🏕️ Work Trip 🏕️

Blurb:

Fliss and James cannot stand each other. He thinks she’s the most annoying person alive, and she thinks he’s the definition of arrogance. But when their boss drops them in the middle of Scotland for a week-long team-building retreat, sparks are bound to fly—and not just from the campfire! 👀🔥

Review:

I was so lucky to be approved as an ARC reader for Work Trip by Chloe Ford, and let me just say—I loved it!

First of all, this is a real enemies-to-lovers story. None of that “secret attraction” nonsense—they genuinely hate each other at first, and it adds such a hilarious dynamic to their interactions. The witty banter and snappy dialogue had me turning pages like crazy. 🗣️✨

The stunning Scottish backdrop made the story even more immersive. Chloe Ford does an amazing job of painting the rugged beauty of Scotland, making you feel like you’re right there with Fliss and James in the Highlands. 🏞️🏕️

Their misadventures and growing relationship felt so natural, and I loved how both characters were forced to not only get to know each other but also explore their own personal growth. It’s the kind of rom-com that has just the right amount of heart. 💖

Work Trip will be released in April 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough! Big thanks to @headofzeus, @netgalley, and @chloeford for letting me meet these two wonderful characters. 🥰

It took me a bit to get into this, and think maybe it is because it was so faced paced that the set up of their enemy dynamic was a bit annoying, and at first I didn't think that I was going to want them to get together. I think overall, it was a clever way to imagine the workplace enemy to lovers trope, and also examine imporant and interesting workplace culture issues. I liked how through the book, the inital set up was reimagined as Fliss learns more about herself, James and their boss but I just felt like it could have been paced a little better.

I really enjoyed the way Chloe Ford explored why they hated each other, and that it wasn't just a misunderstanding or one person being a jerk that was suddenly overcome. I thought having it be a mix of both their personalities, but including some flaws and some issues where it was just differing viewpoints was interesting and realistic. I thought she did a good job of giving reasons for things without brushing it aside - like James' need for money is very understandable but also something for him to work on.

Overall, a fun read, although I think with a bit more pacing it would have been easier to connect to the characters and buy into the premise earlier.

I loved the tension between Felicity and James from the beginning of the book until the end.

The story is told from a single point of view, Felicity’s, who harbors a deep hatred for James, her work rival and competitor for the promotion to director.

I really liked James as a character, as well as his backstory; you understand his motivations and behavior.

On the other hand, I didn’t connect with Felicity at all; I found her really moody and quite annoying. And even though you can understand her a little, she got on my nerves until the very end.

I didn’t like the way the story ended because the romance aspect was barely explored; 1 or 2 more chapters would have been perfect, or even an epilogue would have sufficed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

What a debut! Another book read in a day 👏🏻 I loved this - the setting in the Highlands; the banter between Felicity and James; the enemies to lovers dynamic; the ‘only one tent’ trope 🤭⛺️.

Felicity works in marketing in London and James is her office nemesis who works in Sales. They’re both up for promotion and there is only one role available 👀. Cue snarky office enemy banter. Their boss decides they need a team building weekend and after some misdirection, they end up stranded in the Scottish Highlands with one tent, hiking gear and just £50. Their goal? Reach civilisation before the end of the weekend and learn to work together. Will they? Won’t they? Who’ll get the promotion that rests on the outcome of the exercise? Will they realise that they don’t hate each other after all? 😏🥰

If you love Emily Henry, Lindsey Kelk and Paige Toon then you’ll adore this. A stunning first novel from Chloe and I can’t wait for future novels.

Thank you to Chloe Ford and Aria fiction for the opportunity to read this ARC ✨

I really enjoyed this. Two work colleagues, who literally cannot stand each other and are both up for the same job; are forced to go on a work trip to boost the team’s morale— only for them to realise that they’ve been set up by their boss, and it’s only just the two of them going on the trip. Honestly, it sounds like my kind of personal hell lmao 😂

Felicity “Fliss” and James were both unequivocal British and so dramatic, I did think to myself at times, how are they both adults, but they had great banter, and James being able to read Fliss, whenever she was freaking out, was actually rather cute.

I did think that it was overly dramatic in some scenes that they had together, they didn’t have anything else to talk about asides from work; though in saying that, things did pick up, as they got to know each other at the end.

The ending reminded me similarly of a scene from a book I read years ago, by Julie Johnson; where the guy turns up at the girl’s parent’s house, because the girl isn’t talking to him, so obviously takes matters into his own hands, and what better than turning up at her mum’s house; so she’s forced to talk to him. I did like that. James seemed to have realised that money isn’t everything to be driven by; something he had learned whilst on the trip with Fliss.

Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the e-arc!

Tropes

forced proximity
enemies to lovers
rivals to lovers
only one tent

Chloe Ford’s WORK TRIP is the perfect rom-com for those who love a road trip, workplace romance, and enemies-to-lovers trope - all rolled into one. Add in “only one tent,” and you have a truly delightful debut. Plus it takes place in SCOTLAND!

The premise of a “team-building” trip gone wrong was delicious, and I loved Fliss and James’ journey hiking and camping together while fighting their growing feelings (and then not fighting them quite so hard).

I adored Ford’s sharp banter (I highlighted so many snippets of witty dialogue), vivid descriptions of the Scottish countryside, quick pacing, and those 🔥🔥🔥 scenes. This was an easy 5 star read, and I’m desperate for a sequel or a bonus chapter to check in on these two love birds. 💕

I read this book in just 8 hours and had a blast! It's a rom-com that explores workplace and childhood issues, with witty banter, a lovely couple with great chemistry, and a beautiful backdrop.

What you need to know:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Great banter (especially if you're a Millennial)
- Good spice
- Set in the Scottish Highlands

The fact that the story is based in Scotland and England was perfect for me, I was craving a fresh setting.

Fliss and James had moments that made my heart race. Every time I picture James in his "Darcy standing style", I can't help but laugh out loud. The sequence towards the end of the story was lovely too.

I did have some issues with Fliss at times (though, to be fair, her insecurities are understandable). This said, I totally recommed this book if you're looking for a cute and fun rom-com.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read this one in ONE SITTING. I have not enjoyed a romance in a long time! This book was ace.

- Enemies to Lovers
- Workplace Romance
- One Bed (or rather sharing sleeping bags to keep each other warm)
- He Falls First (Im pretty sure he liked her for a while)

Flissy and James are both managers at Starr, an events company. They bicker, and quite frankly, do not get along. Their manager, Michael, decides to take everyone on a work trip to Scotland to calm the vibes and destress the employees. However plot twist, only Fliss and James have been invited, and oh, they have been stranded in Scotland with 2 camping bags and they have to find their way back to the hotel in 3 days with only a £50 note.

This book was cute, and the camping trip was funny. I was smiling at their dysfunctional relationship. I desperately wanted more though!

4.75 stars

4/5 Stars!

"Work Trip" by Chloe Ford is a fun rom-com that I could barely put down. Fliss and James are fierce work rivals, unexpectedly stranded in the Scottish wilderness during a team-building exercise. With only one tent, limited supplies, and quick thinking to get them home, they must put aside their professional differences to navigate the challenging but beautiful landscape.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Beautiful Scottish Highlands ⛰️
Enemies to Lovers 🙅‍♂️🙅
Forced Proximity ⛺

Ford's clever dialogue (very back and forth) and the chemistry between the characters make for an excellent read. The vivid descriptions bring the breathtaking Highland scenery to life, and the growing understanding between Fliss and James builds the romantic tension quickly. In my opinion, the turn from enemies to lovers happens quite quickly, but this book is only 200 pages, so it was never going to be a true slow burn. I love that Ford showed that both characters were rightfully annoying to each other and that they each had to grow to be better people.

"Work Trip" is a fun escape for romance lovers who appreciate a mix of humour, adventure, and genuine emotions. It strikes a lovely balance of spice and plot without being too intense. Fans of Emily Henry and Sally Thorne will be excited by this refreshing new voice in the romantic comedy genre.

Thank you to Aria and NeyGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read this romantic comedy from Chloe Ford.

I had such a good time reading this book! From the picturesque scenery, to the thoughtful private contemplations of the main character, Fliss, I found this romance to be such an enjoyable read.

The enemies-to-lovers trope was executed perfectly... with authentic frustration and antagonisation on both sides of the pair: Fliss and James, which made their connection all the more convincing and emotional.

Filled with hilarity, miscommunication, and gentle yearning, this story is sure to delight its readers!

I just finished Work Trip by Chloe Ford, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters! I want more! Sequel, please? Bonus chapter? I’ll take an email from James, at the very least.

I adored this debut from Chloe and fell in love with Fliss and James. I didn’t know the One Tent trope was something I was missing in my life until I read Chloe’s book! From the gorgeous Scottish Highlands setting to witty banter and crackling chemistry, I devoured this book.

It’s a perfect enemies-to-lovers rom-com that includes real issues, and Fliss’ work situation will feel relatable to many women.

If you’re in the mood for enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a sweet MMC hiding under a suit, a loveable and relatable FMC, and cuddling in a sleeping bag, this rom-com is a must-read! I can’t wait to read what Chloe writes next!

This book is a perfect escape filled with warmth and laughter, and I found myself rooting for Fliss and James every step of the way. If you enjoy a romantic adventure with a dash of rivalry and a whole lot of heart, this is a must-read!

I devoured this book in under 24 hours!!! 🫶🏼

WORK TRIP - 4.5 ⭐️'s

From the first chapter I was hooked! The work enemies storyline, the banter, the chemistry & the chaotic camping (which was giving me serious survivor vibes 😂)

This book was so much fun, I loved the concept & Chloes writing had me laughing and falling in love with these characters! As a corporate girly myself I related soooo much to Fliss! The imagery and references throughout the story were so great and the pace was perfect, the plot never felt rushed and it also never dragged on! The perfect Rom-Com 💖

What a fun and indulgent rom-com this was! I absolutely loved the premise—two work nemeses who are forced into the wilderness together, only to discover that actually they have more in common than they ever thought! But also, there is plenty of arguing and tension! Thought the dialogue was super witty and and witty, it was a real treat! Highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgallery and Chloe Ford for sending me an arc copy.

I found this book to be a little rushed, Fliss and James went from hating each other for six years to being involved with eachother through forced proximity. It felt like apart from work they had nothing to connect over.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Was lucky enough to read this ARC. And whilst I loved Fliss and James and the gorgeous scottish Highland scenery, I felt like for an enemies to lovers, it was lacking just ever so slightly (the spark mainly).
I love workplace romances, and I loved even more than they were packed together in a tiny tent.
I've never been to Scotland, but this book has made me want to go.

“𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑡, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑑, 𝑒𝑥ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒, 𝐼'𝑚 𝑛𝑜 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒.”

Are you a fan of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or the film The Proposal?

If you love witty banter, steamy tension, and that delightful push-pull dynamic between enemies to lovers, then Work Trip by Chloe Ford is about to become your next obsession. This debut novel masterfully delivers everything we adore about forced proximity and the simmering tension that builds between two people who swear they can’t stand each other…until they can’t keep their hands off each other.

The story follows Fliss as she reluctantly embarks on a dreaded team-building trip to the Scottish Highlands, primarily because of her irritating colleague, James, who constantly challenges her at work. However, when they arrive, things take an unexpected twist, leaving the two coworkers stranded and forced to rely on each other for survival.

Set against the backdrop of the unpredictable wilderness, their journey pushes them both physically and emotionally, challenging their ability to work together. What begins as a frustrating situation soon evolves into something neither expected, testing their limits and perceptions of one another.

Beyond the laugh-out-loud moments, the book delves into deeper themes of trust, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The characters confront not only their attraction to each other but also their personal hang-ups, drawing you into a richly layered story that balances humor with heartfelt moments. This blend makes the romance not only engaging but also deeply relatable, ensuring you feel every emotion along the way.

Fliss' journey from viewing James as her greatest enemy to recognizing him as someone who truly understands and challenges her is as heartwarming as it is satisfying. Meanwhile, James’ gradual realization that Fliss might be exactly what he needs adds a rich emotional layer to the story.

The author's writing is sharp and witty, with dialogue that brings both humor and authenticity to the characters’ interactions. The balance between romance and adventure is well-maintained, providing a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience.

If this sounds like your kind of read, consider pre-ordering this heartwarming, swoon-worthy story, set to release in April 2025.

Thanks to author Chloe Ford, publisher Head of Zeus and Netgalley for granting early access to this book. Please note that this review is based solely on my personal thoughts and opinions.

I'm a little torn with this book, when I first set eyes on this I loved it, the cover is super pretty and I adored the sound of it (highlands, enemies to lovers, forced proximity) I was in my element - that was until I read it and I felt a little disappointed.

Overall I did enjoy Work Trip, it's light and fun, the characters are likeable (though at times a little irritating) and I enjoyed the overall story, it doesn't take itself too seriously which is a good thing and I think as long as you come into the story without too many high expectations about this being the next Sarah Morgan-esque feel-good romance then it's a good story to while away a few hours.

It's not the next romantic fiction masterpiece, but it's still good fun!

My biggest issue with Work Trip was its young-adult silliness, the narrative and how the characters act and talk scream young adults, I don't have anything against young adults, I read them and enjoy them, I think it's just been miscategorised! I'm a woman in my thirties just like the main characters and I would never act or talk the way she does, she came across as a little spoilt and entitled, though I do like seeing people such as Fliss taken out of the comfort zone of her regular life and thrown into the highlands without a clue what's she's doing - yes, that did make me very happy!!

I believe, that this is Chloe Ford's debut book and it is a very lovely story and will certainly read more of her books in the future!

Really enjoyed this. An easy read - a lovely rom com, that doesn't take much thinking about, but will leave you feeling in a good mood. And it keeps you interested right to the end, even if it is fairly easy to work out from the beginning, what is going to happen.