Why am I crying?? Oh wait, I know why, its because I love Denz and Braylon so dang much!! This second chance romance is filled with so much heart and laughter and sweet, silly moments...and more than a little bit of angst as Denz strives to prove his worth to his family/comapny/the world. I really hope the side characters get their own story too!

Posted to Goodreads

Denz convinces his ex boyfriend to fake date him so he can get promoted to CEO of his family business. Julian Winters is an established YA author and this was his first book in the adult category. I must say, I am impressed! I usually find spicy scenes to be at least a little cringey but that was not the case with this book. Winters did a great job developing the character of Denz. Braylon was a little annoying a times, particularly because he lived in London for a few years and seemed to make it his entire personality. I'd be happy to read another Julian Winters book and would highly recommend this one.

The family dynamics in this book felt realistic and I especially enjoyed seeing those interactions on paper. I love that Denz has a healthy, competitive bond with his sister and the friendships were a delight too. It's time to represent loving families where everyone cares about each other and can be nosy. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to show close-bounded families that don't have the best ideas or privacy, seeing how the unit of the family works differently in different cultures but also differs with every case. (I'm saying this as a brown person)

This book fits in really well with the tropes of second-chance romance and fake dating; the writing is very wholesome. I think Braylon could've been fleshed out better because the focus was mainly on Denz and I'd like to have seen more of Braylon and his character arc. Apart from reading the unique combination of fake dating with an ex (something I don't think I've read before and was intrigued by), the family interactions take center-stage in my opinion. I found this to be a highly engaging read and there's little I can complain about, so I recommend it!

It took me far longer than I like to get through this book because of life's business, but the story was a super charming second chance romance.

Denzel (not that one) and Brayden were college sweethearts whose romance ended due to Brayden moving to England and Denz moving to Atlanta. Neither really let the other go and that is clear from page 1. The find their way back together and fake dating madness ensues. There are wild family dynamics and crazy Auties thorughout the book that were all a bit overwhelming and irritating at times, but that was also the point.

I loved the banter and the heart of this book and will definitely read more by Julian Winters.

Julian Winters has been one of my favorite YA authors for years and needless to say, I was more than a little excited to read his adult debut, I THINK THEY LOVE YOU. I loved it every bit as much as I thought I would and I can't wait to read what he does next. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advance copy!

- M/M
- Second Chance
- Sweet, Spicy, AND plays with your emotions
- Fake Dating
- Learning to be who you are instead of what you think you’re supposed to be

This is, quite literally, the BEST rom-com I’ve read in such a long time. The characters were lovable—real, witty, smart, flawed—and the problems they faced and bonds they held together had me both crying my eyes out and laughing all at the same time! The conflicts felt real and had my heart aching, the spice had me giggling and kicking my feet, and the wholesome parts had me clutching my pearls because I wanted the best for them! Denzel and Braylon have to be the best second chance romance I’ve ever read! And the family aspects were so amazing, because it wasn’t just about romantic love, but familial and platonic love as well! I wouldn’t change a single thing about this book, it was absolutely 10/10 amazing!!

P.S all the references to marvel & rom-com movies were just so so so cute!!! UGH HOW CAN ONE BOOK BE SO PERFECT!?

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’ Press for the ARC!

This romance novel was cute, spicy, and full of early 20’s relationship and career angst.

Things I loved in this story:
- The BIPOC characters
- Complex family/sibling dynamics
- MC Denz was funny, relatable, and had a great internal monologue
- The business of high-society event planning is a fun setting for drama
- Denz’s sister was fantastic
- The fact that Bray kept making French toast grilled cheeses (which I now need to attempt myself)

Things I didn’t love as much:
- The fake dating trope didn’t actually seem necessary or believable for the plot
- The characterization of Braylon never really made him feel like a real person to me. It felt like something was missing with him, and I could never really put my finger on why!
- Braylon somehow acquired an English accent after living in the UK for only like two years after university?!

Overall enjoyable, 3.5 stars from me.

I'll read anything Julian Winters writes! Hope to see more adult romances from him and can't wait to see what's next.

I love love love this book! 'I Think They Love You' is a queer second-chance fake-dating romance, and it is simply amazing. The characters had great development and realistic relationships with one another. Dent's growth in particular was so well-written. All of the characters are flawed but they love each other anyway, and that's what makes it so beautiful. I cannot wait for Winters's next book.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"I Think They Love You" is a poignant and insightful exploration of modern relationships, identity, and self-discovery. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of love, especially through the lens of technology and social media, offering a fresh perspective on how connections are formed in the digital age. The characters are relatable and well-developed, each grappling with their own desires and insecurities. The pacing is steady, though some sections feel a bit repetitive. Despite this, the writing is sharp and reflective, making it an engaging read. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel that will resonate with fans of contemporary fiction.

Denz is trying to become the next CEO of his family's company, which proved to be stressful at times. But, I also loved meting his family and reading about all of their intensity at times. The writing was fun and really made me feel like I was in a rom com. It was funny and heartwarming. The romance aspects were so cute as well, I wish we got some aspects of a dual pov just because I wished I got to really experience both character's arcs.

I took my time reading this, I knew going in it was going to be one of those reads that will have me crying until I finished, and it did. I love the fake dating second chances trope but I felt deep down this one needed to be savored. Denz and Braylon were what I needed to read at the time. Denz having this mentality of what his family wanted and only doing what he thought was expected of him hit home being the eldest daughter and all that. So, so good.

Does this sound familiar (because it's the plot of how many Hallmark Christmas movies)….?

After college, an ambitious young man moves away from his hometown, leaving behind and breaking the heart of his college sweetheart, and then years later they bump into each other in a coffee shop, and for some reason agree to be in a fake relationship because somehow that will matter at work, and yep the chemistry is still there… will they rekindle their romance?

What’s new here is that both leads are queer black men, and yes the love story has the expected romance and family drama, and also has fairly explicit sex and swearing and lots of humour.

With a big gossipy family, corporate shenanigans as a brother and sister compete to take over their father’s special company, and a sweet romance within the fake dating setup, there’s lots to like in this very modern romance. I Think They Love You is a bighearted, fun, adult romcom. Totally recommend, will leave you smiling.


Thanks to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book, it publishes Jan 25, 2025.

Ok who doesn't love a fake dating to get a job and then oops you fall in love style book. I know these are my favs and I just love the character development and how you see more and more about their growth as a couple over just "fake" dating. Also this cover is gorgeous I love how colorful it is.

4.5/5☆ & 3/5🌶
This was such an emotional rollercoaster!! I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet in glee when things worked out. Absolutely can't wait to have a copy on my shelf.

I really enjoyed this story, I felt like there were so many colorful characters and because of that it allowed the character chemistry to be off the charts which was wonderful because it really made the story feel whole and warm regardless of who was interacting with the MC. I loved seeing queer BIPOC characters, and I did like that it was noted how difficult it is to thrive in a world that constantly pushes you back. I also really liked how author was able to express the feelings of trying to be your true self and also trying to be who you think your loved ones need you to be. There was just so much good contrast to this story and its characters that melted my heart.

As far as second-chance-romance goes, this it is, this was so well done. I liked that the misunderstandings felt honest and not too overdramatic, I liked that the characters had to grow before they could reconnect, and despite not always acting on it the characters were very aware of themselves and their emotions. I loved that the MCs still had such a strong connection to each other from the beginning. The romance just felt so realistic, but I think that also had to do with the characters feeling real.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this ARC!

Oh my god, where do I even start with this book. This story was so fun, and it is PACKED with so many wonderful tropes--fake dating, exes to lovers, second chances, one bed, and so many more. We get glimpses into the two main characters' previous relationship weaved into the timeline of the main story that clue us into what went wrong the first time and how the current timeline mirrors the past. Julian Winters does a wonderful job of weaving these two simultaneous timelines together, and the main characters get an opportunity to learn and grow from their past mistakes. Also, I cried during climax of the book, which is always a plus.

My one gripe, that is more of a personal preference than anything, is Denz can be a little frustrating at times and hurts his loved ones in the process, but his character arc does resolve this issue by the end.

Overall, I really liked this book and it was such a fun and heartwarming romance!

If there was a trope, Julian Winters threw it all in this book! LOL. I enjoyed it though. I love a second chance romance. And this being MM, I ate it up. I wish there were more Black MM romances out there in the mainstream. We NEED IT!

This was my first Julian Winters novel, and I absolutely devoured it, I was shedding tears at 2 a.m.,
If you’re a fan of fake-dating tropes, second chances, and queer romances that tug at your heartstrings, this is a must-read. It won’t be my last book by Winters!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

I THINK You're Going to Love This Rom-Com!

Julian Winters delivers a rom-com masterpiece that blends heartfelt romance with sharp humor and genuine family dynamics. I Think They Love You takes readers on an emotional journey as family-oriented Denz gets a second chance at love with Bray, "the one who got away." The stakes are high as Denz battles his sister for control of the family business, needing to prove not only his leadership skills but also his ability to maintain a stable relationship. When his plan to fake-date someone for appearances backfires—leading him to fake-date his ex—chaos and hilarity follow in the best possible way.

Winters masterfully crafts palpable tension, both romantic and familial, throughout the story. The chemistry between Denz and Bray is electric, making their every interaction compelling and brimming with emotional depth. The "spice" is undeniable, but it’s balanced beautifully with tender moments of vulnerability and growth. Beyond the romance, the depiction of family dynamics is one of the story's standout elements. The interactions feel authentic, like stepping into a lively family gathering, with all its warmth and conflicts. This level of realism is a testament to Winters' talent as a storyteller, immersing readers in every conversation and making them feel the weight of every emotional twist.

While the romance is sweet and swoon-worthy, it’s the themes of forgiveness and personal growth that truly shine. Watching Denz and Bray confront their past mistakes and find healing makes their love story even more rewarding. This is a book that expertly balances humor, heart, and heat, leaving readers laughing, tearing up, and cheering for the couple every step of the way.

I Think They Love You is a must-read for fans of the genre. Julian Winters has crafted a charming and heartfelt story that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a romance that’s as thoughtful as it is entertaining!