trigger warnings: addiction, depression, suicidal thoughts, and dealing with illness.

Nadia is back in her childhood vacation home after being diagnosed with lupus and being fired from her job. She's rediscovering herself and what she enjoys, when her doctor introduces her to his infamous-actor cousin, Marco. The two of them hit it off instantly but their night ends in an embarrassing way. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they definitely recognize the mutual tendency to self-destruct in each other, so when Marco approaches Nadia again and suggests they "date" as a distraction for the month of May, she agrees.

I really enjoyed reading their scenes together! Since they're "dating" only for a month, they don't plan on getting serious...which is obviously what happens, despite Nadia's desire to keep her lupus diagnosis from him. Nadia’s relationships with the side characters are all satisfying and enjoyable.

This book was a quick read with an enjoyable romance that I definitely recommend

Betty Corrello is one of my favorite romance authors. I loved “Summertime Punchline” and “32 Days in May.” The stories and main characters are so different, yet both stories are driven by authenticity, humor, depth, and angst. The writing style is beautiful and immersive, the reader is fully brought into the romance and setting.

Nadia’s life has abruptly changed. She lost her job and received a Lupus diagnosis. Now, having to adjust to her new life, she leaves Philly for the beachy boardwalk of Evergreen. Marco is a minor celebrity, burnt out from the highs and lows of life and has also returned home to Evergreen for a month. They are connected and agree to date just for the month of May. There is a lot of reluctance at first and hope within this short-lived dating agreement. I loved to see these two imperfect people fall in love, and see their lives brighten because of each other.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A no-strings attached summer fling gets very real when a woman with Lupus falls for the recovering alcoholic movie star slash photographer she meets while he's visiting for the summer. This was emotional, had fantastic disability and mental health rep (she has depression because of her diagnosis and considers suicide) and also has a lot of fun travel moments and sweet swoony gestures. A standout, ownvoices debut that is sure to be a hit this summer. 10/10 recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and the author for an advanced copy of this book! This was a 4.5 star book for me! I had seen this book online, but I wasn’t sure what to expect while reading this book, but I felt all the feels. I loved Nadia as a character as she tried to pick up the pieces of her life after a life changing diagnosis. Enter Marco, a former actor and her rheumatologists cousin, who she goes on messy first date with. I loved the dynamic of this book and the fact that both main characters were looking to escape their current lives in a romantic fling for the month of May. The banter between the two characters was funny and light, and I loved that Nadia had a more biting sense of humor. As a Jersey native, I appreciated that this book took place at the Jersey Shore. I flew through this book and as I progressed through the book I couldn’t wait to see what happened at the end of the month. This book is one of those fun summer reads that you can read in one sitting at the beach.
Check your trigger warnings before reading as this book deals with addiction, depression, suicidal thoughts, and dealing with illness. My only criticism of the book is the amount of internal thoughts Nadia had throughout the book that were italicized, as it made it more difficult to follow what was happening in some chapters. However, I recognize that there needs to be a way to distinguish between the dialogue in a scene and the characters internal thoughts, it is just not something I like while reading.

So bingeable, fun, and spontaneous!

I enjoyed this while not really connecting to the main characters (hence 4 stars instead of 5). Marco felt like an enigma (a pretty, flirtatious, endearing enigma but a riddle all the same). He warned Nadia not to get attached and that he uses people and then leaves them, but he seemed so head over heels fast. I think this is on me not being a huge insta love fan; however, Corrello did it really well.

Allie and Soph were awesome side characters and I would honestly love to read their story. The most supportive friends, goals!

I felt like it could’ve been longer. Reading some parts felt like sentences were missing or like it was a quick retelling. Or like listening to an audiobook on double speed. But all in all, I think that's the author's writing style, and that is totally fine. At the end of it all, it was a cute summer love story, and I would definitely recommend it.

"32 Days in May" by Betty Corrello is a poignant exploration of love and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is both romantic and gritty, weaving together moments of deep emotional resonance with the harsh realities of life.

Corrello's writing captures the essence of romance in a way that feels raw and unfiltered, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the emotional landscape of the characters.

What sets "32 Days in May" apart is Corrello's ability to balance the romantic elements with serious themes. The novel delves into subjects such as grief, personal growth, and the scars that relationships leave behind. It's not afraid to tackle the grit of reality, showcasing the struggles and heartaches that often accompany love. This duality creates a powerful reading experience that resonates on multiple levels.

The tone of the novel is inherently melancholic, infused with moments of sadness that highlight the fragility of human connections. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. Corrello's prose is evocative and reflective, inviting readers to ponder their own experiences with love and loss.

Overall, "32 Days in May" is a beautifully crafted story that blends romance with serious and gritty themes. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships and the enduring nature of love, even in the face of adversity. Betty Corrello's work is a testament to the human spirit, making this novel a compelling read for anyone who appreciates deep and reflective exploration.

very well-written romance with good plotlines and interesting characters. would definitely recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I downloaded this ARC on a whim after reading the summary and ended up really liking it! Nadia is back in her childhood vacation home after being diagnosed with lupus and being fired from her job. She's in the process of rediscovering herself and what she enjoys, when her doctor introduces her to his infamous-actor cousin, Marco. The two of them hit it off instantly but their night ends in an embarrassing way. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they definitely recognize the mutual tendency to self-destruct in each other, so when Marco approaches Nadia again and suggests they "date" as a distraction for the month of May, she agrees.

Nadia and Marco definitely have a lot of chemistry, and I really enjoyed reading their scenes together! Since they're "dating" only for a month, they don't plan on getting serious...which is obviously what happens, despite Nadia's desire to keep her lupus diagnosis from him. I also really liked Nadia's close relationship with her neighbors, who have served as anchors to her during her dark days.

All in all, this book was a quick, enjoyable romance that I definitely recommend if you like romances where the protagonist deals with chronic illness and/or an emotional romance!

Nadia & Marco ❤️

🌱After losing her high powered advertising job and hitting a mental rock bottom, Nadia retreats to her family’s holiday home on the Jersey Shore. Her lupus diagnosis has her in limbo, the pain and frustration of fatigue and the feeling that her life has ended.

🌱When her rheumatologist asks her to spend time with his cousin while he’s visiting, Nadia vows to hide her illness and put on a healthy front. When the former acting star and hottie Marco proposes a month of dating, Nadia can’t resist.

🌱When the pair click like two peas in a pod, there is no way she’s telling him the truth, it’s easier to just hide the reality while they have the best time together.

✏️When I spotted the early reviews of 32 Days in May from a new-to-me author, I knew I needed to take a chance on this story. I was so hooked while reading this gorgeous story of a quirky heroine and her lovely, slightly damaged hero, while both are afraid of their ability to make a success of a relationship. I loved how despite all the respective hard things in their lives, when Nadia and Marco are together, it had you rooting for the happily ever after. Such a poignant and truthful story ❤️

My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

I just couldn’t get into this but won’t be sharing a post anywhere because I see that so many others have loved this.

I’m saddened to say that I couldnt get into this book. The beginning was SOOOOOOO SLOW !!!!!! I had to DNF. I won’t be sharing this review to socials because I don’t want to skew anyone’s mind. It seems to have good reviews, maybe I’ll revisit it some day.

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello was a solid read, but it didn’t quite blow me away. The premise was interesting, and I liked the emotional depth the author tried to bring, but some parts felt a bit slow for me. The characters had potential, but I just wanted more from them. The writing was good, and the overall vibe was sweet, but it didn’t hit that next level I was hoping for. I’m giving it 3.5 stars.

Read This Book If…you love the movie Sweet November!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
32 Days in May by Betty Corrello

Genre: contemporary romance
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, a few open door scenes
Setting: Jersey Shore, NYC, Rome
POV: single, 1st person, present tense
Tropes: celebrity x normie, dating pact

My Thoughts:
These two have amazing chemistry!! Their banter and snark had me laughing out loud throughout. I loved their whirlwind romance and promises to part after the month of May.

This romance deals with some heavy topics, including chronic illness, depression, and alcoholism. Lupus does become a main character in its own right, against Nadia’s best wishes. It’s real and raw and I loved it!

Because each chapter is one day of May, there was wild inconsistency with chapter length, which is a minor pet peeve of mine. Also, the ending came at me a little too fast and I’ve never been so desperate for an epilogue years down the road.

Memorable Quote: “You called yourself a use. If this is how you use people, sign me up for life.”

Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing a DRC of this title for review.

This was my first book by Betty Corrello, but it definitely won't be my last! Really loved the characters, the humor, and the author's voice. For my own taste, could have used a little bit more depth on Marco's backstory and chemistry/yearning between the two, but all in all, would definitely recommend this one to readers, like me, who are loving recent rom-coms that include a touch of sadness.

5 stars!

Betty Corrello has written two for two absolute bangers, in my opinion. "32 Days in May" is incredible. Her writing style is very much right up my alley, and I felt every single emotion while reading this novel. Her humor and heart shine through in each sentence she writes. Her banter is top-notch. The emotions here are raw, deep, realistic, vulnerable, honest, tender, a little manic, and intricate. This book revolves around an insta-love plot, but unlike most novels, Corrello makes the trope work to her advantage by giving her characters depth and nuance, plus a touch of spice for good measure. Nadia and Marco are both extremely flawed individuals, but they are both so compelling as main characters. Their chemistry is off-the-charts good. They skate around their respective issues throughout their arranged time together (throughout the month of May) but, as they grow closer by the day, they slowly let their guards down and begin to heal themselves, and by proxy, each other. Marco is a "k-list celebrity," as they describe it, and my god, what a charmer. By far, the most interesting component of this story involves Nadia's lupus diagnosis. She has to get used to her new reality of bloodwork, daily pills, doctor's appointments, and her disease worsening. As someone with a chronic illness, I found this to be endlessly relatable. I understand all too well the notion of one's body betraying them time and time again. I empathized wholeheartedly with Nadia. If you've been an independent, able-bodied person like she had been up until that point, it's a stark difference to need to rely on people to help you do what others might deem a "simple" task. JUst getting out of bed can be a struggle, and don't get me started on the mental health aspects of being disabled. This all made me SOB, repeatedly. I felt so seen while reading this. I loved returning to Evergreen, New Jersey, and I adored every second of reading this book. This is what falling in love should feel like. I cannot wait to see what Betty Corrello writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Betty Corrello, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

ARC Review of "32 Days in May" by Betty Corrello

⭐ 4/5 Stars

“‘It’s so unfair…You’ve just existed all these years, and I only get to have you now.’”

“32 Days in May” is a heartfelt, witty, and emotionally raw story about a “one-month-only” no-strings fling that becomes something more. A romance grounded in vulnerability, humor, and the messy realities of living with chronic illness.

This book made me feel everything. Nadia’s struggles with her lupus diagnosis and desire to isolate herself felt deeply personal and real - I ached with her, rooted for her, and laughed with her. Betty Corrello’s writing perfectly balances humor and heartbreak, crafting scenes that sparkle with wit while also digging into heavy emotions with care.

I loved how imperfect and wonderfully weird the characters were. Nadia is guarded, sarcastic, and raw - flawed in ways that made her feel incredibly human. Marco, the charming, burnt-out former actor, is equally layered, and watching him slowly earn Nadia’s trust was so satisfying. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what truly pulled me in was their emotional connection and the vulnerability that bloomed between them.

From sun-soaked beaches to moonlit moments in Rome, every scene was set with intention and warmth. Betty Corrello paints each chapter with such vivid emotion and humor that I found myself wanting to linger with these characters just a bit longer. This was my first book by Betty Corrello, and I’ll definitely be adding “Summertime Punchline” to my TBR and following her work from here on out.

I was generously provided an e-ARC by Avon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own ♡

Review posted on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7465114965
And StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/36edf0d3-4d00-46f2-9225-a951dc923e6e

I’m really sorry but I don’t think that was a good one. At first the writing and the FMC’s persona kept me engaged and, if not more, interested in the story which made me think that this’ll be a 5-star.
But as the MMC started showing up, the insta-love (and lust) felt jut like too much. I didn’t like the nicknames (kid and pal). Why would he use a nickname name such as that for a woman he’s dating?
In my opinion, everything else was so rushed, I didn’t care about the plot anymore, and just when the book was finishing, the MCs started to get a bit sane. I went completely blind to it and had no explanations, and the extra star is for the sake of me liking the first 20% of the book.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarpersCollins Publishers, and Betty Corrello for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

While I am ordinarily anti anything New Jersey, Betty Corrello just might have converted me. This was not just a book about a woman dealing with lupus and her month-long fling with a C-list actor. This was a deeply moving tale about love, relationships, grieving, and growing.

Nadia starts the story as a deeply hopeless woman - sequestered from her family and her old life, her lupus controlling her life. Then she meets Marco. At first their fling seems like the one thing she can control, but can we ever really control who we fall in love with? Marco and Nadia dance around their respective issues, not wanting to ruin the month of May. But as with most things in life, that doesn’t go to plan, and it’s a catalyst for Nadia to work on her healing journey, both physical and emotional.

The side characters felt as fleshed out as our two MC’s, and the story flowed so beautifully. The month to fall in love felt so organic, even with Nadia and Marco not spending every day together. I was so devastated and overjoyed all at once. This was truly so beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage Publishing for the ARC of this book. This is so far my favorite contemporary romance read of the year so far. Just sooooo cute! I love the honesty of living with a long term illness being represented so well. Can’t recommend this book enough!

Wow—this book completely took me by surprise! I went in expecting a light contemporary romance, but what I got was so much more. It’s packed with depth, emotion, and a surprisingly layered plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.

There are moments that are heart-wrenching, others that are incredibly relatable, and some that truly make you pause and reflect. It’s not just a love story—it’s about healing, growth, and the complexities of being human.

If you’re looking for a romance with substance, heart, and insight, this one will definitely leave a lasting impression.