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garbage_mcsmutly's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Good neurodiverse representation (ADHD and OCD). The pacing was a little weird towards the end but it kind of had to be. I ort of wish the spicy scenes had been a bit more detailed.
Anyways I really enjoyed it overall. Plus there's a lovable cat!
Anyways I really enjoyed it overall. Plus there's a lovable cat!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
novella42's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed seeing the love these two had for each other and the gentle yet profound ways they showed up for each others' struggles. Romantic, sexy, delightful.
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)they both have ADHD. So that marketing line is even more off the mark.
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.)The unconventional solution of "relationship accommodations" was my absolute favorite part. And though this is a book by, about, and for monogamous people, it reminded me of all the ways polyamorous people work hard to build unique custom-made relationships that truly serve the people IN the relationship. Rather than trying to make the people serve the relationship and all the cultural expectations that come with what a normal relationship should be. I love that their solution works for them.
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.)
Content Warnings
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
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
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
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
beebowbabe's review
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A lovely story with a non traditional ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the look inside these characters and their behaviors, and the author did well shedding light on living with conditions that people have preconceived notions about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Violence and Ableism
beepbeep101's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I felt so seen by this book!! As someone diagnosed with ADHD in my twenties who, like Raine, did well in school until trying to handle everything with post-college education and work and life all just became too much, this was just so validating. Being loved not in spite of your oversharing and tangents but BECAUSE of how your brain works and who you are - my little heart just sang at so many moments in this book. I’m so glad I’ve found that with my partner too. I showed them several passages from this that just about made me cry.
I can’t speak as much to the portrayal of OCD symptoms except for what I know from the experiences of loved ones and psychology courses, but it seemed handled well. This did capture the nature of intrusive thoughts well, from my own experience. Both Jack and Raine were excellent characters, and this story really benefited from having both their points of view.
No dragons, but a wonderfully chirpy Felis floofyis
I can’t speak as much to the portrayal of OCD symptoms except for what I know from the experiences of loved ones and psychology courses, but it seemed handled well. This did capture the nature of intrusive thoughts well, from my own experience. Both Jack and Raine were excellent characters, and this story really benefited from having both their points of view.
No dragons, but a wonderfully chirpy Felis floofyis
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Cursing, Ableism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
readwithria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Last Call at the Local made me feel seen, and made me feel heard, and made feel all the emotions in the best way. This is a Mary Poppins book - practically perfect in every way.
This book made me giggle, and ugly laugh, and tear up so many times. Raine and Jack have such real struggles, and reading about Raine’s experience of ADHD made me feel so incredibly seen. I have never resonated so strongly with another character’s mental health struggles. Her logical leaps, her time blindness, her meandering tangents, all of it felt so familiar and I want to thank Sarah Grunder Ruiz from the bottom of my heart for creating Raine and doing her character justice.
Read this book if you love
🩵 ADHD and OCD rep
🩶 strangers to lovers
🩵 fluffy cats
🩶 cute/silly nicknames
🩵 books that feel like a warm hug
I will definitely be reading more from Sarah Grunder Ruiz. 5 stars!
Thank you Berkley Romance for sending me a free copy of this book. I never would have read this book if it hadn’t been sent to me, and I would have been missing out on something really impactful.
This book made me giggle, and ugly laugh, and tear up so many times. Raine and Jack have such real struggles, and reading about Raine’s experience of ADHD made me feel so incredibly seen. I have never resonated so strongly with another character’s mental health struggles. Her logical leaps, her time blindness, her meandering tangents, all of it felt so familiar and I want to thank Sarah Grunder Ruiz from the bottom of my heart for creating Raine and doing her character justice.
Read this book if you love
🩵 ADHD and OCD rep
🩶 strangers to lovers
🩵 fluffy cats
🩶 cute/silly nicknames
🩵 books that feel like a warm hug
I will definitely be reading more from Sarah Grunder Ruiz. 5 stars!
Thank you Berkley Romance for sending me a free copy of this book. I never would have read this book if it hadn’t been sent to me, and I would have been missing out on something really impactful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
cassiealexandra's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Former med student turned busker from Boston with ADHD meets former tattoo artist turned pub owner with ADHD and OCD in Ireland? Sign me up. I was laughing out loud in the opening scenes of this fun romantic comedy from the author of Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships and Luck and Last Resorts (both of which I loved). Who doesn’t love a “floofy” cat named Sebastian who gets called, “Bash,” and “Princess Ugly,” bringing two unique characters together?
The highlights of this book were its humor and the attention given to characters who somehow “get” each other in a way their families and friends haven’t. “One beetle recognizes another,” as Jack quotes the Irish proverb. I loved that Raine understood that Jack’s OCD didn’t come in the form of tidiness or hand washing, but in extreme intrusive thoughts, and that she repeated to him that he was worthy of happiness even on his worst days. And I loved that Jack, after hiring Raine to be the entertainment manager at the pub, sees the ways she needs work accommodations and reminders to manage her time and tasks. I also appreciated the way that they enhanced and encouraged one another’s creativity and artistry and pushed each other toward better versions of themselves. The author admits in the acknowledgments that any misrepresentation of those with ADHD or OCD are her own, but I felt like I got a better understanding and look inside through her writing.
A few other things I loved–lots of time with Nina and Ollie from Last Resorts, and peeks into their lives 5 years later. I’d forgotten how blunt and intense Nina was and how grumpy Ollie was. I also liked the sister time between Raine and Clara and the resolution they found in supporting one another.
There were a couple of minor items that just didn’t work so well for me, including 6 months of text messages that I wished were more detailed (so minor). I also came in with expectations about the romance content based on the prior two books. I was expecting this to be more closed door than it was, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker in liking this book.
The bottom line: Another cozy and cute romance from Sarah Grunder Ruiz with an overseas setting and great characters. I still think her debut takes the cake for me, but to each their own. All three are winners in my book.
— NOTES —
Genres: romantic comedy
POV: first-person, dual
Content: strong language, past domestic violence (small mention)
Romance: two open door scenes–chapter 20 and beginning of 21; one vague scene in chapter 26
— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 5
Enjoyment: 4.5
Craft: 4
My Gut Feeling: 4.5
Total Stars: 4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse
abbypeekreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
paiges_on_pages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
Read if you 🩷:
• 😍 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!
• 😍 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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Child abuse