An enthralling, and wonderful story about two people who have issues of their own working through them and still living life on a daily basis. This book was awesome. The way that OCD and ADHD was portrayed through the main characters was done so well and it added icing to the cake that it was stressed multiple times that it is normal. I have a husband that has OCPD and two boys that have ADHD. I felt like I was reading their stories through this book.

Mandy Harris
Angel Wings Bookstore

I loved the well-plotted storytelling and could not put the book down, wanting to find out how they would get and reach their HEA as this couple who seemed fated to and for each other. The story was heart rending, and I came away feeling like I intimately knew the characters. The mental health rep was done so well. I cried after finished reading it.

The mental health rep in this was phenomenal, and one of my many highlights of reading this book. It was such a sweet and a tender romance!

Sarah Grunder Ruiz's latest novel is a story about identity and love. Raine's struggles with ADHD caused her to drop out of med school and pursue her passions: travel and music. After most of her possessions are stolen, she meets Jack at the bar he c0-owns with his brother, The Local. He offers her a job on the spot and it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between them, or for Jack's at-times debilitating OCD to influence their relationship. The mental health struggles depicted in the book are done so with great care. I was fully absorbed in the story.

The build-up was there but the execution was slightly lacking. I just felt like the fireworks could/should have been... bigger?

RATING: 4.25/5 STARS

Sarah Grunder-Ruiz does not miss!! LAST CALL AT THE LOCAL is a beautiful addition to her contemporary romances. Wanderlust-driven Raine and steadfast Jack made a lovely couple. They had stunning chemistry from the start and their growth, both as individuals and in their relationship, was so well-written! The OCD representation in Jack’s character was incredibly thoughtful. I hadn’t read a book that explained obsessions/compulsions in this level of depth - I think it was an accurate depiction of the different forms OCD can take. I predict Jack’s POV will resonate with many readers. I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this novel for my collection. It’s a gem!

I’ve had the pleasure of reading all of Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s books pre-publication day, along with participating in an author chat and interacting with her on Instagram. She is a woman who always keeps it real and is not afraid to speak her truth about her ADHD. All that to say, she put so much of herself into this book and really seems to have taken to heart the phrase “write what you know”. It felt very personal.

This was a fitting conclusion to the Love, Lists, and Fancy Shop series and was a lot of fun to read, even if the open door scenes did make me blush.

If you’ve ever felt like you are too much, this is the book for you.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Read if you like:
Ireland settings
Neurodivergent characters
Love interests who are readers
Open door romance

Thank you Berkley for the digital ARC through NetGalley.

Thank you netgally and Berkley romance for the gifted alc in exchange for honest review. I really love the authors writing style and how she crafts her stories. I loved the ocd rep and that it was set elsewhere then USA. I will absolutely need a copy for my forever shelf. Tha kful to #joyfulchaosbookclub for arranging widgets for us.

Sarah Gründer Ruiz has a really special voice. I will definitely continue to read what she puts out, but I will say this was not my favorite of hers. I am missing the characters being on a yacht!

I am so happy to be back in the world of Sarah Grunder Ruiz's books! I absolutely loved her first two and Last Call at the Local is a highly anticipated read of mine. While this book is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

We find ourselves a few years after Luck & Last Resorts dropped us off in the beautiful Cobhn, Ireland. Raine is down on her luck. A traveling musician, Raine turns up at The Local after all her belongings are stolen. Jack offers her a 12 week stint trying to turn the bar around. While the pair try to fight their attraction from day one, living and working in close proximity prove to be harder to resist as Raine's time in Ireland progresses.

Raine and Jack were adorable and awkward together. They compliment each other and help each other see the good in themselves, which is exactly what they both need. They speak the same language and have a common understanding that makes them good for each other. And I loved the Ireland setting! I've been low key obsessed with the Titanic for years, so I loved them going to the museum.

Last Call at the Local is heavier than the previous books. It delves deep into ADHD and OCD. Both topics were handled with care. This book is low angst and drama with no typical third act breakup.

I read the entirety of Last Call at the Local while flying from Germany to England. Not only was it incredibly hard to put down, but it also made the flights a lot of fun. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s books and this one *might* be my favorite yet. Having recently visited Ireland, I loved how the setting and pub life was described. Jack’s vocabulary, full of Irish slang, was life giving and made it a fun read. His character was so complex, and I think the author did a great job of researching OCD and representing his version in a respectful and sensitive way. While I enjoyed Raine’s character, Jack and his cat Sebastian stole my heart. Great book, really recommend it.

Thank you Berkley for this eARC and below is my review!

"Last Call at the Local" by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a touching story that beautifully intertwines themes of love, personal growth, and embracing imperfections. In this casual and easy-to-read review, I want to share my thoughts on this captivating novel.

The story revolves around Raine Hart, a spirited musician with ADHD who has chosen a nomadic life, leaving behind the constraints of Boston for the freedom of traveling through Europe. Raine's life takes an unexpected turn when a mishap in Ireland leaves her unable to perform, forcing her to confront the reality of giving up her wanderlust.

On the other hand, Jack Dunne, the inheritor of the Local, a beloved family pub, is grappling with the burden of running the business and battling the intrusive thoughts stemming from his OCD. Jack's desire to transform the pub and make it his own is hindered by his internal struggles.

Their paths cross in a chance encounter when Raine accidentally insults Jack and the pub. Instead of taking offense, Jack is captivated by Raine's vision for the pub's potential and offers her a job to bring her ideas to life. Thus, a unique and compelling partnership begins to take shape.

As Raine and Jack work together, not only does their vision for the pub start to materialize, but so do their feelings for each other. However, their opposite lifestyles pose a significant challenge to their budding romance. The story beautifully explores their internal struggles and external differences, making it clear that reinvention is not only needed for the pub but also for themselves.

"Last Call at the Local" delves into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love. It reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful changes happen within ourselves as we learn to let go of our self-imposed limits.

Sarah Grunder Ruiz has crafted a heartfelt and sincere narrative that tugs at your heartstrings. The characters are relatable, and their personal growth throughout the story is both touching and inspiring. As a reader, I couldn't help but root for Raine and Jack and hope for their love to transcend the challenges they face.

"Last Call at the Local" is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories of redemption, love, and the courage to face one's imperfections. It's a compelling and heartwarming read that I wholeheartedly recommend. Sarah Grunder Ruiz has created a tale that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

I loved this so much!!!

Jack Dunne has moved into top five book boyfriend territory, y'all. I truly loved him so much. And Raine is such a fun, unique heroine and I enjoyed watching them fall in love so much. Also, I can't not mention Sebastian whom I wanted to snuggle the entire time I was reading!

It was great to see Nina and Ollie again (and little Jack and Josie! their names!) and I enjoyed the other side characters as well. I would love to see more of Clara and Róisín 👀

I tried so hard to read slowly and savor it but making it last a week was the best I could do! Guess I'll just have to read it again when it comes out next year!

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a heartfelt look at living with invisible disabilities and finding the person who accepts you as you are. Raine and Jack meet by happenstance when Raine founds herself in Cobh, Ireland having her livelihood recently stolen. As a traveling busker she’s certain she’s about to head home to her family who wants her to conform to a certain standard. That is until she meets a floofy black cat and its owner Jack.

This story was like a soothing balm on my heart. I could very much identify with Raine as I looked at my own socks strewn about and the mismatched socks pattern carrying over to my own kids. As an adult with ADHD it’s not always easy to express what we mean, and often we’re misunderstood and develop the pattern of being certain we’ll disappoint others. While my OCD experience is more limited I appreciated that Raine gave Jack space for what he needed. What’s important is that Jack and Raine don’t let their disabilities keep them from seeing each other. They give each other room to be exactly who they are and they love each other for who they are as well. I also appreciated the inclusion of a non-binary character - it was so flawlessly worked in I didn’t realize they were a non-binary character until the third time we see them.

Overall, I hope people set this on their TBR for its January release. It discusses and shows the non-apparent disability experience while offering up a sweet love story that’s easy to want to sink into and stay a while.

Read via NetGalley courtesy of Berkely Publishing

what the romance world needs isn’t more billionaires, cowboys, or superstars but small-town tattoo artists that own a pub and have some mental difficulties. SUCH an amazing, heartwarming book between two sweet souls

This is just so beautiful and heartwarming. Perfect for those of us with messy brains and restless spirits. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of this adorable book in exchange for an honest review!

Whats a girl gotta do to find a tattooed dark haired irishman who owns a pub, speaks Gaelic and comes up with the cutest Gaelic nickname? I suppose the first step is to go to Ireland, which is what our strong but scattered (in a totally relatable way) FMC, Raine, does. She's a former med school student who decided to quit because it was her family's dream for her to be a doctor instead of her own. Good on you Raine. Anyways she's traveling around Europe as a musician preforming for tips on the streets of major cities when someone steals her guitar while in Ireland. Serendipity reacts, and she meets Jack, the aforementioned hot irishman with, as Raine describes it, is a bad boy aesthetic Pinterest board come to life. I don't disagree and I wholeheartedly approve. Jack and his brother Ollie run their family's pub, and Jack recruits Raine to help him revamp it. Cue the Hallmark-esque romance, which is exactly what you think and what you'd hope for and more. Its predictable and so sweet and a shot of serotonin to the brain.

A big aspect of this book is the fact that Raine has ADHD and Jack has OCD. I absolutely loved how well the author wrote about these issues, and how deep she dove into their effects on each character. Being in each character's mind, particularly Jack's, as they mentally parse through the challenges inherent with these issues provides such a deep respect for those of us facing similar challenges. And reading about how Raine and Jack help one another out and accept each other despite hang ups and flare ups is beautiful and heartwarming and gives all the happy and hopeful feelings.

All in all, this was an adorable, endearing, and just happy happy happy book. I loved it. It also has some spice, if you're into that sorta thing (I am, and while this didn't have *a lot,* it had enough for the type of book this is). And the Irish setting (Cobh!!!) and accents and overall just Irish pub vibes are so fun to immerse yourself in. Also, theres a book you can read before this about Jack's brother Ollie and how he ends up with his wife Nina (Luck and Last Resorts!) that you can read first but totally do not need to. Ollie and Nina make a lot of appearances in this book, and I'm def gonna go and read their story now.

Easy and happy 4 star Irish read! Grab a pint and go read this when it comes out. Slainte! :-)

Honestly, this may be my favorite book Sarah Grunder Ruiz has written so far. Maybe it's that I'm a huge fan and I can see the author reflected in the main character with ADHD. Maybe it's just that it's a fantastically written book. Maybe it's the Irish bartender. Either way, I can't recommend this one highly enough. I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review (and I've never been more excited for a book.)

I've made it to 33% but I've fallen asleep four times trying to read it (two nights ago, yesterday afternoon, yesterday night, and again this afternoon). I am giving up. The writing is easy to read, but the story itself is very slice-of-life, although not in an interesting way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I’m pretty sure having one mc call another mc a non-english based nickname/compliment will make any book 10 times better.

And it did just that.

I actually adore this book so much. Starting with the representation of course, Ruiz did AMAZING at digging deeper and showing other symptoms that may happen to people with OCD & ADHD; straying beyond what society pushes as the stereotypical traits. I love how a big plot point was how the characters’ struggles actually helped them understand and connect deeply,, finding something in each other that they often struggle to find in people.

As for the characters themselves,, I love how this wasn’t just a grumpy x sunshine where the ADHD character is a ball of joy and the OCD character doesn’t interact with anyone. Jack being portrayed as someone who is interactive and someone who is lovable but struggles behind the scenes was so amazing for me. It’s really easy to connect to characters that don’t fall under one social category, and as someone who struggles with mental illness and has mood swings even if I’m normally seen as such an upbeat and social person, it’s really comforting to see parts of myself in novels…and I of course 100% relate to Raine 😭. I love her character and internal conflict that really shows how struggles with ADHD go beyond just speaking fast or doing a lot at once.

I would actually give both of them a kidney so (I ofc don’t need any of those so 🤞🏾).

Sarah Grunder Ruiz's books never let me down. Equal parts romantic and emotional, this was a wonderful addition to her Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships series.

The story follows Raine, a traveling musician with ADHD, who lives for the life on the road- with no boss, no schedule, and no one to disappoint but herself. But after a careless mistake and some bad luck in Ireland, she is left unable to perform and in need of a way to make money if she wants to continue her nomadic lifestyle. Enter Jack Dunne. Having inherited the Local, he wants to make the pub his own and distance it from his bad memories of his father, but the intrusive thoughts from his OCD make implementing those changes a challenge. When she shares a pint with the handsome, tattooed Jack, Raine accidentally insults the pub, unknowing that she is speaking to its owner. Jack, however, is impressed by her vision, and offers her a job to bring those ideas to life. Working together poses more of a challenge than either of them could have anticipated, as their feelings for each other grow, and they have to decide whether they are willing to make a relationship work with their opposing lifestyles.

First things first, I absolutely loved the Ireland setting. I haven't read any books set in Ireland, but it's such a special location for me, and I enjoyed how well Sarah captured the environment and the sense of tight-knit community within Jack's small town. Departing from the yacht setting made it stand on its own from the other books in the series, but never fear, we do get a healthy dose of Ollie and Nina, my absolute favorite couple.

Jack and Raine's relationship absolutely tugged on my heartstrings. I loved how well they understood each other in a way that no one else could, they truly felt like soulmates. One of my favorite parts of their relationship was how it was centered around the idea that you don't need to have it all together in order to be loved. This is established from page zero with the dedication, and there was something that was so comforting about them navigating their relationship while also trying to heal from whatever struggles they've gone through in the past.

I will always recommend this series to people. Yes, it will make you cry, it will break your heart, but it will put it back together stronger again. Sarah is able to create characters that are so nuanced, that have their flaws but also are so easy to fall in love with, all while building a setting that will have you completely immersed and will also make you want to go on a trip as soon as possible. Basically, read this book, read this series, you won't regret it.