Amy works nonstop, trying to bring environmental problems to the attention of the world. But her teenage daughter, Tara, is determined to get her mom to have more fun, so she challenges her to try out the computer role-playing game, Buckling Swashes. Amy is reluctant (to say the least), but humors her daughter and plugs in, signing on as Earless Erika.

Amy. . . er, Earless Erika, is shocked at how real the world she enters in the game seems to be. With the virtual reality glasses on, it's almost as if she's standing in the dirty, aggressive pirate world. Of course, there are a few positives. Such as Black Corbin, a gorgeous pirate who reminds Amy of all she's been missing while she's been chained to her desk. Mocking herself for the interest she's discovered in a make-believe computer character, Amy is ready to head for bed. Only, she finds out that she can't leave the computer world. When she touches her face, she doesn't feel the virtual reality glasses, and Corbin, another player, finds out the same thing. As the two delve into the pirate world, trying to find out what has happened and how they can get out of the game, their attraction to each other continues to grow. But solving the mystery of who's behind the deadly programming that was inserted into Buckling Swashes only puts the couple in more danger. Will they ever get the chance to meet face to face -- in the real world?

Katie MacAlister creates fun, lively books that almost always make me laugh out loud. BLOW ME DOWN was a hoot, sexy and entertaining. As always, I'm glad to recommend MacAlister's romantic romps! Enjoy! Oh, and don't worry about the computer thing. Even if the closest you get to a computer is reading this web site, you'll understand role-playing games just fine. And you may even consider buying one after Amy's experience.