You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
leslie_d 's review for:
Last Call at the Local
by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
With the encouragement of a co-worker, I’m re-entering the world of Contemporary Romances, and what better treat than Last Call at the Local. I value diversity and inclusion so the premise of her with ADHD and him with OCD was a definite draw. I was hoping but not expecting Sarah Grunder Ruiz (who is new to me) to actually make these characterizations so heavily influence the plot/relationship. In her doing so, the characters and their relationship prove so much more endearing—and interesting; and relatable.
I love a well-written novel where you feel seen and are reminded of how deserving you are of a sexy, swoon-worthy romance. ADHD, OCD, those intrusive thoughts, complicated family histories…they influence our life choices and impact our relationships. It’s a pleasure to watch how it plays out for our protagonists. It’s sometimes easy to witness, other times heart-wrenching, but always meaningful, always hopeful. I hope it will also offer insight; as well as encourage the genre to move beyond a mere trope by which to be amused.
The greater premise is charming and romantic. The neighborhood, relatives (found and given), the cat are delightfully realized. The turns are sensical and create a satisfying tension. I enjoyed the both external and internal landscapes of our protagonists and the alternating perspectives. The pacing felt patient, drawing the reader in even as the author was drawing her lovers closer together.
Last Call at the Local is fun, sensitive, and easy to fall in love with.
With gratitude to Edelweiss+ and Berkley for the eARC.
I love a well-written novel where you feel seen and are reminded of how deserving you are of a sexy, swoon-worthy romance. ADHD, OCD, those intrusive thoughts, complicated family histories…they influence our life choices and impact our relationships. It’s a pleasure to watch how it plays out for our protagonists. It’s sometimes easy to witness, other times heart-wrenching, but always meaningful, always hopeful. I hope it will also offer insight; as well as encourage the genre to move beyond a mere trope by which to be amused.
The greater premise is charming and romantic. The neighborhood, relatives (found and given), the cat are delightfully realized. The turns are sensical and create a satisfying tension. I enjoyed the both external and internal landscapes of our protagonists and the alternating perspectives. The pacing felt patient, drawing the reader in even as the author was drawing her lovers closer together.
Last Call at the Local is fun, sensitive, and easy to fall in love with.
With gratitude to Edelweiss+ and Berkley for the eARC.