One of the things that gets writers through tough times is a sense of humor. Not jokes, per se. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t tell jokes. I’m not even very funny. Actually, I’m not funny at all. I’m the straight man. But even the straight man can make you laugh. Think David Spade to Chris Farley. Dan Akroyd to John Belushi. Kermit to Miss Piggy.
I hear over and over again from readers that I “crack them up.” I think I do this by simply having my characters say stuff that you know real people want to say, but never have the balls to. That’s my theory, anyway. Seems to work for me in real life, too.
I’ve been thinking about this because while my Marisela books have a lot of that smart ass humor in them–while all my books have that smart ass humor in them–I’ve been getting away from the “fun” lately. I’ve been writing suspense and paranormal for almost a year now and while my characters are smart asses who are determined to make life and love a fun undertaking, they have serious issues to deal with–people with guns and warlocks trying to take over the city–stuff like that.
So I started working on a new project. It’s not contracted, so it’s a side job. Something to play with. I have no idea who will publish it or if it will ever get published. But it’s fun. No one is trying to blow anything up. No one is freaked out by the unexplainable. And it’s for me. Maybe someday, it’ll be for you, too. I have contracted work, so I’m diddling with it on the side. And for the first time in a while, I’m writing on the contracted work with regularity. The two events cannot be unrelated.
I’m not saying I’m not enjoying my contracted works. I am! It’s just they’re hard! They’re nuanced and slightly dark and pull from a place in my belly that doesn’t give up the good stuff easily. The new project? This one comes from the part of my belly that likes to laugh and be outrageous and shock people with the daring things they want to say and DO, but don’t.
The whole idea came up because I was thinking about my book, MAKING WAVES, which I affectionately call “the book nobody read.” Now, if you read it, I’m not inferring that you’re “nobody.” You’re just one of very, very few. I don’t think the book is available anymore, as it was released last year in July by Harlequin Signature, a line that is no more. The distribution was puny. My readers, so accustomed to buying my books in the Blaze section, never knew it was out. I’d burned myself to the ground doing promotion for DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, the book that came out the month before, so that I didn’t have energy to do anthing big for MAKING WAVES except for an advertisement in the Romance Writer’s Report. 
It’s a shame, too, because I thought it was a great story. Fun characters. Fun setting. Fun plot. Fun book-within-a-book. Fun secondary characters. Hell, the book had a drag queen. What could possibly be more fun than that??? And it was hot. Incendiary hot. Easily one of the hottest books I’ve written.
So, I’ve done something weird–I’ve taken ten copies of MAKING WAVES and put them in envelopes with postage, but no names and addresses. I’m going to award these ten copies to ten people who post on here about why they think they’d like to read this book. You can go over to my website and read the excerpt and even try to find reviews…though since no one read it, I don’t think anyone reviewed it either. I’ll pick the winners sometime tomorrow here in the COMMENTS section, so you have to come back to see if you’ve won. I’ll even mail to Canada. 
Heck, I’ll consider other foreign nations, too. I’m in a generous mood.
The point is to recapture the fun. To step into the light, both figuratively and literally.
If you’ve read MAKING WAVES, I’d sure as hell like to hear from you. And if you haven’t, here’s your chance!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Blazing Midsummer Nights
Dirty Little Secrets
Karma
Through The Night
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OMG I would have definitely, definitely picked this one up! I don’t even know how I missed it, perusing bookstores like I do. This is definitely something I would read. Love, love, love the hot stuff.
I love the whole storyline – very hot. I love the idea of this serious journalist falling for someone who writes romance. And you can feel the chemistry between them just in that phone exchange. I also like how Tess is who she is, says what she thinks, because this is the kind of woman that finally got Colt’s attention. And I like how he is willing to disappoint his family just to be with the woman who shakes him up, who makes him feel alive. I love the idea of them writing the story together – what a way to open up to their fantasies.
Oh Julie, even if I don’t win a copy, I think I have to get this book!
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It definitely looks good. I always enjoy a strong hero and Colton sounds like one.
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I can’t believe I missed this book!! My family moved July 2006. That has to be it!!! I was buried under ALL THOSE BOXES!!! Julie, just by the cover this book looks HOT!! I HAVE TO GET IT!!
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All I can say is WOW!! The excerpt looks really interesting. And I can tell you that I didn’t get this book or any books that year. I had a 1 year old I was running around after and no spare time to myself.
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I actually did read “Making Waves” and it is one of your hottest books I’ve ever read!!! I loved it, but admit I only found it through eHarlequin.com. Good luck to everyone else!!!
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According to Amazon, they have four copies and more on the way. I think I have this book in my TBR pile, but haven’t gotten to it yet. I can barely read the books sent to me for review! But this definitely looks like a book I’d enjoy.
Maybe you could start an email campaign where all your friends email HQ and tell them how much they liked it and could they please reissue…well, anyway, I heard that’s a great way to get yourself noticed.
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I don’t need to win this book. I already have it. The Signature select line was one of my favorites. I’m sorry to see that line discontinued. I bought this book when it came out but it is still on my TBR pile. I promise it will be the next book that I crack open.
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Julie,
Where’s my fan? I agree with Stacy’s comments. Great H/H’s! And the whole build up of sexual tension writing a story together – great idea. Should have been a Blaze! If I don’t win it, I will definitely pick it up now that you’ve got me hooked!
ps EVERY woman I know needs some light, fun, sexy, sassy stuff every once in a while!
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I would love to have it! I have only read a small, small handful of your books, but I LOVE THE COVER! It is really hot!
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Wow, Making Waves sounds great. I love that the hero and heroine are writing together. I would definitely love to read it. :)
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The books with humor are my favorite. I would love to read this book.
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Hi Julie,
I don’t need a copy of the book, because I already read it. Reading this book actually put your name in my head and I have bought other books by you. Granted it has been a while since I read it and passed it on to family memebers for their enjoyment, but it definitely made an impression, because I bought more books written by you. I love a romance and lots of sexual tension and just plain steam coming from the characters. You do that, I am grateful and I can read your books.
Patty
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Julie,
I was on of the few who read this one. I happened to see it at Walmart (still has the sticker on it). I actually just passed it on to a friend who could use a pick me up!!!!:thumbsup:
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MAKING WAVES is still available through Barnes & Noble.com because that’s where I got my copy less than two months ago. Well, let me say this, it was available two months ago. I haven’t checked since.
I read it and loved it. I admit I found it by doing a search for your name while shopping online. I’ve read your Blaze stories and loved them. I still need to pick up your DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS/LIES books though.
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The excerpt is great, and the cover is beautiful. I think it would be a great read, with lots of chemistry. A hot, hot read.
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Yeah on having the fun project to work on as you deal with the darker, contracted work.
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After reading the excerpt all I can say is WOW! I must admit I just started reading your books after I found Plotmonkeys, so that explains why I haven’t read it.:oops: I would love to have it!
What a thoughtful thing for you to do!:bowdown:
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i would read because your are good writer and the book looks very good. i want to read antying right now. pick me lol:thumbsup2:
:thumbsup:
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The line below caught my immediate attention being my ex used certain things against me in our divorce case that were ‘unbelievable’ being they were okay in the marriage:
‘until her ex-husband used them against her in a highly-publicized divorce case.’
The following caught my attention also:
‘the story is recorded on paper and reenacted in her bed’; a must read on my part for sure.
Thanks for bringing this book to our attention, Julie.
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I would definitely like to read it…
One, because you wrote it and I enjoy your books, and two, because the storyline sounds great. It is definitely something I would read. I am not sure how I missed it…possibly because I was still relatively new to contemp romances when it released.
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I would LOVE to read this book! When it originally came out, I was in my no-reading-for-pleasure phase because of work. That phase has ended thank goodness. Anyway, I’d like to read this book because (a) your books are fun, (b) I get a kick out of your heroines, and (c) the description and the excerpt sound great – exactly the kind of book I enjoy. You should definitely lobby for a re-release!
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Wow, what fun. I’m with Susan, I actually just found you through the Plotmonkeys so I don’t have it and would love to read it. I don’t really have any “convincing” lines other than, pleeeassee. But if I’m not one of the lucky 10 I’ll check through Amazon or B&N online and get it there.
It sounds great and I’m sorry it didn’t get the attention it seems to have deserved. Maybe it will get picked up and reprinted somehow.
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There’s only 3 left on amazon…this is going to turn into a best seller!
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Julie, I read Making Waves last September & gave it an Excellent rating! That means it was very good & I really enjoyed it. :love2: To all of you that haven’t read the book, find a copy & read it, you will not be sorry!! :)
I love books with humor which is why some of my favorite authors are on my list of favorites. Romance & humor, what more could you want??!!
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Julie,
I love your books.:love2::love2::love2: I cannot believe I missed it. :cry: I adore books that are filled with humor since my life is stressful.
I also relate to the divorce feeling since, during my recent robbery they (the perps) stole naughty pictures.
I am so nervous about where I will find them. Of course once they realize it’s a chubby chick maybe they will just be grossed out and burn them.:happy2::happy2:
Have a super day.
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I read this book and give it a big thumbs up! Colton is a super hot hero, and Tessa one of Julie’s incredible heroines. But honestly, what put this book over the top into “excellent” for me was the Greek mythology story-within-a-story. SO hot and so cool for this Hercules and Xena lover!
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Alas, I am another who hasn’t read it, but I would love to — I mean, a man and a woman writing erotica together? You just have to see what happens from that!!!! :):devil::wave::P
Lois
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I’d love to read this. Reasons? 1) Took a ton of classical studies classes in college and love Greek Mythology. 2) Been reading a lot of heavier non-fiction stuff researching the book of my heart and would enjoy something more fun. 3) Husband has been traveling a lot more so a hotter read might be nice;)
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OMG, :doh: Julie, I don’t know how I missed this one but I did. :wallbash: For some reason I have really been out of it lately and can’t seem to get back on track. If you’ve noticed I’ve been sort of
on the loop as well. Okay enough 
for myself…
I’ve got to read this book and would love to win it.
Even if I don’t I’ll have to go get it. Sounds like just the kinda fun / ‘good’ 
book I need about now.
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Based on the excerpt, I’m sorry I didn’t pick this one up. But I bet I know where I can get a copy…
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HOW did I miss this one?? I love your Blazes but the chemistry oozing from that excerpt got my attention fast. I would love to be in the running to win a copy.
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I know if I saw this in a bookstore, I would have picked it up and read the back of the book. And…..once I read the back, I would have bought it, taken it home, and read it in one sitting!! Sounds great! :wave:
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I bought it! It was the first book of yours I read.
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I would love to read Making Waves to see how it differs from your other books!
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Julie, I would love to read anything you write! My taste is all over, and I love your style!
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My library has it and i checked it out, it was the first thing that I read by you and i loved it. :thumbsup2: I love books with authors for heroes or heroines. I have not gotten to buy it yet, and would love a copy, but it would be cool to if someone who has not read it yet got it. I highly recommend it.
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I bought this book at Wal-Mart when it first came out and I loved it. I like books that are a little different because it makes them stand out. I definitely recommend everybody find it and read it.
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I would love to win a copy and I will tell you why.
#1 I am a reviewer for two sites and I can write a review for it afterwords for you, and you can put it up on your site if you like. If you would like it to be featured on one of the sites I review for, I can find out info for you. I think the only thing you have to do is pay for the postage to send it to the reviewer. Alot of people visit one of the sites I review for, so it would get a ton of publicity.
#2 I loved Dirty Little Secrets and would love to try this book out!
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I definitely would read this book. It is full of fun, great characters and I love this type of story.
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I would love this novel. It has everything that I would enjoy. The excerpt is one great intro. Love it
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If I had known about it I would have read it long ago. This book is so good. I would be in love with the real people and their great sense of humor.
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ooh, I want Colton to simmer off some of his creative juices over at my house. lol
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What a great story. I am interested and would read it for sure.
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I wont lie, I KNOW how I missed this book…two reasons really. One, it wasnt near the blaze section, and two, I honestly dont look at the authors name on a blaze book, I buy it because IT IS A BLAZE, and I know i will love it:love2: So my appoligies for missing this book. (I also admit that I have never read the Marisela stories either:hide: not because they dont appeal, but because I am the type of person who likes to start a series at the beginning so it all makes sense). So by all means, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider me for your promotion!
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I HAVE to read this book! Great excerpt, Colt sounds like my kind of hero
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To be honest I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books yet but this sure sounds like a great one to start with
And I always want some humor in my books – any kind of genre. It’s what gets me through life and let’s face it – if you are laughing you’re crying and I’d much rather do the former :happy2: Thanks for the chance :wave:
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Oh heck :doh: I meant to say if you AREN’T laughing, you’re crying :doh:
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Fun is always good. Breaking ground and doing something or challenging is even better! Good Luck to everyone!
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Julie,
I purchased ”Making Waves’ from Amazon shortly after you bloged about it
some time ago. I think you were saying you thought it was one of your best endeavors. Antway it’s a great book!
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I like Kristin’s idea about an email campaign – to get the word out. That’s definitely worth looking into.
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I’ve read it, fortunately I have a subscription to RT and it was listed in there or I might have missed it.
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Julie,
I bought a copy when it was released, but, did have trouble finding it at Borders. Fortunately, the local, formerly-Waldenbooks (which considers itself a “Romance store”–yeah!) brought out a few (undoubtedly, due to my calls asking about it–LOL), & I snatched one up. I enjoyed MW very much, & am sorry the line is ending. I find many of the HQ “off-lines” do not have room provided in many of the book or discount stores. They seem to have “limited slots”, & when there is a newer line, space is not provided.
Patricia A.
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Wow! First, I want to thank all the readers who posted not only that they read the book, but also gave awesome testimonials. THANK YOU.
It’s nice to know the book was not completely out of sight, out of mind. I don’t blame any reader for not finding it…it wasn’t exactly an easy task! (Kristen, LOL on your comment regarding friends!)
I chose the winners randomly by number…if the winner ended up already having the book, I chose again.
Would the following lovely ladies please email me at julie@julieleto.com with your snail mail addresses?
#1 Stacy~
#3 Tina
#19 Robyn
#21 Julie S
#22 Jodie
#25 Debbie
#31 Cheryl S
#32 Shari
#34 Estella
#46 Catslady
Thanks everyone!!!
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I read it right after I read your novella in Dare Me, and thought it was funny and somehow both very hot and sweet.
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It was a great story – very sexy. One of the books I bought just from the cover.
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What a great Friday give a way!!!!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I finished reading Asking for Trouble!!! If you have picked up your copy RUN don’t walk to the nearest bookstore and pick up your copy today!!!!!!! I told Leslie that this book is amazing, astonishing, astounding, breathtaking, daring, dazzling, dramatic, eye-catching, fabulous, fantastic, grand, impressive, magnificent, marked, marvelous, prodigious, razzle-dazzle, remarkable, sensational, splendid, stupendous, theatrical, thrilling, wondrous !
I agree with Leslie and this book is in my top three favorites by Leslie!!!
2:thumbsup::thumbsup:!!!
I hope everyone have a wonderful weekend!:wave:
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wtg ladies:party:
i never win anymore :cry:
congrats ladies:lol:
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Wohoo, congrats ladies and I’m one of the lucky ones. Thanks so much.
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Wow, thanx! I’m sending my info – thanx Julie!