
Welcome to BADASS WOMEN Week! Where we celebrate all things BAD ASS. What makes a woman a true badass? Is it fearlessness? The ability to kick some serious ass? An indefinable something that you can’t quite put your finger on?
***Feel free to add your thoughts on badass women in the comments.
Many of you are familiar with my character, Leine Basso, who is as badass as they come. Throughout the week, I’ll introduce you to a couple of other badass characters and their badass creators (with giveaways), as well as give you a sneak peek of the latest Leine Basso thriller, DAKOTA BURN.
On Friday, September 27, DAKOTA BURN launches into the world, in both print and ebook (audio will be coming soon). To celebrate, I’m going to give away a signed print edition of the book along with some awesome swag to one lucky winner. Be sure to stop back here on Friday to win!
Today I’ll leave you with an excerpt from DAKOTA BURN. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

They were several feet from the back porch when a car door slammed shut in the front yard. Leine gestured for Mimi to freeze as she withdrew her gun and moved where she could see the driveway.
Four men in tactical vests had just exited a shiny black four-door pickup. The man in the lead had a semiautomatic pistol with a suppressor. The other three were armed with AR-15s. They headed for the door.
The lead gunman made it to the front porch first and signaled the second man, who hung back and waited for the other two to make their move. The first gunman eased his way up the concrete steps, gaze riveted on the door. He paused for a moment, then slowly turned the handle. Cracking the door open, he hesitated, then slipped inside. The second man followed while the third took a position on the steps, face out, scanning for threats. The fourth headed around the side of the house.
Leine sprinted back to Mimi.
“Come with me.”
Mimi’s face drained of color. “Who is it?”
Leine propelled her toward the barn. “Not sure, but they aren’t friendly.” Her terse comment left the young girl silent.
They raced across the yard and around the side of the barn. Leine stopped outside the broken window.
“Derek,” Leine called, her voice low and urgent.
Derek appeared out of the gloom. “What’s wrong?”
“Four gunmen. I’ll hide Mimi, then you and I need to set up.”
He glanced at Mimi. “You okay in the dark?”
“I guess,” she said, the wariness returning. “Why?”
He turned to Leine. “Storm cellar—north side of the barn. She’ll be safe there.”
Scarf craned his neck, trying to see behind him.
“The fuck’s going on?” he said.
“We’ve got company.”
He stilled. “It’s them.” The fear in his voice serrated the air. “They fuckin’ found me.”