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 judgmental family members that Denz is capable of commitment he impulsively lies about being in a serious relationship. Problem is the last serious relationship he was in hung him high and dry after leaving the continent.

Now Denz needs to find a fake boyfriend to bring to family functions and seal the deal on the CEO position. To do so he enlists the help of his best friend and roommate, Jamie. Someone his family already accepts in their inner circle. But when his BFF is a no-show, Denz is forced to turn to the last person he wants to be in a pretend (or any) relationship 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 and Denz is currently up a creek without a paddle. So, they strike a deal. It’s all business, but between the funny texts and the confusing kisses soon enough Denz is struggling to separate business from the affairs of his heart.

In Julian Winters’s I think They Love You, sometimes fake dating your way to success can mean finding the second chance at love you’ve needed all along.

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

It seems like I need to be in a specific mood these days in order to enjoy a rom-com. I’m happy to say that this book hit the spot. It has the perfect mix of humor, heart, and second-chance romance. It also dives into themes of identity, family expectations, and the complexities of love. While it embraces familiar rom-com tropes, it does so with such charm that even the most trope-weary readers will find themselves swept up in Denz and Braylon’s story.

The book follows Denzel “Denz” Carter, an ambitious 20-something who finds himself in a professional and personal bind. With his father announcing his retirement as CEO of their family’s extremely successful event planning company, 24 Carter Gold, Denz and his sister are competing to be named the next CEO. Where his sister effortlessly pulls events together and is meticulous in her approach, Denz can be a little forgetful. If he wants this job, he’s going to have to step up his game and prove himself worthy and responsible rather than flighty and non-commital. In a moment of panic, Denz lies about being in a stable relationship, only to realize he now has to produce a boyfriend to play the part.

Initially, Denz enlists his best friend and roommate, Jamie, to play the role of his significant other. But when Jamie bails, Denz is left with no choice but to turn to Braylon, his ex-boyfriend – the man who shattered his heart by leaving for England after graduating from college – leaving Denz alone, heartbroken and confused. But now that Braylon has returned, Denz feels like Bray owes him this, plus it could help Braylon with his own career goals, so – win-win. What follows is a whirlwind of fake dates, staged family events, and mounting sexual tension that makes it impossible for either man to ignore the unresolved feelings simmering between them.

The fake-dating and second-chance romance tropes are undoubtedly predictable, but I didn’t mind them. In fact, that’s part of the appeal of this book. Both Denz and Braylon are flawed but deeply relatable. Denz’s struggles to prove his worth to his family while grappling with his own insecurities feel incredibly real. Similarly, Braylon’s reasons for leaving – and his attempts to make amends – are explored with sensitivity, making him more than just a brooding romantic lead.

The supporting cast adds another layer of richness to the story. Denz’s family is delightfully chaotic, from his no-nonsense father to his overachieving sister and nosey aunties. Their interactions – equal parts loving and cutthroat – paint a vivid picture of what it’s like to grow up in a family where success is both an expectation and a pressure cooker. Winters captures these dynamics with humor and heart, making the family dynamic just as compelling as the romance.

One of the most endearing aspects of the novel is its unapologetic celebration of queer love. The relationship between Denz and Braylon feels authentic, layered, and deeply personal (and when the spice hits, it’s just right). Their banter is sharp, their chemistry palpable, and their emotional connection undeniable. This authenticity elevates the romance, making it feel more rewarding and impactful than the standard fare you get when a straight person writes a gay romance. While it’s true that love is love, the experience is definitely different.

Ultimately, this book is a reminder of why we turn to rom-coms in the first place. It’s not just about the swoon-worthy moments (though there are plenty of those); it’s about the joy of seeing characters learn, grow, and discover that they’re deserving of love – in all its messy, complicated glory. Whether you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance or simply looking for a story that celebrates queer love and Black joy, this book is a must-read. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll turn the final page wishing for your own Bray – and maybe a family as entertaining as Denz’s.