A sweet romance set at the Jersey Shore and in Rome. It felt both contemporary and timeless; I enjoyed Nadia and Marco’s story more than I thought I would! The main characters both have depth and their dynamic was fun to read. I wanted just a little more from the ending, but I’m looking forward to reading more from Betty Corrello!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an Audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this audio! The narration is fantastic. I was highly entertained while listening to the words of this story. The pacing was perfect. Well done! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I did not like the narrator. Unfortunately it's a DNF for me because of it. Her accent felt SO heavy. I know that is where the book takes place, but it was so strong I felt unable to continue. I will read the physical book though!

Rated 3 stars because it's in the middle, and I was just unable to continue with her voice. Super sad about it though because I was looking forward to it!

This was one of my most anticipated books this year & it did not disappoint!

Nadia is dealing with her recent lupus diagnosis & wants to disappear in life down the shore (the Jersey shore for those outside the NJ/Philly area lol.) Her doctor asks her to meet with his cousin, Marco, who just so happens to be a D-list gorgeous celebrity. They make a pact to date for the rest of May, no strings attached, after which they’ll go their separate ways. Nadia decides not to tell him that she is sick because she enjoys who she is, and who Marco allows herself to be, without him knowing. But as they grow closer, she has to decide whether to let him in or continue in her small cocoon.

This book was so funny, I literally laughed out loud a ton. Nadia & Marco’s chemistry was sizzling & their banter was perfection. But it was also incredibly real and emotional about both characters’ mental health & Nadia’s physical health. Many tears were shed along with that laughter.

The narrator was fantastic. As someone from NJ, she sounded exactly how I expected, and you could feel the emotion and chemistry. I definitely recommend the audiobook!

Thank you to HarperAudio and NetGalley for providing the ARC for my honest review!

I absolutely loved this book.

The characters were so different from anything ive read before. I really loved the storyline. Not quite fake dating but dating with an end date?

Two messy people trying to keep each other afloat, distracted from the happenings in their lives. Finding comfort and solace in each other. There's grieving in finding out your life is changing in a big way because of an illness/diagnosis and I really enjoyed being in Nadias headspace. Getting to see how much ones life can change because of a condition that incurable. How hard the day to day can be.

I loved the emotional connection Nadia and Marco shared. I loved her friendships. I even loved the messy portrayal of her relationship with her sister. It felt like such a real and raw relationship between two sisters who truly care so much about each other.

My only gripe with my reading experience with this book(audiobook) was the choice the narrator made to say the full numbers in the dates. "May one, May two" instead of first/second.

4.5 stars for me

This was my first Betty Corrello book and I’m officially hooked. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect, the banter, the humor, the honesty it all just hit. I love stories where the characters are a little messy, a little lost, but still find a way to show up for each other. Nadia and Marco are that kind of pair.

She’s learning how to navigate life with lupus, holding her world together with quiet strength and sarcasm, while Marco, a charmingly burnt-out former actor, meets her with a softness that absolutely melted me. Their connection is vulnerable and tender and full of the kind of moments that make you laugh, tear up, and text your best friend to tell them everything.

A quote that stood out to me:

“Things I never knew before Lupus:
“We should be terrified of our bodies. You realize how little control you have over yourself; how all you can really do is react. If I’m afraid, I can look away. If I have a headache, I can take medicine. If someone breaks my heart, I can hold a grudge until I die. But I will never be able to stop the pain before it starts.”

As someone whose mom has a chronic illness (multiple sclerosis), this hit hard. I’ve seen the invisible battles she faces daily how exhausting and isolating it can be to live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate. This book didn’t shy away from that truth. It made space for it, honored it, and still somehow managed to be funny, warm, and hopeful.

If you love heartfelt stories that mix chaos with care, and the Jersey shore this book is everything. And Marco? Marco is worth the hype.

“I’ll brush your hair. I’ll help you out of bed”

AHH

“You will not leave me standing alone in a place where I first realized I love you.”

AHHHH

This audio does the book such justice. It gives the lightheartedness and fun banter to a book with heavy undertones. My ex-Philly girl heart soars to have a summer read that is so close to home!

The perfect summer read, but cannot recommend the audio enough. Immerse yourself in an unapologetic a little abrasive couple. I would expect nothing less from these two main characters though.
It’s a bit insta-love but the author does an amazing job at ‘stopping time’ for the reader. I felt a lot more love & emotion for this couple than I normally would in such a quick connection.

Ps. If you read Summertime Punchline, it’s fun to see how the author has grown in 32 Days in May!!

What a cute audiobook! I truly enjoyed listening to this, it definitely helped get me through my work day.

Brief overview:

Nadia, recently diagnosed with lupus, meets Marco, former actor and relative of her doctor. Nadia and Marco, after being inspired by a movie, decide to date each other for just the month of May. During this month, Nadia and Marco both discover they have feelings for each other, though neither is being truly open.

My thoughts:

Sure, we have some basic tropes of fake/temporary dating and miscommunication, but it had so much more going on. Nadia's struggle with her chronic illness adds another layer of depth that makes it a bit easier to understand why she is reluctant to open up.

The banter in this story is actually hilarious. I'm still cracking up at "I'm not paying $200 for something that goes in my ass when we have four good hands." Not elaborating on this quote, you'll have to read it to find out the context! The narrator also completely nailed it through this story. It is set on the jersey shore and the accent leaves no question about that! In fact, the descriptions and the accent were so well done, I actually did feel like I was transported right to the scene. I absolutely love a book that makes me feel like I am somewhere else!

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio for the chance to listen to this early :)

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!