I Think They Love You Summary, Characters and Themes

I Think I Love You by Julian Winters is a queer romantic comedy that balances personal ambition, complicated family dynamics, and a second-chance love story.  At its heart is Denz Carter, a young professional trying to prove himself in the high-stakes world of luxury event planning, all while navigating the emotional fallout of a past breakup.

When an unexpected promotion opportunity collides with the sudden return of his ex, Braylon, Denz finds himself entangled in a fake relationship designed to impress his family.  The novel explores themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the messy, beautiful journey of reclaiming one’s voice and heart.

Summary

Denz Carter has grown up under the high expectations of his prominent family, the Carters, who own 24 Carter Gold, a leading luxury event planning company.  He’s determined to prove himself, both in his career and personal life.

Years ago, he attempted to introduce his boyfriend, Bray, to his family, only for their relationship to later fall apart.  The story opens with Denz at a crossroads, trying to establish credibility in a company run by legacy and burdened by tradition.

As the social media director and events coordinator, he often feels overshadowed by his older sister Kami, a top-tier planner in the business.

Everything shifts when Denz unexpectedly reunites with Bray—now Braylon—at a local coffee shop.  The encounter is emotionally charged.

Braylon, who had once moved to London and left without closure, is now back in Atlanta with a new look and refined demeanor.  Denz is rattled not only by Braylon’s return but also by the revelation that Braylon’s father, someone Denz deeply admired, died two years prior, and no one informed him.

Their exchange reopens old wounds and unresolved emotions.

Denz’s world is further disrupted when his father, Kenneth, announces an early retirement and invites internal competition for the CEO position.  Kami immediately declares her candidacy, backed by their influential Aunt Cheryl.

Denz initially opts out, doubting his abilities and fearing his family’s judgment.  But after a patronizing remark from Kami, Denz impulsively announces his intent to compete—and invents a boyfriend to appear more mature and stable in the eyes of his family.

To keep up the charade, Denz enlists the help of Jamie, his best friend and roommate.  Jamie agrees to pose as his boyfriend temporarily.

But when Jamie backs out at the last minute, Denz turns to Braylon, who agrees on one condition: Denz must help him secure a meeting with the mayor to support his nonprofit for LGBTQ+ youth.  The two enter into a fake relationship arrangement with clear boundaries—no sex, no social media, limited physical affection.

But their emotional history and unresolved chemistry make those boundaries increasingly difficult to uphold.

As they spend more time together, Denz and Braylon find their connection reigniting.  From holding hands during family dinners to planning extravagant events together, the performance starts to feel real.

Their bond deepens during quiet moments at Braylon’s apartment and high-pressure public appearances, including an important gala and an engagement party.  These shared experiences lead to intimacy, both physical and emotional.

They share kisses, laughter, and eventually, sex—breaking every rule they set.

Despite the growing closeness, tension simmers beneath the surface.  Braylon remains guarded, still hurt by their past breakup, and Denz battles feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment.

They both struggle with the duality of pretending while yearning for something genuine.  Braylon’s boss and Denz’s family further complicate things, each putting pressure on them to maintain appearances and live up to expectations.

Things come to a head at Kenneth Carter’s retirement gala.  Denz arrives late, causing disappointment and public embarrassment for Braylon.

The fallout is immediate—Braylon confronts Denz, laying bare his feelings of betrayal and pain.  Their conversation is raw, revealing how Denz’s fears and career ambitions led him to prioritize everything except the relationship.

Though Braylon shows understanding, he also makes it clear that he can’t stay in a place where he doesn’t feel chosen.

At the gala, Braylon delivers a heartfelt public statement defending Denz’s capabilities, helping him regain face in front of the Carter family.  However, the evening takes a bittersweet turn when Braylon announces his plan to move to Los Angeles.

Denz pleads with him to stay, but Braylon says he needs to find a place that feels like home—something Denz is still searching for himself.

The event ends with the announcement that Kami will be the next CEO of 24 Carter Gold.  Denz is devastated, but his mother offers reassurance, reminding him that his worth isn’t defined by a title.

Her support helps Denz begin to reevaluate what he truly wants.  As he reflects on his journey and rediscovers a shirt Braylon once gave him, he experiences a moment of clarity.

He no longer wants to chase a version of success imposed by others.  Instead, he wants to build something authentic and meaningful.

Inspired, Denz pitches a new business idea to Nora Bridger, the CEO of a media company: a social platform that amplifies queer voices and honest storytelling.  He then stages a grand romantic gesture, dressing as Iron Man and crashing a community event to confess his love to Braylon.

Though comical and chaotic, the gesture lands.  Braylon admits he’s been waiting for Denz to show up for him in the way he always wanted.

This time, they choose each other.

In the epilogue, seven months later, Denz and Braylon are living in Los Angeles, thriving personally and professionally.  They’ve created a life together based on trust, honesty, and love.

With the support of their chosen family and the freedom to write their own story, they finally feel at home—not in a place, but in each other.

Characters

Denz Carter

Denz Carter is the central figure in I Think They Love You, a young man deeply entrenched in the glittering but pressure-laden legacy of 24 Carter Gold, his family’s prestigious event planning company.  At twenty-one, Denz embodies both excellence and fragility—he is polished, hyper-competent in digital branding, and outwardly confident, yet underneath simmers a stew of anxiety, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.

His journey begins with a desire to prove that he can present the perfect image of success, which includes introducing his then-boyfriend Braylon to his formidable family.  But five years later, Denz’s life is defined by insecurity and familial comparison—particularly with his older sister Kami—leaving him stuck between wanting to fulfill expectations and craving authenticity.

Denz’s emotional complexity drives the novel.  He desperately seeks validation, not only from his family, but from his ex, Braylon, whose return reignites old wounds and unresolved longing.

He is a man who overcompensates—by faking a relationship to bolster his professional image, by pouring himself into orchestrating perfect events, and by masking deep emotional wounds with performative confidence.  Yet, his vulnerability is what makes him most compelling.

Whether it’s scrambling to fix a forgotten contract, losing control during an intimate night with Braylon, or spiraling into self-doubt when he’s passed over for CEO, Denz is someone in flux, always balancing the weight of legacy with the hunger for self-definition.  His eventual pivot from chasing his family’s dream to creating his own inclusive storytelling venture marks a powerful reclamation of identity and purpose.

Braylon Hughes

Braylon Hughes, once known simply as Bray, is Denz’s ex-boyfriend and eventual romantic reawakening.  With a quiet intensity and a complex emotional landscape, Braylon serves as both a mirror and a counterpoint to Denz’s high-strung perfectionism.

Years ago, he left for London, influenced by his late father’s encouragement and a desire for space and self-discovery.  His return to Atlanta is a shock to Denz not only because of the unresolved emotions it dredges up but also because Braylon has evolved—he’s calmer, more centered, and emotionally guarded.

Yet, beneath the surface, Braylon is still deeply affected by their breakup, by grief over his father’s death, and by the deep loneliness that followed his departure.

Braylon’s willingness to engage in a fake relationship with Denz, ostensibly to secure a meeting with the mayor for his nonprofit, conceals the lingering bond and unspoken yearning he still feels.  His affection is revealed not just in their passionate encounters but in the quiet gestures—keeping Denz’s old sweatshirt, cooking dinner, and initiating conversations about the past.

He’s wounded but open, distant but deeply present, and it’s in this contradiction that Braylon’s emotional depth lies.  His decision to eventually leave again for Los Angeles isn’t rejection—it’s a pursuit of home and purpose on his own terms.

And yet, his vulnerability in admitting he’s been waiting for Denz all along speaks volumes about his enduring love and belief in second chances.

Jamie

Jamie, Denz’s best friend and roommate, brings much-needed levity and clarity to the whirlwind of emotional and professional chaos that Denz finds himself in.  Funny, grounded, and emotionally intelligent, Jamie initially agrees to fake a relationship with Denz to help his friend navigate the Carter family’s scrutiny.

However, he later backs out, setting a crucial boundary when the lie becomes too complicated.  This act of self-respect also highlights Jamie’s deeper role in Denz’s life—not just as a sidekick but as a moral compass.

Throughout the story, Jamie offers wise, if humorous, observations about the nature of fake dating, emotional avoidance, and the real risks of falling for someone again.  He calls Denz out on his nonsense with love and empathy, often acting as the narrative’s voice of reason.

Jamie’s character is not defined solely by his function in Denz’s story.  He represents chosen family, the kind of loyal presence that keeps someone anchored when their world spins out.

His advice is often brutally honest but necessary, especially when he warns Denz that emotional entanglements can’t be brushed off as “comfort head. ” In a book centered on identity and legacy, Jamie is a steady reminder that self-worth isn’t built through pretense but through courage, sincerity, and deep connection.

Kenneth Carter

Kenneth Carter, Denz’s father and the patriarch of 24 Carter Gold, represents the formidable legacy that looms over Denz’s professional and emotional journey.  As a CEO, Kenneth is polished, successful, and deeply respected—but as a father, he is distant and at times unknowingly oppressive.

His high standards, though not unkindly intended, create an environment in which Denz constantly feels inadequate.  Kenneth’s early retirement triggers the central competition for the CEO position, thrusting his children into rivalry and exposing cracks in their familial dynamics.

Despite his stoicism, Kenneth isn’t without compassion.  His later conversation with Denz about legacy, love, and choosing one’s own path reveals a more thoughtful, emotionally attuned side, one that helps Denz reclaim agency over his future.

Kamila “Kami” Carter

Kamila Carter, Denz’s older sister, is a type-A overachiever who serves as both rival and role model.  She is poised, assertive, and incredibly competent, quickly declaring her intent to become CEO.

Her relationship with Denz is layered—there’s a genuine sibling bond, but also undercurrents of resentment, competition, and unacknowledged envy.  She’s used to being the star, but she doesn’t always recognize how her accomplishments inadvertently undermine Denz’s confidence.

Yet, Kami is not painted as a villain.  Her backhanded compliments may sting, but they’re often driven by her own insecurities and ambitions.

Her eventual rise to CEO, while a disappointment for Denz, is not framed as a betrayal but as part of the reality of navigating familial expectations.

Aunt Cheryl

Aunt Cheryl, the family’s intimidating enforcer of tradition and excellence, plays a sharp-edged supporting role.  With her sharp tongue and unrelenting standards, she’s the gatekeeper of the Carter legacy, quick to question Denz’s seriousness and often siding with Kami.

But Aunt Cheryl’s presence also forces Denz to fight harder, to claim space where he’s often been overlooked.  Her challenge at the mayor’s gala, demanding a convincing performance from Braylon, becomes a pivotal test of Denz’s composure and maturity.

In many ways, Cheryl is the personification of everything Denz is trying to both win over and break free from.

Leena Carter

Leena, Denz’s mother, is the heart of the Carter family.  Warm, loving, and endlessly supportive, she offers a soft counterbalance to Kenneth’s rigidity and Cheryl’s judgment.

Leena believes in her son without conditions and becomes the emotional anchor that helps Denz pull through his lowest moments.  Her affirmation that his worth is not defined by legacy is one of the novel’s most poignant turning points, allowing Denz to see a path forward rooted not in expectation, but in authenticity.

Whit

Whit, Braylon’s fiercely protective friend, serves as a much-needed disruptor.  Unafraid to confront Denz about past mistakes and current neglect, Whit’s brutal honesty shatters Denz’s self-deceptions.

Though his role is relatively minor in terms of screen time, his impact is significant.  He embodies accountability and underscores that emotional damage has ripple effects.

His demand that Denz fix things with Braylon catalyzes one of the most emotionally raw confrontations in the story.

Jordan

Jordan, Denz’s cousin, acts as a subtle but important source of support throughout the novel.  Their reconnection marks a rare moment of familial solidarity amid the corporate politics and emotional drama.

While not central to the romantic arc, Jordan’s presence reinforces themes of chosen family, loyalty, and the comfort of shared history.  He represents the quieter ways love can manifest—not in grand gestures, but in the quiet understanding between people who’ve seen each other through.

In I Think They Love You, each character—whether a lover, rival, parent, or friend—adds depth to Denz’s emotional odyssey.  Together, they form a mosaic of expectation, heartbreak, resilience, and hope, charting the jagged but ultimately transformative path toward love and self-acceptance.

Themes

Queer Identity and Visibility

Denz Carter’s journey in I Think They Love You is fundamentally tied to his evolving relationship with queer identity, not as a static trait, but as a lived and public experience.  Throughout the novel, Denz contends with expectations of what it means to be a respectable, successful, and “presentable” gay man in a legacy-driven Black family and within the larger professional world.

His initial choice to fake a relationship to appear more stable and mature for the CEO competition reflects how deeply ingrained societal and familial pressures still shape his self-presentation.  Yet as the story unfolds, the act of pretending forces him to interrogate what it means to be truly visible.

His attraction to Braylon, their shared history, and their hesitant re-connection lay bare the complexity of being queer in spaces that demand either perfection or secrecy.  Moments of emotional intimacy—particularly in public settings like the family dinner or the gala—highlight how queer love can feel both radical and precarious.

Moreover, Denz’s final decision to start a business centering queer voices marks a shift from performance to self-definition, demonstrating a move toward empowerment rooted in authenticity.  His story celebrates the resilience of queer identity while acknowledging the emotional labor required to live it honestly.

Legacy, Inheritance, and Self-Worth

The shadow of legacy looms large in Denz’s narrative, with his father Kenneth Carter’s retirement triggering not just a corporate transition but a profound existential reckoning.  Denz is forced to evaluate whether he wants to inherit a legacy or create his own, and the pressure to uphold the Carter name is a driving force behind many of his early missteps.

His sister Kami is the archetype of traditional success—polished, assertive, and seemingly groomed for leadership—while Denz is painted as emotional, indecisive, and too wrapped up in optics.  The judgment from Aunt Cheryl and others reinforces his sense of inadequacy.

What unfolds, however, is a gradual but powerful decoupling of legacy from identity.  Denz realizes that legacy isn’t just about inheriting a title or a brand—it’s about living a life in alignment with one’s own values.

This realization becomes clearest in his decision to reject the CEO role and pursue something that allows him to tell stories that matter to him.  His father’s eventual warmth and his mother’s steady encouragement help Denz understand that value is not something conferred from above but generated from within.

Love, Reconciliation, and Emotional Vulnerability

The romantic arc between Denz and Braylon is steeped in emotional nuance, grounded not in fantasy but in the messy terrain of second chances.  What makes their relationship compelling is not the trope of “fake dating” but the rawness with which they confront their shared history.

Their first breakup wasn’t clean—it was built on fear, abandonment, and silence.  Braylon’s reappearance reopens wounds that neither had fully processed, yet it also provides an opportunity to reimagine what their love could be without the burdens of who they used to be.

Through moments of guarded vulnerability—confessions in bed, shared glances in public, whispered affirmations at high-stakes events—their connection is rekindled not through perfect compatibility but through mutual growth.  The fact that they continually break the rules of their fake relationship reveals how deep their emotional attachment runs.

And while the novel ends with a hopeful future, it does so with an understanding that real love is forged through choice, communication, and courage, not just chemistry or history.

Performance Versus Authenticity

From the earliest scenes of I Think They Love You, Denz is trapped in a cycle of performativity.  Whether it’s orchestrating flawless events for public approval, managing his family’s perception of his maturity, or pretending to be in a picture-perfect relationship, Denz spends much of the story trying to curate an image of stability and success.

His social media job at 24 Carter Gold serves as a metaphor for this, emphasizing how branding often takes precedence over truth.  Yet as the narrative progresses, the cracks in these performances begin to show.

Mistakes pile up—a forgotten venue contract, a romantic slip-up, emotional meltdowns—and Denz is forced to confront the dissonance between who he pretends to be and who he is.  This tension is mirrored in Braylon, whose polished exterior hides loneliness and unresolved grief.

Their relationship challenges both of them to strip away the armor and examine what’s real.  The thematic climax comes not in a dramatic kiss or job offer, but in Denz’s decision to walk away from a role he no longer wants, embracing a future not based on appearances but on meaning.

In choosing truth over performance, the characters are finally allowed to breathe.

Grief, Healing, and Transformation

While grief in I Think They Love You is not always overt, it pulses beneath the surface of many character arcs, especially Braylon’s.  His father’s death, which Denz didn’t even know about for years, symbolizes the rupture not just of familial bonds but of emotional safety.

For Braylon, the loss reverberates through his name change, his move across the world, and his hesitancy to trust again.  Denz, too, carries his own version of grief—not just over the end of his relationship with Braylon, but over the years spent trying to prove his worth in a family that doesn’t always see him clearly.

The novel positions grief as a transformative force, one that shatters illusions but also invites renewal.  The slow, imperfect process of healing—through open conversations, moments of reconnection, and the catharsis of letting go—marks a shift in both Denz and Braylon.

Their final reunion is not framed as a return to the past but as a commitment to move forward with eyes wide open.  Healing here isn’t neat; it’s recursive, but it is ultimately redemptive.

Ambition and the Reimagining of Success

Success in the Carter family is rigidly defined: a title, a polished image, and absolute control.  Denz’s journey disrupts that narrative by challenging what ambition can look like when it prioritizes community, creativity, and purpose.

Initially, Denz believes that becoming CEO is the pinnacle of success, even if it means faking a relationship and suppressing parts of himself.  Yet as he stumbles through high-stakes events and personal revelations, his definition of success begins to shift.

The glamour of titles and curated perfection gives way to a deeper yearning for meaning.  This theme is embodied in his pitch to Skye’s the Limit, where he proposes a venture that not only aligns with his talents but also amplifies marginalized voices.

It’s a bold redefinition of ambition—one that refuses to sacrifice joy, honesty, or love in the pursuit of prestige.  In the end, Denz doesn’t lose the race for CEO; he reclaims his agency by choosing not to run it.

His success is quieter but more profound: he builds something that is wholly his, reflecting a personal ambition that finally aligns with his authentic self.