may be the best yet and is well deserving of a 5 star rating! If you've not read the other three books, along with the Vero novella, I would recommend reading/listening to those first. The series does a wonderful job of showing the growing relationship between Finlay and Vero that is SOOOO worth the read! The series also shows the evolution of each character as they contend with their past and face the future with hope and happiness.

I highly recommend this book, and the entire series, to anyone who enjoys enthralling stories about moving forward, finding friendship in unlikely scenarios, and the awkward, crazy circumstances that life throws at you! This mystery is fun, hilarious, and tense at times. I honestly can't wait for more adventures with Finlay, Vero, and the gang!

This was such a fun read. Did I have to suspend disbelief? Yes, yes I did! But I was here for it and I devoured this book. So many laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the ride! 🎲🚗🚓

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC. And to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

I was so excited for the ARC for this one (thanks Netgalley!) but I think I’m done with this series 😬. This was the most over the top of the series but somehow missing all the humor and charm?

Picking up where “Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” left off, Finlay and Vero have to immediately get to Atlantic City to save Javi. But the best friend pair are saddled with Finlay’s 2 kids, mom, and her ex husband on the trip. Then her cop boyfriend shows up in AC hot on the case and Finlay is struggling to stay one step ahead.

I just….didnt care. The shenanigans all felt forced, the drama with Nick vs Steven was eye roll inducing for me, and the mystery felt flat. I feel like this much beloved series has lost its humor, heart and edge (at least for me.) I’m seeing lots of rave reviews from others, but this was my least fav of the series so far by miles.

Available everywhere 03/05/24.

✨Trigger Warnings: Murder, Body Horror, Infidelity

3.5 rounded down. I absolutely LOVED the first two in the series. The third was a little farfetched, harder to get on board with, and this one continued down that path. With all of the Finlay books you have to suspend belief and just accept some things, which I don't take issue with. My biggest issue with this one is more minor but consistent: so many <i>sensitive</i>conversations were had in too close proximity to others. Finlay and Vero have an uncoded phone call with Nick in the car, or they'll be talking in the same room as others.
It was still fun to see what their antics got them into. I'm hoping this is where it ends, but based on the epilogue... Who knows.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

These books are so bonkers in the best way. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice features the chaotic cast of characters we've gotten to know -- Vero, her kids, her ex-husband, the hot cop -- plus some new even more (?) chaotic characters from the last couple of books. Finlay and Vero find themselves in Atlantic CIty for a "girls' weekend" which is code for "find Vero's childhood friend and the car he was stolen in while also trying to make things right with a loan shark," but their girls' weekend turns into a family vacation, plus a crime scene, as the FCPD (and an FBI agent?) follow them there.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice has the twists and turns that are par for the course in this series, and all of the questionable activity Finlay and Vero find themselves doing to save themselves and also save the day. The end to this book is especially satisfying, wrapping up a lot of loose threads from book 3 with a heck of a lot of action (and a little bit of romance). But lest you worry that this is the end of the road for Finn and Vero, the epilogue, once again, ends on a bonkers cliffhanger. Which promises more adventures and crime and bad-ass lady detective-ing for Finn and Vero in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an eARC of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice in exchange for my honest review.

A girls' road trip isn't quite what it seems in the new installment of Finlay Donovan. I like Finlay, Very, and Finlay's mom. I think the portrayal of the ex-husband is believable, if a little sappy at times. I could do without the boyfriend - he's mostly a prop for smutty bits and going "eek the cops!"

I think these books are getting more romance-y over time. It's not my thing, but you can ignore those parts and still enjoy the mystery.

Kevin Bacon, the dog, was a nice addition here.

I don't understand the choice of narrator. She's fine, but she isn't at all how I would expect Finlay to be voiced.

Thank you NetGalley and LibroFM for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.

I just love Finlay, Vero and all their shenanigans. In this book they find themselves in Atlantic City trying to resolve a mess they’ve gotten themselves into and only end up finding more trouble, because of course. I loved Finlay’s mom in this one and she might just be my new favorite character.

These books are so much fun and never cease to make me laugh out loud. Nothing will ever compare to OG book of the series, but I will forever follow Finlay & Vero on all of their adventures.

That you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is a wild, fast-paced, hysterical ride. There was something going on, on every single page. It is definitely my second favorite in the series. I laughed so hard I cried. I feel very sentimental about the relationship between Finlay and Vero. I love their friendship and hope it continues to be the center of all the F.D. books.

My only critique is that this book is very much a continuation of the previous ones and it had been too long since I read Book #3. It took a while for me to catch on to what was happening. It would be very beneficial to do a reread before reading this one or find a recap of the series with highlights to refresh your memory.

Overall, I loved this whacky Finlay ride!

Finlay and Vero can’t seem to catch a break. They have gotten themselves into another situation and are off to Atlantic CIty. As typical of Finlay Donovan stories, what was supposed to be a girl's weekend, in disguise, quickly turned into a family affair with her mom, sister, children, and ex-husband tagging along. To make matters worse, Detective Nick and the FBI crew just happen to show up in the same hotel that same weekend. Throw in a couple dead bodies, a lost dog, a stolen car and a runaway teen to the mix and you’ve got one wild and crazy ride. What could possibly go wrong?

The story picks back up exactly where book 3 ended. It ties up a few loose ends but creates a couple new ones. Not sure if there is a book 5 in the making, but this one was left open with the possibility of another one.

This was another laugh out loud, corny, chaotic filled cozy mystery with the perfect setting, in a luxury hotel in Atlantic City. Finlay and Vero’s banter and over-the-top crazy ideas kept me laughing. However, there was a lot going on and it was a little confusing at times with pretty much every character and storyline from the past 3 books all coming together in one place…literally.

Synopsis in a sentence (or two):
Finlay and Vero are working to tie up loose ends from crimes committed in previous novels, and this time they have to sneak around the entire family and detective cast while vacationing in Atlantic City on a “girls weekend.”

Characters:
Finlay and Vero’s lives are wholly unbelievable in every iteration of this series, but that is precisely what I love about these books. Finlay and her “nanny” have a perfect friendship, funny banter and their outlandish capers make for fun, lighthearted reading. For some odd reason, the pair remind me of Daria and Jane from MTV’s ‘90’s sitcom Daria. They are the reason I keep coming back for another sequel, and also the reason I’m hoping this series is optioned for film or television sometime soon.

Pacing/Storyline Highlights:
♥️This is a book that could easily be read in one sitting. The antics that came along with escaping Finlay’s family and the watchful eye of the detectives propelled me through this one.
♥️The entire Finlay Donovan series capitalizes on crazy parenting pitfalls that I never realized could be a thing until I had my own child. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice begins with the ex-husband, Steven, crossing what appears to be a multi-lane highway to retrieve their child’s “woobie.” It’s outlandish, but also there were moments I would have scaled a skyscraper if it meant retrieving my daughter’s beloved stuffy. In other words it’s funny, because it’s true.
♥️From an adventure at Chubbies, “not Chubby’s” to fishing out a usb drive in a very unexpected place, this book continued on with the same craziness people have come to expect from Finlay & Co.

Lowlight:
Not exactly a lowlight for me, but a note for others. New readers to the series may want to start at book one, Finlay Donovan is Killing It, rather than jumping in at book four.

Read this if:
📚You’re a reader who loves Finlay Donovan, Janet Evanovich, and humorous murder mysteries
📚You’re looking for a fun, escape read with a murder mystery and a heroine mother that’s less than perfect

Rating: 4.0

Disclosure:
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Digital Review Copy of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, A Novel, by Elle Cosimano from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

"…As I mentioned in my last review for the series this really is Lucy & Ethel meets Thelma & Louise. The series really has it all a fast-paced twisted mystery, sexy romance, chaos at every turn and so many laughs….…"

I love this series and have from the first book. Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice picks up where book three, Finlay Donovon Jumps the Gun leaves off after the harrowing events at the Citizens’ Police Academy. Finlay and her nanny/accountant, Vero, are once again up to their necks in trouble whilst trying to recover a stolen Aston Martin and rescue Vero’s childhood sweetheart Javi whose been kidnapped by Marco, a nasty loan shark holding him hostage until he is paid what he is owed from Vero.

Tracking him down to Atlantic City, the two girls prepare for a road trip under the guise of having a girl’s weekend to recover from previous events. Their quiet little getaway is foiled as they are set to hit the road and Finlay’s mother, clingy ex-husband Steven, and two kids all decide that it should become a family vacation. Once there Finlay and Vero sneak out of the hotel set to find the loan shark, and that they do but there is one minor problem, he is dead along with an associate and the ledger with Vero’s name has gone missing. Putting the two bodies on ice, the girls call Cam, a teenage computer hacker and the nephew of Joey, the current partner of Finlay’s detective boyfriend Nick, to help break into Marco’s devices for clues to Javi’s location.

To make matters worse, upon returning to their hotel they learn that Nick has arrived with the calvary to protect Finlay after getting an anonymous tip that her nemesis Feliks Zhirov is heading their way, and he is not letting her out of his sight. The girls are shocked when the calvary includes Nick’s former partner Charlie who is as crooked as they come and has already threatened the girls, it seems that Finlay and Vero’s mission has just become much more complicated. To get back Javi and the ledger the girls must use their quick wits travelling all over Atlantic city from the boardwalk to a seedy strip club, in their search but their ability to find trouble has no ends.

Most of the characters are back in addition to Cam, Steven, Javi, Charlie and Finlay’s mother and kids we get to see Joey, Finlay’s sister Georgia, Georgia’s FBI agent girlfriend Sam, the dangerous Feliks Zhirov, and his partner Ekatarina Rybakov.

Another fast-paced, action packed, humorous and quirky mystery that we have come to enjoy in this series, like the previous two books, this one also ends with a cliffhanger involving Finlay’s nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty suggesting more adventures in Finlay and Vero’s future.

As I mentioned in my last review for the series, this really is Lucy & Ethel meets Thelma & Louise. The series really has it all a fast-paced twisted mystery, sexy romance, chaos at every turn and so many laughs that will keep the reader entertained to the very last page. My only complaint is sometimes there is so much happening at once that it can feel somewhat overwhelming at times, but overall, I really enjoyed the book and I definitely recommend it.

While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others in the series, I still like the series overall and thought this book was a fun read. These characters are so good and the witty one liners literally make me laugh out loud! The narrator did a great job especially with changing her voice to fit different characters and accents.

Finlay Donovan’s mix of mom humor and thrilling action sequences never disappoints. The newest book in the series, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, kept me in stitches from beginning to end and even worried me for a while.

Like the other books in the series, Rolls the Dice is fast-paced with plenty of action and deception. Finlay is the everywoman who brings a relatability to entirely unrelatable situations. She manages to care for her children and career while taking down bad guys and burying bodies.

I loved that I got to learn more about Vero. Her childhood and love interest are laid bare in this installment. I enjoyed learning about this once-elusive character who encourages Finlay to do crazy things. The character development now aligns with her role in the series.

The romance between Finlay and Nick is very intriguing. Everyone loves the pairing except her ex-husband, and I agree wholeheartedly. Still, as the events unfold in Atlantic City - an edge is added to the relationship that adds an interesting twist that I can’t wait to see play out.

Another excellent installment in the Finlay Donovan series - one that I thoroughly enjoyed!

After finishing the fourth in the Finlay Donovan series, these remain some of my very favorite books! I read every page with a smile on my face and enjoy tagging along with Finlay and Vera for another adventure! I'll continue to pick up each new book that Cosimano pens!