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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
lucy05's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
tmath's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
arianassz's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
So predictable, I only finished it because I had bought it but Margaret’s character is so stressful
roelia's review against another edition
4.0
Jo Watson's "What Happens on Vacation," follows the charming exploits of Margaret and Jagger, two journalists whose lives take an unexpected turn on the bright shores of Zanzibar. The book combines humour, love, and surprising twists.
Margaret and Jagger's relationship begins with a humourous confrontation against the busy Johannesburg setting. They are both journalists working for the same newspaper and are frequently at odds because of their differences, which make the gap between them appear insurmountable. Watson's talent for developing fully realized, likable characters is on display as she draws readers into the entertaining and occasionally irksome world of these two independent individuals. Although I must admit that at first I found Margaret's personality and problems difficult to deal with, I now see that they are also a result of a deep-seated insecurity.
When Margaret and Jagger unexpectedly win a quiz night, they are given the opportunity to travel to the exotic island of Zanzibar, but destiny has other plans for them. The twist that comes next guarantees that their journey will be anything from routine, as if the tropical destination weren't alluring enough already. Forced to share a resort with their respective parents, the couple finds themselves in the middle of an unconventional family relationship. However, things take an unexpected turn when their parents fall in love and decide to get married.
As she navigates the nuances of emerging family dynamics and the complexities of love, all set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched paradise, Watson's narrative prowess is on full display. The story's humor provides a layer of lightness and strikes the ideal mix between hilarious situations and sincere emotional depth. While laughing at the ridiculousness of the circumstances, readers will also be able to relate to the characters' problems and fears.
In addition to dealing with their altered family dynamic, Margaret and Jagger discover unexpectedly strong feelings for one another. The characters have a real chemistry, and their banter adds a fun dimension of attraction and tension that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. "What Happens on Vacation" explores Margaret and Jagger's individual journeys in addition to its romantic and comic aspects. Their difficulties, frailties, and development make for a very sympathetic and impactful reading experience. Readers are reminded of the importance of self-discovery and the potential for transformation that can result from unanticipated events as they deal with their own problems and the unexpected turns life has dealt them.
The romantic comedy "What Happens on Vacation" by Jo Watson is a charming and comforting example of her skill at fusing humour with emotion. The book offers a mesmerizing escape into a world of love, family, and personal growth with its appealing characters, funny situations, and moving moments of self-realization. This book is a must-read for lovers of romantic comedies and anyone looking for a lighthearted story that will make them smile.
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
Margaret and Jagger's relationship begins with a humourous confrontation against the busy Johannesburg setting. They are both journalists working for the same newspaper and are frequently at odds because of their differences, which make the gap between them appear insurmountable. Watson's talent for developing fully realized, likable characters is on display as she draws readers into the entertaining and occasionally irksome world of these two independent individuals. Although I must admit that at first I found Margaret's personality and problems difficult to deal with, I now see that they are also a result of a deep-seated insecurity.
When Margaret and Jagger unexpectedly win a quiz night, they are given the opportunity to travel to the exotic island of Zanzibar, but destiny has other plans for them. The twist that comes next guarantees that their journey will be anything from routine, as if the tropical destination weren't alluring enough already. Forced to share a resort with their respective parents, the couple finds themselves in the middle of an unconventional family relationship. However, things take an unexpected turn when their parents fall in love and decide to get married.
As she navigates the nuances of emerging family dynamics and the complexities of love, all set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched paradise, Watson's narrative prowess is on full display. The story's humor provides a layer of lightness and strikes the ideal mix between hilarious situations and sincere emotional depth. While laughing at the ridiculousness of the circumstances, readers will also be able to relate to the characters' problems and fears.
In addition to dealing with their altered family dynamic, Margaret and Jagger discover unexpectedly strong feelings for one another. The characters have a real chemistry, and their banter adds a fun dimension of attraction and tension that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. "What Happens on Vacation" explores Margaret and Jagger's individual journeys in addition to its romantic and comic aspects. Their difficulties, frailties, and development make for a very sympathetic and impactful reading experience. Readers are reminded of the importance of self-discovery and the potential for transformation that can result from unanticipated events as they deal with their own problems and the unexpected turns life has dealt them.
The romantic comedy "What Happens on Vacation" by Jo Watson is a charming and comforting example of her skill at fusing humour with emotion. The book offers a mesmerizing escape into a world of love, family, and personal growth with its appealing characters, funny situations, and moving moments of self-realization. This book is a must-read for lovers of romantic comedies and anyone looking for a lighthearted story that will make them smile.
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
boti's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
vmillswood's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0