In Spite of You: Don't get mad. Get hot – and get even.

by 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 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.' Jodi 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

'A funny and sexy queer romp about finding out who you are throughout the messiness of life, and the friends who put up with you support you every step of the way. Come for the horny love story between men, come again for the love story between friends.' Rebecca Shaw 

'Genuinely funny and smartly observed, In Spite of You channels the charm of classic rom-coms - idealistic and entertaining - but adds a fresh twist with a plot driven by high stakes and gay shenanigans... Lenton's protagonist is so insistently relatable that readers can't help but laugh along, as if encouraging their own messy friend... a delightful experience, a snapshot of millennial anxieties and queer frustrations wrapped up in a satisfyingly current romance. Recommended for readers who enjoy Andrew Sean Greer and Claire Thomas.' Abe Theobald, Books+Publishing

Genres: Queer, M M Romance, Fiction, Gay, LGBT, Contemporary, Romance

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2025

About the author

Patrick Lenton is an author and journalist from Melbourne. He is the author of 'A Man Made Entirely of Bats' (Spineless Wonders), collection of essays 'Uncle Hercules and Other Lies' (Subbed In), and full-length collection of short stories 'Sexy Tales of Paleontology' (Subbed In). His writing has been featured in The Best Australian Stories, The Best Australian Comedy Writing, Growing Up Queer In Australia, and journals like Kill Your Darlings, Going Down Swinging, Scum Magazine, and more. He is the Editor of pop-culture, news, and entertainment website Junkee and has written journalism and non-fiction for publications including The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, VICE, and more.

Reviews

[Sodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed my ass off at Patrick's turn of phrase, which is deft enough to twist my heart and pour tears outta my eyes when he wants it. Only someone who actually loves romcoms could write new life into age-old tropes like this, but not everyone has the skill or wit that he has as a writer. I was totally at his mercy throughout. I need 10 more books by Patrick Lenton please gawd

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Romy & Michelle meets Get Him Back by Olivia Rodrigo but make it GAY!!

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

​​

“​If I could hurt them all I would​. Does that make me a​ bad person? I can’t, of course, so all I can do is somehow try to win. Out of​ spite.”​

​

If there ever was another penguin gif that captures so accurately and perfectly​ the intentions of Jeremy's woeful if not slightly chaotic intentions, it would be this.​ ​​🫰🏻🫰🏻​ I'm​ also usually hesitant to try newbie authors, but there was something about the guy with a flower in his mouth that did something to me! ​And bonus points, that after reading, I gotta say, this might just be the first time where the cover model actually fits the description of said protagonist. ​🌻

​Plus, a romcom of revenge - can't be too bad, right...​ And that's how we find our nearing thirty hack​ entertainment journo, Jeremy who concocts a fabrication of his life with his new bff Sam to give his ex a better improved, glossier version of himself ​at their ​upcoming writer's workshop ​reunion - the ​ex who downtrodden and ridiculed​ him, ​crushed his spirit and self-respect, broke his heart and left him for dead - well, maybe ​not​ dead, but certainly made it difficult to ever find real love again.​ 🥺

​​ “​If you are not hot and successful and don’t have a perfect life in six months, Miles wins. DON’T LET MILES WIN.​​”​

Thankfully, there is ​Sam. ​Sam​, a sweetheart ​who I think​ would give ​Samwise ​Gamgee​ a run for his money for how sweet-tempered, good-natured, ​and whole-hearted nice a guy he was. It might make this handsome hunk a bit of a pushover who may also have ruffled Jeremy's feathers at first at how endearingly perfect he is at being the best of friends to him -​ not at all​ envying how excellent he is at the gym or how dedicated he is at his work.​ 😏

Some might say Jeremy's desire to prove to his ex what a great catch he's been since the most vile of acts committed against him. Full of rage and shame, I didn't blame him for wanting to make himself matter. ​But​, it may have been a blessing in disguise becoming friends with Sam, and seeing that even as the push-over he was, his heart was that of a golden retriever, understanding, nurturing, compassionate, and caring. Who cares if he's straight? ​Supposedly... right?​ 😥

​ “​This one was making a statement, and Jeremy felt Sam telling him – with his mouth, with his hands, with the way he crushed Jeremy’s body to his own – that he wanted him.​”​

His generosity with his words, his affection, his trust and his kindness is enough to break Jeremy's walls. ​To savor his efforts to get the best kind of revenge on Miles, while also realizing what his existential crisis may have made him blind to realize about himself all along. 🥹🥹​ I liked that it was kind of a slow-build; I liked that Sam was always brutally honest with Jeremy. How he didn't downsize his self-worth, his potential, even aided him snagging a boyfriend, only to slowly see that he's got a great catch already in front of him.​ ❤️‍🩹

And even as they hustled, bustled their way through Sydney, fueling Jeremy with this insane revenge project. The warm glow of spite, it was with humor and a fun quick step to it that made their romance feel oh so sweet. 🥰​ He wanted to die; he wanted to live forever so he could feel this again. The many ways in which Jeremy felt the change in his feelings towards his supposed crush was nicely done - even when he faltered - and he did, horribly so - Sam was still as sincere as ever, that made Jeremy want him even more.​ 💘

​ “​They kissed again, and Jeremy realised in that moment that this was a man he would run for. And Jeremy never ran, not even to catch a train.​”​

Some critiques that made it a bit of a chore to read; the fact that it took me nearly two days to complete either means I didn't have enough time in my life, or there was just something about the writing that was not nearly enough to draw me in.​ 🤔 It is very dialogue-heavy; the craziness of the friends gets a bit taxing and draining; it stifles the fluidity of the reading experience.

Jeremy's mom was a complex treasure trove of fashionable quips and endearments - Sam's family didn't deserve him - thank heavens for Jeremy at that moment! The many pop references sometimes were too peppy for me...​ 😣 Jeremy's work environment and his colleagues didn't seem well-fleshed out enough- which granted he wasn't quite happy there to begin with so why waste the effort. And Liz and Anna's buoyant energy was maybe a bit too much for the little old introvert that is me.

​ “​You deserve to be loved. I think most people do.​”​

​The beauty of rom​-coms, though, is that even after all the hyperactive craziness, there is a softness to the romance that grounds and comforts you.​ 🫶🏻🫶🏻 It's a quiet tender feeling of being seen and accepted as you are that makes the doom and gloom, the happy-go-lucky theatrics, Jeremy's ill-attempt at destroying the one good thing he had going for him because he was too stupid, blinded, nonsensical, moronic, idiotic, okay I'll stop​, pay off in a wonderfully satisfying way.​ 😌

Yet, In Spite of You not being entirely perfect, I didn't​ entirely mind my time with it.​ It had energy, and the author did a great job having me sympathize completely with the atrocities committed against Jeremy at his expense - boy, I felt sick reading it​ that mentally this is what I was ready to cause irrevocable damage to him - it was so disgraceful and so sickening!! 😡

​

​Yes, 'tis me! 😭 Even though he was motivated by the roaring fire of pettiness and loathing and humiliation, a part of me didn't fault Jeremy for seeking justice - even if it was in such a narrow-minded way. 😔

There was a moment there where I seriously worried that I ​wouldn't​ get to see Jeremy's masterplan go into action​. But, my woes were happily dismissed ​as easily as​ Sam gets riled up on behalf of Jeremy's past woes. 😤​ It may not have fulfilled the layout of his ridiculous spite scheme, but it was still cathartic and rewarding for me and Jeremy to see how good his life actually already was going for him - with the added bonus now of having someone real and too good to be true to share his happiness with.​ 💟💟

[Paige Netting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice surprise. Funny, tender and easy to read. Great little book

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was refreshingly funny. Who hasn't wanted to win the breakup with an ex and show up looking like a million dollars? Sure, Jeremy's plan didn't exactly go as it was intended but the journey was both funny and reflective. I adored the building connection between Sam and Jeremy and could see it a mile off before Jeremy apparently could but I loved the moment where they both finally gave in. I loved the little friendship circle in the book, like a second dysfunctional family who would drop everything for each other in a heart beat. Not to mention the totally accurate insight into living in a sharehouse, goodness Sam's housemates were the absolute worst! Definitely a good light hearted read with some very interesting side characters (looking at you Giraffrey).

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a fabulous funny, heartwarming romcom with a side of revenge! Jeremy is about to attend is 10 year reunion for a prestigious writing course, where he will come face to face with Miles the ex who broke his heart. After a chance meeting with Sam a plan is hatched to plot a revenge scheme involving getting his life together, which includes finding a new boyfriend to flaunt to the world at the reunion

But as Sam and Jeremy start to spend time together, Jeremy starts to wonder, could their be more to their revenge plan friendship?

Oh I absolutely devoured this glorious book! It had it all, the fabulous leading men, beautiful side characters (I want friends like Liz & Anna just sayin) and so much laugh out loud banter

Thank you so much Panterapress or having me on the Bookstagram tour

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute cracker of a book.

So so funny.

The story line is romcom perfection- it gives you that lovely satisfying romcom feeling you get when watching When Harry Met Sally or Rose Matafeo’s Starstruck, but in book form.

The main character Jeremy reminded me of a 2025 version of Anita Loos’ Lorelei and the romantic interest Sam is so gorgeous I ended up with a crush on him, also Jeremy’s loyal sidekick friends definitely need their own spinoff.

The writer really sticks the landing at the end. I do love a great ending where all the loose ends are tied up in a bow - and what a bow: romantic protest march placards plus a suit montage plus a snooty soirée trash - LFG!!

If I had a pool room, this book would go straight there, but alas, I don’t have one, so I’m off to Bunnings to purchase a turnip tree instead.

[Hannah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

very gay

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step aside Romy and Michelle - Jeremy’s entered his revenge era.
His mission: to slay at his writing course reunion. And of particular importance - ex boyfriend revenge- to grind a certain Miles to a pulp with his fabulousness and riotous success and bon vivant lifestyle.
Miles isn’t just a regular ex; he is a backstabbing, cheating, opportunistic (but articulate) literature leech.

Hence the spiteful revenge plan.

Step one is hit up the gym, where Jeremy doesn’t establish a new found love of aerobic exercise. But he does meet a new friend- the endearing Sam.
Who happens to run a mean campaign program.
Could Sam become more than just a campaign manager?

This was a whole lot of fun.
Acid sharp wit, jaunty pace, fabulous banter.
And there were so many swoon worthy moments.
When Sam shows up in his suit 🥰
I loved it all!
Jeremy isn’t spiteful; he’s just someone who was really, really hurt at a time when he only deserved love and trust. His flamboyant nature masks the reality of his insecurities.
And Sam is just divine. What a gorgeous human being.
I became quite invested in this love story.
Also a quiet nod to the bit players. Geoffrey I’m looking at you with your mints and pineapples.
There was a moment with Geoffrey and a cheese platter that made me guffaw. Legit guffaw.
Loved it! So happy to be on the #inspiteofyou book tour to spread the love for this gorgeous romance.

And agreed- ‘The real skill is in Hungry Hungry Hippos’

Thank you to @panterapress and @patricklentin for having me along on the book tour! 

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Pantera for sending our #gifted copy and letting us participate in this bookstagram tour!

Jeremy is spiralling. He has been invited to the 10-year reunion of his wanky writing program and his toxic ex Miles is the keynote speaker. Jeremy only has one option, pull his life together and become super hot and successful.

This spite quest is fresh and funny, one of the easiest books to breeze through. The wit is razor sharp and the characters are vibrant and compelling. Jeremy is the right level of messy and chaos. Jeremy is on a journey of self-discovery to find where the line is and when have you taken it too far. A flawed protagonist but an endlessly fun one. A modern queer rom com which equally silly and tender, this book is overall just such a good time.

[Imogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was FANTASTIC and so SO incredibly funny! As someone who despises both the fake dating and the one bed trope, I will allow this book to be the only exception to my hatred bc both tropes were done effortlessly well. This took the idea of ‘get super hot to subsequently make your miserable rat of an ex jealous’ to a whole new level and I’m obsessed. Don’t get mad guys, get even 🔪😈

[Bella]

I loved how important friendship was; the intricate weaving of multiple themes; that it's set in Australia, and the Australian sense of humour; how gay it is; and the absolute joy the narrative takes in spite.

[Flexanimous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very queer, very ridiculous, very funny.

[Meghann Kenkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how human the characters were - felt like reading about real, flawed people and their struggles. Really enjoyed this one. And it is funny as hell.

[Patrick Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so, so much. It has queer rom, it has queer com, and it has the line "He imagined flinging himself onto the highway like a McDonald's thickshake" which actually made me cry. 5/5.

[Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been 5 stars. Points docked for TERF wizard author references.
Like, even if you aren’t queer, what the hell are you doing referencing that heinous loser?
And if you are queer, what the ACTUAL hell are you doing referencing that heinous loser?

OK, I knew this was going to be fun when I was already laughing on the first page. Most comedic books are doing good if they manage to pull an amused half-smile out of me once or twice in 300 pages. This one I laughed out loud and I hadn’t even hit the end of the first page. I also rarely find such clever and effortlessly funny writing, so that was a huge treat!

Jeremy is a cis white gay man who is either just about or recently turned 30. He’s described as tall with thick black hair, skinny/bony, and sharp cheekbones. He’s a deputy editor at PopBuzz, a popular culture online publication. He’s dry and witty and knows exactly who he is as a person and who he is not, except for when he gives himself a bit too little credit. His mom is a dazzling contradiction and loves him deeply but he seems to take after her in problematic ways as well. She’s also a closeted bisexual woman with an overwhelmingly strong preference for men (she only liked one woman her whole life, but broke it off because it was 30+ years ago and she knew she wanted the life a being with a man could give her).

Sam is a cis white bisexual man of unknown age but probably similar in age to Jeremy since neither comments on it. He’s muscular and soft, strong, and shorter than Jeremy. He has the absolutely sweetest ex-girlfriend, Heather, who is a genuinely good person. It makes the fact that he chose Jeremy over her all the more baffling, but fitting for a comedy. He also often gives himself too little credit. He is essentially a doormat and it takes Jeremy a while but Sam is convinced to stand up for himself…starting with Jeremy. It leads to some drama of course but it’s nice to see him taking a stand.

It cracked me up how Sam was all gaga over Jeremy, and Jeremy was completely oblivious. In Jeremy’s defense, he genuinely thought Sam was straight for like half the book because Sam only spoke about women exes and also never actually said he was bi even when Jeremy told him he was gay. Also, in Sam’s defense he probably thought Jeremy would pick up on the “I really care about you” phrasing and date-like spots to strategize. Jeremy is not a normal human and so didn’t notice, and also he probably did that thing I do where I never think two book/tv/movie characters are queer even if there are flashing signs because all the chemistry and flirty writing in the world usually means nothing in media if the two characters are the same gender. So, I get it Jeremy. I get it. But also he’s a bit of an idiot. But aren’t we all.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. My only complaints are the TERF author references, and there was also some lag for me in the last third of the book. Although it picked up again at the end.

Contains:
—rep: gay mc, bi mc, trans woman (Liz), polyamorous lesbian (Liz), bi side character (Jeremy’s mom)
—grumpy/sunshine
—oblivious MC (Sam has a HUGE crush on Jeremy, and Jeremy has no clue and thinks Sam is straight for like half the book and doesn’t even realize he likes Sam back until it’s embarrassing)
—opposites attract
—poorly thought out revenge scheme
—growing as a person
—a truly decent apology
—Geoffrey the giraffe doctor and his neon blue slushee

Other:
—third person single POV
—cheating: not between MCs, but Jeremy’s ex cheated on him A LOT.
—romantic rival: not really. Jeremy does vaguely date a couple other guys, but he calls them “fake boyfriends” and is only doing so to get arm candy to show up his ex. Also Sam’s ex-girlfriend Heather us still low key in love with Sam, but while same loves her he isn’t in love with her anymore.
—kids: no. As a side note, Sam’s ex-girlfriend Heather wanted marriage and kids and he shied away from the idea.
—break up: they weren’t technically together, but there is a parting of the ways in the last act. It gets resolved pretty promptly.
—sex: mostly glimpses and fade to black. There’s snippets of sex scenes but they’re vague and often a recollection rather than in the moment. It is implied that there are strict roles with Jeremy bottoming and Sam topping.
—HEA: yes.



‘I eat ass and Doritos,’ pointed out Aiden, nodding to Jeremy.
‘That’s beautiful, Aiden,’ Jeremy muttered. ‘Our very own “clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose”.’

Sarah-Jessica, smiling broadly, had turned her laptop around and forced them all to watch a popular electronic musician enact performative consensual anilingus on a female fan on stage at Coachella.
…‘What about the ethics of audience consent?’ asked Sasha, the resident hot-take writer. ‘Nobody in that crowd signed up to watch that ass get eaten. That’s actually quite a violent imposition when you think about it.’
‘That sounds insufferable. Go for it.’ Jeremy chortled.

‘Look … it’s the worst thing that can happen to someone. A reunion.’ [Jeremy] pulled up the Facebook invite again, ominously titled: It’s time – The Parker Workshop alumni showcase, 2015.

Sam smiled again, looking relieved. ‘Great. Well, uh, I was wondering if you would like to grab a drink some time and go through the finer points … maybe the first point?’
‘Yeah, yeah, for sure,’ said Jeremy…
Sam beamed. ‘Okay, wow, that would be really great.’
‘You must really love campaigns,’ said Jeremy looking up and smiling back.
…‘Wow, this would be a good first-date place,’ said Jeremy, and, after a moment, Sam laughed. ‘Nice and shadowy to help us plot revenge too,’ Jeremy added.
🤦 😆

Jeremy was starting to understand this was a naturally thoughtful man – the opposite of himself. Sam was definitely a rare find – he was going to make some girl, probably with soft brown eyes and long hair and a PhD in small frogs, extremely happy.

Jeremy loved to work, but he was also evangelical about being paid for work, which included not being hassled by bosses out of hours – both of which were a constant battle in media.
🙏 💯 🙏

He had a couple of outfits he tended to wear on dates, and he decided on his favourite – a blush velvet turtleneck, big pointy shoes and slouchy jeans. It made him look long and gay, like a greyhound at pride.

‘Also, they’ve been fighting for about three hours now,’ Sam said with a laugh, ‘so it’s incredibly awkward.’
‘Do they know they can break up?’ Jeremy asked. ‘Couples who regularly fight drive me insane. It’s okay to just be single.’

‘She was one of those women who wore her breasts like a rosary,’ the voice droned through the microphone, pausing for effect. ‘She wafted her sexuality through the university like an expensive perfume, like a prayer.’
‘What does that mean?’ whispered Sam.
‘Oh, it’s obvious,’ Jeremy whispered back. ‘She had boobs, but literary authors can never just say that.’
‘But I’m unsure why her … boobs … have even been mentioned,’ Sam said, his brow furrowed. ‘I thought this was a story about the uncertainty of academic tenure.’
‘I can tell you don’t read literary fiction,’ said Jeremy. ‘In order for the author to be taken seriously, one of these characters will have to die of suicide by the third act, and every chapter has to have some form of joyless or existential sex.’
‘How do you have joyless sex?’ asked Sam.
‘Thrilled for your exes that you even have to ask that. Trust me, it’s possible.’

Jeremy’s mother certainly had her issues – she had bought him a year’s worth of Botox for his thirteenth birthday – but she’d always seen him for the idiot he was, and never expected him to change.

‘I know you “broke up” but you’ll always be like a daughter to us, Heather, and you know, we all make mistakes …’ said his mum, like they were the ones being weird.
‘I’ll say a few words.’ It took Jeremy a moment to realise that he had spoken, that he was the one striding past various relatives to stand next to Sam’s mum, who was looking at him like a piece of crap had somehow crawled out of the dog and asked permission to be on her shoe.

Jeremy was trying not to be gender essentialist, but he was deeply sceptical about a straight man going clothes shopping. Would he even know what to do? Or would he do that weird thing that hetero boyfriends did, and loiter awkwardly near the change rooms pretending to examine the sleeve of a blouse?

He spent a lot of time at events like this, but it was always somewhat surprising when he realised he deeply needed them – that unclenching sensation was a combination of joy and relief, releasing the need to downplay his mannerisms or voice or general flamboyance. This was a space for them, for queers, a place to finally be free without scrutiny or judgement. It wasn’t that there were no straight people here – how would that even be enforced? – but rather that this was an event of queer primacy: a night where they were highlighted, celebrated.

It was one thing to watch Sam put himself out there for other people, but it was another thing entirely to be on the receiving end of it again. He really was a spectacular person. But just because he could acknowledge that, didn’t mean Jeremy was attracted to him. And even if he was – which he was pretty sure he wasn’t – that didn’t mean Sam was attracted to him. And even if they were mutually attracted, just because two people could sleep together, didn’t mean they wanted to. But then again, here Sam was dropping everything to squire him to a wedding. But then again! He routinely did nice things for everyone in his life.

His soul was panicking, all his guts and bones screaming.

He realised it was time to be honest with himself, finally – he was ridiculously, wholeheartedly, disgustingly into this man, and had been for a long time. In his defence, at first he’d hated him. Then he’d assumed he was straight for a long time. And then, after all that, they were friends, and he’d had no idea how Sam felt about him. It hadn’t been prudent to admit that he thought Sam was heartbreakingly perfect and handsome and kind.

‘I’m not taking the job,’ he told her now, setting out the plates and the salt and pepper and thousands of condiments she liked.
‘If it was up to me, you would never have to work again. You’re too beautiful,’ she said breezily. ‘But that sounds sensible to me. Conservatives are dreadfully dull. They always have some sort of weird sexual hang-up – trust me – so I can only imagine their internet newspapers are equally awful.’

Maybe it was about the friends we made along the way, he thought grimly. 😆

He actually thought that HR professionals were just workplace cops and should never be trusted.

Sam took a kind of innocent joy in lightly roughhousing, pinning Jeremy’s hands back against the headboard, picking him up and depositing him on the bed in a breathless tumble, lifting him and wrapping Jeremy’s legs around his firm torso as they stood in the stream of the shower together.

Sam’s housemates, who had begun to make their displeasure at Jeremy’s constant presence (and, to be fair, frequent nocturnal noises) known, and had interrupted their early-morning acrobatics by banging on the wall separating their bedrooms. To Jeremy’s utter surprise and delight, Sam had paused thrusting for a second, rolled his eyes at Jeremy lying supine beneath him, and then pounded on the wall right back at them. ‘Some of us fuck for longer than two quick minutes on a fortnightly basis, Henry!’ Sam had shouted.

[Logan Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s crazy bc Jeremy’s dialogue in this book reads like how all my exes used to speak even tho they weren’t millennial. Just makes me realise that aus queer gay vocab needs to expand maybe just a little bit

[Kim (hundredacreofbooks.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Get Mad. Get Hot – And Get Even.

That’s the tagline, and then there’s the cover: daisies, bold pink text—how could I say no? How could anyone? Anyone willing to admit their life is a horrible mess, yet not be downright miserable or cruel to everyone they meet, is reason enough to keep reading in my book. If you like messy-but-loveable characters, sharp humour, and a little chaos wrapped up in charm, In Spite of You is worth picking up.

Read my full review over on hundredacreofbooks.comhttps://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....

[Tom Murdoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entirely sappy and predictable, but a good romp nonetheless.

I’ve never read a book that referenced “Run Away With Me”, Rupaul and “boots the house down”. Kinda annoying but also kinda saw myself in it.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so fun. It hits a lot of romcom tropes (enemies to friends! friends to lovers! stuck in the lift! the hurtful misunderstanding!) but Lenton also has a lot of fun playing with the reader’s expectations. I laughed out loud a lot reading the book and was rooting for the characters with all their flaws.

[Moo cow · Rating 5 out of 5]

exactly what I was after. had me giggling away, v cute

[Smitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the 10-year reunion invite from his university writing program arrives on Jeremy's desk he is thrown for a loop. The key-note speaker is the man who not only cheated on him, but also the man who then wrote a fictionalised account of those affairs that made Jeremy out to be a gormless, stupid and insipid patsy who was the butt of jokes. A humiliation rendered even more complete when Jeremy realised how many of the people he called friends were aware and complicit in his ex's cheating. There is only one thing for Jeremy to do: Be so utterly successful and fabulous at the reunion that his ex will seething with jealousy over Jeremy's brilliance! Enter the Spite Plan.
Throwing himself into pottery, Italian cooking and French classes is all very well but nothing matters if his body isn't up to scratch which is why he is at the gym at ungodly hours and why he gets trapped in the dodgy elevator with Sam. Cheery, do-gooder Sam, whom everyone likes, and has just broken up with his girlfriend so is definitely not gay, Sam. Sam who is in PR and has a soft spot for an underdog. Sam who comes up with Spite Plan 2.0.

This is a fun, contemporary gay romance with lovable and believable characters and laugh-aloud situations. Jeremy's friends and co-workers are utter agents of chaos and I am here for it. Both Sam and Jeremy are fleshed out characters with their own baggage and all the more lovable for their flaws. Patrick Lenton is a Melbourne-based author with several publications under his belt, including short stories in Kill Your Darlings, Growing Up Queer in Australia and Best Australian Stories.

[Ailis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the benefit of being Twitter (RIP) and then Instagram mutuals with Patrick for a while, and when he announced this book I knew I was going to be super annoying about this horny bisexual revenge book, and I was so right.

I sat down and read this book in one sitting, in part because I just couldn’t put it down.
Jeremy is a loveable wreck who even on his quest for self improvement — initially to show up an ex and then (spoiler) to be the man he knows he can be for Sam, his beautiful bisexual bear of a love interest — manages to maintain his bite and bitchiness and acerbic wit.

I loved the divorced socialite mother who wears white to a wedding, who loves her son and rarely appears without a champagne flute in hand. In the movie/miniseries that this movie deserves to have based on it, I hope she’s played by Christine Baranski. I want a 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo style prequel about her.

God, I love this book. I don’t even have anything intelligent to say about it. I want to read fanfiction about it. I want to read a dozen tenuously related sequels about the side characters (who are all fleshed out and fascinating in their own way). I want to start a subreddit about it. I want to make my friends read it, I want to start a one man marketing campaign to make sure everyone reads this. I want to start a book club in its honour.

I can’t wait to read whatever Patrick writes next.

[Merryana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure here, Patrick Lenton is a friend of mine. But also, I'm very fussy when it comes to rom-coms of any medium so I think it all balances out. Besides, Patrick used to be my editor and he knows I don't lie in reviews. So, 'In Spite Of You' should be applauded for depicting a very specifically Australian queer millennial milieu in a narrative so lovingly layered with homages to classic US romantic comedies that many Australian millennials grew up on. Characters reference various rom-coms throughout the novel but never to condescendingly suggest that 'In Spite Of You' is not like the other girls. Every reference is a delightful "yes and", a page-turning insistence that everything the reader loves about those stories - from the big romantic gesture to the harebrained scheme that brings together the most unlikely pair - can also be here (Australia) and queer. Every character felt like a friend or a friend of a friend. I especially loved Jeremy's mother who had me laughing out loud whenever she was on the page. Also I'm not a man or a gay man at that, but I am bisexual, and Sam's bisexuality being revealed so hilariously and compassionately over the course of the book is a masterclass. in classic rom-com fashion, Sam's bisexuality is obvious to everyone but our absorbed protagonist Jeremy. a subplot that makes space for a tonne of queer specific humour, as well as emphasising that there's no one way to thrive in your queerness. I was so moved by the tenderness and sincerity underpinning so much of the comedy. the zillennial melancholy of constantly battling to maintain self-worth in a world that constantly refuses traditional milestones and belittles the joy we try to fill the milestone shaped craters is so beautifully articulated. in the spirit of critique, however, I will say that there were moments where Sam almost felt too perfect as a love interest which made him feel far less compelling than every other character. the flaws he's given are "job interview flaws" like working too hard, being too kind, etc. this combined with a too-vague immigrant background that occasionally exoticises him in Jeremy's eyes got a little frustrating, like Jeremy was often just othering and using Sam with no real active comeback on Sam's side until the very end. Still, the end had my face so warm from grinning and was totally satisfying. honestly,the story is so reverent of cinematic romances that In Spite Pite Of You will someday join their ranks and a screen adaptation simply WILL find its way into existence. Patrick, I don't know if you read these reviews, but if you do: huge hugs and congratulations. you've written something so full of love and full of life, it's impossible not to be chuffed to read it.

[Sam Still Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Spite of You is a hilarious Australian gay rom-com about spite, revenge and finding love and friendship. It’s truly laugh out loud at times, and ‘awwwwwwwwwww’ worthy in others. Such a fun read!

Jeremy is the deputy editor at a pop culture website, full of Gen Z writers who have references he fails to understand at the ripe old age of 29. His editor is absent, except for the times she uses the office as a backdrop for her latest promotional media. To top it off, the reunion for his year of a prestigious writing program is looming and he’s definitely not as hot and successful as his ex, Miles. He needs a plan – get hot, successful and find a boyfriend. In amongst his pottery and pasta making classes, Jeremy meets Sam at the gym. He initially finds Sam annoying in an earnest, straight man kind of way but discovers that he’s truly a good person after an unfortunate incident in a broken lift. Sam and Jeremy become friends and Sam helps Jeremy on his quest for revenge, alongside Jeremy’s friends Liz and Anna. But then Sam and Jeremy grow closer – will Jeremy run away from commitment? Or will he finally stand out to Miles?

Patrick Lenton writes brilliant characters that are unique and memorable, from the major characters right down to the minor (a slightly creepy writer than Miles is obsessed with, who happens to have a crush on Jeremy; Jeremy’s mum who collects men – and their clothes – like Pokemon). Jeremy is full of self doubt despite his outward bravado. As the novel progresses, Jeremy grows in confidence and to recognise his faults. Sam also recognises that he’s a people pleaser and learns to say when he’s displeased through his growing relationship with Jeremy.

The finale involving the reunion is absolutely hilarious (almost as funny as the opening scene involving a badly placed chip ad). It’s over the top with declarations and actions that just seem a fitting end to the story as well as a ‘screw you’ to the pretentious. It’s also a nice contrast to Jeremy’s declaration of love at a climate change protest, which is so incredibly sweet. In Spite of You just keeps giving – it’s well paced and so much fun. A breath of fresh air in the romcom genre, this story really needs to become a movie!

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this one, but once it found its pace, I was hooked. Jeremy’s a total emotional mess, dramatic, insecure, self-aware, and weirdly relatable. He’s the kind of character who makes terrible choices but is still impossible not to like. His inner chaos is half the fun.

Sam, on the other hand, is a sweetheart. Kind, patient, and grounded in all the right ways. Definitely book-boyfriend material. The dynamic between them is messy but honest, and they bring out the best and worst in each other; it feels very authentic.

The writing has this funny, self-deprecating tone that really works, with sharp humour and great pop-culture moments sprinkled throughout. The side characters are a blast, too. There's so much fun chaos. It’s playful and snarky but still has heart.

If I had one gripe, it’s that the whole revenge plot and the showdown with Miles didn’t hit as hard as I’d hoped. Jeremy’s choice to skip the reunion was mature, and Sam’s push-back made for a great scene, even if his outburst felt a little off-brand. The smashing scene leaned a bit childish, and I was hanging out for a bigger, sharper take-down of Miles, because smug, arrogant Miles really had it coming.

But overall, this was a great read once it got going. Jeremy actually reminds me of my best friend — a little chaotic, emotionally dramatic, would 1000% wear pearl earrings to a wedding — while I’m more of a Sam. Maybe that’s why I loved it so much.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun! I love romcoms with messy protagonists and Jeremy was exactly that.
It has the right balance between silliness and emotion, which I think a lot of romcoms tend to miss. The secondary characters are ridiculous, some of them even feel like they've been taken out of a comedy skit, but there's a sweetness and some kind of earnestness in the way they're written that makes them so lovely to read about (I was NOT expecting to like Giraffrey Geoffrey). It was really funny!
It was deliciously queer too!! Most characters are queer and they're not defined by it but it's such a big part of the book (not just when it comes to the main romance storyline, obviously).
As for the romance itself, I loved it! I liked both characters and really enjoyed the pace of their story. I was delighted to find a bunch of romance tropes seamlessly written into the book. Some other contemporary romances sometimes feel like the author selected tropes before even planing the actual plot and has then to write a story that includes them just for the sake it it. This wasn't the case here. And it was really good.

[Julie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up because I love some snarky humour and this book was loaded with it.

I enjoyed reading a book set in Australia; loved Popbuzz (the fictionalised version of Buzzfeed/HuffPost Jeremy works at); Sam’s weird housemates were perfectly awful.

There were a few things that I didn’t love about it. Like would a prestigious writing workshop really have a 10 year reunion? It seemed just a bit too niche. And maybe Jeremy didn’t need to be wrongly assuming Sam was straight for quite as long as he did. But overall, the vibes were top shelf and this book was full of brilliant moments.

[Issy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I feel so warm and fuzzy after finishing it. Fuck yeah to that final scene, I've never been more satisfied. These people are so similar to my new Melbourne people, and this feeling of being home and content with your gay friends is a feeling I know now, and I loveddd to read someone else experiencing it. And ahhhhhhh the romance was so fucking cute and so believable and not cringe. Even the tropes that are in it still feel original and not forced at all. Maria is an icon. And this book is so funny. I was laughing out loud so often. 10/10 Mr. Lenton

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially just picked this up to support a local gay, but it was actually just the sort of book I've been looking for recently. It's a fun, silly rom com that doesn't take itself TOO seriously, but still has a lot of heart and character growth. It's fast paced and has some hilarious side characters and side plots. Probably not for readers of those slow romance novels that spend 200 pages on the characters just looking at each other while nothing happens. Would definitely recommend.