Review: Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Thank you Berkley for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
When I saw this book’s cover back over the Summer, I immediately filed it under, “That looks cozy and I like the vibe.” It definitely was a cozy read set in Ireland, but it also was so much more in terms of seeing two people struggling with their individual mental health come together. I deal with pretty severe anxiety that has just increased as I’ve gotten older and I found a lot of comfort in Jack’s storyline. It was intense, don’t get me wrong, but there is nothing as validating as hearing someone articulate the thoughts that have been swirling in your brain for a long time.
This book deals with ADHD and OCD/anxiety rep, which were my favorite parts of the book. Sadly the romance didn’t quite land for me as it has in other of this author’s books, but I still think it is well worth the read. Especially on audio!
The cover image is attributed to the artist and publisher.
Synopsis:
“Raine Hart is used to the challenges of living with ADHD. It’s why she ditched her life in Boston to busk around Europe as a traveling musician. No boss. No schedule. No one to disappoint but herself. But when a careless mistake in Ireland leaves her unable to perform, she sees no other option but to give up her nomadic life.
Since inheriting the Local, Jack Dunne has wanted to make the pub his own. But the baggage of running a family business and the intrusive thoughts that stem from his OCD make changing things a challenge.
Over a pint with handsome, tattooed Jack, Raine accidentally insults him and the pub. Instead of taking offense, Jack, impressed by her vision of what the pub could be, offers her a job bringing it to life.
But when Raine and Jack develop feelings for one another their opposite lifestyles won’t accommodate, it becomes clear the pub isn’t the only thing that needs reinventing. As the end of their business collaboration draws near, they’ll have to find a way past the limits they’ve placed on themselves or let go of a love that could last a lifetime.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love Ireland so much and I thought this was a great peek into “regular” life after the last two books took place on the boat more. Plus the pub was so charming! I just loved it.
The Audio Production—I read this on audiobook and it was so well done! Excellent accent and character work.
The OCD/Anxiety Rep—While I do not have OCD, so I can’t speak to that, I do have severe anxiety and intrusive thoughts so I could so deeply relate to Jack. It was honestly a little intense for me at time because I felt his anxiety so deep but I rarely see those thoughts represented like mine so that was comforting.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Pacing—I was just kind of lost with the pace of this book and struggled to connect with what I was supposed to care about when it came to the romance.
Chemistry—I didn’t feel it with these characters sadly but I wonder if it was a me problem and being overwhelmed by the anxious thoughts on the page.
Character Authenticity: 3.5/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Content Warnings:
panic attacks/disorder, mental illness, ableism,