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Tyler's Trouble Trilogy #4
Southern Harm
After a racing bet goes wrong, Kentucky's most eligible bachelor, Oscar Novak-Chambers, is up to his neck in trouble with ruthless loan shark Louie Gomez. To clear the debt, Oscar must use the family's good standing with the governor's office to obtain a monumental favor.
When he inadvertently misleads the governor, he gains yet another powerful enemy. Time for plan B.
Oscar targets the governor's daughter, Stacey Davenport, for the leverage she can offer with her father. However, as a consultant to the DA's office, Stacey is out to bring down Kentucky's criminal hierarchy—and Louie Gomez is on her list—the man Oscar needs to appease.
But Stacey has her own secrets. Can she keep her skeletons in the closet?
As the web of lies unravels, hidden secrets turn deceit into a motive for murder.
When he inadvertently misleads the governor, he gains yet another powerful enemy. Time for plan B.
Oscar targets the governor's daughter, Stacey Davenport, for the leverage she can offer with her father. However, as a consultant to the DA's office, Stacey is out to bring down Kentucky's criminal hierarchy—and Louie Gomez is on her list—the man Oscar needs to appease.
But Stacey has her own secrets. Can she keep her skeletons in the closet?
As the web of lies unravels, hidden secrets turn deceit into a motive for murder.
384 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2019
56 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Travis Casey
64 books198 followersIf you are looking for hot alpha males with no fear of anything, a virgin love interest, and a few billion in the bank; may I suggest the next aisle over where you’ll also find the blindfolded bodice-rippers.
If you are looking for an author who writes safe and tip toes around sensitive issues, perhaps you should look in the “I keep a tight rein on my characters and never let them speak their mind without censorship” section.
If, like I, you subscribe to the Truman Capote philosophy “You can’t blame a writer for what the characters say,” then I have some great fiction for you.
Hi, I'm Travis. I am a beach read writer and in-print entertainer. That means I write fun books. The topics and content may be highly charged with what may be considered politically incorrect these days, but what fun is life if we can't laugh.
Here are some of my favorite lines from reviews I have received. (And they are not all 5-star “I'm the greatest writer ever.”)
* Travis Casey is a writer who takes chances. In this political satire, he hits on controversial topics. I laughed and shook my head as political correctness took a giant leap out the window. – The Mayor’s Race
* When first reading this book, I absolutely loathed it, until I realized that it was really the character, Mr. Hightower, that I hated rather than the book. To make someone hate a character as much as I despised this one is a rare talent. He is a misogynistic narcissist with a knack for gaslighting that cheats on his wife with a former student and still looks down upon others for drinking any sort of alcohol, having a job in the sex industry, and swearing of any sort. –No Halo Required
* This book will make you chuckle at the characters' antics while simultaneously wanting to scream with aggravation when they do something particularly foolish. The ratio of romance to adventure skews in favor of adventure, and it makes for an exciting story with just enough flirting to be fun. With its clever conversations, strong plot, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is worth reading! – Southern Harm
* What makes a man fall completely head over heels in love? Well, we get to see why in this amazing book told in a male's POV. This book was beautifully written with a strong voice, a great blend of love and drama. The dialog was witty and hilarious, the characters fascinating and funny. – Forbidden Trouble
* Wow, reading this book was a hilarious, thrilling voyage! The witty, raw humor in this book draws you in right away and doesn't fail to keep you entertained for the whole ride. There was more than one time I found myself laughing out loud – Oceans of Trouble
* I am speechless about the book. Too many themes running at the same time -deceit, guilt, lust, infatuation, backstabbing, etc, etc. – Trouble Triangle
A dual citizen of America and Britain, I currently live in Minnesota with my British wife and two Shih Tzu/Bichon crosses, Shelby and Sia
If you are looking for an author who writes safe and tip toes around sensitive issues, perhaps you should look in the “I keep a tight rein on my characters and never let them speak their mind without censorship” section.
If, like I, you subscribe to the Truman Capote philosophy “You can’t blame a writer for what the characters say,” then I have some great fiction for you.
Hi, I'm Travis. I am a beach read writer and in-print entertainer. That means I write fun books. The topics and content may be highly charged with what may be considered politically incorrect these days, but what fun is life if we can't laugh.
Here are some of my favorite lines from reviews I have received. (And they are not all 5-star “I'm the greatest writer ever.”)
* Travis Casey is a writer who takes chances. In this political satire, he hits on controversial topics. I laughed and shook my head as political correctness took a giant leap out the window. – The Mayor’s Race
* When first reading this book, I absolutely loathed it, until I realized that it was really the character, Mr. Hightower, that I hated rather than the book. To make someone hate a character as much as I despised this one is a rare talent. He is a misogynistic narcissist with a knack for gaslighting that cheats on his wife with a former student and still looks down upon others for drinking any sort of alcohol, having a job in the sex industry, and swearing of any sort. –No Halo Required
* This book will make you chuckle at the characters' antics while simultaneously wanting to scream with aggravation when they do something particularly foolish. The ratio of romance to adventure skews in favor of adventure, and it makes for an exciting story with just enough flirting to be fun. With its clever conversations, strong plot, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is worth reading! – Southern Harm
* What makes a man fall completely head over heels in love? Well, we get to see why in this amazing book told in a male's POV. This book was beautifully written with a strong voice, a great blend of love and drama. The dialog was witty and hilarious, the characters fascinating and funny. – Forbidden Trouble
* Wow, reading this book was a hilarious, thrilling voyage! The witty, raw humor in this book draws you in right away and doesn't fail to keep you entertained for the whole ride. There was more than one time I found myself laughing out loud – Oceans of Trouble
* I am speechless about the book. Too many themes running at the same time -deceit, guilt, lust, infatuation, backstabbing, etc, etc. – Trouble Triangle
A dual citizen of America and Britain, I currently live in Minnesota with my British wife and two Shih Tzu/Bichon crosses, Shelby and Sia
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 3, 2020
Interesting book
This is one of the most interesting book I've read in the past few months. The story lune characters and the whole plot is on point . The comedy in it makes you want to read more of it . It also captures your attention .
This is one of the most interesting book I've read in the past few months. The story lune characters and the whole plot is on point . The comedy in it makes you want to read more of it . It also captures your attention .
June 1, 2019
SOUTHERN HARM won me over in the first chapter. Author Travis Casey spins a smart story with full-on action, and in Kentucky, there’s no better place to see action than at a horse track.
Oscar Novak-Chambers, a bad boy I couldn’t help but like, borrows a hundred grand from loan shark Louie Gomez and promptly loses it all at the track. The pressure is on for Oscar to pay the loan shark back.
Casey paints a gangster-type Louie right from the start. Tension builds whenever his character is in a scene, and the suspense will keep you reading.
Another character I like is Stacey Davenport. She’s the Kentucky governor’s daughter and a consultant to the DA’s office. Stacey can’t wait to put Louie behind bars. Oscar must think fast before he becomes collateral damage. Would a hot romance persuade Stacey to reconsider?
I’m a big fan of novels with unexpected twists. I logically imagined the story to go one way and was I ever wrong. Don’t miss SOUTHERN HARM.
Oscar Novak-Chambers, a bad boy I couldn’t help but like, borrows a hundred grand from loan shark Louie Gomez and promptly loses it all at the track. The pressure is on for Oscar to pay the loan shark back.
Casey paints a gangster-type Louie right from the start. Tension builds whenever his character is in a scene, and the suspense will keep you reading.
Another character I like is Stacey Davenport. She’s the Kentucky governor’s daughter and a consultant to the DA’s office. Stacey can’t wait to put Louie behind bars. Oscar must think fast before he becomes collateral damage. Would a hot romance persuade Stacey to reconsider?
I’m a big fan of novels with unexpected twists. I logically imagined the story to go one way and was I ever wrong. Don’t miss SOUTHERN HARM.
May 3, 2020
Liar liar, pantsss turn into a pair of cement shoes and everybody sets everybody else up.
Between Blue Lightning and Officer dimwit I mean Emmitt, this is a story where it's one person screwing over another like they're wearing those cement shoes while running an obstacle course. Yay?
But seriously this book had me at the blurb, suspense and twists sounded the order of the day and it sure was. This isn't the first book I've read by this author and like the Tyler book this one is all about dodging trouble and unexpectedly digging holes deeper before finding the light at the end of the tunnel. And even if some twists were predictable (did anyone really not guess Emmitt was going to be a large pain?) others weren't and in general this was entertaining.
Oscar is quite the guy and I think he's best summed up with the following quote: “Let me see if I have this right. I have a degree in sports psychology earned from the university of this fine state. My family has horse-racing roots going back to my great-great-grandfather. And I stand before you with one hundred thousand dollars in cold, hard cash, wanting to place a bet based on my research and vast knowledge of the horse-racing industry. And if that's not enough, I'm just plan lucky. Yet you wish to offer me unsolicited advice...You're a clerk, Thomas. It's your job to take the money without offering psychoanalysis. If you want a career in therapy, buy yourself a leather couch and a man-sized box of Kleenex.” And as for his lady, surprisingly (or not) she can be summed up in a single quote too: “His moral meter needed adjustments, and she was just the person to help make those calibrations.”
Notice how one quote is far longer than the other and that's no accident, to me Stacey was far more one dimensional (despite her “shady” past). For a large part of the book she was basically an attack dog about getting what she perceives as justice done then she mellows out some and well, then I won't ruin it but for my point I'll just say that for a co-lead I'd definitely have to say I think that Oscar was better written.
However by no means is this tale badly written or told, if anything I'd say it holds to the standard I have in my mind of this author and the only reason I don't give it five stars is because it's not so different from the other series so it's more a case of first time it was charming but the second time it starts to lose a little bit of its shine so though I gave that one five stars, it doesn't seem right to give “its son” the same rating. Doesn't a good parent want their child to be more than they are?
Speaking of children, Tyler and Roscoe sure are lenient on Oscar for most of this. I can think of few people who would just drop repeated amounts of money, no questions asked, but even less so when the person who takes it basically squanders it. But in a way that's Oscar's “charm” isn't it?
Well moving on to another thing I didn't like, the blurb already told me Oscar would be in trouble (well, actually that he *was* in trouble but anyway) so the first chapter being dedicated to his actually losing the money was time wasted in my opinion. But, it's not like it wasn't told with all the thrill due to losing a million dollars in dreams and one hundred thousand in cash so it could've been worse.
Also, like I said earlier this reminds me A LOT of the Tyler series but is it any wonder when he's Oscar's dad? Unless I misunderstood that? There's something about it in the author's end note but it didn't sound like it was contradicting it to me. But either way, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (no, I don't think there *was* a hill despite how much it comes up in the book) and Oscar also falls for a pushy older woman while all manner of bad to worse situations happen to him but it's still a fun ride (for us the readers) just like it was in the previous series. When you show up to your girlfriend's mansion to make up with her while totting a crime kingpin you know this is a study in bad luck.
So to wrap this up I'll again state that this book is enjoyable, it lives up to the 'romantic suspense' in the title and I'd gladly recommend it to any Casey fans or fans of the genre.
Between Blue Lightning and Officer dimwit I mean Emmitt, this is a story where it's one person screwing over another like they're wearing those cement shoes while running an obstacle course. Yay?
But seriously this book had me at the blurb, suspense and twists sounded the order of the day and it sure was. This isn't the first book I've read by this author and like the Tyler book this one is all about dodging trouble and unexpectedly digging holes deeper before finding the light at the end of the tunnel. And even if some twists were predictable (did anyone really not guess Emmitt was going to be a large pain?) others weren't and in general this was entertaining.
Oscar is quite the guy and I think he's best summed up with the following quote: “Let me see if I have this right. I have a degree in sports psychology earned from the university of this fine state. My family has horse-racing roots going back to my great-great-grandfather. And I stand before you with one hundred thousand dollars in cold, hard cash, wanting to place a bet based on my research and vast knowledge of the horse-racing industry. And if that's not enough, I'm just plan lucky. Yet you wish to offer me unsolicited advice...You're a clerk, Thomas. It's your job to take the money without offering psychoanalysis. If you want a career in therapy, buy yourself a leather couch and a man-sized box of Kleenex.” And as for his lady, surprisingly (or not) she can be summed up in a single quote too: “His moral meter needed adjustments, and she was just the person to help make those calibrations.”
Notice how one quote is far longer than the other and that's no accident, to me Stacey was far more one dimensional (despite her “shady” past). For a large part of the book she was basically an attack dog about getting what she perceives as justice done then she mellows out some and well, then I won't ruin it but for my point I'll just say that for a co-lead I'd definitely have to say I think that Oscar was better written.
However by no means is this tale badly written or told, if anything I'd say it holds to the standard I have in my mind of this author and the only reason I don't give it five stars is because it's not so different from the other series so it's more a case of first time it was charming but the second time it starts to lose a little bit of its shine so though I gave that one five stars, it doesn't seem right to give “its son” the same rating. Doesn't a good parent want their child to be more than they are?
Speaking of children, Tyler and Roscoe sure are lenient on Oscar for most of this. I can think of few people who would just drop repeated amounts of money, no questions asked, but even less so when the person who takes it basically squanders it. But in a way that's Oscar's “charm” isn't it?
Well moving on to another thing I didn't like, the blurb already told me Oscar would be in trouble (well, actually that he *was* in trouble but anyway) so the first chapter being dedicated to his actually losing the money was time wasted in my opinion. But, it's not like it wasn't told with all the thrill due to losing a million dollars in dreams and one hundred thousand in cash so it could've been worse.
Also, like I said earlier this reminds me A LOT of the Tyler series but is it any wonder when he's Oscar's dad? Unless I misunderstood that? There's something about it in the author's end note but it didn't sound like it was contradicting it to me. But either way, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (no, I don't think there *was* a hill despite how much it comes up in the book) and Oscar also falls for a pushy older woman while all manner of bad to worse situations happen to him but it's still a fun ride (for us the readers) just like it was in the previous series. When you show up to your girlfriend's mansion to make up with her while totting a crime kingpin you know this is a study in bad luck.
So to wrap this up I'll again state that this book is enjoyable, it lives up to the 'romantic suspense' in the title and I'd gladly recommend it to any Casey fans or fans of the genre.
March 30, 2022
Instant fan! I'll be adding many of Travis Casey's books to my reading list. Starting out with the handsome and rich bachelor, Oscar Novak-Chambers, had my attention from the beginning. His trouble with Mr. Gomez had me wondering how this was all going to turn out. It seems just as Oscar feels a sense of relief that things are going smoothly, another major issue arises. Be it with Louie Gomez, the cops, the Governor, or, most importantly the Governor's daughter, Stacey Davenport. Stacey has a bit of a spontaneous temper, but it comes with great moral values, something duly noted by Oscar. Her stubbornness, mixed with her undeniable attraction to the troubled Mr. Novak-Chambers, is what prevails, and frees Oscar from his misfortune.
This drama-filled, edge-of-your-seat romance novel is a story for all readers. There is a plot twist that keeps you guessing 'til the very end and the outcome was not as I suspected!
I absolutely loved this read and have already been boasting about it to anyone who will listen. Travis Casey, in my opinion, is comparable to the top authors in this genre. I hope I'm not overstepping when I say this novel made me feel the same way I feel when I read James Patterson. So happy to have found another phenomenal author! Thank you!
This drama-filled, edge-of-your-seat romance novel is a story for all readers. There is a plot twist that keeps you guessing 'til the very end and the outcome was not as I suspected!
I absolutely loved this read and have already been boasting about it to anyone who will listen. Travis Casey, in my opinion, is comparable to the top authors in this genre. I hope I'm not overstepping when I say this novel made me feel the same way I feel when I read James Patterson. So happy to have found another phenomenal author! Thank you!
April 16, 2019
I so wanted to love Southern Harm, because there is quite a bit of humor mixed in with the romance, but I just couldn’t get myself there. The story follows Oscar, a guy from a wealthy and influential family who has gambled away his money at the racetrack. He owes a gangster thousands of dollars, and is tasked with befriending a politician in order to wipe the slate clean. Oscar finds himself teamed up with the politician’s daughter in a golf tournament and they begin dating.
Oscar can’t seem to catch a break, so plenty of humor ensues. Unfortunately, I never connected with the character and couldn’t really feel bad for him. He’s the reason he’s found himself in this predicament, and he’s not very likeable. Stacey is not that likeable either, and certainly not her father. So all in all, I had trouble rooting for the couple to get together. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed, but the characters didn’t win me over.
Oscar can’t seem to catch a break, so plenty of humor ensues. Unfortunately, I never connected with the character and couldn’t really feel bad for him. He’s the reason he’s found himself in this predicament, and he’s not very likeable. Stacey is not that likeable either, and certainly not her father. So all in all, I had trouble rooting for the couple to get together. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed, but the characters didn’t win me over.
July 22, 2020
Southern Harm is a fun romance novel filled with suspense, humor and some nice twists and turns. My immature alter ego loved bad boy Oscar Novak-Chambers and his family of troublemakers. The quintessential bachelor who should have an eye kept on him at all times, Oscar lands himself in gambling debt to gangster and loan shark Louie Gomez. To square up, Oscar must make moves with the governor to help Louis obtain part of a state park, where something he wants is buried. Well-aware of his appeal with women, Oscar makes moves on the governor's daughter to try and get to her father so he can clear his slate. What ensues is an adventure that will make you laugh while keeping you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and their antics are fun to read!
April 8, 2019
It’s always great when you read a type of genre you normally don’t read, or a new author, and you are hooked from the first page. Southern Harm definitely did not disappoint. Thoroughly engaging, the main character, Oscar, seems to be a magnet when it comes to getting into trouble. Although it was predictable that a romance was in bloom between Oscar and the governor’s daughter, Stacey, the storyline keeps you intrigued. Set in Kentucky, Travis Casey paints a perfect picture of the south. I really enjoyed reading this novel, and may even read more by this author.
April 15, 2022
Strong pacing—the chapters moved quickly, enticing for a reader to keep going with the story. The humor intermingling with the romance made it a fun romp. The dialogue felt realistic and unforced, not canned!
Something I wished for while reading was a bit more focus: the inclusion of details, while nice for the world building, could be a bit distracting at times. This would also give readers space to delve into the emotional lives of the characters. Travis Casey’s strength is definitely in developing the plot’s twists and turns, and succeeds there! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Something I wished for while reading was a bit more focus: the inclusion of details, while nice for the world building, could be a bit distracting at times. This would also give readers space to delve into the emotional lives of the characters. Travis Casey’s strength is definitely in developing the plot’s twists and turns, and succeeds there! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
March 30, 2019
I dont read romance novels normally. But the idea of a romance novel written by a guy intrigued me. And so I dove in.
Oscar is a well connected twentysomething who straddles a fine line between responsibility and irresponsibility. Stacey is a strong willed, modern woman. Oh, and she's also the Governor's daughter. Predictable as their eventual hookup may be, the story makes the journey there all worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Oscar is a well connected twentysomething who straddles a fine line between responsibility and irresponsibility. Stacey is a strong willed, modern woman. Oh, and she's also the Governor's daughter. Predictable as their eventual hookup may be, the story makes the journey there all worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
March 28, 2022
This book will take you on all sorts of thrilling fun filled adventures! Without giving too much away, the characters seemed to jump right of the page, coming to life before your eyes. At times their journey will have you laughing out loud, and at others it will positively have you swooning. This is one of those novels that once you start, you wont be able to stop... Ignoring dinner, children, husbands, and anything else that may try to interrupt you.
April 2, 2019
I'm a huge romance fanatic and I must say the plot line for Southern Harm was interesting. That knucklehead Oscar with his trifling ways and uncanny habit of ending up in trouble grows on you. I generally wouldn't read a romance story like this, but I'm glad I took the time to read it. Definitely would recommend it.
July 17, 2020
The book is a great romantic suspense story that that is also filled with humor, wit, and comedy. The characters are very well-developed and you can really relate to them on a deep level. There are also a lot of twists and surprises throughout the story that keeps readers engaged. This is a great read for anyone looking for a book that can really keep your attention!
January 8, 2025
Funny drama with a side of romance
There is quite a bit of action and drama. Lots of twists and turns. Romance is a secondary aspect of the book but it does add to the story. There were definitely parts that I didn't know where it would turn. A good read for people who love action and drama with a side of romance.
There is quite a bit of action and drama. Lots of twists and turns. Romance is a secondary aspect of the book but it does add to the story. There were definitely parts that I didn't know where it would turn. A good read for people who love action and drama with a side of romance.
December 20, 2022
Fantastic
This was a great suspenseful read. I loved Oscars cheeky chappy vibe, it worked really well with all the trouble he seemed to get himself into. Stacey is hilarious, crazy but hilarious. And the family dynamics and banter was fun to read. Loved the ending.
This was a great suspenseful read. I loved Oscars cheeky chappy vibe, it worked really well with all the trouble he seemed to get himself into. Stacey is hilarious, crazy but hilarious. And the family dynamics and banter was fun to read. Loved the ending.
Read
January 2, 2021Great book. Couldn't put it down twist and turns.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews