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.