In the Internet game of "Buckling Swashes," two die-hard enemies find themselves comrades at arms against a merciless rival, and discover that-on t...
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reviews
Aug 17, 2009
Kathleen
rated it: 
I'm kind of a sucker for nerds in romance. I like learning about science-y things and computer-y things, and this book featured a cool three-dimensional gaming universe where you can actually become a character in this sea-faring online game. I guess it's like Second Life except you get sucked right into it through some kind of headset.
So the thing is in beta testing, and the heroine meets the creator of the game and they fall in love in virtual reality.
And I was actual More...
So the thing is in beta testing, and the heroine meets the creator of the game and they fall in love in virtual reality.
And I was actual More...
Jun 03, 2010
Michele
rated it: 
All work and no play make Amy a dull girl, or so Amy's precocious daughter tells her as she convinces Amy to try a new virtual-reality game, Buckling Swashes. Amy agrees in the hope of humoring her child, but instead she winds up in the middle of an amazingly detailed world and right in the path of Corbin, one hot pirate captain who turns out to be one of the game's creators. What they also discover is that they're caught inside the game--in a trap set by a disgruntled employee--and must work to
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Apr 06, 2010
Stacie
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This was an odd concept for a story and one of my first Katie MacAlister. It is about a single mom, who with the prodding of her daughter, signs on to a new Pirate RPG MMO game. This game has VR and she is launched into a different world. By no fault of her own, she is stuck in the game. She takes down the dreaded Black Corbin and tries to make herself through this world. She is drawn into a pirate world, takes on a cabin boy and ship, and falls in love. She defeats the evil and exits the
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May 21, 2009
Jess
rated it:
I usually like Macalister's books.. but this one just didn't rub me the right way. It seemed as if she was trying too hard to be funny, and frankly the concept of the book was not that appealing. For the first few chapters I had no idea what was going on, and then once I understood I kept thinking to myself how stupid the concept was.
I liked the character of Corbin, he was funny and a charming hero. The character of Holder was pretty funny and provided the majority of the comedy in the More...
I liked the character of Corbin, he was funny and a charming hero. The character of Holder was pretty funny and provided the majority of the comedy in the More...
Oct 12, 2009
Wendy
rated it:
This was a fun read!
When Amy Stewart's teenage daughter challenges her to add some fun to her rather structured life by trying out a new VR game called Buckling Swashes, Amy inadvertently gets caught up in a struggle between the games creator and a disgruntled ex-employee. Stuck in the game with only a few other human players Amy must find her inner pirate and figure out how to get herself out of the game. What she didn't count on was falling for Black Corbin, the game's creator. As More...
When Amy Stewart's teenage daughter challenges her to add some fun to her rather structured life by trying out a new VR game called Buckling Swashes, Amy inadvertently gets caught up in a struggle between the games creator and a disgruntled ex-employee. Stuck in the game with only a few other human players Amy must find her inner pirate and figure out how to get herself out of the game. What she didn't count on was falling for Black Corbin, the game's creator. As More...
Apr 05, 2011
Suzie
rated it:
In spite of my being skeptical in the beginning about being "trapped" in a virtual reality game, the author came through with a plausible explanation for that that probably couldn't have been worked in any sooner than it was. Aside from being just a tad long for my taste (there were moments in the middle when I did want the story to move along just a little faster), I enjoyed the story. Katie McK doesn't write down to her audience which makes her a worthwhile romance author in my book.
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Jul 24, 2008
Roberta
rated it:
A solid entry in MacAlister's repetoire, but I guess the whole pirate video game concept doesn't interest me as much as some of her other concepts. It was well written and executed, but the subject matter didn't get me into the novel as much. No fault of the author's, I just don't find pirate anything (other than movies) to be very interesting, but I read the novel because I've enjoyed everything else the author has written.
Despite that, it was a clever turn on virtual reality and More...
Despite that, it was a clever turn on virtual reality and More...
Jun 17, 2010
Vicky
rated it:
What a parent will do for their child goes without saying. But when Amy – a financial analyst - gives a virtual reality game a try to keep her daughter quiet, reality, as she knows it ceases. Now swept into a world of swash buckling pirates, ladies of the evening… and afternoon... and morning, a very morbid 8-year old, and one very mouth watering pirate, Amy has to help end the game to escape.
The trick is to continue the game while finding love and the culprit who’s bent on the dest More...
The trick is to continue the game while finding love and the culprit who’s bent on the dest More...
Jul 27, 2011
Jen
rated it: 
Fantastic book about a dangerous and sensual life on the high seas. The romantic version of old fashioned pirate life combined with cutting edge technology. A very interesting concept and relavent for this day and age where RPGs and MMORPGs are hugely popular. Katie seamlessly blends the two worlds together and makes me wish I was playing Buckling Swashes with the dashing characters she has created. Bravo! Go get this novel if you haven't read it already.
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Jul 17, 2009
Kara
rated it:
This book entertained me and had an original story line, although completely predictable. It was, however, a romance-are they supposed to have a twist at the end? I love MacAlister's dragon series-FABULOUS-this was disappointing in comparison. I have been reading the Outliers and according to that in order to be a success at anything (even the Michael Jordan's) you have to put in your time with practice. This book felt like practice.
Jul 11, 2011
Drucilla
rated it: 
The novel itself was ok but if you're expecting to read the story that is described on the back of the book, you'll be disappointed. This is the first time this is ever happened to me. The description on the back of the book is not the same as what the book actually is. The characters are the same but it makes you think the characters know each other when they don't. I would have much rather have read the story on the back of the book.
Mar 06, 2011
Sally
rated it:
Very disappointing read from an auther that I normally love. I'm slogging through it, but it just doesn't catch my imagination. Another clueless female heroine. Even I can guess who is the bad guy and I've just met him a few time. Come on, Katie, pull up your socks, your books can be so wonderful. Where are the strong, funny women we've got used to in other books?
Mar 27, 2011
Lori
rated it:
Picked this up on a whim and was greatly amused. I was looking to read something that was not middle school appropriate and this had that criteria covered in spades. Funny premise, especially since I have been known to play the odd MMORPG from time to time. Might pick up another of her books next time I'm in the mood for a break from young adult lit :)
Aug 31, 2009
Jill
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This is the first book of Katie MacAlister that I have read and I can happily say that I can't wait to read more of her books! It's funny...It's a great combination of romance, fantasy, a little action and mystery. If you loved this I think that you would love Jennifer Crusie, she also writes funny romances. You know the kind, laugh out loud!
Sep 09, 2011
Courtney
rated it:
This was a bit of a different type of story for a romance novel and I have to admit that I quite liked it. I had to really set aside my ideas of how actually realistic a virtual reality game could be, but other than that, it was cute and fun and different. I find that different is almost always a good thing.
Jan 07, 2011
Ellie
rated it:
This is one book, no matter how often I read it, has always stayed comfortably hilarious. It has everything a good "popcorn" book has for me to get through it in one sitting. It's light, fun to read, has pirates and virtual reality.
All these things combined make it one of my favorite of Katie MacAlisters' books.
All these things combined make it one of my favorite of Katie MacAlisters' books.
Nov 26, 2011
Danielle
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This was a such a new, different type of book. The storyline and whole idea was great, loved it. It starts with a mom trying out a new virtual game her daughter wants her to try, and she ends up stuck in the game, in real life. It is cool, how it is all put together and it is also a love story, great book!
Feb 05, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
This is such a funny, great book. Love this author. If you haven't read any of her books, this is a good one to start with. Her Ashlyn books are to "die" for, but if you're looking for a great stand alone book to enjoy, this is your best bet.
Apr 17, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
Was cute romance, in the digital age where there are multi-player RPG games like World of Warcraft. Kind of got impatient with it (I'm not a very patient person), so skimmed the last 80 pages. But it was a fun read.
Aug 17, 2011
Jennifer
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This was a very cute book and very "Caprica" in the way. It was ahead of its time in the virtual reality bit and the first time that I'd read something involving a sci-fi twist of this nature.
May 07, 2009
Claire
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I was thrown off by the blurb on the back of the book not matching up to the story, but other than that this was just an enjoyable book to read on a sick day. Thanks Rachel!
Dec 22, 2009
Mrs. Missive
rated it:
Really unique premise, but it was a little hard to suspend belief in some instances, and it felt like the ending was a little tacked on, but it was enjoyable to read.
Oct 07, 2010
Tina "reading mommy"
rated it:
This book was odd for me. I was really worried that it was going to be outside my realm of too farfetched for even me to believe. Which is saying something since I love paranormal. I stuck with it and glad I did.
I loved the nerdy, computer geek with the heart of a fighter in him. Corbin was too cute and very sweet!
Amy was sarcastic and a control freak, but I learned to really like her. I loved the banter between between her and some of the characters (especially he
I loved the nerdy, computer geek with the heart of a fighter in him. Corbin was too cute and very sweet!
Amy was sarcastic and a control freak, but I learned to really like her. I loved the banter between between her and some of the characters (especially he
Jan 25, 2011
Beth
rated it:
I had a hard time suspending disbelief in the computer system glitch. I couldn't get past it to enjoy the book.
Jan 29, 2011
Meg
rated it:
Katie MacAlister does a great job of creating romance novels that don't make me want to throw them across the room. She creates romances about realistic people in realistic situations, in this case a slightly overweight software programmer and a 30ish mother of one who has carved out a life for herself and her daughter. Beyond that is gets a bit more fantastical, they become stuck in a preview of a virtual reality pirate game and must figure out a way out and why its happening.
Thi More...
Thi More...
Jun 16, 2011
Katherine
rated it:
I didn't enjoy this. It was a virtual memory story. I think the reviews of this book was overrated.
Mar 12, 2009
Aislynn
rated it:
Pirates + online gaming, two of my favorite things in one book. Fantastic.
Oct 12, 2008
Sarah
rated it:
Fun book about a man and woman who fall in love while playing a VR MMORPG (virtual reality massivly multiplayer online role-playing game). Quite a mouthful, huh? I guess this book hit a sweet spot with me since I met my husband playing a MMORPG years ago, although not one quite as sophisticated as the one in this book, since VR technology as described in the story does not truly exist. If you can suspend reality for a bit you will enjoy this book. It includes MacAlister's trademark humor and fun
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Nov 24, 2010
Cristi
rated it:
I love pirates and it was definitely a fun little twist the way she did it.
