Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a nice addition to the Finlay Donovan series. It tells us about Vero and how she came to work for Finlay. I liked getting the backstory.

Vero is an interesting character. It could have been a little better but still a good addition to the series. I would have preferred the original narrator as well.

In this short story, Vero is on the run after being falsely accused of stealing. She overhears a conversation she shouldn’t and is determined to solve the mystery and get a better job out of it.

Vero’s relationship with her cousin Ramón was an enjoyable mix of loyal support, typical familial meddling opinions, and minor mischievous threats. Vero had a magnetic pull to Javi and their banter was feisty and charged. Readers also get to see the moment Vero first met Finlay.

What a fun snippet of Vero’s backstory!

I enjoy that we got a back story for Vero but it was pretty lackluster of a story. With it being so short I understand why we didn't get more but I think I would have preferred clues about Vero's past intertwined within the main storyline. With this being a standalone there was less substance.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy. This is out now!

4-Star Review for Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

Elle Cosimano delivers another fast-paced, witty, and delightfully chaotic installment in the Finlay Donovan universe with Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank. This time, Veronica takes center stage, and her journey is just as hilarious, unpredictable, and action-packed as fans would expect.

The novel shines with Cosimano’s signature blend of humor and suspense, making it an engaging ride from start to finish. Veronica’s character arc is well-developed, and her antics—whether intentional or accidental—keep the stakes high and the pages turning. The banter, especially between Veronica and returning characters, adds an extra layer of charm.

The reason this isn’t a full five stars? At times, the plot leans a bit too heavily on its wild twists, and some moments feel slightly over-the-top. However, the book’s entertainment value more than makes up for it. If you love snappy dialogue, high-stakes hijinks, and strong female leads, this one’s a must-read.

A fantastic addition to the series that leaves me eager for more!

Vero has been one of my favorite side characters in the Finlay Donovan series, and it was nice to dive into her world and discover what makes Vero, Vero! I loved it!

I loved getting to see this side of Vero and what led to her being the Vero we all now love.

Cosimano created such amazing characters!

A fun short read getting to know a bit more about Vero; how she left school, got the job in the bank and ended up working for Finlay.

I love that Cosimano gave us this backstory for Vero. She's a flawed character who readers have grown to love.

I have loved Vero since book. I'm so grateful to my fellow readers for pestering Elle Cosimano for more on Vero's backstory!! This was a fun, quick read but it maintained the same "feel" as the rest of the Finlay series. It was both hysterical and mysterious, with a pinch of romance. As always, I was left wanting more as soon as I finished it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

A great fast paced story for the reader to peek behind the curtain on who Veronica Ruiz is along with how she fell into the path of Finlay Donovan.

Absolutely loved getting this perspective of Vero. I ADORE these characters and series!!! Definitely a nice addition to the series, highly recommend as a solid 5 star (as is the entire series).

3.5 stars
Veros backstory leading up to what happened when she left college in Maryland to how she wound up living with finlay.

Part of the Finlay Donovan series, this short story focuses on the short period of time Vero worked for the bank. We learn Verso is resourceful and determined. She doesn’t hesitate to do wrong if it is for the ‘right’. It is a quick read that can be read at any point in the series. It gives the reader a better understanding of Vero and why she teamed up Finlay.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy of Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano in exchange for an honest review. It published November 7, 2023.
This was a fun, quick read. I appreciated getting some background on Vero. I enjoyed the style I’ve come to expect from Elle Cosimano, and am glad that she wrote this one!

This was a fantastic, fun ride with plenty of heart. Veronica’s story is full of twists and turns, and I really enjoyed watching her character grow while the suspense built up throughout.

I love this series so I jumped at the chance to learn more about Vero. This short story did not disappoint. I'm not sure I would have appreciate the details Cosimano wove throughout if I hadn't read the rest of the series but Vero can clearly hold her own as a main character so I hope we see more of her in the future!

I quite enjoyed this deeper dive into Vero’s back story. As always it was a fun quick read by the author. As a bank employee of many years I was very frustrated with many plot points that are absolutely not the way banks work but I’d recommend this story to any Finlay Donovan fans!

Vero is hands down my favorite character in the Finlay-universe. So funny and heartfelt while also bringing the mystery. This whole series is a winner.

This was written as a prequel to the Finlay Donovan series. It was a rehash of what lead up to the first book in that series. Since I had already read the series, it didn't hold my interest.

I tried to read it but the copy had lines of words all run together (like this: Itwasarashofwhatleaduptothefirstbookinthatseries.) I was able to read it but did not enjoy reading that w2ay. I am sure the final print didn't have those issues.

So all in all, it is a nice way of having background info on the FD series.