A review by cassiealexandra
Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

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
Expand filter menu Content Warnings