I Think They Love You Summary, Characters and Themes

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters is a heartfelt and hilarious contemporary novel about identity, ambition, family pressure, and second chances at love.

Set in Atlanta’s fast-paced event-planning world, the story follows Denzell “Denz” Carter, a charming but underestimated social media manager who impulsively lies about being in a committed relationship to prove he’s ready to lead the family business. With a fake boyfriend, a surprise run-in with an old flame, and a high-stakes CEO race, Denz must navigate a whirlwind of emotions, expectations, and personal growth to discover who he is—and who he wants to be.

Summary

The story begins with Denz and his boyfriend Bray in Athens, Georgia, preparing to meet Denz’s family for the first time. Denz, anxious and full of love, hopes for his family’s acceptance but worries their expectations might crush what they have.

Fast-forward five years: Denz is now back in Atlanta, working at 24 Carter Gold, his family’s prestigious event-planning company. He’s found his niche in branding and social media but feels like the odd one out among his more traditional, polished family members—especially his sister Kami and cousin Eric.

After a rough New Year’s Eve party, Denz is sent out for muffins and unexpectedly bumps into Bray—now going by Braylon—who’s been back in town for over a year. Their reunion is tense, stirring up unresolved feelings and painful memories, especially the loss of Braylon’s father, Emmanuel, who was close to Denz.

As if that emotional turbulence weren’t enough, Denz’s father, Kenneth, announces his retirement as CEO, prompting a family-wide scramble to fill the position. Denz’s aunts push for a family successor, and when Denz is unexpectedly nominated, skepticism erupts, particularly from the ever-critical Aunt Cheryl.

Feeling underestimated, Denz impulsively lies, claiming he has a serious boyfriend to prove he’s more grown-up than they think. That one fib quickly snowballs when Aunt Cheryl digs for evidence, and the Carter family becomes obsessed with identifying his mystery partner.

Denz’s best friend and roommate, Jamie, steps in to help, pretending to be his boyfriend in a scheme that’s meant to earn Denz respect and support for the CEO race. As the fake romance intensifies—with Instagram posts, couple selfies, and family dinners—Denz finds himself struggling to keep up the facade while grappling with his unresolved feelings for Braylon.

The family’s scrutiny grows, and so does the pressure at work. Kenneth announces a leadership challenge: each CEO candidate must plan an independent event showcasing their vision.

While Kami and Eric lean into flashy tradition, Denz takes a risk with a personal and inclusive idea—a community art exhibit celebrating queer creatives. Meanwhile, Denz and Jamie’s friendship strains under the pressure.

Jamie hints that pretending might no longer be enough—that he might have real feelings. At the same time, Denz and Braylon share emotional moments, revealing that Braylon’s move to London and their breakup were influenced by external pressures, not a lack of love.

The past begins to crack open. Denz eventually reaches his breaking point.

He confesses the truth to Kami and, with her encouragement, comes clean to the entire family. The fallout is intense—Aunt Cheryl is furious—but many, including his parents, offer quiet support.

Denz makes amends with Jamie, choosing honesty and friendship over pretense. For his final CEO presentation, Denz proposes reviving the company’s wedding planning services, honoring his father’s legacy while pushing for inclusivity and innovation.

The presentation impresses the leadership team, and Kenneth names Denz the new CEO. His vision, integrity, and growth win out over tradition.

With professional clarity and personal courage, Denz mends his friendship with Jamie and starts rebuilding a relationship with Braylon—this time, openly and without masks.

In the epilogue, Denz is thriving as CEO. The company is evolving, and he and Braylon are slowly rekindling their love.

Surrounded by chosen family and renewed confidence, Denz finally feels like the person he always wanted to be.

Characters

Denz

Denz is the protagonist, a young adult who, despite his talents in social media and branding, feels like he’s living in the shadow of his family’s expectations. He works at 24 Carter Gold, his family’s prestigious event planning business, but struggles with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure of not living up to his parents’ vision for him.

His insecurities manifest throughout the story, as he juggles a complicated fake relationship, his aspirations to become CEO, and his unresolved feelings for his ex-boyfriend, Braylon. Denz’s character development is central to the story, as he learns to reconcile his ambitions with his authenticity.

By the end, Denz steps into his role as CEO, embracing his personal and professional growth. His emotional journey is marked by self-doubt, the weight of familial expectations, and the ultimate realization that he can lead both his company and his life on his own terms.

Braylon

Braylon is Denz’s former boyfriend who reappears in the story after several years. He carries the emotional baggage of their past relationship, particularly the unresolved feelings between them.

Braylon’s return to Atlanta coincides with Denz’s professional struggles and the facade of a fake relationship that Denz constructs to impress his family. Over time, Braylon opens up about his own struggles, including the pressure from his family and the grief of losing his father.

Braylon’s character acts as a catalyst for Denz’s emotional turmoil and self-discovery. He’s shown to be caring and thoughtful, yet burdened by the past and the circumstances that led to their breakup.

His growth parallels Denz’s as they both work through their past and begin to heal their relationship. It’s clear that their connection has been irrevocably changed by time, secrets, and family dynamics.

Jamie

Jamie is Denz’s best friend and roommate, who becomes entangled in Denz’s web of lies. Initially, Jamie agrees to pretend to be Denz’s boyfriend to help him win the CEO position, but as the fake relationship progresses, Jamie finds himself increasingly conflicted.

He begins to develop genuine feelings for Denz, complicating the situation further. Jamie is loyal, caring, and protective of Denz, but his own needs and emotions start to surface as the ruse takes a toll on their friendship.

By the end of the story, Jamie and Denz have reconciled, acknowledging that their friendship is the most important thing. Their relationship doesn’t evolve into a romantic one, but their bond remains strong.

Kami

Kami, Denz’s sister, plays the role of the overachieving, ambitious family member who’s always polished and professional. She is deeply involved in the family business and initially sees herself as a more viable candidate for the CEO position.

Throughout the story, Kami’s relationship with Denz is marked by rivalry, particularly as they both compete for their father’s approval and the leadership of 24 Carter Gold. While her exterior is tough and sometimes abrasive, Kami is also shown to be protective of Denz, particularly when he admits his lie about the fake relationship.

Her character serves as a foil to Denz’s more laid-back and impulsive nature, highlighting the differing ways the siblings deal with family expectations. By the end of the story, Kami’s respect for Denz grows, and they come to a better understanding of each other’s strengths.

Aunt Cheryl

Aunt Cheryl is one of the family’s key figures, representing the more traditional, critical side of the Carter family. She is initially dismissive of Denz’s capabilities and his unconventional approach to leadership.

Cheryl’s character embodies the expectation of perfection and adherence to tradition within the family business. Her skepticism about Denz’s personal and professional life creates tension, especially when she discovers his lie about being in a serious relationship.

However, Cheryl’s character also evolves over the course of the story. She comes to appreciate Denz’s growth and the genuine effort he puts into his work.

Her transformation from a harsh critic to a more supportive figure underscores the theme of personal change and acceptance in the narrative.

Kenneth (Denz’s Father)

Kenneth, Denz’s father, is the patriarch of the Carter family and the former CEO of 24 Carter Gold. Though initially seen as a figure of authority and tradition, Kenneth’s eventual retirement opens up a space for Denz to step into leadership.

Throughout the story, Kenneth is shown to have high expectations for his children, particularly Denz, whom he believes has the potential for leadership but needs to prove himself. Despite his tough exterior, Kenneth is ultimately supportive of Denz’s vision and authenticity.

His character arc represents the shifting dynamics of family business and the importance of embracing new ideas while respecting the legacy of the past.

Eric and Aunt Eva

Eric, a top event manager, and Aunt Eva, another influential family member, are key players in the corporate competition for the CEO position. While Eric is more competitive and focused on traditional methods, Aunt Eva supports Denz’s more innovative approach, seeing the potential in his vision for the company.

Eva’s character is less concerned with tradition and more open to change, and her eventual support of Denz’s leadership reflects her belief in his abilities. Both characters help to shape the family dynamic and provide additional perspectives on leadership, ambition, and personal growth.

Themes

The Struggle for Authenticity in the Face of Familial Expectations

One of the central themes in I Think They Love You revolves around the tension between personal authenticity and the pressure of familial expectations. Denz’s life is shaped by the immense expectations his family places on him, particularly regarding his career.

His father’s desire for Denz to step into the role of CEO and continue the legacy of the family business creates an environment where Denz feels he must constantly prove his worth, not only professionally but also in his personal life. This theme becomes even more complicated as Denz, seeking approval, fabricates a relationship with his best friend Jamie, believing that a fabricated image of stability will make him seem more responsible in the eyes of his family.

Over time, the emotional cost of maintaining this facade grows heavy, highlighting the struggles many face when torn between personal identity and the desire to meet the expectations of loved ones.

The Complexities of Love and Unresolved Past Relationships

Another profound theme is the intricacy of love, particularly as it is shaped by unresolved feelings and the influence of past relationships. Denz’s relationship with Braylon provides a poignant exploration of this theme.

After their initial breakup, both characters are haunted by their past and the lingering emotions that they have never fully dealt with. Braylon’s reappearance in Denz’s life causes a flood of conflicting emotions—desire, resentment, nostalgia, and regret.

This theme delves into the complicated nature of love, especially when it is left unresolved or interrupted by external forces, such as Braylon’s family pressures. Denz’s journey is not just about moving on but also about confronting these unresolved feelings, which ultimately leads him to realize that authenticity in love, like in his career, is vital.

The emotional tension between Denz and Braylon, as well as Denz’s feelings of guilt toward Jamie, reflect the messy, often painful process of finding closure and reconciliation in relationships.

The Intersection of Career Ambition and Personal Integrity

The tension between career ambition and personal integrity is another compelling theme that plays out in Denz’s story. His aspirations to lead the family business collide with his personal values and the need for genuine self-expression.

Denz initially feels the weight of legacy pressing down on him, compelling him to conform to the company’s traditional approach. However, his own vision of leadership starts to emerge as he becomes more self-aware and willing to take risks that align with his values.

His decision to create an inclusive, community-focused event during the CEO race reveals his desire to innovate within a system that has been resistant to change. This theme is vital because it demonstrates how personal integrity can conflict with the ambitions of corporate success, and how finding a balance between the two requires courage and self-awareness.

The Power of Friendship Amidst Deception

Friendship also plays a pivotal role in the narrative, especially through the evolving dynamic between Denz and Jamie. Initially, Jamie’s willingness to pretend to be Denz’s boyfriend underscores the theme of sacrifice within friendships.

As their fake relationship grows, Jamie begins to struggle with the emotional toll of being part of Denz’s lie. This creates a space for the exploration of the deeper emotional complexities of friendship—how it can be tested when one friend uses the other as a means to an end, and how true friendship requires honesty and vulnerability.

As the story progresses, Denz’s realization that Jamie deserves more than just being a pawn in his plan leads to their reconciliation. It shows that strong friendships are based on authenticity rather than convenience.

The Burden of Legacy and the Quest for Personal Identity

Lastly, I Think They Love You tackles the theme of the burden of legacy and how it influences the quest for personal identity. Denz’s family, especially his father, views the continuation of their event planning business as not just a career but a legacy—one that Denz is expected to take over without question.

This weight of expectation forces Denz to grapple with his own desires and aspirations, as he feels pressured to conform to a role that may not align with his true self. His eventual decision to carve his own path, incorporating more modern and inclusive values into the company’s future, symbolizes his struggle for autonomy and a sense of self outside of his family’s shadow.

The theme explores the delicate balance between honoring one’s heritage and breaking free to create something uniquely one’s own.