Book Review: The Stand-In
Today, I’m participating in a book review tour for The Stand-In, a clean and wholesome contemporary romance by Kit Hawthorne, published by Highsmith Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of JustRead publicity tours. All views expressed are my own. This post includes Amazon affiliate links.
My Review
The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne is a fun read exploring the mistaken-identity and billionaire romance tropes. While it’s not a specifically Christian novel, it is clean and wholesome, which I appreciate.
The characters are likable, for the most part. Tamryn is a librarian who has just come through a bad breakup and a long illness. Her mother decides to host a mini high-school reunion for Tamryn and some of her classmates. Enter Hal, who was called HRF (pronounced Herf) back in high school. Tamryn can’t help but be intrigued when he expresses interest in an obscure book she’s reading. That doesn’t seem like the boy she remembers from high school.
The plot is a little far-fetched, as are most billionaire romances. That’s what made it such an absorbing read for me as I tried to guess what would happen next. It is fresh and imaginative, and I was willing to suspend my disbelief for the sake of the story. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
From the Publisher
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.
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!
2 Comments
Rita Wray
Thank you for the review.
Carrie @ JustRead
glad you enjoyed it! thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂