Review Detail

What I liked: This book goes back and forth from Aaron and Kris's perspective as you learn more about them and watch as they fall in love with each other. Throughout the book, you learn about Winder Wonderland and the origins of this place from Kris. You also learn more about Aaron and the reasons why he is opposed to love and relationships for himself.

Aaron doesn't believe in love and is known as the robot by all his friends as he helps people get over their exes and he can detach feelings from anything. Aaron's brother, Casey has just gotten broken up with before going on a trip to Winter Wonderland, fortunately for Casey, his ex, Raquel, happens to also be on this trip, and he is set on showing her that they belong together. Aaron is set on ensuring that his brother doesn't get back with his ex during their time at the Winter Wonderland and is willing to do anything to keep this from happening. Chaos ensues as Aaron with the help of Kris sabotages any plan that Casey has to get back with his ex.

Kris has been working and living in Winter Wonderland his whole life and doesn't know anything other than this. Kris's uncle wanted to be the first openly gay Santa, yet Winter Wonderland was not ready for this, so he decided to move away from the town. Kris is now set on making it so that his uncle comes back yet he hasn't really thought beyond this on what he wants for his future.

Important conversations ensue between Casey and Raquel as things blow up because of a plan that Aaron has interfered with. She explains what her needs are and why she originally left Casey which allows him to now move forward and begin healing. We learn that Aaron has felt responsible for holding his family together his whole life and this has painted the way in which he interacts with others and how he holds others at a distance. Ultimately, we find out that Aaron's dad allowed him to take this responsibility because he felt that it would help him feel better about everything that was going on. This conversation between Aaron and his dad helps Aaron begin the process of actually healing the loss of his mom leaving the family.

While the attraction between Aaron and Kris is almost instant, the overall relationship takes time to develop throughout the course of the book. Both of these boys are set on this being only a fling and nothing more than that, Aaron doesn't really believe in love and Kris just needs one of the vacationers to say they love him, he doesn't have to return those feelings. As they both spend more and more time with one another they can't help but admit to themselves they have developed feelings for each other regardless of their attempt to keep those feelings at bay.

Final Verdict: Flopping in a Winter Wonderland is a fun, fluffy, cute, and soft winter romance that will have you rooting for the main characters the whole time. There are many important topics discussed throughout this book such as family, friendship, relationships, and grief, and the author handles each of these topics with a grace that allows the reader to process everything happening throughout the book. This book is perfect for young adults ages 14 and up as it shows the importance of addressing your feelings and relying on others to help you process those feelings.