This book was so perfect for Valentine’s Day that I couldn’t have picked any better myself if I had tried. That said if you don’t like an extremely slow burn – it’s not for you.
About the Book
One very special suit brings together an unforgettable cast of characters in this charming and sweetly funny Britpop-era romance.
It’s 1995 and the Britpop boom is at its height – but in Glasgow, recently dumped 1960s-obsessive Des McMenemy feels like he’s missing the party.
Everything changes when he buys a very special vintage suit and meets medical student Poppy Akinyi.
Keen to impress Poppy – and to outdo her handsome-but-oafish boyfriend – Des sets out on a quest to find his new suit’s original owner and return a mysterious love note found in one of its pockets.
Des’s mission takes him from Glasgow to the very heart of cool Britannia and back again, bringing him closer to Poppy – and opening his eyes to a few truths about the dangers of nostalgia and his own inability to commit to the present.
My Thoughts
I read Paul Carnahan’s first book last year and loved it. That’s a funny story; it’s no secret. I’ve also read several Paul Marriner books and loved them. This book reads way more like a Paul Marriner book – if you happen to be familiar with it and a fan – and I confused myself for a lot of the book, thinking it was one. It’s a compliment to both authors, in my opinion. Because I adored this book, and I’m a fan of both authors. And if you’re a fan of Marriner – read this one!! And if you’re a fan of Carnahan, maybe consider giving the other Paul a chance.
Anyway, somehow, based on the cover, I also thought it was an MM book for some reason. I also like to read the blurb when I sign up and then surprise myself when I read it. So I spent part of the beginning confused that our MMC was dating a girl. I was like, oh, is he going to discover he’s gay? Or bi? And there are no spoilers, but you will realize how hilarious it is that I was wrong when you read the book. Which you absolutely should.
The characters are all really well-written! I loved the main characters, Des and Poppy, but as is usually the case with me, the cast of supporting characters stole my heart. Des’ best friend Sanj was absolutely the best. And I think poor Gary, their third roommate, definitely got the short end of their stick. Roy and Else were smashing characters as well! Carnahan is a master of character development, something that definitely carried over from his first book! While they were very different books, that similarity stuck around.
Yes, it’s a slow-burn romance. Friends to lovers. But it explores so much more. It’s social commentary, it still has the LGBTQ rep I was looking for, it has a really cool and unique mystery, and it deals with navigating the expectations others have for you. It’s also a really cool look at the turn of the century. And I don’t want to call that historical fiction – but it’s like 25 years ago, so maybe it is at this point.
It is a really great read, and I’m so grateful to the author and LBT for including me on the tour! And it came out on Friday, so grab your copy right now!! You won’t be able to put it down!!
Who’s It For?
If you love a slow-burn romance, this is for you. But it’s also full of so much other good stuff to love – turn-of-the-century social commentary, friendship, societal/family/general expectations from others. Also, it is a really unique and fun mystery!
Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Mild Infidelity, Relationship Drama, Family Drama/Mild Dysfunction, British Nationalism/Colonialism, Violence, Racism
About the Author
Paul Carnahan is a writer and former journalist who lives and works in central Scotland. ‘End of a Century’ is his second novel, and follows the poignant and powerful time travel tale ‘How Soon Is Now?’
Links
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/hw43Y5V
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/6SiHf4g
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223391795-end-of-a-century
Author’s Website: https://www.paulcarnahan.com/
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.