I THINK THEY LOVE YOU

Julian Winters

St. Martin's Press

1/28/25

Romance

Paperback, 336 pages

"... all-town romance and all the allure of a big-city love affair... a brilliant rom-com debut from one of my favorite authors! This book will stay with you like a last kiss goodnight.”

– Ashley Poston

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 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.

Dear Reader:

Growing up, I was obsessed with rom-coms. I had countless daydreams of falling clumsily in love with my best friend, my rival, the quirky bookstore employee, the farm-boy-turned-pirate, or my amnesiac crush’s brother. . . . Every trope, first kiss, and happily-ever-after story lived rent-free in my brain. But what I desperately wanted was to see myself—a queer Black man—reflected in those love stories. I wanted to be the hero. To get the messy, heartfelt, fall-on-your-face-hilarious journey to discovering love.

That was the origin of I Think They Love You. It’s a celebration of queer and Black communities. The fun and drama of big families. Second chances. The awkwardness of fake dating an ex. Healing from old wounds. Falling in love with the person you’re becoming.

I wasn’t the right person to write this story for my younger self years ago. But I am now. Similarly, Denz and Braylon might not have been perfect for each other the first time around, but their journey is worth the mistakes, the confusion, and the heartache. It’s worth the joy. The best love stories are worth a second chance.



I hope you fall in love with this book again and again, just as Denz and Braylon fall for each other.

Love,

Julian

I Think They Love You is a love story between two exes often told through the joys and comforts of food they share. One taste can reignite poignant old memories or be the transportive start of new ones. Denz, an events coordinator for his family’s famous event planning company, is used to the extravagant party life while Braylon, a program director for a nonprofit, enjoys a quiet night in. They’re the perfect mix of luxury and comfort.

You can never go wrong starting a menu off with a savory-sweet French toast grilled cheese, the sandwich Braylon cooks for Denz in his worst moments and the one they shared while saying their first “I love you.” I prefer the recipe from Cabot Creamery. Pair it with a side of seasoned fries—with or without malt vinegar, an argument the exes have yet to settle. For drinks: go high-end with a top-shelf lemon drop martini (Denz’s preference) or a cozy cup of your favorite black tea (Braylon’s choice). Dessert is a must—splurge on a decadent slice of raspberry truffle cheesecake (which is also great for bribing nosey aunties to do your bidding, according to Denz) or awaken those priceless holiday memories —like when you bring your first love home to meet the family—with a huge helping of sweet potato pie. Just don’t forget to ask your mom for the secret ingredient!



-Julian Winters

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