Another Havana Hangover: A Tanner Ford Thriller

by Randy Richardson

From the award-winning author of Havana Hangover comes the pulse-pounding sequel, Another Havana Hangover.



Tanner Ford never meant to become a spy. He became one because Richard Swift-a Washington powerbroker with a talent for finding weakness-gave him no other choice. Swift doesn't rule through force. He rules through leverage, fear, and systems designed to decide outcomes before anyone realizes they've lost.



Now Swift's reach is global. His power nearly untouchable. And Tanner is the man who helped him build it.



To escape, Tanner must destroy the very machinery he once believed might redeem him. That means returning to Havana-the city that shaped him, scarred him, and still holds the people he left behind. As old loyalties resurface and long-buried betrayals demand payment, Tanner is forced to confront the cost of trust-and whether it can ever be earned again.



Another Havana Hangover is a gripping story of espionage and reckoning, where the most dangerous lie isn't the one you tell others-but the one you tell yourself about who you've become.

Genres: Amazon

276 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

Randy Richardson is an attorney, award-winning journalist, and the founding president of the Chicago Writers Association. He is the author of the Tanner Ford thriller series, including Havana Hangover and its sequel, Another Havana Hangover (2026), now available—a globe-spanning story of espionage, loyalty, and deception set eight years after the events of the original novel. Havana Hangover earned widespread acclaim, receiving honors from the Kindle Book Awards, BestThrillers.com, Reader Views, Readers’ Favorite, and the International Book Awards.
Richardson is also the author of the novels Cheeseland and Lost in the Ivy, and the coauthor of the nonfiction book Cubsessions. His essays have appeared in anthologies such as Chicken Soup for the Father and Son Soul and Cubbie Blues, as well as literary journals including Hypertext and Memory House.
He was the first male recipient of the National Federation of Press Women’s Communicator of Achievement Award and has been named to NewCity’s Lit 50: Who Really Books in Chicago list in 2019, 2022, and 2025. Learn more at randyrichardson.co.

Reviews

[Catherine Lanigan]

ANOTHER HAVANA HANGOVER BY RANDY RICHARDSON

RANDY RICHARDSON has not only raised the bar of excellence in the espionage-thriller genre but has created a higher standard of measure. Eclipsing the best in his field with his brutal and blisteringly visceral Hemingway-Esque writing style; there is no going anywhere else for a literary bullet-train chilling ride.
The utilization of Tanner Ford’s childhood trauma and wounds as battle gear against the evil, and far-too-believable government influencer, Swift, sucks the reader into Tanner’s psyche and gives us an understanding, even acceptance, of seemingly wrong choices that inflict pain on those we love the most.
In a current world of AI, video and audio generated fake news, fake history and mysterious deaths of notable figures as well as everyday heroes, ANOTHER HAVANA HANGOVER gives us a group of heroines and a hero who prove that the human will, infused with passion and love, can overcome evil.
ANOTHER HAVANA HANGOVER is the kind of sequel that will demand ANOTHER Tanner Ford novel. And Another. Another.
CATHERINE LANIGAN, Author: Romancing the Stone; The Jewel of the Nile; Magical Midnight; The Adventures of Lilli and Zane series www.catherinelanigan.com

[READER VIEWS]

Richard Swift is the face of modern evil. He’s not a thief, human trafficker, or serial murderer. He’s far worse. His tools are power, fear, and governmental systems. He’s a DC powerbroker whose superpower is finding that one weakness in every person, no matter what it is, that would have them selling their souls. Sadly, for many of the people Swift seeks to destroy, that weakness involves a loved one. No problem. Swift doesn’t mind taking out a child, a love interest, elderly parents, or anyone else to make his point. The only thing standing between him and his ultimate global powerplay is a reluctant spy and two Olympic-quality kick-a$$ women in Randy Richardson’s Another Havana Hangover.

This is book two in the Tanner Ford Thriller series, following the original Havana Hangover (2023), where we first met many of these operators. Since Tanner gets titular billing, let’s start with him: he’s very good at his job. He started his adult life as a lawyer but is now a top-notch agent who fell into this job when Swift (his estranged former best friend) lured him into his Gordian knot. Tanner wanted no part of this and naively thought that if he could pull off one operation for Swift, he would be allowed to walk away.

For eight years, I’d worked in the long shadow of Richard Swift. Political operator. Predator in a tailored suit. A man who once lingered on the edges of Washington and was now poised to sit at the center of it.

Underestimating Swift has definitely been a downfall of Tanner’s time and again. Tanner is also extremely volatile and prone to moving prior to full planning or preparation—an action that can get him and others killed—but creates loads of fun for readers.

Our reluctant hero will be teaming up on the side of good with two amazing women: Dannel and Zoe. Readers met them in the original Tanner Ford novel, where Dannel played a key role. I’d love to tell you about these extremely capable women who surprised me at nearly every turn, but I think it would be best if you discovered their layered talents for yourself. It’s just more fun that way.

Havana itself is presented in a loving, yet unvarnished way, allowing us to see the lovely people, the fabulous natural beauty of Cuba, and the desperation of life in a corrupt system. One can’t help but ache for what was once the jewel of the Caribbean and now seems more like a jaded woman who has suffered a severe and destructive life. I love the way Richardson treats us to unusual views of the island and her people.

Another Havana Hangover takes us to Mexico, the States, and of course, Havana on a raucous ride no roller coaster engineer would dream of. The action starts on page one and does not let up, with the exception of brief moments for readers to catch their breath. But be quick about it, because Tanner’s most likely to cause more chaos at any moment. Did I mention there might even be a purely insane seat-of-the-pants escape attempt at Gitmo? “Swift didn’t need to kidnap people anymore. He could file them.”

Randy Richardson has created an exceptional novel of espionage, deceit, friendship, trust, and loyalty, all wrapped in a story that will intrigue, entertain, and delight readers. His unique style provides a sense of gravitas combined with a well ingrained sense of humor—a purely winning combination in my opinion. This story is fueled by testosterone, rocket-fuel, and a healthy dose of revenge. But while this story will appeal to fans of both action/adventure and suspense/thriller reads, don’t assume for a moment that this is pulp fiction. Another Havana Hangover is well written, brilliantly characterized, and immensely entertaining in its high-energy package. Yet Richardson doesn’t mind throwing in moments of deep reflection for us to stop and consider the deeper implications, such as “What, exactly, would I sell my soul for?”

I greatly enjoyed Another Havana Hangover and highly recommend it to readers who want an enjoyable yet high-octane read. While this is ultimately a continuation of Tanner’s story from book one, Randy Richardson has neatly written this story so that readers will be able to keep up with the mayhem and madness unleashed by Swift even if they haven’t yet enjoyed the first novel of the series. For best enjoyment, however, I do suggest starting at the beginning. It’s a story you don’t want to miss as well.

[Rita Dragonette]

Like its predecessor, this book is just short of over-the-top action, offering tons of thriller fun. This second edition in the Tanner Ford series is less rum-soaked confusion that stumbles into espionage, and more “prepared.” The familiar characters have matured, become scarred, learned each other’s true colors, and are ready for scorched-earth retribution. The story wastes no time. It’s stripped-down, and staccato–– just essence and reaction––propelling itself to a conclusion you know will blow your mind but is impossible to foresee. Chief among its delights is the language–– so hard-boiled you can crack and peel it. Richardson honors both the spare Hemingway and the master of sleuth-speak, Dashiell Hammett. It’s so much fun to read. I was laughing in admiration as I turned the pages. Enjoy.

[Cathy Martin]

Another Havana Hangover is a page turning thriller that will keep you engaged. Richardson's characters are believable and you will find yourself pulling for them the deeper you get in the novel. My first read of anything by this author and I definitely plan to read more of his work.

[Sahaja]

Another Havana Hangover: A Tanner Ford Thriller by Randy Richardson is a gripping espionage thriller that wastes very little time getting into the heart of the danger. From the opening pages, the story creates a sense that something much bigger is unfolding behind the scenes, and Tanner Ford finds himself once again caught in a world he desperately wants to leave behind. What makes Tanner fascinating is that he is not driven simply by ambition or a desire to be a hero. He is a man trying to reclaim control over his own life after years of being manipulated, and that personal struggle gives the action a much deeper meaning.

Richard Swift is an especially memorable antagonist because his power comes from understanding people rather than simply overpowering them. He knows how to exploit fear, loyalty, relationships, and personal weaknesses, making him an unsettling force throughout the story.Tanner's history with Swift adds another dimension to their conflict, turning their confrontation into something far more complicated than a traditional battle between hero and villain. The question of trust constantly hangs over the characters, and every alliance feels as though it could carry a hidden price.

The supporting characters add considerable depth to the novel, particularly Dannel and Zoe. Both women bring intelligence, determination, and unpredictability to the story, and their presence makes the team dynamic especially entertaining. Tanner may be experienced, but his tendency to act before everything is fully thought through creates plenty of opportunities for things to go spectacularly wrong. These imperfections make the characters feel more believable while also keeping the suspense unpredictable. Beneath the gunfire, missions, and escapes, the story is ultimately about people trying to protect what matters to them.

Another highlight is the way Richardson uses Havana as more than simply an exotic backdrop. The city is portrayed through its beauty, its history, its people, and its struggles, giving the setting an emotional presence of its own. The story's movement through Havana, Mexico, and the United States keeps the atmosphere constantly changing, while the fast pacing makes the book feel almost cinematic. There is plenty of action and tension, but the novel also pauses long enough to explore larger ideas about freedom, loyalty, manipulation, and the personal cost of allowing someone else to control your future.

Another Havana Hangover is an entertaining and intense thriller that successfully combines espionage, political intrigue, betrayal, friendship, revenge, and redemption. Randy Richardson gives the story plenty of momentum without losing sight of the emotional struggles driving his characters.Tanner Ford's battle is not only against the dangerous forces surrounding him but also against the choices and compromises that brought him to this point. For readers who enjoy high-energy thrillers with complex characters, international settings, unexpected danger, and a deeper emotional layer beneath the action, this book offers an absorbing ride that is difficult to put down.

[Gowthami]

Randy Richardson’s Another Havana Hangover is an energetic espionage thriller that immediately throws the reader into a world of danger, manipulation, and impossible choices. Tanner Ford is a fascinating protagonist because he never set out to become a spy, yet circumstances have pulled him deeper into a world controlled by Richard Swift, a man who understands exactly how to exploit people. Tanner’s return to Havana makes the story even more personal, bringing his past, old loyalties, and unresolved conflicts back into the picture.

The suspense is maintained throughout the story, with Tanner constantly having to stay one step ahead of people who are more powerful and better prepared than he is. I particularly enjoyed how the action is balanced with character development. Tanner is not portrayed as an unbeatable hero. His mistakes, impulsive decisions, and emotional struggles make him feel much more human, while the supporting characters add additional layers to the unfolding conflict.

Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining thriller that kept me invested from beginning to end. The international settings, political intrigue, betrayals, and fast-moving action create a compelling reading experience, while the deeper themes of trust, loyalty, guilt, and redemption give the story substance. Another Havana Hangover is a strong sequel and an excellent choice for readers who enjoy sophisticated espionage stories with plenty of tension.

[Pooja]

Another Havana Hangover delivers exactly what I look for in a good thriller: an intriguing protagonist, a dangerous antagonist, complicated relationships, and a plot that never allows the tension to disappear for long. Tanner Ford finds himself caught in the influence of Richard Swift, whose ability to manipulate people makes him a particularly frightening villain. Instead of relying on conventional power, Swift uses weaknesses and secrets, making every encounter with him feel unpredictable.

The journey back to Havana is one of the strongest aspects of the story for me. Richardson gives the setting personality and atmosphere while using it as a place where Tanner must confront memories and unfinished business. The story also moves beyond Havana, creating a wider international scope without losing the personal nature of Tanner’s struggle. The combination of action, espionage, and emotional conflict works remarkably well.

I found this to be a highly enjoyable thriller with enough twists and tension to keep the pages turning. The characters are well developed, the pacing keeps the story moving, and the writing creates a strong sense of urgency. Richardson has clearly built a world around Tanner Ford that can support plenty more stories, and after finishing this one, I can understand why readers would be eager for another adventure.

[Shravya]

There is something especially entertaining about a thriller where the hero is constantly forced to improvise, and Another Havana Hangover makes excellent use of that idea. Tanner Ford is talented, but he is also impulsive and deeply conflicted, which means his decisions do not always go according to plan. His complicated history with Richard Swift makes their confrontation particularly interesting because the danger between them is rooted in years of manipulation and misplaced trust.

Richardson keeps the narrative moving through political intrigue, espionage, danger, and unexpected developments. Havana provides an atmospheric backdrop, but the story does not remain confined to one location. The movement between different places gives the thriller a larger scale while the emotional story remains centered on Tanner and the people connected to him. I also appreciated the way the female characters bring strength and unpredictability to the action.

This is a thriller that manages to be both exciting and thoughtful. Beneath the chase scenes and dangerous missions is a story about how far someone can be pushed before deciding to fight back. Questions of loyalty, identity, friendship, and redemption give Tanner’s journey greater meaning. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of fast-paced suspense and character-driven storytelling

[Priyanka]

Another Havana Hangover is a tense and atmospheric thriller that wastes little time getting into the heart of its story. Tanner Ford is already caught in a dangerous situation when we meet him, and the influence of Richard Swift hangs over practically every decision he makes. Swift is the kind of antagonist who does not need to stand in a room threatening someone to create fear. His real weapon is his understanding of human weakness, and that makes him especially unsettling.

One of my favorite elements was the way Richardson uses Havana as part of the emotional landscape of the novel. It is a place connected to Tanner’s history, relationships, and regrets, so returning there feels significant rather than simply convenient. The action also expands beyond Havana, giving the novel an international feel while keeping the central conflict personal. The story constantly creates new complications without becoming difficult to follow.

For me, this was a thoroughly entertaining read with a strong balance of suspense and character development. There are moments of high-stakes action, but the story also gives Tanner room to confront who he has become and what he is willing to sacrifice to change his circumstances. Fans of espionage, political thrillers, and morally complicated protagonists should find plenty to appreciate here.

[Likhil]

Randy Richardson has created a thriller in Another Havana Hangover that combines action with a surprisingly thoughtful examination of trust and personal responsibility. Tanner Ford is trapped in a world he never intended to enter, and his connection to Richard Swift makes escaping particularly difficult. Swift has built his influence around manipulation, fear, and leverage, making him a villain who feels dangerous because his power extends far beyond physical confrontation.

Tanner’s return to Havana adds an emotional dimension to the adventure. His past refuses to stay buried, and the people and memories connected to the city force him to reconsider some of the choices that brought him to this point. I enjoyed watching him work alongside capable allies while navigating a situation where nobody can afford to assume that everyone is trustworthy. The story keeps introducing pressure from different directions, which makes the suspense feel constant.

What impressed me most was the way the novel combines a high-energy plot with deeper themes. It is certainly an action-packed espionage story, but it is also about consequences, redemption, loyalty, and the difficult process of reclaiming control over your own life. The result is an engaging sequel that feels substantial as well as entertaining.

[Gana]

Another Havana Hangover takes readers into a world where political influence, secrets, fear, and personal relationships can be more dangerous than any weapon. Tanner Ford is a reluctant participant in this world, and his attempt to escape Richard Swift becomes increasingly complicated as the consequences of his past actions catch up with him. Swift is a particularly effective villain because he understands that people often have something they cannot afford to lose.

The story kept me engaged through its combination of suspenseful situations and emotional conflicts. Tanner’s return to Havana feels important because the city connects him to memories and relationships that he cannot simply ignore. The action then carries the reader across multiple locations, creating a sense of scale while keeping the focus on Tanner’s struggle. I also liked the way the novel explores trust, especially when every relationship seems capable of becoming a vulnerability.

This book delivers an exciting thriller experience while still giving the reader something to think about after the action settles. Tanner’s struggle is ultimately about discovering whether he can undo the damage caused by his past and whether redemption is actually possible. Richardson’s writing keeps the story moving while allowing those ideas to develop naturally, resulting in a gripping and satisfying sequel

[Shannon Pilcher]

Another Havana Hangover is a tense espionage thriller built around the consequences of power, manipulation, and compromised loyalty. Tanner Ford is compelling precisely because he is not simply fighting an external enemy; he is confronting the machinery he once helped build. His return to Havana gives the story an emotionally charged setting where personal history and political danger intersect.

The novel’s strongest element is its exploration of trust and moral accountability. Richard Swift’s influence operates through leverage and psychological control rather than brute force, creating a threat that feels systemic and difficult to escape. Tanner’s struggle to dismantle that influence while confronting old loyalties and buried betrayals gives the narrative a deeper dimension than a conventional spy thriller.

With its combination of international intrigue, personal reckoning, and a protagonist forced to question the person he has become, Another Havana Hangover delivers a story driven as much by character conflict as by suspense. The Havana setting, layered betrayals, and examination of self-deception give the novel a distinct emotional weight while maintaining the momentum expected from a thriller.

[Rohini]

From its premise alone, Another Havana Hangover had everything needed to make it an engaging thriller, but the characters are what really make the story work. Tanner Ford is an unlikely spy whose circumstances have placed him in an incredibly dangerous position. His relationship with Richard Swift is complicated by their history, and that connection gives the conflict a personal edge that makes every confrontation more meaningful.

The story moves through Havana and other locations with an impressive sense of momentum. There are secrets to uncover, loyalties to question, and plenty of moments where Tanner has to act before he has all the answers. I liked that he is not written as a flawless action hero. His willingness to take risks can create trouble, but it also makes the action unpredictable and gives him an appealingly human quality.

This was an exciting read that kept me curious about what would happen next. The combination of political manipulation, espionage, friendship, betrayal, and action makes the novel appealing to a wide range of thriller readers. Richardson also leaves enough emotional depth beneath the action to make Tanner’s journey feel important rather than simply entertaining.

[Anitha]

Another Havana Hangover is the kind of thriller that makes you feel as though trouble is always just around the corner. Tanner Ford has spent years caught in Richard Swift’s shadow, and now he has to find a way to break free from the system he helped build. Swift’s ability to control people through secrets and vulnerabilities makes him a chilling opponent, especially because Tanner knows firsthand just how dangerous he can be.

The return to Havana gives the story a strong sense of place and brings an emotional connection to Tanner’s journey. I enjoyed how the beautiful and troubled sides of the city are both reflected in the narrative. The novel then expands into a broader international adventure filled with danger and deception. The pacing remains lively, while the relationships between the characters prevent the story from becoming just a sequence of action scenes.

I came away from this book feeling that Richardson successfully delivered a sequel with its own identity while continuing Tanner Ford’s larger story. The suspense is strong, the characters are interesting, and the themes of trust and redemption add depth. It is an enjoyable choice for anyone looking for an intelligent thriller with plenty of action and intrigue.

[Bindu]

There is a real sense of urgency running through Another Havana Hangover, and that urgency made it difficult to put the book down. Tanner Ford is facing an enemy who understands exactly how to manipulate people, and Richard Swift’s influence seems to reach almost everywhere. Tanner’s greatest challenge is not simply escaping Swift but dismantling the system that has controlled so much of his life.

I particularly enjoyed the combination of international intrigue and personal drama. Havana becomes an important part of Tanner’s emotional journey, while the movement through different locations keeps the plot feeling expansive. The supporting cast adds another dimension to the story, and the shifting loyalties make it difficult to know who can truly be trusted. Richardson also does a good job of allowing moments of reflection to exist alongside the action.

This is a well-crafted thriller with a strong protagonist and an antagonist who creates genuine tension. The action is exciting, but what stayed with me most was Tanner’s struggle to understand his own choices and decide what kind of person he wants to become. It is a satisfying continuation of the series and a compelling read for fans of espionage fiction.

[Thanuja Shetty]

Another Havana Hangover grabbed my attention with its combination of political power, espionage, personal betrayal, and an unwilling hero. Tanner Ford is caught in a situation that feels almost impossible to escape, particularly because Richard Swift knows how to use the weaknesses of others against them. Their history adds an interesting emotional layer to the conflict and makes Tanner’s attempt to fight back feel like more than a simple mission.

The novel has plenty of movement and suspense, but it also takes time to explore the people behind the action. Tanner’s relationships, past experiences, and difficult decisions all contribute to the story. Havana is especially memorable because it is presented as both beautiful and complicated, giving the narrative an atmosphere that stays with you. The international elements also give the book a larger scale without overwhelming its central character.

I enjoyed the way Randy Richardson combines a fast-paced thriller with themes that invite deeper thought. Tanner’s journey is ultimately about taking responsibility, confronting the past, and finding a way forward when trust has been damaged. With strong pacing and plenty of intrigue, this is a sequel that should satisfy readers who enjoy character-driven espionage adventures

[Ramesh]

Randy Richardson’s Another Havana Hangover is a thrilling mixture of espionage, political manipulation, action, and complicated relationships. Tanner Ford is once again placed in an incredibly dangerous position, but this time the stakes feel even more personal. Richard Swift is a fascinating antagonist because his greatest weapon is not brute strength. He understands people, finds their vulnerabilities, and uses those weaknesses to control them.

The story’s various settings contribute significantly to the atmosphere. Havana in particular feels like a character in its own right, carrying both beauty and painful history. Tanner’s return forces him to confront parts of his past that he would probably rather leave behind. Meanwhile, the action keeps expanding, bringing new threats and unexpected complications that make the story consistently engaging.

I appreciated the balance between adrenaline-fueled moments and quieter passages that explore Tanner’s emotions and motivations. The book has the pace expected from a thriller but does not sacrifice character development in the process. It is a compelling story about escaping manipulation and trying to regain control of your own identity, making it a strong addition to the Tanner Ford series

[Vennela]

Some thrillers rely entirely on action, while others focus heavily on character, but Another Havana Hangover finds a satisfying middle ground. Tanner Ford is surrounded by danger, yet the story never loses sight of the person underneath the spy. His complicated history with Richard Swift gives the novel a strong emotional foundation, while Swift’s calculated approach to power makes him an antagonist who is genuinely difficult to underestimate.

I enjoyed the unpredictable nature of Tanner’s journey. His tendency to act quickly and take risks means that even when he has a plan, things can go wrong very quickly. The story also benefits from its supporting characters, who bring their own strengths and perspectives into the unfolding conflict. Havana adds atmosphere and emotional significance, while the wider international settings give the narrative a larger sense of scale.

Overall, this was a highly entertaining thriller with plenty of suspense and an engaging cast of characters. The story explores what happens when loyalty becomes complicated and when escaping the past requires confronting it instead of running away. Richardson has created a sequel that combines action with meaningful character development, making this a memorable read for thriller fans.

[Sharon Woodhouse]

"Havana Hangover" was entertaining. Richardson takes "Another Havana Hangover" to a whole new level...an imaginative premise against a chilling, chaotic background, three complicated main characters with complex motives of their own, and told with tight, page-turning pacing.

[David W. Berner]

I am loving this series. Entertaining, suspenseful, charged and even funny. Randy knows exactly how to shape and construct a great thriller. Read the first one, too. You will not be disappointed.

[Eduardo J. Rubiera]

Terrible writing.

[Chris Montez]

Started out kind of vague, but picked up the pace.

[Arlene]

Five stars, except . . .

Randy Richardson‘s writing is amazing – thrilling, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by him that wasn’t interesting to read, even when it’s not my genre. I gave it four stars instead of five because I felt the episode with the other woman was totally gratuitous. It’s making it hard for me to recommend the book to some of my older friends who would not appreciate it, or to my daughters.