VERONICA RUIZ BREAKS THE BANK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fun little novella to accompany the Finlay Donovan series. The author has done so well at creating Vero’s character. She has a very distinct voice, attitude, and her actions often match what you’d expect from her.

The novella is written for the fans of the series and didn’t really add anything to the overall storyline. It just left me wanting more backstory!

romantic content: innuendo
string language

A fun back story about Finlay Donovan's sidekick about her past and how she and Finlay met. A quick, humorous read about a beloved character.

*3.5 Stars Rounded Down to 3*

We finally have some backstory on Finlay’s nanny turned sidekick Vero! Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is told from Vero’s POV and explains how she ends up in Virginia and becomes Finlay’s nanny. The story leads right up until Vero’s and Finlay’s meeting at the bank from Book 1, and the mystery and events in the short story tie into the rest of the series. This book is heavy on the tension between Vero and Javi, which makes complete sense given his appearances in the series, but I wish there was a little more to the meeting between Finlay and Vero. I think if I had read it first and had it truly led into Book 1 in the series, I would feel differently as it would truly be the setup leading me into the full Finley Donovan series. With that said, this was a super easy read that I finished in one sitting (it takes roughly two hours).

Recommend?
Would I recommend this? I recommend it because it gives more backstory on Vero but don’t feel that it’s super necessary to read. I personally think it would make more sense to read this as Book .5 of the series before starting Book 1, then you’ll see the side character Javi pop up in later books in the series. Reading it as Book 3.5 messed up the flow of the series to me.

Read If You Like…
• Fast-Paced
• Character Backstory
• Quick-Witted FMC
• Mysterious Romance
• Easy, One-Sitting Read

This was a solid, fun, short addition to the Finlay Donovan series. I enjoyed seeing Vero take center stage and learning more about her past. I don't think I would've cared about it very much if I weren't already familiar with the series, but it was a fun, quick read since I am.

I read a copy of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

I love the Finlay Donovan series. Love. Vero's character is part of what makes the books so great so I was excited to read this little book and get a look into her background.

And it was fine. I understand that it is a novella but I really did want more of her wit, banter and creativity. As it was, her attempts at sleuthing felt flat and lacklaster compared to the Vero we know and love in the novels. I wish I could put my finger on just what is lacking but, while it had potential, I really would have loved more. Do I think a fan of the series should still pick It up? Sure, while they're waiting for another of the "real novels."

An interesting short story what's a college girl to do when she's accused of taking money run off course. Which of course is only going to make her problems worse.

Finally, we get Vero's backstory! This kind of read like the author needed to complete a set, but it's a short read and should help us understand the next book.

Liked learning Vero’s backstory even if I think her reasons for leaving school are unrealistic and silly. And I loved seeing her first interactions with Finlay. This is a quick, cute addition to the series.

This was another fun one. A little background into Vero gives me more of an idea about how brilliant she is of a character. Thank you to NetGalley for the free ebook.

#netgalley #ebook

Normally I am not a fan of a short story/novella as part of a series but this one was good. I loved getting a bit more of background on Vero prior to meeting Finlay. Excited for the newest book in March!

A cute little in between story! I really enjoy this series and so excited for the next one! Veronica is such a great character and I enjoyed reading this short story.

I have been wanting to read this series and I’m so glad I did! Each Finlay Donovan book is full of shenanigans and humor with a mystery that keeps you guessing along the way. This time we get Vero's backstory and it was better than I could have imagined! F
I hope they never stop making this series! Many thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was such a fun novella to learn more about Vero! We get to know more about her past which helps her character growth in the main series

✨ Thank You! ✨
A huge thank you to @ellecosimano, @minotaurbooks, and @netgalley for the advanced review copy of Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank!

🌟 Book Review Alert! 🌟

📚 Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

💸 Veronica’s chaotic charm strikes again! This book is a delightful cocktail of humor, heart, and just the right amount of drama as she navigates financial fiascos and personal growth. The sharp wit and relatable moments had me laughing and reflecting all the way through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

✨ Why you’ll love it:

A fiercely flawed yet lovable protagonist
Hilarious misadventures
A heartfelt journey of self-discovery

I really enjoyed this one. It was hard to put down. It kept me wanting more. The characters are amazing! And I love the title and the story line. Such an amazing book!

If you like Finlay, you know who Vero is :) this is a short story about Vero and her backstory. Describing her time before she met Finlay. I enjoyed it as Vero is one of my favorite book characters :) Thanks to @stmartinspress for my copy!

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is book 3.5 in the Finlay Donovan series. Vero is Finlay’s nanny in the series. She is falsely accused of stealing from her sorority and leaves college to stay with her cousin Romon. She wants to be a bank teller, but the only job available is as a custodian. When she overhears her boss and a security guard talking about someone stealing money from the bank, she decides to investigate and solve the mystery. I really enjoyed this short story about Vero! I highly recommend this short story!

#VeronicaRuizBreakstheBank #NetGalley

Elle Cosimano once again demonstrates her knack for crafting engaging, character-driven stories with Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank, a fresh and lively standalone that blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Fans of her Finlay Donovan series will feel right at home with this new protagonist and her whirlwind of challenges and unexpected escapades.

Veronica Ruiz, a hardworking and relatable heroine, finds herself caught in a financial nightmare when a mix-up at her bank puts her livelihood—and her future—on the line. Determined to clear her name and uncover the truth, Veronica dives headfirst into a tangled web of secrets, lies, and shady dealings. As the stakes escalate, she discovers not only her own resilience but also the importance of trusting others and letting them in.

Cosimano’s trademark wit and sharp dialogue shine throughout the novel. Veronica’s voice is refreshingly authentic, and her journey is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. The book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and poignant reflections on perseverance and self-worth.

The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing without losing the emotional depth that makes Veronica’s story so compelling. The supporting cast is colorful and memorable, adding layers of charm and complexity to the narrative.

Rating: 4.5/5

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a delightful blend of humor and intrigue, offering an entertaining and uplifting story that will resonate with readers. Elle Cosimano proves once again that she’s a master at crafting stories that are as engaging as they are emotionally satisfying. This is a must-read for fans of lighthearted mysteries and strong, relatable protagonists.

I know this one has not gotten rave reviews but I loved it! I wanted a glimpse into Vero's past, I wanted to know how FInley and Vero met, and I love Cosimano's sense of humor. I cannot get enough of the Finley Donovan series! Keep them coming!

Very fun read! Quick and enjoyable--glad I got to read it!

Thank you NetGalley and Elle Cosimano!