𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ~ 𝟑𝟐 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐘 ~ by Betty Corrello ~ Thanks to Avon Books, Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book which will be released next week on May 13th. I read 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 by this author last summer and was pleasantly surprised, so I was glad to read another from her. (if you are from New Jersey…the rep. in both books is fun). This was good in the same way the last one was… it took me a moment to warm up to the FMC but then the realness of it captured me… The way they fall in love, the things they do, the banter… is all so realistic and actually so funny at times….. This author has a quick wit that is displayed in the way she develops her people. This book tackles the heavy topic of diagnosis of a chronic illness and at first I thought that would be the focus… but that is right in the beginning and then it is authentically employed to serve as characterization for the FMC and the representation of reality was strong in this story IMO (as someone who lives with an autoimmune disease). This is the kind of romance to read about if you want it “real”...two flawed people who meet and find one another interesting and give it a go. The romance was honest and there was a tenderness to it that warmed me to both characters. This book is funny, honest, deep, adventurous, brave, comforting, informative, vulnerable and is like reading about someone you met and they are sharing their journey with you. Well… now I am 2 for 2 with this author… I guess that makes me a fan! This should be a popular springtime, beach/pool read if you want some fun and some depth.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5)
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐦 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥! 📚❤️

32 Days in May is a powerful, emotionally resonant novel that offers both a tender love story and an unflinching look at what it means to live with a chronic illness. Betty Corrello crafts a narrative that is at once raw, intimate, and beautifully hopeful, diving deep into the emotional toll of Lupus without sugarcoating the experience, or the love story that grows alongside it.

Nadia’s life has been shaped and often constrained by her illness. When her doctor, who also happens to be Marco’s uncle, sets the two up, it seems like an awkward favor. But the premise of dating for just 30 days, with an expiration date built in, gives both Nadia and Marco the freedom to show only curated versions of themselves. This temporary arrangement, though, quickly becomes something more. What starts as instant attraction develops into something deeper, two kindred spirits seeing through each other’s masks, even while they struggle to remove their own.

Corrello deftly shows how chronic illness doesn't just affect the body, it alters relationships, identity, and how one engages with the world. Through Nadia, we see a woman who has learned to protect herself fiercely, even at the cost of connection. Yet Marco’s presence reawakens parts of her that illness had silenced, helping her remember who she was before. The slow reveal of her past and the quiet strength she shows in the present makes her an unforgettable character.

The relationship between Nadia and Marco is filled with vulnerability, missteps, longing, and, ultimately, truth. As their secrets come to light, readers are asked to consider what it means to love someone fully, not just the easy parts. Can two people who’ve been hiding behind temporary versions of themselves find something lasting once the truth is laid bare?

The writing is poignant and at times heartbreaking. Corrello’s prose balances the heavy subject matter with moments of levity, connection, and beauty. She does not flinch from the reality of Lupus, nor from the messy, non-linear path of healing—emotional and physical.

32 Days in May is more than a romance. It’s an exploration of identity, resilience, and the complicated grace of letting yourself be seen. It’s a love story, yes, but one that recognizes love doesn’t cure everything. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let someone love the unvarnished version of you. And sometimes, that love makes the broken pieces feel whole again.

A must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven stories with honest representation of chronic illness and the redemptive power of love.

I enjoyed the narration by Joy Nash and thought she did a great job portraying the real emotions of the characters for this story.

Thank you to Harper Audio for the ALC, and Avon for the e-ARC and physical ARC.

Sweet November in book form. This was an emotional love story with a happy ending. I enjoyed their story but check triggers before reading. The narrator’s accents were good and added to the story.

I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my... what do I even say about this book? It was so real and raw. As someone with several chronic conditions it hit so close to home that it was hard to listen to at times because I related to the main character on a visceral level, The need and desire to be well, to be NORMAL, but knowing that those days are gone.
It was beautiful to see the main character grapple with this while also learning how to trust someone new in her life with this massive change in HER life.
This book was an excellent read, real, a gut punch at times, and I would highly recommend this to anyone.
4.75 stars

Nadia Fabiola returns to her roots along the shores of New Jersey. She was recently diagnosed with lupus. The disease has taken on a life of its own. She feels as if she no longer has any control of her body or her life. Her depression is severe; she considers suicide. Her sister is very worried about her and so is her doctor. Her doctor sets her up on a date with his cousin, Marco Antoniou, a former actor. Nadia is surprised that they have so much fun on their first date. They decide they will have a no strings attached relationship for the month of May. She doesn’t tell him she has lupus.
It is obvious that Nadia and Marco go together. They have chemistry! Nadia has to come to terms with needing someone she can depend on; she must learn to trust him with her health crisis. Both Nadia and Marco have flaws. While their plan is to have a no strings relationship their emotions and bodies are telling them that isn’t enough. Their relationship strengthens despite their fighting it.
When a person is diagnosed with a serious/fatal illness they must come to terms with it. Nadia was struggling to understand and come to terms with lupus. An ill person must become aware of their body and its signs and warnings. Your life changes in so many ways. You must have tests run, take medications, evaluate your needs, evaluate your limitations, and you must learn to rely on others. The disease almost becomes a character.
The story is told through Nadia’s point of view. Nadia is depressed and has attempted suicide. Her illness is causing migraines, joint and body pain, and depression. This story is great romance but it is more than that; this story educates readers on how devastating lupus can be.



Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC

This should be made into a movie ASAP! This book had me laughing and at one point almost crying.

Nadia’s life is flipped upside down after finding out she has Lupus and then she tries a no strings attached, 30 day relationship with a handsome former actor. You can’t even imagine what ensues but it’s witty and funny and romantic and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Having grown up with a sick mother who not only battles her physical illnesses but also with depression this hit me right in the heart. It was a beautiful and raw portrayal of life with an illness.

I thoroughly enjoyed 32 Days in May by Betty Corrello—a heartfelt and charming romance about two imperfect people navigating tough chapters in their lives, yet both possessing incredibly generous hearts. The story is filled with warmth, humor, and emotional depth.

Every character brought something special to the narrative, but Nadia was truly a standout. She had me laughing out loud—something I rarely do while reading or listening to audiobooks. Her wit and personality were so vivid, and the narrator absolutely nailed her voice, making the listening experience even better.

As someone who’s spent a lot of time at the Jersey Shore, I loved that it served as the backdrop for the story—it added an extra layer of familiarity and charm. Betty Corrello did a beautiful job handling both mental and physical health struggles in a way that felt real, respectful, and deeply relatable.

This was a fantastic audiobook, and yes—Marco will 100% make you swoon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the advance listening copy!

This story was so beautiful and takes place in such a beautiful setting in Cape May, New Jersey. The plot is unique and was such an adventure seeing these two characters fall in love over the month of May. Nadia facing some life changes and a lupus diagnosis, decides to go to her family’s beach house on the Jersey Shore for the summer. She meets Marco who is a cousin of her doctor and a Hollywood celebrity. He has his own struggles he is trying to overcome this summer too. After a wild night together these two decide to date for the month of may, no strings attached, just escape life and have fun.

The audiobook was narrated by Joy Nash. She was such a good voice for telling this story. The New Jersey accent was top notch and just made the story come to life. It was fun and such a heartfelt beach read.

This book had me hooked from the dedication alone—it set the tone for everything that followed.

I absolutely love a beach setting, and the Jersey Shore backdrop gave this story a breezy, summery vibe that made it even more enjoyable. Nadia, the main character, she is reeling from a lupus diagnosis and the loss of her job. Once fiercely independent, she now has to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of her new reality. The portrayal of her mental health journey and the everyday struggles of living with a disability felt so authentic.

Then we met Marco—a former TV star with baggage of his own—who brings charm and just the right amount of chaos. What starts as a casual month-long fling slowly transforms into something real, filled with tenderness, tension, and personal growth.

*Character-Driven Romance
* Beach Read / Summer Romance
*Chronic Illness
* Contemporary Romance

If you love character-driven romances with humor, heart, and a coastal setting, don’t miss this one!

4.75 ⭐️

this was beautiful!!!!! our fmc has lupus and lives with the struggles and meets marco who is also going through his own struggles. they decide to date for the month of may, and from there, they fall in love.

i love a story with a dating pact it’s so fun, major romance movie vibes. i also love a book with chronic illness reps because it makes a character feel so real and you feel the things they feel. you hurt with them, you grow with them. betty wrote this beautifully.

the only thing (where i knocked off a slight point) was how some chapters were short and some super long. i listened to this on audio and loved the narrator, it was easy to follow and was done perfectly. i would definitely listen to more books from this narrator!

It's such a cute romance story! It does have some heavy topics as well as some comedic aspects. All of that blended together definitely made it a good, fun, and emotional read. The ending did feel a little bit rushed; it had me going through all the emotions all at once. The Narration did seem off in some parts where her accent made it seem like it was another character, so it did confuse me a little. Besides that, I still had a really good time with this book.

big thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the Arc of this audiobook!

A BRILLIANT performance, Jersey accent and all. The story was five stars, but the performance of this work was really the masterpiece here. Joy Nash nailed the male voices and I thoroughly enjoyed!

This one’s raw, real, and surprisingly funny given how heavy some of the topics are. Corrello writes like she’s sitting across from you with a glass of wine, telling you the hardest and most beautiful story of her life. What hit me hardest was how honest she is—she doesn’t hold back or try to make the messy stuff look pretty. That said, the pacing felt a little off at times. Especially in the second half, things moved fast and I wanted more time to sit with certain moments. Some parts felt rushed, and I think a little more depth would’ve made the emotional impact land even harder.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — 3.5 stars with an R for language and heavy themes including grief, addiction, and mental health.

Thanks to NetGalley and Betty Corrello for the ARC

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello is a deeply personal and emotionally charged book that had me hooked from the beginning. Corrello’s storytelling is raw, vulnerable, and often humorous in the face of some very serious topics. Her voice as a narrator adds a unique authenticity—like listening to a friend tell you the most painful, beautiful story of her life.

What stood out most to me was her unflinching honesty. She doesn't sugarcoat the hard stuff.
That said, the pacing didn’t always work for me. The story sometimes jumped quickly between events or emotions, especially in the second half. I found myself wishing for more time spent unpacking certain moments—there were places where deeper reflection or detail would have made the impact even stronger. It felt like the book was rushing to cover a wide range of experiences without fully sitting with some of the most powerful ones.

Still, I really appreciated this book. It's clear Betty Corrello has a strong voice and an important story to tell.

3.5 Stars. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

After several early positive reviews, I thought I might enjoy. I just don't think it was right for me
. I didn't enjoy he voice of the main character and had trouble connecting with her journey. Narration was not a fit for me either.

First, I listened to the audiobook. I think it could have negatively impacted the story for me. It is narrated in a Jersey/tri-state accent. And it was awful. I also didn't love the author's style. So combined, it was not great. Especially at first. It did get somewhat better as it went on, but I really could not get into this.

I really wanted to like this one, but had trouble relating to, and liking the characters. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator sometimes had an accent for the main character and sometimes…she didn’t.
I enjoyed the premise of the book that the two characters would “date” until the end of May, just like they had seen in a movie. However, I thought the pacing of the book was a little off and I didn’t exactly get a lot of chemistry between the two main characters. I also found the interaction between Nadia and her sister was a little off.

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperAudio for the ARC of this audiobook.

I struggled with this book. It was very depressing and I could not connect with any of the characters. I love the book cover and the premise sounds great but I am not the audience for it.

Thank you NetGalley, Betty Corrello, and Harper Audio Adult for the ARC of 32 Days in May. This book was highly relatable to me since I live at the Jersey shore. I could envision the places mentioned in the book.

"32 Days in May," a novel by Betty Corrello released in May 2025, has garnered attention for its heartfelt story and relatable characters. The book delves into themes of healing, love, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of Evergreen, New Jersey.

The story revolves around Nadia Fabiola, a Philadelphia ad executive whose life takes an unexpected turn when she's diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. This autoimmune disorder forces her to re-evaluate her priorities, leading her to leave her job and move back to her parents' home in Evergreen. Seeking a fresh start, Nadia finds herself on a blind date with Marco Antoniou, a former teen heartthrob and TV star who is also looking to reset his life after some past troubles.

Marco is house-sitting in Evergreen for a month while his uncle is on vacation. Nadia and Marco decide to embark on a no-strings-attached relationship, agreeing to date for the month of May before Marco leaves. However, as they spend more time together, their connection deepens, and they begin to fall for each other.

Corrello masterfully crafts complex characters in Nadia and Marco, showcasing their vulnerabilities and strengths. Nadia is portrayed as bold and kind, with a dry wit, while Marco is charming and shows genuine interest in Nadia. Their chemistry is undeniable, making their interactions captivating.

The novel explores the challenges Nadia faces as she learns to live with lupus. Corrello seamlessly weaves information about the disease into the story, providing readers with a greater understanding of its impact. Nadia's struggles with her diagnosis and the emotional toll it takes on her are portrayed with honesty and compassion.

Marco, too, is on his own healing journey, dealing with past issues and seeking a fresh start. He and Nadia find strength in each other, offering support and understanding as they navigate their personal challenges. Their vulnerability and willingness to open up to each other create a powerful connection.

While the romance between Nadia and Marco is central to the story, "32 Days in May" also delves into deeper themes of healing and self-acceptance. Both characters are flawed and relatable, making their journey all the more compelling. The book explores the importance of found family and the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.

Some readers have noted that the storytelling style may take some getting used to, with a diary-like quality that can feel detached at times. However, many have praised Corrello's ability to create a heartwarming and emotionally resonant story that stays with them long after they finish reading.

Overall, "32 Days in May" is a well-written and engaging novel that explores themes of love, healing, and self-discovery. With its relatable characters, heartfelt story, and insightful portrayal of living with a chronic illness, it's a perfect summer beach read that will leave readers feeling both entertained and moved.

Thank you HarperAudio and Avon for the free advanced copies of this book.

32 Days in May is a sweet book set on the Jersey Shore. Featuring a fun cast of characters, it had me laughing out loud many times throughout the book.

Recently diagnosed with lupus and learning how to live with her chronic illness, Nadia meets Marco, a cousin of her doctor’s and a Hollywood celebrity. After a wild first date, they decide to date for just the month of May as an ode to one of Nadia’s favorite movies. As the month goes on and they go on a series of fun dates and begin to share more about their personal lives, they realize perhaps there is more to this than they anticipated.

The main character Nadia gave me Mavis Beaumont (Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest) vibes. She is bold, kind, takes care of others, and goes through a journey of self-discovery that is empowering. I loved her dynamic with Marco, and the way she held him accountable.

While I enjoyed the book overall, there were parts of the story that were slow and the writing felt a little choppy. However, it was a beautiful exploration of chronic illness and a sweet summer read.

🎧 The narrator did a great job voicing multiple characters and very different regional accents throughout the book.