Last Call at the Local

October 1, 2023

Raine Hart, wandering American busker and medical-school dropout, finds herself the victim of theft in Cobh, Ireland, but she happens to land exactly where she's meant to be at the Local, an outdated pub that should be more lively given the town's tourism. Bartender and co-owner Jack learns of Raine's misfortune and shows her the famous Irish hospitality by offering her a job and a place to stay. Jack struggles with OCD and worries about burdening his family with his intrusive thoughts. Raine, living with ADHD, knows the strain of dealing with the ups and downs of mental illness and isn't fazed by Jack's anxiety. They'll have to overcome the odds of their budding attraction when Raine gets the itch to continue exploring and traveling while Jack must stay put. Some readers may wish there were more romantic scenes, but overall, they'll enjoy this heartfelt story. VERDICT Ruiz (Luck and Last Resorts) writes sensitively about two people trying to thrive amid personal issues and the relief one feels in finding a kindred soul.--Nicole J. Suarez

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Starred review from November 6, 2023
Ruiz (Luck and Last Resorts) shines in this moving and adorable tale of neurodivergent love in a cozy Irish town. American med school dropout Raine Hart is busking her way through Europe as a musician when, in quaint Cobh, Ireland, all of her equipment is stolen, including the cherished guitar given to her by her late grandfather. She stumbles into a pub, the Local, where she meets hunky Irishman Jack Dunne. Not knowing that Jack co-owns the place with his brother, Ollie, Raine rants to him about its unrealized potential—and Jack is taken with her vision of all the bar could be. Chemistry sparks as Jack hires Raine to help revamp the pub, but Jack is worried that Raine won’t be able to handle his OCD, having been burned before. Raine is equally uncertain about how her ADHD will effect their budding relationship. Ruiz handles her characters’ intrusive thoughts and exaggerated fears with uncommon grace and sensitivity and makes it clear throughout that, despite their anxieties, these two are perfect for each other. Supporting characters—particularly haughty feline Sebastian, grumpy bartender Ollie, and Ollie’s free-spirited wife, Nina—add humor and charm. The touching happily-ever-after for these heart-stealing characters is a delight. Agent: Wendy Sherman, Wendy Sherman Assoc.

November 1, 2023
Ruiz takes readers on an intriguing dive into neurodiversity and dating. American Raine has lived a nomadic life as a musician traveling all across Europe since dropping out of medical school. But when her equipment is stolen in Ireland, she finds herself alone in a local pub, without her guitar and with very little money. When one of the pub owners, Jack, hears her story, he hires her on the spot to help organize entertainment for his struggling business. Jack is still dealing with the death of his father as well as the intrusive thoughts caused by his OCD that are keeping him from pursuing his dream of being a tattoo artist. Raine negotiates her own ADHD, so she can understand some of Jack's challenges. Still, it's going to be difficult to navigate their growing attraction to each other while also working together. Readers will be drawn to Ruiz's sweet romance about taking a chance on something and someone new.

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Starred review from November 1, 2023
An American musician accepts a temporary job at a pub in Ireland and falls for the owner. Since Raine Hart dropped out of medical school, she's taken on a nomadic lifestyle, making a living busking abroad. When her guitar and other gear are stolen during what was supposed to be a brief stop in Cobh, Ireland, she heads to a pub to figure out what to do next and meets the handsome and heavily tattooed Jack Dunne and his large, floofy black cat. What starts as casual flirtation over drinks turns into a job offer; Jack needs an entertainment coordinator to revitalize the pub, so Raine agrees to stay for 12 weeks while she makes enough money to replace her stolen goods. Jack tries to be a professional coworker but he finds Raine irresistible, and with her ADHD and his OCD, they understand each other better than most. She doesn't want to stay in one place, though, and he can't envision leaving, so a quickly approaching expiration date on their developing relationship feels inevitable. This warm romance sparkles with Irish charm and is filled with delectable banter. The leads are immensely lovable and thoughtfully crafted. They are both imperfect in ways that make them perfect for each other. Dual first-person narratives effectively allow the reader to get inside the characters' heads, allowing the book to realistically and empathically explore their mental health. Their love and partnership is well earned and sure to fill readers with fuzzy feelings. Compassionate and completely charming.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.