No Halo Required

by Travis Casey

2024 INCIPERE AWARDS presented by Entrada Publishing*NO HALO REQUIRED* ****1st PLACE Winner in Literary Fiction*****This Award-Winning novel delves into the world of an icon of the community who is not who he appears to be. Who will win? The sinner or the saint?

Should a wife support her husband at all costs, or do the right thing?
Perhaps supporting her husband is the right thing.
*****
Isaiah Hightower has everything a forty-nine-year-old man could want: respect as a high school principal; admiration as a leader in the black community; and a wife who would do anything for him.

Despite his shining public image, Isaiah's life is plagued with indiscretions. When these threaten to unravel his world, he silences the threat by any means necessary.

When his wife, Yvette, witnesses her husband's greatest sin, her life is about to change forever. But it doesn't have to. One lie will protect her lifestyle and save her husband's reputation.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2020

About the author

If 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

Reviews

[Denial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of sin, sinners and how the truth sets you free... just not completely.

This isn't my first read from this author and because I like his stuff I picked this up while thinking it'd at least be entertaining... but wow. This was unexpected.

Firstly this blew me away by how the story elements all interwove and crossed in such seamless ways that you think you know what type of person you are reading or what the situation is but then it changes just that little bit that makes it something else, like how (without giving it all away) a mistress IS a mistress or how a seemingly passing ally character turns into... well that would be giving it away so I won't say more than that I have to commend the evolution.
Another thing I liked is the title, its meaning is more or less maintained from the first time its mentioned (near the beginning of the story where it's just this forgettable line) to the final time its brought up (near the ending where it goes from forgettable to the punchline) and I like it even more based of who says it first then last because that of itself is what gives it its connotation (but again I won't give it away).
I liked the characters (for this story which is to say that I'm not a fan of their transgressions) but I especially like Yvette and how she's given more dimension by not only being the supportive wife or the victim; she's (greatly?) flawed herself. And that very question mark brings me to what really elevated this story for me: the moral debate. I don't think there's much to discuss as to the main character (more just how much paper to have handy for how many tallies are needed to count up his sins) but *there is* lots to dissect when it comes to the rest of the cast and especially because I think depending on what you take into account for them their degree of culpability can range from 'understandable' to 'great.'

What I found most interesting about this tale (and what I'd qualify as the most pleasant surprise) is how it handles the themes I alluded to in the title. This is a tale about sin, of that there is the obvious affair, fraud and lastly murder but there are also the more subtle (at least in comparison) wrongs of pride, spite and envy. Though it could be argued that most of the sins ended up folding under their own weight what I take away from the tale is that it makes for a really interesting study (as well as sets up contrasts) of what a wrong is and what it brings (beyond consequences). Yes, this tale also brings up matters of race, gender, religion and education among others but to be honest I was more impacted by the title themes; take that as you will but I hope to make clear it's subjective.

The one “con” I would name to this story doesn't really have to do with the story itself, it's that in a time of Black Lives Matter it's hard not to imagine it could suffer some severe criticism for how Isaiah was out for himself to the degree he had no compunction about using his race to his ends as well as that several other characters are racist (just not in the way that said word is usually understood). That said I really don't have anything worth mentioning as a negative for this story, overall I found it really well told and it kept me reading. I have to be honest, I went into this thinking it'd be at least okay, maybe good but probably nothing special. I found myself quite happy to eat my words and so I give this five stars along with a tip of my hat for underestimating it.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery/suspense or realistic contemporary tales but I'd caution that if infidelity, religion or race are touchy subjects for you then you might want to skip this.

[Denise Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis Casey had written quite a fascinating novel here. "No Halo Required" is a story of hope, love, and redemption. Isaiah is a character that is remarkably flawed and somewhat contemptible but ultimately relatable. This is the best piece of literature that I have read all year and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tricky one to rate. I will think on it and potentially reevaluate.

The synopsis was good.
The story had good bones. It was well written.
I found the middle a little long though and the ending a little rushed.

[Chaitanya Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unusual read. No, not in terms of the genre, but as in the story. I was so conflicted for the most part of the read that I had to constantly put it down to gather my thoughts about the protagonists and much of the story in general. I gave myself the time to read it slowly, despite a part of me wanting to read it as fast as I could to know what happens in the end.

If you feel confused at this point of time, I apologize. But please continue reading. Travis Casey’s No Hallo Required is quite a spectacular read. I am not sure which genre it would exactly fall into but I don’t happen to read many books from it. I picked up this tittle only when Travis himself generously reached out to me for an honest review in exchange of a copy of this book and I happen to read the blurb and found it interesting.

I dived into reading as soon as it got delivered to me and oh lord, what a ride it was. Isaiah Hightower, 49 years old is a high school principal and a long-standing leader of the black community who constantly lies, manipulates, and controls (tries to) everything in his life and around him, including his wife, Yvette! She is a gullible, extremely naïve and her entire life seems to resolve around ‘ I want to make my husband happy’ and she does that by putting him on a pedestal and worshipping him. The condescending Isaiah happens to be in what seems like a long-standing affair with a student-turned-stripper, Alicia and find himself at odds when has to let go of her and move on with his life. Things twist and turn and he finds his path right into the ‘dark alleys’ where Alicia works and happens to continue his relationship. All goes well until one fine day it doesn’t, and then, there’s no turning back. His indiscretions are now out and in the open. Only one person can save him – his wife, Yvette. But the question is – Should a wife support her husband at all costs? What will Yvette do?

The book tries to answer all of these.

Now, I will go in further and discuss other things that might involve SPOILERS for the book, you are warned.

The B-Plot of this book deals with race and discrimination. It’s filled with power and politics. I particularly enjoyed bits and the part where I was consciously trying to work out where this book stands in terms of its treatment given to the two races – Blacks and Whites, because for the most part of the story – I was pretty confused (in a way that I wanted to keep reading to see where it went). Travis has very cleverly interwoven facts, stereotypes and prejudices in this book.

All in all, I really did enjoy this book. It has a little bit of everything and makes up for a very decent and unexpected read. I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t be picking this up! Go ahead!

I would like to thank Travis Casey for sending me a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really do appreciate authors choosing to send in physical copies this far! So, thanks again!

I have talked a little more about the characters on my blog review. You can find it here- https://chaiwithchaitanya20.wordpress...

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fascinated with the description of this story and couldn't wait to read it because I love when a character has to make hard choices. I also love Noir fiction. However, once I got started, it was jarring to read this book right now with the current Black Lives Matter protests going on across the United States. I had to make myself read this as the story of just one man, Isaiah Hightower, which is what I believe the author intended.

It's about Isaiah's journey from upstanding leader of the Black community to a person who justifies and lies about his actions. It's about his wife, Yvette, who loves and supports her husband. Together, they have worked hard to support causes that help the Black community.

Once I narrowed my focus to this one couple, I got caught up in the story and couldn't wait to see how everything played out. I don't want to give away too much but I was astonished with Isaiah's belief that God helps guide his decisions through his increasingly questionable choices. He definitely uses religion and God to make himself look better, but he also really seems to believe God is on his side.

Yvette has her own issues. She is not always nice. She is quick to anger. But she loves her husband and tries very hard to be a good wife. She believes his lies because she loves him and because if she admits that he might be lying, then her life would fall apart. What happens when she starts to see him for who he really is?

I would have liked for the ending to be a little more drawn out. I think there was a lot of good drama that could have been addressed that would have made the ending even more satisfying. Overall, I think the author did an admirable job writing his first Noir fiction novel and I look forward to reading some of his other titles.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the storyline, but think the book could’ve been so much better if it hadn’t gone on for so long. I wanted to know what was going to happen, yet was losing interest all at the same time. The ending was a complete shocker!

[bethany holms]

Travis Casey was able to create a brilliant book that combines crime and sexual tension so perfectly that you can't place it in one genre or another. From the moment we meet the protagonist until the end of the story, we are placed on the edge of our seats, anxiously awaiting the moment it all falls apart. Add in the dynamics of racism and social justice issues, as well as exploring morality and sin, and there could be no better combination to get you drawn in. The characters are well-rounded and feel like real people, drawing us in and connecting us so deeply with their stories, you can't put the book down.

The story of a pious man who slowly spirals into a well of sin and lies is usually rather dull and tired. However, this book shows it so perfectly, and the spiral is so natural, it feels fresh and almost new. In each chapter, we hold our breath, waiting for him to be caught and justice to be served, only to find him narrowly escaping once again. Tensions build as more characters get tangled into his web of betrayal and deceit, and with each one, we see how one man's secret life destroys many.

Watching the story unfold through several characters was brilliant, and showed just how easily red flags can be ignored when you are in the moment. The husband falls deeper into sin and yet can justify his immoral actions each time. The dutiful wife is constantly fighting between her suspicions and what her husband is supposed to be. The occasional insight is given by other characters, whether through their eyes or by their reactions to the other characters. All finally swell to the climax and resolution of the story, where everything is finally laid bare and consequences are dealt with by all parties.

This was an exceptional book, and I have already purchased the sequel, The Mayor's Race, and hope that it is just as exciting and fulfilling as the first one. I look forward to sharing that review when the time comes. I cannot recommend this book enough, and you will be missing out if you do not give it a read.

[Ms. Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint on the outside...sinner on the inside
The book is about a man, Isaiah, who on the outside, lives the life of a saint. As one might say, “he does God’s work” - he is a dedicated husband, works as a principal, runs an organization called Ebony Evolution that supports racial injustice, and is a regular church goer. However, this is all a facade. While Isaiah is only human like the rest of us, the show he puts on to most of those around him (except for those in Dark Alley, who know his secrets) isn’t who he truly is behind closed doors. His wife, Yvette, who has been blind to this, will soon find out that the man she married, might not be who she thought.

Without giving too much away, throughout each chapter, you see different ways that the character is both good and flawed, but in a realistic way. He generally has a good heart and wants what’s best for people, but he also chooses to partake in risque behavior that can have serious consequences and effects on not only his life, but those who he cares about. You see Isaiah fighting a battle between what he knows is right and what he desires. It takes a good look at what it is like to be driven by love, lust, greed, God, and wanting to be the perfect man.

The story also touches on topics of youth violence, marital affairs, religion, and race relations.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It had a good flow and was an easy read. I thought the plot was engaging and came with little twists that helped keep the read entertaining. The story was also unique.

However, there were a few cons for me. The main character (and majority of the secondary characters) are black. Yet, the writing seems a bit unrealistic; especially for black characters with a setting in the south. Some of the word usage didn’t give me the image of black folks from the south, or let alone, any person from the south. For example, the dialogue and vocabulary seemed off and did not draw on particular southern and black vernacular.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I have to admit that I read this book a little bit differently. After completing approximately 27% I was so fed up with the main characters I jumped to the end and read the last two chapters. I was so surprised and pleased with the ending that I then had to go back and continue reading. (I didn't go all the way back to where I had left off originally because I didn't think I could tolerate the character of Isaiah Hightower for that much longer.) I must say, I don't think I've done this but maybe one other time. It says a great deal for Mr. Casey's talent that I wanted to see how he got from the point I stopped reading to the conclusion. It also says a lot for his talent that he was able to create characters that were so utterly dislikeable without becoming caricatures. or totally villainous characters.

Isaiah is sanctimonious, self-righteous, condescending, egotistical, manipulative, lying, cheating, and a pompous so and so. (I'd call him a snake-in-the-grass, but I don't want to be insulting to snakes-and I HATE snakes!) His wife Yvette has to be one of the most naive, gullible, airheaded females to come down the pipe-until she isn't.

I can't say there is a lot of suspense or unexpected twists and turns until the conclusion, but once I had read the ending, I had to go back and see how Mr. Casey arrived at that place. I almost think it would have been a much better story if he had started at the end and then revealed how the characters progressed to that point. I know I sure enjoyed it better in reverse order. Based on this book, I would be open to reading other works by Mr. Casey.

I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I would like to thank them and Mr. Casey for allowing me to read No Halo Required.

[Muhammd Imran · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title grabbed all my attention with its numerous themes coming to my mind, and made me curious to explore the contents. I perceived this topic quite sensitive in the current era where already there is much ongoing hot debate on race, religion,  and gender.When I started reading, it seemed engaging and interesting, but I lost my interest in the middle. I wanted to jump to the end, but it was not a great idea for a person like me who loves to read mysteries. So I forced myself to read,  but I think it could be more captivating from the beginning till the end via avoiding long
and unnecessary descriptions.  The main character of Isaiah is a depiction of "Don't judge a book by its cover", and "Appearances are often deceptive". Isaiah is a Pecksniffian and pharisaic person, whereas his wife Yvette is a credulous and unwary female. The apparent angel is inside an evil and wife's realization of this truth brings miseries. It is not something unusual and unpredictable. In real life, we encounter number of such people who appear to be saints but basically sinners and they do not hesitate to cross any limits to gain their interest and save their public image.
The people who eagerly wait for mystery books, will find it a good and interesting read for them. Also those who get inspired by the appearances and outward actions will find it a lesson for them.

[Natalie Gasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Travis Casey and it won't be my last. The main thing to know is that he handles a difficult topic in a graceful way. It's not 'about' racism nor does it get preachy, but it does address some of the more serious issues with race in this country.

I love the actual writing. The transitions between scenes and characters are seamless and there's a good balance between action and reflection.

There are a lot of elements that interweave and no one and no station is portrayed exactly how you'd expect it to be (it's hard to say more without giving anything away). And Yvette is such a wonderful character. So complex and complicated yet so easy to relate to and root for.

I gave this book four stars because I think the author missed the mark slightly on portraying an accurate/authentic black experience. It came off at times like how a white person assumes a black person would think/act/behave and didn't quite resonate. I think this could have been fixed with a sensitivity read because Casey's attitude was largely respectful.

Casey managed to explore a lot of themes in this novel and will leave you with some new thoughts and perspectives. If you're a fan of suspense or mystery, then you'll really enjoy this book.

[Romuald Dzemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated by the character depth

In No Halo Required, Travis Casey creates a narrative that explores the landscape of morality, race, and personal responsibility through the protagonist Isaiah Hightower, a vice principal whose life becomes a dichotomy of public virtue and private vice. Casey presents Isaiah as a man torn between his commitments to his family and his clandestine affair with Alicia, a young stripper. Isaiah’s noble intentions, such as creating the David Marsh Foundation, and his questionable choices invite readers to probe the nature of integrity and the human propensity for duplicity. The story’s pacing quickens with each secret rendezvous, reflecting the protagonist’s double standards of morality. Isaiah is an archetype of flawed masculinity, pursuing redemption while ensnared in his transgressions. The novel’s exploration of race is equally pertinent as Isaiah struggles with social expectations associated with his identity as an African American educator in a predominantly white institution. The author does an excellent job exploring his relationship with his wife. Throughout the chapters, Casey discusses themes of redemption and self-deception, creating a world where character motivations are compelling and multi-dimensional.

[Ks Donn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I am familiar with this author's work but didn't know what to expect with this book. Casey has always had a great storytelling ability but it was his wit and humor I had always been drawn to. No Halo Required does not disappoint in that respect.

Isaiah Hightower is a guy no reader will like, although some may identify with him. That being said, I couldn't wait to see what he would do next! This guy has no conscience but is apparently loved by the community he serves. He is a black activist but that is not the point of this book and it is not an "in your face" attitude. He's more worry about getting laid than he is about doing good deeds which makes for compelling reading.

Then you have his wife, Yvette. It took me a while to figure her out and I'm still not sure if I totally understand the woman, but I can't say too much about her without revealing important parts of the story. And in true Casey style he has an interesting array of secondary characters.

Overall I loved the book. A great read that will keep you guessing from the church to the brothel--and back again!

[Meagan Tracey]

his novel started off in an unexpected way and continues with that theme throughout. For instance, the lead character is a community leader and avid church goer with dark secrets. The author does a great job of setting the stage in first few pages and leaving you anticipating. As you read, your mind starts considering all the ways the author can reveal everyone's secrets or choose not to. All the characters are richly developed. Yvette is my favorite character as the devoted wife to the main character. She is face with what I believe are the toughest decisions in the novel and I struggle to decide how I would act in her place. She is well rounded and has incredible emotional depth.

The only reason this book does not receive a 5/5 stars, is that occasionally the dialogue feels forced. The author definitely has a knack for creating authentic characters and situations, but verbal interactions are either 100% on point or strained.

The book shocked me and had me considering myself in each characters' shoes. I think it is a great read for anyone looking for a deep dive into what it means to be human and how our secrets can break us.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah is a high school principal. A God man looking to rid the world of sin and debauchery for the sake of the children. He was deemed one of God’s angels. No halo required. A respectable pillar of the community, he was due to win “Citizen of the South.” An African American man with a lovely wife, a righteous stamina, and a fight for racial injustice. He had the perfect life.

But then the death of a former student resulted from a drive-by had Isaiah returning to his old stomping grounds, where he reunited with his old mistress, indulging in pleasures of the flesh. He works on a fundraiser to send 2 people—a black and white—to college to study law. A way to “building bridges between racial divides in the name of law and order.”

For the good of humanity, Isaiah cheats and lies out of his way. How much longer could he keep hiding his secrets from his wife? Well, they were certainly arguing more.

Well-written and interesting. A little slow at times, but, overall good. The most exciting part was the end in which everything came to a climactic close. Very well done.

[Review Board · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Halo’s Required Review
No Halo’s Required by Travis Casey
#1 of the Carolina Calling Series
4/5 Stars

No Halo’s Required is the first book in the Carolina Calling series by Travis Casey. Following fundraiser and happy housewife Yvette and her deadbeat deacon husband Isaiah, this book will keep you right on the edge of your seat.

After reading the Mayor’s Race first, it was fun and interesting to see Yvette with Isaiah and read about their relationship. Casey makes it easy not to like Isaiah, and yet you still find yourself wondering what’s going to happen to him all the way up to the final pages of the book.

I would recommend this to anyone considering reading the rest of the series, and those who like urban political dramas or funny thrillers. This book definitely made me empathize with Yvette more, but Casey’s characters are complex enough that you’re never quite sure whether you love or hate them. An entertaining read!

[Shoane Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah Hightower has everything a forty-nine-year-old man could want: respect as a high school principal; admiration as a leader in the black community; and a wife who would do anything for him. Despite his shining public image, Isaiah's life is plagued with indiscretions. When these threaten to unravel his world, he silences the threat by any means necessary.

When his wife, Yvette, witnesses her husband's greatest sin, her life is about to change forever. But it doesn't have to. One lie will protect her lifestyle and save her husband's reputation. "No Halo Required" is a story of hope, love, and redemption. Isaiah is a character that is remarkably flawed and somewhat contemptible but ultimately relatable. This is the best piece of literature that I have read all year and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Tiffany Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Halo Required is an overall great read. It’s very beautifully written, and there are some interesting relationship dynamics going on between Isaiah and his wife, Yvette.

It’s great to read a story with multi-dimensional characters. Isaiah is very religious and has this great public image, but he’s got a lot going on in his personal life that goes against his public ideals, like having an affair with a stripper. He’s also a bit judgmental for someone who has the personal life that he does. This type of hypocrisy exists in the real world, and this greatly adds to the realism of the book. I also like that the author doesn’t shy away from the issue of racism and other things that are difficult to discuss.

I was engaged throughout the whole book, and I also think that the title was a great choice.

[Dee Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Halo by Travis Casey had all of the ingredients to be a predictable read. A devout husband, principal, activist and man of God with an indiscretion involving a seedy all boys club. Definitely a story I've read, watched, and listened to countless times.

But what drew me in to this story to the point of finishing it in about a day, was how fucked up Isaiah Hightower, the protagonist, was. His accounts of his experiences reflected a hypocritical, narcissist man and as much as he angered me, I found myself unable to put the book down.

This is not the book that will have you rooting for the main character, but you will absolutely be invested in seeing it through as soon as you start reading.

[Twila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hypocrital "man of god", a naive and submissive wife, a student turned stripper... This is a rapid read of a thriller- all secrets and lies, and the consequences of trying to live a double life. Living such a life in a country riddled with racism is particularly complex, and the author explores those issues well, without crossing the line into ranting or caricature. The main character is thoroughly unlikeable - even though sympathetically written at times, I never wanted to root for him. His wife is utterly maddening - I spent the first half of the book wanting to give her a good shake and a few good feminist books to read... But there is growth of a sort on both sides, and a satisfying ending. A really good read.

[Carly Rheilan]

A hypocrital "man of god", a naive and submissive wife, a student turned stripper... This is a rapid read of a thriller- all secrets and lies, and the consequences of trying to live a double life. Living such a life in a country riddled with racism is particularly complex, and the author explores those issues well, without crossing the line into ranting or caricature. The main character is thoroughly unlikeable - even though sympathetically written at times, I never wanted to root for him. His wife is utterly maddening - I spent the first half of the book wanting to give her a good shake and a few good feminist books to read... But there is growth of a sort on both sides, and a satisfying ending. A really good read.

[Sandra Obremski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The truth shall set you free

I’m not entirely sure what genre this falls into but I don’t read books like it often. Our protagonist turns out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, this isn’t a secret. I was intrigued by the web of lies and to keep reading until the end. While I wasn’t fond of any of the characters really, aside from the fellow who loses his job at the hotel for being kind, I was definitely less fond of the main character as the story progressed. The ending felt a little rushed, and I think I was hoping to see Hightower sweat a bit more before it ended. All in all a decent read.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many lies and deceit that the liar started to trip over his own lies. He does everything to hide his real persona from society and ends up comitting so many sins that his life starts to get really confusing. He hurts many people both physically and psychologically until all truth is revealed. Even when there are love and admiration they do not prevail when every move is based on a lie and the main character learns it the worst possible way. I was glad to read that the female characters were strong and had a decisive part in the story.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my honest review.

[Ashley Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow- go ahead and add this book to your cart and shoot it to the top of your must-read list. With a plot that thickens at with every turned page and suspense that builds like the erotic (but tasteful) scenes included throughout, you will not be able to put the book down. Casey's detail-oriented and incredibly descriptive tone transports you to these oceanside communities. And the characters, specifically the Hightowers: what an art form to make you both scorn and empathize with them all at once? The whole story is captivating and so-well told, it's one of the best page-turners I've read in a while. Can not recommend enough.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis Casey is a masterful plot and character builder, creating a story that is interwoven with emotion. While presenting the readers with lines of blurred morality and context for ethical decision making, the story is compelling from beginning to end.

I fully enjoyed his employment of language creating the effect of becoming intertwined in fictional reality. Each character can be both loved and hated at the same time, using the themes of lust, sin, and subtly imposing racial tension over everything. I would recommend this to anyone wanting their perception challenged, with a plot line that you will never expect!

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah Hightower has a successful job, family, and church life. However, he is hiding a darkness that leads to a tangled web of lies and deceit. The characters are fleshed out immediately and fully and as a reader, you definitely want to learn more. The descriptions of intimate encounters are well done and appropriate.

This novel, however, does scream "black character written by a white author." There are also some grammatical/syntax errors that can take a person out of the story a bit.

Overall, No Halo Required is a worthwhile read that will keep the reader entertained!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed No Halo Required.  It was a quick and simple read.  It picked up the pace a little more than halfway through and kept me interested enough to see how things played out in the end.  I would have liked more female character development throughout the story.  Also, the ending seemed rushed and I think the story would have benefited from having a more drawn out finale.  If you like the Law and Order: Criminal Intent series, you may enjoy this story. I would definitely read another title from this author.

[Justin Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without giving away too much. I love that Travis Casey was able to make me feel like I was a part of the story. There were so many twists and turns that I couldn’t put the book down until Isiah finally had a small break at an end of a chapter. It reminds me that anyone, no matter their status, is a human and makes mistakes. I give this book a 5-star review because it did my favorite thing. It let me dream about the characters and storyline when I finally fell asleep.

[Tracie Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on the hook from the first page. It is wonderfully written and is very descriptive. The characters are all very complex which keeps things interesting! The plot keeps you guessing, and the storyline touches on some very important issues that are being experienced today. Definitely worth the read!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting read . . . good plot, good character development . . . that kept me turning the pages. I really appreciated how race relations played a major part without feeling political. Where I cringed a bit was the meek, subservient wife's character. I wanted her to open her eyes to reality. But, maybe, that was the author's plan all along!