Description: "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."--
Brief description: 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, As You Walk On By, and Prince of the Palisades, as well as 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.
Review Quotes:
Praise for I Think They Love You:
"Winters's novel blends the feel-good charm of a rom-com with the familiar what-are-you-doing-dude angst of your 20s. Denzel's vibrant family and their event-planning business add delightful depth to this read." - The New York Times, "Love 'Heated Rivalry'? Read These Romance Novels Next" "If you love a good Rom-Com for adults, you will love Winters' I Think They Love You. It's a light-hearted witty novel that shows that when it comes to love, second chances are truly possible. This book is a fun read that will appeal to working professionals on the come-up!" - Essence"Fun and frothy, Winters's second-chance romance is a celebration of family and love in all its messy glory." - The Washington Post
"Fake dating meets 'Succession' in this emotional roller coaster of a book." - The New York Times
"This is an excellent adult romance debut from YA writer Winters." - ELLE, "The Best Romance Novels of 2025" "It's pretty impossible not to already be enamored with Julian Winters if you're a queer YA Romance fan, but his adult debut takes it to another level in this perfect mashup of fake-dating and second-chance romance in a Succession storyline." - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books "YA writer Winters' adult debut is a deeply romantic story wrapped up in a conceit that speaks to the complicated history between its characters, with rich flashbacks sprinkled throughout...A sweet, surprisingly emotional romance you won't be able to put down." - Kirkus (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 "Fans of the second-chance and fake dating trope are going to devour I Think They Love You, an excellently executed adult romance, perfect for fans of T.J. Klune and Alison Cochrun." - The Nerd Daily "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
"Julian Winters's adult romance debut is the perfect blend of funny, heartfelt, and steamy. In Denz, Winters has crafted a sympathetic main character whose struggles are achingly relatable and endearing. Denz and Braylon's second chance romance is beautifully done; they're made for each other, but both need to sort out the other areas of their lives before they can truly be together. Watching them find their way to happily-ever-after was pure joy." - Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola "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 best-selling 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 Praise for Last First Kiss: * Town & Country, "The Best New Holiday Romance Novels to Read This Winter"
* Fangirlish, "The Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026"
* Book Riot, "8 of the Best New Romance Books to Read In January 2026"
* The Nerd Daily, "Swoonworthy 2026 Romance Book Releases You Need"
* Claire & Jamie, "6 highly anticipated romance and romantasy novels to read in January 2026"
* All About Romance, "The Books We're Most Looking Forward to in January 2026"
* Goodreads, "New, Red-Hot Romances to Read in 2026" "Winters makes Jordan's coming-out story feel authentic and emotional, surrounding him with supportive family members who help convey the bighearted message that 'no one gets to decide what [your] love story looks like.' This smart, sexy romance will have readers swooning." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Julian Winters has knocked it out of the park yet again with Last First Kiss." - Sweety High "Winters makes a return to the I Think They Love You universe with this winning second chance romance and coming out story." - Swooon "A second chance, queer, slow burn romance that's a love letter to late bloomers, self-discovery, friendship and family and love in and of itself." - Express (UK) "A tender, slow burn romance about falling for your first crush, questioning your identity on your own terms, and finding your place in the world. Julian Winters delivers a sweet, funny, steamy, and uplifting love story that is sure to make readers swoon." - Alexis Daria, USA Today bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola "Bursting with heart and overflowing with sweetness, Last First Kiss is a thoroughly charming wedding romcom about first love and second chances. I raced through it like Toad on the Rainbow Road level in Mario Kart, and I know all romance fans will do the same!" - Nicolas DiDomizio, author of Nearlywed and The Gay Best Friend "I adored reading about Jamie and Jordan's second chance. Julian's writing is immersive and filled with tenderness, pulling readers so deeply into the journey that we end up falling as hard as the characters do. I hope Julian is busy writing because this is a story that will leave everyone eager for more of his words!" - Etta Easton, author of The Love Simulation
"Sweet and just angsty enough--Julian Winters has created a moving, heartfelt love story that's also an ode to self discovery. With a cast of characters that's impossible not to root for, a deeply enjoyable wedding backdrop, and a highly emotional and satisfying journey, Last First Kiss is the stuff romance dreams are made of." - Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Problematic Summer Romance "Nuanced, honest, and uplifting, Last First Kiss is a second chance romance that proudly wears its heart on its designer sleeve. Atlanta comes alive as Jordan and Jamie hash out their history by dancing and tasting their way into a future full of self-discovery and true love." - Timothy Janovsky, USA Today bestselling author of The Merriest Misters "Last First Kiss ticks all the boxes: Swoony? Check. Hilarious? Check. Sexy? Check. Heartfelt? Check. Team Jordan + Jamie for life!" - Adib Khorram, USA Today bestselling author of I'll Have What He's Having "The Last First Kiss is a heartfelt, emotional journey of self-discovery, one's place in the world, and love. With humor, heartache, tender moments, unforgettable memories, and passion, Julian Winters proves that sometimes, first love is the last and only love you need." - LaQuette, author of Janae Sanders' Second Time Around
"No one writes as vividly and as tenderly as Julian Winters, and Last First Kiss is his best yet--a story about a driven event coordinator and a great-at-kissing charmer (and their not-quite-a-second chance). It's as sweet as an unexpected slow dance in a conservatory and as playful as a cake tasting turned flirty, and while Jordan and Jamie may have had their last first kiss, you'll be sighing happily over their firsts and lasts long after you close the book." - Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, authors of A Jingle Bell Mingle "Pure and utter fun, with a sparkling cast of characters and an effortlessly witty voice. Last First Kiss is a love letter to late bloomers, found family, and anyone who's still trying to figure themselves out -- and a reminder that it can be an ongoing process." - Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of What Happens in Amsterdam "Fans of second chance romances, rejoice! Julian Winters has written the novel of your dreams, complete with swoon-worthy moments, a thoughtful exploration of identity, and a protagonist who will steal your heart. I adored Jordan and Jamie's journey to love, and I'm absolutely certain readers will agree that Last First Kiss is something special." - Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of When Javi Dumped Mari