No Halo Required

Travis Casey’s No Halo Required plunges readers into the murky waters of morality, race, and personal choices, condensed in a gripping narrative centered around the complex lives of its characters, primarily Isaiah Hightower, an African American vice principal, and his illicit relationship with Alicia Saunders, a young stripper. The story immediately immerses readers in the duality of Isaiah’s life—a respected community leader by day, indulging in questionable pleasures by night. But when his double life is about to unravel, Isaiah must do everything to protect his public image. Things are even more complicated when his wife, Yvette, becomes aware of the stakes. What will she do to protect her marriage and her husband? 

The plot unfolds in Savannah, Georgia, where Isaiah, preparing to transition to a new job, decides to spend one last night with Alicia at her workplace, Dark Alleys—a private gentlemen’s club. His intention to bid farewell to a life stained by temptation quickly spirals into a tale of forbidden desire as he realizes his attraction to Alicia runs deeper than sheer lust. Their encounters underline the conflict between his professional responsibilities, personal beliefs, and a yearning for the excitement Alicia brings into his otherwise structured life.  

Travis Casey’s characterization is stellar. Isaiah is a sophisticated character who epitomizes the struggle for African American educators within a predominantly white system while attempting to do good by establishing a charity in memory of a deceased student. Yet, his moral compass is consistently tested as he engages with Alicia, who offers a means of escape and reminds him of the life he seeks to leave behind. Alicia, meanwhile, is not merely a seductive character; she is depicted as a product of her environment, driven to stripping for college tuition. This nuanced portrayal challenges stereotypical narratives around individuals in the adult entertainment industry, highlighting their aspirations and struggles rather than reducing them to simplistic labels. This deftly plotted, emotionally rich narrative features exquisite prose, engaging dialogues, and a finely drawn setting — balanced and suspenseful.