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What Would've Been

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Grayson

“I’m not a cocky man, I merely state facts. If that makes me an asshole, oh well.”

I own the most successful marketing agency in the city. Women crawl to me, and I let them suck me off as a reward. I like things my way and crave control, especially in the bedroom. Lately, a certain blonde has entrapped me, and I want nothing more than to bend her over my desk and shatter her.
It would never happen, though, as she is my best employee, and I am not worthy of her.
She would never understand my dark desires anyway.

Adelaide

“He’s an arrogant, condescending manwhore and a jerk face!”

But I also can’t stop pleasuring myself with thoughts of him either. Maybe it’s the kinky porn I’ve become immersed in, or my undersexed body, or a distraction from my reoccurring nightmares, but I swear he feels the same spark I do whenever we’re in the same room together.

Would it just be explosive sex? Would their secrets and pasts ruin any chances they had? Or, would this be their own kinky fairy tale come to life?

She’s an angel. He’s a beast.

What would happen if they finally join together?

425 pages

Published January 1, 2018

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About the author

Cassandra Magnussen

3 books123 followers
Cassandra Magnussen is a hopeless romantic who currently resides in New York. She loves writing angsty and steamy stories as much as she loves to read them. She can often be found huddled in her fleece blankets, in doggie PJ’s or watching Netflix or The Notebook for the thousandth time.

She also speaks in movie quotes, sexual innuendo, song lyrics, and is fluent in sarcasm. French vanilla coffee cream and French fries are their own food groups in her book. And she has a passion for inappropriate t-shirts that she wears on a daily basis. She is a proud, perverted fucker and her motto is- I only date MEN, not boys.

If any of that appeals to you feel free to join her/contact her on the following platforms:

Website: www.authorcassandramagnussen.wordpres...

Email: authorcassiemags@gmail.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Magn...

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CassandraMagnussenAu...

Reader Group- Cassie’s Perverted F*ckers- https://www.facebook.com/groups/41727...

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorcassiemags

Pintrest: www.pinterest.com/cmagnussen2

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,239 reviews29 followers
May 2, 2018
From the moment I started this story I was already in love with Adelaide’s character, this woman is fierce in a soft and confident way. Grayson is without a doubt an arrogant male and has no shame in the way he presents himself to anyone. The push and pull between these two was driving me mad and I loved every second dying to know will they or wont they. As we get further into the story we learn more about both Addy and Grayson as individuals and come to find that what’s revealed on the surface is only the beginning. This story has a wonderful blend of friendship, romance, off the charts sex and even a twist that will leave you holding your breath. The POV from both sides throughout had me feeling a closer connection to both Grayson and Addy, experiencing everything through their eyes made it feel more realistic and personable. At the end of this book I was in tears from both sadness as well as joy. The story flowed beautifully and was truly a page turner, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there’s more to come in the future from this author because I’m hooked on her writing style. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
897 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2018
“I might break, engulf, shatter, and destroy you, Adelaide, but I’ll put you back together piece by piece in my arms when I’m done. Each and every time.”

Cassandra Magnussen is on one of my lists of authors to keep my eye on. Her debut book, What Could've Been 'Us' In Another Time & Place,really impressed me a lot. Her writing is absolutely amazing and she just pulls you in and you become so engrossed to her stories. What can I say, I am truly captivated by her. What Could've Been 'Us' In Another Time & Place introduced me to her. What Would've Been definitely cemented my love for her books. Different from her first book, What Would've Been gives me some hot and heavy scenes with an entrancing and smexy plot. The intriguing characters. The devastating spicy storyline. What Would've Been truly gave me one heck of a sultry ride.

What Would've Been was such a drop dead steamy erotic romance with a sexually fueled plot. Vibrating with spice and fire, this book just developed sparks and electricity and I was shot right in the heart. Every page just oozed kink and naughtiness. I felt every single word in my soul. The power. The pleasure. What Would've Been cinched me with an unquenchable emotion. Pantie Melting. Smoldering. Exciting. Magnifying. What Would've Been was a sensual tale of an office romance with sex, friendship and love. It was seduction on a page. It was a page turner full of twists and turns. It was a rocking story of mesmerizing passion and heat enough to scorch and burn. Cassandra Magnussen's writing has evolved. Her writing just keeps getting better and better. I love it. What Would've Been to me was a brilliant story of discovering and exploring sexuality.

In What Would've Been, you will meet Adelaide and Grayson, one fiery hot couple that I absolutely liked a lot. The push and pull. The chemistry. The desire. They were just off the charts. I was panting. I was fanning myself. Seriously, thought my ovaries were going to explode to smithereens. Adelaide is a young woman who has been through pain. She is curious to explore her sexuality. She is a powerhouse, tenacious and sassy. Her vulnerable side cuts you open. Any woman can relate to her strength. Grayson is cocky, arrogant and dominant. He is an alpha male to a T. The one to make you swoon and drool at the same time. With Adelaide's story, I would have wanted more back story.

i love this series and I can't wait for more. Heck, I even have a favourite character who I want to read next. What Would've Been truly captivated me.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews850 followers
May 7, 2018


I was hooked when I first began reading What Would've Been. I thought the author did a good job on character development in the beginning. Grayson is a successful business man. He describes himself as frank not cocky and if it makes him unlikable then so be it.

Adelaide had a tragic past but was able to forgive her abuser with a strong support system. She works for Grayson and knows how to do her job well.

Earlier in the book the the chemistry between was perfect. You could feel the push and pull of their emotions. The highs when they both succeed in business and the hurt when Grayson brought his personal life to the office.

The book changes courses for me about half way through. The pair finally explore their feelings and enter a relationship.
I was thrilled to finally see these two together but as a couple I didn't get the intense connection I did when they were apart.

I felt the author would bring up storylines then let them fizzle or end in a lack luster way. There was a rivalry between him and his ex-best friend and ex-lover. I thought they would have developed more in the later chapters but it only amounted to a blimp in the book along with the mole in his company. I also thought the situation with his mother and step-father was a bit odd. There was also a weird BDSM element that didn't work for me.

Despite the characters being in their early thirties I found that they spoke like teenagers and acted a bit juvenile for me. Her girlfriends in particular. They were too over the top with their language.

It ended on a high note but I was hoping for more in the second half of the book.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,511 reviews88 followers
April 23, 2018
What Would’ve Been is a sexually fueled erotic novel that starts off hot and heavy from the first page to the last page with lost of naughty sex scenes in between.  This is a no holds barred kind of story about a woman who wants to explore her sexual needs and a man who knows how to provide for those needs.  It is a STEAMY, WET, SCANDALOUS (scandalous in the sense that it’s not going to be discussed at the dinner table after church on Sunday) story that is a must read.  Cassandra Magnussen is an excellent story teller and I see her writing many more great stories in the future.  What Would’ve Been is a 5 Star read!
 
Adelaide Parker looks like a Barbie doll and most of the men and some of the women in her office treat her as such.  They think she slept her way to the job that she has, and with the reputation that the owner of the company has it’s not that far of a stretch of the imagination.  Adelaide has a brain though and has worked very had to become the most productive client manager at the Coleman Agency.  It just so happens that in the two years that she’s been working at the agency that she has lusted after her boss and has had secret fantasies of him tying her up and doing all sorts of kinky sexual scenes with her, but they are just her fantasies. She could never tell her foul mouth, over-bearing boss that she wants him to use that mouth on her while he dominates her.  Grayson Coleman is gorgeous and arrogant and powerful.  He works hard and plays just as hard, but he refuses to be in another relationship in fear of hurting another woman that he loves.  Although he has this fear, he harbors this undeniable lust for the blonde employee that haunts his every waking thought.  Adelaide is the one woman he wants to bring into his world of BDSM, but he knows the good girl would never go for it.   As the two work on a big account together they both can’t help but think about taking that huge step and telling the other how they really feel.  Can Grayson trust Adelaide not to look at him with repulsion if he suggests tying her up? Can Adelaide tell Grayson that she really wants all the kinky stuff that good girls never talk about it?
Profile Image for Audrey Edits.
119 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2018
*I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review*
—5 STARS
—Book 2 in the What If? series
—Standalone (although, if you haven't read book 1, you definitely should! It's amazing!)

Wow!! This is Cassandra's second novel to write, and I can definitely see the growth she's accomplished over the past year! It blew my mind how amazing book 1 was when she was only 19, and now she's 20 and continuing to blow my mind with her amazing talent as an author!!

This book was so good and hottttt!!! It wasn't as emotionally packed and completely heart-wrenching as book 1, but it still had those moments included that just stabbed you in the gut and made you feel what the characters were feeling! There were a few moments that may be hard for some people to read, but it was so real and raw and let you see into Adelaide's past at what all has made her who she is now!

Adelaide and Grayson have an immensely strong zing of chemistry that has been sparking between them for a couple years...one that they can do absolutely nothing about, seeing as he is her boss! To fight off those feelings, he is a massive asshole to her, as well as the other employees. But we all love a good asshole hero in our books, am I right? ;) Lol

Once the fight to hide feelings vanishes, it is muthafuckin on!! Whew...these two are FIRE together! Kicking major ass at work and burning up the sheets at home (or work or wherever else they may be at!), this couple is dynamite!! I won't go into the details, but there are a lot of ups and downs; emotional highs that have you floating along the clouds with them and then the really lows that have you crying and feeling their pain! But through it all, you see the growth in them, the strength in overcoming tragedy and pain, the determination to fight for what you truly want, and the blazing passion that can burn between two people who are meant for each other!! (And I'm not exaggerating about the major heat level throughout this book, either; I promise!! Lol)

Another scorching hot must read book from the amazing Cassandra Magnussen!!!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,306 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2018
Grayson is Adelaide's boss. She impressed him on her job interview. Since then, he's treated her like sh*t because he can't handle his growing feelings for her. He knows he shouldn't act on those feelings, but it all comes crashing down in the most HOTTTEST way.... I love Addy's character. She's so strong, resilient, confident and just downright bada**. The sexual tension is soooo there. I really really really liked this book a lot!!!! The author covered everything, questions I was asking myself throughout the book, was all answered. The writing is so clear, concise, I could literally picture it all in my mind. I am so hoping Bee is getting her own book. I want Gerry and Bee to get their happy ending. I highly recommend this book!!!!!! Fantastic job!!!!! I am jumping on the Cassandra train!

bookstagrammer--tweezyreads
Profile Image for Celeste.
501 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2018
See review at Beyond the Covers Blog here on Goodreads
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,157 reviews40 followers
April 29, 2018
“...a child was born, and he would be known amongst them as a fucking asshole one day.”

What Would’ve Been by Cassandra Magnussen was a steamy, yet sensual read. The push and pull magnitude of an interoffice romance was intriguing and kept me turning the page for more. Cassandra is a new author for me, surprising me with her writing ability and sexy erotic nature.

She brought two great characters together, both having emotional struggles to battle through and once they worked it out their romance really took off. Cassandra really nailed down their personalities to which I can imagine perfectly clear who they are, how they act, etc. Grayson is the most pretentious ass! He is arrogant, dominating, always gets what he wants. When he sets his eyes on Adelaine, he can’t stop himself for wanting her even though she works for him. He tries everything to not put his hands on her, even going so far as to emotionally hurt her, but in the end, lust wins over. But Adelaine won't sit back and take it. She is fire on heels with a brain and she is feisty as ever. I like her strong outer coat personality as I feel I can relate to her.

“Please do it, Grayson. Break me, shatter me, destroy me. Do it all and more.”

Reason for 3.75 Star rating: There were multiple places that I felt the story leapt to difference topics/subjects, the content being choppy. I believe certain topics (childhood trauma) should have been mentioned at the beginning (prologue) to know her story better. Also, in the beginning, there was too much ‘talk’ per se, too much filler words. But with that said, I liked the inner chatter both characters had with themselves, battling their brain with the lust.

If you like an interoffice romance with steamy, hot pleasurable scenes, add in some emotional baggage, then pick up this book today!

3.75 Stars

**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Reviewed by Allyson, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Profile Image for Mia.
245 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
Let’s start saying that this book is everything. Everything.

This is definitely a must-read if you love hot, steamy books that will leave you panting.

It starts, immediately, by putting you inside our heroine’s deepest fantasy about her boss and it will not leave you disappointed.

Adelaide, our heroine, is a feisty strong woman who refuses to be a victim and who will not let what everyone else thinks affect her, not in the slightest. She is funny in every sense of the word and you will not be able to stop your laughter; she’s dead gorgeous and has a brain that just adds to her amazing personality and body.

Grayson, her boss and subject of her erotic fantasies, is a perpetually angry man who runs an advertising company and thinks he’s the bad guy of the story, the beast who doesn’t deserve a happy love story. He’s sexy-as-sin and has particular tastes in bed and little does he know he will soon find his soulmate with particular tastes just like him.

One night, when they’re all alone in the office and the magnetic electricity between the two becomes unbearable something happens and they feel a connection between them.

But, this will not be the beginning of a sappy love story.

In fact, their love story will have to survive pumps, free falls, bruises and breaks but you know how they say. Love will always find its way back.

This story will leave you dripping wet and panting, laughing-out-loud until you can't breathe anymore, shocked, afraid, feeling tears down you face when you least expect it and screaming at your kindle/kobo/whatever. (Beware it might happen all at the same time)

I recommend this story to people who like hot-as-hell and kinky sex, sarcasm, laughing and rolling on the floor, a crazy group of friends and family and most definitely a happy ending.
Profile Image for Rachael.
520 reviews
April 27, 2018
I always love when I find a new to me author and fall in love with their work. This doesn’t happen that often these days, but I decided to take a chance on a new to me, Cassandra Magnussen, and I must say I am blown away. In What Would’ve Been we get a very Erotic tale of what happens when office romance goes terribly right! This is one of THE MOST erotic books I’ve read all year. It’s full of passion, chemistry and excitement. Cassandra has a way of pulling you into this world and if you are a fan of this genre, this should be your next read!

In What Would’ve Been we get the story of Grayson and Addy. Addy works in Grayson’s firm and has had the dirtiest fantasies about him since she started working for him. She knows it’s something that can never happen with him, but her desires won’t disintegrate. She seeks something more that she has been pulled to for quite some time, but has no idea what will happen when she gives into her darkest dreams.

Grayson has had even dirtier thoughts of Addy and knows to keep the boundaries between them due to their business relationship. He enjoys kink in the bedroom and alpha tendencies make him a very desirable character. Their pull toward one another is so strong that no matter what the costs, they are both willing to chance it and finally give into their desires. Addy is a very strong woman and knows exactly what she wants from him. He has desires he is scared to reveal to her, but as things begin to unfold and secrets are revealed, the bond between these two becomes unbreakable.

With a few twists and turns, some angsty moments that really pull you into their relationship, and even some climactic parts, Cassandra has truly blown me away. She has written such an amazing love story mixed with very well portrayed erotica. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 2, 2018
All hail Cassandra Magnussen. This authors talents knows no bounds, for one so young her writing and abilities as a story teller are truly remarkable. In the second book in the What If series we follow Adelaide and Grayson's journey. Their background story is very endearing and allows you to connect with the characters.

They say the course of true love never runs smooth, in the case where you have fell for you boss I would say this saying rings more truly than anything,but it does make for a very interesting story. Adelaide is bright, funny a hard worker and sexually aware, she wants to be able to try new things and she would love to do that with Grayson by her side. Little does she know that her boss is harbouring the same feels, and keeping a whopper of a secret that Adelaide would love to uncover. These two characters bounced so well of each other, Adelaide's sass was the perfect counter to Grayson's arrogance and cockiness. The dual perspective is my favourite way to read a story it lets the reader into both characters psyche and you get curtsy hand how the are feeling in the moments that matter.

This was a great will they won't they with plenty of angst to keep the reader turning the pages, and the erotic nature of their relationship I think enhances the struggles and deepens their connection. I laughed, cried, screamed, rejoiced and generally ran a gamut of emotions while reading and I am seriously looking forward to the next book in this series. Absolutely stunning!
Profile Image for Rebecca Allman.
14 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2018
Reviewing for The Picky Bitches Blog
www.facebook.com/thepickyeditor

I was graciously given this ARC for an honest review and I wasn't disappointed. Walking through this journey with Adelaide and Grayson had me loving both characters for different reasons.

What would've been
by Cassandra Magnussen

From the moment she walked into that interview, Adelaide Parker was perceived as a blonde bombshell likely to sleep her way to the top. Right up until she opened her mouth and proved them wrong. Determined to show that she was an asset and worthy, she strives to do everything she could to gain the respect of her peers. She knew what was important. She had her head screwed on. Her goal was to be the best at her job.
Alas, her boss was the sinful temptation she knew she should avoid, but one way or another, Adelaide would find herself wanting it all.

Cranky, hard-ass, and bad-tempered, Grayson Richmond. His employees cower when he shows them who's boss, but not sweet Adelaide. From the second he saw her, he wanted her. But wanting her became a problem. How was she ever going to want a man like him? Eventually love the man he was deep down.. Grayson knows what he wants, and that is Adelaide. Come hell or high water he'll protect the one woman who has captivated him from the start. And she'll make him work for it. Will his heart finally succumb and break all the rules to be with her.

Will they get their HEA? You'll have to find out. Join Adelaide and Grayson on this office romance to see if "What Would've Been" was all they needed to be complete.
Profile Image for BookShelfMuse.
103 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2018

~She was my oxygen, and I only ever wanted to breathe her in for the rest of my days. My sweet girl. My Volpe. She was my perfect, and I was hers. My fairy tale come to life, my Adelaide. ~

Grayson & Adelaide….the perfect match.

Addy is one of those characters that makes the divine feminine in me roar and purrr all at the same time. She’s smart. She’s ambitious. She’s the better person who handles the male dominated world she lives in with class and grace. She is a sweet soul who has a gentleness about her and like most women…she is searching for more. Her desire to step out of her box and uncover her sensuality and explore new realities further shows the courage she exudes when breaking down her barriers and takes chances.

Grayson is such a strong alpha male in the workforce that he leaves everyone believing there’s no room for depth. Until Addy steps in and makes him step up. He brings out the protectiveness in him and his ability to recognize her worth outside of her beauty is what makes him gain my respect. Plus, he’s a momma’s boy which kind of makes him all the more endearing.

The sexual chemistry is outstanding. The circumstances surrounding their love life is exciting, sensual and incredibly hot. His personal struggles from his past and Addy’s ability to carry him through it becomes heart warming. Overall….beautiful story. Fun, hot and endearing.

🖤🖤🖤

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April 27, 2018
Hot Steamy and Oh So Naughty

Cassandra Magnussen is one of those authors who seems to sneak in under everyone's radar, and I have still to work out why. Her writing is superb and her stories are just brilliant. WHAT WOULD'VE BEEN is the second in her What If? series, and she has stepped up the ladder even higher with this one.

The story of Adelaide and Grayson will take you on a reading journey that you just won't want to get off. from the minute you start reading you'll become addicted to this strong, feisty yet, soft woman who turns the world of her boss upside down and inside out. Grayson is the subject of all her wildest fantasies, and unbeknown to her, she appears in a lot of his. You literally could cut the air between them with a knife, the tension is so thick.....sexual tension, that is.

Grayson comes across as being arrogant and conceited, but there is another side to him that he rarely lets others see. His past is a constant reminder and a burden he wears, as a result he is fearful of what he could do to Adelaide.They share a professional professional friendship, but can they take it beyond the office doors? Can Grayson introduce Adelaide to his world of BDSM kinkery? What will happen when he tells her his secret? Will Adelaide be strong enough to tell Grayson she wants all of him, including his kinky habits?

An absolutely brilliant read once again from Cassandra. A constant page turner that i could not put down. Another recommended read by this author.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2018
What Would’ve Been
By Cassandra Magnussen
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

This book was hot, hot, hot!! I’m pretty sure if it was capable then this book would have melted my kindle for sure! From the very first page this book just oozed sex! And the characters in it did that also! The chemistry between them was scorching hot and the sex scenes were well written, very erotic but not too over the top like I have read in other books (not by this author!) I will admit it was your typical hot alpha male but I couldn’t help but kind of love Grayson just a little bit (well ok maybe a lot actually) he just had this smouldering vibe going on!! I did like Adelaide I would imagine given her looks she is written off as being not very clever which in fact is completely untrue. It’s not very often I use lines from books in my review but as soon as I read this on I wrote it down as I knew I wanted to remember it!
“I might break, engulf, shatter, and destroy you, Adelaide, but I’ll put you back together piece by piece in my arms when I’m done. Each and every time.”
I actually got goose-bumps when I read this bit! It sums Grayson’s character up perfectly! A fantastic read which I cannot recommend highly enough!!
Profile Image for Mary Kazen .
Author 12 books645 followers
May 3, 2018
Oh my erotica! What a hot book! Erotica fans, pay attention. You will want to read this book. This author is definitely the Queen of Erotica in my opinion. Also what's great is that this book and the first one in this series are not just about the steamy scenes. There is a great story in there. For this book it's about Adelaide and her boss Grayson. They both have had a secret attraction to each other from day one. Grayson feels like he is a monster because of his sexual desires so he tries to stay away Adelaide that he sees as innocent. Adelaide is nothing like he thinks and her desires actually match his. As they take a chance with each other they learn that there is no right and wrong when it comes to love. Each couple is different and it's about finding your match.
This was an emotional read as well. Both characters deal with hard childhoods. Grayson with a father that left and his mother had to make tough decisions to keep food in their mouths and a roof over their head for some time. Adelaide trusted a family member that only left her with emotional scars that cause her to still have nightmares. -----Warning: This book does deal with sexual abuse.---
But if you are looking for a good story, one that will make you feel real emotion and also want some steamy scenes then this book is for you!
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
651 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2018
What Would've Been is the second in Ms. Magnussen What If? series.

Note: The book does contain bad language, sex scenes (a lot) and depicts different types of abuse, so recommended for those 18+.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it.

This is one HOT steamy book! The story of Grayson Coleman and Adelaide Parker was turning my fingers red as they were sitting my kindle on fire! The sexual tension between these two was apparent from the start of book and it did not let up!

A bit of a taboo story as Grayson is Adelaide’s boss. Grayson so wants her to join him in his BDSM world, but is afraid that he will hurt her. Adelaide so wants to discover her naughty side and is hoping that Grayson will be the one to help her.

When these two finally decide to step that first step towards each other – holy cow were there sparks!

If you enjoy a great erotic romance – this book is for you!
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,749 reviews53 followers
May 3, 2018
Seriously, wickedly, WONDERFULLY HOT! Forget the fan, you need a TRUCK full of ice for this sexy, erotic, oh so tempting read! I DEVOURED this book. It was intense...it had me on the edge and I felt so aroused and my skin felt all...tingly and electrified..like I could go off at a single touch, that is what What Would've Been did to me. Just from the cover I knew it was going to be sexy but what I got instead was something that will feed your fantasies for a LONG time and you will crave more. I know I did. I could easily get addicted to Cassandra Magnussen's writing. She reels you in from the start and you will feel like your burning up as you read....FABULOUS!

I give What Would've Been a EXHILARATING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Profile Image for Laid-Back Book Bitches.
356 reviews98 followers
April 25, 2018
From the moment I started this book I was addicted. I could not put this book down, I had to keep turning the pages. I wanna be just like Adelaide when I grow up. I was in love with Greyson's Alpha male (I mean come on who doesn't love a alpha male). Oh and I did I mention Greyson is Adelaide boss? She impressed him in the job interview and every since he treats her like sh*t because of the growing feelings he has for her. The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. He knows he shouldn't act on it, but it happens in the hottest way. Through this whole book I felt like I was watch a movie and not reading a book, I was latterly picturing it all happening in my mind. I cannot wait to read more from this author, I am hooked! I highly recommend this book to everyone..
Profile Image for Stacy Ross.
208 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2018
I was asked to read and review What would have been by Cassandra Magnussen. Cassandra herself approached me and asked me to read and review her book. This was the first book by Cassandra that I’ve read, and I was impressed. She is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her books. I enjoyed reading Grayson and Adelaide’s story. He was her boss and she’s fantasized about him since her interview with him. She felt he was off limits to her because he was her boss and the story would touch a cord with those who have had an office romance or an office crush. I found the book a little long (never thought I would complain about that) and about 40% of the way through I was almost ready to give up on the story, I had to put it down and move on to another project and come back to it and boy am I glad I did. It was a fantastic story and I hope we can see these characters in another story. I want to read about Grayson’s friend, Ethan, and who this mystery girl he’s crushing on and I’d love to read a story about Adelaide’s friend and co-worker Bee.
355 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2018
Holy hot balls!!
I was drawn in from the moment I picked it up, Addy is not your typical blonde haired Barbie, shes Barbie with an attitude, that's how she came to work for Grayson, he's the boss and he never let's you forget it, when he finally let's go and does what he wants when he goes after Addy, hot dammm...those are some hot scenes, my favourite is when she takes a trip to the Manor! ohh shit! there's lots of twists and turns and heartbreaking pasts, but love wins out in the end, and the soul mates are returned together.
I give this book
five hot dark sexy stars *****
134 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
I loved this book! This is the story of Adelaide and Grayson and how they succumb to their mutual desires and fall in love. This book has everything - intrigue, emotion, humor and off the charts sexiness. I found it hard to put it down once I started. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
2,815 reviews59 followers
May 2, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
I kind of felt like this book was as a combination of an erotic office romance mixed with some romantic suspense. The characters are hot and their sexual chemistry is even hotter. If you are looking for a steamy, bdsm romance you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Pamela Stallings.
199 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2018
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blown away by this book!! It is so so good I didn't want to put it down. I found myself thinking about these characters when I couldn't read. It was funny, hot, sweet, emotional, and suspenseful. It was everything!!!!

Our 2 main characters are Adelaide and Grayson. These are 2 characters that both have a broken past but they are way more than that. They are 2 characters that you will absolutely fall in love with. Cassandra did a very good job in bringing these characters to life. I want to be friends with these people. Adelaide & Grayson are perfect for each other❤❤❤ Their chemistry is off the charts in this book. You can feel it throughout the whole book. And the sex holy moly hotttttt🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book is the second book in the What If series and can be read without reading the first book. Personally this is my first book by this author and she has completely blew me away so I will definitely be reading the first book now. The story is told by both Adelaide and Grayson and is a very well written story. I'm hoping we get a Genny book because I loved how badass she is. Cassandra amazing job!!!!
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,012 reviews39 followers
April 26, 2018
this book was a hot and sexy read. lots of sex and hot scenes from beginning to end. it's about a woman who wants to try different kinds of things sexually
Profile Image for Judy Robichaud.
265 reviews15 followers
October 10, 2018
╔═══ 🖤°❃* 🌹*❃° 🖤°❃* 🌹*❃° 🖤°❃*🌹*❃° 🖤°❃*🌹*❃° 🖤°❃*🌹*❃°═══╗
HOT ALPHA CEO MEETS HIS MATCH & GETS A RUN FOR HIS MONEY
IN “WHAT WOULD’VE BEEN” BY CASSANDRA MAGNUSSEN. 4 STARS!
╚═══❃*🌹 🖤 🌹*❃° 🖤°❃*🌹🌹°❃*🌹*❃°🖤°❃* 🌹*❃° 🖤°❃* 🌹*❃° 🖤 ═══╝

Greyson Coleman runs Coleman Agency, a marketing firm. He is a hot tempered and hot bodied CEO who drives his employees hard and expects complete obedience… from everyone. In and out of the bedroom and the boardroom. So most try and stay out of his way.

He’s also a dirty talking sexy beast without a filter. (Some of that dirty talking had my girly bits standing up and taking notice.) But, get in his way and he will trample you without ever looking back. He’s also insanely attracted to Adelaide Parker. The newest Client Manager at Coleman Agency who knocks Greyson on his ass and gives him a run for his money with her intellect, confidence, fiery sass and sarcasm.

Addy made me laugh…. A lot! She has an affinity to avoid cussing and uses names like “crap nugget”, “Son of a snickerdoodle”, “Mr. Grumpy Pants”, and "Mother of a butternut squash”. That one was a particular favorite of mine and the list goes on and on.

She was not innocent either. She had a dirty naughty side. She had the wildest fantasies about her new boss and needed to get a grip. Oh, yes, Greyson suffered from that same affliction about Adelaide. This could get messy.

With the priority of signing what could be their most lucrative client, it’s no longer a man’s game. There is a lot on riding on this. There’s a new gal in town and her name is Adelaide Parker. She knows what’s she’s doing and doesn’t hold back. This doesn’t sit well with Marshall & Glenn, her coworkers also assigned to this potential client and they will stop at nothing to make Adelaide look bad. Glenn and Marshall are both vulgar and obnoxious and OMG I just loved hating them.

Beatrix and Cameron are Adelaide’s coworkers. Bea is her best friend and Cameron always seems to have her back.

Both Greyson and Adelaide have secrets from their pasts. Painful secrets that made them who they are as adults. Betrayal of the worst kind, depravity, lies and deceit, keep them from wanting a serious relationship. Both try to avoid each other whenever possible. That should be easy peasy right? Wrong!!! Will they be able to avoid each other and remain professional?

What happens when lines are drawn in the sand and those lines are crossed? Will fate intervene and them a bone? Will their never-ending, electrically charged attraction to one another, along with titillating dreams and sensual walks on the dark side allow them to let down their guard long enough to let love break through the barrier walls they've both built around their hearts and let it guide them down a pathway towards happiness and embrace what they've been given?

All is not what it appears to be at Coleman Agency. What happens behind closed doors, in and out of the office? I’ll never tell. I will say this, unrequited love, danger, and deception set the stage for a showdown with enemies from all directions.

I enjoyed this sexy romp of a read. It was humerous at times, the characters were a lot of fun to get to know. Especially Greyson’s Stepfather and partner. The enemies were aplenty and kept things interesting. This book most definitely does NOT lack off the charts sizzling hot sexy time. Believe you me, it's sexy, it's steamy and it is scorching!

Greyson was maddening at first and then weaved his way into my heart. He’s alphalicious and what he wants, he gets.

And what he wants is Adelaide and there’s no stopping him in his quest for dominance. Adelaide was such a strong character. Never the victim, always the fighter, no matter what was thrown her way. I loved that about her. I couldn’t help but root for this couple and their happily ever after.

I give this book a 4-star rating. My initial thought before reading it was that it was most likely going to be geared more towards the erotica side vs. the romantic side. Don't get me wrong, it’s definitely erotic but I loved the hard, in your face romance and the journey towards their HEA.

After finishing this book, I was a bit confused about the meaning behind the title. It was just an observation of mine, not a criticism. Just goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover.

I really did enjoy this book. Would I recommend this book to readers looking for a great erotic romance with a love for alpha males and strong heroines? Absolutely! This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I look forward to reading more of her work. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Aubrey .
151 reviews7 followers
May 10, 2018
This book right here is the reason you shouldn't judge based on a cover. I won't lie, when I saw the cover, I wasn't sure it would be something I wanted to read. But the blurb convinced me to give it a try, and I'm so happy I did. It's definitely full of sex, but there's also a fantastic story to be found.

Adelaide Parker, or Addy for short, is the girl next door who looks like a Barbie doll. She's kind and caring, but she's also strong and driven. And when it comes to her boss, Grayson, she's very determined. She wants to prove herself to him, but she also kind of wants to get in his pants. Since starting at his company, Addy finds herself fantasizing about Grayson both at work and while she's at home in her bed. He's an arrogant jerk, but there's just something about him that makes her lady bits tingle.

Grayson Coleman is the epitome of an alpha male. He's hot (and he knows it), he's full of himself, and he doesn't mind embarrassing his coworkers and employees by bringing up things of a sexual nature. While a man like that is not my cup of tea, (or Addy's) there was something hidden in his story that I needed to know. He's hot for Addy, but he's the big man on top and he knows he can't have her.

What Would've Been is hot as hell. The sex, the chemistry, the push and pull between Addy and Grayson. The forbidden feelings and the super naughty fantasies they have of one another. It's this aching flame that needs to explode, and when it does...hold on to your panties.

This was my first read from Cassandra Magnussen and it probably won't be my last. I'd love to read the first of the series, just to get a feel for her writing and to see if it's as fantastic as this one.
Profile Image for Colleen.
236 reviews
December 24, 2018
The Adelaide and Grayson had my kindle on fire. I could feel myself blushing several times while reading about Adelaide’s fantasies about her jerk of a boss Grayson. While Adelaide was enjoying her impure thoughts, Grayson was doing everything in his power to keep his distance. The sexual tension between the two was off the charts. One fantasies became reality let’s say nothing is better than the real deal.

I enjoyed that the story and relationship took time and was well developed. Adelaide’s relationship with her friends felt like I was sitting at the bar right there with them. I love when an author really flushes out the character’s lives with friends and family. It makes me connect more with the characters.

There was an intriguing location in this book called The Phoenix Manor. I do not like to give spoilers, so I will not go into detail but if this place exists I must find it! The scene here was scorching.

Cassandra is a new author for me and is now on my radar for sure. This is her second novel in this series. I will admit I did not read the 1st book…yet. However, this book can be read as a standalone. I am defiantly going back to read book I as I am completely intrigued. I cannot wait to continue to follow this authors career.
1,279 reviews45 followers
May 5, 2018
Ever since Adelaide started as an intern she has always woken up hot and bothered with thoughts of Grayson, who was a man whore. Adelaide has been through things in her life she wished she hadn’t and Grayson’s life started very different to the life he lives now.
Adelaide and Grayson try to fight their attraction, with Grayson pushing her away at every turn even, knowing that the thoughts he has about her and his demons will do nothing but hurt her.
Grayson doesn’t know that Adelaide want to explore sexually and that she could be everything he wants, the two constantly push and pull at each other.
When Grayson decides to take a chance and lets Adelaide know he wants her all of her, Adelaide can believe how good they are together. Although Adelaide is wary of her work colleagues and how they will react, thinking she is only with him to move up in the company, she wants what her and Grayson have.
With Adelaide’s past and Grayson’s demons, is their amazing chemistry enough to make it work.
Profile Image for Sonya aka bookobsession83.
181 reviews11 followers
May 8, 2018
***Received an ARC for an honest review***

This was the first book I have read from this author and I was amazed by her talent especially after finding out how young she is. It’s not her first but SECOND book. She definitely has talent.

This book started off hot and sexually fuelled from the get go. We got a look at the desires and needs that Adelaide was wanting and who her fantasies were geared towards.

Cassandra created great characters, Adelaide - the sexy girl next door and Grayson - the rich, dominant asshole with a soft spot.
They both have had to overcome obstacles and trauma in the past but it has made them who they are, stronger and better for it.

Adelaide knows what she wants and she decides to go for it, and Grayson is who she wants.
Grayson doesn’t believe he is good enough for her and is trying hard to avoid what he really wants from her. Eventually they can’t stay away from each other and it is so much better than either could imagine.

I gave this book a 4 star only because it felt that something’s were thrown into the story quickly to give you more backstory. It didn’t flow as well. With that being said, this was a great read and I look forward to the next.
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