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Sideswiped #1
Hers to Keep
Can he let her go, or will he be hers to keep?
Friends don't let friends have boring birthdays. And Isabela's friends have gone above and beyond this year. While she's been focusing on her career and refusing every distraction, her besties planned an epic surprise. Now Isabella finds herself staring at the birthday present she never counted on. The one her well-meaning friends bought her at a charity auction. It’s a present she knows will only cause problems, but who can resist tall, dark and handsome?
Grayson is a rising star in the financial world. Control, logic, and intellect dictate his every move. When he is recruited by a client as a bachelor in a charity auction, he assumes he will only have to spend one evening with an insipid rich woman. He never counted on the sultry, driven beauty he’s been bought for by a mutual friend. He never acts on impulse but he can't resist her. Can he loosen his carefully guarded control for a chance at true love?
Friends don't let friends have boring birthdays. And Isabela's friends have gone above and beyond this year. While she's been focusing on her career and refusing every distraction, her besties planned an epic surprise. Now Isabella finds herself staring at the birthday present she never counted on. The one her well-meaning friends bought her at a charity auction. It’s a present she knows will only cause problems, but who can resist tall, dark and handsome?
Grayson is a rising star in the financial world. Control, logic, and intellect dictate his every move. When he is recruited by a client as a bachelor in a charity auction, he assumes he will only have to spend one evening with an insipid rich woman. He never counted on the sultry, driven beauty he’s been bought for by a mutual friend. He never acts on impulse but he can't resist her. Can he loosen his carefully guarded control for a chance at true love?
Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2020
308 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Avery Samson
29 books209 followersAvery Samson grew up on a ranch outside of a small west Texas town. Since she could remember, she’s had her face stuck in a book. High School graduation found her leaving ranch life for the big city.
After living all over the state of Texas, she now finds herself back on one of the family ranches near Dallas with her husband surrounded by cattle. A lot of them. They’re everywhere! When not traveling or reading, she spends her time writing.
Avery would love for you to follow her. She’s everywhere (just like those damn cows.)
Website - https://www.averysamsonbooks.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/averysamsona...
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After living all over the state of Texas, she now finds herself back on one of the family ranches near Dallas with her husband surrounded by cattle. A lot of them. They’re everywhere! When not traveling or reading, she spends her time writing.
Avery would love for you to follow her. She’s everywhere (just like those damn cows.)
Website - https://www.averysamsonbooks.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/averysamsona...
Instagram - www.instagram.com/averysamson91
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@averysamson91
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/averysamson91
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 18, 2022
Just OK
Not really that engrossing. Finished it, but only about the last quarter was worth it. Disappointed. Not sure will bother with another by this author.
Not really that engrossing. Finished it, but only about the last quarter was worth it. Disappointed. Not sure will bother with another by this author.
September 18, 2022
fantastic read
First time time reading Avery Samson book and it won’t be the last. I loved every minute of this book. The characters the story line is everything you need for romance book so looking forward to reading the rest of the sideswiped series 5⭐️
First time time reading Avery Samson book and it won’t be the last. I loved every minute of this book. The characters the story line is everything you need for romance book so looking forward to reading the rest of the sideswiped series 5⭐️
Want to read
September 15, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/11/2022)! 🎁
September 15, 2025
When your friends know better than you that you need a night out on the town, it's Isabella’s birthday and her friends invite her to a charity event for lobster, steak, drinks, and some rowdy fun. There was Davi, Maggie, Claire, Lily, and Mrs. Rhett. What they didn't tell her is that there was to be a bachelor auction. She had to say it has been interesting so far. She was in the final stretch of becoming an RN and in two weeks she goes for her boards. This was the first night in weeks she had taken off from studying.
Today for instance she worked a ten-hour day. She will be one step closer to that goal of making more money to be able to help her sister while at college. Sophie, will receive a scholarship she knows it, but it's all those little extras that she will need money for. And since her dad’s accident, she would never ask. Isabela Izzy Wright The auction finally winds down, and she stands, preparing to beat a hasty escape. Before being able to thank anyone, Lily and Claire jump up offering to go for another round of drinks. “Come on, Iz, it’s your birthday. Just one more.”
It’s more of a command from Claire than a request. “Okay,” She acquiesces. “One more drink, but then I really have to go.” The master of ceremonies announces that they’ve saved the best for last, and cheers and applause go up. From what she’s witnessed, if this guy is the best, he must be hot. Izzy turned to Maggie, “Do you think you can give me a ride to my apartment on your way home?” Maggie smiles at her. “Of course, if you want, we can stop for some... holy mackerel.” “We’re going to stop for mackerel?” Izzy laughs.
Maggie is staring at the stage where the last bachelor has just started bidding. On the stage, she met the sight of the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. He’s fully decked out in a stunning black tux. Every inch of his body looks wound tight like a panther. The MC announces that his name is Grayson Bennett. With his good looks, he looks more suited to the pages of a fashion magazine than the corporate world. There’s something mysterious about him that intrigues her.
Poor guy, she’s not sure he’ll survive this Great White attack. Somewhere around thirty paddles are flying into the air. Shark Week might be tame compared to this. Bidding quickly flies to seven thousand dollars and the number of bidders slowly starts to dwindle. She can’t seem to take her eyes off him. Where is that damn drink anyway? Izzy notices the master of ceremonies says something to him as the bidding starts to wane. Then all hell breaks loose. As if in slow motion, she watched as he unbuttoned his jacket letting it slide down his shoulders.
Next to go are the suspenders. Then they are hanging below his hips. He works the bottom of his shirt out of his pants revealing a washboard of muscle running from his chest to his belt. Izzy has never, in any of her anatomy books, has she seen anything that sculptured and enticing. His muscles flex as he moves. Her imagination wonders what it would be like to run her hands down that stomach, with those muscles quivering under her touch. She realized she might have been daydreaming when she heard an enthusiastic voice yell out, “Ten-thousand dollars.”
With a cheer from the crowd, the gavel bangs down declaring him sold. Maggie asked if she was ready to leave. She stands, thanking the Rhetts for a wonderful evening, when I hear the MC call out the name of the buyer. She hears her name? What are the chances that there are two of us here with the same name? Lily waves to me to join her by the stage. “Oh no, Lily. She eased toward the man with the haunting smile standing next to her friends. “Happy Birthday!” Lily and Claire scream as she gets closer. “We thought it would be fun to buy you a man for your birthday.
It’s been forever since you’ve had one,” Dia blasts out. She feels herself turning red as she prays that the floor will swallow her. But when she turns to look at him, all she sees is a twitch of his lips as his eyes narrow. “Grayson Bennett,” he says, holding out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Can I have your number?” he asks when I turn back to study him. “I can contact you next week about our date, if that’s okay?” “Oh, yeah, my number, sure.” Seriously, where’s that f-ing drink? “I’m thinking Saturday night would be good,” he says.
“Will that work for you?” “Will what work?” She asks, completely distracted by the turn of events. “Is everything alright?” he asks, with a puzzled expression. “Oh, yes, Saturday will be fine,” I stammer.“I’m Isabela Wright. Sorry, it’s just a little hot in here with all the people.” “Then maybe I should get you home.” “I think Isabela is ready to head home,” Grayson says. “I’ll give you a ride, I was just heading out anyway,” Maggie says. Is that disappointment I see in Grayson’s face? “I still need your number,” he says quickly.
“Isabela Wright.” He winks. “I’ll see you on Saturday.” “Holy crap!” Maggie mumbles what we’re all thinking. “He’s beautiful.” Welcome to their meet-cute. Such a fun book to read. The women’s friendship, their couple's connection, and add to that the siblings' connection. Just, WOW!
Today for instance she worked a ten-hour day. She will be one step closer to that goal of making more money to be able to help her sister while at college. Sophie, will receive a scholarship she knows it, but it's all those little extras that she will need money for. And since her dad’s accident, she would never ask. Isabela Izzy Wright The auction finally winds down, and she stands, preparing to beat a hasty escape. Before being able to thank anyone, Lily and Claire jump up offering to go for another round of drinks. “Come on, Iz, it’s your birthday. Just one more.”
It’s more of a command from Claire than a request. “Okay,” She acquiesces. “One more drink, but then I really have to go.” The master of ceremonies announces that they’ve saved the best for last, and cheers and applause go up. From what she’s witnessed, if this guy is the best, he must be hot. Izzy turned to Maggie, “Do you think you can give me a ride to my apartment on your way home?” Maggie smiles at her. “Of course, if you want, we can stop for some... holy mackerel.” “We’re going to stop for mackerel?” Izzy laughs.
Maggie is staring at the stage where the last bachelor has just started bidding. On the stage, she met the sight of the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. He’s fully decked out in a stunning black tux. Every inch of his body looks wound tight like a panther. The MC announces that his name is Grayson Bennett. With his good looks, he looks more suited to the pages of a fashion magazine than the corporate world. There’s something mysterious about him that intrigues her.
Poor guy, she’s not sure he’ll survive this Great White attack. Somewhere around thirty paddles are flying into the air. Shark Week might be tame compared to this. Bidding quickly flies to seven thousand dollars and the number of bidders slowly starts to dwindle. She can’t seem to take her eyes off him. Where is that damn drink anyway? Izzy notices the master of ceremonies says something to him as the bidding starts to wane. Then all hell breaks loose. As if in slow motion, she watched as he unbuttoned his jacket letting it slide down his shoulders.
Next to go are the suspenders. Then they are hanging below his hips. He works the bottom of his shirt out of his pants revealing a washboard of muscle running from his chest to his belt. Izzy has never, in any of her anatomy books, has she seen anything that sculptured and enticing. His muscles flex as he moves. Her imagination wonders what it would be like to run her hands down that stomach, with those muscles quivering under her touch. She realized she might have been daydreaming when she heard an enthusiastic voice yell out, “Ten-thousand dollars.”
With a cheer from the crowd, the gavel bangs down declaring him sold. Maggie asked if she was ready to leave. She stands, thanking the Rhetts for a wonderful evening, when I hear the MC call out the name of the buyer. She hears her name? What are the chances that there are two of us here with the same name? Lily waves to me to join her by the stage. “Oh no, Lily. She eased toward the man with the haunting smile standing next to her friends. “Happy Birthday!” Lily and Claire scream as she gets closer. “We thought it would be fun to buy you a man for your birthday.
It’s been forever since you’ve had one,” Dia blasts out. She feels herself turning red as she prays that the floor will swallow her. But when she turns to look at him, all she sees is a twitch of his lips as his eyes narrow. “Grayson Bennett,” he says, holding out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Can I have your number?” he asks when I turn back to study him. “I can contact you next week about our date, if that’s okay?” “Oh, yeah, my number, sure.” Seriously, where’s that f-ing drink? “I’m thinking Saturday night would be good,” he says.
“Will that work for you?” “Will what work?” She asks, completely distracted by the turn of events. “Is everything alright?” he asks, with a puzzled expression. “Oh, yes, Saturday will be fine,” I stammer.“I’m Isabela Wright. Sorry, it’s just a little hot in here with all the people.” “Then maybe I should get you home.” “I think Isabela is ready to head home,” Grayson says. “I’ll give you a ride, I was just heading out anyway,” Maggie says. Is that disappointment I see in Grayson’s face? “I still need your number,” he says quickly.
“Isabela Wright.” He winks. “I’ll see you on Saturday.” “Holy crap!” Maggie mumbles what we’re all thinking. “He’s beautiful.” Welcome to their meet-cute. Such a fun book to read. The women’s friendship, their couple's connection, and add to that the siblings' connection. Just, WOW!
December 27, 2023
0.8/5
Lowkey just bad...
Pacing:
Horrendous pacing, the time skips are so abrupt and random you don't even realize time has passed until a character drops some important information that makes you backtrack... like oh we're already a month later? That would've been good to know three chapters ago!
Characters:
One dimensional. Boring. Inconsistent. They have multiple personalities istg and not a single one of them are interesting. There was an attempt at backstory for Grayson, but it was quickly forgotten. Same with Isabel, like she was crying cause her mom got injured or something but then her mom was fine and not injured, so IDK maybe the author forgot about it.
Plot:
TBH the plot outlined in the summary is forgotten and literally you would miss nothing if none of the events in the summary took place. There really isn't a plot tbh. The attempts at drama fall dull and are just boring and tedious to read through.
Writing:
OMG so bad! The writing is so toddler-coded and it needs editing. I don't know how to describe bad writing, but this is BADDDD. Everything sounds awkward and the dialogue is unnatural. I don't like to insult writing too much cause it's not really an easy fix and all that, but this is objectively bad. On the bright side, the book is short!
Do I recommend? Nah. But it's short enough that if you wanted to read it, I wouldn't stop you cause really you're not losing that much time.
Lowkey just bad...
Pacing:
Horrendous pacing, the time skips are so abrupt and random you don't even realize time has passed until a character drops some important information that makes you backtrack... like oh we're already a month later? That would've been good to know three chapters ago!
Characters:
One dimensional. Boring. Inconsistent. They have multiple personalities istg and not a single one of them are interesting. There was an attempt at backstory for Grayson, but it was quickly forgotten. Same with Isabel, like she was crying cause her mom got injured or something but then her mom was fine and not injured, so IDK maybe the author forgot about it.
Plot:
TBH the plot outlined in the summary is forgotten and literally you would miss nothing if none of the events in the summary took place. There really isn't a plot tbh. The attempts at drama fall dull and are just boring and tedious to read through.
Writing:
OMG so bad! The writing is so toddler-coded and it needs editing. I don't know how to describe bad writing, but this is BADDDD. Everything sounds awkward and the dialogue is unnatural. I don't like to insult writing too much cause it's not really an easy fix and all that, but this is objectively bad. On the bright side, the book is short!
Do I recommend? Nah. But it's short enough that if you wanted to read it, I wouldn't stop you cause really you're not losing that much time.
April 17, 2023
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: not mentioned
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: no but
>>Detail:
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
It was really nice reading a book about a couple that actually stay together and don’t break up. It was relatively drama free and easy to read. I’ll be checking out the next book in the series.
Ages of H and h: not mentioned
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: no but
>>Detail:
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
It was really nice reading a book about a couple that actually stay together and don’t break up. It was relatively drama free and easy to read. I’ll be checking out the next book in the series.
October 17, 2020
This was a fun read! Isabella’s girlfriends surprise her by buying the hottest bachelor at a charity fundraiser. She’s not looking for a distraction because she is focusing studying and passing her state RN board exam.
Grayson was asked by the wife of one of his best clients to ‘volunteer’ as a bachelor to be auctioned off for charity. He isn’t looking forward to a date with a rich socialite, but he is surprised by being super attracted to the woman he is gifted to for her birthday.
Grayson is an amazingly swoon-worthy hero and his romantic gestures are the best! This romance is a quick read because you want to keep learning what Grayson’s going to do next to win over Isabella.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a review voluntarily. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last since I already have an ARC of next book in this series queued up to read before next month. I can’t wait to read about Lily and Matthew’s romance.
Grayson was asked by the wife of one of his best clients to ‘volunteer’ as a bachelor to be auctioned off for charity. He isn’t looking forward to a date with a rich socialite, but he is surprised by being super attracted to the woman he is gifted to for her birthday.
Grayson is an amazingly swoon-worthy hero and his romantic gestures are the best! This romance is a quick read because you want to keep learning what Grayson’s going to do next to win over Isabella.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a review voluntarily. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last since I already have an ARC of next book in this series queued up to read before next month. I can’t wait to read about Lily and Matthew’s romance.
October 18, 2020
Why knew, a book wh4ere a couple gets together early and stays together throughout the entire book....it made me so happy. Grayson and Izzy are so sweet and cute and fun, Throw in family and friends and I was smiling and laughing along with these characters. I wish I had a group like this and I was living in this world with them. Both Grayson and Izzy are very driven people, which especially for Grayson is something that attracted him to her (after her looks that is. lol)
I have never read this author before but if all of the books are like this one I will be checking them out. This is overall a sweet read with so many laugh out loud moments...I really read this in one sitting.
I have never read this author before but if all of the books are like this one I will be checking them out. This is overall a sweet read with so many laugh out loud moments...I really read this in one sitting.
November 8, 2024
Grayson Bennett & Isabela Wright.
For Izzy’s birthday, her girlfriends buy her man in a charity bachelor auction. An ER nurse, Izzy has never had time for guys, so why not let her first time be with a handsome stranger in a one night stand. Grayson has never let himself grow close to anyone, but something about Izzy has him pushing for a second date.
Low angst. She pushes him away long enough to study for her RN boards and both of them have complicated family dynamics, but no big third act breakup. Her father does bring out a shotgun, but Grayson is determined to earn her father’s approval.
For Izzy’s birthday, her girlfriends buy her man in a charity bachelor auction. An ER nurse, Izzy has never had time for guys, so why not let her first time be with a handsome stranger in a one night stand. Grayson has never let himself grow close to anyone, but something about Izzy has him pushing for a second date.
Low angst. She pushes him away long enough to study for her RN boards and both of them have complicated family dynamics, but no big third act breakup. Her father does bring out a shotgun, but Grayson is determined to earn her father’s approval.
October 17, 2020
I absolutely loved this story!
Isabella and Grayson made a great couple!
Her friends “bought” him for her at a charity auction. The journey they took on the way to their relationship made for a very enjoyable read! I loved all the romantic gestures Grayson made.
Her’s To Keep was a fun, romantic, sweet, emotional story. I loved it! This may have been the first book of Avery’s I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last! I can’t wait for the second book in The Sideswiped series!
Isabella and Grayson made a great couple!
Her friends “bought” him for her at a charity auction. The journey they took on the way to their relationship made for a very enjoyable read! I loved all the romantic gestures Grayson made.
Her’s To Keep was a fun, romantic, sweet, emotional story. I loved it! This may have been the first book of Avery’s I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last! I can’t wait for the second book in The Sideswiped series!
September 4, 2023
IT’S CALLED EDITING!! EDIT!! EDIT!! EDIT!!
I give this book a 2.5 star’s, due to the fact that it needs a lot of editing. The book has a good storyline & flow. However, the editing issue keeps the book from getting four star’s. If the book was edited properly, the flow of the book would have been even better. Everyone knows “A good edited book, with a great storyline makes more money, than a non edited book!” I know that I not everyone is perfect!
I give this book a 2.5 star’s, due to the fact that it needs a lot of editing. The book has a good storyline & flow. However, the editing issue keeps the book from getting four star’s. If the book was edited properly, the flow of the book would have been even better. Everyone knows “A good edited book, with a great storyline makes more money, than a non edited book!” I know that I not everyone is perfect!
October 14, 2020
I liked this book. The storyline was a entertaining combination of cute, funny, sweet and emotional. I liked both characters and thought they worked well as a couple. I also found it appealing that the both had the same mind-set. That meant love blindsided them both at the same time. This is my frank, freely posted review.
October 18, 2020
This story is sweet, funny and romantic. All of the characters were great and very well written. The relationship between Grayson and Izzy is absolutely beautiful. Overall this is an entertaining and very enjoyable romance. I can't wait to read the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2025
Take our the sex that's on every other page, and this is a simple short story, seemingly written over a weekend before a class deadline, with no real plot line, no angst, no conflict, and therefore completely predictable throughout. Not a bad story, but has no purpose for existing other than to say it was written.
September 25, 2022
Finding home
I love the saying. Your family doesn't have to be by blood to be your family. I think the two brothers are proof of that. They are blood. Izzy family isn't. They love them because they see them as theirs. Great story.
I love the saying. Your family doesn't have to be by blood to be your family. I think the two brothers are proof of that. They are blood. Izzy family isn't. They love them because they see them as theirs. Great story.
October 6, 2022
Surprisingly good story. I kept thinking that something bad would happen but I was pleasantly surprised. It was just a really easy, simple read with lovely likeable characters and great humour throughout. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author
December 3, 2023
No need for a third act break up
This reminds me of my relationship. When you know you know. The big decision is easy to make. And then you just live your life and they are there right beside you doing what you have to do. It's just a good book.
This reminds me of my relationship. When you know you know. The big decision is easy to make. And then you just live your life and they are there right beside you doing what you have to do. It's just a good book.
September 22, 2022
Thanks @bookbub
October 12, 2022
Falling in love
Ohhh this was such a cute book! I loved the growth of the characters and how it was written. I loved how you got both Izzy's and Grayson's point of view.
Ohhh this was such a cute book! I loved the growth of the characters and how it was written. I loved how you got both Izzy's and Grayson's point of view.
October 12, 2022
really good but then the pregnancy came out of nowhere and it rushed from there
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
Nice story -Grayson had a horrible upbringing but be found his family and it was a nice story with lots sexy times
October 17, 2022
Investment broker Grayson and nurse isabela. I liked how they met. Grayson was a great guy.
October 21, 2022
SO GOOD!!!
This book was everything I was hoping it would be and more. So much more. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. Loved it!!!
This book was everything I was hoping it would be and more. So much more. The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. Loved it!!!
October 24, 2022
Hers to Keep
This is a lovely book to read.
Perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Grayson has no family while Izzy has a big family. She teaches him how to belong.
This is a lovely book to read.
Perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Grayson has no family while Izzy has a big family. She teaches him how to belong.
November 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was dual pov and fast paced. I laughed, I cried and I would 100% recommend this book!
The chemistry between the two main characters was really good and it had the perfect amount of spice!
The chemistry between the two main characters was really good and it had the perfect amount of spice!
February 12, 2023
My future aventure
The story mixes a love story and a life time change in The lives of th characters. Challenges at each turn of life makes things interesting.
The story mixes a love story and a life time change in The lives of th characters. Challenges at each turn of life makes things interesting.
November 13, 2023
Easy to read. I love stories where the guy is heavily invested in gettin the girl.
December 29, 2023
Cute! A little meh/typical and slightly cheesy, but I enjoyed it and enjoyed the setup for the next books!
May 15, 2024
Wild ride
Totally worth a read. Couldn't put it down so lost some sleep but I could help it. Fell in love with the characters.
Totally worth a read. Couldn't put it down so lost some sleep but I could help it. Fell in love with the characters.
September 18, 2025
Fantastic story
Such a heart warming story! We need more like this one. Make sure you read this, it’s a fantastic story. Loved it!
Such a heart warming story! We need more like this one. Make sure you read this, it’s a fantastic story. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews