The Stand-In
By Kit Hawthorne
It took a bit for me to actually get into this story and what was going on. Things like why Tamryn was so opposed to seeing anything beyond her bedroom walls, her barely suppressed anger at her mother, and such. Now don't get me wrong, I could easily disappear from the outside world and be content hanging with my dogs, but I'm not seeing Tamryn chilling out with pets, nope she stuck in a hole of depression and anger.
Enter mom with a plan, a plan that brings Halverson (call me Hal now) Ramsay Ford back into Tamryn's life when mom organizes a pool party for an informal high school reunion/get together to hopefully knock her daughter back into life from her self-imposed prison of solitude, dark bedroom, and noise cancelling-earphones. (Yup that was one wordy sentence.) But guess what? Mom knows best, as you'll soon discover, at least in getting Tamryn to acknowledge that there is something worth exploring beyond the walls of her room.
This book then takes us on a discovery about who we are and can one reinvent oneself following tragedy or a life changing event. How do we know when this change in others is honestly who they have become or a carefully constructed mask? Can hurts and betrayals of the past keep us trapped in the past, the familiarity of pain more comforting that the possibility of something better? These are the questions that Hal and Tamryn must face as they navigate the new and unfamiliar path before them set in motion by a concerned and loving parent.
This was an interesting read that falls into the realm of contemporary romance with all its confusion of questions and emotions what should I do, what do I want?
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
About the Book
By Kit Hawthorne
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KitHawthorne.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
About the Author
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!
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