The Remaking of Corbin Wale

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.