32 Days in May is one of the most emotional and heartbreaking books I’ve read in a long time. Betty Corrello delivers a deeply moving story that had me in tears more than once, and left a lasting impression on my heart.

Nadia’s journey with lupus is described with such honesty and sensitivity that I felt like I was right there with her—feeling her pain, her strength, her frustration, and her hope. The way her internal battles were portrayed gave me a much deeper understanding of what it means to live with a chronic illness. It wasn’t just about the physical toll, but the emotional weight that comes with it, and Corrello didn’t shy away from showing every raw moment.

One of the most beautiful parts of the story was Nadia and Marco’s connection. Their relationship felt so genuine and heartfelt, full of tenderness and vulnerability. Watching their bond deepen, despite the many challenges, made my heart ache in the best way. It was such a powerful reminder of how love can exist even in the hardest of times.

The town of Evergreen and its people were like characters themselves. I fell completely in love with the setting—the sense of community, the small moments of joy, and the warmth that radiated through even the saddest parts of the book.

This novel was more than just a love story or a chronicle of illness—it was a raw, deep, and incredibly human experience. I’ll be thinking about Nadia, Marco, and Evergreen for a long time.

This started a bit slow but then it got so good! It was sexy, romantic, sad and real. I didn't want it to end. If you like a quirky, unexpected romance, give this one a read!

32 Days in May comes out next week on May 13, 2025, and you can purchase HERE! I love this book!!

"It's so unfair." This comment is directed at his coffee mug. "You've just existed all these years, and I only get to have you now."

I feel pretty torn about 32 Days in May. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either.
Nadia had a dry wit I appreciated, but some of her reactions felt oddly intense or disproportionate—getting angry over someone liking dinner more than breakfast, for example. She could also come off as a bit too blunt at times. Marco took a while to grow on me, but he ended up being charming, and I liked how openly he showed his interest in Nadia.
The storytelling style wasn’t quite for me—it felt more like reading someone’s diary than a fully immersive narrative. Some scenes lacked context, which made it harder to connect with the story. I normally would’ve DNF’ed, but since I’d heard such glowing things about the book, I stuck with it. I’m glad I did, because by the second half, I warmed up to both characters, and some of their moments together were genuinely sweet and heartfelt.
As someone unfamiliar with lupus, I found the representation informative and well done. Despite my mixed feelings, I’d still recommend the book.

sad girl summer lovers riseeeeee!!!

nadia is sick. and she really doesn’t want to be. when her doctor sets her up with his cousin, she’s not expecting marco to sweep her off her feet. and he’s just as broken as she is.

this was such an emotional and angsty read. the two of them really are two broken people fighting against finding love when it seems pointless. it was supposed to only be for may, after all.

the setting, writing, and journey these two went on was so poignant and i truly could not put this book down. i loved watching them slowly unravel for each other. the third act breakup felt super realistic for them as a couple and i loved how it ended.

what to expect
⟢ only for the month of may
⟢ chronic illness rep
⟢ depression and addiction rep
⟢ jersey shore and italy setting

thank you so much HarperCollins and HarperCollins Audio for the gifted copies!

Nadia is trying to run away…from a diagnosis that has cost her so much…her livelihood, her freedom, her control over her body and her life. Her rheumatologist sets her up with his cousin, an infamous former actor/cousin Marco, who is dealing with issues of his own. They go out for a date and end up making a pact, they’ll date for the month of May…just fun, no strings attached. How could anything go wrong.

This book was so much more than I expected. It really delves into the mindset of someone who is given a life changing, life altering diagnosis. As someone who suffers from an autoimmune disease, though not lupus, I can relate so much to Nadia’s situation. Her need to hide from the diagnosis, her want to be normal, her resistance of help and finally her acceptance. Brutally honest, this book can be sad at times, but there are so many light, fun moments. Two imperfect people helping each other thru it all. You can’t help but love the cast of characters. It did start out slow and sad, I put it down for a few days and read something lighter. But when I picked it up again, I flew thru it and really enjoyed it. Such a testament to love, perseverance, the importance of family and friends, putting yourself first and not letting one thing define you. Take a trip to the Jersey Shore, Philly, New York and Rome.

This was my first novel but this local to me author. I look forward to reading her again. Go Birds!

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Betty Corrello is such a gem! 💎 I adored her debut and I love this story just as much!

As a chronic illness girly, this story rings true in many turbulent, touching ways! I adored Nadia’s character and her internal monologue was such a hoot! She was painfully relatable and wholly likable.


Thanks to Betty Corrello for dreaming up such a masterpiece and to Avon and Harper Voyager for the free arc!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nadia just wants to lose herself in the town of Evergreen after losing her job and being diagnosed with lupus, yet when her rheumatologist sets her up with his infamous former actor cousin, Marco.... Nadia finds herself agreeing to fate him for the whole month of May before they go their separate ways.... but love comes out of nowhere and what was supposed to be an easy no strings attached fling turns into something more... but Nadia has been keeping her sickness a secret... and if he finds out she'll have to be forced to decide whether or not it's worth risking her heart and trusting him to let him in. This was a lovely summer romance read, it's heartfelt, it's sweet, and such an easy read. Its the kind of book I would love to be made into a summer romance movie so I could watch it every summer. I loved the idea of two people from separate walks of life getting to spend one month together just being themselves... and finding love, but then realizing that they are truly in love and must trust each other to really show themselves to one another. I found the exploration and portrayal of chronic illness to be well done. I really enjoyed this so much and will absolutely be recommending it to others!

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

✨✨ 3.5 ✨✨

For me this was hard to read, but in a good way. The chronic health condition representation hit very close to home at times as well as the people in Nadia’s life reacting to her at times. No story is ever going to be exactly what you’ve experienced but enough was relatable to get me and it was all very well handled. At times it felt drawn out with the repetitive internal monologues which would sometimes contradict what was just thought so it was hard to feel a flow at times. The ending as well felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen them building a life together with her accessibility needs in mind rather than the abrupt happy for now ending just after they’ve reconciled. I get that it could have gone down the too neat ending route but I just made me feel unsatisfied and like the last bit of development was missing. Overall it was a very engaging read I’d recommend to anyone looking for chronic illness representation in their reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I haven’t read a romance book in so long that has truly gripped me the way this one has. Nadia is the type of FMC I enjoy reading about. A little self loathing, funny, and uses humor to cope with the circumstances. Recently diagnosed with lupus, the author does a great job of exploring what it’s like to live with chronic illness, it felt real and raw. Marco, our MMC is a jaded former actor who’s also trying to pivot in life. Both him and Nadia parallel each other in so many ways. There relationship felt natural and was just fun to read about. I always love good banter and books that genuinely make me laugh out loud. The premise of their relationship “hey let’s just date for a whole month and go our separate ways” never really works so as the reader we get to enjoy this emotional roller coasters these two are going to go on.

The writing and background details was also A+. As a Jersey native and someone who has spent her childhood at the Jersey Shore, the fictional town of Evergreen was so endearing to read about.

The secondary characters also felt well rounded and added on to the story to make it even better.

Have your tissues ready. It’s been a while since a romance book made me ugly cry 😂 but it was sooo worth it. Excited to check out the authors previous book!

“I sort of like things that make me sad.”

“Me too. I love being sad. I love having a reason to sit on the couch and cry.”


To keep things in her life simple after being diagnosed with Lupus and struggling to redefine herself, Nadia moves back to her childhood hometown in Evergreen, New Jersey to hide from her former life.
It’s only until she meets Marco, who is only going to be in Evergreen for a short time that brings an excitement she hasn’t experienced in a long time.
The chemistry between them was only supposed to be a fling, but what if there’s more?

Love a sad girl summer with quirky, awkward fun humor and an unusual whirlwind of a romance.

Nadia is delightfully funny, contemplative, vulnerable, and aware of the fact that she is on a healing and self connecting journey while also wanting to stay miserable and pissed at the world as she adjusts to the sudden changes in her life.

Marco, is like any other typical charming, brooding male lead, but with a Mullet and nicotine addiction. and however, he’s brutally honest about being an emotional vampire due to former drug abuse. Despite that, you can’t help but like him more with every chapter.

Such great little side characters. Soph and Allie were especially entertaining that I couldn’t help but always want more of. Soph’s dry sense of humor had some really funny moments: “The Goat Lotion people are fascists..”

While the plot is predictable with the fake dating pact/temporary dating trope, it’s an engaging, beautiful contemporary love story of two emotionally flawed humans. The struggles of chronic illness was something I could relate to after watching my mother deal with it everyday these last 8 years since her Fibromyalgia diagnosis.
I also appreciated the character growth.
I definitely recommend reading this one for a late spring/early summer romance vibe. 4.5 stars ⭐️

Thank you to AvonBooks, Harper Voyager, the author and Netgalley for this eARC.

Betty Corrello is a singular and standout voice in contemporary romance. 32 DAYS IN MAY is beautifully written, with vivid and complex characters, humor, and so much heart. I love this book!

4.5 stars

Gahhhhhh, this book felt like coming home. As someone who grew up at the Jersey Shore, the setting wrapped around me like a warm, familiar hug. Betty Corrello captures that unique mix of nostalgia and salt air so perfectly. I could practically hear the waves and smell the boardwalk fries. And then there’s Marco and Nadia — that chemistry! It’s electric and emotional and completely addictive. Every glance, every touch, really every interaction had me holding my breath.

What really set this book apart, though, was the beautiful, honest portrayal of chronic illness. The lupus representation was raw and realistic, adding such depth to Nadia’s character and making the love story all the more powerful. It was tender and heartbreaking in the best way. I also adored the subtle nods to Sweet November; they hit exactly the right emotional notes. This story left my heart full and aching in the most satisfying way. If Betty writes it, I will read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Content: open door (Pgs 160-163, 220-221)

Thank you to the author, Lavender PR, and Avon for gifted copies. My thoughts are my own.

WOW… I don’t even know what to say. I teared up 4 separate times people. This was such a beautifully written story. The banter is top knotch, IM OBSESSED with Nadia, and sweet baby boy Marco I want to hug.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the eArc!

The details:
Nadia has moved to her family’s vacation home in the Jersey Shore after being diagnosed with Lupus and ends up on a date with Marco Antoniou, former tv star, and they decide to date for the month of May. But Marco doesn’t know Nadia has lupus and Nadia would like to keep it that way. But with a chronic illness can Nadia really keep it hidden from Marco? And what will happen when May ends?

Thoughts:
I truly adored this one so much! While reading I felt the constant tension of wanting to devour this book or take my time and enjoy every second without rushing through it. The picture of living with lupus is different than living with Type one diabetes (my autoimmune disorder) but at times the way Nadia felt was so relatable it brought tears to my eyes. Betty truly painted a raw and real picture of what living with a chronic illness is like and I was able to learn more about SLE through Nadia’s story.

Spice: 2-3 open door scenes

Content warning: this story does tackle topics of depression, anxiety, suicide and living with a chronic illness if those topics are triggering for you to read.

This is a sweet romance between Nadia Fabiola and Marco Antoniou. She has Lupus but decides to keep it from him. He is only in town for a short time, and she doesn't want him to see her like everyone else does. Weak. Fragile.

When Marco suggests that they date for the month of May, she agrees. She wants to enjoy life with him while she can. And she does. With him for that short time, she lives her life as freely as she can.

But she is determined to keep her diagnosis from him since their time together has an end date. What happens when real feelings happen for them?

I really enjoyed this book. I flew through it so quickly. Marco and Nadia are both wonderful main characters and so compatible. I loved their chemistry!

Thank you to Avon Books and Lavendar PR for the advanced readers copy and final copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Avon Books and Betty Corrello for the e-arc of this book! I adored this book and the relationship between Nadia and Marco (through all its ups and downs). As someone with a chronic condition (not lupus though), Nadia’s story spoke to me so deeply. Betty Corrello knows how to perfectly portray the aches and pains (physical and metaphorical) that chronically ill people go through, the getting better then worse, the doubts and doctor visits, etc. And, while Nadia’s condition was part of the story, it was not the WHOLE story. Marco and Nadia’s relationship grew over time and I was hooked. They had great banter, with sardonic phrases that made me chuckle and gasp. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone and everyone! A 4.75🌟 book

4.5 ⭐️
CW: chronic illness, brief suicidal ideation
Nadia was recently diagnosed with lupus and is doing everything she can to remain living life as if she isn’t suffering from a chronic illness, even though the diagnosis turned her life upside down. Nadia escapes to Evergreen, the small Jersey shore town where her family used to vacation, desperate to gain control over her situation and keep her life small but manageable. When Nadia’s rheumatologist sets her up with his former television-star cousin, Marco, she is hesitant but decides to go on a first date. After a fun first date, they decide to have a fling for the month of May, while Marco is in Evergreen. As chemistry heats up and both question whether this could be something more, Nadia does everything she can to keep her diagnosis from Marco. But as the month passes quickly and Nadia begins to stress about what’s next, the situation takes a toll on her health. Nadia has to decide whether she wants to take a chance on loving Marco and be honest with him or whether she wants to continue keeping her diagnosis to herself.

“What’d you tell me back when we met?…I had until the end of the month, not a day more?.. I figured we’ll just have to make sure May never ends.”
“Today is officially the 32nd day of May.”

I adored this book! The banter, the tension, the fling where both can’t resist wanting more, the chronic illness representation, the fact that the FMC has a body that is more representative of the general population… read if you love any of that, or if you just love real, lovable yet sometimes frustrating characters who make you feel things. It’s spicy at times but it’s also so real and the characters are so relatable (somehow! despite one being a famous former actor??). The calendar gift at the end sent me over the edge into being even more obsessed with this book!!!
Bonus points: book includes a trip to Rome, and I’m going there later this year so I found this to be a fun surprise!

32 DAYS IN MAY –Betty Corrello
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063426474
May 13, 2025
Contemporary Romance

Evergreen, New Jersey – Present Day

Nadia Fabiola is not well and is facing an uncertain future, so she goes to stay at the Jersey Shore house owned by her parents. She is feeling sad and doesn’t really want to deal with what she will do next. She receives a call from her rheumatologist that his infamous former actor cousin, Marco Antoniou will be staying in Evergreen, she is not looking forward to being hospitable to Marco but agrees to look him up. But he turns out to be charming and easygoing. He wants to amuse himself for the month while he’s there, so he proposes to Nadia that they pretend to date. She agrees but with the stipulation that it ends May 31st, and nothing will convince her to extend it. But a funny thing happens as Nadia begins to fall for Marco and he for her. However, she hasn’t told him about her health issues, that she has lupus.

As soon as readers learn that Nadia has lupus in 32 DAYS IN MAY, they will know that this is an emotional tale. She has sort of accepted her fate but still has issues letting the world know. She had a job she loved but was fired from it after her illness could no longer allow her to work. Nadia still misses her work, but she has tried the past few months while living in Evergreen to start a new life with new friends. The entrance of Marco into her life scares her. She likes him but she doesn’t want him to feel sorry for her, so she tries to hide her illness, especially the pills she is taking. Readers will sense that she is making a big mistake.

Marco might be vacationing in Evergreen, but he has things going on as he plans for his future. He convinces Nadia to go with him to New York City and Rome, Italy. She enjoys being with Marco but it’s becoming harder and harder to manage her lupus and hide it from him. Despite his hints about continuing their romance beyond May 31st, she is insistent that she won’t. Why should she, when it means that she will have to tell him about her lupus?

32 DAYS IN MAY is a realistic tale about living with a serious illness and trying to go on with your life. Nadia feels like a failure as if she was responsible for the illness. She is grappling with adjusting to her new normal. Readers will sympathize with her, even as they hope she can find happiness and a forever life with Marco. Can she find everlasting love even after she has pretty much ruled it out of her life? Find out the answer by picking up a copy of the emotionally charged 32 DAYS IN MAY.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

DNF @ 30%

Unfortunately I could see how I was forcing myself to try to read this book and it was sending me into a slump. I think there will be plenty of people who enjoy this story based on reviews, but I could not find myself being hooked by this. Maybe I will try to pick this one up again in the future, but at the moment it was not for me.

Thank you to Avon for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a day-in-the-life type of novel. Reading about the mundane and bigger moments of every day, while two incredibly flawed individuals are falling in love, feels so incredibly comforting and human— even though this was such a passionate and whirlwind romantic affair by all regards.

The storytelling in this was so emotionally rich but felt so light and airy at the same time. Nadia was such a raw character — she was at times so uncensored and brought such witty banter while being in the full throes of learning how to navigate her autoimmune disease and overcome her mental health struggles.

The romance itself is perfect to swoon over at the beach. I loved how both of our characters didn’t necessarily save eachother but were the support eachother needed for their healing journeys. I do wish, however, we also got Marco’s POV and an epilogue to beautifully close off their story.

Betty Correlo truly delivered such a heartwarming romance with 32 Days In May.

32 Days in May is a heartfelt, witty take on love, illness, and second chances. Nadia, newly diagnosed with lupus, retreats to her beach hometown and meets Marco—a charming, slightly faded celebrity with his own baggage. They agree to a one-month-only romance, which of course, doesn’t stay simple for long.

The writing is sharp and often funny, and I appreciated the honest look at chronic illness. Nadia’s voice is relatable and strong, and the chemistry between the leads is solid. That said, the pacing felt uneven—by the time we hit the halfway point, I was craving more emotional progress and depth.

Overall, it’s a warm, thoughtful story with an original setup and a lot of heart, even if the follow-through wasn’t perfect. If you like messy characters and time-bound romances, this one’s worth a read.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publishing team for this ARC!