Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of What Happens on Vacation.

Firstly, I am a big Jo Watson fan. I discovered her books during lockdown and they were such a tonic, What Happens on Vacation is no different.

I really enjoyed this book even if the story was a bit predictable at times. Margaret was extremely unlikeable at times but the other characters' likeability evened it all out.

I'd recommend this to anyone who wants an easy read that ticks a lot of rom-com tropes.

With fair shares of funny moments and solemn topics, What Happens on Vacation by Jo Watson tells the story of a perfectionist divorced political journalist named Margaret who has been forced to go on a vacation with Jagger Villain, her annoying co-worker.

Set in South Africa and Zanzibar, the story follows Margaret, a journalist, who is in serious need of a vacation. She’s stressed because of her divorce, heavy workload AND, last but not least, her annoying co-worker Jagger. He knows exactly how to make Margaret angry. When they both win tickets to Zanzibar during a company, Margaret hopes to be able to steer clear of Jagger's way for the 7-day trip. However, her hopes are dashed when her mother sticks to his father like glue, forcing Margaret and Jagger to spend more time together.

This book was less of a rom-com than I had thought it would be. I didn't get the genre wrong; the book was described to be an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Yes, I laughed quite a bit, especially at the beginning of the story due to Margaret and Jagger's bantering. But I don't remember laughing for the last 40% or so of the story. I also didn't feel like I really wanted Margaret and Jagger to be together. I thought they were very funny together. As I said, I liked their banter. I also liked the way I could tell that Jagger liked Margaret from the beginning just by his actions that she described in her own POV, yet she never noticed a thing. I think they make a great couple, and I can see why Margaret feels very drawn to Jagger. But… yeah. I don’t particularly ship them together.

Margaret can annoy readers. She's quite rude towards Jagger in the story due to prejudice. She just can't stand him sitting beside her at work and never tried to know him better or gave him a chance to be her friend. However, before you let this turn you away from the book, she acknowledges and apologises towards the end of the story. Character growth! I like that. I think she's quite a funny character. She's a bit shy about the topic of sex, which is hilarious, especially when she spells the word out instead of saying it. Her friendships with Lesego and Leighton George are so adorable. I like reading their text messages to each other. Her struggle to be in relationships again after her divorce may also touch the hearts of readers. I feel like many people would be able to relate to her with this.

The story also talks a bit about the history of slavery within Africa. I learned that "Zanzibar was the centre of the East African slave trade and at one stage human trafficking was the most lucrative business here.” That's exactly what the book said. I like knowledge :) And what's better is that all this information inserted in the story are relevant because, lo and behold, Margaret and Jagger are journalists. As such, it doesn't feel like the information is put there for the sake of being there. I like that.

I recommend this book to people who like enemies-to-lovers romance and can stand annoying main characters while waiting for the pending character growth!

This funny enemies to lovers book will keep you warm during cold spring! Margaret a political journalist is in need for vacation. She’s stressed because of her divorce, amount of work but mostly because of her annoying coworker Jagger. He knows exactly how to make Margaret angry even though all he wants is to be friends with her. He teases Margaret all the time which is a bit childish but that’s just his way of showing her his feelings. They both end up on vacation trip and even if they might not get along at first, they begin to have great friendship and even more…
Not to spoil you too much go and read it for yourself!

Beyond excited to read and acquire this title. When I see the name Jo Watson. I don’t even hesitate. Her books are some of my most favorite. I will be sharing a full review and more thoughts soon upon completion. I apologize I am a bit behind on my reading/reviews due to a severe health issue, but I just wanted to put out there how blessed I feel to be able to do what I love and share these books with readers, I just know this is going to be a great one as her books never disappoint.