Well wasn't this a delightful first book read for me from this author. I don't know that I can cover just how much I loved Corbin Wale, but I'm certainly going to try.

The first several chapters we get from Alex's point of view. I think I would have been happy even if that had been the sole PoV character for the novel. Alex is sweet and strong and I like the way he thinks. It's clear how sensitive a person he is just from the way he looks at Corbin right from the start and really sees him. I think it would be a mistake to consider that Alex does this because of sexual interest in the man. I reckon, instead, it indicates a great deal of him as a character.

But then we did get Corbin's point of view and oh-holy-hell I loved this guy. He is sweet, and a little bit fragile, and incredibly whimsical, and you know what one of the things I loved about this story was that there was never a definitive answer on whether the magic Corbin believed in, the curse and everything else in his history, was something provable or something in his head. Just that level of fantasy mixed in with realism made this story for me.

The only possible criticism I would lay at this book at all was that there was a whole bunch of telling in the first two chapters in the book, before we settled into the story itself and the lyricism of Roan's writing overall.

Although I’ve read several titles by this author, and have enjoyed each one a great deal, I had a difficult time with both the reading of The Remaking of Corbin Wale, as well as writing this review. Evocative, sensual, and magical—I can’t remember ever reading anything like it, and wanted to love it because of that alone. Each of the five senses is teased into complicity, and the author’s general storytelling abilities are evident throughout. Phrasing such as:

“In Alex’s arms, time was measured in breaths and distance in the wrinkles of the clothing between them…”

handily caught me up in the narrative are everywhere, seeming almost careless in their delivery, if it weren’t for their undeniable importance.

I also thought both Corbin and Alex were wonderful characters, although it was Corbin who repeatedly drew me in and kept the story pleasantly unsteady. Corbin has made a wall of himself, reinforced by a lifetime of inherited hurt and loneliness, and I couldn’t help being fascinated by the increasing fractures along its surface shaped by his wanting of Alex. The two are different in so many ways, but somehow collide at the merging of belief and magic, sensation and desire—the jumble of their pieces sliding together in a cohesiveness that neither is much inclined to refute.

Almost a character in and of itself, the Wale curse is an ever-present nemesis, always lurking and threatening, and shaping so much of Corbin’s life that it really does seem to be a tangible thing. At first, I thought the curse begged the familiar question: does it exert a power of its own on those subject to it, or does it derive influence from the strength of their belief in its existence? In Corbin’s case, however, that became irrelevant as soon as Alex joined him in his determination to break it, rather than doubt its actuality.

Overall, I found The Remaking of Corbin Wale to be a unique and sweet holiday read. While there were several moments when I was unable to completely immerse myself in the narrative, I’ve decided they are more personal in nature and shouldn’t dissuade anyone else from giving it a try. Additionally, 20% of the proceeds from the sale of this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network, which, on initial inspection, seems like a very worthy cause.

Wow I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Did I enjoy it? Yes Did I completely understand the characters? No Was it charming? Absolutely

Corbin is a fascinating character but I'll be honest I'm not sure if he was supposed to be magical (his communication with animals/ability to sense what others felt) or if he had a mental illness like autism or if it was a combination of both. The author never makes it clear and leaves it to the reader to draw their own conclusions. You couldn't help but like Corbin and to feel deeply for his troubled childhood. As a child he was different and shunned by the other children and really not given much attention from the aunts who raised him except to convince him he could never have love. That part really made me sad and I wanted a happy ending for Corbin.

Alex was a really great guy and incredibly patient and giving. He wanted to be needed and Corbin needed him. He was also willing to let the relationship be whatever Corbin needed whether that meant a close friendship or a romantic relationship. He understood Corbin like no one else in his life ever had and accepted him for exactly who he was. (I guess that's where I felt some of the realism was lost). I loved that Alex accepted Corbin but I think I would have liked him to have a few doubts/concerns and then figured out that loving Corbin was worth it versus just full out never worrying about the fact that Corbin could check out of reality or that he had this entire imaginary world he'd created for himself.

This was a very slow burn romance that worked for these characters and they don't even touch until almost 75% through the story but given the context of Corbin's background and belief that he was cursed it was realistic. The love scenes were interesting and very different - I can't say that I found them hot but they were emotional. The author paints a picture with her words that is completely different from anything else I've ever read.

I also very much enjoyed the holding setting and that the book revolved around Chanukah. It fit the sweet and magical/mystical aspects of the book. I also really liked that we got both Alex and Corbin's POVs although I never really felt like I got to know enough about Alex except for how he felt about food and Corbin. I loved Gareth, Alex's best friend and I really hope that we get his story. He was a great secondary character that added a lot to the book.

I'm not sure this book will be for everyone - it's as different as the character it portrays. It was for me an intriguing book that was just right to read around the holidays and while curled up next to the fire. I'm still not 100% sure how to rate this book so I think I'll go with 3.5 stars and round up.

Otherworldly.
Intense.
Magical.
Consuming.

That’s all I’m capable of right now because I’m having a hard time putting my feelings about this book into coherent sentences.

Otherworldly…Corbin is so fey-like in both looks and demeanor that there is no other way to describe him. He’s eerily beautiful. And his complete oneness with nature is mesmerizing. He made me want to disappear into the woods and never come back.

Intense…Alex’s instant attraction to Corbin (but not instant love which made this book even more beautiful) is like a punch in the gut. And Corbin’s single minded attention to Alex was overwhelming and had me holding my breath more than once. Particularly since Corbin’s attention isn’t easily.

Magical…Just that. Magical. If I say more I’ll give away too much.

Consuming….Alex and Corbin’s attraction and growing love is full of so much energy that there is no middle ground. Neither one of these men do anything halfway.

I’m still reeling from this amazing holiday book. The way the celebration of Chanukah helps Corbin realize the possibilities in life was absolutely beautiful. And the (I think) promise of a future story featuring two secondary characters in the book has me hopeful. Hopefully I’ll have time to emotionally recover from The Remaking of Corbin Whale before my next holiday read.

Seriously, though. Buy this book. What an excellent and beautiful addition to your holiday romance collection.

Nat

~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.

"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 his small town 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 his mind. He's an artist and a recluse. He forgets time and place. And his drawings come to life. Corbin is sensual, 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 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 Hanukkah 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 places 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 mind 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.

4.5 Stars

After Alex’s life implodes in a matter of 48 hours he decides to leave New York and come back home to Michigan and take over his parents' cafe, turning it into the bakery he’s always wanted. Once all the renovations are complete and the cafe, now bakery, reopens, he meets Corbin, the local “weirdo”, but Alex doesn’t think of him that way and is drawn to Corbin. But even if Corbin is standoffish, they begin to form a friendship.

This was a sweet story, but I’ll let you know now, you’ll have to suspend your belief in reality. The story has a magical and superstitious touch to it.

I really loved both Corbin and Alex, my heart absolutely broke for Corbin and his backstory had me in tears at one point, but he was so sweet and had such an innocent like personality. Alex was sweet, caring and nurturing. I loved that he believed in Corbin and the patience he displayed throughout the story.

The chemistry between them was undeniable and the love they felt for one another came off the pages at you. The story was well-written and really enjoyable. It had romance, mystery, a bit of suspense, as well as love and passion.

A very enjoyable holiday read I’d definitely recommend!

P.S. Roan, please write Gareth and Orin’s story!

*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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.

Let me start by saying I had no idea that there was a charity where authors got together to donate book proceeds to the Russian LGBT Network and reading that opening passage detailing how that organization works was enough for me to preorder this book even though I was lucky enough to be given an arc by Netgalley.

Now on to the book, I haven’t read anything by this author before but after this read I am ready to change that. ‘The Remaking of Corbin Wale’, is a book that perfectly combines reality with a hint of magic as we following along on this journey where both men work to discover who they are and how to open up and share themselves with others.

This story is about love and acceptance of who you are while allowing someone into your world to see it how you do without fear of judgement or ridicule and it executes that beautifully and my only criticism is that it had to end as I would happily follow these characters for as long as I could.

**thank you again to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I thought I would like this book more than I did. Roan Parrish has a beautiful writing style, and I'm a sucker for the "lonely misfit finds love" trope. Parrish creates a memorable character in Corbin Wale, and my heart broke for him several times as he displayed his resigned expectations that everyone he met would either ignore or tease him. However, I couldn't help feeling that there was a power imbalance between him and Alex, and it bothered me in a way I couldn't ignore. Supposedly Alex is in a vulnerable spot too - he has lost his lover and his job in New York City - but as soon as he moves to Ann Arbor everything goes smoothly for him. His new bakery cafe is an instant success, he has a great relationship with his mom and her boyfriend, he rescues his best friend from a bad relationship, and he is perfectly, unerringly patient and understanding about Corbin's eccentricities. I wanted to see a little more growth or change in Alex or maybe a flaw or two; he's like the Prince Charming who rescues the princess in the forest.

There are two secondary characters in the novel who seem poised to get their own story, so hopefully we'll get a chance to see Alex and Corbin again, even if it's in a supporting role. I'd love to see a sequel in which Corbin has come into his own enough to stop being constantly grateful to Alex and get grouchy or bitchy about something.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I feel as though I have been swept away on an ocean of words and the moon and tide havent brought me in yet. This story is magical full of little mysticism and Corbin's own world. He is a unique character with a unique perspective of the world that I would almost describe as on the spectrum or ADD but that is not quite right. Labels on Corbin dont feel right. He is a young man who grew up in chaos and was treated by others unkindly. Seeking comfort in his own mind and the characters he created was how he battled the loneliness of the world. He fell through the cracks not that there was much of a net. Loneliness and Isolation can drown a person and Alex like the moon and sun brought hope and love back to Corbin.

Its hard to pin this book down. Its prose is gorgeous the imagery for the food and sex is amazing. It will not be for everyone but then again Corbin did not mesh with everyone. I loved him and Alex and how they came together and I also truly hope Gareth is able to find peace as well. That is one of the few things of this book that felt unfinished. This is a sweet Hanukkah story and made me hungry for challah and all the various sweets.

The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a confusing, slightly odd though sweet, meditation on the power of love.

Alex Barrow, a pastry chef, loses his lover and job in the span of a few days; he decides to quit NYC, return home and open a bakery. Shortly after opening, a customer ordering coffee catches his eye. Alex finds himself irresistibly drawn to the man. Every day he looks out for him, hoping he'll stop in and when he does...Well, sometimes he stays and sometimes he goes. He always carries notebooks and pens with him. Sometimes he spends hours in the shop drawing pictures and other times it seems he's in another world. Alex finds reasons and ways to get his attention whenever and however he can.

Corbin Wale is known as a local weirdo. He can't help what people think about him, so he doesn't worry about it or try to change it. Orphaned as a young boy and raised by two aunts, he's been on his own for years and though he's lonely, he's fashioned a world of friends and confidants via the pictures he draws and the animals who live in and around his home. He's drawn to the owner of the bakery where he often spends his days, but knows that nothing can ever come of his attraction. The Wale family is cursed. Love is a death sentence for their partners, and so Corbin holds himself at a distance despite his interest in Alex.

When Corbin and Alex meet, they're instantly attracted to each other - Alex seemingly falls in love with Corbin from the moment he first orders coffee despite his awkwardness. Throughout the novel Corbin is described as a 'weirdo,' and frankly, after finishing this novel, I'm left thinking/wincing and nodding my head in agreement. From the moment they first meet, I was similarly bewildered trying to sort out my impressions of Corbin, and unfortunately, Ms. Parrish doesn't make it any easier. She variously presents him as an otherworldly/magical being, while also suggesting he might have a mental illness of some sort. (view spoiler). It's so confusing...the allusions to his deeply personal relationships with his comic book characters and emotional closeness to animals and the woods and his aunts spirits means he's a magical creature? Or mentally ill? I simply didn't understand what Ms. Parrish wanted to say about this character.

Alex is a thoughtful friend, loving son, knowledgeable baker...and willing partner to whatever Corbin is willing to give of himself. We know very little about his character aside from his relationship to Corbin, and that's a failing in the story. Likeable, loveable...he sees something in Corbin that doesn't transfer off the page. From the beginning, he's sexually attracted to Corbin, but willing to simply be a friend and co-worker if that's what Corbin wants and needs. Unfortunately, it's NEVER clear what Corbin needs or wants from a romantic partner. He fantasizes about a sexual relationship with Alex and tries to overcome the Wale curse in his own way...but his mind is such a bewildering mash-up of feelings/fantasy/sadness and desire, that I struggled to understand Alex's attraction to him. Who or what is actually attracted to?

They have a connection and an intense attraction, but Alex is never frustrated or angry or confused by the relationship. He's simply willing to let it be whatever Corbin wants it to be and...well, he's a great guy, so we're supposed to assume he doesn't have any doubts about the man he's falling for?

He isn't confused about how he sometimes completely checks out from life and the world around him? Corbin isn't allowed any fault in his eyes?

I became a fan of Ms. Parrish based on the Middle of Somewhere series. I love it. She has a remarkable way with words, but I just don't seem to enjoy the other stories she's produced outside of that series, and The Remaking of Corbin Wale is another misfire for me. I didn't understand the principal character, Corbin, or identify with him - and I struggled to understand his appeal to the other principal character Alex. I'm a fan of magical elements in my novel but I'm still not sure that's what Ms. Parrish is suggesting. The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a confusing mix of love, magic, mental illness, and romance. And for me, it just didn't add up to an enjoyable novel.

This was a really unique story. Alex is a pastry chef who takes over a business from his mother after the end of both his relationship and his job in NYC. He moves back to the small town he grew up in and plans to take some time to regroup and figure out what his next step in life will be. He finds himself entranced by a quirky customer who comes in often and sits in the corner and draws. Alex remembers Corbin as the odd boy from high school and it seems adult life hasn't improved much for him. Eventually the two men become friends and Alex ends up hiring Corbin as an assistant baker. They begin to fall for each other but Corbin has a family secret he can't seem to get past.

I enjoy stories about unique characters and Corbin definitely qualifies as unique. I really wasn't sure about him for the first part of the book. I like that the book is told in four parts. Two for Alex and two from Corbin. I really needed Corbin's pov to be able to connect with him.

I'm not sure I bought the love story between these two tbh but I liked them both separately and I liked the idea of it enough to let my misgivings slide. The sex scenes were super odd to me. I don't usually comment on sex scenes in my reviews because they're typically not relevant to the overall story for me. These were just so different though......... They fit the overall quirkiness of Corbin's character but, yeah, just really odd for me.

I loved Alex's best friend Gareth and I would love a book about him at some point. That has the potential to be a fabulous story.

So......overall I really enjoyed this. The writing was lovely and magical in places. I'm finding myself struggling to figure out how to describe the story and the writing style. I'll leave it with this was super unique and something I think you guys should try.

**ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Honestly? I’m not sure where to start with this review. I’ve got so many feelings about this book and each and every one of them is good. This is a book quite unlike any romance I’ve read before and the one word that springs to mind is magical. It is a magical story packed with fairy dust.
It invoked a state of mind that was like watching a favourite movie with a hot chocolate on a rainy day or hearing the uncontrolled giggles of a child. It just gave me an inner glow and a warmth that made me smile.

The relationship that grew between Corbin and Alex was a wonder to behold; it was so innocent in its conception. Alex, coming back home to Michigan to start afresh, taking over his parents business and Corbin, the town loner, with just his animals for company and who most of the town thinks is a freak. But with Alex’s slow coaxing, Corbin starts to open up and they begin to bond over food and cooking and their love of dogs. He was so very patient but it was worth the wait, just to get one of those innocent but glorious smiles from Corbin. Corbin is still holding back though and is reticent to go any further with Alex due to long held beliefs; can they overcome this and move forward? You need to read this book to find out.

“Because love doesn’t live in kisses and flowers and first dates. It lives in your mind, in your heart...”

I swear I could almost smell the bread baking and the fragrant whispers of sugar and vanilla in the air as I was reading it, it was so evocative. I adored all the mentions of cakes and pastries, it was just heavenly and I think I’d love to go sit and watch the world go by in Alex’s bakery, with one of his beautiful pastries and a steaming mug of coffee, just as Corbin does. I love Roan’s writing, she has this knack of making you feel, see and smell what the characters do, almost casting a spell over you so you’re suspended in the story. This book was part fairy tale for me and it’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I urge you to go on this spell-binding journey with Corbin and Alex and the supporting cast. I promise, you’ll not be disappointed.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.