Dowden-Lord, Rochelle: Lush

A sumptuous treat, I was absorbed from start to finish' Bolu Babalola, bestselling author of Love in Colour 'Hedonistic, Bacchanalian, lyrical and subtle, with a hint of tannic Sally Rooney wit' GQ, Most Anticipated Books of 2025 'A heady, sun-soaked novel ' Dazed, Must-Read Novels of 2025 'A rich, full-bodied reading experience' Eliza Clark, bestselling author of Boy Parts Four very different people, each at a crucial point in their lives, arrive at a French vineyard estate for a transformative experience - but not the kind they expected. Wine influencer Avery has given up her exploitative bu t fiercely fought sommelier job to be here, hoping it will earn her the prestige and funds she needs to survive. Rising-star sommelier Cosmo comes from privilege but is struggling to conceal that his life is in freefall. Millionaire Sonny earns scorn for dabbling in his tacky supermarket wine brand, while caustic French critic Maëlys hovers, poised to record their indiscretions. Finally, there's the enigmatic Master, who relishes the sway he holds over his guests almost as much as his partner, Tao, resents it. As glasses are emptied, rivalries fermented and secrets spilled, each must confront hard truths. Heady and subtly powerful, Lush is a bittersweet reckoning with class, beauty, hedonism and desire. 'A breathtaking novel - dare I say, intoxicating' Okechukwu Nzelu, author of Here Again Now 'Intoxicating' Times Best New Books