A review by roelia
What Happens on Vacation: The Enemies-To-lovers Romantic Comedy You Won't Want to Go on Holiday Without! by Jo Watson

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.