That Was Then

Fated Loves #2

by Zee Irwin

When former college sweethearts win their second chance to prove Fate right, will they waste it over the holidays?

♥Cassidy Masters hadn’t seen Bronson Maxwell since a near-fatal car accident sent their college relationship and their lives on a detour. Her new life was fine, all according to her plan, until Bronson returned to town before the holidays to take over the family company. After a run-in, he wanted to talk, and bring closure on the past. Her family and her roommates believed this was a second chance romance waiting to happen. Cassidy wasn’t convinced fate had anything to do with it.

♥When Bronson Maxwell ran into Cassidy at work, he knew this was his opportunity to shut the door on the past. Everything headed in that direction, but he couldn't get her out of his mind. His body craved a future together. If only meddling family and coworkers would stay out of his way over the holidays. When a love like theirs had a second chance—he’d do anything to convince Cassidy they were meant to be.

When their paths collide in one big event on New Year’s Eve, will Cassidy and Bronson tempt Fate again, or miss out on love forever?

With humor, steamy bits, and a passionate couple to root for, enjoy reading this standalone, with a happily ever after ending. You’ll continue to see Bronson, Cassidy and all their friends in the interconnected Fated Loves series.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Amazon, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2022

About the author

Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Reviews

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zee Irwin gives us a second chance romance that manages to flourish amidst workplace drama.

Cassidy & Bronson haven't seen each other in 5 years. In the intervening years, Cassidy has reinvented herself, albeit at a company Bronson's family owns, and has convinced herself that she's moved on from the literal wreck of their love. But, all it takes is a few moments together, and all the feelings that she thought she had successfully boxed up come tumbling right out. Is the connection they still share strong enough this time around?

Bronson has been living half a life it seems, and the minute his eyes track Cassidy across the room, he knows he can't let her go this time. But the same - and yet different - issues that tore them apart are still present. Will this new version of "them" incentivize him to fight for their love, or is their relationship just going be a bittersweet memory?

I rather enjoyed this installment in the series. Zee Irwin artfully directs an attention-grabbing story from start to finish. You feel the chemistry between Cassidy & Bronson; you also feel the yearning, and the desire to make things right. I really look forward now to book 3.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, Matilda is such a horrible woman (to put it politely). I can't believe the lengths she went to, due to being rejected by a guy! I'm so pleased she got found out in the end and got what she deserved.

I loved this story and I shared the frustrations of Cass and Bron until they finally got themselves sorted out.

Can't wait to hear Lily and Jace's story and background into how Jace got his scars.

Also looking forward to hearing more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy and Bronson were once in a relationship when an accident tore them apart. I am a fan of second chance relationships but this was a bit unbelievable to me. Cassidy was this shy sweet college student and now all confident but no explanation why the change or how she got so popular on IG. The other piece was she was so hard on Bronson after his numerous attempts to make I right. This is book two of a series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did.

[Jessica Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the other stories I’ve read from this author, but this one I had a hard time getting into. It was easy to see what was going to happen so the thrill of the unknown wasn’t there for me, especially in regards to Mathilda. The premise was good and the character development was there, just a little too predictable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Fated Loves: Books 1-3 which is FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2022)! 🎁

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading "This is Fate" I was very curious about the story of Bronson and Cassidy where a corner of the veil was lifted.
The whole story is in this book.

A 2nd chance at love, it sounds so easy, but you don't just lose the feelings of losing a 1st love. Bronson and Cassidy were a couple during their time at Boston University. After an accident, the future changes for Bronson and with it himself. He breaks off his relationship with Cassidy and goes to London. Cassidy is left with her heart in staggering pieces. She eventually manages to pick up her life again, but her thoughts sometimes go out to him. And then, after 5 years, he comes back.

When he sees her again, his first thoughts are to say what happened once and for all and then move on, but changes his mind when he finds that he still loves her.

And then I think the story collapses a bit. As if the moment Bronson knows he wants Cassidy back will be a reason for her to want it too. In my eyes he steps too quickly over her feelings of betrayal and loneliness which she does not want to experience again.

The ending is well written and warm and a happy ending.
my review rating: 3.5*

I received this book as an ARC but voluntarily leave my review

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 2 of the Fated Loves series and focuses on Bronson and Cassidy. This book can definitely be read as a standalone or as part of the series. Bronson and Cassidy were college sweethearts who hadn't seen each other in 5 years since Bronson left Cassidy heartbroken. When he comes back wanting closure he realizes that he wants another chance with her but she doesn't want to end up like she did 5 years prior. This was a really good second chance romance story! I'm so glad that Bronson and Cassidy were able to get their second chance HEA. I am so excited for the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Zee Irwin was a good writer when I read This is Fate. However I did not feel the connection between the couple as much as I would have liked. This book was a different story. From the moment Cassidy and Bronson see each other again you can feel their yearning. Their second chance at love was so good to read. Cassidy seems like such a sweetheart even if her do-gooding didn’t work with everyone. NYE nightmare anyone. I loved her family. They were amazing and it would be great if her sisters were given books in the series, though I’m guessing Lily will be next.
For people who love second chance romances this book is for you. In fact if you like romance in general this is for you.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Aimee Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my.....That was Then is a fantastic story that brought all the feels and more as I followed Bronson and Cassidy in thier journey to find each other again.

This book had my intense interest and was very heart full of emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second story in the "Fated Loves" series. This one is a second chance romance for college sweethearts Cassidy and Bronson. A wreck caused them to end their relationship but now he is back and wants to her. She wants no part of it or does she really? This is such a good read and I cannot believe the lengths someone goes to in this story. The story is interesting, intriguing and nicely developed. I couldn't help cheering these two on.

[Annie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I like second chances, I don't normally love them. Because some authors go too far with the sadness of what broke them up, or my emotions get all twisted at their wasted years.

Zee, however, hit a beautiful mix of young love cracked but not broken. I fell hard for Bronson (and HELLO, hot name!) I love when fate threw him in front of his long lost love and that he didn't need to be convince that she was always meant for him. Sure, ups and downs built tension and made their love that much sweetener for the HEA. But the whole push and pull made yet another Fated Loves book that kept me up until 2am. I just couldn't put it down

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 years later. Never thought it would happen. Cassidy and Bronson run into each other. At a work party of all things!

From the moment they reconnect, there’s always something. They both try denying what they both want. Read THAT WAS THEN to find out how they work around every issue that comes up. For good and bad.

Can’t wait for book 3!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created. The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable second chance romance but it was a little unclear why Cassidy hid her past relationship. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good second chance romance that was fun to read. I liked the characters - inter, engaging and entertaining. The story had some really great moments though some things had me questioning why she would give him a second chance. I liked reading this book. I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet second chance. I loved that Cassidy didn’t just jump right back to Bronson. She at least made him work for his second chance.

[Katharine Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy and Bronson have a real, layered relationship and a valid reason for their break-up. It's such a valid reason that getting back together seems unlikely and seeing how they work through their past while dealing with an undeniably steamy attraction is absolutely a story worth reading.
Irwin has created a world for her characters that is filled with life, lovable characters, and stories. Cassidy and Bronson's story doesn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon receiving this second book courtesy of Voracious Readers Only, and the author, Zee Irwin, I was immediately looking forward to reading it. This is the second book of the series I have read and it didn't disappoint.
The intertwining of Cassidy and Bronson's stories was well crafted and the tie in to the other books of the series added to the full circle plot. A pleasant and relaxing read. Looking forward to reading the other stories of the series.

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero was a spineless idiot. Fuck him.

[Kassi Hedgecock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but couldnt get into the characters.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first met Cassidy in This is Fate, the first book in the Fated Loves series. She’s one of Maddie’s roommates, and that’s about all we know about her until now. In That Was Then we get intimate with Cassidy and her ex-college sweetheart Bronson. Things were wonderful, the future was sunny and bright, but then came a bad accident, a bad breakup, and bad feelings that have lasted five years. It’s the holidays and he’s just returned to town to take over the family company. The company where Cassidy works. His family hates her, but she’s managed to stay under the radar – until now. They are shocked to see each other, and not in a happy way. She wants to keep it an arms’ length business relationship; he thinks they need closure and then back to business it is. Wonder how that will work out, since there are still some spicy hot sparks between them and a couple of sad hearts, even if they don’t realize or accept it yet. And this is the Fated Loves series, after all, so Fate might have something other than business in mind.

Cassidy and Bronson bob and weave and avoid each other and get thrown together and want each other and reject each other and have a couple of heated little encounters. Her family loves him and her friends think she’s lucky to have a second chance. But a second chance at what? That breakup was ugly, really ugly. There are secrets and maybe some harsh words and actions that can’t be undone. And one very jealous, spiteful individual bent on sabotage.

I was rooting for Bronson and Cassidy to accept fate and get back together sooner rather than later, but that bumpy road to love can be fun to watch. Author Zee Irwin can make a really irritating guy somehow very appealing at the same time, and Cassidy was obviously vulnerable. But there was bad behavior and unpleasant personalities wrapped around them and they were quick to doubt, accuse and jump to false conclusions. I often wanted to give them a time out, ground them, or take away their allowances, because as successful as they are in business they often act like spoiled middle schoolers. I especially wanted to listen to That Was Then rather than read it because of Matt Haynes’ fabulous narration in the first book, This Is Fate. Matt Haynes is still fabulous and his narration is true and aptly captures the nature of the characters, but because said characters are so often overall unlikeable the narration can at times seem over the top, whiny and willful.

I enjoyed That Was Then and the journey with Cassidy and Bronson. It was also good to meet up again however briefly with Maddie and Daniel, and to get a glimpse of Lily and hope Fate will be good to her in the next book. I was sent a free audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Second Chance Romance & Listen🎧

That Was Then
Fated Loves, Book 2
By: Zee Irwin
Narrated by: Matt Haynes

Zee Irwin pens another fabulous novel sent in her “Fated Loves” series, a series of standalone novels. Each book features different lead characters and some characters from the other books may appear in each other’s books, but the author provides everything you need to know about them in the descriptive details. This book is Cassidy Masters and Bronson Maxwell’s story and it is a wonderful second chance romance. Cassidy and Bronson were college sweethearts, and they thought they knew where they were heading. Except a car accident changes everything, including his hopes of being a professional baseball player. He winds up leaving her and the country to work for his father’s company, leaving her broken-hearted. Fast forward five years, Cassidy has been working in the company owned by his parents, though are not aware of her employment there, but when Maxwell transfers there they run into each other and it is a surprise for both of them. Seeing her again stirs up all the feelings he had for her and he thinks back to the accident and the sacrifice she made. He wants to make things right for her and with her, but can she ever forgive him for running out on her? This is a beautifully written and plotted story with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, and a romance that was fated to be. Zee Irwin, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Matt Haynes continues to do a great job bringing these characters and their story to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he was portraying, captures all their emotions and projects them into his performance and has you feeling every single one. Haynes is an entertaining storyteller and a versatile voice artist. Thank you for another great listen.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was Then is book two in the Fated Loves series and is the second chance, workplace romance of Cassidy Masters and Bronson Maxwell.
Cassidy and Bronson’s college relationship was derailed when a near fatal car accident set their lives on different paths. Cassidy has reinvented herself in the years since the crash and has settled into a marketing job at a company Bronson’s family owns and Bronson left to work at the family business in London, however, when he turns back up in town and they come face to face, it takes just a few short moments for all the old feelings they thought they had buried come rushing to the surface.
Bronson hasn’t really been living, only existing during his time overseas and has regretted the way things ended with Cassidy since he left. The minute he claps eyes on Cassidy again he knows he can’t let her get away a second time. Will the older, wiser, new them fight for their love, or will their relationship crash and burn again?
Matt Haynes brings the second installment in the Fated Loves series to life in the most perfect way. Matt does an amazing job breathing life into Cassidy and Bronson, Matt really rises to the challenge in this audiobook and tackles this narration solo.
I really enjoyed Bronson and Cassidy’s story. I love a good, hot, sexy, steamy second chance romance that brings the heat, desire and chemistry and Zee Irwin packed it all into Bronson and Cassidy’s love story.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

“That Was Then” is a sweet, emotional and romantic second chance romance with your true love.

Bronson is back home in Boston after spending five years in London running the international division of this family business. Of all people, he wasn’t expecting to run into the one who got away, Cassidy. And it’s even a bigger surprise to find out she works for his family’s business. The two ended on rough terms because of a car accident but the unresolved feelings they have start to surface.

These two are sweet and you can tell from the beginning that they were fated and meant to be. The circumstances that broke them up are relatable and I liked that part of the story. Bronson is a good guy and trying to find his footing in the company and in life. Cassidy is smart and knows her worth. I loved how she didn’t automatically fall back in whatever she had with Bronson from before. They rebuilt what they had slowly to make it last.

Matt Haynes solo narrates this story and does a great job. Solo narrating is hard enough but to carry both the male and female narration is amazing. He was great at different voices so you would know who was who.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woow it’s an amazing book.
Cassidy works on marketing campaign ,one morning after a meeting at work her boss called her to talk with her.
She told her how proud she is of her ideas, she was shocked because the woman was a total bitch.
That day was the Christmas party at work, she was not feeling to celebrate and went to the bar, the bartender wanted to take her number, she told him to take some pictures for her .
When she was checking her phone and saw the photos noticed her ex boyfriend in distance , she didn’t see him for years,They broke up because his parents wanted him with a woman in the same category and because of a car accident they had .they blamed her because he couldn’t continue playing baseball .
After they sent him in London to work on their company and he can’t have distractions.
When he saw her ,he ran to talked to her but she ran the stairs when he come near ,he asked what she was doing there,and said she was working there. She knew that the company belonged to them but the company is big and they couldn’t know that she’s been working there.
It’s a second chance book that it’s my favorite.
Highly recommended.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Was Then
Fated Loves, Book 2
By: Zee Irwin
Narrated by: Matt Haynes

Do you ever get over that first real love? Cassidy and Bronson were together in college until a terrible accident changed their lives. Now five years later, Bronson finds her working in his family company and his feelings of love have not changed. But can the hurt overpower the love? These two are quite the pair! Bronson was young when all this happened. Angry at the outcome of the accident and influenced by his parents, he let Cass go. Cassidy was incredibly hurt, but was determined to pick up her life and continue on. It's a sweet second chance romance, full of all the feels. The secondary characters play an important role, adding that edge of anger and frustration! Loved to hate Matilda! This is s good installment to the Fated Love series!

Matt Haynes gives a wonderful portrayal of the story. I enjoy his narrations every time I hear him and this one is no exception. He can easily go from Cass to Bronson with a realistic set of voices, perfect for this book. Looking forward to his next narration.

[Janine Birt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series but it stands alone perfectly. If you've read the first book you'll have a couple excited moments when the previous characters are mentioned, but they are not prominently featured. It's a little prize for reading in sequence.

Cassidy and Bronson's story is a second chance love story that even the characters recognize as such. Cass's roommates and her own internal thoughts bring this up repeatedly.

In order to understand the present and Cass's reactions to Bronson's return, we have to get the full story of their past and it takes a little while to get all the details. But fate is on our side (and their side to be honest because we know they are going to get back together) crossing their paths, bringing them into each other's orbits repeatedly. Over time, once everything is brought to the surface and our pair really truly deal with their scars from their shared history, they are able to move on and find a new way forward. Together.

The audiobook was performed in solo narration by Matt Haynes. Matt did a great job bringing distinct characterizations to both of our main POVs. I could tell who was narrating at any point in the story which can sometimes be tough for some male narrators to do when delivering full female POV. Matt also brought a lot of emotion to the performance. There are a lot of feels between these two because of all they went through the first time around, so that definitely impacts how they deal with current situations and Matt makes all the feelings known to the listener.

I requested and was provided with a copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5📖 3/5🎧

That Was Then by Zee Irwin is a second-chance workplace romance. Cassidy and Bronson were college sweethearts until tragedy and lies tore them apart. An office run-in reunites them, but can they mend the chasm between them and find a happily ever after? Cassidy is a marketing executive struggling to climb the corporate ladder. Bronson is the newly appointed CEO. At times I struggled with the journey to their hard-fought happy ending, but Cassidy and Bronson are sweet. Cassidy’s family is charming, albeit a bit soft on the man who broke her heart. This holiday-adjacent, billionaire romance is a quick, funny, sweet read. It’s a slow-burn, low-steam romance with a bit of subterfuge and a whole lot of heart.

Matt Haynes gave an emotional, heartwarming performance of these two fated characters. His narration of Cassidy’s dad warmed my heart. I need to know what happens with her sisters! The Fated Loves series is a rollercoaster of emotion with great characters and heart-squeezing love stories.

[Alyssha Bunnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Let's start with the voiceover. I do like the guy who does it, however because it is in both the male and female POV, I feel that there should have been both a man and a woman. It was hard to listen to a man talking as a female, but especially when he was voicing the female when the couple were getting hot.

As for the story, Zee Irwin does a wonderful job getting into the characters. I absolutely love her characters, all of them, including the side characters. The story was great too, because you fall in love with what their story represents. A second chance!

When Cassidy runs into Bronson years after their break up, she wants to make sure they wont be able to get back together, so she pushes him away. He hurt her more than anyone ever has. However, Bronson decides he is all in and going to get his girl back, he should never have let himself hurt her the way he did.

Will they work out, can Cassidy let her heart and hurt go? Or is Bronson fighting for nothing?

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading ‘This is Fate, book 1 in this series, I couldn’t not read more—I loved the world and those characters so much. (Thanks so much to the author and/or publisher who chose to distribute this title wide so that I could acquire it!)

Like its predecessor, this one drew me in right away due to having so many fun elements, such as:


🏛️ Set in Boston and Cape Cod.
🎄 Advertising / marketing geek-out fest.
🏛️ Corporate / marketing female lead.
🎄 ‘Coming home’ - male lead returns home to Boston.
🏛️ Christmas vibes, vivid decoration descriptions.
🎄Workplace romance.
🏛️Second chance romance.
🎄New Year’s Eve kisses.
🏛️Familial drama / digging up old wounds and making amends.
🎄Antagonist I loved hating.
🏛️Supportive girl squad.

Overall, a cute, quick read that kept me company at work.
4 stars.

Audio:
The narrator has a smooth, pleasant voice that’s very easy on the ears and overall does a great job. Also: overall sound quality is flawless.