The Remaking of Corbin Wale – book review

The Remaking of Corbin Wale
by Roan Parrish
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Publisher:  Monster Press
Standalone
Number of pages:  218
Kindle Edition
Source: Amazon Purchase
Contemporary Romance M/M
Rating: R
Read 4/21/21 to 4/22/21

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.

This story is so beautiful. Both main characters, Alex and Corbin, are such kind and wonderful people. You can’t help but to root for them to both find their joy, peace, and an HEA.

Alex is quite gregarious. Not in an obnoxious or overwhelming way. He knows he can come off as intimidating due to his size and big personality so he’s learned when to rein it in. Although Alex has always been good at making friends, there are few who know the real him. He’s a natural caregiver so doesn’t tend to express his own problems so as to not burden anyone.

While Corbin also keeps any woes to himself, he pretty much keeps everything to himself. Always the odd man out when he was a child, that has carried over into adulthood. His upbringing was loving, but also extremely eccentric. The poor guy was given absolutely no social skills to work with. Now, as an adult, Corbin continues to keep to himself and limit his interactions to animals instead of humans. He also has an immense fantasy life where he actually lives a good majority of his life.

Corbin and Alex are instantly drawn to one another. Where Corbin has no clue how to proceed with such an attraction and believes there is no way someone as well-loved and outgoing as Alex would even give him a second look, Alex quickly realizes he will have to proceed very slowly with getting Corbin to open up and trust him. The way their story unfolds is magical. These two truly connect on a different level, understanding each other’s souls.

I think I loved getting to know Corbin almost as much as Alex did. He is such an interesting character. My heart ached for the young boy he once was and the man who was trying so hard to protect himself and those around him.

This is technically a holiday story as it takes place in November and December. To me, that makes the magic of the story that much more special. Roan Parrish is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. She really seems to understand human nature on a deep level.

5 stars