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Hawk Tate Action Thrillers #2
Cover Fire
Staked out in the Anza-Borrego Desert in the dead of night, young photographer Lake Pawlak is awoken by a clandestine meeting, bearing witness to something she never should have seen. Barely escaping, she turns to the authorities for help, bouncing through the criminal justice system before landing on the doorstep of DEA Special Agent in Charge Mia Diaz.
Not yet knowing what, or even who, it was that Pawlak saw, Diaz is forced to call in a favor to Hawk Tate, a man whose story had always served as a cautionary tale in the Administration. Six months before he had emerged from the shadows for the first time in half a decade, managing to simultaneously right a long dormant wrong and confirm that every story ever whispered about him was true.
If anybody can keep the girl tucked away and safe long enough for the DEA to investigate, it has to be him.
Standing opposite though is a conglomerate spanning from California to Ecuador, their interest aimed at eliminating Pawlak and protecting the empire they have worked so long to build, the breadth of it encompassing most of the greater Los Angeles area. Employing a network of aliases and informants, soldiers and spies, they aim their concentrated energies on finding the unlikely duo as they attempt to stay hidden.
Not yet knowing what, or even who, it was that Pawlak saw, Diaz is forced to call in a favor to Hawk Tate, a man whose story had always served as a cautionary tale in the Administration. Six months before he had emerged from the shadows for the first time in half a decade, managing to simultaneously right a long dormant wrong and confirm that every story ever whispered about him was true.
If anybody can keep the girl tucked away and safe long enough for the DEA to investigate, it has to be him.
Standing opposite though is a conglomerate spanning from California to Ecuador, their interest aimed at eliminating Pawlak and protecting the empire they have worked so long to build, the breadth of it encompassing most of the greater Los Angeles area. Employing a network of aliases and informants, soldiers and spies, they aim their concentrated energies on finding the unlikely duo as they attempt to stay hidden.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
2083 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books313 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 31, 2024
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
March 21, 2016
Another excellent book by Dustin Stevens.
Drug trading from South America to North. Photographer Lake camping in Anza-Borrego desert to take pictures of sun rise becomes witness of drug trade. Pictures she took shows the DEA group they have been tracking. She becomes hunted, to protect her Hawk is called in. Corrupt police, many crashes with the drug cartels men. Amazon should make a movie of Hawk books, it will be watched and followed like BOSCH.
Drug trading from South America to North. Photographer Lake camping in Anza-Borrego desert to take pictures of sun rise becomes witness of drug trade. Pictures she took shows the DEA group they have been tracking. She becomes hunted, to protect her Hawk is called in. Corrupt police, many crashes with the drug cartels men. Amazon should make a movie of Hawk books, it will be watched and followed like BOSCH.
August 16, 2020
Great Read
The main character was believable and interesting. The story was fast paced about to keep you reading g. This book was hard to put down. Dustin Stevens is now in my top 5 favorite authors. This is the 5th book I've read of his, and I have not been disappointed. He knows how to tell a story a d flesh out all his characters.
The main character was believable and interesting. The story was fast paced about to keep you reading g. This book was hard to put down. Dustin Stevens is now in my top 5 favorite authors. This is the 5th book I've read of his, and I have not been disappointed. He knows how to tell a story a d flesh out all his characters.
January 10, 2023
This book is an excellent sequel to the Hawk Tate series by Dustin Stevens.
Young photographer Lake Pawlak is in desert taking pictures of the declining sunset. Later in the evening, she snaps some pictures of a clandestine meeting of unknown characters and barely escapes alive.
Shortly afterwards, Lake reports the incident to DEA Special Agent in Charge Mia Diaz. Not yet aware of the particular events nor participants of the clandestine meeting, Diaz calls in former DEA Agent Hawk Tate asks him to keep her alive in case anything happens as a result of the previous meeting.
From then on, you will find that that Hawk is fighting unknown attackers who are determined to eliminate Lake in case she reports their observed meeting to proper authorities.
The most interesting thing you will find about this book is the way Dustin Stevens writes the text. It is so descriptive, it will appear that while you are reading the words in the book, you will almost find yourself like you are watching a movie rather than reading a book. It's truly uncanny as few, if any other authors are able to accomplish such a fete in their book.
You will find reading Cover Fire is a pleasant surprise.
Young photographer Lake Pawlak is in desert taking pictures of the declining sunset. Later in the evening, she snaps some pictures of a clandestine meeting of unknown characters and barely escapes alive.
Shortly afterwards, Lake reports the incident to DEA Special Agent in Charge Mia Diaz. Not yet aware of the particular events nor participants of the clandestine meeting, Diaz calls in former DEA Agent Hawk Tate asks him to keep her alive in case anything happens as a result of the previous meeting.
From then on, you will find that that Hawk is fighting unknown attackers who are determined to eliminate Lake in case she reports their observed meeting to proper authorities.
The most interesting thing you will find about this book is the way Dustin Stevens writes the text. It is so descriptive, it will appear that while you are reading the words in the book, you will almost find yourself like you are watching a movie rather than reading a book. It's truly uncanny as few, if any other authors are able to accomplish such a fete in their book.
You will find reading Cover Fire is a pleasant surprise.
August 30, 2020
"... Leupold VX-2 scope fastened to the top of the Winchester bolt action 30.06 ... Waiting an extra moment I made sure my breaths were even, my heart rate normal, before drawing back on the trigger, my body absorbing the kickback of the weapon as it recoiled against me.
Thirty yards away, a tuft of red fabric fluttered from the front of the target, a jagged hole ripped through it by the oversized shell.
Content with the morning’s work, I placed the gun on the ground."
30 Yards! Not 300. Not 3000. Maybe okay with a Whammo slingshot.
The USMC has qualification at 200, 300 and 500 yards. Hawk Tate - ex Navy and DEA - 30 yards.
Knew it was going to be a bad cartoon. DNF.
Thirty yards away, a tuft of red fabric fluttered from the front of the target, a jagged hole ripped through it by the oversized shell.
Content with the morning’s work, I placed the gun on the ground."
30 Yards! Not 300. Not 3000. Maybe okay with a Whammo slingshot.
The USMC has qualification at 200, 300 and 500 yards. Hawk Tate - ex Navy and DEA - 30 yards.
Knew it was going to be a bad cartoon. DNF.
May 27, 2024
3.5
I chose not to read the first book in this series because it started with the murder of former DEA agent Hawk Tate's wife and child. Decided to skip straight to the second book, which deals with a young photographer who inadvertently witnessed a cartel human trafficking transaction in the desert. DEA agent Mia Diaz seeks out Hawk to protect the young woman, who is now a target.
The plot is full of action and suspense, as Hawk tries to keep the young woman safe. A bit predictable, but you know that if it is a series, the MC is going to be around for a while. I then went on to the next book.
Suspense/Thriller. 2015. Print length: 374 pages.
I chose not to read the first book in this series because it started with the murder of former DEA agent Hawk Tate's wife and child. Decided to skip straight to the second book, which deals with a young photographer who inadvertently witnessed a cartel human trafficking transaction in the desert. DEA agent Mia Diaz seeks out Hawk to protect the young woman, who is now a target.
The plot is full of action and suspense, as Hawk tries to keep the young woman safe. A bit predictable, but you know that if it is a series, the MC is going to be around for a while. I then went on to the next book.
Suspense/Thriller. 2015. Print length: 374 pages.
July 22, 2018
Hawk Tate
This is the second Hawk Tate novel I've read this past week and I'm unable to tell you which is my favorite. I so thoroughly enjoy the author's writing style that I recommend all of the books of his that I have read. He slowly reveals details about the characters and the story unravels as you go through the chapters. Even though you can predict how things will end, there are enough unexpected twists to keep your interest and keep you turning pages even after you told yourself 'just one more chapter'. Starting on my next Hawk Tate story in a few minutes.
This is the second Hawk Tate novel I've read this past week and I'm unable to tell you which is my favorite. I so thoroughly enjoy the author's writing style that I recommend all of the books of his that I have read. He slowly reveals details about the characters and the story unravels as you go through the chapters. Even though you can predict how things will end, there are enough unexpected twists to keep your interest and keep you turning pages even after you told yourself 'just one more chapter'. Starting on my next Hawk Tate story in a few minutes.
December 29, 2020
Comments
I like each of the Stevens books I’ve read, they’re exciting, interesting and though you know it’s going to end well, it’s pretty tense right up to the end. I have a couple more Hawke books to read, then I may try some of his others. One thing that I liked, that made me smile was his use of the term “Army Brat” or military brat, not once but another time as well, maybe more. I’m an Army Brat, since I was born, loved the life and other brats too. Sumthin special about us brats! Thank you for using the term.
I like each of the Stevens books I’ve read, they’re exciting, interesting and though you know it’s going to end well, it’s pretty tense right up to the end. I have a couple more Hawke books to read, then I may try some of his others. One thing that I liked, that made me smile was his use of the term “Army Brat” or military brat, not once but another time as well, maybe more. I’m an Army Brat, since I was born, loved the life and other brats too. Sumthin special about us brats! Thank you for using the term.
July 1, 2018
Cover fire
As usual this book was written well with lots of suspense and excitement with likeable characters. Hawk is a very likeable guy who seems to enjoy nature but cares for others enough to put his own comforts aside to help when he has been asked. Hawk has experience and ability that is regularly requested by others from his past. I like the author because he keeps the stories clean!
As usual this book was written well with lots of suspense and excitement with likeable characters. Hawk is a very likeable guy who seems to enjoy nature but cares for others enough to put his own comforts aside to help when he has been asked. Hawk has experience and ability that is regularly requested by others from his past. I like the author because he keeps the stories clean!
November 1, 2019
Another well written tale from Dustin Stevens. Hawk is asked by the head of the local DEA office to help protect a potential witness to a drug crime. Of course it wouldn't be a story without the drug cartel coming after both of them.
Minimum of unneeded dialogue makes it a quick read. As it's the second in the Tate series, a certain amount of backstory is involved, but it is not overwhelming.
Minimum of unneeded dialogue makes it a quick read. As it's the second in the Tate series, a certain amount of backstory is involved, but it is not overwhelming.
February 6, 2020
Interesting more earthy action hero
An interesting twist with a more down to earth lead character that is not all super human. More drama between the characters, and a seemingly budding love story attempting to happen. There are so many openings in this for continuing series...what happened in Ecuador after the plane lands? What was that last "thank you" that Hawk received? What happened to the arrested drug king?
An interesting twist with a more down to earth lead character that is not all super human. More drama between the characters, and a seemingly budding love story attempting to happen. There are so many openings in this for continuing series...what happened in Ecuador after the plane lands? What was that last "thank you" that Hawk received? What happened to the arrested drug king?
March 30, 2020
Fast-paced, good read
I really enjoyed the pace of the book. I also enjoyed the POV of the bad guys, which I don't nearly as much in the Reed & Billie series. My only issue was, again, the typos. Whomever is editing this author's books needs to be more careful. No issues with the story and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I enjoy this author quite a bit.
I really enjoyed the pace of the book. I also enjoyed the POV of the bad guys, which I don't nearly as much in the Reed & Billie series. My only issue was, again, the typos. Whomever is editing this author's books needs to be more careful. No issues with the story and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I enjoy this author quite a bit.
June 8, 2023
Another great book in the Hawk Tate series. Hawk Tate is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. The action is in your face & fast paced. Hawk is a very seasoned and resourceful ex seal and former DEA agent. He admits his short comings and has a team to help him with those areas in which he is lacking. If you are a fan of action thrillers don’t think twice about reading this series. I look forward to the next title in this series.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed the story...
...but I was shocked that a book that has been around for nine years has apparently not been edited over time to correct grammatical errors. The constant misuse of plurals/possessive and personal pronouns is very distracting, as are numerous either typos or incorrect word usage. I'm not sure I will continue reading the series. Perhaps I'll try a more recent book by the author to see if there's been improvement with time.
...but I was shocked that a book that has been around for nine years has apparently not been edited over time to correct grammatical errors. The constant misuse of plurals/possessive and personal pronouns is very distracting, as are numerous either typos or incorrect word usage. I'm not sure I will continue reading the series. Perhaps I'll try a more recent book by the author to see if there's been improvement with time.
December 6, 2024
I really liked this book, I discovered that I had had it in my Unlimited stash for quite some time, (I’m trying to update) and found this to be the oldest one so I pulled it up. I think I am going to gave to look at others in the series.
I found the characters believable, the plot interesting and in general fun to read. It kept my attention, even to the extent of staying up late, so I recommend it.
I found the characters believable, the plot interesting and in general fun to read. It kept my attention, even to the extent of staying up late, so I recommend it.
March 19, 2025
A good beginning, an agonizingly slow middle and a satisfying ending. I found at one point that I could skip whole pages of the bad guys dialogue and not lose the thread. How to run a drug business, organization, etc., etc. The bad guys getting more coverage than our supposed superhero, Hawk. Eventually, towards remaining third-Ish, the good guy surfaced and became the focus he should have been throughout.
October 5, 2017
Good read I enjoy the character development
It's another easy read, not the most earth shattering plot but great flow, good character development and good conclusion. I enjoy the Hawk character and look forward to his future development with a love interest pushing him past his tragic past at some point.
It's another easy read, not the most earth shattering plot but great flow, good character development and good conclusion. I enjoy the Hawk character and look forward to his future development with a love interest pushing him past his tragic past at some point.
February 3, 2018
Hawk Tate
This is the second book of Hawk Tate.I absolutely loved the 1st and 2nd ones.Now I am going on to the 3rd and 4th books.You have to read these stories, he is such a good writer that I can't stop reading them. When I finish these,I will go back and read his others.So happy I found this author!!
This is the second book of Hawk Tate.I absolutely loved the 1st and 2nd ones.Now I am going on to the 3rd and 4th books.You have to read these stories, he is such a good writer that I can't stop reading them. When I finish these,I will go back and read his others.So happy I found this author!!
February 28, 2018
Great series
I really enjoy the characters & storyline is engrossing my only fault and I'm not sure it can really be a fault because I'm reading fiction but the main character couldn't get away with what he does in today's judicial society but I strongly approve every action he is able to take in the storyline.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
I really enjoy the characters & storyline is engrossing my only fault and I'm not sure it can really be a fault because I'm reading fiction but the main character couldn't get away with what he does in today's judicial society but I strongly approve every action he is able to take in the storyline.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
December 28, 2019
I am looking for more books with strong female characters in the Thriller section of the library. Lake Pawlak is a new favorite. Hawk Tate books are a good read, but I need to read other books in between his stories. A super bad good guy, but without a lot of character development from Hawk leads me to an occasional break from him. Boredom will inevitably bring me back!
March 21, 2021
Another good book in this series
Dustin Steven’s does a good job developing and winding the story into an entertaining conclusion. I like his Hawk character who is a tough take no prisoners guy who everyone would want on their side in a tough jam. He’s a good operator with a lot of skills. Recommend this one
Dustin Steven’s does a good job developing and winding the story into an entertaining conclusion. I like his Hawk character who is a tough take no prisoners guy who everyone would want on their side in a tough jam. He’s a good operator with a lot of skills. Recommend this one
January 29, 2023
As good as Book 1
I don’t like spoilers, so I’ll never tell the story in my reviews. Suffice to say, this story really keeps you going and for me, wouldn’t allow me to put the book down. Hawk is a complicated, yet simple man. His life has not been easy and yet, he has prevailed in his own way.
I don’t like spoilers, so I’ll never tell the story in my reviews. Suffice to say, this story really keeps you going and for me, wouldn’t allow me to put the book down. Hawk is a complicated, yet simple man. His life has not been easy and yet, he has prevailed in his own way.
June 11, 2024
A photographer, 2 drug kingpins, and the DEA.....
A photographer wanting to capture a desert sunset U.N. nvm and a sunrise, witnesses a meeting up of 2 drug gangs, she gets away, not knowing what she witnessed. She leaves behind a lunchbox with her name on it. That's all it takes to get the drug gangs to hunt her. From that start, all hell breaks loose!!
A photographer wanting to capture a desert sunset U.N. nvm and a sunrise, witnesses a meeting up of 2 drug gangs, she gets away, not knowing what she witnessed. She leaves behind a lunchbox with her name on it. That's all it takes to get the drug gangs to hunt her. From that start, all hell breaks loose!!
July 8, 2025
While the Billie and Reed series are my favorite by this author, I’m growing more attached to Hawk and Diaz. What I liked: the dangerous world of the DEA; the characters (mostly), even the “bad guys;” the training that kicks in even though he has removed himself from his role as a DEA agent; the powerful role as the protector. I look forward to delving more in these books.
May 7, 2017
Good action thriller
I loved the action and the characters in this put. I found it hard to stop for a break once I started reading. The only negative for me is the poor edit job that left words that weren't needed so that it put off a grammar geek like me.
I loved the action and the characters in this put. I found it hard to stop for a break once I started reading. The only negative for me is the poor edit job that left words that weren't needed so that it put off a grammar geek like me.
May 11, 2017
Good read
This is the second of your series that I have read. I like your story line and character development. However, I have noticed several "typos" in each of your books. I am confused by this. Do you not have someone who proof reads your work?
This is the second of your series that I have read. I like your story line and character development. However, I have noticed several "typos" in each of your books. I am confused by this. Do you not have someone who proof reads your work?
May 31, 2017
Cover Fire was a good read with sufficient action and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I can certainly recommend this book. I am looking forward to my next Hawk Tate, Dustin Stevens novel.
October 6, 2017
Cover Fire
I loved this story, although at times, it was all to real. The bouncing around from Montana to L. A. Was exciting. Thank you Dustin Stevens for an exciting read. Thank you Amazon.
I loved this story, although at times, it was all to real. The bouncing around from Montana to L. A. Was exciting. Thank you Dustin Stevens for an exciting read. Thank you Amazon.
March 23, 2018
Tate is a product of our world , you have highlighted a need we all feel and may not be able to express.
From cover to cover you have the reader a chance to right a wrong and make the world a better place for a short while, can't waite for the next read. Thanks MC Mathis
From cover to cover you have the reader a chance to right a wrong and make the world a better place for a short while, can't waite for the next read. Thanks MC Mathis
July 30, 2018
Liked it a lot!
I have finished all the Reed and Billie books and now turned to Hawk Tate. I liked Tate and Diaz and would like to see them together in the future. I did get confused on which bad guy was who. Looking forward to reading book 3.
I have finished all the Reed and Billie books and now turned to Hawk Tate. I liked Tate and Diaz and would like to see them together in the future. I did get confused on which bad guy was who. Looking forward to reading book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews