Book 4 of 2025 - ✅! Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin & Julian Winters for my ARC of I Think They Love You by Julian Winters, and NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Julian Winters for my ALC of I Think They Love You, in exchange for honest review. (I listened to my ALC!)

When I saw the cover and description of Julian Winters’ book, I Think They Love You, I requested it immediately. Then, I started listening to the audiobook…and about 3% of the way in, I was predicting it would be a 5 star read for me. This ended up being true. This is my first Julian Winters book, and it’s his first adult rom-com.

In this second chance, fake dating romance, Denzel “Denz” Carter is born into Atlanta & Event Planning royalty, as the son of 24 Carter Gold’s CEO. Denz is in the running to be his father’s successor. Amongst the chaos of working for a high-profile event planning company, he reconnects with his ex, Braylon (fka Bray), who moved to London a few years earlier, but has since moved back to Atlanta.

In the midst of his campaign to take over as CEO, Denz asks his best friend and roommate, Jamie, to fake being his boyfriend. When Jamie doesn’t show up, Braylon steps up to the plate. While it starts as a fake relationship, it turns into the real deal.

I laughed, I swooned, I felt like I was in Atlanta. 5/5 ⭐️ overall. 2/5 🌶️ rating. Catch this book on shelves on Tuesday, 1/28/25! 🍑 🎉 💕

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to receive an eArc in exchange for an honest review

The premise of this book really excited me and I found myself enjoying seeing Denz grow as a character. Throughout the book Denz navigated his family’s expectations and his own identity. Denz, having always lived in the limelight of his family's experiences and successes, struggles with the pull and push of wanting to be the face of his family's company's future and the pull of finally exploring his own interests and identity outside of his family's scaffolding. Alongside Denz navigating his own identity we learn about Braylon and the heartbreak Denz experienced the first time Braylon left…Throughout their fake dating ploy I noticed how Denz became overwhelmed with the details, let things slip, and how dysregulated Denz seemed when trying to embrace the facade of the family business without really having a sense of self. I was nervous the ending would be dramatic and hurtful, I was scared Denz’s family would turn on him. I was so incredibly happy when not only was his family incredibly supportive, they also took the time to explain why they had chosen his sister to continue the company's legacy and I in particular appreciated their reasoning. In terms of Denz’s and Braylon’s relationship outside of their fake dating ploy I thought their reconciliation was genuine and allowed for their relationship to continue to build while also allowing each of them to grow independently. While I was reading I felt like I got to know Braylon a decent amount but towards the end I wanted to see Braylon a bit more and explore his character outside of their fake dating.

Overall, I enjoyed the fake dating trope!

I was very excited to receive an e-arc of I Think They Love You. I have read most of Julian Winters previous works and was excited to read his first dive into adult romance, it did not disappoint!

In this book we follow Denz. Denz's father is the CEO of 24 Carter Gold, a successful event planning company. When his father suddenly announces his retirement and that he is open to anyone taking over the company (family or not), he decides to throw his hat in as a contender. Always looked at as the party sibling, no one in the family believes he is ready for the responsibility of being CEO. Denz is devoted to proving them wrong. Step one, however, is proving that Denz can be committed which is a difficult feat since he hasn't been in a long-term relationship since his college boyfriend left him for a job in England. It doesn't matter though, with plans to fake it with his best friend Denz is sure he can convince his family that he is the commitment type. That is until his friend flakes at the last minute and Denz has to resort to roping the last person he would ever want to fake date into his plan: his ex, Braylon.

This was such a sweet second-chance romance. I loved the characters and the storyline. Denz goes through some much needed growth and learns about what truly equates to a successful life. I look forward to more of Winter's stories and hope he continues to write more adult fiction!

Thank you Julian Winters, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for an ARC of I Think They Love You! All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this queer second chance romance between two former college boyfriends who run into each other several years after their disastrous breakup. Braylon and Denz have clearly changed a lot since they last spoke, but also still have a bit more growing to do, both together as a couple and separately.

The side characters were also fantastic, encouraging main character growth and explaining how the two men grew to be who they were in their mid-twenties. Julian Winters’ writing style is excellent and enjoyable to read!

My two issues are pretty small, and both could have been remedied pretty easily or just omitted entirely. For starters, Braylon’s on and off British accent felt goofy. He spent a handful of years in London as a grown adult, and suddenly is saying certain words like that annoying person who studied abroad and can’t stop saying “the lift”. Using British slang bothered me less I think than Denz’s mentions of Braylon just suddenly using an accent. I’ve never met an adult who so so thoroughly adapts an accent after less than five years spent somewhere new after a lifetime spent in another country.

Second, I thought the jump from “absolutely no sex” to “BJ in the kitchen” was abrupt. Braylon seemed absolutely anti-physical intimacy when the two entered their fake dating scheme, and while he and Denz were still attracted to each other, Braylon gave no indication he wanted it to be more than fake until he was suddenly initiating a hookup. It just felt a bit forced in that moment to me and out of character as we had been led to believe before.

Other than those two issues, I did really enjoy reading!

POV: single third person

You can expect: fake dating to impress our bosses, competitive family, British accent of questionable legitimacy, social media director MMC, queer youth program director MMC, second chance, “it’s always been you”, flashbacks.

Rep: gay MCs, pan side character, Black MCs, grief, panic attack.

Spice: 3/5

CW: death of a parent (past)

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, learning about the event-planning company that this MC's family owns, and also getting to know the history between our MC and his love interest. I love second-chance romances that make it clear there is a lot tying the two characters together, and this had that. I enjoyed the second half less, largely because the whole subplot of our MC trying to become CEO of his father's company just felt really unrealistic to me and like our MC was severely under-qualified. The romance portions I did enjoy, but it did definitely stay in fun and steamy territory rather than deeply emotional which is where I prefer my romances to go. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fake dating and second-chance romance tropes and thinks they would enjoy reading about expensive, lavish events that this MC works on as an event planner.

Exes having to fake date is one of the greatest tropes of all time and adds a little extra something to a second-chance romance. I loved Denz and Braylon sooo much! I liked how their past relationship (and the reason for its demise) was slowly revealed. I do think the apology of that demise was glossed over a little too much, but that's because I LOVE a groveling moment and wanted that. XD

I also loveeee a "fake dating to get a promotion" trope. So... I was destined to have a great time with this book.

This was my first read by Julian Winters, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of his adult releases! This was fun and heartfelt and romantic with the perfect amount of spice.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Cute!

This was a really great time. I haven't read any of Julian Winter's YA stuff, but I'm glad he's branching out to adult romance. The plot was enticing and the stakes felt high without inducing anxiety, and the issues with the relationship made sense. I loved the inclusion of strong family dynamics with the Carter family. The family legacy conversation and the sacrifices one makes, and whats truly important was excellent. Good food.

I read half via ebook and the other half with the audiobook, and the narration was excellent.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and St. Martin's Press for an e-copy and audio-copy.

“I wish you didn’t miss so damn much in this life trying to be someone you’re not.”

This was my first Julian Winters, but it won’t be my last.

What I liked:

Denz & Braylon: the tension, the banter, the longing - all of it was fantastic.

There were so many layers to this story. Denz and his feelings of not being good enough, and his complicated relationship with his family. There is a lot of depth to this story.

What didn’t work for me:

Nothing major

4 stars. Very cute second chance / fake dating romance. Denz and Braylon had great chemistry, and Denz’s family populated the story’s world with rich side characters. Some of the themes bordered on New Adult (finding your identity), so heads up if that’s not your thing. Also, Braylon is one of those people who lived abroad for a couple years as an adult, then decided to make it a big part of his personality by adopting the accent, slang, mannerisms etc. A bit silly, but I was mostly able to suspend my disbelief. Overall, this book was a lot of fun, with an enjoyable plot, lovable characters, and great chemistry between the MCs.

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

Such a super cute second chance romance that shows we don't have to let our past decisions get in the way of our future together.

I'll admit; it was really hard for me to get into this book to start with. While writing styles in the 3rd person normally don't bother me, this one did. At times, it felt clunky and hard to keep up with what was happening.
However, once we got into the story of Denz and Braylon, it was so adorable!
Denz just wants to prove his worth to his family by takin over his family's event planning company when his dad retires. His dad sets up a contest between Denz and his sister to see if either of them are capable of running the company. We can all relate to wanting to impress our families to the point of losing ourselves and our relationships over it. Throw in a bunch of nosy, opinionated Aunts, and there is sure to be some drama!

Pros: the adorableness that was Denz and Braylon's relationship, the relationships between the siblings, the relatability of the characters, spicy
Cons: longer chapters, 3rd person POV, scene hopping when it didn't feel necessary
Tropes: second chance romance, fake dating, one bed, "I never stopped loving you"

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC of this story! All opinions are my own!

Despite a bit of a complex plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Super cozy and sweet, I loved Denz and Braylon’s opposites attract vibes. Their relationship was super relatable and realistic - at the heart of any relationship, isn’t everyone concerned about their family’s opinions of their significant others? And they have real conversation and motivations behind career and politics and their mutual goals. I really liked this and highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book and read it in one day. I liked the characters development and the storyline. I would recommend this book.

POC + LGBTQIA+ (MM) romance? YES!!!!!!!!!!! Lovers to enemies back to fake lovers? YES. Gimmie all the tropes.

This was a really cute rom com centered on the second chance and fake dating tropes. It wasn't the most exciting one I've read, but it was exactly what it's supposed to be - simple and sweet. The characters were likable, the romance was solid, and the story as a whole flowed smoothly. There are a couple spicy scenes, but it's easy to skim past those if you're like me and those aren't your thing.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Denz’s father makes a shocking announcement. He is retiring as CEO from the family-run, event planning company he founded, 24 Carter Gold. He then announces he’s open to hiring an outsider to run the company. When his family protests, he agrees to consider anyone who nominates themself. Denz’s older sister throws her hat in the ring, and after Denz’s here’s the aunties talking about how unserious he is, he puts himself forward, and to prove he can be serious, he claims he has a secret serious boyfriend. He does not. He hasn’t had a serious boyfriend since his college boyfriend Braydon, broke his heart. So when Braydon comes back into his life and needs an introduction to the mayor of Atlanta, it’s an excellent opportunity for a fake dating scenario. And, of course, OF COURSE, they will just help each other, move on, not reignite their love, and definitely not fall into to bed together.

I Think They Love You is very sweet and funny. Denz is struggling with being himself and being the person he thinks his family wants him to be. Family expectations, and the need to never step wrong in public weigh on Denz. He’s the son of a successful, high profile Black family. Winters explores the stress this puts on Denz and his sisters without making their parents bad people. His parents clearly love their children and they accept Denz’s sexuality. It’s a nuanced critique that places the family dynamics within a social context. Braydon’s father, who has died before the book begins, also gets a nuanced, if more enigmatic, portrayal.

Denz’s anxiety, and the ways he screwed up when torn between being himself and being a Carter, felt so familiar to me. Big thank you to LB for assuring me that I should keep going when my anxiety and Denz’s anxiety were a little too intense tune for comfort. This was indeed a lovely and rewarding book.

I received this as an advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters is such a cute romance. I loved the fake dating storyline. The second chance romance. The rom-com references. The Marvel movie references. Specifically Captain America and the Winter Solider 😍 Denz’s family. Braylon’s fancy grilled cheese. The laugh out loud moments. The tender moments. The grand gesture. The HEA. Such a sweet book. ❤️ Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book

Denz’s family runs a prominent event planning business. When his father, the CEO, announces his retirement, Denz throws his hat in the ring to be his successor. Problem: no one really takes Denz seriously. Solution: fake date your ex boyfriend to show that you’re serious and can commit.

I really loved the familial relationships in here, especially between Denz and his sisters. They can argue, but at the end of the day they support each other. I loved the nosey aunts and family text exchange.

Denz and Braylon were so cute and balanced each other well. I enjoyed seeing the flashbacks of their early relationship to see how they’ve changed over the years.

This is Julian’s first adult romance and I like spice, so I was worried there wouldn’t be any. But, there was enough there without it being overbearing.

Overall a cute romance, but with enough depth and character development where it wasn’t overly fluffy.

I read "I Think They Love You" by Julian Winters on NetGalley. I really liked this book. it is the story of Denz, who is trying to become the CEO of his families very profitable business. He decides he needs a boyfriend to show stability to his family and his plans fall through, until he sees Braylon, an old boyfriend from college, who agrees to play his boyfriend. Things don't go quite as planned. This is a great love story!

I wanted to like this book more. I felt no real chemistry from the characters and I didn’t really like Denz all that much. I would try other books by this author, but this one just didn’t connect with me.

I've loved all the adult debuts of YA authors I've read recently and I'm happy that I Think They Love You is getting added to that list!

Denz is going through a quarterlife crisis. He feels a sense of obligation to his job and his family for his family only to not take him seriously in return. Being around his age, I thought this story was really relatable exploring the feelings of what if what you think you should want isn't what you actually want. While his work life is in a place of upheaval, his ex-Braylon's reappearance in his life puts his romantic life in upheaval too. Their dynamic felt like a messy situationship, which unfortunately I also found very relatable.

The story is told in 3rd person single POV, but I wish we got to see some of Braylon's POV because his actions are both the catalyst of their initial break-up and the third act break-up during the main storyline. I'm not sure if this book is going to be the start of a new series, but I hope so since there's definitely some hints and foundation laid where we could see a book with characters we meet in this story.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of I Think They Love You and Dreamscape Media for an ALC.