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about the book
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.
publisher: highsmith books
release date: october 13, 2026
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excerpt
Resting her head against Hal’s perfect chest, Tamryn felt absolutely content. With one hand he was stroking her back, softly and slowly, while the other rested on the fashionably worn denim that covered his own shapely thigh.
She edged her pinky finger toward his, and suddenly they were holding hands. His heart thumped against her cheek.
Then he asked, “Is this our first date?”
She lifted her head. In his eyes was something sweet and yearning, shy and unsure, far more attractive than masterful confidence. Incredible as it seemed, the great Halverson Ramsay Ford was nervous.
“What?”
He swallowed. “Is this our first date? Because if it is, then I’d be out of line if I kissed you. But maybe the day at the coffee shop was our first date, and maybe the day I took you to lunch was our second date, in which case this would be our third date, and a kiss might be on the table.”
It was all she could do to keep her voice steady. “We can’t count the coffee shop. A date by definition is prearranged, and we ran into each other by accident.”
She expected a witty comeback, but he only said, “Okay”—humbly, as if accepting a polite rejection.
“But as far as kissing goes,” she said, “we don’t need to be bound by a strict timeline.”
“Really?” he said. “Well…how about…now?”
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.
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.
tour schedule
This sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteSounds fascinating 😊
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing about The Stand!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a great book.
ReplyDelete