3.5 stars rounded up

Another wild ride with Finlay and Vero!

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice picks right up where the previous book ended. I admit I didn’t love this one as much as previous books. The action starts almost immediately and doesn’t let up and it’s one OTT twist after another OTT twist, and I was getting a little exhausted by it. However, in Elle Cosimano we trust, and I knew she’d tie everything together in the end and she did so in a very satisfactory way.

There’s not much additional character development in this story. For some reason Vero came off kind of flat to me in this novel and Javi like a caricature. I did like how we got to know Finlay’s mom a bit more in the book and even Sylvia as well. Seeing Stephen get a taste of what actual parenting looks like gave me a strong sense of satisfaction, too. Still, this is the fourth book of the series, we should have a decent handle on the characters for the most part, so lack of further character development is really a minor issue.

The writing was exactly what you’d expect of the series. The humor and wit are there, making me laugh out loud several times, one of the hallmarks of Finlay Donovan books. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, as I said, making this a quick read. I thought the way the author started with a small scene from the road trip for the prologue and then went back several hours to begin Chapter 1 was a bit weird and didn’t have any bearing on building the story, but apart from that, the writing was fantastic as always!

The action was so over the top for the majority of the book, but even so, I really enjoyed the book. It ended perfectly, tying off some plots while leaving the door open on others, so we know Finlay isn’t finished yet and I look forward to seeing what happens next in her story.

The next instalment in this series was just has hilarious and as far fetched as the rest. I think this is such an easy series to read - it’s fun, it keeps you entertained and you guaranteed to laugh. In true Finlay fashion, there are still some secrets that haven’t been solved and this book, OF COURSE, ends on a cliff hanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC!

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC! I have loved each of the Finlay Donovan books, and this was no different for me. Loved the new scene of Atlantic City, the family dynamics, and the way the story picked right back up where we left them.

At the end of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun (review here), we discovered that Vero’s ex-boyfriend had been kidnapped by people Vero owed money to and were threatening to kill him if she didn’t supply the money she owed plus, which leaves only one recourse: Finlay and Vero must go to Atlantic City. Thus begins Elle Cosimano’s thrill-a-minute (in more ways than one) Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.

When Vero and Finlay decide to go to Atlantic City to rescue Javi, little do they know they would be taking on an entire entourage including Finlay’s mother, ex-husband, and their two kids. As if that didn’t add enough to the chaos and Finlay’s headache, hot cop Nick shows up with his former (corrupt, but Nick doesn’t know it) partner, Charlie, Finlay’s cop sister and her girlfriend. Just as you might imagine, all of these familiar characters just add layers to the current disarray. In a fun and spectacularly slapstick way.

Finlay and Vero (and their exploits) are just so much fun. The reader never knows what Vero is going to do, or say, and I half-suspect the author might not either. The unexpectedness really adds to the fun-ride aspect, the entire what-will-she (they)-do next?

The romance between Finlay and Nick heats up even more, much to the consternation of Finlay’s ex-. So for readers who like a little steam with their mystery, here it is 🔥🔥.

What I appreciated most about Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is that it made me laugh, turn pages, and just escape into a world very disparate from my reality, which is what I hope for in most books I read. Especially these days.

A definite five-butterfly, escapist read.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

Gosh I love this series so much and k think we were set up for another one?! I hope I can get my hands on that one too! This book was just so fun and the twists are just as good. It’s like Fin and Vero find themselves in trouble without even trying to find themselves in trouble but seem to get out of it just as easily.

This is the 4th time I've gone along for a crazy ride with Finlay and Vero, and I'm hoping it won't be my last. To be honest, I actually started off by not liking the book because I had such a gap between the last book and this one that I forgot some of the major plot lines which took away from some of the adventure for me. As I kept reading, though, it was like catching up with friends I hadn't seen in a whole, and I became invested in their happiness as well as the solutions to all of their problems.
These books are a fun escape, and I reccomend them if you read for fun and not to take things too seriously. The characters are loveable but you definitely have to be willing to put aside some reality and just go along for the fun, adventure, thrills, and laughs.
Also reccomend to anyone who loved Stephanie Plum books.

Once again, Finlay is caught up in murder as she heads off for a girl's weekend in Atlantic City. The weekend turns into something so much more which leads to a great read that will have you laughing. I had a really fun time reading this book and I flew through it quickly! I loved the fast-pace nature of the novel and the shorter chapters. It had been awhile since I finished the last book, but I had no trouble remember people, places, and the last event of Finlay and Vero. Elle Cosimano’s writing is excellent. The wit and banter that we all know, and love continues. There is humor and thrilling aspects that will keep you reading. I love that there was more Vero in this book (she’s the best character). This is one of my favorites in the series. If you loved the first 3, you will love this one just as much. The antics that Finlay's family gets into while she's trying to fight mobsters and solve crimes, the side plots and adventures in these books always make me laugh. One of the standout aspects of this book is the friendship between Finlay and Vero. Their witty banter and unwavering support for one another bring so much joy to the story. I couldn't help but root for their success and laugh along with their hilarious escapades. I like that Finlay and Nick’s romance is not the center of the book or even the main relationship. These books are so much better with Finlay and Vero’s relationship at the center. I feel like they are the true couple (even though it’s friendship leaning toward family). I really liked that it wrapped up a bunch of loose strings for the over-arching storyline and leaves room to move onto the next thread of their lives. It was good to see all of the character growth for all of the side characters and not just the main ones. The Finlay Donovan series is so much fun. I can't wait to see what happens next for Finlay and her family. This is probably my favorite campy, cozy mystery series. The book ends in a cliffhanger that makes it obvious more books will be coming and I can’t wait! Thanks to Elle Cosimano, Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for an e-arc in exchange for my thoughts.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosmamimo is everything you want in a crazy, exhausting, a little sexy, Finlay adventure! Well plotted and executed.

What a RIDE! FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE starts where book 3 left off, and was completely action packed from start to finish. It brings you the characters we know and love, and delivers on a wild adventure!

Finlay and Vero are off to Atlantic City to hunt down a stolen car, rescue Vero’s childhood crush, Javi, and deal with a dangerous loan shark. But OF COURSE the whole family’s along for the zany adventure.

I thought this instalment in the series was very plot focused (a LOT happens) but I am so invested in Finlay, Vero and all the characters that I found it easy to follow along. The banter, the tense scenarios, the laughable scenarios, the close calls, and of course, Finlay and Vero’s relationship made this such a great, fun experience.

I was not expecting that ending, and it makes me all the more excited for what’s next! I cannot wait!!

Thank you St Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read an early copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What is there to even say about one of your most anticipated books of the year?! Are there words that can even express the joy I’m feeling right now?! Yes! This book lived up to every expectation that I had and more!!!

Book #4 of the Finlay Donovan series picks right up where the last book ended. Finlay and Vero are on their way to Atlantic City to clean up the mess they have on their hands. They need to find Javi, and this time they are going under the guise of having a girls weekend. They have the kids, Finlay’s Mom, and Steven.

Let’s just say that when they arrive in Atlantic City, things are not what they expected.

This book has all of the hallmarks of a great Finlay Donovan installment: humor, mystery, thrills, a little romance, and family. All of the major characters are here - and more. The story went in a direction I was not expecting, and I have to say it: THAT ENDING!!!

I have so much more to say here, but all of it will spoil the story. I highly recommend that you read this series in order. You will not be disappointed, and you will have one of the best reading experiences ever! Finlay and Vero are two of my favorite characters. They are resourceful, empathetic, hilarious, caring, loyal, and quite frankly, bad ass.

If I haven’t made it clear enough, I highly recommend this book! This is one of my favorite series. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books. I am beyond grateful for the chance to read this book early. It releases on March 5, 2024 - if you haven’t started the series, start now, and you will be ready for this one!

Absolutely love this series! It’s light hearted and will make you laugh out loud. I’ll be picking up this series until it’s finished and recommending it to everyone!

ELLE COSIMANO knocks it out of the park again! I am not a fan of series but I am a HUGE fan of the Finlay Donovan books. In FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE we get our favorite heroine Finlay and her trusty sidekick Vero. There are some old players and of course a few new ones. This book like the others was a page turner because you can’t help wanting to know how things are going to turn out from the mess Finlay always gets herself in. This book had its mystery but it was also fun with female empowerment (because it’s Finlay) and because she’s so relatable. Everyone should read these books!

DNF @ 35%

I have loved the finlay donovan series. Book 1-3 really worked for me, and I was super excited to read this one.
However, I think this series would've benefited as a trilogy.

This book feels almost too ridiculous and so repetitive. I feel like we've cheapened characters that were once SO good. Finlay no longer feels funny, smart, and resourceful. She feels lost, indecisive, and ridiculous. I wish we could've given Finlay her HEA at the end of the 3rd book and moved the focus to Vero and/or another side character.

Nothing happens in this book early on and the plot takes so many turns with so many different loose ends that weren't interesting enough to keep me going.

This story is a laugh out loud bucket of hilarity from start to finish. Findlay and Devon are the lead actors in a cast of characters that are exceptionally wonderful. Their shenanigans as they investigate and meddle will leave readers laughing and awestruck. The plot will see you eagerly turning the pages to see what they will be doing next. This is a totally awesome story and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.

I am loving this series and I read this book in one night. I cannot wait to share this book with my patrons at the library.

Loved this book!! Finlay Donovan just makes me laugh. This is a good book with some mystery and has lots of laughs!!

I can't get enough of these books! In this one, Finlay and Vero decide to road trip to Atlantic City to take care of Vero's stuff and hopefully pull off a heroic rescue. When Steven, the kids, and Finlays mom decide to tag along, they decide to make the best of it and sneak out when they can. Then Hot Cop Nick and half of his department move in across the hall. Things escalate rather quickly, and their shenanigans are in full swing! And that ending has me super excited for the next Finlay adventure 😏

Great read! Quick paced, fun, and witty. Keeps you engaged right from the start. Another great book in the Finlay Donovan series. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

Another fun installment in the Finlay Donovan series. I just love the trouble that Finlay and Vero get into. I came across this book on NetGalley not knowing anything about it, but loved the cover. I realized it was book #4 so I quickly read the other 3 and am so happy I did. Pick up these books for some fun entertainment!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC.

This series is an absolute riot.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dive is the 4th book in the series, and you really need to read the other 3 first (they are well worth the read). Finlay and Vero continue their chaotic story on the way to Atlantic City, under the guise of a girl's weekend away, to meet and negotiate the return of Javi (Vero's kidnapped ex-high school boyfriend). The mission requires speed and being able to move around freely... which proves difficult when Finlay's mom, the kids, and her ex-husband tag along for the ride. Not to mention Finlay's sister (Georgia), her boyfriend (Nick), and Georgia's girlfriend/ love interest (Sam) join the party as well.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice was good, it was funny, it was suspenseful, and there was a seemingly endless string of loops which did serve to help tie up some on-going plot. It did serve to tie a nice bow around this story arc, but the story does end with a cliffhanger involving Finlay's nosy neighbour Mrs. Haggerty.

Although not quite as funny, sexy, or as much of a page turner as the previous books in the series; it's still worth a read. Until then, I will be excitedly awaiting the 5th installment!

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, NetGalley, and St.Martin's Press Minotaur Books for this ARC.
I received this advanced copy for free but have voluntarily left this review, and my opinions are my own.