The Stand-in by Kit Hawthorne is a contemporary romance book on tour with JustRead Publicity Tours. Follow the tour via the JustRead Publicity Tours website.
It’s a rare day indeed when I stumble upon someone whose love of Tolkien outshines my own, but there’s a first time for everything, as they say; and Kit Hawthorne and her characters may have done just that. From the back-and-forth over The Silmarillion philosophy, I was enchanted by this whirlwind of a story.
The problem with life was that it kept going in new and bewildering directions.
Halverson Ramsay Ford (or Hal…or …?) and the quiet Tamryn Page have been through somethings. Hard things. They’re on the road to recovery. Both are on a different path than they thought they’d be, and find each other without the slightest intention to find a life partner. But that’s what make this story interesting right?
Both characters had great humor and POVS , though I’ll admit I liked “Hal” as a character over Tamryn.
Without spoilers, I’ll say that this book had a few twists you can see coming since Kit Hawthorne doesn’t try to hide them. They make for an interesting push and pull on doing what’s right. I will say The Stand-In, is the perfect name for this story.
Definitely a fun story.
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Book Title
Title: The Stand-In
Author: Kit Hawthorne
Publisher: Highsmith Books
Release Date: October 13, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
He reinvented himself. Now the truth could cost him everything.
For years, Halverson Ramsay Ford cultivated a reputation for brilliance and reckless arrogance. But after a devastating accident leaves him with a permanent limp, the notorious biotech genius disappears from public view…and emerges as a very different man.
Intelligent, sensitive, and scarred by a past betrayal, librarian Tamryn Page has no interest in falling for a charming billionaire—especially one with Hal’s history. Yet the man she comes to know is thoughtful, vulnerable, and kind, with a love of history and literature to match her own.
But the relationship is built on a lie. And when the truth comes to light, it threatens to destroy not only the future of Hal’s company, but the trust of the only woman who has ever truly seen him
Now Hal must choose whether to step out from behind the identity he created—or lose the woman he loves forever.
Find the Book on: Goodreads | KitHawthorne.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
About the Author of The Stand-In, Kit Hawthorne
A lifelong resident of the American South, Kit Hawthorne lives on a Texas farm that’s been in her husband’s family for two centuries. She used to play in a Celtic folk band, and the only sport she understands is Highland games.
Connect with Kit by visiting kithawthorne.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will each receive a copy of The Stand-In and a $30 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 19, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
This sounds like a great book, Ty for sharing!
Can’t wait to read this.
Sounds like a good book.