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

emotional funny hopeful 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

Closed Door Mod: Chapters 20-21 (some parts), Chapter 26 (some parts) 

After having most of her equipment stolen, free-spired traveling musician Raine winds up at a family-owned pub in Cobh, Ireland. Striking up an immediate connection with one of the pub’s owners, Jack, he offers her a job at the pub as their entertainment coordinator. From there, the two have to manage their opposite lifestyles if they want a real chance for their relationship to last. 

Last Call at the Local is a charming romance that brings a heartfelt connection between two neurodivergent minds. While the book addresses difficult topics as well as the challenges of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world (Raine has ADHD and Jack has OCD), Ruiz tackles these subjects with the care Raine and Jack deserve. 

Personally, I felt immediate connections with both characters and it’s really great to see the representation Ruiz has in Last Call at the Local with two neurodivergent people falling in love. I also felt that in addition to a pair of well-crafted main characters, Ruiz also does a good job with creating a cast of supporting characters that bring about the story to life. 

If you are looking for a opposites attract, workplace romance with two neurodivergent leads, you should definitely check out Last Call at the Local. 
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