‘The Last Call At The Local’ review: Romance and Representation at its best

If you’re a romance reader, you know that romance novels are some of the most hopeful, exciting, refreshing books a reader can get their hands (or in my case, since I mostly listen, ears) on. Romance is a lifeline for my anxious mind. Nothing else calms me down than a happy ending and a couple who moves past their own baggage and worries to find and accept love. The Last Call at The Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz at first presents itself like the perfect escape. A busking musician finds herself in a small town in Ireland and helps enliven a local pub with the help of the tattooed owner? I couldn’t imagine a better romance to listen to, especially as I was introduced to Gary Furlong’s fantastic narration as Irish pub owner Jack Dunne. 

Pitch Perfect Representation

Even though I haven’t read anything else by Sarah Grunder Ruiz, including two connected novels, I was drawn to this immediately by the cover. Dark green and two illustrated figures leaning into each other on bar stools. It looked inviting. A quick look at the summary introduces that Jack has OCD and Raine, our heroine, has ADHD. My perfect escape novel suddenly had representation I craved.

For all that The Last Call At The Local is a romance, it is also about making peace with your mental health. Raine is constantly berating herself for being forgetful and not having her life together (we first meet her because she lost her belongings busking.) Jack is at war with his own thoughts. He worries constantly and that worry holds him back. 

While listening to Jack and Raine’s story, my own anxiety suddenly had a place in my romance escapism. My daily commute had me thinking about my own anxiety and OCD tendencies. There was no escaping my own mental health as I listened. I found hope in the representation that sometimes felt too close. The relationship that grows between Raine and Jack, first as friends and then a deeper understanding of each other’s needs, is beautiful. Raine gives Jack space to work through his compulsions and Jack never judges Raine for coming down to the pub from her flat above without socks or fixating too much on one task, instead bringing her lunch and reminding her to eat. 

It made me realize how important these books can be because as I try to find a Raine to my Jack or a Jack to my Raine, it gives me hope that my own bad brain days won’t hold me back from finding someone to share the good brain days with. 

Warm-Hearted Characters and Setting

If you love warm-hearted books about community, you can’t go wrong with this one. It made me want to go back to Ireland all the more and find the pub where I danced with strangers and drank the most delicious cider. You might even feel transported yourself while reading, as Ruiz does an amazing job of bringing Cobh to life. Even for readers who haven’t read Ruiz’s previous books, you’ll catch up quick with Ollie and Nina (Jack’s brother and sister-in-law) and their adorable children. You’ll feel enveloped into the pub and its locals and feel as at home as Raine as she brings the pub back to life. 

A Feel Good Romance 

Bursting with warmth and feel-good moments, the book doesn’t shy away from the heavier subject matter. It tackles the harsh realities of having OCD and the cost of ADHD head on and allows readers to see a love story blossom despite those issues. The focus might be on the toll that both Raine and Jack face with their mental health, but it also showcases what good support can look like and how you can find someone who gets you, even when your brain tells you that you don’t deserve it.

Raine and Jack’s witty back and forth from the beginning and the low-pressure friendship (very professional co-workers) creates a safe space for any reader who has their own mental health struggle. We readers get to see what a healthy relationship can look like, one where neither partner has to hide or change for the other. It was refreshing and honest and made me feel vulnerable. But I don’t regret reading it. I loved the way the relationship unfolds and how their want for each other was palpable from the moment Raine sat down at The Local.

If you like romance with a little heft, and if you want to see representation that shines, read (or listen) to The Last Call at the Local. And try not to blame the author too much for making you desperate to book the next flight out to Ireland.