Reviews - Last Call at the Local

1.41k reviews for:

Last Call at the Local

Sarah Grunder Ruiz

4.01 AVERAGE

itsjustkenzie's review against another edition

4.75

emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

lvanher's review against another edition

4.5

A really enjoyable romcom! I liked that the main characters lived with adhd and ocd in a fairly realistic way.

mackinthemargins's review

2.5

The OCD rep did not vibe with me, personally, but it may resonate with someone else!

rlbeck's review against another edition

3.5

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Solid romantic read. Good representation of mental health. Nothing shocking, but sweet.

Content Warnings

whathasrachelread's review

4.0

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

leslie_d's review

5.0

With the encouragement of a co-worker, I’m re-entering the world of Contemporary Romances, and what better treat than Last Call at the Local. I value diversity and inclusion so the premise of her with ADHD and him with OCD was a definite draw. I was hoping but not expecting Sarah Grunder Ruiz (who is new to me) to actually make these characterizations so heavily influence the plot/relationship. In her doing so, the characters and their relationship prove so much more endearing—and interesting; and relatable.
I love a well-written novel where you feel seen and are reminded of how deserving you are of a sexy, swoon-worthy romance. ADHD, OCD, those intrusive thoughts, complicated family histories…they influence our life choices and impact our relationships. It’s a pleasure to watch how it plays out for our protagonists. It’s sometimes easy to witness, other times heart-wrenching, but always meaningful, always hopeful. I hope it will also offer insight; as well as encourage the genre to move beyond a mere trope by which to be amused.
The greater premise is charming and romantic. The neighborhood, relatives (found and given), the cat are delightfully realized. The turns are sensical and create a satisfying tension. I enjoyed the both external and internal landscapes of our protagonists and the alternating perspectives. The pacing felt patient, drawing the reader in even as the author was drawing her lovers closer together.
Last Call at the Local is fun, sensitive, and easy to fall in love with.

With gratitude to Edelweiss+ and Berkley for the eARC.

band's review

3.0

I really loved the OCD representation. Jack has my heart ❤️

Other than that, I wanted more from the book. More romance, more plot, more interaction with side characters, more humour.