Member Reviews
We’re back on the run with Finlay, Vero and for what is supposed to be a girls weekend in Atlantic City. This time they have to negotiate a deal with a loan shark, save Javi (Vero’s childhood crush) and hunt down a fancy stolen car. BUT it’s not all fun and games, especially when Finlay’s ex-husband AND mother insist on coming along for the ride with the kids in tow.
💭 : Fans of this series will be sucked right back in…We pick up right where book 3 left off and the shenanigans DO NOT stop! Finlay and Vero get caught up in the most entertaining messes. It’s FUN and action-packed with so many laughs (and dead bodies 💀) along the way! Cosimano doesn’t leave out the romance; there’s plenty of that, too. From beginning to end, it’s a hilarious (far-fetched) adventure.
Be prepared - there is A LOT happening between all the different characters and storylines. While I sometimes struggled to keep track of who’s who and everything in between, we do get resolution. We then end with a huge CLIFFHANGER, so book 5 is guaranteed to be another good time!
** I recommend you read this series in order **
Finlay Donovan has grown to be one of my favorite all time characters. These books are just too fun. Not only is there always a mystery involved, there is also a comedy movie unfolding in each page. If ever i thought a book or series would ever make it into a movie it is this series for sure. Well done again, Ellie Cosimano!
I've loved every minute of the Finlay Donovan series and was excited for the next installment. And while Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice offers up the same over-the-top hijinks of Finlay and Vero, and ties up some of the storylines from the previous book, something felt a little different here. Almost like when you know your favorite TV sitcom or drama has gone on a little long and now feels forced? That's how this one felt--things dragged on a little and the action was a bit repetitive. But all in all, I enjoyed the read, and I will most likely continue on if there's another edition in the Finlay Saga.
Special thanks to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review through NetGalley.
I was a big fan of the first two in the Finlay Donovan series. I was less impressed with the third and even less impressed with this, the fourth book. Light hearted humor has crossed over into silliness. None of the prior books have been exactly believable (in fact, quite the opposite). But this one felt incredulous. Coincidence piled on coincidence.
Picking up from the cliffhanger ending of book 3, Finlay and Vero are getting ready to hightail it to Atlantic City. Well, first Steven decided he had to come along, then Finlay’s mother and then it seems like everybody and his brother are there. They no sooner arrive in AC, then they find the man they’ve come to see dead in a hotel bathroom with his associate also dead in the suite. They have to hid the dead bodies, attempt to find the missing Aston Martin and the loan shark’s “book”, all while avoiding the police, the FBI and Finlay’s family members.
This does not work as a stand-alone and the series definitely needs to be read in order.
Another reviewer likened this series to Stephanie Plum and it’s a very apt comparison. If you like one, you’ll like the other. And in the same way I had a problem with the Stephanie Plum series, what was fresh in the first book is beginning to feel a little formulaic by book four.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Just like the other books in this series. I loved it. Such a fun read and lots of personality that shows through.
I do believe it is time for Finlay and me to part ways. It’s been a fun ride but these books are just super repetitive and unbelievable. The first and second one were a fun experience but I haven’t loved the third and fourth installment. I dont know if this series will continue or not but I probably won’t read anymore. I know a lot of people love this one by other early reviews so I’m happy people are loving it.
I love Finlay and Vero so much. This world is so fun and campy, and of course, has that nice mystery layer. I still want to punch Steven in the head, he just bugs me. I love that they were in New Jersey for this installment. The casinos and hotel vibe were the perfect background for the shenanigans. I didn't think the reveal was that far out of left field, and I almost expected it to happen. Other than that, I was hysterical and invested. These books are so ridiculous in the best way and I'm absolutely a Finlay fan. I can't wait to see where the next book goes as we were definitely left on a cliffhanger. Thank you to Minotaur Books for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review!
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is #4 in the series and although some series dwindle and get tiresome as they go on, this was most definitely not the case with this one. This may possibly be my new favourite book of the series. It was so fun, so many laugh out loud moments and all of the suspense had me super eager to read on to see what was going to happen and how Finlay and Vero would find their way yet again out of another unfortunate situation. I can’t wait for the next book to see what adventure lies ahead for my favourite duo.
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice by Elle Cosimano coming out March 5th.
This story continues from the ending of Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun. Finlay and Vero are searching for Javi (who was kidnapped) and the stolen Aston Martin in Atlantic City. However, they're not alone. Every character (Finlay's family, Steven, Nick, Sam, Charlie, Cam, etc.) in some way ends up joining them in the city. Finlay and Vero have to find ways to distract everyone and sneak away to continue their investigations. Craziness ensues with dead bodies, car chases, strippers, loan sharks, mob bosses, etc.
I enjoy the Finlay Donovan series and all of the characters! My least favorite was the last book because it wasn't as adventurous with an isolated setting; it felt more like Police Academy. However, after the beginning set up, this story was so much fun! I think it was a great idea to have them in Atlantic City where anything can happen. It made it much more exhilarating. I also enjoyed reading more about Vero and Javi's background and relationship. It was a suspenseful, fasted paced, funny, and exciting time! The story is wrapped up mostly at the end, except for one new event that occurs with Finlay's neighbor. I'm hoping that is a setup for another book!?
I am so sad this is the last book in this series. This was a great addition to the series and was very excited that I got to read it early. I love the adventures, even though they seem impractical and unreal at times, the characters are well written and super fun to journey with. If this is truly the last book, Finlay will be missed!
I love Finlay Donovan. I want her to be my best friend. She is so good at getting into these crazy situations that no one would believe if she told them. If Vero wasn't along for the ride, she would think she was crazy. This story kept me on my toes and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I read the whole thing in a day. I love being able to fly through the story, but then I'm sad that I have to wait for the next adventure. I hope they keep coming!!
Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice by Elle Cosimano
This was such a funny, wild ride of a book. It's a series book, but you do not have to read the books before to enjoy this one, as the author does a great job of catching you up on all the main characters and the backstory.
Thank you to @netgalley @minotaur_books for this early release copy. This book comes out March 5th, and you should grab it.
Finlay and her nanny/bestie Vero are on an adventure to rescue crush Javi from some bad dudes. They tell Finlay's mother that they are on a girls trip, but it's nothing of the sort, when her mother comes along, her children and her ex husband. It seems that the kidnappers of Javi, want a full payment and to know where his nephew Ike is..uh problem. Ike is no longer with us. So Finlay and Vero go all super sleuth and find a dead body or two, some gangsters, a bad cop and oh her hottie new cop boyfriend shows up right in the mix of everything.
It's laugh out loud funny, crazy antics and super sleuthing galore.
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Finlay and Vero, cringey decisions that only make things worse, and all the shady and innocent characters along the way! It's all there - everything you hoped for (and more) in the fourth installment of Finlay Donovan!
Follow along as the duo take on Atlantic City's mob scene...with the kids, Steven, and Finlay's mom in tow. Prepare to cringe, gasp, and laugh up until the very end!
Thanks, @netgalley and @stmartinspress, for an ARC! Out March 5!
This book picks up in the immediate aftermath of the third book (Note: I highly recommend reading this series in order.) Under the pretense of a "girls' weekend away," Finlay and Vero head to Atlantic City to negotiate with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero's childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car. Except, they're not alone. Finlay's mother, ex-husband Steven, and their two rambunctious kids are along for the trip too. Cue the chaos.
Like all the previous Finlay novels, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is pure entertainment. It's non-stop action comedy, full of slapstick humor and witty banter between the characters. And, as always, it is a delight to try and figure out how Finlay and Vero will wriggle themselves out of whatever new preposterous situation they find themselves in (usually, it involves a dead body or two.)
Book four resolves a lot of what occurred in the previous books, meaning that there's A LOT of plot crammed into these three hundred pages. Too much, maybe. To the point where I have no idea if all the loose ends were tied up or not. There are so many layers and details, secrets, continued cover-ups, and recurring characters from the first three books that it was difficult to keep track of everything.
Now, to be fair, that's kind of the fun of this series. It's over-the-top ridiculous, and we as readers are just along for a wild, Finlay-filled ride. Don't think about it too hard, just enjoy!
Still, I am glad that most of the previous plot points seemed to have been wrapped up to make way for some fresh content. I think we're at a point in the series where it needs that. We even got a little hint at what might be coming next, as Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice concluded nicely with a segue into a potential new mystery for book five.
While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, it had all the typical qualities I'm looking for in a Finlay novel -- fun, light, and as amusing as always. So bring on the drama, the bodies, and all the insanely ridiculous situations for book five. This long-time Finlay fan isn't going anywhere.
I absolutely loved this installment of the Finlay series. Casinos, spas, blackjack, and all the murderess hijinks contained in one hotel!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved that this was set in Atlantic City, NJ! It made it very comical and believable having went to Atlantic City many times with my husband and friends/family. I thought Finley and Vero’s parts were great and done very well! I felt like this was a very drawn out plot that could of been solved 50-75 pages less. Not my favorite of the series but overall a good next book for Finley! I do think another book could stem off of this but it might be just too drawn out and a little much. I still absolutely adored the first book - my fav! A nice addition to the series and a funny book that will have you laughing and having fun reading! Thank you Netgalley & St Martin’s for my advanced reader’s copy of this one! Be sure to get your hands on this one when it hits stores March 5th!
4.5 stars!
Finlay and Vero are back at it...this time headed to Atlantic City! It is nearly impossible to go into any details without spoilers! This time they are on a rescue mission. Don't worry - all of your favorite characters make their way into what started as a "girls weekend" - Finlay's kids, mother, ex-husband, and even "hot cop" Nick.
Is it over the top? Yes. Is it hilarious and fast paced? Definitely. I was truly laughing out loud when Finlay and Vero are in the hotel trying to move a body (that's all I'm saying!) I enjoyed this book so much even though it is farfetched. I thought it was better than the third!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Who doesn´t need a weekend away with their friends? Finlay and Vero go here, along with the kids, her mother, and her ex-husband! This time though it´s because of a ransom note and a plan to rescue the kidnapped. Picking up right where the last book left off, Finlay will have you reeling for more. It´s a laugh-out-loud, hope-for-more, far-fetched but hilarious read! I cannot wait to continue the fun in the next one.
I am going to give this one a solid 3.5 stars. I just had a harder time getting into this and then staying in this one. As much as I continue to love Finaly and Vero, I am getting a little tired of the run around that keeps happening with Nick as well as the plot itself at least in this one. I am not going to stop reading the series unless the next one absolutely bombs.
Alright so we are now in the fourth book of this series. We continue to have Steven clinging onto Finlay as if there are still crumbs of the possibility of something in their done marriage now that his chance at another life has blown up. We have Finlay who seems to really like Nick but also plays it a little too casual and cool in my opinion. We have Vero who we learn more about her and Javi which I did like, and then Finlay's mom who decides to join them on this adventure to shake up her life a bit.
We pick up right where we left off. Vero and Fin haven't even fully unpacked from the police academy before realizing that Javi has been kidnapped in the Aston Martin and taken to Atlantic City. So of course like any rational person would do, they immediately leave for a girls weekend in said city and end up having the children, Steven and Finn's mom tag alone. Vero and Finn shenanigans occur shortly before Nick, Georgia, Sam and Garrett (an FBI agent) show up at their hotel because they got a tip about Felix (mob man). Charlie (Nick;s old partner and mentor) and all he entails is also there. What follows us chapter after chapter of dead bodies and more new and old faces coming in to join in the plot. Throughout all of this, Vero and FInn are trying to maintain a cover of a girls weekend without any of the police in their lives becoming suspicious. They of course do end up finding Javi, and his confession to Vero did things for me. I just had a hard time with the open ending. I am not saying that everything has to be HEA but maybe I am a little warped this time because of how much Finn is playing push and pull with Nick while we are still getting fade to black scenes.
I am intrigued to learn more about the ending involving Finn's neighbor and to see how long she can go without staying out of trouble. Will her and Nick make it? Is she willing to commit to someone who wants to treat her how she deserves? And what will happen to Javi and Vero? Hopefully this and more will be answered in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Hope you enjoy :)
No spoilers, but be ready because this picks up almost right where Finlay Donovan Jumps The Gun left off. Of course that means we’re in for a wild ride as we follow Finlay and Vero to Atlantic City. The shenanigans that we’re accustomed to ensue as the duo try to rescue Vero’s best friend, Javi, from Marco, a NJ loan shark. All the usual characters we’ve come to know and love (or loath) make an appearance including Finlay’s ex Steven, her hot cop Nick, her sister Georgia, her kids, her mother, amongst others.
Of the four books in the Finlay Donovan series, this was the most wild and crazy with a lot going on. There were very few moments of rest for the characters. But everything was well wrapped up in the end with the perfect cliffhanger that the previous books taught us to expect. I already can’t wait for the next ride Finlay takes us on!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Pub date: March 5, 2024