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bookwormexpresskwan 's review for:
Last Call at the Local
by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
2024 has only just begun, but I’ve already found nominees for THE couple of the year in Raine and Jack.
Their sunshine characters can cure anyone’s cold and their representation of neurodiversity is really valuable and much appreciated. Raine’s ADHD complemented the story rather than it being a props for her to carry around until it was no longer convenient for the story. And Jack having intrusive thoughts, hindering his life, and not being well - it was painful to see, but also very well woven into the story. It showed how it co-existed with the characters and didn’t define the person struggling from OCD.
High praise for Sarah Grunder Ruiz for creating such lovely and layered characters!
Above all, this was a story of friendship and love.
From the moment Raine and Jack meet, connect, and fall in love, everything just made sense. They were fun together, their banter lovely, and there was absolutely zero drama needed, because the story was about them and Raine and Jack are that magnificent that they can carry a full story without dramatica.
And yes, the characters were struggling, but the story never felt too heavy and Last Call at the Local maintained a happy and light tone that felt heartwarming throughout the book. The general mood while reading was simply happy. Like coming home from a long day at work, kicking off your shoes, and finally putting on your favorite jumper - that level of happiness.
While Last Call at the Local is the third in this series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But if you loved Luck and Last Resorts as much as I do (it’s still my favorite of this series, and one of my favorites of all times) you will love the Nina and Ollie cameos in this one too.
- ten months later, I’m STILL thinking about these characters. I’m going to give this book its flowers and change to 5 stars. Truly amazing characters.
Their sunshine characters can cure anyone’s cold and their representation of neurodiversity is really valuable and much appreciated. Raine’s ADHD complemented the story rather than it being a props for her to carry around until it was no longer convenient for the story. And Jack having intrusive thoughts, hindering his life, and not being well - it was painful to see, but also very well woven into the story. It showed how it co-existed with the characters and didn’t define the person struggling from OCD.
High praise for Sarah Grunder Ruiz for creating such lovely and layered characters!
Above all, this was a story of friendship and love.
From the moment Raine and Jack meet, connect, and fall in love, everything just made sense. They were fun together, their banter lovely, and there was absolutely zero drama needed, because the story was about them and Raine and Jack are that magnificent that they can carry a full story without dramatica.
And yes, the characters were struggling, but the story never felt too heavy and Last Call at the Local maintained a happy and light tone that felt heartwarming throughout the book. The general mood while reading was simply happy. Like coming home from a long day at work, kicking off your shoes, and finally putting on your favorite jumper - that level of happiness.
While Last Call at the Local is the third in this series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But if you loved Luck and Last Resorts as much as I do (it’s still my favorite of this series, and one of my favorites of all times) you will love the Nina and Ollie cameos in this one too.
- ten months later, I’m STILL thinking about these characters. I’m going to give this book its flowers and change to 5 stars. Truly amazing characters.