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The Remaking of Corbin Wale
Love is the real magic ... 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 is a magical holiday romance that is my M/M romance take on Practical Magic. What readers are "This is a book I'll love forever and read a thousand times." —Just Love Reviews "Roan Parrish graces us with literary storytelling that is unique and utterly captivating." —Sinfully
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2017
368 people are currently reading
3997 people want to read
About the author
Roan Parrish
36 books2,428 followersRoan 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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Roan’s website
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.
Roan's Newsletter
Roan's Facebook Group
Roan on Twitter
Roan on Instagram
Roan’s website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,184 reviews
January 20, 2018
~4.5~
It's impossible to review The Remaking of Corbin Wale without quoting the story. The language transcends the plot; it's lyrical and truthful.
This book has a magical, ethereal quality.
Cinnamon sugar, wolfdogs, curses, witches . . .
Alex moves back to the town where he grew up and opens a bakery; it's called And Son, because it used to be his parents but now it's his. When Corbin Wale first appears, Alex is dumbstruck. He's never seen anyone more beautiful.
Corbin lives in another dimension. He's an artist and a recluse. He forgets time and place. And his drawings come to life. Corbin is creative, imaginative, visionary. He believes that names have power and that anyone he loves will die; it's his family's curse.
Corbin's past is abstract at best. I had so many questions (How did Corbin's aunts die? How did he survive? Is the curse real?), but this book doesn't provide answers. It provides possibilities.
Alex, who's a problem solver, a loyal friend, a strong, soothing presence, doesn't believe in the curse, but he believes in Corbin.
Then there's Alex's friend Gareth, who escapes his abusive husband and recreates a Chanukah feast in Alex's bakery kitchen. (I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of Gareth because his story needs to be told.)
Baking plays a big role in this story. Alex and Corbin communicate with food. Corbin burns his fear, his doubt; he pours his soul into braiding challah.
The book is told in four sections, two from Alex's POV and two from Corbin's. This is a sensual story, but it takes a very long time for the MCs to touch. Once they do, it's like a tidal wave of longing and lust.
I loved Corbin's world and Alex's beautiful acceptance. I loved that Chanukah was central to the story. And I loved the dogs, who were protective and fierce. Corbin can read their minds, just like he can sense feelings. He smells the shame and regret on Gareth and the love on Alex.
This is unlike any other holiday story. It's graceful and powerful, and it will seep into your dreams.
It's impossible to review The Remaking of Corbin Wale without quoting the story. The language transcends the plot; it's lyrical and truthful.
He saw the monsters that love and longing could make, and they all had human faces.
This book has a magical, ethereal quality.
Cinnamon sugar, wolfdogs, curses, witches . . .
Alex moves back to the town where he grew up and opens a bakery; it's called And Son, because it used to be his parents but now it's his. When Corbin Wale first appears, Alex is dumbstruck. He's never seen anyone more beautiful.
"And your mind. It's beautiful ... You remake the world a hundred times a day."
Corbin lives in another dimension. He's an artist and a recluse. He forgets time and place. And his drawings come to life. Corbin is creative, imaginative, visionary. He believes that names have power and that anyone he loves will die; it's his family's curse.
Corbin's past is abstract at best. I had so many questions (How did Corbin's aunts die? How did he survive? Is the curse real?), but this book doesn't provide answers. It provides possibilities.
Alex, who's a problem solver, a loyal friend, a strong, soothing presence, doesn't believe in the curse, but he believes in Corbin.
Then there's Alex's friend Gareth, who escapes his abusive husband and recreates a Chanukah feast in Alex's bakery kitchen. (I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of Gareth because his story needs to be told.)
Baking plays a big role in this story. Alex and Corbin communicate with food. Corbin burns his fear, his doubt; he pours his soul into braiding challah.
The book is told in four sections, two from Alex's POV and two from Corbin's. This is a sensual story, but it takes a very long time for the MCs to touch. Once they do, it's like a tidal wave of longing and lust.
I loved Corbin's world and Alex's beautiful acceptance. I loved that Chanukah was central to the story. And I loved the dogs, who were protective and fierce. Corbin can read their minds, just like he can sense feelings. He smells the shame and regret on Gareth and the love on Alex.
"The problem is that even if you don't touch, even if you keep things back ... the feelings are still there. Because love doesn't live in kisses and flowers and first dates. It lives in your mind, in your heart."
This is unlike any other holiday story. It's graceful and powerful, and it will seep into your dreams.
December 19, 2017
*4.5 stars*
Lovely, just lovely. With a mix of magical realism and atmospheric romance, the story simply sang.
For those readers who are fans of Sarah Addison Allen, this book feels very similar in style, if a bit darker (perhaps a bit of Alice Hoffman mixed in). I didn't quite know what to expect going into it, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale has garnered quite a bit of hype, and I couldn't pass up the chance to see if it stood up to the rave reviews. It really was a unique story, and all fans of atypical MCs should give this one a go. I have a weakness for a MC in romance who is outside the box, so to speak, so Corbin with all of his facets really worked for me.
The romance is slow-burn, though there is that pull of connection right from the start. It is a very intense story and it feels important as you read it, so that draw between the two MCs is almost hypnotic.
The story is also unexpectedly hot with some scenes that knocked my socks off. I wouldn't say that you should read this book for the sexy bits, but if you want some sex scenes that go beyond the norm and have a slightly kinky edge, you'll be in for a treat.
I also think that Roan Parrish really nailed the side characters. I could use a spin-off story with a couple of them (you'll know who), and I was intrigued and engaged the entire time.
Also, I finally got my yearly Hanukkah story! I had no idea going into it, but a Jewish MC was a great little treat, and it warmed my heart to read this story right as Hanukkah was beginning. Though I wouldn't say that the story was focused on the holiday, it was included, and I thought that was a nice touch.
Roan Parrish did a fabulous job creating a story that skirts the boundaries between magical realism and contemporary romance and crafting unique characters that will stick with me for a long time to come.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Lovely, just lovely. With a mix of magical realism and atmospheric romance, the story simply sang.
For those readers who are fans of Sarah Addison Allen, this book feels very similar in style, if a bit darker (perhaps a bit of Alice Hoffman mixed in). I didn't quite know what to expect going into it, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale has garnered quite a bit of hype, and I couldn't pass up the chance to see if it stood up to the rave reviews. It really was a unique story, and all fans of atypical MCs should give this one a go. I have a weakness for a MC in romance who is outside the box, so to speak, so Corbin with all of his facets really worked for me.
The romance is slow-burn, though there is that pull of connection right from the start. It is a very intense story and it feels important as you read it, so that draw between the two MCs is almost hypnotic.
The story is also unexpectedly hot with some scenes that knocked my socks off. I wouldn't say that you should read this book for the sexy bits, but if you want some sex scenes that go beyond the norm and have a slightly kinky edge, you'll be in for a treat.
I also think that Roan Parrish really nailed the side characters. I could use a spin-off story with a couple of them (you'll know who), and I was intrigued and engaged the entire time.
Also, I finally got my yearly Hanukkah story! I had no idea going into it, but a Jewish MC was a great little treat, and it warmed my heart to read this story right as Hanukkah was beginning. Though I wouldn't say that the story was focused on the holiday, it was included, and I thought that was a nice touch.
Roan Parrish did a fabulous job creating a story that skirts the boundaries between magical realism and contemporary romance and crafting unique characters that will stick with me for a long time to come.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
November 25, 2017
4.5 Stars.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is an unique story.I've read a few books by this Author and enjoyed them-but,this is something completely different.The writing is special,and,captivating,the story has a wonderful,almost,magical feel about it.
Alex Barrow has returned to his home town after his life in New York imploded in a matter of days.When his mother asks him to take over the running of the family cafe he sees his dream and sets about turning it into a Bakery.On opening day he catches sight of a beautiful young man who seems to be lost in his own world.
Corbin Wale is different.Shunned by people from a young age,he's lead a lonely life.People have labelled him a freak and he thinks he is one.He truly believes his family is cursed if they love someone....so he escapes into his own world where he has people..a friend?,a lover?,.....someone who is there for him when he needs them.
Alex and Corbin are drawn to each other from their first encounter.It's not insta lust or love-it's almost as if an external force brought them together.This is an extremely slow burn which worked so well.Corbin sees the world differently from others-he sees beauty in simple things and reading the story from his pov was an absolute joy.No one came close to really understanding Corbin....until Alex.
Both men have pasts but in the end it's,quite simply,a beautiful love story.
Highly Recommended...
An Arc of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is an unique story.I've read a few books by this Author and enjoyed them-but,this is something completely different.The writing is special,and,captivating,the story has a wonderful,almost,magical feel about it.
Alex Barrow has returned to his home town after his life in New York imploded in a matter of days.When his mother asks him to take over the running of the family cafe he sees his dream and sets about turning it into a Bakery.On opening day he catches sight of a beautiful young man who seems to be lost in his own world.
Corbin Wale is different.Shunned by people from a young age,he's lead a lonely life.People have labelled him a freak and he thinks he is one.He truly believes his family is cursed if they love someone....so he escapes into his own world where he has people..a friend?,a lover?,.....someone who is there for him when he needs them.
Alex and Corbin are drawn to each other from their first encounter.It's not insta lust or love-it's almost as if an external force brought them together.This is an extremely slow burn which worked so well.Corbin sees the world differently from others-he sees beauty in simple things and reading the story from his pov was an absolute joy.No one came close to really understanding Corbin....until Alex.
Both men have pasts but in the end it's,quite simply,a beautiful love story.
Highly Recommended...
An Arc of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
December 24, 2020
4.5 stars
This was nothing like other books I've read by this author.
It's a very unique and heartwarming story with beautiful writing and magical atmosphere.
The romance was very slow, but I enjoyed every part of it.
The characters are amazing, especially Corbin. I have a soft spot for unique and a little strange characters.
And yes to Gareth's story!
********************
Re-read 9/2019:I really enjoyed the audiobook. Chris Chambers' narration was perfect for this story. I still hope we'll get Gareth's story one day!
Re-read 12/2020 via audiobook
This was nothing like other books I've read by this author.
It's a very unique and heartwarming story with beautiful writing and magical atmosphere.
The romance was very slow, but I enjoyed every part of it.
The characters are amazing, especially Corbin. I have a soft spot for unique and a little strange characters.
And yes to Gareth's story!
********************
Re-read 9/2019:I really enjoyed the audiobook. Chris Chambers' narration was perfect for this story. I still hope we'll get Gareth's story one day!
Re-read 12/2020 via audiobook
December 16, 2018
5++++++ Corbin stars
The fire crackled and Stick wheezed peacefully in sleep. The wind outside rustled dry leaves and the air inside smelled of pine and dried sage and tomato from his dinner. He was warm and comfortable, and he lost himself in the world that unfolded in his sketchbook.
- This book is magical.
-The chemistry was so on point, the sex so damn hot!
- The slow burn was fun to read.
-Corbin is the best MC ever.
-The writing is stellar and poetic without going overboard.
-One of the best holiday stories i have ever read.
- We love Stick! what a perfect dog name.
-WE LOVE CORBIN!!!
The fire crackled and Stick wheezed peacefully in sleep. The wind outside rustled dry leaves and the air inside smelled of pine and dried sage and tomato from his dinner. He was warm and comfortable, and he lost himself in the world that unfolded in his sketchbook.
- This book is magical.
-The chemistry was so on point, the sex so damn hot!
- The slow burn was fun to read.
-Corbin is the best MC ever.
-The writing is stellar and poetic without going overboard.
-One of the best holiday stories i have ever read.
- We love Stick! what a perfect dog name.
-WE LOVE CORBIN!!!
May 10, 2024
I don't know if any of my words could do this book justice. And then I'm sure everything possible has already been said about it.
It is beautiful, magical, utterly special, unique. I love the atmosphere this book creates, the harmony and the way it opens your eyes to the different, the special.
That will have to do. I will continue to think about it for the next few hours and store the happy feeling that this book leaves behind deep inside me.
He was the most beautiful man Alex had ever seen. Strange looking, a bit awkward, and half-wild, the way animals were that lived side by side with people but never went inside as pets. His face and the set of his shoulders made Alex want to tramp through the woods as the leaves fell, run through fields to tumble him down on sun-warmed grass, press flowers to his lips to see which were softer. Beautiful. 😍🫠🥰
It is beautiful, magical, utterly special, unique. I love the atmosphere this book creates, the harmony and the way it opens your eyes to the different, the special.
That will have to do. I will continue to think about it for the next few hours and store the happy feeling that this book leaves behind deep inside me.
He was the most beautiful man Alex had ever seen. Strange looking, a bit awkward, and half-wild, the way animals were that lived side by side with people but never went inside as pets. His face and the set of his shoulders made Alex want to tramp through the woods as the leaves fell, run through fields to tumble him down on sun-warmed grass, press flowers to his lips to see which were softer. Beautiful. 😍🫠🥰
September 29, 2019
Okay, I can see why this book was such a fan favorite among my fellow reviewers. 😊 Wow! Just wow! 😱 What a beautiful and profound book it is! 💜 The remaking of Corbin Wale is such a lyrical and poetic book that took my breath away. 🥰 I don’t even know how to describe this book. 😅
Alex’s life changed 180 degree in the span of 48 hours. 2 days ago, he had a boyfriend, a prestigious job as a pastry chef and a comfortable life. Now he’s back in his small hometown in Michigan finally taking over his parents’ business and opening a small cafe of his dreams. And his life changed one more for 360 degrees when Corbin Wale walked into his “And Son” cafe. Corbin is unlike anyone Alex has ever seen in his life, beautiful, ethereal, artistic and otherworldly. And Alex is determined to win the infamous recluse Corbin’s heart. Corbin has been living in another dimension all his life. He finds time as a difficult concept to grasp and people exhausting to socialize. Plus, the Wales are cursed. And he doesn’t want anyone he will come to love to become the victim of Wales’ curse. But Alex defies everything Corbin ever believed in. Alex makes Corbin want to be brave. Alex gives Corbin hope and a chance at happiness and love. The question is if Corbin will be courageous enough to grasp his only chance at a fairytale ending. 😌
It’s extremely difficult to explain what this book is about. 😅 This is not exactly paranormal but not just a contemporary as well. To see the world in the eye of Corbin Wale was a beautiful, unique and ethereal experience. And boy, some quotes in this book was so profound and wise it made me tear up. ❤️ I loved Alex too. His tenacity to protect and love and care for those who he cares and the way he made Corbin believe .. it was an alluring and bewitching love story. And Chris Chambers did a stellar job narrating this story. His narration was lyrical, poetic, poignant and enchanting. 🥰 I’m sure this is one of Roan Parrish’s masterpieces because I have never read/listened anything quite like this before. 👏 I’m one satiated, happy listener. 😌
5 Love has the power of magic to make you believe stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alex’s life changed 180 degree in the span of 48 hours. 2 days ago, he had a boyfriend, a prestigious job as a pastry chef and a comfortable life. Now he’s back in his small hometown in Michigan finally taking over his parents’ business and opening a small cafe of his dreams. And his life changed one more for 360 degrees when Corbin Wale walked into his “And Son” cafe. Corbin is unlike anyone Alex has ever seen in his life, beautiful, ethereal, artistic and otherworldly. And Alex is determined to win the infamous recluse Corbin’s heart. Corbin has been living in another dimension all his life. He finds time as a difficult concept to grasp and people exhausting to socialize. Plus, the Wales are cursed. And he doesn’t want anyone he will come to love to become the victim of Wales’ curse. But Alex defies everything Corbin ever believed in. Alex makes Corbin want to be brave. Alex gives Corbin hope and a chance at happiness and love. The question is if Corbin will be courageous enough to grasp his only chance at a fairytale ending. 😌
It’s extremely difficult to explain what this book is about. 😅 This is not exactly paranormal but not just a contemporary as well. To see the world in the eye of Corbin Wale was a beautiful, unique and ethereal experience. And boy, some quotes in this book was so profound and wise it made me tear up. ❤️ I loved Alex too. His tenacity to protect and love and care for those who he cares and the way he made Corbin believe .. it was an alluring and bewitching love story. And Chris Chambers did a stellar job narrating this story. His narration was lyrical, poetic, poignant and enchanting. 🥰 I’m sure this is one of Roan Parrish’s masterpieces because I have never read/listened anything quite like this before. 👏 I’m one satiated, happy listener. 😌
5 Love has the power of magic to make you believe stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 20, 2017
~4.5 stars!~
Every once in a while, I'll come across a story that's special. Unique. Unlike anything I've ever read that reaches inside me and truly resonates with my brain and leaves goosebumps on my heart. It happened with Winter Oranges. It happened with In The Absence Of Light.
And it happened here.
I just don't know that I can articulate why this book pushed so many of my buttons.
Told in alternating POVs, this is Alex and Corbin's story. Alex moves back home after needing a restart button on his life - to open his own bakery in his Michigan hometown. And Corbin has lived in this town his whole life. Been shunned his whole life. For being weird. For being a freak.
Theirs is a slow burn, friends to lovers, romance. But it's so much more, so much deeper.
Corbin has secrets. Family secrets that hold him back.
And Alex has gone through life never once feeling like Corbin makes him feel. He'll do anything to crack Corbin's shell and get close.
The two men bond over a shared love of baking, and of dogs. And of patience and understanding.
They both need each other, but are so hesitant to scare the other away.
When I say the writing was stellar, I can't tell you how much of an understatement that is. Parrish executed this story flawlessly. It was so evocative. I was in awe of her talent, and reread many passages multiple times, just to let it wrap around my heart once more. To feel it one more time.
Read this book. That is all.
Love was a curse. No love was a curse.
Solitude was a cure. Solitude was a torment.
Distance was safety. Distance was crushing.
Every once in a while, I'll come across a story that's special. Unique. Unlike anything I've ever read that reaches inside me and truly resonates with my brain and leaves goosebumps on my heart. It happened with Winter Oranges. It happened with In The Absence Of Light.
And it happened here.
I just don't know that I can articulate why this book pushed so many of my buttons.
Told in alternating POVs, this is Alex and Corbin's story. Alex moves back home after needing a restart button on his life - to open his own bakery in his Michigan hometown. And Corbin has lived in this town his whole life. Been shunned his whole life. For being weird. For being a freak.
Theirs is a slow burn, friends to lovers, romance. But it's so much more, so much deeper.
Corbin has secrets. Family secrets that hold him back.
"[...]Now I'm only me. I'll always be only me."
And Alex has gone through life never once feeling like Corbin makes him feel. He'll do anything to crack Corbin's shell and get close.
But more than any of that, he wanted Corbin to talk to him. He wanted to be included in the cocoon of him, invited into Corbin's world.
The two men bond over a shared love of baking, and of dogs. And of patience and understanding.
They both need each other, but are so hesitant to scare the other away.
It was like desperation but with none of the darkness.
When I say the writing was stellar, I can't tell you how much of an understatement that is. Parrish executed this story flawlessly. It was so evocative. I was in awe of her talent, and reread many passages multiple times, just to let it wrap around my heart once more. To feel it one more time.
Read this book. That is all.
"You remake the world a hundred times a day."
December 13, 2017
***5 Stars***
“Because love doesn’t live in kisses and flowers and first dates. It lives in your mind, in your heart.”
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I want to propose marriage to this book. I want this book to move in with me and share in a 30 year fixed mortgage. I want this book to meet my mom.
“You remake the world a hundred times a day.”
How can I come up with words to describe the pure magic and beauty that is this book?! This book owned every part of me while reading. Every words served a purpose, every scene evoking an emotion that connected me even more to the characters...ever page fed my soul.
Full review to come. I'm flying too high and don't want to come back down to earth to find the words to adequately express my love for this book. On the 2017 favorites list it goes!!
freebie
November 26, 2020Now *FREE* on Amazon, 2020-11-25:
https://www.amazon.com/Remaking-Corbi...
May 27, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I don’t know what kind of black magic, deal-with-the-devil kind of stuff is going on with Roan Parrish’s writing, but it’s freaking magical and incredible every single time. It feels cheesy as hell to say it, but this author’s books genuinly transport me to another place. The worlds they create are *so* clear to me when reading, and The Remaking of Corbin Wale is no exception. This book is like nothing else I’ve read, and I don’t imagine I ever will. It’s a beautiful love story that feels like it’s genuinly magical, even though there are no paranormal elements to it. It’s full of patience and understanding, new beginnings and friendships. Corbin is autistic (at least I’m pretty sure about that, it’s never explicitly said but the way he is described and from what I’ve heard from other readers, I’m assuming), and Alex just accepts him as he is, and Corbin does the same for Alex. Their connection is really beautiful, and although this was my third or fourth time listening, the story never gets old. Chris Chambers also does an excellent freaking job with the narration.
I’m really sad about not having the ebook, because it is FULL of beautiful quotes. Sadly I only have the audiobook so can’t share them with y’all.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Small town
Autistic MC
Bakery owner
Lonely MC
Virgin MC
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers
Sex toys
Dog parent
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Brief mentions of past parent death
Use of homophobic slur (past, high school)
References to MC being bullied in the past
Mentions of past child neglect
MC’s best friend victim of domestic abuse (detailed injuries and aftermath)
Death of family (past, MC finding them dead, detailed)
Alcohol consumption (casual)
Dissociation (MC, past and present)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 218
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I don’t know what kind of black magic, deal-with-the-devil kind of stuff is going on with Roan Parrish’s writing, but it’s freaking magical and incredible every single time. It feels cheesy as hell to say it, but this author’s books genuinly transport me to another place. The worlds they create are *so* clear to me when reading, and The Remaking of Corbin Wale is no exception. This book is like nothing else I’ve read, and I don’t imagine I ever will. It’s a beautiful love story that feels like it’s genuinly magical, even though there are no paranormal elements to it. It’s full of patience and understanding, new beginnings and friendships. Corbin is autistic (at least I’m pretty sure about that, it’s never explicitly said but the way he is described and from what I’ve heard from other readers, I’m assuming), and Alex just accepts him as he is, and Corbin does the same for Alex. Their connection is really beautiful, and although this was my third or fourth time listening, the story never gets old. Chris Chambers also does an excellent freaking job with the narration.
I’m really sad about not having the ebook, because it is FULL of beautiful quotes. Sadly I only have the audiobook so can’t share them with y’all.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Small town
Autistic MC
Bakery owner
Lonely MC
Virgin MC
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers
Sex toys
Dog parent
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Brief mentions of past parent death
Use of homophobic slur (past, high school)
References to MC being bullied in the past
Mentions of past child neglect
MC’s best friend victim of domestic abuse (detailed injuries and aftermath)
Death of family (past, MC finding them dead, detailed)
Alcohol consumption (casual)
Dissociation (MC, past and present)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 218
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
January 7, 2018
4.5 Strawberry Stars
I can count on one hand, the books that I have read over many years that have stuck with me. A few a more recent, while others are from my childhood. This book, I can definitely say, will stick with me for a long time.
Alex Barrow just returned to his hometown in Michigan, after living several years as a sous chef in New York City. His mother turns over the family coffee house to him, and he happily turns it into his life dream, his very own bakery. On opening day, he is drawn to a familiar face he remembers from school, Corbin Wale. He also remembers the way the kids tormented Corbin, calling him a wierdo.
Even though the world sees Corbin as different, Alex is fascinated by the way Corbin lives in his own magical world and the beautiful way he sees and feels things. It isn’t long before Alex feels himself falling for Corbin.
Corbin lives alone with his dogs, and believes he must stay alone. He wants Alex, but he has a secret that he thinks will destroy them. With Alex by his side, can Corbin be strong enough to alter his so called “destiny”?
I have read several books by Roan Parrish, but this by far, is my favorite. The way the writing is so poetic, almost lyrical, it is definitely something you must experience for yourself.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I can count on one hand, the books that I have read over many years that have stuck with me. A few a more recent, while others are from my childhood. This book, I can definitely say, will stick with me for a long time.
Alex Barrow just returned to his hometown in Michigan, after living several years as a sous chef in New York City. His mother turns over the family coffee house to him, and he happily turns it into his life dream, his very own bakery. On opening day, he is drawn to a familiar face he remembers from school, Corbin Wale. He also remembers the way the kids tormented Corbin, calling him a wierdo.
Even though the world sees Corbin as different, Alex is fascinated by the way Corbin lives in his own magical world and the beautiful way he sees and feels things. It isn’t long before Alex feels himself falling for Corbin.
”Because love doesn’t live in kisses and flowers and first dates. It lives in your mind, in your heart. The problem is that I already love you.”~~Alex
Corbin lives alone with his dogs, and believes he must stay alone. He wants Alex, but he has a secret that he thinks will destroy them. With Alex by his side, can Corbin be strong enough to alter his so called “destiny”?
I have read several books by Roan Parrish, but this by far, is my favorite. The way the writing is so poetic, almost lyrical, it is definitely something you must experience for yourself.
”You remake the world a hundred times a day”~~Alex
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 16, 2018
Audio – 4.5 stars
Story – 5 stars
Yes!! This was one of the most beautiful and magical holiday stories I’ve read.
Corbin stole my heart, and I couldn't help but adore the heck out of him. He definitely gets the love, but so does Alex for being the patient and protective man Corbin needed. He accepted Corbin's uniqueness and loved him for it. I loved these two together!!
Now is there going to be a story for Gareth and Orin??? There’s as story there, and I’m ready for it!
Story – 5 stars
Yes!! This was one of the most beautiful and magical holiday stories I’ve read.
Corbin stole my heart, and I couldn't help but adore the heck out of him. He definitely gets the love, but so does Alex for being the patient and protective man Corbin needed. He accepted Corbin's uniqueness and loved him for it. I loved these two together!!
Now is there going to be a story for Gareth and Orin??? There’s as story there, and I’m ready for it!
January 23, 2021
4.5 Stars
Whimsical and spiritual with a touch of magic, this was a weighted love story for the holiday season!
Rest assured, when I say weighted I don’t necessarily mean dark. Corbin and Alex are pulled to each other like no other. Their feelings and the lure between them, is palpable and hangs thick in the air. The longing is great, but things aren’t always that easy.
Corbin is different, and he’s burdened with some things that don’t allow him to hope for love and companionship no matter how desperately he wants it with Alex. Alex in turn, is drawn to Corbin like no other. He wants Corbin so badly, almost obsessively, and meticulously makes a connection with the beautiful eccentric man. As days, and then weeks pass, Alex comes to know Corbin’s special language and only wants to call Corbin his.
It doesn’t hurt at all that Alex is one sexy fucker, a great protector with a heady subtle masculinity, whose gentle giant self is embodied with patience and kindness. Corbin in contrast, is a soulful artist whose loneliness and isolation is starkly felt, and though he has a painful past, Corbin is never weak.
I obviously really enjoyed this. It’s infused with the holiday spirit which always lends that feeling that all odds can be beat. I also loved the bakery cafe setting because who doesn’t want to read and salivate over carby goodness while witnessing two people deservedly get their wishes fulfilled?
This is a slow slow burn, but Parrish doesn’t torture you unnecessarily, rather urging you along to want more and more of these two lovely men finding everything in each other. She delivers, and this for sure, is a wonderfully beautiful, memorable story.
Whimsical and spiritual with a touch of magic, this was a weighted love story for the holiday season!
Rest assured, when I say weighted I don’t necessarily mean dark. Corbin and Alex are pulled to each other like no other. Their feelings and the lure between them, is palpable and hangs thick in the air. The longing is great, but things aren’t always that easy.
Corbin is different, and he’s burdened with some things that don’t allow him to hope for love and companionship no matter how desperately he wants it with Alex. Alex in turn, is drawn to Corbin like no other. He wants Corbin so badly, almost obsessively, and meticulously makes a connection with the beautiful eccentric man. As days, and then weeks pass, Alex comes to know Corbin’s special language and only wants to call Corbin his.
It doesn’t hurt at all that Alex is one sexy fucker, a great protector with a heady subtle masculinity, whose gentle giant self is embodied with patience and kindness. Corbin in contrast, is a soulful artist whose loneliness and isolation is starkly felt, and though he has a painful past, Corbin is never weak.
I obviously really enjoyed this. It’s infused with the holiday spirit which always lends that feeling that all odds can be beat. I also loved the bakery cafe setting because who doesn’t want to read and salivate over carby goodness while witnessing two people deservedly get their wishes fulfilled?
This is a slow slow burn, but Parrish doesn’t torture you unnecessarily, rather urging you along to want more and more of these two lovely men finding everything in each other. She delivers, and this for sure, is a wonderfully beautiful, memorable story.
December 4, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This just wasn't my type of book.
It wasn't bad. But I found it a bit slow. And a bit odd.
But I liked Gareth. I would read about him and Orin.
And the writing was good. It just wasn't my style. I got bored.
This just wasn't my type of book.
It wasn't bad. But I found it a bit slow. And a bit odd.
But I liked Gareth. I would read about him and Orin.
And the writing was good. It just wasn't my style. I got bored.
November 20, 2017
4.5 Stars
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a story made of magic. It's roots steeped in metaphor and fashioned and baked with love. I savored every delicious word.
Corbin Wale is cursed, or so he believes, anyway. Everyone treats him like he's a freak and Corbin believes they're right. Corbin has led such a solitary life, it just broke me. He believes that he can't get close to anyone. That everything he touches is tainted. Wrong. But Corbin has such a huge heart and his imagination is vast, so he took to drawing to keep him company. Many of the characters he drew became his friends and companions, and he wouldn't let himself hope for more. Until Alex.
Alex Barrow just moved back to Ann Arbor to regroup after losing his job in New York and having his relationship end all within a space of 48 hours. It was like the fates were telling him he needed to take a step back and reevaluate his life. So he did. He moved back home and took over the family run cafe and turned it into a bakery. Alex finally feels right again, especially when he meets Corbin Wale. Alex needs to be needed and he's never found that. He's protective of those he cares about and Corbin activates that instinct in him unlike anyone ever has.
There was so much about this story that just burrowed deep in my being and stayed there. While the story really didn't strike me as paranormal or fantasy, at all, it still felt a bit magical. Otherworldly. The way Corbin saw the world was unique and I am in awe of him. But no one, until Alex, saw Corbin at all. Not really.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is about reshaping who you are. It's about refashioning your world view. It's about needing someone and being needed in return. It's about love.
----------------------
ARC of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
"You remake the world a hundred times a day.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a story made of magic. It's roots steeped in metaphor and fashioned and baked with love. I savored every delicious word.
Corbin Wale is cursed, or so he believes, anyway. Everyone treats him like he's a freak and Corbin believes they're right. Corbin has led such a solitary life, it just broke me. He believes that he can't get close to anyone. That everything he touches is tainted. Wrong. But Corbin has such a huge heart and his imagination is vast, so he took to drawing to keep him company. Many of the characters he drew became his friends and companions, and he wouldn't let himself hope for more. Until Alex.
Alex Barrow just moved back to Ann Arbor to regroup after losing his job in New York and having his relationship end all within a space of 48 hours. It was like the fates were telling him he needed to take a step back and reevaluate his life. So he did. He moved back home and took over the family run cafe and turned it into a bakery. Alex finally feels right again, especially when he meets Corbin Wale. Alex needs to be needed and he's never found that. He's protective of those he cares about and Corbin activates that instinct in him unlike anyone ever has.
There was so much about this story that just burrowed deep in my being and stayed there. While the story really didn't strike me as paranormal or fantasy, at all, it still felt a bit magical. Otherworldly. The way Corbin saw the world was unique and I am in awe of him. But no one, until Alex, saw Corbin at all. Not really.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is about reshaping who you are. It's about refashioning your world view. It's about needing someone and being needed in return. It's about love.
There was more in the world than he’d ever been told. And there was less.
----------------------
ARC of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2023
3.5*** stars
Gawd I really don’t want to rain on anybody’s parade and I know this is a well loved book but I was so damn bored with this story I almost didn’t make it till the end. I guess Chris Chambers reading it to me helped a bit with that but not much.
There wasn’t really anything wrong with this book. It’s a beautifully written and heartfelt slow-burn romance with Corbin as such a unique and lovable main character. And although the unkindness of people towards Corbin broke my heart I struggled to get invested in the characters and their story in the first place —
And that’s why: I was so confused for the majority of this book . I guess it was intentional but the whole time I had no clue what was going on. What was "wrong" with Corbin and wether or not he was some kind of magical creature or if it was all in his head because he’s been fed all these beliefs his whole life. And because I didn’t have the context and didn’t get the answers to these questions (like at all) I stopped caring altogether.
Maybe I was supposed to read more between the lines to clue myself in but this was one of those books I really would’ve needed it to be straight on the nose, otherwise I wouldn’t get it. And I really didn’t. So, to all of you who loved this book and Corbin & Alex and now stumble upon my review and have to read how I wasn’t able to understand the beauty of this story, I’m sorry. ♡
*this audio was free with my audible subscription
Gawd I really don’t want to rain on anybody’s parade and I know this is a well loved book but I was so damn bored with this story I almost didn’t make it till the end. I guess Chris Chambers reading it to me helped a bit with that but not much.
There wasn’t really anything wrong with this book. It’s a beautifully written and heartfelt slow-burn romance with Corbin as such a unique and lovable main character. And although the unkindness of people towards Corbin broke my heart I struggled to get invested in the characters and their story in the first place —
And that’s why: I was so confused for the majority of this book . I guess it was intentional but the whole time I had no clue what was going on. What was "wrong" with Corbin and wether or not he was some kind of magical creature or if it was all in his head because he’s been fed all these beliefs his whole life. And because I didn’t have the context and didn’t get the answers to these questions (like at all) I stopped caring altogether.
Maybe I was supposed to read more between the lines to clue myself in but this was one of those books I really would’ve needed it to be straight on the nose, otherwise I wouldn’t get it. And I really didn’t. So, to all of you who loved this book and Corbin & Alex and now stumble upon my review and have to read how I wasn’t able to understand the beauty of this story, I’m sorry. ♡
*this audio was free with my audible subscription
December 30, 2020
Reread December 2020
I guess I needed something a bit magical. And this delivered on all levels.
Thoroughly enjoyed this all over again! (even if the reread took me longer than I anticipated! 😁)
Original review:
Absolutely beautiful.
In so many ways.
Alex and Corbin are both amazing characters.
Alex for his big heart, his compassion and understanding and incredible patience with Corbin.
Corbin for showing us the workings of an amazing and unusual mind and how special love can be. I also silently wept at how he came to be who he is. At his vast loneliness. At the low expectations he has from people and life. At his isolation from the real world.
The intricate link between food and love and magic
Cooking and baking always make me happy, and I adored the way Roan Parrish linked the three themes (food/love/magic) throughout the book. Baking takes on a deeper meaning, becomes a metaphor for so much more! Truly wonderful writing!
I (Alex) was transfixed by that moment (his gran making pizza). That moment where things that were completely different came together to be one thing. It was like magic. "
Corbin's journey
of learning that he is not just a 'freak' who is doomed to a life of loneliness, but a person of value and worth is breathtaking, emotionally intense and ultimately touching.
Tell me. They were the magic words. The ones that made Corbin believe his thoughts were welcome, believe his desires and fantasies were cherished, believe his suggestions were valued. Tell me had the power to turn him inside out. And Alex kept every secret, every word, safe.
Themes of dominance
Brilliantly and subtly explored (and no, this does not anywhere equate to BDSM, if you might wonder), it shows us Alex's need to be the one in charge and be the 'fixer' of things, which is exactly what Corbin needs to function better.
Both men find exactly what they need in each other - in life and in bed. And oh, the slow burn until they get there is wonderfully achy and beautiful. As for the times they have sex - it felt incredible intimate and almost magical/mystical the way Corbin describes his experience.
This is a book you don't want to miss. I felt the urgent need to re-read it as soon as I'd finished.
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Josy, for this wonderful gift!
I guess I needed something a bit magical. And this delivered on all levels.
Thoroughly enjoyed this all over again! (even if the reread took me longer than I anticipated! 😁)
Original review:
Absolutely beautiful.
In so many ways.
Alex and Corbin are both amazing characters.
Alex for his big heart, his compassion and understanding and incredible patience with Corbin.
Corbin for showing us the workings of an amazing and unusual mind and how special love can be. I also silently wept at how he came to be who he is. At his vast loneliness. At the low expectations he has from people and life. At his isolation from the real world.
The intricate link between food and love and magic
Cooking and baking always make me happy, and I adored the way Roan Parrish linked the three themes (food/love/magic) throughout the book. Baking takes on a deeper meaning, becomes a metaphor for so much more! Truly wonderful writing!
I (Alex) was transfixed by that moment (his gran making pizza). That moment where things that were completely different came together to be one thing. It was like magic. "
Corbin's journey
of learning that he is not just a 'freak' who is doomed to a life of loneliness, but a person of value and worth is breathtaking, emotionally intense and ultimately touching.
Tell me. They were the magic words. The ones that made Corbin believe his thoughts were welcome, believe his desires and fantasies were cherished, believe his suggestions were valued. Tell me had the power to turn him inside out. And Alex kept every secret, every word, safe.
Themes of dominance
Brilliantly and subtly explored (and no, this does not anywhere equate to BDSM, if you might wonder), it shows us Alex's need to be the one in charge and be the 'fixer' of things, which is exactly what Corbin needs to function better.
Both men find exactly what they need in each other - in life and in bed. And oh, the slow burn until they get there is wonderfully achy and beautiful. As for the times they have sex - it felt incredible intimate and almost magical/mystical the way Corbin describes his experience.
This is a book you don't want to miss. I felt the urgent need to re-read it as soon as I'd finished.
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Josy, for this wonderful gift!
December 3, 2017
Roan Parrish es una de mis autoras favoritas en el MM, aunque haya tenido algunos problemas en el editado de sus libros, cada vez son menos, y siempre puedes contar con los sentimientos a flor de piel en sus historias. Cuando vi que iba a escribir una novella de Navidad no estaba muy segura de si era algo que iría bien con su estilo. Pero Roan ha conseguido ser fiel a sí misma y al mismo tiempo escribir un romance navideño lleno de magia, amor y ternura.
Dos personajes contrapuestos que se complementan, Alex personifica la seguridad, la aceptación, la realidad, la solidez, mientras que Corbin, el maravilloso Corbin, es la inseguridad, la magia, lo etéreo, la imaginación. La autora entremezcla los dos mundos igual que Alex, pastelero, mezcla los ingredientes para hacer un challa, consiguiendo un libro lleno de significado, no es simplemente una novella navideña, nos cuenta cosas, nos enseña cosas. Todo eso con Hanukkah de fondo, me encanta.
Un libro de sensaciones que te permite saborear lo que cocinan, olerlo, igual que oler el bosque, que me ha llenado de emociones. Muy muy recomendable.
Dos personajes contrapuestos que se complementan, Alex personifica la seguridad, la aceptación, la realidad, la solidez, mientras que Corbin, el maravilloso Corbin, es la inseguridad, la magia, lo etéreo, la imaginación. La autora entremezcla los dos mundos igual que Alex, pastelero, mezcla los ingredientes para hacer un challa, consiguiendo un libro lleno de significado, no es simplemente una novella navideña, nos cuenta cosas, nos enseña cosas. Todo eso con Hanukkah de fondo, me encanta.
Un libro de sensaciones que te permite saborear lo que cocinan, olerlo, igual que oler el bosque, que me ha llenado de emociones. Muy muy recomendable.
April 5, 2026
Reread 04/2026
Still beautiful on my reread.
I'm not feeling as enthusiastic about it as years ago, but it was a heart warming reading experience.
4,25 stars.
--------
Read 10/2022
So, so, so beautiful..
I loved everything about this book. The characters, their slowly developing relationship, the feelings (!!), the amazing writing style..
It was phantastic to live in Alex's and Corbin's mind.
The author's decision to write 4 blocks of the story in switching pov was ideal... the first part in Alex's pov, the second part in Corbin's pov, the third part again in Alex's pov and the fourth part in Corbin's pov.
A wonderful 5 stars book for me, on a (all time favorites) level with Vanilla Clouds (Roe Horvat).
Still beautiful on my reread.
I'm not feeling as enthusiastic about it as years ago, but it was a heart warming reading experience.
4,25 stars.
--------
Read 10/2022
So, so, so beautiful..
I loved everything about this book. The characters, their slowly developing relationship, the feelings (!!), the amazing writing style..
It was phantastic to live in Alex's and Corbin's mind.
The author's decision to write 4 blocks of the story in switching pov was ideal... the first part in Alex's pov, the second part in Corbin's pov, the third part again in Alex's pov and the fourth part in Corbin's pov.
A wonderful 5 stars book for me, on a (all time favorites) level with Vanilla Clouds (Roe Horvat).
December 20, 2019
Feel free to move along, y'all. The only thing to see here is that I’m pretty sure I’ve lost all propriety and reason when it comes to Roan Parrish's glorious creations. That, and I’ll be spending 2 days with this book every December until the end of time.
I’m finding myself in an unusual position, because I’m sitting here with zero desire to dissect this magically delicious book or the enchanting characters in it. I just want to bask in the blissful feelings (and completely dilated pupils) that it left me with.
Maybe after next year’s read, I can write a real review. Peace.
I’m finding myself in an unusual position, because I’m sitting here with zero desire to dissect this magically delicious book or the enchanting characters in it. I just want to bask in the blissful feelings (and completely dilated pupils) that it left me with.
Maybe after next year’s read, I can write a real review. Peace.
December 11, 2017
Well, that’s different from the “Middle of Somewhere” series and I really enjoyed it.
After a twist in life, Alex came back to his Mom’s house and opened a bakery. That’s where he met a special customer : Corbin. Corbin lives alone, creating fantasies in his mind to deal with the world and he’s afraid to love. But the pull between Alex and Corbin is like a fate and both can see how beautiful the other is in his own way.
It’s a slow burn, quiet, evocative and romantic where loneliness is being burned to ashes to let love conquer any curses and prejudices. I may have shed a tear or two for Corbin.
**THANK YOU, “Nippy Elf” for this very romantic and magic gift. Merry Christmas to you <3**
After a twist in life, Alex came back to his Mom’s house and opened a bakery. That’s where he met a special customer : Corbin. Corbin lives alone, creating fantasies in his mind to deal with the world and he’s afraid to love. But the pull between Alex and Corbin is like a fate and both can see how beautiful the other is in his own way.
It’s a slow burn, quiet, evocative and romantic where loneliness is being burned to ashes to let love conquer any curses and prejudices. I may have shed a tear or two for Corbin.
**THANK YOU, “Nippy Elf” for this very romantic and magic gift. Merry Christmas to you <3**
December 18, 2017
Roan Parrish brings her A-game with The Remaking of Corbin Wale. An absolutely stunning novel, the prose is fluid and expressive, the characters are complex, and a positive message of hope is woven throughout. This one is so magical it gave me tingles and I was wishing it would never end.
Everything in Alex’s life has fallen apart so he moves back to his hometown to open his dream bakery and hopefully get a fresh start. From the moment Corbin steps into his shop all Alex can think about is seeing him again. He obsesses over every connection they make and longs for more. Parrish does a great job of building Alex’s desire for Corbin with anticipation that is just wonderful.
The sections of the novel told from Corbin’s point-of-view allow us to learn more about him. Used to being shunned by the people in town, Corbin has created his own world. His imaginary friends have become real to him and he illustrates their stories in his special notebook. Corbin is very attracted to Alex but has been told his whole life that he is cursed, if he lets someone into his life they will die, so Corbin has resigned himself to never finding love.
The attraction between these two is clear from the start and builds steadily over the course of the novel. The Remaking of Corbin Wale is the best kind of slow-burn romance, leisurely and steamy with very little angst. The anticipation I felt for these two to get together paled in comparison to the sparks that flew when they finally did! The first time Alex and Corbin go to bed together has got to be one of the most erotic scenes I’ve ever read, and is made even more so thanks to the painstaking build-up.
There’s so much more to Corbin’s life that I’d love to know about: How did he survive after his aunts died? What’s the story surrounding their deaths? Give me more details about this curse he lives under! And I could read a whole novel just about the characters Corbin creates…Parrish is leaving us space to wonder and interpret and relate to our own experiences.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a hard story to get out of my mind. I was transfixed by the beautiful, hypnotic quality of Parrish’s words. I loved the magical, mystical concepts of fate and chance and creating hope for the future. I’ll be so glad if this is the first book in a new series, and we don’t have to wait long for the next one!
a copy of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of this review
Everything in Alex’s life has fallen apart so he moves back to his hometown to open his dream bakery and hopefully get a fresh start. From the moment Corbin steps into his shop all Alex can think about is seeing him again. He obsesses over every connection they make and longs for more. Parrish does a great job of building Alex’s desire for Corbin with anticipation that is just wonderful.
The sections of the novel told from Corbin’s point-of-view allow us to learn more about him. Used to being shunned by the people in town, Corbin has created his own world. His imaginary friends have become real to him and he illustrates their stories in his special notebook. Corbin is very attracted to Alex but has been told his whole life that he is cursed, if he lets someone into his life they will die, so Corbin has resigned himself to never finding love.
The attraction between these two is clear from the start and builds steadily over the course of the novel. The Remaking of Corbin Wale is the best kind of slow-burn romance, leisurely and steamy with very little angst. The anticipation I felt for these two to get together paled in comparison to the sparks that flew when they finally did! The first time Alex and Corbin go to bed together has got to be one of the most erotic scenes I’ve ever read, and is made even more so thanks to the painstaking build-up.
There’s so much more to Corbin’s life that I’d love to know about: How did he survive after his aunts died? What’s the story surrounding their deaths? Give me more details about this curse he lives under! And I could read a whole novel just about the characters Corbin creates…Parrish is leaving us space to wonder and interpret and relate to our own experiences.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a hard story to get out of my mind. I was transfixed by the beautiful, hypnotic quality of Parrish’s words. I loved the magical, mystical concepts of fate and chance and creating hope for the future. I’ll be so glad if this is the first book in a new series, and we don’t have to wait long for the next one!
a copy of The Remaking of Corbin Wale was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of this review
December 27, 2019
2.5 stars
Ignore me for a minute, this will be a dissenting opinion and I’m only writing it down as a future reminder for myself.
It wasn’t the weirdness or the flowery writing that didn’t work, I actually liked those, with some exceptions ().
What sank this book for me was that I couldn’t feel the MCs and their relationship. I was told who and what they were, how they met and supposedly fell in love, but that’s just how it stayed. I had to believe it was so, because I couldn’t feel it for myself, they never jumped out of the page for me and their connection felt insta-love at best. I simply couldn’t see why they loved each other.
I wasn’t expecting it. I should’ve fallen in love with this book, especially with Corbin. On paper, everything was just right for it to happen, but it didn’t because the author didn’t make me. I found Gareth, the secondary character, more interesting and real than the two MCs (what happened with Gareth, by the way? Did I miss something? ).
And considering that this is Roan Parrish, an author who gave me some truly amazing books and couples, it really stings.
Ignore me for a minute, this will be a dissenting opinion and I’m only writing it down as a future reminder for myself.
It wasn’t the weirdness or the flowery writing that didn’t work, I actually liked those, with some exceptions ().
What sank this book for me was that I couldn’t feel the MCs and their relationship. I was told who and what they were, how they met and supposedly fell in love, but that’s just how it stayed. I had to believe it was so, because I couldn’t feel it for myself, they never jumped out of the page for me and their connection felt insta-love at best. I simply couldn’t see why they loved each other.
I wasn’t expecting it. I should’ve fallen in love with this book, especially with Corbin. On paper, everything was just right for it to happen, but it didn’t because the author didn’t make me. I found Gareth, the secondary character, more interesting and real than the two MCs (what happened with Gareth, by the way? Did I miss something? ).
And considering that this is Roan Parrish, an author who gave me some truly amazing books and couples, it really stings.
August 29, 2020
Color me seduced, swayed, and surprised by Roan Parrish's dreamy, story. Why surprised? Because I thought I was way over magical realism, whimsy, and faery tales, and here I am, utterly invested in the fate an almost elfin-like woodland creature. Okay. I exaggerate. But that is the vibe.
Corbin Wale is a highly sensitive and artistic man, who from childhood was dealt shitty cards. He was raised by relatives who, though well intentioned, didn't give him the tools to live in the world, which in turn made him the favorite target of bullies, and left him isolated in a world of his own. Alex Barrow is a baker come home to regroup after a sojourn in NYC kitchens and the breakup of a relationship, which he doesn't really lament. He transforms his parents old cafe into a bakery and one of his first customers is Corbin. The spark is immediate, true, and I believed every word.
Roan has a way with words, almost poetic, but not precious, that makes the story have a beat of its own, and Chris Chambers is a masterful interpreter of it. Go ahead, take a chance and enjoy this Hanukkah story, full of magic, or as we call it: LOVE.
ps. Be prepared to be hungry.
Corbin Wale is a highly sensitive and artistic man, who from childhood was dealt shitty cards. He was raised by relatives who, though well intentioned, didn't give him the tools to live in the world, which in turn made him the favorite target of bullies, and left him isolated in a world of his own. Alex Barrow is a baker come home to regroup after a sojourn in NYC kitchens and the breakup of a relationship, which he doesn't really lament. He transforms his parents old cafe into a bakery and one of his first customers is Corbin. The spark is immediate, true, and I believed every word.
Roan has a way with words, almost poetic, but not precious, that makes the story have a beat of its own, and Chris Chambers is a masterful interpreter of it. Go ahead, take a chance and enjoy this Hanukkah story, full of magic, or as we call it: LOVE.
ps. Be prepared to be hungry.
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December 22, 2021CURRENTLY FREE DEC 22 - 29 2021
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Download it here - https://bit.ly/3odArwa
December 8, 2017
What a magical story.
Alex Barrow moves back to his hometown after he loses his job and breaks up with his boyfriend. He reopens his mother’s coffee shop and turns it into a bakery.
Alex notices that a young man comes in regularly to just sit and draw. Alex finds out that this man is Corbin Wale, and Alex vaguely remembers him from high school.
There is a dreamy quality about Corbin that makes him different from other people. Alex remembers how much Corbin got picked on in high school for being different like that. But Ales can’t help but be intrigued by the pretty young man.
Corbin knows he cannot let people close. He knows anyone who gets close gets hurt. But the kind new owner of the bakery does seem nice. And Alex does seem persistent to become his friend.
The two do become friends, despite Corbin’s attempts to keep his distance. When Alex finds out Corbin doesn’t have a job anymore, he hires him to help in the kitchen.
But both men seem too scared to admit their feelings for each other….
This was a wonderful story filled with magic. Not magic magic, but magic of the real world. Every day magic, if you just look close enough.
I especially liked being in Corbin’s head. His mind was a beautiful place to be. He saw the world as a magical place and he felt so deeply about everything. The way he smelled thing, felt energy, saw bonds between people. I think we should all just stop with what we’re doing sometimes and just see and feel like Corbin.
And Alex was perfect for Corbin. Alex was patient and kind and he never dismissed Corbin’s way of seeing the world. Alex just understood Corbin.
The romance was a slow one and first there was friendship, then love and finally sex. I love relationships that start like that. I always feel that it has a more solid foundation for the rest of the (physical) relationship.
I do have to say that halfway I got the feeling that the story was paused in some way, I felt as if something should have happened then, but it didn’t. But that was just a minor niggle I had. The rest was wonderful.
Alex Barrow moves back to his hometown after he loses his job and breaks up with his boyfriend. He reopens his mother’s coffee shop and turns it into a bakery.
Alex notices that a young man comes in regularly to just sit and draw. Alex finds out that this man is Corbin Wale, and Alex vaguely remembers him from high school.
There is a dreamy quality about Corbin that makes him different from other people. Alex remembers how much Corbin got picked on in high school for being different like that. But Ales can’t help but be intrigued by the pretty young man.
Corbin knows he cannot let people close. He knows anyone who gets close gets hurt. But the kind new owner of the bakery does seem nice. And Alex does seem persistent to become his friend.
The two do become friends, despite Corbin’s attempts to keep his distance. When Alex finds out Corbin doesn’t have a job anymore, he hires him to help in the kitchen.
But both men seem too scared to admit their feelings for each other….
This was a wonderful story filled with magic. Not magic magic, but magic of the real world. Every day magic, if you just look close enough.
I especially liked being in Corbin’s head. His mind was a beautiful place to be. He saw the world as a magical place and he felt so deeply about everything. The way he smelled thing, felt energy, saw bonds between people. I think we should all just stop with what we’re doing sometimes and just see and feel like Corbin.
And Alex was perfect for Corbin. Alex was patient and kind and he never dismissed Corbin’s way of seeing the world. Alex just understood Corbin.
The romance was a slow one and first there was friendship, then love and finally sex. I love relationships that start like that. I always feel that it has a more solid foundation for the rest of the (physical) relationship.
I do have to say that halfway I got the feeling that the story was paused in some way, I felt as if something should have happened then, but it didn’t. But that was just a minor niggle I had. The rest was wonderful.
December 22, 2017
I really had no idea. I think this is one of the first Holiday books that came across my feed and the author and the cover just drew me in.
Without even knowing anything I seemed to have saved the best for last. Well, not last, but we are surely running out of time, yes?
I had no idea what I was getting into with this one.
This book was pure magic.
No really, it was.
I never in a million years would have thought that I'd be adding a Holiday read to my favorites of the year but there is no other place for this book but on that shelf.
I could read this all over again.
Pure magic.
Without even knowing anything I seemed to have saved the best for last. Well, not last, but we are surely running out of time, yes?
I had no idea what I was getting into with this one.
This book was pure magic.
No really, it was.
I never in a million years would have thought that I'd be adding a Holiday read to my favorites of the year but there is no other place for this book but on that shelf.
I could read this all over again.
Pure magic.
December 18, 2021
4.5 Stars
I’m late to this party, but I’m so glad I finally made it!
This story was, in a word, COMPELLING.
Although a contemporary piece, this story carried an ethereal quality, both in the writing and in the plot, that made it feel just a little bit magical.
Lonely and a misfit his whole life, Corbin believes he is cursed. He believes, like generations before him, that anyone he falls in love with will die within a year, so he’s spent his entire life avoiding such attachments, keeping to himself, living in the woods with his rabble of wild dogs for companionship.
When Alex moves home after a long stint in New York, he inherits his mother’s shop and revamps it into the dine-in bakery he’s always thought was an impossible dream. It’s there, every day, that Corbin comes to sit, ponder life and draw his marvelous (and very real to him) creations. Alex is lost in love at first sight.
Slowly, over the lead up through Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, Corbin and Alex get to know each other and can’t help but fall in love, which is helped along through doubled proximity when Corbin takes a job working as Alex’s baking assistant.
These two were inevitable, as much as Corbin tries to stay detached… for Alex’s own sake. But, through the magic of food and baking with love, Corbin begins to turn his luck around, trying with all his might, to break the curse one baked good at a time.
I loved how these two communicated. Corbin was a hard nut to crack, seemingly living in his own world half the time, but Alex is ever the steadfast companion, always listening and never judging. Corbin was a very lucky man to be loved and cared for by someone as kind and wonderful as Alex, and Alex, seeing through all of Corbin’s eccentricities, was a lucky guy himself, for finding such an extraordinary and precious heart to love as Corbin’s.
This was a really unique story and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. If you’re looking for something a little different, a little magical this Christmas, this is the story for you!
I’m late to this party, but I’m so glad I finally made it!
This story was, in a word, COMPELLING.
Although a contemporary piece, this story carried an ethereal quality, both in the writing and in the plot, that made it feel just a little bit magical.
Lonely and a misfit his whole life, Corbin believes he is cursed. He believes, like generations before him, that anyone he falls in love with will die within a year, so he’s spent his entire life avoiding such attachments, keeping to himself, living in the woods with his rabble of wild dogs for companionship.
When Alex moves home after a long stint in New York, he inherits his mother’s shop and revamps it into the dine-in bakery he’s always thought was an impossible dream. It’s there, every day, that Corbin comes to sit, ponder life and draw his marvelous (and very real to him) creations. Alex is lost in love at first sight.
Slowly, over the lead up through Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, Corbin and Alex get to know each other and can’t help but fall in love, which is helped along through doubled proximity when Corbin takes a job working as Alex’s baking assistant.
These two were inevitable, as much as Corbin tries to stay detached… for Alex’s own sake. But, through the magic of food and baking with love, Corbin begins to turn his luck around, trying with all his might, to break the curse one baked good at a time.
I loved how these two communicated. Corbin was a hard nut to crack, seemingly living in his own world half the time, but Alex is ever the steadfast companion, always listening and never judging. Corbin was a very lucky man to be loved and cared for by someone as kind and wonderful as Alex, and Alex, seeing through all of Corbin’s eccentricities, was a lucky guy himself, for finding such an extraordinary and precious heart to love as Corbin’s.
This was a really unique story and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. If you’re looking for something a little different, a little magical this Christmas, this is the story for you!
May 30, 2024
Poetic, almost lyrical, with a lot of almost magical elements 💕
This was… not what I expected. My record with books by Roan Parrish is mixed: some I couldn’t stand, others I thought were… ok. Nice. And there even was one I absolutely loved and rated with 5 stars.
This one is my second 5 stars read. Yes, the pacing is slow. And yes, I was confused and half expected for it to turn into an urban fantasy romance.
Spoiler: it didn’t.
Instead, it was… simply beautiful. It’s the very slow burn romance between Alex, who returns to his hometown to take over his mother’s cafe/bakery. And Corbin Wale, a loner who loves to just sit in a corner and draw and dream. Corbin, who looks almost elfin, and who doesn’t have human friends, only the ones he draws. And his dogs/wolves with whom he’s obviously able to communicate without using words.
That is, until he meets Alex, who’s intrigued by Corbin. And who, with a lot of patience and understanding, manages to befriend the shy, taciturn man.
I went in blind, and that’s what you should, too, if you haven’t read it yet. It’s not all fun and games, and there were moments where my heart ached for Corbin (and another character). But if you’re ready to slow down and let yourself sucked in into a story full of yearning and pining, you’ll have a wonderful with this book.
The audio version narrated by Chris Chambers has its share in making me fall in love with this book - so if you can, listen to the audiobook 💕
This was… not what I expected. My record with books by Roan Parrish is mixed: some I couldn’t stand, others I thought were… ok. Nice. And there even was one I absolutely loved and rated with 5 stars.
This one is my second 5 stars read. Yes, the pacing is slow. And yes, I was confused and half expected for it to turn into an urban fantasy romance.
Spoiler: it didn’t.
Instead, it was… simply beautiful. It’s the very slow burn romance between Alex, who returns to his hometown to take over his mother’s cafe/bakery. And Corbin Wale, a loner who loves to just sit in a corner and draw and dream. Corbin, who looks almost elfin, and who doesn’t have human friends, only the ones he draws. And his dogs/wolves with whom he’s obviously able to communicate without using words.
That is, until he meets Alex, who’s intrigued by Corbin. And who, with a lot of patience and understanding, manages to befriend the shy, taciturn man.
I went in blind, and that’s what you should, too, if you haven’t read it yet. It’s not all fun and games, and there were moments where my heart ached for Corbin (and another character). But if you’re ready to slow down and let yourself sucked in into a story full of yearning and pining, you’ll have a wonderful with this book.
The audio version narrated by Chris Chambers has its share in making me fall in love with this book - so if you can, listen to the audiobook 💕
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