In Spite of You

Patrick Lenton

A gloriously spiky modern rom-com that will have you falling head over heels in love (and spite).

When Jeremy is invited to the 10-year reunion of his prestigious writing program, his life is a horrible mess. He’s a pop-culture journalist with no money, he’s permanently single and he now has to face his cheating ex-boyfriend – the reunion’s guest of honour.

Like any well-adjusted individual, Jeremy develops a revenge plan: fix his life by becoming super hot and successful and, most importantly, find a handsome and successful boyfriend to bring to the reunion.

Enter Sam – irritatingly perfect, disgustingly hot and generous to a fault – who agrees to help with Jeremy’s scheme. When Sam suggests they start fake-dating each other, the simmering tension between them threatens to boil over. Now Jeremy must choose between nursing his grudges and giving himself another chance at love.

Romantic, sharply observed, and wickedly funny, In Spite of You is the perfect rom-com for people who love love – and also love the delicious pleasure of holding a really good grudge.

- Jodie McAlister

What a breath of fresh air to read a book like this, that's as clever and funny as it is full of vulnerability and heart. Patrick Lenton astutely observes modern culture and romance through the lens of someone who's been through it all. These characters are the people we all love to hate, or hate to love – and ultimately, love does win.

- Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen

A cross between Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion and the craziest Reddit thread you've ever been sent. Made me feel like I was eavesdropping on a juicy conversation at the next table.

- Sinead Stubbins

Release: Aug-2025

ISBN: 9780648619079

RRP (AUD): $34.99

Pages: 304

Format: Paperback & ebook

Category: Commercial romcom

Patrick Lenton

Patrick Lenton is a journalist and writer living in Melbourne. He is the author of three books, including the recent Sexy Tales of Paleontology. He is a regular arts and culture commentator in the media, having appeared on The Project, ABC’s The Mix, ABC Breakfast and more. He is an anchor guest on ABC Sydney’s Culture Chatter and ABC Melbourne, as well as regular slots on ABC RN, Statewide Drive, ABC Tropical North and more. His independent publication, Nonsense, covers comedy and queer news and culture.