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The Stand-In
Alexis and Seth are just friends.
Alexis LeMarche only has eyes for one getting into Yale’s Ph.D. program. But senior year of college is hard enough already, without the pressure from her mom to get a “ring by spring”—a distraction she doesn’t need.
While Alexis is avoiding distractions, Seth Cameron is looking for one. Despite his desire to be an actor, he’s expected to go to law school—a future that’s been planned for him since birth. So when the opportunity to be Alexis’s fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving comes up, Seth is eager to accept the role of a lifetime.
But as the lines between real and fake start to blur, Seth’s long-held feelings reach a boiling point that he can’t control. With the friendzone crumbling, Alexis clings to her grad school plan—which doesn’t include falling in love. Can Seth go from stand-in boyfriend to the leading man of Alexis’s heart?
Alexis LeMarche only has eyes for one getting into Yale’s Ph.D. program. But senior year of college is hard enough already, without the pressure from her mom to get a “ring by spring”—a distraction she doesn’t need.
While Alexis is avoiding distractions, Seth Cameron is looking for one. Despite his desire to be an actor, he’s expected to go to law school—a future that’s been planned for him since birth. So when the opportunity to be Alexis’s fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving comes up, Seth is eager to accept the role of a lifetime.
But as the lines between real and fake start to blur, Seth’s long-held feelings reach a boiling point that he can’t control. With the friendzone crumbling, Alexis clings to her grad school plan—which doesn’t include falling in love. Can Seth go from stand-in boyfriend to the leading man of Alexis’s heart?
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
8 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 10, 2025
Thank you for the ARC read Liz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off what a CUTE book, and the way I devoured it 🤌🏼🤌🏼
A great take on friends to lovers and fake relationship 👏🏼
If you’re looking for a fun read and one where you love the characters from the first page the stand-in is definitely it!
Some Spoilers now
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I love a good book where he falls and she’s just oblivious to it. The way Seth has just pinned for Alexis for years is just chefs kiss. And then respecting her boundaries and her dreams because he knew she has big goals? Yeah that’s an MMC I’ll get behind always
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off what a CUTE book, and the way I devoured it 🤌🏼🤌🏼
A great take on friends to lovers and fake relationship 👏🏼
If you’re looking for a fun read and one where you love the characters from the first page the stand-in is definitely it!
Some Spoilers now
*
*
*
*
I love a good book where he falls and she’s just oblivious to it. The way Seth has just pinned for Alexis for years is just chefs kiss. And then respecting her boundaries and her dreams because he knew she has big goals? Yeah that’s an MMC I’ll get behind always
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
ARC Review
Release Date: 10/30/2025
This book was so freaking cute I can’t even. Alexis and Seth are so adorable together it made my tummy hurt. Seth is absolutely down BAD for Alexis and she has zero clue, so if you love men suffering…you are going to love this. Seth is in agony essentially the whole book, that poor sweet baby angel.
Alexis is suffering too, but under the weight of her and her mother’s expectations for her life, which could not be more different. For someone who is on the cusp of a huge life change, she really doesn’t need the stress of another boyfriend-less holiday break. Enter Seth, her bestie of 3 years who is a theatre major and excellent actor. He is the perfect fake boyfriend!
They are both so deliciously oblivious to the other’s feelings, it made me want to mash their faces together and make them kiss. Ya know, like you do with Barbie and Ken 🤣 They also each have to contend with their own unique family dynamics, which are complex in similar but also vastly different ways. In the end, it’s just Alexis and Seth against their fears and hopes for the future, one they each hope includes the other no matter what challenges are heading their way.
The whole Middle Pen series is full of funny, heartfelt stories and you should absolutely read them like…yesterday 😌
🌶️🌶️
ARC Review
Release Date: 10/30/2025
This book was so freaking cute I can’t even. Alexis and Seth are so adorable together it made my tummy hurt. Seth is absolutely down BAD for Alexis and she has zero clue, so if you love men suffering…you are going to love this. Seth is in agony essentially the whole book, that poor sweet baby angel.
Alexis is suffering too, but under the weight of her and her mother’s expectations for her life, which could not be more different. For someone who is on the cusp of a huge life change, she really doesn’t need the stress of another boyfriend-less holiday break. Enter Seth, her bestie of 3 years who is a theatre major and excellent actor. He is the perfect fake boyfriend!
They are both so deliciously oblivious to the other’s feelings, it made me want to mash their faces together and make them kiss. Ya know, like you do with Barbie and Ken 🤣 They also each have to contend with their own unique family dynamics, which are complex in similar but also vastly different ways. In the end, it’s just Alexis and Seth against their fears and hopes for the future, one they each hope includes the other no matter what challenges are heading their way.
The whole Middle Pen series is full of funny, heartfelt stories and you should absolutely read them like…yesterday 😌
November 20, 2025
This talented author creates relatable people, real relationships and conflicts with real feeling resolutions. The characters grow but remain true to themselves. This book kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.
Definitely turned up the spice from previous books, but well written and fits the storyline. Loved the book, love Seth and Alexis, love this trilogy.
Definitely turned up the spice from previous books, but well written and fits the storyline. Loved the book, love Seth and Alexis, love this trilogy.
November 27, 2025
I am an ARC reader. I was very excited to read this book for Liz. It is a standalone in this series and a cute college romance. It is definitely not my normal taste in books and I found the story to be very juvenile. The “spice” was rushed and choppy. While enjoyable to read the spice was just out of place with the overall tone of the book. I found there wasn’t alot of attraction felt from the characters. Seth and Alexis were both quite immature in communication. I hate a miscommunication trope or just purposely not communicating your feelings. I felt a lot could have been solved sooner had they been open and honest and we could’ve seen a more raw and deeper connection between the characters.
I did like the message about saying no to things that don’t make you happy. I was rooting for Seth to not go to law school. That just felt like it would have majorly ruined any hope of a happy relationship for he and Alexis.
But Alexis just wanting things to go back to the way things were after having actual adult conversations with both her mom and Seth? Come on girl. Grow up.
Overall not a terrible story, just had some flaws that I couldn’t get past to fully enjoy it.
I did like the message about saying no to things that don’t make you happy. I was rooting for Seth to not go to law school. That just felt like it would have majorly ruined any hope of a happy relationship for he and Alexis.
But Alexis just wanting things to go back to the way things were after having actual adult conversations with both her mom and Seth? Come on girl. Grow up.
Overall not a terrible story, just had some flaws that I couldn’t get past to fully enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
ARC review!! I devoured this book! Friends to lovers, fake dating, he falls first/she is oblivious, etc.. I did not know before reading that this was part 3 in a series and I HAVE to go back and read the others! Not because they can’t be read as standalone but because I throughly enjoyed the book and need to devour the rest.
Alexis and Seth’s first date ended in the friend zone. When Alexis looks for a way to reduce her mother’s stress, Seth suggests he pretend to be her boyfriend. Three years of being best friends makes it easy to pull off ‘fake dating’ when they go to visit her family for Thanksgiving. Sparks reignite but can Alexis and Seth struggle to figure out if they can stay together after they graduate as they have very different future plans.
Seth is the guy everyone loves. He is social, good looking, caring, and sweet - just to name a few. While Alexis is the worrier, over thinker, and planner. Their dynamic is perfect to balance each other out. Highly recommend.
Alexis and Seth’s first date ended in the friend zone. When Alexis looks for a way to reduce her mother’s stress, Seth suggests he pretend to be her boyfriend. Three years of being best friends makes it easy to pull off ‘fake dating’ when they go to visit her family for Thanksgiving. Sparks reignite but can Alexis and Seth struggle to figure out if they can stay together after they graduate as they have very different future plans.
Seth is the guy everyone loves. He is social, good looking, caring, and sweet - just to name a few. While Alexis is the worrier, over thinker, and planner. Their dynamic is perfect to balance each other out. Highly recommend.
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November 18, 2025hey, i think i know the proofreader guys…
November 27, 2025
Was hooked right away. Fun storyline. Enjoyed reading very much.
October 31, 2025
Liz Leiby has done it again with the third book in the Middle Penn College series!
Seth and Alexis were a breath of fresh air. I loved their dynamic! It was fun to watch them both grow as individuals and to their overall friendship into more.
Seth and Alexis were a breath of fresh air. I loved their dynamic! It was fun to watch them both grow as individuals and to their overall friendship into more.
November 6, 2025
ARC Review! Thank you so much to Liz Leiby for providing me a copy of this book.
This was such a cute story! Perfect friends to lovers, fake dating and only one bed?! He's absolutely in love with her and she's oblivious to his feelings. Alexis, the FMC, is going home for fall break and wants to reduce her moms stress. Her best friend, Seth (MMC), suggests maybe she brings him home as her boyfriend to relieve some of her mom's stress. Who knew it wouldn't feel so fake after all?
This was such a cute story! Perfect friends to lovers, fake dating and only one bed?! He's absolutely in love with her and she's oblivious to his feelings. Alexis, the FMC, is going home for fall break and wants to reduce her moms stress. Her best friend, Seth (MMC), suggests maybe she brings him home as her boyfriend to relieve some of her mom's stress. Who knew it wouldn't feel so fake after all?
November 3, 2025
ARC Review!!!
the book was so cute, sweet! Alexis is a good girl, STEM classes has absorbed all of her focus. Seth is a nice boy who dreams and excels in his theater major but is also being pulled into his parent’s law firm. They meet freshman year at a hilarious party and become best friends.
Flash forward to senior year…Thanksgiving break. It all changes when Alexis needs a stand in bf to take home so her mom doesn’t need to worry about Alexis’s dating life.
Low spice, fun easy read!
the book was so cute, sweet! Alexis is a good girl, STEM classes has absorbed all of her focus. Seth is a nice boy who dreams and excels in his theater major but is also being pulled into his parent’s law firm. They meet freshman year at a hilarious party and become best friends.
Flash forward to senior year…Thanksgiving break. It all changes when Alexis needs a stand in bf to take home so her mom doesn’t need to worry about Alexis’s dating life.
Low spice, fun easy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
CW: spice, referenced childhood cancer, complicated parental dynamics
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “The Stand-In” is available now
I fear I am simply not the target audience.
Alexis LeMarche has everything planned out. Undergrad, Yale PhD, research. Her mother, though, is insistent that what Alexis truly needs from her undergrad experience is a boyfriend. Bringing home her best friend, Seth, to be her fake boyfriend seems like the perfect solution to getting Alexis’ mom off her back. Except, Seth’s been in love with Alexis for three years, and she has no idea.
I don’t read an excessive amount of contemporary romance. Lots of romantasy, but most of my love stories are backed by dragons and stabby heroines. So when I do read a contemporary romance, I need it to really put in some work to make up for the whole no-dragons thing. Romcoms are usually a safe choice, because humor solves almost all problems, and everybody loves some good banter.
Maybe this book falls more strictly under ‘romance’ and not ‘romcom’ and I was simply fooled by the cover and description. I generally assume fake dating is going to lend itself more towards the humorous, in which case the error is entirely mine and you can ignore the rest of this review. Don’t get me wrong; the humor here was legitimately entertaining. The banter is solid; I love the dynamic that grows out of people being really close friends first because I think it feels a lot more authentic. That bit was lovely.
My problem is that, by the end of the book, I absolutely hated our FMC. She does put in a little work at the very end to bring it back down from ‘complete and utter loathing,’ but it was a close thing. Is her reaction to [spoilered plot points] realistic and honestly kind of reasonable given who she is as a person? Yes. And there’s a reason I read fiction— I don’t want this particular brand of realistic. I want my romance to be mostly good vibes, maybe a little low-level heartache, and then we’re good. 300 pages is not enough to sell me on why I shouldn’t entirely write this character off as a coward who doesn’t deserve the MMC and all his dedicated affections. (Again, fiction =/= reality; the FMC is actually probably behaving reasonably for a real person.)
Now, obviously this is very much a personal preference. The writing is fine. Early on the FMC sounds a little younger than she’s supposed to be based on the timeline, but that seemed to level out as the story progressed. The side characters are fun, the initial plotlines are entertaining, and there are some really wonderful lines scattered throughout the book. The author’s done well at capturing the strange, fever-dream bubble that surrounds the college years and that weird precipice between being ‘not actually a kid’ and ‘an entire adult.’
There are some genuinely well-written components to this story, and I think the right audience is going to have a great time with it. That’s just not me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “The Stand-In” is available now
I fear I am simply not the target audience.
Alexis LeMarche has everything planned out. Undergrad, Yale PhD, research. Her mother, though, is insistent that what Alexis truly needs from her undergrad experience is a boyfriend. Bringing home her best friend, Seth, to be her fake boyfriend seems like the perfect solution to getting Alexis’ mom off her back. Except, Seth’s been in love with Alexis for three years, and she has no idea.
I don’t read an excessive amount of contemporary romance. Lots of romantasy, but most of my love stories are backed by dragons and stabby heroines. So when I do read a contemporary romance, I need it to really put in some work to make up for the whole no-dragons thing. Romcoms are usually a safe choice, because humor solves almost all problems, and everybody loves some good banter.
Maybe this book falls more strictly under ‘romance’ and not ‘romcom’ and I was simply fooled by the cover and description. I generally assume fake dating is going to lend itself more towards the humorous, in which case the error is entirely mine and you can ignore the rest of this review. Don’t get me wrong; the humor here was legitimately entertaining. The banter is solid; I love the dynamic that grows out of people being really close friends first because I think it feels a lot more authentic. That bit was lovely.
My problem is that, by the end of the book, I absolutely hated our FMC. She does put in a little work at the very end to bring it back down from ‘complete and utter loathing,’ but it was a close thing. Is her reaction to [spoilered plot points] realistic and honestly kind of reasonable given who she is as a person? Yes. And there’s a reason I read fiction— I don’t want this particular brand of realistic. I want my romance to be mostly good vibes, maybe a little low-level heartache, and then we’re good. 300 pages is not enough to sell me on why I shouldn’t entirely write this character off as a coward who doesn’t deserve the MMC and all his dedicated affections. (Again, fiction =/= reality; the FMC is actually probably behaving reasonably for a real person.)
Now, obviously this is very much a personal preference. The writing is fine. Early on the FMC sounds a little younger than she’s supposed to be based on the timeline, but that seemed to level out as the story progressed. The side characters are fun, the initial plotlines are entertaining, and there are some really wonderful lines scattered throughout the book. The author’s done well at capturing the strange, fever-dream bubble that surrounds the college years and that weird precipice between being ‘not actually a kid’ and ‘an entire adult.’
There are some genuinely well-written components to this story, and I think the right audience is going to have a great time with it. That’s just not me.
November 7, 2025
*A huge thanks to Liz Leiby for the ARC*
Alexis and Seth completely pulled me in from the first chapter. They had instant chemistry, but ended up as friends. The author captured that perfect balance between young adult emotions and real, mature growth that makes a college romance feel both fun and meaningful.
Alexis is such a relatable main character. She’s driven, a little guarded, and trying to figure out who she is while balancing school, complicated relationships, and love. Seth, on the other hand, is charming and quietly steady, the kind of guy who earns his place in your heart. Their chemistry feels effortless but realistic, full of moments of yearning “what could’ve been” when they turned friends.
What I appreciated most is how *age-appropriate* the conflict was. I did want to yell some sense into a certain character at this point. The way they handled miscommunication and personal growth felt genuine and realistic im glad it wasn’t an instant resolution. By the end, I was smiling, a little emotional and rooting for their HEA.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Yearning
College Age Romance
Theatre 🎭 MMC
Cancer Research🔬 STEM 🧬 FMC
Opposites attract
Complicated family dynamics
Alexis and Seth completely pulled me in from the first chapter. They had instant chemistry, but ended up as friends. The author captured that perfect balance between young adult emotions and real, mature growth that makes a college romance feel both fun and meaningful.
Alexis is such a relatable main character. She’s driven, a little guarded, and trying to figure out who she is while balancing school, complicated relationships, and love. Seth, on the other hand, is charming and quietly steady, the kind of guy who earns his place in your heart. Their chemistry feels effortless but realistic, full of moments of yearning “what could’ve been” when they turned friends.
What I appreciated most is how *age-appropriate* the conflict was. I did want to yell some sense into a certain character at this point. The way they handled miscommunication and personal growth felt genuine and realistic im glad it wasn’t an instant resolution. By the end, I was smiling, a little emotional and rooting for their HEA.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Yearning
College Age Romance
Theatre 🎭 MMC
Cancer Research🔬 STEM 🧬 FMC
Opposites attract
Complicated family dynamics
November 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I breezed through this book! Finished in less than a week but that’s more due to being interrupted by my children than anything. This is such an easy read and the characters are lovable and the relationship was great. There were some tears and tearing at your heart strings, but overall I loved the chemistry they had. Also the couple spicy scenes were…enjoyed?🙈😂
The only reason I took off a star was because towards the end the FMCs attitude felt a little redundant. For context he fell first and she had no clue but after a while I felt myself getting frustrated and like she needed to be called out by someone because it was frustrating me how many people in her life were witnessing it and not saying anything. For being on track for a PhD I felt some of the things she said were very high school feeling.
Also I had no clue this was part of a series (of intertwined standalone books. The MMC knew the couple from a previous book but their story wasn’t necessarily relevant to this one) I am excited to go read about them though! Great book though and definitely recommend for any romance lovers.
I breezed through this book! Finished in less than a week but that’s more due to being interrupted by my children than anything. This is such an easy read and the characters are lovable and the relationship was great. There were some tears and tearing at your heart strings, but overall I loved the chemistry they had. Also the couple spicy scenes were…enjoyed?🙈😂
The only reason I took off a star was because towards the end the FMCs attitude felt a little redundant. For context he fell first and she had no clue but after a while I felt myself getting frustrated and like she needed to be called out by someone because it was frustrating me how many people in her life were witnessing it and not saying anything. For being on track for a PhD I felt some of the things she said were very high school feeling.
Also I had no clue this was part of a series (of intertwined standalone books. The MMC knew the couple from a previous book but their story wasn’t necessarily relevant to this one) I am excited to go read about them though! Great book though and definitely recommend for any romance lovers.
December 2, 2025
Okay, The Stand In was just straight-up cute in that comforting, college-era way. It honestly made me feel like I was back on campus, juggling big dreams, weird family pressure, and absolutely annoyed with my friends and their dating lives. Was the trope predictable and exactly what you’d expect? Yes. Were there still enough little twists to keep me curious? Yes. Did I keep thinking about what would happen next every time I set it down? Yep. Was it still the perfect little read? Also yes. Alexis is the relatable overachiever who tries to logic her way out of emotions, which my psychology brain appreciated. Seth is the sweet guy who fell first and isn’t as subtle as he thinks he is. Watching them circle around each other was funny, soft, and very much “oh yeah, this is what college felt like and how kids think.”Their friendship felt real, the holiday setting made it cozy, and the romance was believable without being dramatic. Light spice, light angst, lots of warmth. If you’re into fake dating, he-fell-first energy, and stories that have a MMC who knows what he wants and isn’t flimsy with his feelings- pick this one up.
October 18, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Liz Leiby did it again. The Stand In has every single one of my favorite tropes—he falls first (and hard), friends to lovers, one bed, fake dating—and Liz executes them PERFECTLY! The chemistry between Seth and Alexis felt so real that I was emotionally in it from start to finish.
The writing is sharp and heartfelt, the spice is chef’s kiss, and the emotional tension had me absolutely feral. Seeing Jade and Ian again felt like catching up with old friends, which made the story even more satisfying.
Two lines that completely wrecked me:
“Bring me home then.” – Seth 🔥 🥹
“He’s not you.” – Alexis 🥰 🥹
I was kicking my feet, squealing, and rereading pages just to soak it all in. This book made me laugh, blush, cry, and clutch my chest. Easily one of my top reads of the year!!!
Now please excuse me while I reread all of Liz Leiby’s books to relive the magic. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll check her out too 🤩
Liz Leiby did it again. The Stand In has every single one of my favorite tropes—he falls first (and hard), friends to lovers, one bed, fake dating—and Liz executes them PERFECTLY! The chemistry between Seth and Alexis felt so real that I was emotionally in it from start to finish.
The writing is sharp and heartfelt, the spice is chef’s kiss, and the emotional tension had me absolutely feral. Seeing Jade and Ian again felt like catching up with old friends, which made the story even more satisfying.
Two lines that completely wrecked me:
“Bring me home then.” – Seth 🔥 🥹
“He’s not you.” – Alexis 🥰 🥹
I was kicking my feet, squealing, and rereading pages just to soak it all in. This book made me laugh, blush, cry, and clutch my chest. Easily one of my top reads of the year!!!
Now please excuse me while I reread all of Liz Leiby’s books to relive the magic. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll check her out too 🤩
December 16, 2025
I absolutely LOVED her debut, and her other two books in the Middle Penn College series! Her last one, Off Book, had me squirming with anticipation and excitement. So seeing her say this was her first real "spicy" book had me foaming at the mouth!!!!
The Stand-In is, much to my chagrin, my least favorite book by Liz thus far.
Now, saying it's my least favorite feels like a harsh criticism because this book is still an incredibly fun read. I loved some of the dialogue between Alexis and Seth. It was incredibly well written and felt true to the characters she was building. I feel like the communication was true to the age of the characters, and elicited many-a-chuckles from me. I just feel like this book is the runway for her more NSFW takeoff. Since it's a little different from her last ones there will is some turbulence as she finds and strengthens the sexy voice and coinciding story. Does that make sense?
Thank you Liz for letting me be an ARC reader yet again 💛
The Stand-In is, much to my chagrin, my least favorite book by Liz thus far.
Now, saying it's my least favorite feels like a harsh criticism because this book is still an incredibly fun read. I loved some of the dialogue between Alexis and Seth. It was incredibly well written and felt true to the characters she was building. I feel like the communication was true to the age of the characters, and elicited many-a-chuckles from me. I just feel like this book is the runway for her more NSFW takeoff. Since it's a little different from her last ones there will is some turbulence as she finds and strengthens the sexy voice and coinciding story. Does that make sense?
Thank you Liz for letting me be an ARC reader yet again 💛
October 27, 2025
From the very first page, The Stand In by Liz Leiby captured my imagination and had me giggling and kicking my feet till the very last page.
The story follows our FMC, Alexis, and her best friend turned fake boyfriend, Seth, as they go back to Alexis' house for the Thanksgiving break in hopes to ease her mom's anxiety and stress over Alexis' love life. But as the week progresses, fake feelings turn real and now both Alexis and Seth have to decide if chasing the real thing is worth it in the end.
Liz Leiby's charming writing, sarcastic dialogue, and swoon-worthy romantic scenes made this book an instant classic and one I will reread every Thanksgiving from now on.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers, fake dating, and one bed tropes, then this is the book for you! Cannot recommend it enough!
The story follows our FMC, Alexis, and her best friend turned fake boyfriend, Seth, as they go back to Alexis' house for the Thanksgiving break in hopes to ease her mom's anxiety and stress over Alexis' love life. But as the week progresses, fake feelings turn real and now both Alexis and Seth have to decide if chasing the real thing is worth it in the end.
Liz Leiby's charming writing, sarcastic dialogue, and swoon-worthy romantic scenes made this book an instant classic and one I will reread every Thanksgiving from now on.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers, fake dating, and one bed tropes, then this is the book for you! Cannot recommend it enough!
November 1, 2025
Loved this one! Alexis and Seth are such likable characters. While best friends, they each have complicated feelings and expectations about their relationship.
Fake dating during fall break of their last year of college leads them to really examine their own true feelings for each other. In the middle of all this, family dynamics, on both sides, create an additional layer of complexity.
Alexis is a smart, strong FMC, who knows what she wants in the future for her career, but is anxious about everything else.
Seth, after finally following his own dreams when making future career based plans, can’t put his feelings for Alexis aside in order to reduce possible unknowns.
I absolutely want to know more about these characters, and how their story unfolds!
Thank you to the author for the ARC to review!
Fake dating during fall break of their last year of college leads them to really examine their own true feelings for each other. In the middle of all this, family dynamics, on both sides, create an additional layer of complexity.
Alexis is a smart, strong FMC, who knows what she wants in the future for her career, but is anxious about everything else.
Seth, after finally following his own dreams when making future career based plans, can’t put his feelings for Alexis aside in order to reduce possible unknowns.
I absolutely want to know more about these characters, and how their story unfolds!
Thank you to the author for the ARC to review!
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October 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy for review, all thoughts in this review are my own.
This is my first book by Liz and I really enjoyed the writing, there were parts that had me laughing and parts that had me swooning.
Unfortunately I think this is the book that is making me realize that I have aged out of college romances. These characters (mainly the FMC) were just too immature for me. Seth was a sweet boy and he did not deserve the shit that Alexis put him through with her lack of confidence and conflict avoidance.
I would still recommend this book to readers who like younger main characters/coming of age stories. I think a younger me probably would have enjoyed this more.
This is my first book by Liz and I really enjoyed the writing, there were parts that had me laughing and parts that had me swooning.
Unfortunately I think this is the book that is making me realize that I have aged out of college romances. These characters (mainly the FMC) were just too immature for me. Seth was a sweet boy and he did not deserve the shit that Alexis put him through with her lack of confidence and conflict avoidance.
I would still recommend this book to readers who like younger main characters/coming of age stories. I think a younger me probably would have enjoyed this more.
October 30, 2025
Okay, but The Stand-In absolutely stole my heart.
If you’ve ever survived a theatre program (or loved someone who did), this book will feel like coming home — equal parts drama, laughter, and way too many feelings backstage. Alexis and Seth’s story hit me right in the “best friends who are definitely in love but too stubborn to admit it” feels. The fake dating setup for the holidays? Chef’s kiss.
Seth has officially joined my list of top-tier book boyfriends. He's charming, patient, and the kind of guy who makes you believe in quiet devotion. Liz Lieby just gets it... the tension, the heart, the humor, all of it.
Basically, if you love contemporary romance, theatre kids, and a fake dating trope done right, add this to your TBR immediately.
If you’ve ever survived a theatre program (or loved someone who did), this book will feel like coming home — equal parts drama, laughter, and way too many feelings backstage. Alexis and Seth’s story hit me right in the “best friends who are definitely in love but too stubborn to admit it” feels. The fake dating setup for the holidays? Chef’s kiss.
Seth has officially joined my list of top-tier book boyfriends. He's charming, patient, and the kind of guy who makes you believe in quiet devotion. Liz Lieby just gets it... the tension, the heart, the humor, all of it.
Basically, if you love contemporary romance, theatre kids, and a fake dating trope done right, add this to your TBR immediately.
October 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
This is a beautifully done friends to lovers college romance. Seth and Alexis have been friends for three years, but Seth has been pining for her since she friend zoned him freshman year. But when they have to fake a relationship for Alexis's parents at Thanksgiving, they both wonder how fake it really is.
There's something about Liz's writing that makes me get so immersed in her books. There's a point where characters stop feeling like characters and start feeling like people. Her characters always feel so real that I can't help but feel so much for them.
I laughed. I cried. I loved every minute. This is short and sweet and I definitely recommend it!
This is a beautifully done friends to lovers college romance. Seth and Alexis have been friends for three years, but Seth has been pining for her since she friend zoned him freshman year. But when they have to fake a relationship for Alexis's parents at Thanksgiving, they both wonder how fake it really is.
There's something about Liz's writing that makes me get so immersed in her books. There's a point where characters stop feeling like characters and start feeling like people. Her characters always feel so real that I can't help but feel so much for them.
I laughed. I cried. I loved every minute. This is short and sweet and I definitely recommend it!
November 17, 2025
Thank you Liz Leiby for this eARC! This is my first book by her and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait to read her others.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the fake dating trope, and a he fell first is the cherry on top! I am often hit or miss with romance because storylines feel unrealistic but I thought this love story was paced perfectly and it all felt believable even when they were fake dating! The FMC, Alexis, felt so relatable. I loved Seth’s (the MMC) honesty and vulnerability- he’s such a sweetie! Will they put their fears aside and follow their hearts?
With the setting taking place over the holidays I would recommend reading this soon- it’s giving all the vibes! You will like this if you enjoy college age romance. Spice level was 🌶️🌶️.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the fake dating trope, and a he fell first is the cherry on top! I am often hit or miss with romance because storylines feel unrealistic but I thought this love story was paced perfectly and it all felt believable even when they were fake dating! The FMC, Alexis, felt so relatable. I loved Seth’s (the MMC) honesty and vulnerability- he’s such a sweetie! Will they put their fears aside and follow their hearts?
With the setting taking place over the holidays I would recommend reading this soon- it’s giving all the vibes! You will like this if you enjoy college age romance. Spice level was 🌶️🌶️.
November 29, 2025
I absolutely loved The Stand-In and the entire trilogy. Liz Leiby delivers another smart, heartfelt, and addictive story that pulled me in from the first chapter. The characters are vibrant, messy, and real, and the twists kept me turning pages late into the night. This book—and the whole trilogy—has that perfect blend of humor, emotion, and heart that stays with you long after you’re done. I love being able to follow characters from other books in the series and their main character stories! Highly recommend!
December 1, 2025
The Stand-In was a very cute best friends to lovers book.
I went in expecting a light, fun rom-com, and it definitely delivers on the humor and banter.
The dynamic between the leads is playful and heartfelt, and the “stand-in” premise is executed in a way that feels fresh.
My only wish is that a few moments and characters had been explored a bit more but overall, this was an adorable, feel-good read that left me smiling.
If you’re looking for a cozy romance with humor, heart, and a touch of chaos, this one is worth picking up.
I went in expecting a light, fun rom-com, and it definitely delivers on the humor and banter.
The dynamic between the leads is playful and heartfelt, and the “stand-in” premise is executed in a way that feels fresh.
My only wish is that a few moments and characters had been explored a bit more but overall, this was an adorable, feel-good read that left me smiling.
If you’re looking for a cozy romance with humor, heart, and a touch of chaos, this one is worth picking up.
October 24, 2025
Prepare to fall in love with Alexis and Seth. I've been having a tough week at work, and this book was exactly the escape I needed. I read the entire book in one day because I couldn't stop. I would catch myself smiling and thinking about reading more. This is my favorite "friends to lovers" storyline that I've read so far. Add this to your TBR today.....you won't regret it.
*Very likeable main characters
*Perfect amount of spice
*Love, happiness, heartbreak
*Very likeable main characters
*Perfect amount of spice
*Love, happiness, heartbreak
October 31, 2025
Thank you for the chance to be an ARC reader for The Stand-In. Even if fantasy is my typical genre and true enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, I absolutely LOVE a good friends to lovers contemporary romance and this one was soooo perfect for that! Liz did such a great job writing characters who felt fully human and not just like names on a page. I loved the story and character growth throughout. This was such a great warm fuzzy comfort read!!
October 22, 2025
This book was cute!! I was hard for me to get into at first but when Seth and Alexis went away together for Thanksgiving break, I didn’t want to put the book down! Liz added some spice but not too spicy! The details were on point and I had all the feels at the end! Both crying and happy!
Overall, LOVED it!!! Gave it 4 stars for a harder start!
Overall, LOVED it!!! Gave it 4 stars for a harder start!
October 29, 2025
The Stand-in was a sweet romantic story about Seth and Alexis and the story of their love! Alexis wants to reduce the stress her mom has about her not having a boyfriend, so brings her best friend Seth home to be her pretend boyfriend to meet her family. What develops between them is sweet and sincere and truly a beautiful relationship!
October 29, 2025
Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down once I started!
College friends who have been in love for way to long. Fake dating ....
Seth and Alex are absolutely perfect together!!! They are relationship goals for everyone! The struggle to exchange what they truly felt for eachother was long over due, but once they did...sparks!!!
College friends who have been in love for way to long. Fake dating ....
Seth and Alex are absolutely perfect together!!! They are relationship goals for everyone! The struggle to exchange what they truly felt for eachother was long over due, but once they did...sparks!!!
November 20, 2025
My favorite of the Middle Penn series! Liz did it again, creating wonderful characters you get an instant connection too. The story lines for the main characters, their families and friends were so well done and added depth and sincerity! I laughed, I cried, I was nostalgic and overall joyful. Don’t miss this! I’ll be starting over with a re-read of this series soon!!
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