A 2017 Riptide Holiday Charity NovelLast 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 … 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.
NOTE: Twenty percent of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network. To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website: https://lgbtnet.org/en.
Word count: 59,200; page count: 237
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I always look forward to Roan Parrish’s writing because she has a poetic, descriptive style that draws you into her character’s lives. She’s the kind of author who makes you stop, inhale and reread a passage because it is so beautifully put together. The Remaking of Corbin Wale is no different. This story is pure magic.
Alex Barrow, pastry chef, finds himself returning to his hometown looking for a fresh start after things fall apart for him in New York. He opens a bakery where he is free exercise his creativity and develop his own recipes. He soon finds himself intrigued by the lonely, reclusive artist who hangs out at his bakery sipping coffee and working on his art. Corbin Wale’s life hasn’t been easy as the town’s weirdo freak. In time, Alex finds himself looking forward to seeing Corbin sitting at his table each day. When he learns Corbin is in need of a job he puts him to work as a baking assistant. The two men bond as Alex teaches Corbin the intricacies of baking and they can’t deny their pull to one another.
Once again, Roan Parrish has created a wonderfully quirky character in Corbin Wale. She pulls us into his mind and into his heart as he struggles with the reasons why he shouldn’t be with Alex. As he faces the condescending stares and rude comments from people who see him as nothing more than the freak who lives in a house in the woods. As Alex pushes him past his insecurities to develop a bond of friendship and then of love.
So romantic and sweet!
Nothing about this book really caught my attention before reading it. But for the past few days there were so many of my mutual’s on Twitter who kept raving about it, so I gave it a chance.
I am so glad I did. This story was magical.
When Alex’s life does a complete 180, he finds himself moving back to his hometown to take over his parents bakery. One day he meets Corbin Wale, and he is instantly interested. Corbin lives in his own head, he is a recluse, lonely, and an artist… and he believes his family is cursed.
Corbin has always thought that no one would accept him for who he is, so when he meets Alex and Alex loves him flaws and quirks and all, it honestly brought tears to my eyes. They were both instantly drawn to each other from the start, but they had such a beautiful and slow-burn romance.
This is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It was a bit odd, but these characters were pretty remarkable, and their relationships with friends and families were so authentic. The writing had an ethereal feeling to it, and I definitely recommend it.
4.5 stars
“The Remaking of Corbin Wale” by Roan Parrish follows baker Alex Barrow after his life is turned upside down and he finds a way to start anew. His patient interactions with the almost fey Corbin Wale provide a turning point for both of them, but there may be insurmountable obstacles to them having a deeper relationship. The book is divided according to the four elements (earth, water, fire, and water) and the point of view shifts as the element shifts, from one main character to the other. A portion of the profits from this story will support the Russian LGBT network.
This m/m contemporary romance is a gentle romance with a touch of otherworldliness. The connection that forms between two injured souls…one of whom has seen things clearly yet been called a weirdo for most of his life…is lovely to watch develop. I like the care and consideration that Alex shows for the wary Corbin and the way he strives to understand the other man even as he shows his affection through his baked creations. Corbin’s struggle with the truth that has been passed down through his family makes him understandably wary of entering into a relationship, and his coping mechanisms that set him apart from most people make him a very unique individual.
I enjoyed the slow burn that escalates into a sensual relationship and the evolution of each character’s growth. Alex’s best friend was a little abrasive at first but did redeem himself, and I really want to know how his situation turns out, so I hope he stars in the next book! I learned about the celebration of Chanukah (and want to taste some of the traditional dishes, lol), and I am intrigued by Corbin’s idea for a way to deal with negativity. The author paints wonderful word portraits and creates vivid characters, and this is another great example.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which has been submitted to Night Owl Reviews