A spicy and funny story about two strangers who end up spending time together. While the premise was fun, the story felt a bit choppy and didn’t flow as smoothly as I’d hoped. I wanted more backstory and character development from both Josie and Connor. When they finally got together, it felt rushed and not fully fleshed out.

Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This was a light hearted fun read about two people, so focussed on their own aims that nothing and no one was allowed into their lives. However, when they both ended up in a one bedroomed cottage in rural France, each refusing to leave, something had to give.

Cute steamy romance about learning to let go of control and embrace the unexpected.

Josie and Connor were looking for a place to relax and instead found each other - 2 strangers with one bed can only mean one thing 🤭.
I enjoyed reading So That Happened, it wasn’t revolutionary but I enjoyed the story and the flirting/ teasing!

This meet-cute little romance between two strangers who meet in a holiday home truly made my day. When Josie wants to escape and heads off for a holiday in France, she discovers that the holiday home lent to her by a friend is also going to be occupied by her friend’s handsome brother, Connor. This short novel about the unexpected chemistry between Josie and Connor is truly heartwarming.

I loved how the author described the French countryside while making the story more engaging. The characters are well developed to highlight both the romance and the holiday escapism. While keeping the tone light-hearted with swoon-worthy moments between the main couple, the author also touches on deeper themes like letting go of control and healing from emotional wounds.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy quick, feel-good romances with scenic backdrops, emotional depth, and a dose of playful tension.

A Light, Enjoyable Read

So That Happened by Christie McKellen is a fun and easy to read romance that delivers likable characters and a engaging love story. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and there are plenty of heartwarming and occasionally steamy.

While the plot flows well and keeps your attention, the character development doesn’t go particularly deep. The characters are charming and fun, but they stay largely the same throughout the book. The chapters also felt long for no reason. I did love the banter and connection between the main characters though.

What holds this book back from a higher rating is its abrupt ending. Just as the story seems to be reaching an emotional peak, it suddenly wraps up. It’s a bit jarring after such a well-paced buildup.

Overall, So That Happened is an enjoyable read with a strong romantic core, even if it doesn’t offer a lot of depth or a satisfying conclusion. Worth picking up if you’re in the mood for a light lovestory.

i was gonna say what a short and sweet read but its actually more short and spicy? christy mckellen's books are definitely all for those smut readers among us, which is awesome. i love these sort of books as like a palette cleanser in between other books, just short and easy to read, enjoyable, not too complicated, etc. i definitely had fun reading this, though i must admit i did not like the mmc's personality, which is kind of a bummer.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

This was such a cute book to read. It was a fun beach read with a good storyline and great characters.

Josie has been forced by her business partner to take a break, she offers her the family cottage for a few weeks to get her head on straight. Josie is really enjoying the place until Connor walks in, planning to stay in the cottage that is half his. Josie and Connor come to an agreement, and of course, romance starts to blossom as the characters butt heads and have the inevitable misunderstandings. It was a fun book with a good amount of spice.

Thank you to NetGalley , the author and the publishing house for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

Josie works hard and after a issue at work her business partner Abi suggests that she gets away for a few days

Josie goes away and stays where Abi has put her up until Abi’s brother Connor comes back and throws everything up in the air.

When things hot up between Josie and Connor and some things are said in the heat of the moment have they lost their chance to be together or will they find there way back to each other?

I enjoyed this book, great storyline

Just finished another great read. *So that Happened* . Such a light and funny laugh out loud comedy romance. Another great one. loved the one bed trope, playing hard to get and different “worlds”. Was a super quick read.

This was a "it's me, not you" problem. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. It felt rushed and flat. I wanted more of a backstory from both Josie and Connor. Then once they did get together, it felt rushed and not flushed out. I enjoyed the descriptions of France and loved the feel of the little cottage, but I just wanted more.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.

DNF
I was excited to have a quick book to read while I relaxed this afternoon, sadly I could not get past the forth chapter.

I kept feeling as though an important part of the book was missing. I felt out of a fictional loop and it became frustrated.

One of the spiciest romance I've read, loved the instant chemistry between them with the forced proximity and all.

Love every single book by Christy McKellen.

When Connor finds a naked woman in his bed, he thought his stalker ex-girlfriend was following him again. Turns out it was Abigail’s business partner, Josie, who is staying at the same house. After traveling for three months the only thing he wants is to sleep in his own bed, actually, the only bed in the house, so the first night he settled for the sofa.
Spicy funny story about two strangers forced to spend time together.
Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I enjoyed the sexy, sassy romance in this novel! It didn’t shy away from the messy realities of love, making Josie and Connor’s journey feel raw and relatable. Their struggles weren’t just obstacles—they were the very things that made their connection so compelling.

As they spend time together, they begin to tear down the emotional barriers they’ve built, challenging old habits and learning to let each other in. Their relationship forces them to slow down, embrace the present, and reconnect with the parts of themselves they had long neglected. It’s more than just romance—it’s about rediscovering happiness and figuring out what truly matters.

Quick romance read about a workaholic woman.
The setting is in France.
Main characters, Josie and Connor, were delightful and fun to get to know.
Perfect best friends brothers romance.

This was a cute, quick read. Best Friend/Coworker's Brother & one bed trope. Cozy cottage in France - personally I loved the multiple mentions of the lavender fields. FMC is a workaholic on holiday. MMC helps her to unwind and enjoy herself. A perfect summer book!!

A MUST READ !!

Such a good story !! And I will recommend this to anyone and everyone !!

Wow !!

A best friends brother romance. Josie and Connor meet in the French farm house where both of think they will have a quiet holiday, not expecting anyone else to be there. A fun read, I liked the setting and how it was told from both points of view.

So That Happened by Christy McKellen is a light, cute romance perfect for a weekend escape. Josie, a workaholic on a mandatory break, finds herself sharing a house with Connor—the charming owner with a knack for pushing her buttons. As expected, sparks fly.

The premise is fun and the chemistry between the characters is sweet, though the plot leans on the predictable side. Still, it delivers on the cozy, feel-good vibes you'd expect from a romantic getaway read.

The author creates a believable attraction between Josie and Connor from their first meeting. Both have potent personalities, but equally, both have issues in their past that make them wary of commitment. It's a passionate and poignant romance, not the no-strings affair that both believe it to be. The setting in the South of France adds to the romance, and their deepening emotional connection mirrors their self-realisation. It's a heartwarming, humorous and romantic tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.