Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank

Finlay Donovan #3.5

by Elle Cosimano

A hilarious short story diving into Finlay Donovan's partner-in-crime Vero's past.

Anyone can spot a window of opportunity, but not everyone can manage to fall straight through one.

Veronica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life—though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramón's apartment, planning to change her name and rebuild start over away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland).

At the local bank on the first morning of her new life, it occurs to Vero that she'd be a better bank teller than most of the current employees: she may not have much money, but what little she does have, she knows how to manage. Unfortunately, the only available position is a cleaning job and so, desperate for a fresh start, she takes the bank manager’s offer.

But nothing in Vero's world has ever been simple, so of course shortly after she begins work, she overhears a conversation between her new boss and a security guard: someone who works there has been stealing. Seeing a window of opportunity, Vero sets out to find the identity of the thief, present the evidence, and then push for the perfect job. All of which would be easier if her irresistibly infuriating childhood crush Javi wasn’t living in the same damn town.

Offering the insight that listeners have been craving into fan-favorite Vero's past and a closer look at the moment Finlay and Vero first meet, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a can't-miss addition to the Finlay Donovan series.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Novella, Short Stories

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author, Edgar® Nominee, Bram Stoker® Nominee, & ITW Thriller Award winner.

Reviews

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano is Finlay Donovan, #3.5!

I have to be honest, I'm disappointed...

As one of the many Finlay Donovan readers who has been hungry for the low-down about fan-favorite Vero's past and details of how Finlay and Vero first met, this just doesn't work for me.

The author had the perfect opportunity to make something really great here. Instead, what we get is a short story that's predictable and unexciting with mostly blah characters and minus all the fun and humorous shenanigans Vera is so well-known for. Tell me, does that feel like the same Vero we all know and love?

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a 2H 27M audiobook narrated by Stacy Gonzalez, who does a fine job of voicing. The issue is, it's not Angela Dawe who narrated all other Finlay Donovan books. Answer this, does that sound like the same Vero we all know and love?

We do learn a few things about Vero, and we do find out how Vero met Finlay. Thing is, I'm underwhelmed.

If I were to describe this story in one word, it would be mediocre. So again, I ask you, does that describe the same Vero we all know and love?

I'm definitely an outlier in my opinion and I stand by everything I've written above.

I do have one more question: Who wrote this?

2⭐

[Melissa ~ Bantering Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though nothing to rave about, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is worth a read – or in my case, a listen on audio – if you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan series. It’s fun to learn a bit more of Vero’s backstory and her romantic history with Javi, and you’ll appreciate seeing Finlay and Vero first meet.

But the short story is nowhere near the same caliber of the first three books written by Elle Cosimano. (I’ve yet to read the fourth and fifth Finlay books, so I’m clueless as to how the story stacks up to the later installments.) It’s lackluster in comparison and sorely missing the fiery spark of what has come before it.

The audiobook loses major points, too, for the choice of narrator. For some reason the publisher went with Stacy Gonzalez this time instead of the brilliant Angela Dawe, and without Dawe bringing the character to life, Vero just isn’t Vero.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down. A cute enough series novella, but it’s missing the fun, spark & wittiness of the others. It does fill in some good backstory on Vero though…

[JaymeO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back by fan request, Vero makes her solo debut in the prequel short story to the Finlay Donovan series.

At only two and a half hours long, the audiobook is a quick read for Vero fans, and answers the question as to how the dynamic duo initially met.

However, don’t expect to laugh your way through this one.

Can you imagine Holmes without Sherlock? Robin without Batman? Shirley without Laverne? Costello without Abbott? You get the point.

Part of what makes the Finlay Donovan series so fun is the comedic banter between Finlay and Vero. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a Vero fan, but this mystery is just mediocre without the yin to Vero’s yang.

If you have a few hours to kill, Stacy Gonzalez’s narration on the audiobook is terrific.

I am still a huge fan of this series and can’t wait to read Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice, which will be released on March 5, 2024!

2.5/5 stars rounded up

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, disappointed is an understatement. I really wanted to love this novella, but sadly, it didn’t hit the mark for me. 🤦‍♀️ Honestly, after finishing it, I feel like I need a mental reset—like, I need to read something totally different before diving into the next book in the series. 😂

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano was cute enough, but it lacked the spark that I’ve come to expect from this series. It's supposed to give us a peek into Vero’s backstory, and while I did enjoy learning more about her, especially her romance with Javi, the whole thing just felt kinda flat. 💤

First off, the mystery was a bit of a letdown. Vero as an amateur detective? Not bad, but it didn’t really wow me. And the whole setup with the stolen money and slashing tires? Honestly, it was a tad too predictable and just didn’t match the high-energy chaos that we’re used to from Finlay and Vero’s dynamic. 🕵️‍♀️💥

That being said, I do love Vero and her complex, messy self. ❤️ She’s one of the best parts of the series, and I can’t help but still root for her! And I’m all for more Vero and Javi (please give me more of them in the future!!). But this story just didn’t deliver the fun, witty moments I’m used to. 😞

In the end, if you're a die-hard Finlay Donovan fan, it’s worth reading, but don’t expect the same magic as the full-length books. ✨ I’ll still be ready for the next book though, so I guess we’ll see if things pick up again! 🤞📚

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up! I was so excited when Elle Cosimano and Minotaur Books made it possible to read all the books in the Finlay Donovan series including the short story titled, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank (Finlay Donovan #3.5). Having had read this series from its inception, I was curious to learn about Vero’s backstory. There had been hints about Vero’s life prior to when she first met Finlay throughout the series but not a conclusive one that satisfied all my questions. It was my hope that Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank would do just that. Some of the gaps were filled in and it did a good job describing the circumstances for how and why Finlay and Vero made their initial introduction to each other. However, as a book in this series, it was a bit disappointing. Vero on her own, without Finlay, was lacking the strengths of their combined chemistries, the wittiness I have come to expect from a Finlay Donovan book and the creative antics prevalent in the prior books. The digital version that I received also strung several words together without spaces making it difficult to read. Overall, I did enjoy Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano. As long as you are not expecting all the bells and whistles from this one I would recommend it. There were some funny moments.

Thank you to Elle Cosimano and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Woman Reading (is away exploring) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

Any idiot can spot a window of opportunity but it takes an unique brand of idiot to fall through one.

In Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank, Elle Cosimano provides the background story of how Veronica Ramirez became Vero Ruiz, Finlay Donovan's nanny / partner-in-crime in four novels of highly improbable high jinks.

For those who like to read their series in chronological order, this is described as #3.5 in Goodreads, when it's really a prequel to the entire series. It's set in October, shortly before Finlay Donovan Is Killing It #1. Readers meet Vero, just as she trying to rebuild her life in Fairfax County, Virginia. She's been falsely accused and framed, and she's retreated because she knows that she can't win. But Vero is resilient and plots a comeback, which involves solving a small mystery. This is a simple short story to add depth to Vero's character and provide history on Vero's childhood crush.

He held up his hands in surrender, the perfect picture of bad boy innocence. The hot-headed rebel who'd shown her how to throw a punch, had taught her how to drive before she legally could, and had gratefully and thoroughly stripped her of her virginity when she'd offer it was the same boy who'd who'd give her the shirt off his back, no questions asked.

It's an interesting installment for readers who are already invested in the Finlay Donovan series, hence my 3.5 instead of 3 star rating.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story in the Finlay Donovan series!

As a fan of Finlay and Vero, I couldn’t pass up Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank.

Vero is Finlay’s sidekick in every sense—a true friend and a supporter of their wild schemes, if not the instigator.

In this short story, we meet Veronica after she drops out of college but before she meets Finlay.

Veronica stays with her cousin and aims to get a job as a bank teller, but instead lands a janitor position. That’s fine, though—she knows someone is stealing from the bank, and if she can uncover the thief, she might take their place.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stacy Gonzalez. As always, Vero is scheming, with some crazy ideas. We also get some interactions with Javi and her first meeting with Finlay.

What’s not to enjoy?

I can’t wait for Finlay’s next book.

Cliffhanger: No

3.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Elle Cosimano has granted fans of the Finlay Donovan series their wish by gifting them a short story that spills the beans on everyone's favorite nanny Vero Ruiz. If you've been wondering how Vero came to be Finlay's nanny, it's all revealed in this rip snorting, high action, comedy of errors short story with a side dose of sizzle in the form of the gorgeous hunk Javier. Cosimano bears all and fans of the series will not want to miss out.

Even though VEROINCA RUIZ BREAKS THE BANK is a short story, it's not short on the hilarious, fast paced action fans have come to expect from the Finlay Donovan books. The author's signature style is evident with larger-than-life characters fighting their way out of impossible situations to save the day in the nick of time. Vero, like Finlay, appears to be a magnet for trouble, but has a knack for turning dire situations into hilarious scenes that keep readers rolling in the aisle.

If you get the chance to listen to the audio, I highly recommend it. Narrator Stacy Gonzalez kills it, nailing Vero's voice and setting the tone for this fun filled tell all story on nanny Vero Ruiz. Highly recommended to fans of the series and readers who love a good rom-com style mystery.
Special thanks to MacMillan Audio for an audio version of this arc. Release is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is available at Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Lackof_shelf_control · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ All told from Vero’s POV, we finally get more insight to her back story! This was a short one sitting/bingeable read and definitely recommended for those that love the Finlay Donovan series. There is a mystery that needs solving and I appreciated that being incorporated into the plot. However, I feel like some of the magic is lost in this book because the best part about the other novels is the relationship and banter between Vero and Finlay. Since it is such a short read - I still recommend.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Finlay Donovan books have been the bright spot of my reading this month so I was especially disappointed as I read this one. Vero is a wonderful character and I was excited to read a book from her perspective and see how they met, but this was predictable and disappointing. I suppose it’s good to know the origin story of their duo, but honestly the meeting in the garage was a much better origin story. I understand these are mysteries with romantic tension, and I like the tension with Javi, but this book could have done with that being cut and more focus on Vero and Finlay’s meeting.

[Dann · Rating 3 out of 5]

[2.75 stars]

Theft is just not as interesting to read about as murder.

[Donna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series will recognize her trusty sidekick and BFF, Vero. Over the course of the series, we’ve had many hints about Vero’s past, and Finlay sometimes wonders why Vero is so tightlipped about her personal history. This short story provides curious readers with some background, as well as some of the entertainment for which Cosimano is fast becoming legendary.

My thanks go to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the review copy. This book is for sale now.

I generally avoid this sort of book, because often as not, the author returns to flesh it out into a full length novel, and as much as I enjoy reading it once, I don’t want to read it twice. But this was low hanging fruit, a shorty by an author I greatly enjoy, at a time when I couldn’t get up and move around much, and so I dove into it.

Vero is an honors student from a struggling family, and her academic career is short circuited when an envelope of money goes missing, and Vero is blamed by her sorority sisters. Vero makes a run for it; desperate for work, she takes a custodial job in a bank, and that’s where the fun begins.

This is an entertaining read, but it’s not up to the level of Cosimano’s novels. For a short story to work, a lot must be packed into it, with every single word pulling its own weight, and possibly that of its friends and family. Here, it feels like a chapter out of a book, one in which the author doesn’t want to give up any truly juicy information about the protagonist because she’s saving it for—you got it—a novel.

Of course, I cannot pretend to know what the author is thinking here; this is just an educated guess. But the product is the product, and whereas it was a fun read as a free galley, I might have felt a bit annoyed if I’d paid money for it.

Those looking for a quick, light read to take to the beach could do worse. Some people don’t have the time or stamina for a full length novel of any type; if that’s you, maybe this is your book. But as for me, I’ll hold out for the real deal in the future.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to find out how Veronica and Finlay met. There is always something fun going on! I only wish that it didn’t finish up so quickly.

It seemed a bit strange that Finlay would trust Vera enough to give her a job caring for her children. Even though she acted out of the kindness of her heart it seemed far fetched. But…. That’s how Finlay lives her life.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC via NetGalley!

[OonaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimaro
Finlay Donovan series #3.5. Mystery novella. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Veronica Ruiz can’t believe how her sorority sisters turned on her when the money she held as treasurer disappeared. She drops out of her accounting classes and walks away from her live on her cousins couch. Just temporarily! She going to find a job where she can prove her accounting and finance skills and move up the ladder with ease. Getting past the door is proving harder than expected. She finally accepts a job as a janitor at a bank when she overhears the manager complaining the daily deposits are coming up short every day. Vero is sure she can figure out who is stealing the money and then replace that person they go to jail.
Maybe not as easy as it sounds.

Wacky. Her detective skills are on the lever of a mugging while her diplomatic skills are more likely to get her kicked out of the place.
Vero may need a bit more polish before her next job.

I received a copy of this from NatGalley. My ebook copy was mostly unreadable because of formatting issues. I borrowed an audiobook version from the library and enjoyed listening to the hysteria and insanity that is Vero’s life.
It’s worth reading for the laughs even if you haven’t read the series. If you have read the series, you will appreciate it all the more.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Sarah Swann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun short novella to listen to. I liked seeing Vero as a main character and learning about her past.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby app, Overdrive was better.
-----

Can I adopt Vero or vice versa? ❤️
I hesitated for a long time because the narrator was different but finally took the plunge.

Narrator did a good job, it wasn't as jarring having a different voice for Vero.

2023 review:

3.5 stars 🌟 🤩 ✨️ 😍
----

I miss having the energy to read 📚 faster :(

Review:

It was so much fun to spend time with Vero and Javi again 💓 I liked seeing Vero play amateur detective to find the thief and Seeing her meeting Finlay and the kids from her POV.. plus I found her slashing her boss' tires more funny than I should have probably

I probably would recommend reading this right after or before the first book myself. Would create a good flow (is that the right term?)

[Sonja Arlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vero is by far one of my favorite characters in the Finlay Donovan series so this little side novella about her time before she met Finely was a perfect little stop gab before the release of the next book.

If you loved the series, you will also enjoy this and as always its best listened to on audio even if this novella is narrated by someone else.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok.

Although, I would love to get more Veronica and Javi - there is definitely more to tell.


Thanks to my library for a copy :D

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was fine. But I needed it read by Angela Dawe. I don't know why Elle didn't have her read it. It would have been 100% better. She reads all of them. However that is my personal preference..

Update from Elle her self. Angela Dawe is Finley's voice not Veronica's voice.

So that's why the voice is by someone else.
That makes sense. 😭🤣🤔

[Lydia Tinsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally love for Vero!

This wasn’t as great as a full Finlay Donovan book, but I’m glad we were finally given some background on Vero!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about Veronica and her own troubles before she and Finlay meet.

quick easy read just a bit of fun nothing life changing but still OK.

Happy Reading 📖 📕📓📔📗📚📕📘📙📒📓📕📚📘📙📗📔📒📕📚📘📙📗📖

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick novella, mostly fluff.

If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!

[Kimberly Hoisington · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books always make me laugh. This is good for a quick, short read. I can’t say it added anything to the series, however.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short story that fills in Vero's backstory before she meets Finlay Donovan. The scenes with Javier are pretty hot!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before starting the fourth book in the series, I decided to listen to this short novella about Vero. While it fills in some background story on Vero along with a bit of a bank caper mystery that I found a little ho-hum, it just didn’t feel like the creative, sparky Vero that I’ve come to know and love. I was rather indifferent to this story. It just didn’t reach out a grab me like the rest of the series has so far. If you’re on the fence, give it a skip. It’s only a 2 ½ hour listen or about 100 pages.

[bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read 100+ books about Vero. I love getting more Easter eggs on Vero & Javi’s past. But guys … the epilogue is Finlay & Vero’s meet cute 🤭

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun listen and a treat for the Finlay & Vero fans.

This is Vero's origin story and I loved it. So fun to be back into this world and for Vero to have the whole stage (even if it's a novella stage!) all to herself. I loved the connections to the Finlay books and the backstory and I got chills at the end. Just fun!

This definitely got me in the mood for Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice which will be out at the beginning of March.

Quick, fun listen and I enjoyed Stacy Gonzalez's narration.