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On an isolated stretch of desert highway, Josh Reston is pulled over in the dead of night.
By all accounts, he is a quiet, unassuming young man from the woods of Western Pennsylvania with a busted taillight. Until the arresting officer discovers more than a hundred pounds of cocaine and ten thousand dollars in cash stowed in the undercarriage of his vehicle.
Brought to jail in the middle of the night, he offers to share everything he knows about the man he works for, Edgar Santos, and the operation Santos runs in exchange for the guaranteed safety of his family back home.
Less than two months on the job, the offer reeks of everything Assistant District Attorney Dina Chadwick despises about the legal system. No part of her even wants to consider it, a feeling outweighed only by the intrigue of finally getting something concrete on Santos.
Unsure how to proceed, if the claims Reston is making are even true, she decides to step outside the traditional order. Beginning with a simple phone call, she has no idea the person who ultimately answers will be Ham, a woman just recently released from self-imposed exile and aching to get back to doing what she does best.
And with more than ample reasons of her own to get Even…450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2019
1680 people are currently reading
99 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 74 reviews
December 12, 2020
HAM. Hard Ass Mutha.
Another kick ass story about this kick ass woman. Ham takes an assignment to help an ADA, acting DA, protect the brother of a drug smuggler that is willing to give up his drug boss. And the reader can expect a decent body count, as with any action novel.
Those who like action thrillers will enjoy the change of pace with this one.
Another kick ass story about this kick ass woman. Ham takes an assignment to help an ADA, acting DA, protect the brother of a drug smuggler that is willing to give up his drug boss. And the reader can expect a decent body count, as with any action novel.
Those who like action thrillers will enjoy the change of pace with this one.
October 28, 2019
I think I enjoyed the first HAM book a bit more than this one. I thought there was much wasted potential. It was a good story but the delivery was very kind of flat. It didn't drag any emotions out of the reader (well me at least). The matter-of-fact style lessened any drama the story might have had. A shame really.
July 22, 2019
Hold onto your book this one is going to be such a thrilling ride through the pages...
HAM is back and I am so happy. After book 1 I wasn't sure we would get more HAM but I really hoped so because she is such an amazing, awe-inspiring, kick-ass character HAM is just made for entertaining readers who enjoy an action-packed thriller.
I really enjoy the slow build in EVEN, the plot is well written and keeps me turning the pages wondering what's going to happen next or omg what's going to go wrong next...lol
The suspense is anxiety-inducing but in a good way that you just can't put it down until your finished, now I can't wait for more.
HAM is back and I am so happy. After book 1 I wasn't sure we would get more HAM but I really hoped so because she is such an amazing, awe-inspiring, kick-ass character HAM is just made for entertaining readers who enjoy an action-packed thriller.
I really enjoy the slow build in EVEN, the plot is well written and keeps me turning the pages wondering what's going to happen next or omg what's going to go wrong next...lol
The suspense is anxiety-inducing but in a good way that you just can't put it down until your finished, now I can't wait for more.
July 23, 2019
Fabulous, intriguing, with lots of suspense to keep you guessing. Josh seems to be a quiet person until one night when he’s pulled over. Couldn’t stop until I found out what happened.
July 2, 2022
sloppy sloppy sloppy!
Not your best work by any stretch. I loved the characters. They were fully fleshed out as usual and unusual enough to maximize interest. But the plot was like Swiss cheese, too many holes. For example, we have no clue how Ham found the appliance shop. Pablo drives off into the distance leaving her clueless except to his final destination. And how did he get Josh to come to him without the SafeWord? Too jerky and disjointed. But I still enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down.
Not your best work by any stretch. I loved the characters. They were fully fleshed out as usual and unusual enough to maximize interest. But the plot was like Swiss cheese, too many holes. For example, we have no clue how Ham found the appliance shop. Pablo drives off into the distance leaving her clueless except to his final destination. And how did he get Josh to come to him without the SafeWord? Too jerky and disjointed. But I still enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down.
February 17, 2020
Intriguing female lead character
Interesting stories and plausible current events and locations. The "handler" the weapons and overall theory have been written many times. The inclusion of a female lead role is a bit refreshing yet she has a very dark persona. I don't believe her back story has yet been fully described, a bit was in the first book, but not really delved into...I think.
Shall read the next in this series as available.
Thank you
Interesting stories and plausible current events and locations. The "handler" the weapons and overall theory have been written many times. The inclusion of a female lead role is a bit refreshing yet she has a very dark persona. I don't believe her back story has yet been fully described, a bit was in the first book, but not really delved into...I think.
Shall read the next in this series as available.
Thank you
July 25, 2022
Even, the second book in Dustin Steven's Ham series was nonstop action, just like book one. While I occasionally stop and figure out who is talking, I get back on track pretty fast. In Even drugs are involved and the typical Hispanic bad guys, and a pleasant but overworked district attorney--and Ham and her handler, Mikey. The action starts out fast and never wanes. Dustin Stevens does a great job with the characters and action. I'm ready to read more.
October 5, 2024
3 1/2 Stars: The thing I like about Ham is that even though she is fit and trained to do what she does, she still makes mistakes and mentally beats up herself. This second novel in the series, didn’t grab me as much. I didn’t care for the drug kingpin or the drug trade. In fact, I got mad at Chuy for not thoroughly checking over Jeff’s car, which started the whole mess. Overall, this book was just okay.
April 29, 2021
Fast paced read
This novel has a lot of main characters besides HAM. Makes for an interesting, fast paced read that you don't want to put down til you see where its heading at the end. With a strong willed, minded and physically tough female lead character, its a raw and captivating read! Ham bests the best of a tough drug kingpin and his thugs in this book
This novel has a lot of main characters besides HAM. Makes for an interesting, fast paced read that you don't want to put down til you see where its heading at the end. With a strong willed, minded and physically tough female lead character, its a raw and captivating read! Ham bests the best of a tough drug kingpin and his thugs in this book
September 15, 2021
The main character, Ham, is well written as a focused assassin. Get the job done. No nonsense. The other 3 principal characters are Ham’s handler and two vicious people from the drug trade. Stevens does a great job with two parallel story lines staged in the SW desert country with an ending most readers will like.
November 6, 2021
Ham 3
This book is extremely interesting and exciting. It’s a hard drive into the life of the vigilante who takes the life of a vigilante to the cusp. I have to say I am not a fan of vigilantes. I do believe that our justice system is definitely flawed therefore there is a need for those willing to rescue those who can’t rescue themselves!!
This book is extremely interesting and exciting. It’s a hard drive into the life of the vigilante who takes the life of a vigilante to the cusp. I have to say I am not a fan of vigilantes. I do believe that our justice system is definitely flawed therefore there is a need for those willing to rescue those who can’t rescue themselves!!
February 12, 2023
HAM is a rockstar!!
HAM is someone you don’t want to meet if you’ve done something wrong … she will come after you! Especially if you are the head of a major drug cartel and anyone associated with you. Second in a four book series, this is a must read…it shows just how “bad” she is.
HAM is someone you don’t want to meet if you’ve done something wrong … she will come after you! Especially if you are the head of a major drug cartel and anyone associated with you. Second in a four book series, this is a must read…it shows just how “bad” she is.
May 19, 2023
Gritty story of 2 brothers' experience with a violent cartel and
Riveting story of a young man transporting contraband dealing with authorities and expert fighters after offering information following arrest. His family is targeted and the action crosses the U.S. and Mexico. Some gory scenes.
Riveting story of a young man transporting contraband dealing with authorities and expert fighters after offering information following arrest. His family is targeted and the action crosses the U.S. and Mexico. Some gory scenes.
September 25, 2023
Awesome !!
I’m getting ready to read the 3rd book of the Ham series. They are so
Awesomely riveting- just can’t put them down until the end, and then I don’t WANT them to be finished…!!
Love Ham and Mikey- maybe a little romance in the future..? Keep’em coming Mr. Dustin- you are Awsomely talented !
I’m getting ready to read the 3rd book of the Ham series. They are so
Awesomely riveting- just can’t put them down until the end, and then I don’t WANT them to be finished…!!
Love Ham and Mikey- maybe a little romance in the future..? Keep’em coming Mr. Dustin- you are Awsomely talented !
May 29, 2021
Excellent
This book grabbed my attention from page 1 and was never boring. The level of suspense was outstanding and there was action right up to the end. Do yourself a favor and put this book on your "must read" list.
This book grabbed my attention from page 1 and was never boring. The level of suspense was outstanding and there was action right up to the end. Do yourself a favor and put this book on your "must read" list.
August 4, 2022
Ham not the sandwich.
Never count her down or out. She gets the job done. These books are so different than the Reese and Billie books or the Hawk Tate books. He does a great job writing from a woman’s perspective.
Never count her down or out. She gets the job done. These books are so different than the Reese and Billie books or the Hawk Tate books. He does a great job writing from a woman’s perspective.
June 24, 2024
Great series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
June 30, 2024
Nonstop action, lots of bad guys.
A depraved killer for hire, a woman named Ham, trying to rescue a teen caught in the cross fire. A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
A depraved killer for hire, a woman named Ham, trying to rescue a teen caught in the cross fire. A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
April 25, 2025
This one is a bit more violent. Meeting up with someone who is as bad as you are - well it's bound to be. Un-put-downable. Roller coaster ride of action. Pablo you just didn't see it coming. Unbelievably good!!!
April 18, 2020
Took me forever to push myself through this one, but i finished it. Don't waste your time.
July 21, 2020
Wow
Kept me reading during the night to finish As with the first Ham, bring more on! She is my hero.
Kept me reading during the night to finish As with the first Ham, bring more on! She is my hero.
August 21, 2020
Action all the way.
June 30, 2021
Entertaining
It was a good book a lot of suspense and action. Ham took charge and she knew what to do and she got the job done.
It was a good book a lot of suspense and action. Ham took charge and she knew what to do and she got the job done.
August 29, 2021
Awesome Arthur
This is the second book on ham, this is a Arthur I never read before, and now I plan on making him a favorite
This is the second book on ham, this is a Arthur I never read before, and now I plan on making him a favorite
October 12, 2021
Great series!
Very entertaining series with well developed main character and supporting characters very good plots and writing. Please keep them coming!
Very entertaining series with well developed main character and supporting characters very good plots and writing. Please keep them coming!
December 20, 2021
Action start to finish
Moving quickly from what the problem is to how it will be solved the action moves along quickly to the finish. Good story, a quick read.
Moving quickly from what the problem is to how it will be solved the action moves along quickly to the finish. Good story, a quick read.
December 26, 2021
Good book
I don’t know where these books come from in this authors mind, but they are entertaining. A very good imagination thrown in with maybe a couple of women he’s known!! ??
I don’t know where these books come from in this authors mind, but they are entertaining. A very good imagination thrown in with maybe a couple of women he’s known!! ??
January 18, 2022
Not bad!
Started a little slow but turned into a great action, thriller. Strong main character helps keep it interesting. More to come, hopefully.
Started a little slow but turned into a great action, thriller. Strong main character helps keep it interesting. More to come, hopefully.
January 28, 2022
As always, an engaging read
It's a good thing Dustin writes a lot of books. They only last a day or so when I spend all my spare time enjoying the latest story line.
It's a good thing Dustin writes a lot of books. They only last a day or so when I spend all my spare time enjoying the latest story line.
March 21, 2022
Terrific
Another great action adventure. Ham is invincible and proves it again. Saving two brothers who hardly deserve it. Good read!
Another great action adventure. Ham is invincible and proves it again. Saving two brothers who hardly deserve it. Good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews