Denz’s father makes a shocking announcement. He is retiring as CEO from the family-run, event planning company he founded, 24 Carter Gold. He then announces he’s open to hiring an outsider to run the company. When his family protests, he agrees to consider anyone who nominates themself. Denz’s older sister throws her hat in the ring, and after Denz’s here’s the aunties talking about how unserious he is, he puts himself forward, and to prove he can be serious, he claims he has a secret serious boyfriend. He does not. He hasn’t had a serious boyfriend since his college boyfriend Braydon, broke his heart. So when Braydon comes back into his life and needs an introduction to the mayor of Atlanta, it’s an excellent opportunity for a fake dating scenario. And, of course, OF COURSE, they will just help each other, move on, not reignite their love, and definitely not fall into to bed together.
I Think They Love You is very sweet and funny. Denz is struggling with being himself and being the person he thinks his family wants him to be. Family expectations, and the need to never step wrong in public weigh on Denz. He’s the son of a successful, high profile Black family. Winters explores the stress this puts on Denz and his sisters without making their parents bad people. His parents clearly love their children and they accept Denz’s sexuality. It’s a nuanced critique that places the family dynamics within a social context. Braydon’s father, who has died before the book begins, also gets a nuanced, if more enigmatic, portrayal.
Denz’s anxiety, and the ways he screwed up when torn between being himself and being a Carter, felt so familiar to me. Big thank you to LB for assuring me that I should keep going when my anxiety and Denz’s anxiety were a little too intense tune for comfort. This was indeed a lovely and rewarding book.
I received this as an advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.