The Finlay Donovan series has been such a fun series to be a part of. Picking up right where Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun leaves off, and takes Finlay, Vera, and the crew straight to Atlantic city. As with all of these books, it’s ridiculous and over the top in all the best ways.

In Finaly Donovan Rolls the Dice, I felt we got quite a bit more of a mystery than some of the previous books. We definitely get more romance between Finlay and Nick this time around, which I love. While we do get answers to quite a few loose ends from Book 3, I felt that this book didn’t really ‘solve’ anything for me. I was hoping we’d get more about Vera’s college problem. So, while Vera has a much bigger role in this book, I still felt we were missing something. I’m sure Cosimano is going to get into those pieces in the next installment, but after reading Veronica Ruize Breaks the Break, I’m just ready to get the full backstory and a resolution for her college issues.

I always find these to be such a palate cleanser and while I thought it needed a little something extra, it was still an enjoyable and quick read. If you love outlandish crimes and a good laugh, this is the perfect series for you.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, comes out March 5, 2024. Huge thank you to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are―seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car―it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride. Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all―he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back. But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for―Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike―and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side. If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down?

You know when Finlay and Vero are together a fun story is going to play out. I enjoyed this book. The story holds up to the other 3 books. It's chaotic and a little far-fetched, but also a fun easy read. With that being said, I am also ready for the series to end. I don't know if this is the last one, or if they are still waiting to reveal who Easy Clean was and what Steven's involvement in all of this is, but I am ready to get everything spelled out!

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 3/5

Elle Cosimano does it AGAIN! We return to Finlay and Vero where they left off- on the hunt for Javi and their car! This novel takes us to Atlantic City with ALL of our favorite characters on a crazy adventure to pay off Vero’s debt, save her childhood friend, and keep Nick from suspecting any wrongdoing from Finlay. This entire novel kept me on my toes with so many twists and turns, events to remember in the whole story since book one, and plenty of laughs from Vero’s witty commentary. The novel ends on a new and completely unexpected cliffhanger, just after it seems like everything is cleaned up for our heroines. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for this advanced copy!

I’ve read Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series for YEARS, so when I discovered Finlay Donovan I quickly fell in love. This fourth book was just as good!

I love that this book picks up right where the third leaves off so there’s no confusion. Everything kicks off with a bang which is satisfying, because the third book ended on such a cliffhanger.
You do sort of have to suspend belief to read these books, but I don’t find that to detract from the enjoyment of books at all. They’re full of lighthearted humor, suspenseful action, and sprinkled with heartfelt moments of sweetness.
You also really get to see more of Vero, and in turn Javi, in this one, which was welcome for me. I’m excited to read her novella, which is technically 3.5 in the series.

My love for Elle Cosimano and Finlay along with her crew absolutely continues with this book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for them all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur books, and the author for this ARC.
Publication date 3/5/24

Finlay and Vero are on a high stakes quest to save Javi. This time with Finlay's Mom, cop acquaintances and ex husband along for the ride. Quickly, they discover they are in for more than they bargained for with Marco's demands. Demands that may not mean anything upon discovering Marco dead without evidence of a killer. Finlay I'd about to roll the dice on how her future will play out in this hilarious fourth "Finlay Donovan" installment.

I loved the jam packed action/pacing in Rolls the Dice and couldn't put it down once I starter! Elle Cosimano's writing is one I'd recommend to anyone wanting to feel "right there in the action." I felt like I was right there with Finlay and Vero figuring out each clue while running around Atlantic City.

Vero shenanigans? CHECK!
Finlay's kids being adorable? CHECK!
Steven being..well Steven? CHECK!
Nick coming closer to discovering Finlay's true identity? CHECK!

Let the shenanigans begin.

Oh Finlay. I will never get tired of your shenanigans. The fun part of series like these is when you get to see character growth across multiple books. Already hungry for book 5

What a phenomenal series installment! Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice picks up immediately after the last book in the series with Finlay and her nanny/partner in accidental crime, Vero, heading to Atlantic City for a girls weekend. Of course, the “girls weekend” is just a cover story for why they need to be in Atlantic City, which is really to meet with a dangerous mob boss, locate a stolen car from the Russian mob, and find Vero’s friend. All the while, Finlay’s mother, children, ex-husband, and new cop boyfriend, cop sister, and more cop friends tag along. Finlay and Vero stumble upon dead bodies, a strip club, Kevin Bacon, explosives, and more in their quest to save Javi and extricate themselves from their entanglement with the mob and loan sharks once and for all. The book has fun twists and turns along with touching moments of family and friendship. I loved that part of the focus of this book was the heightened danger that if Finlay is caught she can lose her new relationship in addition to everything else already on the line. Loved this book and highly recommend!

3.75/5 rounded up to 4

Elle Cosimano’s characters are so fun. She creates this universe where you feel like you know each and every character, like they are close friends or acquaintances. Usually after I read a book it’s like an eraser hits my brain and clears everything out to prepare for the next read but with Cosimano’s writing it only takes a second to jog my memory about who is who (even if I haven’t read the other books in a year). I love that.

This book was fun, there’s always trouble aplenty when Finlay and Vero are involved. I love the conversations they have and the antics of Vero which are so random and off the wall…as usual. That scene at Chubbies not Chubby’s was hilarious.

Finlay’s ex husband is a whole disaster as usual. He’s such a goof. Sure you’re a serial cheater but let’s give you another chance. How about no!!?!!! Nick had a smaller role in this book but you’ll still be rooting for Finlay and Nick.

This one had a Weekend At Bernie’s vibe which was a nice touch. This one had less to do with Finlay’s career and more to do with the trouble she’s gotten herself in. I don’t recommend reading this if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series 1st.

Angela Dawe is a brilliant audio narrator and a perfect selection for this series. I was psyched when I saw she was staying on for this book too. She nails it every time. For me the wrong narrator can really ruin an audiobook. Angela effortlessly and seamlessly switches up her voice throughout which I can’t image is an easy thing to do.

I wanted a little bit more out of this book but I still had a great time reading it. The 1st and 2nd books are my favs in the series. I’d love if they made this a Netflix series or something like that because Elle Cosimano writes such fun characters.

Finlay Donovan and Vero are always a great read! This was a fun read and I couldn't put it down. They are up to their usual mischief, only this time in Atlantic City, with Finlay's kids, mom, sister, boyfriend and ex-husband. They are running from the Russian mob and loan sharks. It's hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I can't wait for the next one!

The newest addition to the Finlay Donovan saga did not disappoint. How fun would it be to be friends with Finn and Vero?! Seriously though, what a journey. Finlay is such a bad ass lady and mom, I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. Can't wait to see what she does next!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins press for the ARC.

Finlay and Vero are back again, this time in Atlantic City on a girls weekend gone awry.

These books are just so silly but they make for a great time. I always feel anxious while reading them which makes me laugh because the storylines are always more outlandish than the book before, but I can’t help screaming in my head at Finlay and Vero to “get outta there!” If you are looking for a fun series, without a blip of reality, these are it! But make sure to read them in order, or else nothing with make sense, even though it rarely makes sense at all any way (in the best way)!

I love Finlay and Vero and have totally gobbled up all their antics in books 1-3. This entry is the weakest in my personal opinion. Where I could suspend my disbelief in prior books, this one was just so fast paced with so many crazy antics, I had a hard time.

Also, Finlay is suspicious AF lol and Nick not picking up on that just really grinds my gears. I want to be rooting for them but I cant see past this aspect.

I like that this book effectively ended one of the plot lines that have been running on for a while, and I’m hoping that the next book feels fresh again!

This book is just as wild as the previous ones. Completely absurd but addicting. Finlay, accidental assassin/thriller romance author/mom of 2 & Vero, sidekick/fugitive/nanny head to Atlantic City to find & rescue Javi, Vero’s ex. He’s been taken as an incentive for Vero to pay back her gambling related debts. Shenanigans abound. Especially with Finn’s mom, ex-husband & children in tow. Throw in her cop boyfriend & entourage to spice it up even more. All of the characters we’ve come to love & loathe in the series make appearances. This book is like a telenovela- you can’t stop watching the many train wrecks. This book has the best pay off at the end compared to the previous books. It was very satisfying. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

Finlay and her trusted sidekick/nanny Vero are in need of a girls’ weekend away so they plan a trip to Atlantic City. Though they desperately need that weekend away, it's actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s crush Javi and locate a stolen car. It’s fine, everything is fine, except that Finlay’s mother and ex-husband Stephen (with their two children) decide to tag along. Add in Finlay’s love interest/cop/partner of Finlay’s sister Nick and as always, things get a lot more interesting.

This story picks up right where the previous one left off - literally, Finlay and Vero are fresh out of the academy and onto their next crazy adventure. As always, the witty banter between Finlay and Vero is top notch; they just crack me up. Some of the situations they find themselves in are so over-the-top you just can’t help but laugh. I just love this series - it’s amazing how well one book flows into the next, and for part of the story, I was expecting to see this installment wrap up the series but I think there may be more to come. Finlay, Vero and the kids have a place in my heart and I always enjoy being in their world.

Thank you to Netgalley, Minotaur Books and Elle Cosimano for the ARC! “Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice” releases March 5, 2024. This review will be shared to my instagram blog(@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Finlay Donovan has done it again!! (Or should I say, Elle Cosimano?) I absolutely love this series and #4 did not disappoint! From the road trip, to the hotel hopping, the dead bodies and everything in between; this book had me laughing and guessing until the end. Finlay and Vero have gotten themselves into quite the dilemma this time and I had no clue how they were going to come out of it unscathed. In their typical crime solving style, they not only manage, but go above and beyond everyone’s expectations. I will definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys this series or anything by Evanovich. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I started getting into the Finlay Donovan series when I wanted to dip my toes into a crime thriller/mystery, but knew I would need some comedy intertwined. I was hooked on Finlay instantly. I loved the fresh feeling of the Atlantic City background, it added a new element that felt very fun. The pacing was as perfect as it always is, I am constantly hanging on to every word until the thrilling end. This is the perfect series and I am absolutely thrilled that we were set up for another installment here. Finlay and Vero forever!

I love this series so much! Love all the hijinks Finlay and Vero get into, hilarious Vero’s treatment of Steven. So good!

Elle Cosimano does it again! The latest installment of Finlay Donovan is just as exhilarating and hysterical as the rest.

I found this one just a bit harder to follow, but it may be because I am not familiar with casinos and gambling. It seemed like there was a lot of detail regarding how casinos are laid out and my brain just couldn’t see it clearly, and I think it took away from the story a bit for me.

Overall, I still think this was a great book and I’m looking forward to the next one!

3.5 stars

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for my ARC of this much anticipated release, which is out March 5, 2024.

What can i say? I absolutely love Finlay and Vero and the naughtiness they find themselves in. This one finds them off to Atlantic City for a girls' weekend away. But if you know these ladies, the odds are stacked against them actually having a relaxing time. With too many passengers in tow and many hands in the pot, all bets are off on this trip.

As always, we have some great banter between Vero and Steven. But Finlay's mom takes the cake in this one. I certainly found her humor to be a breath of fresh air in an otherwise redundant story line. I did enjoy it and I am not going to lie, i was kind of hoping to see the ending wrap up the series, but I'm not so sure. I guess I will wait and see if there is more to come!

Finlay and Vero are back at it again for the fourth installment of the Finlay Donovan series by @ellecosimano. In FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE, they’re hitting the road and heading to Atlantic City. This book starts right where book 3 left off so I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t read the other books in the series.

Vero and Finlay are just as funny as ever and throwing Finlay’s mom into the mix proved to spice things up. I was laughing out loud at their trip to the “diner for a burger.” The Donovan series is similar to Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series as far as humor, dynamic duos, and a good cozy-ish mystery feel goes. And I am here for it! I’ll look forward to the next installment — good cliffhanger at the end of this one so I know the girls’ adventures are not done yet.

If you haven’t started this series yet, it is a must if you like quick, fun, mysteries that will have you laughing out loud. They’re perfect palette-cleansing books and must reads in my opinion. Read them in order for all the fun! I didn’t reread Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun before this one but Cosimano does a good job of reminding us of the important parts of previous books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Many thanks to @minotaur_books for an early galley! Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is set to release on 3.5.24!