Skip to main content

Member Reviews

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot twists, the witty banter, and the oh-so-relatable protagonist, Finlay Donovan, made for a gripping read. 🕵️‍♀️💼

What's not to love about Finlay? She's a struggling single mom, a talented amateur sleuth, and a total mess – in the most endearing way possible! Her quirky personality and hilarious mishaps made me laugh out loud and bite my nails the next. Talk about rollercoaster emotions! 🎢😂

But it's not just Finlay who steals the show. The supporting cast is just as captivating, from her enigmatic ex-husband to the charmingly mysterious Vero. Each character adds depth and intrigue to the story, keeping you guessing until the end. 🔍🤔

And can we talk about the plot? Elle Cosimano weaves together a tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem that will keep you guessing at every turn. When you think you've figured it out, she throws another curveball, leaving you desperate for more. It's like playing a high-stakes game of Clue, and I am here for it! 🕵️‍♂️🔍

Overall, "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" is a wild ride from start to finish. If you're a fan of thrillers with a side of humour and heart, this book is an absolute must-read. So grab your copy, buckle up, and prepare for an adventure with Finlay Donovan! 🎲📖✨

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

I have loved the down-to-earth Finlay Donovan and all the ridiculous scenarios in which she finds herself. This has been one of my favorite series, and this fourth book started off strong. It included exactly the right amount of background to remind me what happened in the last book without having to reread or taking away from establishing the tension for this book.

But as I continued reading, I found it failed to hold my interest as well. Many of the situations felt like ones that we have seen Finlay and Vero face previously. It didn't feel like this novel included much character growth or progression of the overall series arc.

This book worked as a single story with a clear set of acts and mysteries to solve. I enjoyed the dialogue and the various characters we meet. And I loved seeing more from Finlay's mother. I'm hopeful that future books will bring back the unexpected surprises and charm that made me fall so hard for this series. And I hope for a clearer series trajectory going forward.

3.25 stars

Was this review helpful?

In the fourth Finlay Donovan book we follow her and Vero to Atlantic city to try to track down Javi. However, their plans get disrailed when Finaly’s ex husband, mom and kids decide to tag along.

This was fun and silly like the last three books in the series. This is such a good to when you want an easy, light hearted read! I loved the road trip element and the book being set in a new place! All the side characters are always so fun to follow along with! I will definitely be continuing with this series!

Was this review helpful?