This book offers a breezy, heartwarming escape, filled with witty banter, endearing mishaps, and just enough chemistry to keep the pages turning. The love interest is suitably charming, with enough depth to make their dynamic engaging, even if some of their conflicts feel a bit predictable.

While the book excels in humor and sweet moments, the protagonist’s personal growth occasionally takes a backseat to the romantic plot. A deeper exploration of their emotional journey could have added more weight to their happily-ever-after.

That said, the supporting cast adds plenty of fun, and the romantic tension is well-paced, making it easy to root for the central couple. The writing is light and engaging, perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story with a few laughs along the way. If you don’t mind a little predictability and enjoy banter-filled romance, this book is a charming pick—just don’t expect too much introspection between the meet-cutes and grand gestures.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! New to this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Typically I’m a fan of trope-laden stories - often inevitable in romcoms! - but this missed the mark for me. Seemed to be missing some detail and development that could’ve helped me understand why the rivalry began immediately. Perhaps some of what I perceived as oddities in the word choice was language-based, but I wouldn’t choose to describe a woman’s wet hair as “clumpy,” for example, if my intentions were to invoke positive imagery. Found myself struggling not to skim. Might be a good choice for others who are fans of short, quick, easy reads!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

Insta-love is not one of my favorite tropes, and Connor and Josie were just ummm... Lacking in the chemistry department.

Both our MCs had all this pent-up energy, with Josie being on a forced break from work and Connor returning from one of his trips. Being in close proximity with each other didn't help at all, because they had to burn a little energy, if you get what I mean 😉.

Initially it was all lust because they were skirting around very important issues that needed to be talked about. Also, a lot of things didn't tie well with the story; for example, the break-in at the house.

Overall, it was an okay read, but the romance felt underdeveloped, with little chemistry or character growth.

Thank you once again for the e-ARC.

I didn’t know what to expect with ’So That Happened’ but the standing reviews around Christy McKellen’s work say that her stories tend to be short, to the point and…depending on which side you stand on, trope-laden, rushed but easy to read.

I did find the start very abrupt though; the main characters were quite literally plopped into the same house in a supposed grumpy-meet-cute (?). She’s naked, he’s exhausted. They fumble in outrage, then it’s instant lust for her in the morning with every little move he makes at the breakfast table, then becomes petulantly, defensively unreasonable when she gets caught ‘trespassing' in his house.

Things got…weird though, after that. Their conversation and course of action before getting into one bed took an odd, inane turn.

I think stories like these simply focus on that one, intense bit of forced proximity, drawn out by (inane) conversations that don’t further any plot and a hyper-focus on the superficial. Insta-lust certainly, but I couldn’t feel the chemistry and started skimming through because it all felt off to me without a build-up or a backing plot that would tie them together beyond a few days at a secluded farmhouse.

As true as ‘So That Happened’ is to its blurb—what happens is literally what it says on the book cover—, I think I like my stories short, but also packed with a bit more substance than a fling and two irascible protagonists whom I just didn’t like at all. Unfortunately this just wasn’t for me.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

I personally did not like this at all . The characters did not have chemistry, the story felt clunky and rushed. There was not enough description in the settlings or the activities that could have added to the characters' bonding aside from the author telling me they are sexually attracted to each other. I respect josie and Connor needing to have a tension releasing holiday fling but very little of that was supported through the buildup to the moment they start the fling. I also did not like the chummy almost a-hole but not charismatic traits of Connor. He was not of any interest for me as a reader, which is the entire point- for me to want him as much as josie the main girl does. also, josie needs a prescription to anxiety meds and some therapy... not sex.

I loved the book…it was super funny but it was in 3rd POV that isn’t my favorite. It’s a pretty mild spicy book (🌶️🌶️). Thought it was gonna have a little more extra spice but that’s okay. This is a forced proximity/ one bed situation. The characters throughout the book were very relatable in their situations.

3.5 stars.
the 3rd person pov isnt the best and annoyed me quite a bit becuase we couldnt connect fully to the characters.
also i was promised a spicy book....... it was mild so barley spice.
but the forced proximity and one bed trope was represented so well.
im not gunna lie i was GIGGLING.
both characters had there problems but were so relatable.

if your looking for a one bed, forced proximity, kinda spicy romance this is soo your book

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a DRC of this title for review.

This was pretty fun! I liked the setting, the forced proximity, and the chemistry between the two characters. I wish I had been able to connect more with Josie-- even as someone who enjoys unlikeable heroines, an FMC who is so abusive to her staff that she is on an enforced sabbatical to deal with her anger issues was a bit of a tough sell... All in all, though, I think this would still catch the eye of a lot of readers who love a forced proximity/only one bed situation.

If you’re a fan of the strangers-to-lovers trope, a sucker for forced proximity, and live for those deliciously tense “only one bed” moments, then So That Happened will hit every one of your romance sweet spots.

Christy McKellen delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged, and scorchingly addictive read that combines laugh-out-loud banter with real emotional stakes. The setup is irresistible: Josie Marchpane, a workaholic marketing powerhouse, is forced to take a break in a luxurious French farmhouse. She’s ready to recharge, maybe even get her life back on track. What she’s not ready for? Connor Preston—a hot, exhausted entrepreneur who’s just returned from a grueling business trip only to find Josie naked in his bed.

From the very first chapter, the tension crackles. Neither of them is backing down, and neither is about to leave the house. So they stay. Together. In close quarters. And things get complicated in the best kind of way.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the sexy setup or the witty sparring (though both are top-notch). It’s the emotional core beneath all the heat. Josie is fiercely driven but quietly unraveling; her struggles with self-worth and validation—especially in relation to her parents—are painfully relatable. Connor, meanwhile, is more than just the brooding alpha type. He’s layered, vulnerable, and dealing with panic attacks that complicate his instinct to control everything around him. Watching these two break down their walls—and fight each other and for each other—makes for a rewarding emotional ride.

McKellen writes with sharpness and heart. Her dialogue feels authentic and modern, with just the right balance of humor and intensity. The chemistry between Josie and Connor isn’t just physical (though it’s very much that); it’s emotional. They challenge each other, push each other, and ultimately help each other grow.

And can we talk about the setting? The South of France isn’t just a backdrop here—it’s a mood. The lavender fields, the heat, the food, the wine—it all adds to the romance and the escapism. If you can’t hop on a plane right now, reading this book is the next best thing.

One of my favorite elements is how grounded the story feels even as it’s full of those big rom-com moments. The sex scenes are honest, steamy, and refreshingly real. There’s humor, but also heartache. Playful conflict, but also meaningful resolution.

Bonus: I’m really hoping McKellen writes a book for Connor’s sister Abi. She was only in a few scenes, but she had personality, backstory hints, and enough spark to carry her own story.

Final thoughts:
So That Happened is smart, sexy, funny, and emotionally rich. It’s for readers who like heat with heart, steam with substance. Think Tessa Bailey meets Christina Lauren, with a touch of Hannah Grace’s emotional depth. Whether you’re looking for your next beach read or just need a good book to get lost in, this one’s a winner.