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bookwyrm76's review
1.0
It was a DNF for me...really almost a DNS - did not start. I read the first chapter or so and I disliked the female lead so much that I just couldn't go on.
charlihammond's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy to read.
This was an easy read set in a lovely location. The story follows Margaret and Jagger as they end up on a company holiday together as 'enemies'. I wouldn't agree with it being an enemies to loves trope but more a grumpy sunshine. Margaret the FMC is the grump!
It was great to have representation of a larger sized main character.
I really liked Jagger the MMC and found myself feeling sorry for him most the way through because he was always sweet and trying to be kind. Also enjoyed the best friend Leighton.
There are some funny scenes that made me laugh out loud. I think it would make a great movie.
Overall an easy, fun read. But something about it just didn't quite make me vibe completely with it.
3.5 stars.
This was an easy read set in a lovely location. The story follows Margaret and Jagger as they end up on a company holiday together as 'enemies'. I wouldn't agree with it being an enemies to loves trope but more a grumpy sunshine. Margaret the FMC is the grump!
It was great to have representation of a larger sized main character.
I really liked Jagger the MMC and found myself feeling sorry for him most the way through because he was always sweet and trying to be kind. Also enjoyed the best friend Leighton.
There are some funny scenes that made me laugh out loud. I think it would make a great movie.
Overall an easy, fun read. But something about it just didn't quite make me vibe completely with it.
3.5 stars.
anpanmandy's review
4.0
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Such a fun summer read right before summer ends! I really enjoyed Margaret and Jagger's story, their chemistry throughout the book was *chefs kiss*. Their dynamic just worked so well together. Something about a man falling first will always have me hooked! Sometimes Margaret was unbelievably oblivious.. LIKE COME ON MARGARET!!!!! But it was still very good!
Such a fun summer read right before summer ends! I really enjoyed Margaret and Jagger's story, their chemistry throughout the book was *chefs kiss*. Their dynamic just worked so well together. Something about a man falling first will always have me hooked! Sometimes Margaret was unbelievably oblivious.. LIKE COME ON MARGARET!!!!! But it was still very good!
thebookishnarwhal's review
4.0
If you're looking for a heartwarming escape, pack your bags and head out on a Zanzibar adventure! In What Happens on Vacation by Jo Watson, we meet Margaret.
She’s a journalist who finds herself in an unexpected situation. She shares a cubicle with an annoying co-worker who spends his days writing fluff pieces. When they both win a deluxe trip to a resort, the vacation takes an unexpected turn. But it's not just the tropical island that heats up.
I thought Watson skillfully balanced humour and emotion. The witty banter between the protagonists kept the pages turning for this Narwhal! I also feel the tropical backdrop adds to the escapism of the story. As a reader, I could almost feel the warm sand and hear the crashing waves. Watson's writing also captures the complexities of grief, love, and family dynamics. The blend of romance and family drama made this a compelling read for me.
Whether you're lounging by the pool or curled up in a cozy nook, this book promises laughter, love, and a touch of tropical magic. Get your hands on this delightful rom-com that explores love, second chances, and the unexpected twists life throws our way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
She’s a journalist who finds herself in an unexpected situation. She shares a cubicle with an annoying co-worker who spends his days writing fluff pieces. When they both win a deluxe trip to a resort, the vacation takes an unexpected turn. But it's not just the tropical island that heats up.
I thought Watson skillfully balanced humour and emotion. The witty banter between the protagonists kept the pages turning for this Narwhal! I also feel the tropical backdrop adds to the escapism of the story. As a reader, I could almost feel the warm sand and hear the crashing waves. Watson's writing also captures the complexities of grief, love, and family dynamics. The blend of romance and family drama made this a compelling read for me.
Whether you're lounging by the pool or curled up in a cozy nook, this book promises laughter, love, and a touch of tropical magic. Get your hands on this delightful rom-com that explores love, second chances, and the unexpected twists life throws our way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
viciannotti's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
astoldbyunathi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sian_m's review
4.0
This book had me chuckling straight away. It’s easy to read and fluid. The pacing is great and the story is a fun and somewhat silly read, it carries a real comedic vibe. You could see it as a film and the scenes would have you laughing a lot.
Margaret is quite an uptight character and her life experiences are consistently trying to push her out of her comfort zone, it all happens to her. She comes across as somewhat prudish with her reactions to conversations and responses in certain situations, which adds well to the humour of the story. She is also quite judgemental and grouchy. As the story flows, you can see a picture developing, of her kind nature and her emotional status, that is creating these behaviours and perceptions.
The setting of the scenes were wonderful with the descriptions and I wanted to go there too and enjoy it all.
Jagger is a great character. I liked him very much, in fact more than Margaret! I was willing them to be together. The sexual tension was obvious and the way the story goes is somewhat concerning for their outcome.
The book does hone in on her ‘bulging boobs,’ and ‘weight,’ a lot. I’m guessing that’s because of how Margaret feels about herself and perceives how people see her. Which I imagine adds to her character building, as we all have insecurities and concerns, of how we feel within ourselves and the perceptions of others towards us.
This is an all round fun and entertaining read with lots of laugh out loud moments to bring a little light and joy to your day. I was always happy to be able to pick up the book again and continue reading… Think I’d like a carnelian stone massage.
Margaret is quite an uptight character and her life experiences are consistently trying to push her out of her comfort zone, it all happens to her. She comes across as somewhat prudish with her reactions to conversations and responses in certain situations, which adds well to the humour of the story. She is also quite judgemental and grouchy. As the story flows, you can see a picture developing, of her kind nature and her emotional status, that is creating these behaviours and perceptions.
The setting of the scenes were wonderful with the descriptions and I wanted to go there too and enjoy it all.
Jagger is a great character. I liked him very much, in fact more than Margaret! I was willing them to be together. The sexual tension was obvious and the way the story goes is somewhat concerning for their outcome.
The book does hone in on her ‘bulging boobs,’ and ‘weight,’ a lot. I’m guessing that’s because of how Margaret feels about herself and perceives how people see her. Which I imagine adds to her character building, as we all have insecurities and concerns, of how we feel within ourselves and the perceptions of others towards us.
This is an all round fun and entertaining read with lots of laugh out loud moments to bring a little light and joy to your day. I was always happy to be able to pick up the book again and continue reading… Think I’d like a carnelian stone massage.
ilsereadsometimes's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
suzyq436's review
2.0
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.
babblingbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0