While the reflective pace might not appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced plot, those who appreciate character-driven narratives and literary depth will find much to admire. 32 Days in May is a novel that lingers long after the final page, its emotional resonance and beautifully crafted prose leaving a lasting impression. It's a testament to Betty Corrello's skill as a storyteller, and a truly rewarding read for anyone looking for a thoughtful and moving literary experience.

32 Days in May had a little more depth than my usual fun summer beachy romance. It was a solid romance along with Nadia's struggle with her chronic illness & how it effected all of her relationships, including the one with herself as she mourned her life pre-diagnosis.

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

This was a beautifully written, emotional, wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot!

I LOVED this! The characters felt real, as did the romance. I thought this was a well written romance of two adults who have gone through some things and are just in need of something new.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend to all my friends.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!

i can’t totally explain it but this book just zapped me. it felt so electric to read. nadia had a clear voice, acerbic wit, dead-serious fears. her chemistry with marco was palpable. even knowing that nadia keeping her health concerns a secret from marco would eventually become an obstacle, her character and emotions made the decision feel perfectly reasonable. i so clearly understood her. also corrello had a talent for a turn of phrase or figurative language that just PERFECTLY described a feeling. i clearly really connected with the writing, which made it hard to put the book down and had me totally absorbed. i was feeling nadia’s feelings in my own body as i read. i stayed up late one night unwilling to step out of the story to go to bed.

also the time limit aspect of the story was done super well (and with more specificity of emotion than in other stories with a specific timeline for the relationship). nadia and marco both chafed under the time limit as their emotions grew AND found relief in the end date from their overwhelming emotions.

Just stunning. I absolutely loved this love story. It had everything i love in books of this genre. I would love to read more from this author!

3.5 stars

I was intrigued by this one right away when I heard it was similar to the movie Sweet November. It's an emotional read at times, but there are very sweet and hilarious moments too. I thought the chronic illness representation was really well done and appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the tough moments. The story was balanced well with a snarky banter filled (instalove) romance, but I do wish that Nadia would have revealed her diagnosis much sooner. That secret lasted almost the entire book and it seemed far fetched that Marco wouldn't notice anything given how much time they spent together. This made the ending feel incredibly rushed and incomplete. I wanted more of a reckoning (with groveling) between them. I'm glad this one had a happier ending than Sweet November though ;)

I both read and listened to the audiobook of 32 Days in May. Joy Nash did a great job overall with the narration, but the Jersey accent felt forced at times. It was distracting and unfortunately took away from the story. I do wonder if I might have enjoyed this one a bit more if I had just read the ebook.

Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3.5 stars

CW: chronic illness, suicidal ideation, alcohol addiction, depression

*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*

I really enjoyed this book. Before the reveal of the film name the author used to loosely base her premise, I had pegged this to be a combination of Almost Famous meets Sweet November and I was pleased to be partially correct. I enjoyed how the author wrote about the disease and how it is perceived through other people's eyes. A lot of it has to do with personality of the characters and I did feel that the author embodied that very well too. I was on the fence throughout the novel about Marco, but I put myself in his shoes for a bit and wondered what it would be like to receive the news he did, the way he did it. What would I have done? Probably flee and find the words at a later time. Anything I would have said in that moment would have been wrong or felt ingenious. I also put myself in Nadia's shoes. While I don't have lupus, I commend her for taking her situation into her own hands and commandeering her life, even if for just a little while. I cannot be upset with what she did and how she handled it. I just wish she would have taken better care of herself while living her fantasy, but if she had, then the conflict might not be there and I remind myself that this is a story, with a beginning, middle and end and the characters are shelved when I finish reading their story. It was really easy for me to feel that these characters could be real. I would love to see this book on the big, or little, screen in the future.

A beautiful and heartfelt story. I was happy to see such good representation for people with Lupus and how it affects them. The love story was very cute.

Everything Nadia has ever known about her life isn't the same after her diagnosis of Lupus. After losing her job and her health, her mental health has taken just as big of a nose dive and finding purpose and a path forward feels impossible. Sitting at rock bottom, she leaves city life and everything she has built for herself behind and hides in her family's beach house on the shore. She allows her depression and circumstance to consume her, only engaging with the outside world when necessary.
Marco is a Hollywood actor who is essentially hiding out for his own reasons. He's never been comfortable with the pressures of fame and all the interactions and inauthenticity that encompasses that lifestyle. After years of being in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, he runs from his life to sit in his depression as well. When these two meet, they aren't exactly the most receptive of each other but their pessimistic sarcasm and common views on their current surroundings seems to spark a kindred energy in both of them. Although it goes against their initial instincts, they let loose and have fun.
After their night of debauchery, Nadia never expects to see Marco again, but when he finds her the next day and proposes a deal to her, she is instantly apprehensive. The idea is to date every single day for the month of May, enjoy each other's company and then part ways. She reluctantly says yes, but Nadia makes the decision to keep her illness from Marco. She wants to keep his view of her unsullied by her illness and doesn't want to be known as the woman with Lupus but rather, just a woman.
As the days go by and the more time they spend together, their feelings grow and even though they both have so much pain, baggage and secrets between them, they find a kind of innocence and connection they've never experienced with anyone else. The way Betty writes their story, you see them falling in love before they even comprehend it themselves. From the attention to detail, to the subtle glances and movements that seem insignificant to most but monumental to them. She describes unexpected moments of peace and joy and how all those things, little as they seem, start to heal their battered souls. Nadia has so many conflicting feelings, trying to convince herself that everything she is feeling for Marco isn't real and everything she is seeing from him is superficial. She is constantly reminding them of their deal because it allows her to feel less guilty from keeping her illness from him. But as her illness takes hold, she is forced to face the truth and allowing him into the darkest part of her existence feels insurmountable. Learning to have faith that he’ll stay seems foolish to her and believing in the potential of their love is more terrifying than any of her physical diagnoses. When you’ve been filled to the brim with loneliness and despair, letting someone love you is the hardest thing you’ll ever do. But love wins, and these two find a love and life with each other that is so deserving of them both.
Betty has a way of writing stories that equally balance the delicate nature of love and trust with witty banter and comedic relief. I am so happy that I entered her writing journey on the ground floor. From her debut novel last year to this new piece that was just as amazing as the first, she’s a talent not to be ignored.

This was a really good read and I think it had a decent writing style and story! Would recommend to anyone looking for next read

Thank you to Avon Books for the eARC and physical book and Harper Audio for the ALC.

I really got sucked into this one. Nadia’s voice/POV just worked for me.

Nadia is a few months out from receiving a devastating diagnosis of lupus, and she’s kind of just treading water in life for a while. When she gets talked into a date with actor Marco, it’s like a break from her own life. She can be whomever she wants to be with him…including being a woman who is not sick.

32 Days in May was kind of a mix of heartbreaking realism, fun humor, found family, and unexpected but refreshing romance. I loved watching Nadia play around with Marco; them both embracing their short term dating experience while developing true feelings. It was both emotional and angsty and light and funny, somehow at the same time.

I’ll warn you, the narrator uses a strong Jersey Shore accent—which admittedly works for the character—but I couldn’t stop picturing a Snooki poof or GTL when I listened, so this was better read with my eye balls.

This was my first by Betty Corrello and I’ll have to keep an eye out for more.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read an early digital copy of this book. Based on the synopsis, I was immediately interested in reading this one. My favorite part of this one was the chronic illness representation. Corrello does an excellent job of realistically describing what life with a chronic illness is like. The way that the relationship between Nadia and Marco unfolds is emotional and I was invested from the beginning. These are characters that you can't help but root for from the beginning of the book! Out now!

I really liked this! I didn't get a chance to read Summertime Punchline yet, but will likely go back and read that soon. While it took me a little bit to get into, I ended up falling hard for Nadia and Marco. Marco was so annoying in the beginning and seemed like such a douchebag, but as he and Nadia opened up more with each other I could tell he really was so sweet. They were both helping the other out to feel "normal" -- for Nadia, like she didn't have a chronic disease / invisible disability, and Marco like he had his life together and could actually make something of himself. They decide to date for just the month of May with no strings attached, but of course, they fall for each other! What I really liked about this story was the depiction of Nadia's lupus and how if affected her life. After her initial diagnosis, she was in a dark place, but when she was with Marco (who didn't know about the lupus) she felt normal and free and happy. The romance was also lovely, with Marco ending up being the perfect gentleman and wooing Nadia, even taking her to Italy! He won me over, the book won me over, and I think it will win you over, too.

Nadia leaves her life of glamour and settles into survival mode back home in the midst of her family and familiar surroundings. Her recent lupus diagnosis has thrown her life in turmoil. But she's surrounded by meddlers and a setup with the infamous Marco leads Nadia to embrace a fling with him for the month of May. Nadia doesn’t tell Marco, pretending her diagnosis doesn’t exist, ready to throw caution to the wind and do anything and everything their short term relationship brings.
With Nadia's diagnosis and outlook, I expected this book to have me in a mess of tears. Betty does a beautiful job showing the trials and uphill battles Nadia has had to face and continues to deal with, but the fun and flirty Marco brings levity and counteracts what could have been a big "I ugly cried" book. Marco has his own mess to deal with too, don't get me wrong. Their chemistry is electric and the good they bring out in each other makes both Nadia and Marco so lovable. I rooted for them both through the entirety. The grand gesture is unforgettable. I adore when a theme or conversation becomes a part of the couple's lore.
Joy Nash was the sole reason I listened over eyeball reading. Her voice is like butter and I will never say no to an audiobook she performs.
Thank you Avon Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed this book and the balance of romance with real life challenges. The author was able to pull back the curtain and give a raw and emotional tale of Nadia’s health challenges and also how the support of those around her impacted her well being. It was honest, funny and hopeful.

There’s so much good stuff going on in this heartfelt romance, I loved some of the themes that are explored. Our heroine is grappling with the recent diagnosis of a chronic illness, so she’s not in the right headspace for a relationship. Our hero is in a messy place too, but they form a connection that is impossible to ignore. I loved the complexity of the characters and the fresh, nuanced storyline. I can honestly say I’ve never read a romance quite like this one, and there were moments that were really, really good. There was also something about the writing style that kept me feeling like an outsider looking in. Not sure how to describe it, other than to say that it felt abrupt at times, and that’s what keeps this from being a 5-star read for me. But it’s well worth the read.

The story follows Nadia, a firecracker of a woman who was recently diagnosed with lupus. It’s an illness that can feel like a death sentence at times, wreaking havoc on the body with no end in sight. So when she’s set up with Marco, an actor who is dealing with his own issues, it’s not a match made in heaven. The two have fun though, and it’s a refreshing break from the reality of their lives. Since Marco is only in town temporarily, Nadia and Marco agree to a month of fun, carefree dates before they part ways. But their connection gets stronger every day, revealing the potential for something big and scary.

I heard such good things about this book before diving in, and I can see why. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from Corrello in the future, she’s got some serious talent. I empathized with Nadia, but also loved her fire and strength. She’s a strong heroine who knows just how to handle the wildcard that is Marco. I liked him more as the story progressed, and it was great seeing them grow closer when that wasn’t something they were trying to do. There were a few moments that didn’t quite work for me, but the vast majority of the book is fantastic. The voice also feels unique, and I’m excited to see the author’s writing continue to grow.

Audio note: Great audio, but I recommend listening to the sample first. Nadia is from the Jersey Shore, so the narrator uses an accent throughout the audiobook. It adds a lot of personality to the performance, but not everyone will love it. Joy Nash is a new-to-me narrator, and I think she did an excellent job. The runtime (9-10 hours) is perfect for a single day binge, and the women’s fiction crossover vibes are ideal for the format. There’s a little bit of spice, but it’s not particularly descriptive, so probably not a bad choice for a workday listen. Definitely recommended in the format overall.

3.5 stars

32 Days in May is a small-town celebrity romance with a chronic illness rep. It has one of my favorite tropes, fake dating, and a beach and Rome setting perfect for a summer read. I liked Nadia and Marco's chemistry and how their relationship progressed. They are both flawed characters. Although, I liked Marco more than Nadia. Nadia had a chaotic energy that I found a little too much, but I appreciated the representation of chronic illness. It felt raw and authentic. The ending was sweet and satisfying. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my voluntary and honest review!

This was a truly unique book that I found hard to put down. A story about love and chronic illness; the author didn’t shy away from sharing the brutal and difficult moments surrounding the main character’s lupus diagnosis. The characters were messy and complicated, while still feeling incredibly genuine. Trigger warnings for chronic illness, suicide, and alcoholism.

I absolutely loved this book! I feel like it was written for me!! I also have lupus and while reading I connected with the main character so much! Between the meds and flare ups and exhaustion the author did an incredible job writing about the illness! This sweet romance was just what the doctor ordered!!

Nadia Fabiola has lupus she’s still reeling after her diagnosis and the loss of her job. When her doctor introduces her to his cousin Marco Antoniou an infamous former-actor cousin she decides to to keep her illnesses hidden from him, she doesn’t want him to treat her different. She’s tired of everyone looking at her like she’s fragile and weak, plus he’s only in town for a month. Determined to keep things simple and boring . After a messy (but fun) first date, they decide that a May-long fling could be just what the doctor ordered a no commitment, no strings, just one month of escape. Their undeniable chemistry starts to feel a lot like something more and while Marco pulls Nadia deeper into his life, she is dead set on keeping her diagnosis from him. But there are only so many days in May, and only so much pretending she can do. As the stress of their whirlwind romance takes its toll on Nadia’s health, she’s forced to decide if a chance at love is worth the risk of trusting someone new.
Travel from the Jersey Shore to Rome and back in this delightfully funny, beautifully honest exploration of love, intimacy, and vulnerability while living with a chronic illness.