Monday, November 27, 2017

ARC Review: 5 Stars for The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish


Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.

Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.

When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.

The Remaking of Corbin Wale releases November 27th.



What I thought about
The Remaking of Corbin Wale

Alex gets dumped by his partner, loses his apartment and ends up back home where he converts his parent's former workplace into a bakery. Thus begins his small(er) town life.  When he notices a very different, slightly odd Corbin Wale hanging out at his bakery, he's intrigued. He's never seen anyone like him, and to be honest, I haven't read a character like Corbin Wale either.  


Corbin is different from those around him. Some say he's crazy, some say he's bad luck. He even thinks he's bad luck. He's got the heart of an artist, and seems to be so easily breakable.



There's something about Corbin Wale that made me, the reader, feel very protective about him.  I don't know if I've ever felt that way about a book character before, but it was clear that he was a sensitive sort of person who could easily be hurt.  And having anyone hurt him just felt wrong. It was clear from the start that Corbin was vulnerable in ways that could mean heartache for him.


Alex goes slow with him, getting to know him gradually, getting to know his art, getting to know who he is, a little bit at a time. Alex is a good soul and it isn't very long before the heat between them catches fire.  But Corbin is still fragile, and Alex is respectful of his boundaries.

As Corbin and Alex come closer together, Corbin has to deal with some circumstances that have left him with the feeling that he shouldn't fall in love.  But as he starts to feel more for Alex, he finds a way to take a chance.  I loved the way he does this via the bakery -- there was such a lyrical, magical feel to his actions, and his belief in them. I could feel Corbin trying to will away his supposed bad luck. 


This story is really special.  I find myself thinking about it even though I finished it a few days ago. I loved how both Corbin and Alex grew and changed because of each other.  It is really a wonderful holiday (or anytime) read that I absolutely adored. Definitely recommended.

An ARC was provided for review.




About the Author

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.


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