August Reads: 8 of the best new books to read this month

Whether you’re spending these warm August days sunning yourself by the pool on a Mediterranean island or enjoying a chilled-out staycation without all the stresses of international travel, we’ve got your bookish needs covered with our pick of the best new novels to read this month.

Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

Following her previous romance novel On Rotation, Shirlene Obuobi is back with another ‘STEMinist’ novel that’s at once sweet, steamy and smart. It follows Dr Jojo, an influencer doctor who’s built a dedicated following by candidly sharing her no-nonsense opinions on men, dating, sex and self-love. But behind the scenes, Jo’s life is a little more complicated. She’s in love with her best friend, Ezra, and she’s tired of pining after someone who doesn’t feel the same way. Enter shy and sexy writer Malcolm, who’s exactly the kind of man Jo needs. But when she discovers her feelings for Ezra aren’t as unrequited as she thought, Jo must decide what – or who – she really wants. If you enjoy realistically flawed characters and love triangle tropes, this is exactly the book for you. (30 July, Quercus)

Costanza by Rachel Blackmore

Set in 17th Century Rome, Rachel Blackmore’s debut delves into the life of Costanza Piccolomini, a respectable young wife whose reputation is shattered when she becomes the lover of world-famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Betrayed and banished, Costanza’s fall from grace is devastating. But she is more than just a tempestuous artist’s muse; more than the temptress and fallen woman history has relegated her to. Drawing parallels with the pervasive toxic masculinity and modern-day violence against women, this historical novel based on real-life events explores Costanza’s story with insight and empathy. The perfect read for fans of Elodie Harper’s Wolf Den trilogy. (1 August, Renegade Books)

I’ll Look For You, Everywhere by Cameron Capello

Childhood neighbours Magdalen Savoy and Theo Sinclair haven’t seen each other for seven years. When they both return to the sleepy Italian village they grew up in to celebrate a family wedding, ghosts from the past simmer under the surface of the obvious attraction smouldering between them. But as their relationship intensifies, Magdalen and Theo are forced to confront the secrets they’ve been carrying since they were children. With a sultry, sun-kissed backdrop, I’ll Look For You, Everywhere is an angst-filled contemporary romance full of dysfunctional family dynamics, complicated longings and all-consuming desire. Bonus points for the dual perspective, which lets you live the sizzling, slow-burn feelings from both sides. (1 August, Macmillan)

The Drownings by Hazel Barkworth

Leysham has always been a dangerous place for women. Arriving on campus reeling from the injury that destroyed her champion swimming career, Serena is lost until she meets Jane, an enigmatic tutor obsessed with the historic witch trials that took place in the university’s freezing waters. When several young women are assaulted, Jane encourages Serena and her friends – including Serena’s body positivity influencer cousin Zara – to rise up against the institution’s dark legacy. With her second novel, Hazel Barkworth weaves together the themes of power and feminist rage with northern folklore and a dark academia setting to deliver an immersive and atmospheric character driven novel. (1 August, Headline Review)

The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green

It’s been twelve years since the loss of sixteen-year-old Alice Weil. Now her best friend Morgan and brother Benji are getting married, bringing the two families together for the first time since the funeral. As the estranged guests descend on a tranquil Maine town for a whirlwind wedding nobody knew anything about until the invitations arrived, it’s clear that nobody has moved on, and they’re still not ready to either. Shifting between the perspectives of the happy couple and their families, The World After Alice is a poignant and thought-provoking examination of love, healing and long-held secrets, and of grief in all its many forms. (1 August, Michael Joseph)

The Group by Sigge Eklund

Sigge Eklund invites readers into the art world as an archival intern at a prestigious gallery in Spain gets drawn into the lives of three fellow foreigners in the city. Having moved to Spain from Sweden, Hanna spends her days buried in the museum’s archives and her nights alone in a tiny flat. That all changes when she meets Tom, Samuel and Leah. They’re everything Hanna wants to be – wealthy, glamorous, elegant and self-indulgent. And when Hanna discovers an uncatalogued 17th century etching in the archive, she makes a decision that changes everything. The Group is an addictive, evocative and effortlessly stylish story of obsession and deception that draws you in slowly and refuses to let you go until the end. (8 August, Ithaka)

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood

If you loved Sarah Underwood’s debut, Lies We Sing to the Sea, then you’re guaranteed to fall just as deeply for the author’s second sapphic YA fantasy novel. On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire – love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder. When Leandros – a power-hungry descendent of the god Eros – sets his sights on Phoebe, her twin Eirene strikes a bargain to keep her sister safe. If she completes four elaborate tasks, Leandros will find another bride. But Eirene doesn’t anticipate Lamia, Leandros’ strange, neglected daughter, or the connection that grows between them as it becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger. Brimming with mystery, myth and tenderness, Gentlest of Wild Things is a worthy addition to the ever-growing list of Greek mythology inspired stories. (15 August, Electric Monkey)

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Sutanto

Meredith Lee taught Aspen Palmer everything she knew about being a social media influencer. Now Aspen has the perfect life with millions of followers and she doesn’t need Meredith anymore. Taking it more than a little personally, Meredith happens upon one of Aspen’s kids’ iPads, giving her the means to sabotage her once-friend-now-nemesis’ daily life. But as Aspen’s carefully curated world begins to crumble, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep the life she’s built. Cue a twisty and suspenseful jealousy-fuelled psychological thriller that feels like watching a real life momfluencer drama play out. (29 August, HQ)