Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Should Be Reading.
It’s another happy and bookish day, and my feature is an ARC called Second Life, by S. J. Watson. I have heard mixed thoughts on this one, probably because of the phenomenal success of the author’s previous book, Before I Go to Sleep.
But I am ready to take a chance.
Intro: I climb the stairs but the door is closed. I hesitate outside it. Now I’m here, I don’t want to go in. I want to turn round, go home. Try again later.
But this is my last chance. The exhibition has been on for weeks and closes tomorrow. It’s now or never.
I close my eyes and breathe as deeply as I can. I concentrate on filling my lungs, I straighten my shoulders, I feel the tension in my body evaporate as I breathe out. I tell myself there’s nothing to be worried about, I come here regularly—to meet friends for lunch, to catch the latest exhibitions, to attend lectures. This time is no different. Nothing here can hurt me. It’s not a trap.
Finally I feel ready. I push open the door and go in.
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Teaser: I sat in the garden for hours that day, my laptop humming in front of me. I was exploring the site, clicking on profiles, opening photographs. (p. 95).
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Blurb: Julia’s life is comfortable, if unremarkable, until her sister’s brutal murder opens old wounds. She finds solace in her sister’s best friend, Sophie, but when Sophie reveals the extent of her sister’s online life, Julia becomes convinced that the truth about her death lies deep in the dark, sordid world of online chatrooms and internet sex.
What begins as Julia’s search for the truth about her sister quickly turns into an exploration of herself and her own desires. After all, the internet is her playground, and why be just one thing when you can be as many as you like? What could possibly go wrong? After all, it’s only cybersex, isn’t it? No one’s going to get hurt.
But then she meets the dark and mysterious Lukas in an online chat room, and things begin to get very dangerous indeed.
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What do you think? Do the excerpts grab you? Make you want to know more?
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RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS 
I recently read Before I Go to Sleep and liked it. I haven’t heard much about this one, but I like the intro. It’s a very tense scene that’s being set.
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I think so, too, Wendy…thanks for stopping by. And I loved Before I Go to Sleep.
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I like the intro too. Its very compelling. I have to know what happens next.
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Despite the mixed reviews, I am eager to find out more, too. Thanks for stopping by, Margot, and happy reading!
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Ooh I’m looking forward to seeing your review of this one. I did enjoy it but can fully see why it has received some less favourable reviews, I wonder which camp you’ll fall into. Here is my TT for this week https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/teaser-tuesday-february-24/
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I wonder about that, too, Cleopatra; sometimes I am even more eager to read a book that has mixed reviews. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your enticing read.
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The opening is intriguing, but the blurb leaves me unsure that I’d like it. Just not a subject that particularly interests me.
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Definitely a book that has mixed reactions; thanks for stopping by, Suzie, and enjoy your book.
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I’ve seen mixed reviews too, so haven’t bought this one yet. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to your thoughts. I loved Before I Go To Sleep too. Happy reading 🙂
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Since I got it as a review book, there is little risk for me. I do hope to enjoy it, however. Thanks for visiting, Lindsay.
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Good start! I’ve only seen the movie Before I Go to Sleep, so I can’t comment on the earlier book.
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I enjoyed the earlier book and the movie, and I’m very curious about this one, Beth. Thanks for stopping by.
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I wonder why she is so apprehensive? I’d read more.
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My curiosity has been piqued, too, Diane…thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your intriguing book.
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This sounds like something I would enjoy.
My post is here.
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Thanks, Yvonne, I am eager to read it, too. Enjoy your pick!
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Online sex safe? I think she is in for a rude awakening. I’m not sure how I feel about this book, but murder always intrigues me. Thanks for sharing.
sherry @ fundinmental My TT
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Yes, murder does have a following, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Sherry….
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Sounds like an interesting story and very timely. Happy reading!
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I agree, Kathy…thanks for stopping by.
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The intro pulled me right in. I’d keep reading.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-95.html
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Thanks, Catherine, and time will tell how the book stands up against its predecessor, but I’m willing to take that risk. Glad you could stop by.
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I’ve also seen the mixed reactions, but I’m still intrigued. I really liked his first book, BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP. I have not watched the movie yet and may not. Still considering. Anyway, I’m planning on reading this one.
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Me, too, I am not easily dissuaded from reading a book when I loved a previous one. Thanks for stopping by, Kay, and I hope we both enjoy it.
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The intro is very compelling. I have not read Before I Go to Sleep, but it is on my TBR list. I am looking forward to your thoughts on this one.
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Thanks, Judy, it is fun to discover what might happen in a book that begins like this one.,
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I’ve been reading about this one, and it looks good. I’d keep reading!
Here’s my post:
http://monicasbookishlife.blogspot.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday_24.html
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Thanks, Monica, I’m glad about that….and thanks for stopping by.
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Sounds like she will be in a lot of danger too. It is one I think I would like.
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I liked that feeling of danger in the opening lines, too; I am just about ready to start reading this. Thanks for stopping by, Jo.
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All this talk of mixed reviews has me wanting to read it! The teasers looked good. Thanks for sharing! Here is my TT http://www.readinggrrl.com/2015/02/teaser-tuesday_24.html#comment-form
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Thanks, Heidi, those mixed reactions do pique my interest, too. Glad you could stop by.
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Great intro! Hope you love this one. Before I Go To Sleep is still on my wish list.
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Thanks, JoAnn, hope you enjoy BIGTS….I did. I loved the movie, too.
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I really like how the author builds on the tension within the introduction. Also, I’m not too keen with first person narration, but this one doesn’t feel sloppy, it’s really well written 🙂
Hope you’re having a lovely week Laurel
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Thanks for stopping by, Claudia, and I agree. Enjoy your reading!
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I heard great things about Before I Go to Sleep, so I’d keep reading despite the fact that I didn’t love the writing style in the blurb. The premise sounds a bit like Reconstructing Amelia…at least in the sense that someone’s online life can add so much color to an unexplained tragedy.
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Definitely….thanks for stopping by, Sarah, and enjoy your pick.
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Ooh, this was my Teaser Tuesday last week! I found it a little hit and miss in places, but I was gripped!
Here’s my TT this week: https://thebookbrief.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/teaser-tuesday-4/
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Yes, Emily, that it was; thanks for stopping by.
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Oh what did she do? The internet is not a safe place. What was she thinking?
My TT – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/02/24/teaser-tuesdays-103-vostok-by-steve-alten/
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So many people don’t think, which is the tragedy. Thanks for stopping by, Laura.
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Sounds very intriguing.
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I think so, too, Mary Ann…thanks for stopping by.
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Interesting cover. Right away I get the impression of two lives, whether she led double lives or had to change her persona.
A trap at an exhibit? Now I’m really intrigued!
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Oh, yes, the dual lives intrigue me, too. Thanks for visiting, Freda.
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I would take a chance on this book. I enjoyed Before I Go To Sleep on audio.
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Thanks for stopping by, Nise, and I’m eager to read this one.
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Wow…it grabbed me so much I hot it on VFA!!!
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Good, Patty! I think it will be worth it!
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Sounds like a good thriller — enjoy! Mine: The House of Hades
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Thanks, Heather…glad you could stop by! Happy reading.
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This is the book you received last week I’m the most interested in reading myself, and your teaser sealed the deal, Laurel-Rain! Thanks for sharing.
Have a great rest of the week 🙂
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Oh, glad you enjoyed the teaser, Lexxie…I am loving the book so far. Thanks for stopping by.
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That is a very intense opening. I’m curious about what lies beyond the door. kelley at the road goes ever ever on
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I’m glad you liked the teaser, Kelley…thanks for stopping by.
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