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lexijo92's review
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Very descriptive OCD intrusive thoughts and anxiety and ADHD in multiple characters. Would have liked a content warning on this book. Cute and funny overall if this isn’t triggering for you though.novella42's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Whoever wrote the tagline "opposites attract" clearly either didn't read the book or was neurotypical enough to have missed the point. This is a love story about the way neurodivergent people connect with each other, truly resonate with and respect and understand each other. "Aithníonn ciaróg, ciaróg eile." One beetle recognizes another.
I knew about some of the stereotypes that people have about OCD, and I knew why they are way off mark, but this is the first book I can remember reading with a main character who has OCD. It was refreshing to explore it in fiction and get a glimpse of what helps and what doesn't, and why. At least for this character's experience—obviously everyone has their own unique experience of it and as such will have different needs for their own recovery.
Anyway, the "opposites attract!" line really bugs me because it implies that one character is a disorganized mess because ADHD and the other character is uptight and tidy because OCD, when that is stereotyped, ableist thinking and really isn't how it works for either of them. Also, (mild spoiler you learn by page 87)
This might be the first romance novel I can think of where I genuinely couldn't figure out how they were gonna make it work. (Spoiler for ending.)
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
ellacat11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
julianna_schock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
wwsimon93's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
paiges_on_pages's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
• 😍 Swoon-worthy “not-so-bad boy” vibes
• 🍀 A pint and a chat with some cheeky regulars
• 🧠 Authentic ADHD & OCD representation
• 🐈⬛ Floofy, empathetic black cats that are secretly lucky
“Last Call at the Local” by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a literary embrace that sweeps you off your feet and transports you straight into the heart of a quaint Irish pub! This new romance follows Raine Hart, a musician with ADHD, who temporarily gives up her nomadic lifestyle due to an inability to perform after a mistake in Ireland. Jack Dunne, living his life with OCD and co-owning his family’s pub, admires Raine’s vision for the pub and offers her a job. As their romantic feelings grow, they face challenges reconciling their contrasting lifestyles, making it a story of reinvention not just for the Local, but for their relationship as well.
The chemistry between these two “professional coworkers” is impossible to resist: Jack’s not your typical “bad boy,” but he’s utterly swoon-worthy! While this is technically not a standalone, the series tie-in is slyly woven, and the excellent ADHD and OCD representation adds depth. The narrative dances effortlessly between romance and plot, striking a chord that resonates long after the last page.
But “Last Call at the Local” is not just a story; it’s an invitation to a pub so cozy, you’ll want to pull up a chair, take your boots off by the fireplace, and stay forever. Beware: you might find yourself booking a flight to Ireland after this enchanting read!
Thank you to Berkley for this free copy! Though, to be honest, everyone’s been loving this one so much I definitely would’ve grabbed it on my own!
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Child abuse
maddie79's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
and actually portrayed ADHD and OCD in a respectful and accurate manner without romanticizing it. Only took off one star because I hate a third act breakup!
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Child abuse