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!

This is such a cute queer romance. I love that the main characters have supportive families and friends. Gay people deserve shiny happy romantic comedies too. Denz is trying so hard to live up to his family's expectation's that he has no time for love, that and he had his heart broken five years ago so what's the point. When he blurts out that he's in a serious relationship, he panics to find a fake boyfriend. Enter Braylon the ex that broke his heart five years ago by leaving for a job in London.

The only thing that really bothered me about this book is that Braylon is from Georgia and since he lived in London for 4 years, he now has a slight British accent. I don't know why this bugged me, but it did. I just don't think you can change your speech that fast. On the other hand, code switching to adapt to your environment is a common linguistic technique. The accent is such a small part of the book, but it really bothered me.

I liked this book and how supportive Braylon and Denz were of each other. I think Denz definitely needs to look into therapy and I also think the story could have been stronger if there was more background about Braylon. I didn't really get a good sense of who he was in London, and he seemed really lonely. The core of the story was so cute though I could look past it.

I would recommend this to any fan of romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Griffin for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I adore Julian Winters's books so much, and fake dating is one of my fave tropes so I was bound to love this!

I really enjoyed Denz's emotional journey and related so much to the feelings of not being enough. I love all the side characters (and maybe Jordan will get his own book??) I had so much fun reading this!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

it might be the day after thanksgiving, but i'm always extremely thankful for a new Julian Winters book.

Julian is a favorite author of mine for a lot of reasons. all of his books are perfectly plotted. each character has an enormous amount of depth to them. they manage to be funny, and sometimes silly, but the stories are always authentic and emotional.

this book has all of those qualities. it's a perfect rom com and i really fell in love with these guys as i read them. and it has the adult content you're looking for in an adult romance, and it all works so well. the book is sexy, funny, sweet, and emotionally intelligent.

i really loved the themes of knowing how to be good enough for yourself. Denz puts so much pressure on himself to be a certain kind of person and i loved reading him figure out how to just the perfect him.

and i'm always a sucker for a story about learning you're good enough

Okay, I LOVE this book. I mean, this has all my favorite tropes. Second chance, exes to lovers AND fake dating? SIGN ME IN!
Denz and Braylon are too cute to be real (in fact they are not real, but you know what I mean!), and I just want to be in their lives forever and for real. They became that important to me! I want other novels with them, please.

Thank you Netgally and the publisher for the arc.

Sometimes it takes a second or even third chance for true love to win out. A classic case of fake dating except this time it’s with an ex sets the stage for this tale of learning to love yourself before you can face your future even if it’s staring you in the face. Winters adult debut is mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and heartwarming as Denz and Braylon come to terms with their pasts and their futures.

Not me hiding my Kindle during the steamy parts and hiding my tears during the heartfelt serious moments while on a plane (the laughter I figured I could get away with). This book has it all.

I’ll admit I originally grabbed this title for the cover. Second chance romances are hit and miss for me, but I like the fake dating trope and so was curious how this would play out and how much I’d enjoy it. I ended up loving it! The handling of both tropes was done so well and every character (including the side characters) had rich and complex personalities along with growth. I wouldn’t mind seeing a companion book with a different character as I didn’t want to say goodbye to any of them.

Thank you to Julian Winters, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for free access to the digital version of this book for my unbiased opinion.

This is a story of POC LGBTQ Joy!! I was so happy to find this book especially when I realized that it was going to be a romance with typical romance tropes that just happened to feature MCs who are usually featured as side characters.

Denz and Bray (now Braylon after living in England, thank you very much) have a complicated history. So when Braylon shows up in Atlanta just as Denz is on the verge of getting promoted into the CEO position of his family's business, things only get more complicated.

Denz needs to show his family that he is serious. Braylon needs all Denz's city connections to help his non-profit thrive. So, they begin fake dating only until they both get their desired professional goals.

The pop culture references, the witty conversation, the hilarious and over-meddling big family, the Hotlanta vibes...all of them made this a rom com of its very own. We've seen this trope before but not with these specifics and again the fact that it stars rich, three-dimensional MCs that usually don't get to have their love story told is what makes this book stand out. (And hopefully, it will be joined by many others so that Love is Love is Love is normalized.)

Keep going, Julian Winters! You're on a roll!

"I Think They Love You" by Julian Winters is a delightful and steamy romance that uses the fake dating and second chance romance tropes quite well. The book celebrates community, found family, and being true to yourself. There is plenty of grin inducing witty banter and laugh out loud moments in the book. The book also deals with tough topics such as imposter syndrome and anxiety in a nice balance. I rooted for Denz and Braylon from the get go and I loved watching their romantic journey.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy of the book.

First I would like to thank Net Galley & Julian Williams for providing me an ARC of this book.

Now to the review:
Overall, I loved this book and the characters. Personally, I think the strongest chapters are CH 22 and the epilogue which lowkey made my heart melt. Since I am a college student I've been reading this over the last couple of months. Initially, I struggled to get into the book, but when it hit about the halfway mark the book became more interesting. I tend to read books all the way through even if I'm not fully feeling it, but I feel like those who do DNF books would probably do so. The only reason my opinion/view changed was because of the second half of the book and honestly, the last 2 chapters made up for the beginning of the book.
Also some writing feedback, but not really... in the epilogue it mentions a Jayne Austen book... I'm curious and want to know if Winters had a specific one in mind when writing that line or if it was a general statement.

Julian Winters’ *Think They Love You* is a hilarious, heartwarming rom-com that delivers all the delightful chaos of fake dating, second chances, and navigating the beautiful messiness of love and self-discovery. It’s a story that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and achingly tender—a celebration of love in all its forms: romantic, familial, and self-directed.

The story follows Denzel “Denz” Carter, an ambitious but flustered heir apparent to his family’s business empire. When his father unexpectedly announces his retirement, Denz feels the pressure to prove he’s not just capable of taking the reins, but also a steady, reliable leader. In a spur-of-the-moment bid to impress, he lies about being in a committed relationship—a lie that spirals into comedic territory when the only person who can help him is Braylon, his ex and the man who once broke his heart.

Denz and Braylon’s fake dating arrangement is as chaotic as you’d expect, brimming with witty banter, hilariously awkward moments, and just the right amount of romantic tension to keep readers hooked. Winters writes their interactions with a sharpness and sincerity that make their chemistry leap off the page. The evolution of their relationship—from grudging allies to something deeper—is paced perfectly, balancing humor with emotional depth in a way that feels natural and deeply satisfying.

At its core, *Think They Love You* isn’t just about romance; it’s about identity, healing, and growth. Denz’s journey of self-acceptance is as compelling as his relationship with Braylon, and Winters weaves themes of self-worth and personal evolution into the narrative with grace. The story is a reminder that love isn’t just about finding the right person, but also becoming the best version of yourself. Braylon, too, is a well-rounded character with his own motivations and insecurities, making their dynamic feel grounded and authentic.

The supporting cast adds a vibrant, comedic layer to the story, from Denz’s big, meddlesome family to the quirky colleagues and community members who make their lives both complicated and joyous. Winters excels at creating a rich, diverse world that feels alive and inclusive, making every interaction sparkle with personality and warmth.

The pacing is lively and engaging, keeping readers entertained while giving enough space for the quieter, more introspective moments to land. Winters’ prose is fresh and witty, filled with laugh-out-loud lines and tender observations that make the story both a joy to read and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s a sharp exchange during a family dinner or a vulnerable confession in a quiet moment, the writing captures the highs and lows of Denz and Braylon’s journey beautifully.

*Think They Love You* is a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com that offers a story full of second chances, falling back in love, and finding yourself amid the chaos of family, ambition, and romance. It’s a must-read for fans of fake dating tropes, queer romance, and stories that leave you with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Five stars—it’s the kind of book you’ll want to hug when you’re done.