Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
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
Excerpt from The Stand-In
He took her hand. “You’re too good for me.”
A chill ran through her. “Too good…? Did you really just say that? That’s a cliché. That’s what people say when…” She shook off his hand. “Are you breaking up with me?”
He sat up. “What? No. I mean…” His forehead furrowed. “Are we even together?”
“I don’t know. Are we?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.”
They stared at each other. Tamryn felt sick. Was this a breakup date? Had he asked her on this fairy-tale cruise just to ditch her? If so, surely he’d have waited until they reached the restaurant so the public setting would temper her response. But then they’d have a long, awkward boat ride back to Richmond, and a shorter but no less awkward drive to her condo. Unless he’d meant to call her a taxi or an Uber from Surry? But why go to the trouble of an hours-long boat excursion to begin with?
None of it made sense, least of all the heart-hungry look on Hal’s face, as if he really was waiting to hear whether they were together—as if he truly believed she was too good for him.
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!