Fake dating is such a delightful little trope, isn't it? I think that Julian Winters absolutely knocked it out of the park with I think they love you. It's a charming read with distinctive voices, the characters you want to root for and pacing doesn't lag at all. It's movie like in a good way. 4 stars.

Kicking myself once again for putting this book off for so long - this book is criminally underhyped! I loved the exploration Denz had around his relationships with his family members and following his heart instead of what he thinks others expect of him. The second chance / fake dating combo was done so well here - the story progression was great and I loved how our men learned from their previous mistakes. While I usually prefer dual POV, I didn’t find myself missing it too much here. I listened to the audio and would highly recommend - Andre Santana did a fantastic job. I loved the lil sneak peak we got at a potential future couple…This was my first book by this author & I can’t wait to read more!

read if you like:
- second chance
- fake dating
- strong family bonds
- spicy

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me the opportunity to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own!

This book was just adorable. I loved the main character he is exactly what I expect out of a fun party planner. I was a little angry at the dad, but it all works out in the end.

I Think They Love You needs to be optioned for an on-screen adaptation ASAP. Seriously, this story would make an incredible rom-com with its perfect blend of fake dating, second-chance romance, family drama, and an irresistibly lovable protagonist. Readers will absolutely swoon over Denz and Braylon’s relationship. This title deserves far more recognition in the romance genre, as Winters deserves his flowers!

I haven’t seen anyone who didn’t like this one and it truly stood up to my expectations!! Highly recommend

2.5 ⭐️

This one was a slow start for me, and I had a hard time connecting with the main character and pacing for most of the book. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d finish it. But the final third brought a surprising amount of emotional depth that helped it land better than I expected.

While it wasn’t a great fit for me overall, I can see how it could hit differently for the right reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

This debut from Julian Winters was so good. Denzel and Braylon are the perfect example of a second chance romance. Denz is struggling through his identity outside of his family. I liked seeing his progress as he both found his new connection to Braylon and what exactly did Denz want when it comes to his place in his family's planning company. I like where he ended up, frankly. Like, we saw how happy and light he was during those moments that he shared snapshots of his life, so I'm glad he ended there. I do wish we had some POV shots from Braylon if only because I want to be in his headspace.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

When Denzel "Denz" workaholic father announces his retirement and the competition about who will be his successor starts, Denz lies about being in a serious relationship, to prove his family is able to commit. So to get the CEO position, he will have to find a fake boyfriend and the choice is, unfortunately, Braylon, the man who broke his heart. His presence turns everything upside down, but Braylon needs his connection to the mayor, so they strike a deal to help each other out. But between flirting, texts and confusing moments, soon this fake relationship seems to be realer and realer.

I think they love you is a brilliant, heartfelt and funny rom-com about second chances and I loved every single moment of it. Julian Winters is a fantastic author and I adore his writing and characters and Denz and Braylon are awesome. I loved their relationship, how it grows and changes and I love their funny and heartfelt interactions. I was laughing and giggling all the time, while I read this book and it's one of my favourite.
It's a story about love, queer love, loving yourself, family, community and it was absolutely wonderful to read.

With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.

Due to medical reasons, I was unable to fully read this book but I throughly enjoyed what I did read, however I cannot write a proper review due to this. I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book.

What a nice story. I really couldn't put the book aside. It was quite funny and entertaining to read and captured my interest until the end. I highly recommend reading it

This book was a quick read and so well written the main characters had a love story that made me want to root for them.

I absolutely loved this book!! Every character in this book fit in their place perfectly, but Denz and Braylon were the cutest, sweetest couple ever. A second chance romance is always my favorite, and this one was so realistic and heartfelt. It was exactly what I needed right at the time I read it. I cannot wait to read more from Julian Winters!

REVIEW: I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

Denzel and Braylon dated throughout college, but when an opportunity arose, Braylon moved to London, leaving Denzel behind. Four years later, Denzel is fighting for the chance to be the CEO of his family’s business. His family doesn’t think he can commit to anything, so he makes up that he has a boyfriend. When his fake date friend doesn’t show up for an event, Denzel is in a scramble. By chance, he runs into Braylon asking if he could pretend to be his boyfriend. How could this go wrong?

I Think They Love You is a sweet romantic comedy with a hint of spice. There is a great deal of playful banter and budding chemistry between Denzel and Braylon. Both characters have different perspectives on their pasts, which affects how they treat each other. This romance features fake dating and second-chance romance tropes, both of which were executed well. I Think They Love You features a lot about finding your place, family expectations, and grief. It also gives a peek into the event planning business, which I found interesting. I also really enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook.

There were a few things that didn’t work for me. Some family conflicts didn’t feel realistic or weren’t necessary for the story. I also think this story would have benefited from being in dual points of view. I would have loved to get Braylon’s side of the story as it was happening as well.

Overall, I enjoyed reading I Think They Love You. It was a great fake dating story that kept me engaged, and I wanted to find out what was next.

Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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This was MM second chance, lovers to strangers to lovers with a fake dating arrangement between exes! Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was a new to me author and his adult rom com debut. It was sweet and funny, heartbreaking and healing, it was an all around joy to read.

When Denzel’s father announces his retirement from the family business, Denz steps up for consideration as the next CEO. Only his family doesn’t take him seriously so he lies about being in a relationship. Stuck with finding a fake boyfriend to fill the role, he runs into his ex Braylon who broke his heart and left him five years ago. Braylon needs Denz’ connections to get close to the mayor who he just so happens to be hosting a party for. The two enter into a fake dating arrangement that quickly blurs the lines when all those old feelings begin to rise to the surface.

This book has lived rent free in my head since I finished it!! Fake dating trope is hit or miss for me but Winters has done it extremely well.

I had a hard time getting through this book. Although I love fake-dating and second-chance stories, I didn't connect with the story or characters. They wouldn't talk to each other. I ended up skimming towards the end. I don't recommend this book.

This book was a perfect light romance with a few open door scenes. Denzel and Braylon were college sweethearts at UGA. But when Braylon starts his career in London and Denzel returns to Atlanta, the two go years without seeing each other. Until one day in a coffee shop, and then again at a restaurant, and finally as they fake date their way through Spring.

What I’d really like to highlight is how much important concepts came through. Representation of queer Black men, open communication on intimacy, discussions about condoms and PrEP, and family support.

CW: Minor mentions of death of a parent

I received a copy of this book as an eARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, however, my reviews are against the published paperback version.

I absolutely loved this book and this story. I would love to read more from this author. I'm hoping they have more.

Fake dating and a second chance at love all wrapped into one? I was locked in. The characters (yes even the side ones) were so funny and lovely to read about. The boys were so funny and frustrating at times but it made me root for them.

Everyone deserves a chance at love don’t you think?