32 days in may

32 Days in May blew me away. I came in with low expectations, partly because I'd seen the hype on social media and was worried it may be overhyped. But I’m SO glad I gave this a chance, because I absolutely loved it.

While I don’t personally have Lupus, I’ve experienced what it’s like to hide health concerns just to be treated equally, and I handled it exactly like Nadia. That deep desire to appear “normal” so no one treats you differently? It was captured perfectly. Her agreement with Marco felt like the perfect emotional storm. She is a great female lead and has so much depth. I suggest the audio book solely because the narrator really brings Nadia to life and I adore it.

And Marco??? I just love him so much. I really appreciated how open and honest he is about his flaws, and how he treats Nadia with such care despite them. He’s completely himself in every situation, which made him feel so real. There’s has been this a rise in “green flag” boyfriends in books lately (which I do love we are normalizing healthy relationships so like amazing), but what I appreciated most about Marco is that he isn’t perfect. He doesn’t respond to everything like a storybook prince, and that made him feel even more human. Except his hair in the beginning IYKYK.

This was a quirky, sweet, witty, fun read. The characters were likable and relatable, and author gave good insight into how someone with Lupus may really feel - physically, mentally and emotionally. The storyline was interesting and premise felt like a fresh take on the fake date trope as it both was and wasn’t. I did find it jumped around in ways I didn’t always catch right away. That made it 4 stars instead of 5 for me. But otherwise I really enjoyed this book and have already requested this author’s first book at my library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I thought this was very well written and the concept and emotions and feelings of loss with dealing with a chronic health condition was accurate and well done, from some level of my own first hand experience.

While the story was of course, sad on many levels, it was also real. The relationship between Marco and Nadia gave it some lightness even though it had a sad undertone for obvious reasons. And the fact that both MCs each dealt with their own struggles with brokenness of a different kind made it more endearing and identifiable. Even with their flaws, I loved both of them, as well as their friends and family.

The audio was great. The narrator made each character, the accents and the Italian family mannerisms, come alive. Enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for this ALC. Nadia has been diagnosed with Lupus and is really struggling to come to terms with it. During this time she is set up with Marco a former actor. Both are lost in their own way trying to find a path forward. They decide to date but only for the month of May. Will they fall in love? With they break up like they planned? I really liked the premise of this book. It sucked me in right away and I thought the narrator was perfect for the main character. The story was sweet and I enjoyed the relationship between Marco and Nadia. The story was heartbreaking, funny, sweet and heartwarming. I would definitely recommend this one! I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

4.5 stars from me!

This was such a solid read! I was so emotional while listening to this, especially toward the end. The writing and narration were both great. Nadia was a relatable, strong, real, and raw main character.

I adored Marco and Nadia as a couple. They had sooo much chemistry, but I loved that their relationship was so much more than a romance. Nadia and Marco were built on being vulnerable and learning from each other. I loved the depth of their entire relationship.

I really appreciated the chronic illness rep in this book. I don’t have a chronic illness, but I felt like I learned a lot about life with an illness like lupus and how it affects every piece of your life. I can relate to life post diagnosis being complicated and mentally straining. The post diagnosis mental health representation was also very moving and well done.

I absolutely loved the narration for this audiobook. Joy Nash did an amazing job bringing this (incredibly written) story to life and the accent just made the story feel so much more real. Highly recommend this as an audiobook!

This was an endearing, deeply moving, romantic read and I would definitely recommend it this May (or this summer, or any time really). It gave such a summer vibe, and I think anyone who loves romance with a little *more* to the story will enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for the advanced copy of the audiobook!

Sobbing. Sobbing. Sobbing. I felt so seen.
Nadia is me, I am Nadia. wth

Nadia was recently diagnosed with Lupus and she is struggling to see the future in a good light. She decided she just wants a simple life doing a simple job in a town where she is comfortable, otherwise known as Evergreen. Nadia is very depressed and goes through ups and downs with forgetting to take the medication that is vital to keeping her as healthy as possible. (Hellooooo me)

Her rheumatologist not so subtlety sets her up with his cousin, an infamous former actor, Marco. From the moment Nadia and Marco met, he made her feel alive. After a whirlwind first night together, Marco proposes an idea to Nadia. As long as he is in Evergreen, they date each other a la Sweet November (hello young Keanu Reeves 🥵) Little does he know, Nadia is actually sick. Of course Marco has his own baggage he’s bringing to the table from his very public, very messy burnout.

Marco is a brashly loving and caring person that would do anything to make Nadia smile. There is definitely an element of miscommunication to this story, but in a very real way. Sickness like an autoimmune disorder can be very hard to come to terms with. Are you outwardly sick? Not always. So sometimes people don’t understand that you truly are sick. The representation in this book was phenomenal. It felt like Nadia’s thoughts were plucked straight from my brain.

That being said, if you or a loved one has ever went through a period of wanting to or thinking about ending your life, I would highly suggest taking caution when reading the “January” chapters. While I was okay reading the scenes, it could be triggering for some. There was no descriptive on page incidents, but ideation and the therapy session that ensued when she realized she needed help badly.

Fantastic. 5,000 stars. I look forward to reading more of Betty’s books!

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.

I also have to mention the audiobook—wow. The narrator did an incredible job, especially with the New Jersey accents for each of the characters. It made the whole experience feel more like watching a movie than just listening to a book. The narration really brought the characters to life and made Evergreen feel even more vivid and real.

Speaking of Evergreen, I fell completely in love with the town and its people. The setting had so much warmth and personality. It truly felt like a community I never wanted to leave.

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 was a really interesting story. I really liked Nadia as a character - she felt really complex and real, especially for a character who was somewhat recently was diagnosed with lupus. I think her and Marco's relationship was really true to who they both were as characters. The interactions they had were so truly them, which made it feel much more like it actually was something I was seeing happen. The fake but also real dating was really interesting to read, since it had a very different dynamic than fake-dating usually does. The pacing of this all felt kinda weird to me, but that also may be because of the way I listened to it rather than the book itself.

Speaking of the audio book, the narration for this book was SO good. Joy Nash does an amazing job, especially with adding the New Jersey "accent" that a lot of the characters in this book would have. If you're interested in this story, I would definitely recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to HarperAdult Audio and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Audio and Betty Corrello for the advanced audio of this book. This was my first experience with a book by Betty Corrello and I did enjoy it.

The audiobook was narrated by Joy Nash and she did a spectacular solo job and has added herself to my esteemed list of great narrators. The narration was verryy expressive and brought the story alive. The story explored serious themes such as the chronic illness of Lupus (cheers to all my Lupus Warriors! 💜),depression and addiction.

Corrello created emotionally rich characters and thoughtfully portrayed Nadia’s experience with Lupus whilst seamlessly blending education about lupus into the narrative. Marco's personal redemption arc complements Nadia's, and their evolving bond showcased vulnerability, resilience, and emotional healing. The story's diary-like style might not suit everyone but it is to be largely praised for its emotional resonance and heartwarming message.

Overall, 32 Days in May is a touching and relatable novel that combines romance with meaningful exploration of self-acceptance and human connection—ideal for a heartfelt summer read.

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!

Betty Corello is a force to be reckoned with. One of the freshest, funniest, most romantic voices out there. Betty isn't just at the top of her game, she's at the top of THE game.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "32 Days in May" and all opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audiobook. Picked this one because I grew up in NJ. I actually did not like the main character, Nadia. Maybe it was her voice. Overall I thought the book was okay but really not for me.

This book was such a lovely experience. Interesting, thought provoking, emotional, and really makes you reflect on things. I appreciate a good fake dating trope and this was a fun way to do it. The narrator was excellent and made the book!

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, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for the eArc and Alc!

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.

Audiobook review:
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Usually an audiobook can’t make me cry but boy oh boy… Joy Nash’s performance had multiple tears falling down my face. I thought it was well done and even Marco’s voice was hot to me. Nash did a great job making each of the characters’ voices their own.

I know that some people have a hard time with accents that they are familiar or even not familiar with, so if that is you preview the audio before you purchase. (Me personally I have a hard time with country accents in general as I am familiar with both Oklahoma/Texas accents as well at Tennessee accents).

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.

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!!! The narrators of this book just enhanced the tension between the two MCs, as well as the relatability and captured their personalities well through their dialogue.
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 was hilarious and the Jersey-realness was so, so good. I really enjoyed Marco and Nadia as a couple and haven't read many romantic combos like them, so this book felt like a breath of fresh air.

4.5 stars to this beautiful rom com! Set mostly in the fictional New Jersey beach town, Evergreen, as well as a brief trip to NYC and Rome, this is a story full of witty banter with a bit of spice. You’ll laugh and cry and actually miss these characters when you’ve finished the book.

The author has written a realistic representation of chronic illness in the character of Nadia. And who wouldn’t want a Marco in their life??? You will be rooting for these characters throughout this swoon worthy story.

Joy Nash does an amazing job with the narration! She really brings this beautiful story to life.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperAudio for an advance listening copy of #32DaysInMay. A book in which the fmc has a chronic illness and is trying to balance that with falling in love. 4 stars.

Got to about 10% and DNF. I wanted to hopefully see the light in this sorry but I was too nervous that the trigger warnings may get to me!

Shoutout to the author though for raising awareness to the realness of how all this feels.

A healing story between an actor taking some time and a writer dealing with the aftermath of a health diagnosis. These two were perfect for each other, Marco opens up about his struggles with addiction and his healing journey, while Nadia just wants to live a romance without the health struggles she is going through. A great read, heartbreaking and hopeful. Beautiful romance.