REVIEW: The Last Call at the Local ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (4.5)

This semester has been challenging for me, so reading The Last Call at the Local gave me so much joy after so much chaos. This book gave me all the feelings I needed. I know I will be checking out more from Sarah Grunder Ruiz!

The Last Call at the Local is told from two different points of view: Raine, a traveling musician, and Jack, a co-owner of a family pub. I absolutely love it when authors do this. It is a great way to see both sides of the budding relationship and how each character feels. I especially think this dual point of view was a solid choice to share the main character’s struggles with mental illnesses/learning disabilities. Jack struggles with OCD and ADHD, and Raine also has ADHD. This book handled the representation of these conditions so well, and I love seeing different people in stories, especially romances. It just gives the reader another realistic relationship situation.

This book has a cute storyline and gives you so many warm feelings. It is a fun story of Raine, the American, traveling through Europe when she stops at an Irish Pub where she meets Jack. There is a lot of chaos in their lives, but both characters bring so much laughter and happiness throughout their troubles. The amount of care, support, and love these characters share is fantastic. Jack’s and Raine’s chemistry is also strong throughout the story. They have a very deep connection wiith so much joy and fun. Even the side characters' relationships with the main characters are strong throughout the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Last Call at the Local. It is funny, sweet, and even a bit spicy. This book is perfect for anyone who loves romances, local pubs, laughs, mental health representation, and a sweet story.
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Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for a free advanced copy for my honest review!

I have to say I was sad to have to end this series that I loved so much but Sarah Grunder Ruiz went out with a banger on this one. This book is an emotional read of the journey of two individuals who thought they could not be understood because of their unique brains and mental health issues. They find the acceptance in one another loving one another for their uniqueness and not in spite of it.

Read this for:
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Friends to lovers
- Mental health rep
- Neurodivergent rep
- Workplace
- All things Irish
- He's GONE FOR HER
- Cat Dad with a sweet and floofy cat!

Raine Hart finds herself losing everything while traveling around busking all over Europe. Jack Dunne feels like its meant to be when Raine stumbles into his bar The Local. He thinks she is the prefect fit to help bring his bar back to life.

Raine can't pass up the offer Jack gives and ends up staying in one place to rebuild but finds herself falling for this quaint Irish town and all of the lovely people who fall for her. Since she has never felt accepted because of her unique personality that comes with her ADHD, she finally starts to feel at home at The Local with everyone who adores her and accepts her just as she is. Especially with Jack and his unwavering support.

As Jack starts to relapse with his OCD, Raine is the one person he can turn to for support. He wants to work on healing because he wants to create a life with Raine in it.

The two have different paths with Raine wanting to travel and be out in the world playing her music, and Jack needing routine and to help run The Local. The beautiful way they come to accept who they are individually is only heightened by the way they accept how unique they are as a couple. I loved how they made their own that worked for them.

I was blown away but how real and raw the depictions of both OCD and ADHD were. It felt like we were really inside the character's heads experiencing the moments with them and their challenges. Sarah did an excellent job of making this happen while expertly keeping the story flowing.

I loved how Nina and Ollie were such a part of this story popping in here and there. This story really had me laughing so much because Raine and Jack are hilarious and goofy and it was such a balance to the deeper intense emotions that arose.

The only thing I could have wished for was more of all these characters we have come to love in an epilogue. I will miss these characters but I'm looking forward to seeing what Sarah comes up with next!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing The Joyful Chaos Book Club with ARCs in exchange for our honest reviews.

What an adorable setting and love story! Take me to this bar NOW...

Last Call at the Local brings the luck of the Irish alive and thriving at a local pub in a small quaint village in Ireland. This story has many layers with its relatable struggles for the characters. Raine and Jack's chemistry were notes forming a piece of beautiful music. Their love story was thoughtful as each coped to reconcile their worlds to come together for love.

Last Call at the Local engages your emotions as the reader bares witness the two lovers supporting each other. This love story will truly tug at your heart strings as Raine and Jack find what happily ever after means to them.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the complimentary copy.

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder-Ruiz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This is a book that can be read stand alone but is also part of the Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships series. The MMC in this one is the brother of the MMC from Luck and Last Resorts, and we get to see more from Nina and Ollie and where they are now. 💞

This author writes characters that are so REAL, with problems that are so RELATABLE. Both MCs in this one have their fair share of adversity and I love how their compatibility is written.

Along with an enjoyable love story, this book has a very raw and real portrayal of life with OCD and intrusive thoughts, as well as ADHD. We see the MMC struggle through an OCD relapse, and we see the impact of ADHD on our FMC’s daily life. The mental health and neurodiversity representation is top tier.

I read this one via audiobook and enjoyed the performance, however I have some observations. A performance where the main character has an accent is always tricky and can be a hit or miss. The accents by these narrators were not my favorite, but didn’t bother me enough to make me stop listening. I love this female voice actor and she did a great job for the FMC, but I wanted her MMC to be MORE Irish. 😂 I do think I would’ve loved it even more with a physical read through. Thank you @prhaudio for the advanced review copy.

Perfect for you if you like:
Tattooed, Irish MMC
Traveling musician FMC
Sunshine + sunshine
Mental health + neurodivergent representation

#JoyfulChaosBookClub needs to start warning me when a widget we get is part of a series...this is the second one I've read out of order recently!

Despite not having read the first two books, I thoroughly enjoyed this travelish romance. I'll certainly be seeing out the other two soon. It definitely can be read as a standalone, but I wish I knew Ollie and Nina's backstory before starting!

Raine and Jack were just perfect for each other. Raine has ADHD and Jack has OCD and ADHD, and it was so eye-opening to be in each character's mind as they struggled to win out over their own brain. Each character complimented the other perfectly and understood the other's struggles. I thought these topics were very well-written, if somewhat heavy especially in regards to Jack's intrusive thoughts.

The setting couldn't be beat, and there's a cute cat to add some levity to the book as well. I'm wondering if we're going to get Claire's story next??

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Last Call at the Local is another hit from Sarah Grunder Ruiz. This romance follows Raine, a free-spirited American traveling musician who stumbles into love with a pub owner in Ireland named Jack. Both struggle with mental health issues and find themselves bonding over the challenges they have faced. However, their opposite lifestyles get in the way of the burgeoning love story.

I loved how sweet and emotional this romance was. It is a very quick read, but I fell in love with both Raine and Jack. Ruiz did an excellent job with her rep of ADHD and OCD in the story. I cannot wait to see what story she comes up with next.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Last Call at the Local was an emotional love story about two people who feel out of place in the world until they find each other.

Raine failed to meet her parents’ expectations when her ADHD made it impossible to keep up fighting for a dream that was not hers. She quit medical school and became a traveling musician and through an unfortunate incident in which all of her belongings - including her treasured guitar - were stolen, she ends up in Ireland where she meets the future love of her life, Jack.

Jack is immediately charmed by Raine and offers her a job at his pub and although their attraction is instant he doesn't believe it would be safe to offer her anything other than a "professional coworker" relationship. Jack has OCD and suffers from debilitating intrusive thoughts that have hindered nearly every aspect of his life.

Jack and Raine are surprised by how easy it is to be themselves around one another. They both accept each other as they are with zero expectations and their love story was the sweetest slow burn. Jack is the kindest Irish cinnamon roll who takes care of Raine and in turn she makes him feel safe. Their road to a happy ending was not easy, but it was very rewarding.

Last Call at the Local made me cry and left me smiling and I loved it. It was also nice to catch up with Nina and Ollie from Luck and Last Resorts.

Last Call at the Local...oh my. Sarah Grunder Ruiz truly excelled in writing a story from the dual POV of two individuals with OCD and ADHD! Great writing is meant to help develop compassion and empathy for characters, and Ruiz truly does that for Raine and Jack working within their struggles and mindset with their often misunderstood and misdiagnosed mental chronic conditions.
That being said, I hope that there will be a content warning/resource page that will be included in the published edition of Last Call at the Local since certain chapters may be triggering for individuals who have either of these conditions.
I enjoyed the story as a slow-burn that spanned over several months! It was a great slow-burn romance! Not to mention, I have been to a few of the places mentioned in the story, and it made me a bit homesick for Ireland. I do feel that it was a bit rushed with Clara's storyline and Raine x Jack had a bit too much of an instant-love start for me. However, Last Call at the Local was a comfy, cozy, cat-filled read that I would recommend to anyone looking for an inclusive romcom that was sweet and sappy in all of the best ways!

A more extensive review to come closer to publication on Jan. 2nd! A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of Last Call at the Local in exchange for an honest review.

I could see library patrons enjoying this book. However, I felt like it could have done with a little more editing, espsecially the OCD parts with the male protagonist. However, everything was handled with care and I like that a nontraditional relationship was highlighted with a solution that fit both parties. The characters were likeable and I wish that The Local existed in real life so that I could visit it.

Adorable fmc and mmc in a pub setting. Both povs are open and vulnerable. The story is fun and it’s a fast read.

I came for the Ireland setting (Cobh!) and stayed for the characters and story line. Would highly recommend and plan on purchasing for my library,. Thank you NetGalley for the advance ecopy.

A romance with a relationship arc that seems realistic both emotionally, and time-wise can be a rarity. But Last Call at the Local was all that and more! I loved the instant connection between Raine and Jack- there's something about meeting someone in a bar and being able to bare your soul to them quicker than in almost any other situation. I appreciated the representation of both the main characters' neurodivergence. It played a significant role in the story- and I think that was warranted!
The chapters where it is just messages between Raine and Jack are so bittersweet, you can feel their love for each other even between the most mundane texts. I believe Jack's brother Ollie and his wife are featured in an earlier book-I will be going back to read it because I loved Ruiz's writing! This book was both moving and funny, an entirely enjoyable read.

I didn't realize this was part of a series but it in no way impacted my enjoyment of the book! I really thoughtful, interesting way to look at neurodivergent characters with a lovely cast of side characters!

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Narrators: Gary Furlong and Karissa Vacker
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 1/2

The story starts when Raine Hart’s nomadic lifestyle takes an unexpected turn in Ireland, where a chance encounter with Jack Dunne offers her a chance to put down roots. What follows is an adorable journey of opposites attracting, complete with banter, laughter, and an adorable, swoon-worthy romance. The chemistry between Raine and Jack is palpable, and their love story is heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Sarah skillfully tackles the representation of ADHD and OCD while showing not only the challenges of living with these issues but also the strengths each character has gained from it. Raine is a traveling musician, which is such a fun and unique profession! Her ADHD messiness is endearing and makes her super relatable. Jack’s OCD relapse and the way Raine helped him through it was a joy to witness. I just loved these two.

Despite the heavier themes, the book is full of laugh-out-loud humor, making it an engaging read from start to finish. The small-town setting comes alive with a vibrant cast of side characters, and the descriptions of Raine’s travels made me want to book a ticket to Ireland.

This is book 3 in a series of standalones, and while there were mentions of other characters from the previous books, I didn’t feel lost or confused. I also listened to this on audio, and the narrators did an excellent job of bringing Raine’s and Jack’s characters to life. I loved the accents, depth, and feeling they put into their work.

This book is a must-read for fans of travel romance, opposites-attract dynamics, and workplace romances. Its irresistible blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth makes it a perfect addition to any reader's collection. Thank you so much to Netgalley, Berkley Romance, and PRH Audio for my advanced copy and ALC.

Books always get a little bonus from my heart when they teach me something new. Did I expect to learn about different types of OCD when I picked up this romance novel? No, but I'm glad I did. Honestly, my biggest joy with this book was how well it handled the internal narratives of two characters who both deal with some frequently misunderstood diagnoses: ADD and OCD. It was a joy to watch these two fall for each other and then an even great joy when they realized they were *safe* with each other. Also, one of the best versions of a third act breakup that I've seen in a long time.

Raine finds herself in Cobh, Ireland having all her belongings stolen. She has been busking her way around Europe and seeing the sights. She is a black sheep in her family and a creative type. She meets charming Jack in the town pub, The Local. Since Jack and his brother have taken ownership of the pub, he has wanted to make changes, but his brain has been preventing it. Over a pint at the pub, Raine tells Jack of a vision for the pub, not realizing he is the owner, and Jack loves the vision, hiring her on the spot. Raine and Jack develop feelings for each other, but their lives could not be more different. They must decide what they want out of a relationship, life, love and whether to give each other a chance.

This story was that of deep personal growth for both Jack and Raine. They worked on themselves and defined their relationship in the best way for themselves. I like that Sarah Grunder Ruiz's books always include this lovely romance, but also the deeper, emotional and messy parts of the characters' lives. Both ADHD and OCD are depicted and they were so true and enlightening. I loved the story woven of Jack and Raine's life and how supportive they were of each other and their limitations. These two had wonderful chemistry and I loved seeing their banter and own humour about their brain chemistry wonderful.

This was such a sweet and heartwarming story. The author creates a love story that shows neurodiverse characters deserve the same love stories others have. I enjoyed this novel and its representation so much! Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

I loved the mental health representation in this book. And appreciated the no third act break up. Thank you Sarah Grunder Ruiz!

Raine came across as annoying and messy and played the victim a lot. Jack I loathed.

Pub date: 1/2/24
Genre: romance (mental health rep, workplace romance)
Series: LOVE, LISTS, AND FANCY SHIPS, book 3
Do I need to read book 1 first?: This is an interconnected series of stories that you can read out of order!

Quick summary: Street musician Raine is the black sheep of her family, and when a mistake leaves her without her instrument, she seeks shelter in Jack's bar, the Local. As the two of them work together to update the bar, they realize that the bar isn't the only thing they're rescuing.

This book was such a joy to read/listen to! I love when personal growth is a key element of a romance novel because the characters help each other through their trauma to become better versions of themselves. Both Raine and Jack had a lot to cope with - Raine's ADHD and Jack's OCD/intrusive thoughts both kept them from what they really wanted, and it was inspiring to see them work to make their lives fuller and more satisfying.

I also loved the Irish setting - such a fun armchair trip! Like the rest of Grunder Ruiz's books, this one is relatively low steam but will make you feel all the feels. Bonus: Nina and Ollie from LUCK AND LAST RESORTS also make an appearance.

If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend the audio. Raine's voice is captured so well by narrator Karissa Vacker.

Thank you to Berkley for my e-ARC and PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH SEND ME TO IRELAND. Okay, done shouting. I just adored this whole reading experience from the opening chapter to the tension to the ending. It was perfection, and the characters felt real and their neurodivergencies were handled with such tenderness.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.5⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Contemporary romance📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Sarah really knows how to write a romance!

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Opposites attract
Workplace romance
Forced proximity
Friends to lovers
Sweet and heartwarming romances
He has tattoos
Ireland setting
Great banter
Daul POV

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
ADHD /OCD rep
Adorable cat
Sarah really knows how to write emotional romances with great mental health rep. I loved getting to learn more about OCD/ADHD

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
I wish there had been a little more chemistry