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End of a Century

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A sparkling 1990s love story with a touch of Britpop, a dash of mystery and a subtle sprinkling of magic, 'End of a Century' is a must-read for lovers of 'High Fidelity' and 'One Day'.
Watch this space for more details and a cover reveal on February 4.
Amazon pre-orders open on February 4.

326 pages, Unknown Binding

Published February 14, 2025

5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Paul Carnahan

2 books10 followers
Paul Carnahan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in the new town of Cumbernauld. After studying journalism in Edinburgh, he began a decades-long career in local and national newspapers.
His first novel, ‘How Soon Is Now?’, is a subtle and complex time-travel tale which has been taken to the hearts of readers with a taste for thoughtful genre fiction full of big ideas, strong characters and intricate plotting.
‘Beautifully written ... gripping ... sophisticated. A beautiful, life-affirming book. Everyone should read it!' declared one reviewer.
A complete change of pace, his second novel, 'End of a Century', is a warm and witty Britpop-era romantic comedy set in Glasgow and London in 1995. It has been hailed as 'truly delightful', 'nostalgic, witty and full of heart' and 'beautiful, poignant and romantic'.
Paul's third novel, a return to some of the characters and themes featured in 'How Soon Is Now?', is a work in progress.

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5 stars
14 (51%)
4 stars
11 (40%)
3 stars
2 (7%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola Doyle.
515 reviews15 followers
February 12, 2025
Oh the British 90s Nostalgia!!!! It was like I was living the decade all over again. Fopp, John Menzies, Tie Rack, phone tables, TDK C90 cassettes. Oh man so good.

The story was so well written and descriptive. It gave such wonderful mental imagery. The story flowed so well and for me it was a really easy and quick read!! There were no plot holes and no unanswered questions at the end of it.

The characters were all brilliant. Des was our MC and he came across as a good and down to earth 90s guy! Poppy was so much fun. I'm always going to worst case scenarios with things like travel. I feel her pain! Roy. Oh my lord he was my actual favourite even though he wasn't in that much. So, so funny. Dan was lovely too. His story broke my heart. Des made the right choice. All the other side characters were great too. Especially Sanj!

The story was mostly from Des' point of view. Which was excellent as we followed him on his entire journey. One chapter is not though. I won't say who's POV it is as I don't want to spoil this for you.

I thought this was a fantastic read and I'm definitely going to read Paul's debut novel as well now. I highly recommend this to you all. It was just a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Julie B. (readingonthebrink).
204 reviews11 followers
February 10, 2025
Queue music from ~ IT MUST BE LOVE by Madness
“🎵… As soon as I wake up
Every night, every day
I know that it's you I need
To take the blues away

It must be love, love, love
It must be love, love, love
Nothing more Nothing less
Love is the best…“🎵
~ IT MUST BE LOVE by Madness


Who needs a “feel-good’ story?
I think we ALL do! And I can’t think of a better way to start the work week than by spreading some L❤️VE – from and for new-to-me UK author Paul Carnahan and his latest novel, End of A Century!

Taking us out of our winter doldrums, Carnahan brings us back in time to summertime in the 1990’s UK and introduces us to some genuinely loveable (and realistically flawed) characters, as well as one exquisitely tailored suit, setting the stage for the most charming of love stories I have read in a long time.

The author used such vivid descriptions, I felt like I had crossed the pond, popping right off the train to and from Glasgow’s Central Station and falling right in step with the MC Des as he sets about. I could smell the chips from the chip shop, taste the pastries, touch the café wood-paneling, feel the fabrics… Additionally, Carnahan has fleshed out his characters and their relationships so well and made them so real, not only could I feel the pull of their emotions, but I also literally got chill bumps several times throughout the story! (Seriously, I wish I could meet all of them, especially Else and Roy!)

Releasing on February 14 (yes, Valentine’s Day), End of A Century is not JUST a love story, but an adventure, a quest, a love letter to the 1960’s UK pop culture scene, to the music of our parents (and of our youth), to fashions of yesteryear, and most importantly, to the magic of story-telling.

Thank you to @paulcarnahan6 and @lovebookstours for my gifted epub copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
February 17, 2025
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.

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 buy the book and surprise myself when I read it sometimes. 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 interested in men somewhere in this story? And them, no spoilers, but you will realize how hilarious it is that I was wrong when you read the book. Which you absolutely should.

Yes, it's a slow-burn romance. A friend 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! Grab a copy now because you won't be able to put it down!!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
584 reviews21 followers
February 17, 2025
Me for the first 95% of this book: "Aww, what a lovely story. I hope they find the original owner of the suit."
Me at 95%: "No, no no!" TEARS.

I read Paul's first book (How Soon is Now) last year and it was an easy 5 star read. This means I approached his new book with a mixture of delight and apprehension, what if it didn't live tothr previous one? But I did not need to worry. Paul has knocked it out of the park again and written another 5 star book.

Set in both Glasgow and London in the 1990s, End of a Century is the story of a suit. Yes that's right, a suit. Having bought a second hand suit in Glasgow, Des decides to go on a journey to find out who it had been made for and why. Whilst I've never been to Glasgow, and was only a child in the 90s, the descriptions of Camden didn't seem too far removed from what it is like now in 2025.

Despite the fact we only "meet" Tyler a handful of times throughout the book, I had an intense dislike for him. On the other hand, Erin only appears as a name in one chapter, and yet I cried. (Getting very close to a spoiler there). Paul really does write fantastic, believable characters bringing just the right amount of backstory to each of them.

This book is a easy 5 star for me, and I can't wait to find out what's coming next.
Profile Image for Mike Davis.
Author 3 books2 followers
September 12, 2025
I was searching for a dose of warm fuzzies, coupled with a trip down memory lane—basically the emotional equivalent of comfort food. Problem was, I’d already re-read my Nick Hornby stash too many times.

I came across Paul Carnahan on Bluesky, saw his pitch for "End of a Century", and thought, 'Why not give that a go?' Camden captured my own heart in the 1980s and was the scene of a few clumsy attempts at romance, so there was already a connection.

After the first chapter, I was glad I had picked this novel.

Halfway through the book, I was a solid fan, adding his previous novel to the TBR pile.

Paul so clearly conveys the emotions of young love, infatuation, fear of rejection, awkward encounters, and meticulously planned declarations that come out all wrong.

Not really a spoiler - this resonated with me at the end: "...Dan and Erin fell in love. Or, rather, Erin joined Dan in love; he had been there since the first cup of tea."

A delightful story, one I am grateful to have found.
11 reviews
November 20, 2025
Having read - and enjoyed - Paul's debut novel earlier this year, I was looking forward to reading his second one and it did not disappoint. It's a rare thing to be able to write characters with whom the reader can quickly become emotionally invested, but Paul does it incredibly well. Des, Poppy, Sanj, Roy, Dan and even Tyler were all likeable (but far from perfect) people who leapt from the page straight into the movie in my mind (this book would make an excellent mini-series on TV!) I'd love to catch up with them again in the future, to find out what the 2000's and beyond held in store for them.

This is a beautiful story (well, two stories really), beautifully told, with romance, humour and poignancy in spades. It's a perfect book to take on holiday in the summer, or curl up with by the fire on cold, wintery nights. While the fire warms your body, the story will warm your heart!
Profile Image for theweebookworm .
428 reviews28 followers
February 15, 2025
This seemed an interesting read and I'm glad I picked it up.

The story is set in Glasgow and London in the 90s and I loved the author's descriptions of both cities. I'm from Glasgow, so it brought back a lot of memories for me.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It was so descriptive and I felt that all his characters were very relatable. I loved the friendship between Des and Sanj. I really liked Des, he came across as sweet, kind and caring and his behaviour when Poppy was around had me chuckling at times.

I'm glad Des and Poppy got to go to London as they met many other great characters on their travels, one of my favourites being Roy and I was rooting for them in their search for Mr Mahoney.

All in all, this was such a good read. It had everything you need, friendship, nostalgia, a mystery, new beginnings and romance.
Profile Image for Christine.
127 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2025
Aww, I so enjoyed this book, It was such a quick and easy read! We are transported back to the 90s and also in Glasgow ( can't forget about London too) and soo I felt right at home! The nostalgia was at an all-time high reading this!

I loved the authors writing style, where he has effortlessly tied together a gripping storyline with descriptive writing, bringing back the 90s feel, and it was great to be reminded what it was like back then. Not only that, you really do get taken on the journey with Des. The characters were well thought out, and you can't help but feel the emotions as I was reading!

Honestly, give this a read. You will love it
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,426 reviews141 followers
February 11, 2025
End of a Century by Paul Carnahan.
I did like the cover and blurb of this book. This was different. I loved Des character. I warmed to him as I read through the book. He was definitely my favourite character. I loved how it felt like I was there watching everything happening. I liked the writing style. I loved the authors descriptions of london. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. This was a lovely feel-good read. I liked the ending, too.
Profile Image for TheNickell.
47 reviews
February 7, 2025
End of a Century was a unique read about Desmond (Des), a Glasgow resident who loves thrifting and happens to be on a break from his work and his girlfriend. After finding a well made suit from the 60’s and meeting Poppy (in unrelated experiences), he sets off on a mission to find the maker of the suit.

It was original but had a very Nick Hornsby feel to it. I highly recommend! Thank you to LoveBook Tours and Paul Carnahan for the opportunity to read it!
1,185 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2025
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this except a throwback to the 90s in Glasgow, but that was enough to make me want to read it.
The characters all have great relationships and are clearly fun friends. It felt very heartwarming to see Des and Sanj's friendship especially. There are some really interesting characters, particularly in London, and I'd love to see more of them crop up in future stories.
I became completely invested in the story of the suits previous owner and felt like I was on the journey with Poppy and Des.
I guessed what was coming from Dan's tale, but I still got quite emotional when it happened.
It was a bit of a slow start for me, though once I got to about 40%, I raced through it.
There's a lot of nostalgia of the 90s, and I really enjoyed that.
I'd definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Mills.
244 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2025
4.5 stars

I want to begin by thanking Love Book Tours for allowing me to be part of their book tour for this fantastic novel. This is the first book of Carnahan's I have read and I am already itching to read every single delight he has written.

I felt such a certain way reading this - it is indescribable. I was so fond of Des as a character and the experienced he faced throughout the novel made me warm to him even more. This felt so different to every other love story I have read - it felt raw and honest.

Des and Poppy were such a unique couple and I just found the setting to really epitomise everything they stood for. A dreamy read.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,846 reviews142 followers
March 22, 2025
Back in the summer, I read How Soon Is Now? by this author and absolutely loved it!

When I spotted this new release, I knew that it was going to be another brilliant read and couldn't wait to dive in.

 

If you remember my previous review you'll know that the previous book referenced a lot of 80's music - which I loved so much!

This book takes us back to the 90's and once again, I loved this vibe and all the memories that this brought back from my growing up in this era.

 

But, we're also treated to some 60's fun as our main character, Des, is obsessed!

When he buys a second hand 60's inspired suit, he doesn't realise what an adventure it will take him on.

Finding a love letter in the pocket, Des decides to make it his mission to find the owner and return it.

 

This was such a great storyline which really got me thinking about what I'd do in the same situation.

I loved the new friendships that Des found along the way - some really interesting characters throughout.

 

The writing style really draws you in from the start. Packed with nostalgia and an emotional journey for both Des and me.

 

Another really great read and definitely an author that I'll be following in the future.

I'm looking forward to the next book and wondering whether we'll be venturing into the 2000's?....
Author 8 books17 followers
February 1, 2025
Des is in a period of limbo - he's 'on a break' with his girlfriend as well as on a break from work. But he has his routines, particularly his Saturday routine of hunting the secondhand stores for 1960s fashion treasures. Enter the blue suit...

Des and the blue suit go out for a drink, and meet the lovely Poppy, who is both taken and well out of his league - at least according to his friends. But they hit it off so well, Poppy is intrigued by the history of the suit, and she encourages him to find out more about its history.

This takes Des out of his comfort zone in Glasgow and all the way to London, where he meets some folks and learns some things. Back to Glasgow, a bit of research, then another trip to London, this time with Poppy. And a resolution, though clearly I'm not going to spoil it and tell you how everything works out. I will say that it was very touching.

This is a great and easy read. Des is a nice bloke and easy to hang out with for the journey. His friends are interesting and realistic. Roy is great and his energy just bounces off the page! Paul Carnahan is great at writing people and really, really good at writing banter - the rhythm of Des and Poppy's conversations easily communicate how easily and well they get along.

The 1990s setting is terrific (particularly as I was about Des' age in the 90s). Phone numbers written down, answering machines, communal phones in the hallway, running into people randomly, libraries, and buying actual train tickets. There are just enough music references to set the scene without them getting in the way if you don't know the bands.

And a perfect ending...

One for readers of Nick Hornby, Nick Earls and David Nichols.
Profile Image for Daisy Hollands.
Author 2 books29 followers
February 14, 2025
This book has it all. Romance. Mystery. Nostalgia. Witty dialogue. A gentle but gripping plot. I loved it. Paul Carnahan is such a talented writer, perfect at scene setting and engaging story telling. The book has a warm, almost comforting feel. It seems insane to describe the 90s as simpler times but in a way they were and End of a Century really reflects that. This was a quick and easy read for me, I loved the music references throughout - but quick and easy doesn’t mean disposable. This is a story I will want to read again.
Profile Image for Lisa reads alot  Hamer.
1,046 reviews26 followers
March 4, 2025
Oh my goodness I loved this book, a quick read and so much fun.
Des and Poppy are great main characters but what really brought it to life for me were all the other characters woven within the story, my favourite was Roy he is hilariously weird, great humour.
With a lot of 90s nostalgia it was a real trip down memory lane oh how I loved C&A.
Well written and the descriptions brought the scenes alive.
A great read and an author to look out for, I shall be reading more from @paulcarnahan6

Thank you @lovebookstours and @paulcarnahan6 for having me on the tour and for a copy of the ebook.
3 reviews
April 12, 2025
Really positive, heartwarming story. Full of 90s (and 60s) nostalgia and with more than a nod to 90s music as well as to Glasgow and London. I had forgotten the whole answerphone agony or train journeys without internet. Really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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