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What Happens on Vacation
Journalist Margaret loves her job, writing important stories about the impact of government decisions on day-to-day lives for a respected newspaper in Johannesburg. There’s only one her co-worker, Jagger Villain. Is that even his real name? she often wonders. Jagger spends his days writing fluff pieces on everything from the worst-rated barber in Johannesburg to speed dating to male sex toys. To make matters worse, they share a cubicle and a desk, and every day he finds new ways to drive her to distraction. She needs a vacation!
Thankfully the upcoming company quiz night has the perfect first a deluxe trip to a resort in Zanzibar. It will be the perfect escape for Margaret and her mother after a difficult year dealing with the death of her father and divorce. Margaret’s never met a quiz night she can’t win, but then she’s never competed against Jagger. That’s when the unthinkable happens. They tie. They both win. They both get to go to Zanzibar.
It’s bad enough that Margaret has to be on the same island as Jagger, but at least she has her widowed mother with her to help her avoid her co-worker and whoever he brings. However, Jagger’s plus one isn’t what she expected. It’s not some girl of the moment, it's his father, which shakes up her opinion of him . . . at least a bit. And that’s when the entire situation goes from farce to horror their parents fall in love and decide to get married.
Suddenly Margaret and Jagger go from co-workers who dislike each other (but also ‘accidentally’ had sex one night,) to step siblings who dislike each other (but also ‘accidentally’ had sex one night!). But maybe they don’t dislike each other as much as they initially thought they did?
Thankfully the upcoming company quiz night has the perfect first a deluxe trip to a resort in Zanzibar. It will be the perfect escape for Margaret and her mother after a difficult year dealing with the death of her father and divorce. Margaret’s never met a quiz night she can’t win, but then she’s never competed against Jagger. That’s when the unthinkable happens. They tie. They both win. They both get to go to Zanzibar.
It’s bad enough that Margaret has to be on the same island as Jagger, but at least she has her widowed mother with her to help her avoid her co-worker and whoever he brings. However, Jagger’s plus one isn’t what she expected. It’s not some girl of the moment, it's his father, which shakes up her opinion of him . . . at least a bit. And that’s when the entire situation goes from farce to horror their parents fall in love and decide to get married.
Suddenly Margaret and Jagger go from co-workers who dislike each other (but also ‘accidentally’ had sex one night,) to step siblings who dislike each other (but also ‘accidentally’ had sex one night!). But maybe they don’t dislike each other as much as they initially thought they did?
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
87 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
Jo Watson
33 books1,100 followersBest selling author of romantic comedies and young adult fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
April 3, 2023
I loved writing this book! It was a truly fun book to write, but also a book that gave me a chance to explore my feelings around the death of my father. So I am giving myself 5-stars for the writing process, which really was a pleasure! How about that?!
did-not-finish
October 26, 2023DNF at 31%
I don't want to be mean.
I don't want to be mean.
July 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This book just wasn't for me. It took so long to get into and about a quarter of the book was just for creating the background.
I also didn't particularly like the main character, Margaret was just really judgemental to me and I struggled to learn to like her. Although, I did love seeing a main female protagonist who was on the curvier side.
This book will definitely be for somebody, just wasn't for me.
This book just wasn't for me. It took so long to get into and about a quarter of the book was just for creating the background.
I also didn't particularly like the main character, Margaret was just really judgemental to me and I struggled to learn to like her. Although, I did love seeing a main female protagonist who was on the curvier side.
This book will definitely be for somebody, just wasn't for me.
July 20, 2023
Fun-loving, feel-good read.
Margaret is a journalist - and a serious one at that. For the last few months she has been forced to share a desk with Jagger, who writes about 'stuff' - and not exactly serious stuff either. With the office quiz coming up and luxury holiday for two in Zanzibar up for grabs, Margaret is quietly confident of winning it and taking her mother with her for a much needed break for both of them. However, she's never played against her nemesis before . . .
Although it's obvious from the beginning where this is going, it's a joyful read. Great characters, amazing locations and a very entertaining storyline. I loved all Margaret's little foibles - well, we all have them, don't we? A perfect summer read and even better if you're on holiday. Happy to recommend this one and give it 4.5*.
Margaret is a journalist - and a serious one at that. For the last few months she has been forced to share a desk with Jagger, who writes about 'stuff' - and not exactly serious stuff either. With the office quiz coming up and luxury holiday for two in Zanzibar up for grabs, Margaret is quietly confident of winning it and taking her mother with her for a much needed break for both of them. However, she's never played against her nemesis before . . .
Although it's obvious from the beginning where this is going, it's a joyful read. Great characters, amazing locations and a very entertaining storyline. I loved all Margaret's little foibles - well, we all have them, don't we? A perfect summer read and even better if you're on holiday. Happy to recommend this one and give it 4.5*.
May 5, 2023
One word to describe this book - frustrating.
Firstly, using American and British colloquialism whilst the story is based in South Africa and Zanzibar with South African characters is not only inaccurate but quite insulting to its culture.
Secondly, how old is Margaret? She has the emotional and mental maturity of a teenager. The only reason I didn't DNF this story is because I wanted to see if she experienced character growth. She didn't. I can deal with cynical characters but I cannot deal with judgemental characters. She is downright rude to Jagger for no reason at all! That's not a good enough basis for an enemies to lovers or if she is meant to be the grump, that's not the way to go about it either.
She is petulant when it comes to her mother and is extremely self-absorbed because it's all about her and how she feels. Does she realize the error in her ways? Not really, because everyone around her is so accepting of her outbursts and inability to sit and work through her feelings. At some point you have to take accountability.
The back and forth, back and forth, back and forth between her and Jagger got so boring so quickly. She does not deserve a guy like Jagger because sheesh, how many times does the poor guy need to be rejected before he gives up and leaves?!
The pacing of this story is also suuuuuuuuuper slow. Eventually I skimmed the end because I could not take it anymore.
Firstly, using American and British colloquialism whilst the story is based in South Africa and Zanzibar with South African characters is not only inaccurate but quite insulting to its culture.
Secondly, how old is Margaret? She has the emotional and mental maturity of a teenager. The only reason I didn't DNF this story is because I wanted to see if she experienced character growth. She didn't. I can deal with cynical characters but I cannot deal with judgemental characters. She is downright rude to Jagger for no reason at all! That's not a good enough basis for an enemies to lovers or if she is meant to be the grump, that's not the way to go about it either.
She is petulant when it comes to her mother and is extremely self-absorbed because it's all about her and how she feels. Does she realize the error in her ways? Not really, because everyone around her is so accepting of her outbursts and inability to sit and work through her feelings. At some point you have to take accountability.
The back and forth, back and forth, back and forth between her and Jagger got so boring so quickly. She does not deserve a guy like Jagger because sheesh, how many times does the poor guy need to be rejected before he gives up and leaves?!
The pacing of this story is also suuuuuuuuuper slow. Eventually I skimmed the end because I could not take it anymore.
March 5, 2023
Such a cute and funny read!
December 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this workplace enemies to lovers, forced proximity vacation romance that sees two coworkers staying at the same resort where their parents meet and decide to get married. While I found this dragged a bit in the beginning, by the end I was fully invested and rooting for Jagger and Margaret.
I'm a sucker for a he falls first and has been secretly pining situation, add in a jaded divorcee still grieving her dead father and afraid to take a chance on love and I just wanted to shake Margaret and tell her to grab onto the love that swoony Jagger was offering.
Full of top notch banter, some steamy open door scenes and a bit of family drama. This was a win for me and good on audio too narrated by Bianca Amato. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I'm a sucker for a he falls first and has been secretly pining situation, add in a jaded divorcee still grieving her dead father and afraid to take a chance on love and I just wanted to shake Margaret and tell her to grab onto the love that swoony Jagger was offering.
Full of top notch banter, some steamy open door scenes and a bit of family drama. This was a win for me and good on audio too narrated by Bianca Amato. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much! Margaret has been through a lot in her life. She's uptight, doesn't like surprises and she can't stand her colleague Jagger. Jagger is such a great guy and also he has a crush on Margaret. When they both tie for first place at Quiz Night and the prize which is a trip to Zanzibar, things get interesting. I loved Margaret's mom and her bestie Leighton. I chuckled a few times and also wanted to shout at Margaret for being so stubborn and closed off.
I definitely recommend this one and love that the author Jo Watson is South African.
I definitely recommend this one and love that the author Jo Watson is South African.
August 25, 2023
DNF at page 194 because a) the writing still has not improved and b) she said she was not like other women
May 2, 2023
"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧."
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
I’m going to start off by saying that I have discovered a new favourite local author, which I am so excited about! This book was the perfect palette cleanser in and amongst all my fantasy and I really enjoyed the ride.
I will say, Margaret’s character did annoy my initially, especially at the Quiz evening but as the plot developed I got to understand her character a lot more and grew to enjoy her. Jagger is just such a cinnamon role! I really loved him as our love interest, he was just so kind and caring.
The author did an incredible job at evoking emotions throughout from swoon worthy, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much to full blown tears of sadness, when we got a look into Margaret’s past.
I love how it is not only a romance with some comedic relief but the fact that it also dealt with a serious topic, such as the loss of a parent. As cliche as it sounds, we really need to stop and appreciate each and every day because we never know when it may be our last.
This book is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘫𝘰𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦-𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦."
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🏖️ Office romance
🏖️ Enemies to lovers
🏖️ Tropical destination
🏖️ He falls first
🏖️ Plus size FMC
🏖️ Self love
🏖️ Forced proximity
🏖️ Opposites attract
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
"𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘱 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦."
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @jonathanballpublishers & @jowatson for the #gifted review copy.
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
I’m going to start off by saying that I have discovered a new favourite local author, which I am so excited about! This book was the perfect palette cleanser in and amongst all my fantasy and I really enjoyed the ride.
I will say, Margaret’s character did annoy my initially, especially at the Quiz evening but as the plot developed I got to understand her character a lot more and grew to enjoy her. Jagger is just such a cinnamon role! I really loved him as our love interest, he was just so kind and caring.
The author did an incredible job at evoking emotions throughout from swoon worthy, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much to full blown tears of sadness, when we got a look into Margaret’s past.
I love how it is not only a romance with some comedic relief but the fact that it also dealt with a serious topic, such as the loss of a parent. As cliche as it sounds, we really need to stop and appreciate each and every day because we never know when it may be our last.
This book is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘫𝘰𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦-𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦."
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🏖️ Office romance
🏖️ Enemies to lovers
🏖️ Tropical destination
🏖️ He falls first
🏖️ Plus size FMC
🏖️ Self love
🏖️ Forced proximity
🏖️ Opposites attract
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
"𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘱 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦."
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @jonathanballpublishers & @jowatson for the #gifted review copy.
August 26, 2023
Hilariously entertaining and full of heart, What Happens On Vacation was a wonderful, rivals to lovers romance that perfectly captures the multi-faceted nature of grief and loss—without detracting from the plot’s uplifting (and swoon-worthy) rom-com tone.
One year on from the life-altering loss of her father (and the subsequent break down of her marriage), journalist Margaret is finally beginning to struggle with the changes she’s been dealt. The latest being her company (one of the most respected newspapers in Johannesburg) choosing to move operations online. Which means sharing her perfectly organised office space with fluff piece writer, Jagger Villain -whose journalistic antics (from dating trends, bad haircuts and male sex toys) are driving Margaret to distraction.
The only thing keeping her going is the company’s quiz night, and the chance to win a deluxe trip to Zanzibar —which Margaret knows would be the perfect escape for her and her mum. And with several consecutive wins under her belt she’s almost guaranteed to win. Until the unthinkable happens, and Margaret ties with her office nemesis, Jagger.
Now they’re both heading to Zanzibar and with her mum buddying up with Jagger’s father, Margaret finds herself spending waay more time with Jagger than she’s completely comfortable with. Time that may just prove the pair have far more in common than they first thought…
I’m an absolute sucker for the enemies/ rivals to lovers romances so pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. And I’m glad I did, as it was such an enjoyable summery read!
The writing was beautifully descriptive and really managed to convey the emotions of the characters to perfection. Having read (and absolutely loved) Jo Watson’s coming of age YA, Big Boned, back in 2021 it was super exciting to delve into another plus sized centred story, but for a slightly older audience.
Being plus sized myself, I did really resonate with Margaret and the insecurities she feels as a larger than average woman. Though I warn, she does come off as slightly irritating at first, especially in her snap judgment of Jagger and the type of person she believes him to be. But, as we watch her emotional barriers begin to thaw, her started to grow on me. Especially as it becomes quickly apparent her reactions are steeped grief (both from death of her father and her husband’s betrayal which ended her marriage), with her avoidance of attachments stemming from her own fear. The fear of rejection, but also of the emotional pain and heartache that loss can evoke.
Her nemesis/ co-worker (and love interest), Jagger on the other hand is practically an open book. He lives for the emotional and personal aspect of his job, meeting people and sharing their stories with the world. I loved how obviously smitten he was with Margaret from the beginning (despite her obliviousness and one sided rivalry) and couldn’t help but root for him, in all his cinnamon roll glory.
I enjoyed a lot of the supporting characters too, particularly Margaret’s free spirited (and sex positive) mum, Anke, Lesego (Margaret’s work colleague) and Leighton (Former 80s popstar and Margaret’s best friend who gives out some pretty solid and helpful life advice, along with sordid stories about his partying days.)
The setting was jaw droppingly romantic and the descriptions had me mentally planning my own Sun-filled adventure in Zanzibar. The chemistry between Margaret and Jagger was fabulously slow-burn, so do take this into consideration if that’s not your thing. However, it was the little moments of humour (from the cringey to the utterly hilarious) and realism in Watson’s portrayal of complex relationships, that really made this such compelling read.
As both Margaret and Jagger are journalists, we do delve into a little of Zanzibar’s history and culture (it’s actually the birthplace of Freddie Mercury!) But does also touch upon some of the countries’ darker history, which although quite brief (with only a couple of scenes dedicated to it) some readers may find it useful to check TWs before reading.
Overall, a fairly light hearted and enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of office romance-based rivals to lovers or the grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and only one bed tropes.
Also, a huge thank you to Ana over at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
One year on from the life-altering loss of her father (and the subsequent break down of her marriage), journalist Margaret is finally beginning to struggle with the changes she’s been dealt. The latest being her company (one of the most respected newspapers in Johannesburg) choosing to move operations online. Which means sharing her perfectly organised office space with fluff piece writer, Jagger Villain -whose journalistic antics (from dating trends, bad haircuts and male sex toys) are driving Margaret to distraction.
The only thing keeping her going is the company’s quiz night, and the chance to win a deluxe trip to Zanzibar —which Margaret knows would be the perfect escape for her and her mum. And with several consecutive wins under her belt she’s almost guaranteed to win. Until the unthinkable happens, and Margaret ties with her office nemesis, Jagger.
Now they’re both heading to Zanzibar and with her mum buddying up with Jagger’s father, Margaret finds herself spending waay more time with Jagger than she’s completely comfortable with. Time that may just prove the pair have far more in common than they first thought…
I’m an absolute sucker for the enemies/ rivals to lovers romances so pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. And I’m glad I did, as it was such an enjoyable summery read!
The writing was beautifully descriptive and really managed to convey the emotions of the characters to perfection. Having read (and absolutely loved) Jo Watson’s coming of age YA, Big Boned, back in 2021 it was super exciting to delve into another plus sized centred story, but for a slightly older audience.
Being plus sized myself, I did really resonate with Margaret and the insecurities she feels as a larger than average woman. Though I warn, she does come off as slightly irritating at first, especially in her snap judgment of Jagger and the type of person she believes him to be. But, as we watch her emotional barriers begin to thaw, her started to grow on me. Especially as it becomes quickly apparent her reactions are steeped grief (both from death of her father and her husband’s betrayal which ended her marriage), with her avoidance of attachments stemming from her own fear. The fear of rejection, but also of the emotional pain and heartache that loss can evoke.
Her nemesis/ co-worker (and love interest), Jagger on the other hand is practically an open book. He lives for the emotional and personal aspect of his job, meeting people and sharing their stories with the world. I loved how obviously smitten he was with Margaret from the beginning (despite her obliviousness and one sided rivalry) and couldn’t help but root for him, in all his cinnamon roll glory.
I enjoyed a lot of the supporting characters too, particularly Margaret’s free spirited (and sex positive) mum, Anke, Lesego (Margaret’s work colleague) and Leighton (Former 80s popstar and Margaret’s best friend who gives out some pretty solid and helpful life advice, along with sordid stories about his partying days.)
The setting was jaw droppingly romantic and the descriptions had me mentally planning my own Sun-filled adventure in Zanzibar. The chemistry between Margaret and Jagger was fabulously slow-burn, so do take this into consideration if that’s not your thing. However, it was the little moments of humour (from the cringey to the utterly hilarious) and realism in Watson’s portrayal of complex relationships, that really made this such compelling read.
As both Margaret and Jagger are journalists, we do delve into a little of Zanzibar’s history and culture (it’s actually the birthplace of Freddie Mercury!) But does also touch upon some of the countries’ darker history, which although quite brief (with only a couple of scenes dedicated to it) some readers may find it useful to check TWs before reading.
Overall, a fairly light hearted and enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of office romance-based rivals to lovers or the grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and only one bed tropes.
Also, a huge thank you to Ana over at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
September 10, 2023
What Happens on Vacation really surprised me and had me laughing and smiling at times! It had a great opening, and I enjoyed the first-person POV. This is the first book I've read that is set in South Africa. It is written in a way that is globally relevant but also has some great local references, which was great to be able to understand for a change.
Margaret is not the easiest personalty type to get along with. Jagger, on the other hand, is her polar opposite. I absolutely loved him and found he really complimented Margaret well. It was so obvious from early on (at least for everyone but Margaret) how smitten he was over her.
I definitely plan on reading more books by local author @jowatsonwrites.
A big thank you to @jonathanballpublishers for the gifted copy.
Margaret is not the easiest personalty type to get along with. Jagger, on the other hand, is her polar opposite. I absolutely loved him and found he really complimented Margaret well. It was so obvious from early on (at least for everyone but Margaret) how smitten he was over her.
I definitely plan on reading more books by local author @jowatsonwrites.
A big thank you to @jonathanballpublishers for the gifted copy.
March 27, 2023
This book was busy from the start but had me chuckling away from the start to the end. I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I could feel the chemistry oozing out the book and felt many times I wanted to jump in and shake Margaret but only time will tell.
The mother daughter relationship was beautiful and I was right there for that part of the book.
The mother daughter relationship was beautiful and I was right there for that part of the book.
July 23, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Headline Eternal Books.
What Happens on Vacation is fun and happy read perfect for summer reading. We follow Margaret, who is a journalist, and takes her career very seriously. When she is forced to share a desk with a pola-opposite journalist - Jagger, who doesn't write about anything Margaret could take seriously. When a competition is up for grabs to win a holiday to Zanzibar, Margaret has her eye on the prize and high hopes of winning... When Margaret and Jagger have a night of passion they soon wish to forget and then find their parents romantically involved, the story really gets fun! This was a perfect beach binge-worthy read for anyone who wants some fun in the sun!
What Happens on Vacation is fun and happy read perfect for summer reading. We follow Margaret, who is a journalist, and takes her career very seriously. When she is forced to share a desk with a pola-opposite journalist - Jagger, who doesn't write about anything Margaret could take seriously. When a competition is up for grabs to win a holiday to Zanzibar, Margaret has her eye on the prize and high hopes of winning... When Margaret and Jagger have a night of passion they soon wish to forget and then find their parents romantically involved, the story really gets fun! This was a perfect beach binge-worthy read for anyone who wants some fun in the sun!
did-not-finish
May 3, 2024DNF at 1%
I am not a big fan of "enemies" to lovers when there is stupid pettiness involved
So, I read the synopsis and it just doesn't feel like a good fit for me!
I am not a big fan of "enemies" to lovers when there is stupid pettiness involved
So, I read the synopsis and it just doesn't feel like a good fit for me!
May 4, 2025
again, not for me - FMC was very hard to like.
October 9, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley but did not finish. I couldn’t.
The main character is borderline unlikable but that’s not actually the biggest issue. Everyone in her life bullies, belittles, teases and just generally mistreats her. Her opinions and feelings are ignored and swept aside constantly.
BUT THATS NOT THE WORST PART. The “love interest” Jagger is basically harassing her. He spends all of his time actively intentionally annoying her and doing all the things he knows bothered her. I made it about 50% before I had to completely give up.
Doesn’t like being called Maggie? Calls her Maggie May despite innumerable protests.
Wants to win the quiz to take her mom on vacay after her dad died? Actively allows the whole company to cheat on his behalf essentially and bend rules so he can tie with her.
Can’t get her wetsuit on without help and asks him not to look? Blatantly stares at her ass and is caught out and basically says couldn’t help myself look at you.
Loses her luggage and needs to buy clothes? Actively ignores her desire to go shopping alone then crowds her and badgers her about her choices and that she should go commando.
NO.
The main character is borderline unlikable but that’s not actually the biggest issue. Everyone in her life bullies, belittles, teases and just generally mistreats her. Her opinions and feelings are ignored and swept aside constantly.
BUT THATS NOT THE WORST PART. The “love interest” Jagger is basically harassing her. He spends all of his time actively intentionally annoying her and doing all the things he knows bothered her. I made it about 50% before I had to completely give up.
Doesn’t like being called Maggie? Calls her Maggie May despite innumerable protests.
Wants to win the quiz to take her mom on vacay after her dad died? Actively allows the whole company to cheat on his behalf essentially and bend rules so he can tie with her.
Can’t get her wetsuit on without help and asks him not to look? Blatantly stares at her ass and is caught out and basically says couldn’t help myself look at you.
Loses her luggage and needs to buy clothes? Actively ignores her desire to go shopping alone then crowds her and badgers her about her choices and that she should go commando.
NO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
This book was a fun filled romantic and touching story. Following two different story lines of Margaret and Jagger alongside their parents kept me engaged throughout, especially their two different outlooks on life. A Very light hearted and heartwarming story!
The book had me laughing throughout and wanting me to shake Margaret many times over! Overall, I would highly recommend this book!
The book had me laughing throughout and wanting me to shake Margaret many times over! Overall, I would highly recommend this book!
July 11, 2023
das war so schlecht…
zumächst die hauptfigur war soo nervig und anstrengend
die mutter war soo gemein einfach und so eine schlechte mutter
zumächst die hauptfigur war soo nervig und anstrengend
die mutter war soo gemein einfach und so eine schlechte mutter
November 4, 2023
What Happens on Vacation is a very funny, sentimental love story which you will read with a smile on your face and a tear in your eyes. With its part love/hate, letting go and mourning loss plot, it immediately grabs you and takes you on a very exotic journey.
Margaret is a very well-respected serious journalist who writes stories which impact lives and countries. With that said, her life is extremely inflexible. You know what time of day it is just by what Margaret is doing. A cup of tea? Oh, it’s eleven o’clock.
You see, this year has not been a standout year for her. She is still mourning the loss of her father who died after a short, surprising illness. She was also divorced after finding out her husband was cheating on her, and she now is living with her mother.
For someone who does not like change this has been very challenging. Even more so, she now has a cubical mate named Jaggar Villain no less and she does not like him at all. He seems to believe it is his job in life to torture and tease her. Although very handsome, she looks down on his form of “journalism” as he tackles really difficult stories, such as how to find a girlfriend on Tinder or, is a dyed checkerboard hairdo really worth the money? For some reason no matter what he says or does it bothers her to the core.
So, when they both compete in the annual workplace trivia contest in which the prize is a trip to the beautiful Zanzibar, a game Margaret has consistently won, she is shocked when he gives her a run for her money and ties for the win. She is even more upset when it is decided the two of them should share the trip!
Now, she has to go on vacation with someone she does not particularly like! And of course, nothing goes as planned. Margaret decides to take her mother and Jagger who she thought would certainly take a model, takes his father. And when those two lock eyes, well, enough said. Her luggage is lost so she must wear her mother’s bathing suits.
The trip turns from bad to worse when she is unable to sleep in her own hotel room because, well, let’s just not go there! She ends up having to room with Jagger. Of course, the two begin to get to know each other better and she discovers he’s not THAT bad. And just as they are getting closer, their parents make an unfortunate announcement!
So of course, Margaret is back to her old self, unwilling to see the good, only the bad and begins to sabotage herself and Jagger. Now, they must go home having done unimaginable things and try to work together. How can they do that? With Margaret being unbending, as well as still reeling from what has just happened and the rest of her life this past year, how does she move forward?
What Happens on Vacation is a delicious tale of love on so many levels, with so many moving parts, with a plot filled with regret, loss, learning to compromise but most importantly letting go and learning to love again.
Thank you #NetGalley #WbyWattpadBooks #JoWatson #WhatHappensonVacation for the advanced copy.
Margaret is a very well-respected serious journalist who writes stories which impact lives and countries. With that said, her life is extremely inflexible. You know what time of day it is just by what Margaret is doing. A cup of tea? Oh, it’s eleven o’clock.
You see, this year has not been a standout year for her. She is still mourning the loss of her father who died after a short, surprising illness. She was also divorced after finding out her husband was cheating on her, and she now is living with her mother.
For someone who does not like change this has been very challenging. Even more so, she now has a cubical mate named Jaggar Villain no less and she does not like him at all. He seems to believe it is his job in life to torture and tease her. Although very handsome, she looks down on his form of “journalism” as he tackles really difficult stories, such as how to find a girlfriend on Tinder or, is a dyed checkerboard hairdo really worth the money? For some reason no matter what he says or does it bothers her to the core.
So, when they both compete in the annual workplace trivia contest in which the prize is a trip to the beautiful Zanzibar, a game Margaret has consistently won, she is shocked when he gives her a run for her money and ties for the win. She is even more upset when it is decided the two of them should share the trip!
Now, she has to go on vacation with someone she does not particularly like! And of course, nothing goes as planned. Margaret decides to take her mother and Jagger who she thought would certainly take a model, takes his father. And when those two lock eyes, well, enough said. Her luggage is lost so she must wear her mother’s bathing suits.
The trip turns from bad to worse when she is unable to sleep in her own hotel room because, well, let’s just not go there! She ends up having to room with Jagger. Of course, the two begin to get to know each other better and she discovers he’s not THAT bad. And just as they are getting closer, their parents make an unfortunate announcement!
So of course, Margaret is back to her old self, unwilling to see the good, only the bad and begins to sabotage herself and Jagger. Now, they must go home having done unimaginable things and try to work together. How can they do that? With Margaret being unbending, as well as still reeling from what has just happened and the rest of her life this past year, how does she move forward?
What Happens on Vacation is a delicious tale of love on so many levels, with so many moving parts, with a plot filled with regret, loss, learning to compromise but most importantly letting go and learning to love again.
Thank you #NetGalley #WbyWattpadBooks #JoWatson #WhatHappensonVacation for the advanced copy.
February 23, 2024
What Happens On Vacation by Jo Watson
362-page Paperback
Genre: Romance, Humor
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Journalists, Workplace Setting, Rivals Trope, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zanzibar, Lost of Parent, Mother & Daughter Relationship, Articles, Forced Proximity Trope, Generation Gap, Sex, Adventures, Minor Celebrities, Lyrics, Issues
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart, "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette, "Photograph" by Nickelback, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics, "Legs" by ZZ Top, "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake, "I Want to Break Free" by Queen, "We Are the Champions" by Queen, "Memo from Turner" by Mick Jagger
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇿🇦 🏖
My thoughts: 📖 Page 40 of 362 Chapter Six - This is going to take a while to heat up. MC is obnoxious and I have had to Google more than half the names.
📖 124 Chapter Seventeen - The articles by Jagger sound like they were written by a woman, I know it was written by a woman but it sounds like it too. This story did not pick up until they got to the airport.
📖 211 Chapter Twenty-five - This is going to be a slow burn. Ugh!
This story was good but it took a long time to get started and was very wordy. I found the MC to be exasperating and her mom was off, who knows their sister's or aunt's butt down to dimples and recognizes it on their infant and adult daughter? A lot of the humor went too far and fell flat for me. I also wasn't into the LI although I bet he's a Scorpio. Overall this was just better than okay but not enough to get a ½ star.
Recommend to others: Maybe. It was recommended to me and I was expecting more, but I could see others loving it.
362-page Paperback
Genre: Romance, Humor
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Journalists, Workplace Setting, Rivals Trope, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zanzibar, Lost of Parent, Mother & Daughter Relationship, Articles, Forced Proximity Trope, Generation Gap, Sex, Adventures, Minor Celebrities, Lyrics, Issues
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart, "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette, "Photograph" by Nickelback, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics, "Legs" by ZZ Top, "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake, "I Want to Break Free" by Queen, "We Are the Champions" by Queen, "Memo from Turner" by Mick Jagger
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇿🇦 🏖
My thoughts: 📖 Page 40 of 362 Chapter Six - This is going to take a while to heat up. MC is obnoxious and I have had to Google more than half the names.
📖 124 Chapter Seventeen - The articles by Jagger sound like they were written by a woman, I know it was written by a woman but it sounds like it too. This story did not pick up until they got to the airport.
📖 211 Chapter Twenty-five - This is going to be a slow burn. Ugh!
This story was good but it took a long time to get started and was very wordy. I found the MC to be exasperating and her mom was off, who knows their sister's or aunt's butt down to dimples and recognizes it on their infant and adult daughter? A lot of the humor went too far and fell flat for me. I also wasn't into the LI although I bet he's a Scorpio. Overall this was just better than okay but not enough to get a ½ star.
Recommend to others: Maybe. It was recommended to me and I was expecting more, but I could see others loving it.
October 8, 2023
This was a coworker enemies-to-lovers book with a vacation setting thrown in. This book had some highlights, but I ended up struggling with a few things too.
Margaret is totally fed up with her coworker, Jagger. He is charismatic, fun, and the joy of the office. On the other hand, Margaret is rigid, likes order, and can't handle surprises. She's also grieving the loss of her father and her marriage. When they tie at the company's annual trivia night and win a trip together to Zanzibar, they must make the best of it. Plus their parents are tagging along and love is in the air for them as well.
This book is filled with unlikable characters, starting with our main character, Margaret. She's a jerk throughout the entire book. I didn't see what Jagger saw in her. He seems like a nice, normal guy. Next, I didn't love the parent romance story line. It was way too insta-love. I didn't like the personality of Margaret's mom when it came to interacting with her daughter. She totally ignored her, which I guess moved the Jagger/Margaret story along, but seemed like a really crappy way to treat her daughter who took her on a trip. So, what did I like about this book? The setting was great. I loved seeing a romance novel set in South Africa, with a trip to Zanzibar on the side. Any book that makes me add a place to my To Visit list is a winner. I think Jagger and Margaret had some cute banter when Margaret wasn't being a total a-hole to him. I also liked the rep of a plus size heroine.
This book will probably work better for someone who is okay with a more abrasive heroine. Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad for the advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.
Margaret is totally fed up with her coworker, Jagger. He is charismatic, fun, and the joy of the office. On the other hand, Margaret is rigid, likes order, and can't handle surprises. She's also grieving the loss of her father and her marriage. When they tie at the company's annual trivia night and win a trip together to Zanzibar, they must make the best of it. Plus their parents are tagging along and love is in the air for them as well.
This book is filled with unlikable characters, starting with our main character, Margaret. She's a jerk throughout the entire book. I didn't see what Jagger saw in her. He seems like a nice, normal guy. Next, I didn't love the parent romance story line. It was way too insta-love. I didn't like the personality of Margaret's mom when it came to interacting with her daughter. She totally ignored her, which I guess moved the Jagger/Margaret story along, but seemed like a really crappy way to treat her daughter who took her on a trip. So, what did I like about this book? The setting was great. I loved seeing a romance novel set in South Africa, with a trip to Zanzibar on the side. Any book that makes me add a place to my To Visit list is a winner. I think Jagger and Margaret had some cute banter when Margaret wasn't being a total a-hole to him. I also liked the rep of a plus size heroine.
This book will probably work better for someone who is okay with a more abrasive heroine. Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad for the advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2024
jo’s books are an essential item to my vacation bag, each year I bring a book of hers and each year I end up falling in love with a story of hers. what happens on vacation is no exception
before reading this book, I read another one with the same exact tropes and didn’t like it. when I started this book, I was a bit scared but very early in the story I knew I would enjoy myself with this one
and I did. WHOV is the epitome of jo’s craft. this book was swoony, funny, dreamy and emotional all at once. margaret was so touching bc she struggled with grief in a way that echoed the author’s grief. she was scared of changes, she was a type A, she was afraid of love and seeing her be loved by the guy she thought she hated was just so marvellous. jagger was so down bad for her and to see how he was secretly crushing on her was so fun. he ended up being such a sweet man and both together were just so cute
there is just something about jo’s books and me, they match. she writes peculiar quirky characters and I always ends up loving them bc they are the most endearing thing in the story. you just can’t hate her fmcs bc they are so bigger than life and you want to be in their presence and enjoy life at their side. and that to me is a magic I only find in jo’s books
the only downside of this book is the presence of spice. it was the first time spice was included in one of her book and ngl it through me off a bit. it wasn’t weird per se, but I love how she is capable of creating such beautiful stories without the presence of sex and here is just down my excitement in a way
other than that, I will continue this tradition of bringing a book of hers with me on vacation and I will for sure continue read her backlist and try to push her books out on the open bc she deserves a hype she doesn’t have enough
ratings:
overall: 4.25⭐️
spice: 3🌶️
tension: 3.25⚡️
before reading this book, I read another one with the same exact tropes and didn’t like it. when I started this book, I was a bit scared but very early in the story I knew I would enjoy myself with this one
and I did. WHOV is the epitome of jo’s craft. this book was swoony, funny, dreamy and emotional all at once. margaret was so touching bc she struggled with grief in a way that echoed the author’s grief. she was scared of changes, she was a type A, she was afraid of love and seeing her be loved by the guy she thought she hated was just so marvellous. jagger was so down bad for her and to see how he was secretly crushing on her was so fun. he ended up being such a sweet man and both together were just so cute
there is just something about jo’s books and me, they match. she writes peculiar quirky characters and I always ends up loving them bc they are the most endearing thing in the story. you just can’t hate her fmcs bc they are so bigger than life and you want to be in their presence and enjoy life at their side. and that to me is a magic I only find in jo’s books
the only downside of this book is the presence of spice. it was the first time spice was included in one of her book and ngl it through me off a bit. it wasn’t weird per se, but I love how she is capable of creating such beautiful stories without the presence of sex and here is just down my excitement in a way
other than that, I will continue this tradition of bringing a book of hers with me on vacation and I will for sure continue read her backlist and try to push her books out on the open bc she deserves a hype she doesn’t have enough
ratings:
overall: 4.25⭐️
spice: 3🌶️
tension: 3.25⚡️
July 21, 2023
3.5 stars
If you were to mix The Hating Game and Beach Read together you would get What Happens on Vacation.
Following a divorce and the loss of her dad Margaret has her sights set on winning the annual office quiz night and a much needed trip for two to Zanzibar with her mum. What she wasn't counting on was winning the prize with her office rival and arch nemesis Jagger.
This book has so many of my favourite tropes from enemies to lovers to forced proximity. I really loved the plus sized rep too with our heroine Margaret. This is a grumpy sunshine romance where our heroine is the grumpy one and the only criticism I have is that she was a little too grumpy at times and reading from her pov I sometimes wanted to shake her and get her to lighten up and enjoy herself.
Overall I enjoyed my time with What Happens on Vacation and found it a good romantic summer read.
If you were to mix The Hating Game and Beach Read together you would get What Happens on Vacation.
Following a divorce and the loss of her dad Margaret has her sights set on winning the annual office quiz night and a much needed trip for two to Zanzibar with her mum. What she wasn't counting on was winning the prize with her office rival and arch nemesis Jagger.
This book has so many of my favourite tropes from enemies to lovers to forced proximity. I really loved the plus sized rep too with our heroine Margaret. This is a grumpy sunshine romance where our heroine is the grumpy one and the only criticism I have is that she was a little too grumpy at times and reading from her pov I sometimes wanted to shake her and get her to lighten up and enjoy herself.
Overall I enjoyed my time with What Happens on Vacation and found it a good romantic summer read.
August 25, 2023
" What happens on vacation, doesn't alwasy stay on vacation"
First I want to say how much I loved that the MC was a plus size curvy gal. That made this book so much more relatable to me. As a plus size girl myself, I love reading about plus size romance. Jo Watson hit it out of the park on this one. There was so much sexual tension building between Margaret and Jagger, I just wanted to scream! I feel like it was tastefully done and I may have even shed a tear thinking about how much Margaret loved her dad and didn't want her mom to forget about him. Such a great story and great writing. I received this from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
First I want to say how much I loved that the MC was a plus size curvy gal. That made this book so much more relatable to me. As a plus size girl myself, I love reading about plus size romance. Jo Watson hit it out of the park on this one. There was so much sexual tension building between Margaret and Jagger, I just wanted to scream! I feel like it was tastefully done and I may have even shed a tear thinking about how much Margaret loved her dad and didn't want her mom to forget about him. Such a great story and great writing. I received this from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
September 4, 2023
I loved the book but I hated Margaret. She is worse than a teenager. In real life the guy would leave after she’s rude to him and insults his work. She literally said “my work is more important than yours”. Like get off your high horse! And then telling him he lied on the quizz. So like what, you think you are the smartest and you can insult people like that?! Just horrible horrible person and she doesn’t deserve Jagger. Judgemental and rude. And obviously a feminist. Like seems to me the fact she is a feminist gives her a right to insult her male co worker. She’s also rude to her mother. All of the characters are so loving and accepting and she goes around just being a brat…
August 23, 2023
Book Review! ☀️
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Three out of five is a good rating and I would recommend this book to people who enjoy
- he falls first
- Enemies to lovers
- Tropical paradise settings
Things that could have made it better for me:
- I felt like the summary of the book gives most of the plot away, go in blind. You’ll have fun.
- I didn’t like the mom character. I knew what she was meant to represent I just couldn’t jive with her and her decisions.
- I felt like he was wayyy too good for her. I was wanting better for him with her indecision and stubborn personality.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Three out of five is a good rating and I would recommend this book to people who enjoy
- he falls first
- Enemies to lovers
- Tropical paradise settings
Things that could have made it better for me:
- I felt like the summary of the book gives most of the plot away, go in blind. You’ll have fun.
- I didn’t like the mom character. I knew what she was meant to represent I just couldn’t jive with her and her decisions.
- I felt like he was wayyy too good for her. I was wanting better for him with her indecision and stubborn personality.
February 7, 2024
Maybe a 3.5. Enjoyable read, parts were a bit redundant at times, though.
March 25, 2024
I liked this book but 3/4 of it was the same old, "I hate this guy" story. It was a bit unbelievable that this gorgeous, wanted man was so head over heels over this average, plus sized woman who was constantly throwing daggers at him. The whole love/hate thing got pretty tired. The last 1/4 of the book was much more interesting albeit predictable. Turned out to be a fun story just a little over the top for my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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