“Tight end,” noun: 1. a position in American football, 2. NFL star Marcus James, 3. what any hot-blooded woman can’t stop staring at every time Marcus walks by. Bree Novak is so close to earning her Ph.D. she can taste it, but she’s supposed to be writing her dissertation, not giving lectures while her advisor slacks off. The semester gets even crazier when veteran tight end Marcus James—Bree’s … end Marcus James—Bree’s celebrity crush—enrolls in her “Intro to Physics” class. The man’s even hotter in person than he looks on Sunday Night Football. So why is Bree hoping he drops out? Maybe it’s because Marcus, with his cocky smile and chiseled body, is the ultimate distraction. . . .
Drafted out of college years ago by the Milwaukee Dragons, Marcus is taking advantage of a season-ending knee injury to finish his bachelor’s degree. Plus, thanks to a required science credit, he’s also getting to know the geek goddess who teaches physics. With brains and beauty, Bree is living proof that opposites attract. She’s even kind enough to give Marcus extra help with the material, as if she didn’t have anything better to do. And the more time Marcus spends with her, the more he realizes he’s not just crushing on his teacher—he’s falling for her.
Don’t miss any of Liz Lincoln’s mouthwatering Milwaukee Dragons novels, which can be read together or separately:
ON THE LINE • SWAGGER • HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
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I have read both books in the Milwaukee Dragon series and I hope Liz Lincoln follows Swagger by adding more books to the series. Typically the books have similar storylines but Liz Lincoln outdid herself with Swagger, two totally different storylines just centering around the Milwaukee Dragon football team. This one was steamy hot and I do mean steamy, Kindle-melting scenes. But not only steamy, it also was one of the most heartful sports romance books I have ever read, Marcus knew how to support & cherish Bree, swoon-worthy to say the least. This book has it all and will have you hooked with an abundance of heat & just enough heart. Marcus has so much Swagger he is definitely worthy of the title! My only negative would be I would have loved to have a few more chapters because I would have loved to know what’s next for Marcus & Bree. But I am hoping the way it ended only means Liz Lincoln has more books planned for this series and will come through with a Book 3 and a Marcus & Bree update, one can only hope! Definitely recommend not missing this one, Swagger is one delectable read!
When an injury leaves tight end Marcus James sidelined for the season, he finds himself struggling with how to spend all the new free time he has on his hands, everything in his life revolves around the game, and if he doesn’t that have that what does he have? He decides his time might best be used to finish the classes he needs in order to obtain his degree, which means he must take a physics class, and he instantly has reservations about it, that is until he meets his teacher!
Bree Novak is beyond gorgeous, funny, smart, and he has a feeling she is going to be an excellent teacher, but he wouldn’t mind being more than just her student. But that would be crossing the line into dangerous territory…
Swagger is an absorbing little page-turner that joins the football world with the science world together, and boy what a entertaining duo they make! I really enjoyed this newest installment in the Milwaukee Dragons series, it drew me almost immediately, and kept me entertained the whole way through, who knew science could be so hot! The chemistry between these two burned brightly from start to finish, and every encounter they had was filled with so much heated passion and intensity that I found myself in need of a fan more than a few times! As a sports romance fan I have to say this one brought some serious game, the characters were great, the words were engaging, it was a win-win!! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Sweet read involving two leads who have followed their dreams despite much interference and misunderstanding from their families. Slow burn romance and lovely characters.
This was a good read. The writing was good, and I liked Marcus as a H for the most part. I like my heroes a little more assertive, but it’s hard to do that when the h flips out when you do anything before clearing it with her first. And that’s where my biggest complaint comes in. I understand that Bree had a crappy boyfriend in the past, and her dad didn’t appreciate all the hard work she was doing to get her Ph.D., but what Marcus did didn’t even compare. Plus it happened before he even got any of her backstory, so to me, Bree’s reaction was way over the top. She could “stand up” to Marcus, but let her advisor walk all over her, and not report him? Yeah, no. I liked them together at the end, but I was disappointed that there wasn’t more to the ending. It just ended, and I’m a big fan of an epilogue. I did read the first book in this series, and I would like to see who,from the Dragons, is next.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Another solid addition to Lincoln’s Milwaukee Dragons series. I *really* loved the first book in the series, On The Line, so I was interested to see if Swagger could come anywhere close and I’m happy to report that it did not disappoint!
Once again, Lincoln has created characters that are realistic and relatable. Sometimes sports romance read more like New Adult to me, but in this case Bree and Marcus are responsible adults instead of annoying, immature caricatures. As a #nerdygirl myself, one of the things I loved most about the first book was that the heroine was a self-avowed geek/nerd. Well, Bree is a doctoral candidate in physics so once again, it was nice to see a heroine in a non-traditional role portrayed realistically. That being said, I will say that although I get why Bree had a chip on her shoulder about how some men treated her (hey, I’m a woman working in a predominately male field, too), I felt as if her reaction to Marcus’s “meddling” was way over-the-top, even given her experiences.
Marcus is portrayed as much more than just a professional athlete. And although I’d consider this “sports romance” there’s not as much emphasis on actual football given that Marcus is out for the season with an injury. Instead, I feel like we got to focus on a different aspect of his personality since he wasn’t actively playing.
I’m hoping we get some more books for the Milwaukee Dragons!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a meeting between two characters more than when Bree runs down Marcus. I felt all of her embarrassment at finally meeting her favorite football player who’s injured by knocking him down.
Bree is finishing up getting her Ph.D in Physics. I loved that she’s in a STEM field and this book showcased how difficult that can be for a woman. She has an amazing group of friends that are supportive which was a great since she didn’t seem to have support from anyone else. Marcus is out for the season with an injury and takes the opportunity to finish his degree. My favorite thing about him was that he’s a closet nerd. The similarities between them were surprising and it made me love them that much more. There were times that I thought Bree was a little over the top and that sometimes made me think that Marcus could totally do better but then she redeemed herself for me.
I’m loving the Dragons and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
This was an enjoyable read with just enough going on to keep it interesting. Marcus James is a tightend for the Milwaukee Dragons but he was unfortunate to be injured in one of the preseason games and required surgery on his knee and so is out for the season while on rehab. He decides this is a good time to complete the last two classes he needs to get his degree since he left college to join the NFL. While getting coffee before his first class he is taken by surprise and knocked to the ground by a spitfire with blue in her hair and mumbling to herself. Bree Novak is a graduate student who is working on her dissertation and will be defending her Ph.D. but before that her new advisor has her teaching one of his classes. Guess who is in her class? Yes, Marcus. The chemistry between these two is palpable and though they try to keep it hands off until they could no longer deny each other. Marcus has a calming effect on Bree and her anxiety but she has the same effect on Marcus. This is a well written book and it was also fun to get to know so many of the players and their significant others. This can be read as a standalone.
This was a first time read by this author and I found it rather enjoyable. It was low on the angst and drama, which I definitely appreciated since I’m a bit of a mood reader. I loved how this was a lighthearted and sweet read!
I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t read many books where the heroine is a physicist. I enjoyed the insight of the life of a physicist especially a female one. The lack of support from her parents, advisor and sometimes colleague had me infuriated. And there’s no doubt being a woman in this field, the unfair treatment probably happens more often than we think. I admired Bree so much for what she endured and her tenacity to keep moving forward to her goals. I will say that she overreacted a bit when it came to certain things that Marcus did even when he had the best intentions at heart. There wasn’t any ill manner behind it at all and I think she was a bit too quick to react.
Marcus! A nerd slash handsome football player, I love that mix! I loved that it was a bit of a slow burn between them because he was a student of Bree’s, sort of. They tried to keep it professional but eventually couldn’t fight their feelings any longer. He was so sweet and kind to Bree and they’re so well matched. I definitely connected way more with Marcus than I did with Bree. Marcus was an all-around solid dude and it was nearly impossible not to love him.
One thing that irked at me a bit was when race/ethnicity was specifically mentioned of the characters that are brought up in this book. I found it a bit weird and unnecessary to have. So it kind of threw me off while I was reading Swagger.
All in all, definitely an enjoyable first read from this author!
4.5 stars
As much as I’m loving this series, I’m really not a fan of the covers. The bodies of the men used are amazing, but the poses just seem awkward and unnatural. So as with On the Line, the first book in the Milwaukee Dragons series, don’t judge a book by its cover.
Liz Lincoln really has her meet cute moments down. The clumsy embarrassment and instant attraction. I love it! I really cannot wait to read more by this author.
Bree is such a relatable character. I’m sure most of us haven’t gotten our PhD in physics, but her emotions and anxieties and self-doubts…all those things make her so down to earth. On the other hand, Marcus is a high paid, highly recognized, professional athlete. Yet the author made him very relatable, too. He has the same doubts as us “normal folks” and the same issues with his parents as a lot of people have. Marcus is really quite down to earth. Although Bree could see that pretty quickly, she still had a hard time thinking she was anything special to Marcus. How could she be when he could have anyone he wanted and she’s a mess? But Marcus NEVER did anything to make her feel that way, Bree did that all on her own.
The issues Bree has to deal with at the university with her adviser are all issues that are so in the spotlight these days. The author handled them really well without turning the story into a lecture. She had her characters explain to the guys in their lives why their “trying to help” wasn’t always the best thing and that, in itself, is sexist. It was great to see the give and take Bree had with her friends and their willingness to be open to what their women friends had to say.
I’m excited to see who will get the next story in this series. As I said before, I’m loving this author and this series. The connections her characters have (both romantic and friends) are amazing. The emotions I experience when both Bree and Marcus speak to their parents is a testament to the author’s skill. I was so invested in those relationships and conversations.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/swagger-book-review/
Great story and great characters! Bree is a PhD doctoral student, finishing her dissertation and about to defend her thesis. While she’s working on finishing that, she’s teaching her thesis advisors’s physics class. She has a very famous student in her class, Marcus James, tight end of the Milwaukee Dragons. He’s a great specimen of a football player, black and fabulous, and needs help with the class.
They start sharing lunch time, right after the class. The way their relation progresses is very slow and sweet, with a lot of caution because Bree’s reputation and grade depend on not being caught with a student.
Both have problems with their families, and are dealing with the disapproval of their parents regarding their choice of career. Bree is very sensitive on this subject, and is prone to anger when she faces a man being too protective and too intent on helping her without being asked.
I enjoyed reading their story and watching as their love starts and develops. They have great chemistry and their banter is sweet. I got a kick from the female character being a physicist. She’s a nerd who landed a football player. He was very much attracted to her intelligence as much as her personality. There was nothing to dislike in Marcus, he was a total gentleman, very considerate and hot in bed. Bree was sometimes too defensive, because she had faced prejudice on her chosen career. Every time she faced a stressful moment, she got an anxiety attack.
The book would have been much more enjoyable if the writing had flowed more smoothly. I found that the characters were too much in their heads, and several of their issues were repeated too many times. There was so much filler in the story that I felt it moved slowly, it stalled several times, and got a little boring. Once I skimmed over those parts, the story flowed and was a lovely read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Marcus James is a tight end for the Milwaukee Dragons NFL team. He injured his ACL and is out for the season. He has decided to go back two college to finish up the last two classes he needs to finish his degree. One of these classes is intro to Physics, taught by grad student Bree Novak. Bree is finishing up her doctorate in Physics. She is having to deal with crippling panic attacks and a sexist advisor, who doesn’t believe women belong in the Physics. She is a huge fan of the Dragons and Marcus in particular. This sets up the hot-for-teacher, forbidden romance between the two of them. I liked this story, but I didn’t love it. What I loved about this story, Marcus. He is the perfect guy, an athlete, loves smart women, patient. I also liked that they had the female love interest as an academic in the STEM area. What drove me crazy about this story, Bree. When the inevitable breakup happens (this is not a spoiler as every romance does this), it was due to Bree being irrational. But of course the story put the blame on Marcus. Sometimes women are jerks too and they need to put on their big girl panties and do the apologizing. If you liked the first book in this series, you will enjoy this book.