Book Summary and Reviews of I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

I Think They Love You

A Novel

by Julian Winters

  • Critics' Consensus (7):
  • Published:
  • Jan 2025, 336 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

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.

When Denzel "Denz" Carter's workaholic father and CEO of 24 Carter Gold unexpectedly announces his retirement, the competition is on for who will become his successor. To convince his family members that he's capable of commitment, Denz impulsively lies about being in a serious relationship.

Now Denz needs to find a fake boyfriend to seal the deal on the CEO position. Denz is forced to turn to the last person he wants to be in a pretend (or any) relationship with: Braylon, the man who broke his heart.

Braylon's sudden reappearance in Denz's life turns everything upside down. But, apparently, he needs Denz's connections to the mayor to win his own promotion. So, they strike a deal. It's all business until the funny texts and the confusing kisses leave Denz struggling to separate this temporary arrangement from the affairs of his heart.

I Think They Love You is a celebration of love, queer communities, big families―in all their beautiful complications―healing, and, most importantly, falling in love with the person you're becoming.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
  1. Would Denz and Braylon have continued to be a couple if they had moved to England together originally? Why or why not?
  2. What makes Denz and Braylon's relationship different the second time around? What aspects are setting them up for success?
  3. What are some ways readers see Denz grow during his journey in the book? In what ways have his family, Braylon, and even Denz himself contributed to or hindered that growth at times?
  4. Do you believe Braylon should have had a more extensive conversation with Denz before leaving him for England, or was he right to believe that Denz wouldn't be receptive to going regardless? Discuss.
  5. In his bid for CEO, Denz is pitted against his sister by his own family, but while they are at ...
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Reviews

Media Reviews

"A sweet, surprisingly emotional romance you won't be able to put down." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Winters peppers this heartfelt story with witty banter, some fabulous parties, and a poignant message about being true to oneself. The result is as sweet and savory as, well, French toast grilled cheese." —Publishers Weekly

"A fake relationship becomes a real second chance at love in YA author Winters's adult debut that delivers a thoughtful message amid steamy scenes and tropey plot twists." —Library Journal

"A swoon-worthy love story? Check. Crackling chemistry? Check. Hilarious and heartfelt characters? Check. Julian Winters never misses. I Think They Love You boils over with heart and spice in perfect balance." —Adib Khorram, author of I'll Have What He's Having

"With all the affection of a small-town romance and all the allure of a big-city love affair, I Think They Love You is a brilliant rom-com debut from one of my favorite authors! This book will stay with you like a last kiss goodnight." —Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip

"Have you ever been asked why you're grinning as you read? You're about to be. I Think They Love You is a second-chance romance for the true romantics, the ones who know love brings us to the people we need, even if it requires a few attempts. Julian Winters' adult debut perfectly captures the breathlessness of first love and comfort in bonds that will stand the test of time. Winters is an author who pulls you in with humor and sharp prose and then holds you close with moments of dazzling emotional resonance—this book is a must read." —Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting

This information about I Think They Love You was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

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Author Information

Julian Winters

Julian Winters is the author of the award-winning Young Adult novels Running With Lions, Right Where I Left You, How to Be Remy Cameron, The Summer of Everything, and As You Walk On By, as well as Prince of the Palisades and his Adult romance debut, I Think They Love You. A self-proclaimed comic book geek, Julian currently lives outside of Atlanta where he can be found swooning over rom-coms or watching the only two sports he can follow―volleyball and soccer.

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