I did not realize going into this that it was the third book in a "series", but as with most romance series, you can jump in without really missing much at all. This was really charming, with a lovely Irish setting and great community of characters. However, the thing I appreciated most about this was the heartfelt description of two characters with neurodivergency and mental illness that are authentically dealing with their own and each others diagnoses with compassion and understanding for each other- even when they might not have the same compassion for themselves.

The author did a wonderful job describing what it’s like actively living with ADHD and OCD through Raine and Jack. These characters were the perfect vessel to show the readers through an understanding lense the daily struggles one might experience with ADHD and OCD, but it never once felt like a soap box. You truly felt what it was like to be in their minds without having it overtake the whole story.

Though this was a slow burn romance, it was a little too slow for my liking. I genuinely enjoyed Raine and Jack and their chemistry together and the pace at which the author wrote them made me crave for more romance. There was such an instant connection and it felt that the inevitable was dragging which made it hard for me to enjoy the romance aspect of the story.

Overall this was a fun read. As a general fiction novel it had a great story with wonderful characters that had authentic representation. As a romance novel it was a bit slow to the point where I would get a bit frustrated at the speed of Raine and Jack's progression.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC

Last Call at the Local was excellent. I loved every second of the book. Raine & Jack were immediately so cute together. The depiction of ADHD and OCD was really well done. Definitely would recommend!

I had no expectations for this book. I’d never heard of the author before; I didn’t know much about it—all I knew is that there was mental health/disability representation.
And it was so good?! I was completely absorbed in the book. From chapter one, the chemistry and banter between Jack and Raine had me hooked. I loved their characters, and I related so heavily to them both. Not to mention Sebastian? Best kitty ever. I love him. I would die for him.
On a serious note, the representation of both OCD and ADHD were wonderfully done. There was obvious knowledge and care in the handling of the subjects. I’m not sure whether either representation was #ownvoices, but regardless, I highly recommend it for that alone. I really appreciated the depth of discussion and exploration of intrusive thoughts. It’s so rare to see that aspect of OCD represented, and it was so meaningful, as someone with OCD, to read about a character with those experiences. This is a beautiful love story, and I could read about these characters falling in love and finding themselves a dozen times over. They were real, they were flawed, and they were so easy to love and root for.
Even the side characters felt truly alive. I loved them so much and wish I could read an entire additional book for each and every one of them. This is the third book in a series (though they are standalones), and I’m really looking forward to picking up Ollie and Nina’s book, but I desperately wish Roisin, Clara, and Aoife had their own books as well. I loved Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s writing, and I can’t wait to pick up her backlist.

I am a massive fan of Sarah Grunder Ruiz's books (she's an auto-buy author for me), but it had been awhile since I read them, so it took me a hot minute to connect the dots and figure out how this one tied into the previous titles. But once I did, I loved Last Call at the Local even more than I had before I figured out the connection.

Jack Dunne is Ollie's brother, and together they co-own The Local, their family's Irish pub in . Jack is trying to revamp the outdated pub, but his OCD is currently making life pretty difficult. Then one day a beautiful American musician plops down on a barstool and completely upends his life. Jack hires Raine to help update the pub, since she confesses she's stranded and in need of a job. Their unlikely partnership grows into more, despite their lives being so completely different. She's a free-spirited traveler, impulsive and diagnosed with ADHD. He's a homebody, whose intrusive thoughts keep him tethered to his small Irish village.

Despite their third act breakup, I liked how Ruiz resolved their romance--sometimes a break or time apart is necessary for love to really take root and grow. Usually third act breakups feel like they could have been avoided--but in their case, it made sense. Raine needed to continue to travel to realize that she really longed for a home, and Jack needed to go back to therapy and gain the skills needed to really cope with his OCD and learn to thrive in spite of it before he and Raine could make a real go of it.

I loved the ADHD and OCD rep in this one. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and I related so much to Raine's struggles and insecurities. And if a MMC has a cat? I'm immediately obsessed. Cat Daddies are my catnip.

Thank you Berkley for my ARC and PRH Audio for my ALC. The audiobook is narrated by Gary Furlong and Karissa Vacker, and both of them deliver excellent performances.

Sarah Grunder Ruiz has done it again. She gave us yet another amazing book.

While this is a standalone I do suggest you read the other two. It’s nice to see familiar faces. And the other two are just as amazing.

The mental health representation OCD and ADHD was so beautifully done. I obviously don’t know enough about it but I felt like I learned so much.

I loved all the characters. I loved seeing Nina and Ollie together (and their girls). And also the whole crew at the pub.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Last Call at the Local. It was sweet, funny and a little bit spicy. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something quick.

Sarah Grunder Ruiz writes these incredible romances that strike such an impressive balance between love story and real life issues. I thought both characters here were so realistically and thoughtfully portrayed. Sometimes it made the book hard to read, but that's only because their pain was so authentic. I really enjoyed watching them come together and find love for each other and themselves.

This is the first book I've read by Sarah Grunder Ruiz, but it leaves me wanting more! This was an adorable, heartwarming romance set in a cozy Irish town.

After Raine Hart dropped out of medical school in Boston (which she was only enrolled in as an attempt to please her parents), she adopted a nomadic lifestyle, and has been traveling around the world with her guitar, playing on the streets in various cities and enjoying her adventures. But when all her gear gets stolen, stranding her in the small Irish town of Cobh, she is forced to stay put while she earns enough money to replace her equipment. Fortunately, she meets local bar owner Jack Dunne, who immediately warms to her energy and offers her a job helping him revamp his outdated pub. Raine throws herself into this new challenge, quickly becoming part of the community, and finding a kindred spirit in Jack. But will her love for adventure lead her to leave Cobh, like every other place she's been before?

This was an utterly delightful book. Raine has ADHD and Jack has OCD, and both are treated sensitively and (as far as I can tell) authentically. The characters talk about their struggles but there are other facets to their personalities that make them feel well-rounded. There's lots of fast-paced banter between the two, and the cozy pub setting was delightful. I was surprised to learn that this is the third book in a series--there are some enjoyable secondary characters, but I didn't feel like I was missing out on any context at all. The book is pretty narrowly focused on Jack, Raine, and their respective mental health challenges, so we don't get to see enough of their relationships with their families. I think there could have been a bit more depth and development with each of their siblings and parents, but that's overall a minor quibble with what was a really heartwarming romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SGR has done it again! It continues to amaze me how, now after three of her books, I manage to find a piece of myself in each of her characters. For this one, while I'm not OCD, I understand the intrusive thoughts Jack suffers from that rule the way he lives his life. And I've thought for a very long time that I have undiagnosed ADHD...Raine may have convinced me to seek help.

I absolutely adored these two, and how much they came to love each other in spite of the chemical imbalances of their brains. I highly recommend everyone read this book for a wonderful look into the minds of two neurodivergent people.

This book surprised me in all the best ways. I absolutely love this book.

The mental health representation of two people who OCD and ADHD was so beautifully done. Both Raine and Jack were so nuanced and complex characters, but I also felt that their struggles were so universal that I think everyone can see themselves in them, Their relationship as well as their personal growth was so well done and natural. I felt like I had two friends I was cheering on by the end of this book. I appreciated that there was the underlying themes that you don't need to be perfect to be happy (or find/deserve love) - both characters struggled with their mental health and love didn't cure/fix them, but instead supported them through which I find to be a much more realistic and healthy outlook. I love a book that shows that you don't need to change or fix inherent qualities to find happiness.

This book tugged on my heartstrings but also made me laugh. It felt like the biggest hug from an old friend - warm, cozy, and safe to be vulnerable. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I L O V E D this one. I listen and read and either way you cannot go wrong. The narrators did an amazing job bringing these two to live.

There is a strong mental health rep in this one. Raine is a traveling musician, with ADHD. Jack is bar owner, who has OCD, that manifests in different ways than the norm.

This is a stand-alone but previous couples appear in the book.

Raine helps Jack to make his bar into something special, and along the way they find they both feel something special for each other.

I just loved these two together, how they helped each other, how they loved each other. It’s really something special.

A must read for 2024.

Jack and Raine make this book so special. Their chemistry and compassion and friendship are so well done. Handling a tough topic like ocd can be difficult, but it’s handled so gracefully. Such a well written and fun read.

Give me a tattooed golden retriever hottie & I am in 100p!
(Who am I even kidding, I am actually all in because of the sweet black cat)

Thank you Berkley & NetGalley for the arc of "Last Call at the Local." Mark your calendars down for January 2nd because you're going to want this romance on your tbr!

*insert facepalm here* Not me realizing just now this is the third book in a series. Typical Dani move, right? Honestly, ain't no thang because this could easily be a perfect stand-alone novel. There was zero confusion BUT I will say the story most definitely hit harder if I read the other two (because duh, characters show up again and we L O V E that)

I adored Raine & Jack. Their relationship was perfection. I can't get over how gentle and patient they were with each other. We stan being open about our lives! Can we get a hand for Ruiz writing this couple who wants the healthiest relationship!!! I seriously appreciated Raine taking the time to understand Jack's OCD. It made my heart glow.

Big shout out to Ruiz for helping me understand how complex OCD and ADHD truly is. Getting to step into Jack's mind was very eye-opening. I didn't realize there was more to it than having a regimented day or doing a task until it feels perfect. I appreciate when authors create characters to help us understand the world. I can tell you I have never read a book with these represented & I am beyond glad I got to read "Last Call at the Local" solely for this.

I wish we had more Ireland! The cozy pub setting was delightful but I wanted more traditions, sights and customs. Don't get me wrong, we do get a few fun standout's like "Lock-Ins" which HAI SO FUN! I am moving to Ireland now. Being Irish I love when fiction can sneakily teach us something about history or traditions but this felt lacking but it did not take away from the swoony romance.

Seriously, check this out solely for the tattooed bookish hun...I mean the sweet bean kitty hehehe.

- Black cat fur buddy
- Tattooed heart-throb
- A dreamer & bold female MC
- Habanero HAWT
- Ireland
- For the music lovers
- OCD & ADHD Rep
- Found Family

This book was great. I loved the honesty and portrayal of the characters in regards to mental health, adhd, ocd, and intrusive thinking. It had so much depth, but was light and enjoyable. Highly recommend for all library collections!

Down on her luck, Raine wandered into The Local to try and formulate a plan. While speaking with the resident pub cat, she met the charming Jack who offered her a temporary job to help her get back on her feet. Who knew that a temporary position could result in something permanent in their hearts.

Will I ever tire of the Love, Lists & Fancy Ships world? The answer is NO! Once again, Ruiz crafted a story that made me laugh and tugged at my heartstrings. She always does such an incredible job with these slightly broken characters who never fail to embed themselves in my heart.

Raine may have given the appearance of a free spirit, but she was running from the pressure of her family. Trying to fit in with a group of doctors was not easy for Raine. Her family saw her as a mess, impulsive, and essentially, a disappointment. Then she met Jack, someone who loved those parts of her and how they contributed to the whole of who Raine was. That loving her as-is was one of the most precious parts of their romance.

Like Ollie from the previous book, his brother Jack bore the mental scars of their father. One result of this past trauma was the emergence of Jack's OCD. Jack had been struggling with intrusive thoughts and other symptoms of OCD for several years. Some of this story was about Jack working to take back the parts of his life he had lost to his illness. It was an uphill battle, and I appreciated Jack's journey. But, as Jack had loved Raine as-is, she also loved Jack as-is. That unconditional support they had for each other was a beautiful thing.

There was quite a bit about not trying to change the other person in this tale. Raine was a wanderer who embraced a nomadic lifestyle while Jack needed the security of routine and roots. I loved that they did not set out to change themselves or sacrifice parts of themselves to make this work, but rather, they worked together to find a way for them to have it all. Their love and unflinching support had my heart bursting, and I just couldn't help but want the sun, the moon, and the stars for these two.

Jack and Raine was obviously amazing, but this story was made even better by the presence of some fabulous supporting characters. Obviously, I was overjoyed to spend more time with Ollie and Nina. This story started five years after the last book, and it was a pleasure to see how things were going for Nina and Ollie. But the real scene stealer was Sebastian, aka the pub cat. As with most pets, he stole the show, and I have zero complaints about that.

Overall, it was a special treat to be part of Jack and Raine's story. I loved rooting for them while they made their personal journeys, and I welcomed all the warmth and joy of their friendship and romance. Fingers crossed that Ruiz brings us back to the Love, Lists & Fancy Ships world soon!

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??