Let me introduce you to the Sweet November of the modern era…kind of.
Nadia is struggling with her recent diagnosis of lupus. She’s grieving the life she thought she’d have, feeling betrayed by a body that couldn’t keep up with the lifestyle of a ruthless writer in the entertainment industry. She retreats back to home, Evergreen New Jersey, to lick her wounds, get stabilized, and heal. When her doctor suggests she show his relative around who’s new in town, who also happens to be one of the biggest heartthrobs in TV, she reluctantly agrees. It’s not that he’s hot, it’s not that he’s famous, it’s not that he’s rich…it’s that he’s a stranger. He doesn’t know about this new life defining condition, and she wants to keep it that way. When they hit it off and agree to keep seeing each other, but only for the month of May like one of Nadia’s favorite movies (Sweet November), it is more important to her than ever to keep her secret safely guarded. Maybe for the space of one month, she can feel normal again.
Okay. If you have not read a Betty Corrello book yet, this is your official sign to go get one. Her debut, Summertime Punchline, was excellent, and this one might be even better. Her writing is authentic and honest, her characters are smart and genuine, and I. am. a. fan.
The themes in this book are heavy and realistically messy. It’s not easy to be a person, and it’s even more difficult when our bodies don’t work in the way we think they should. Adjusting to life with a chronic illness can’t be easy, and the representation of it in this book is beautiful. The author has the same condition, and I’m glad to have learned more about it in this book.
Nadia and Marco are magic. My favorite moments, of course, are the most non-romantic moments of romance. You might think that makes no sense but hear me out. Intimacy is intrinsically romantic, so to me the moments that aren’t meant to be ooh-y and ahh-y but peel back layers of the walls we keep around ourselves to the general public, are often the most romantic of all. Vulnerability is sexy as hell. Nadia’s walls are well built and often reinforced, but because Marco is also deeply damaged and often tells her the raw truth, he makes her want to reconsider being so guarded.
32 Days in May is incredible. Don’t miss the chance to read this powerfully moving book.
Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Details
Title:: 32 Days in May
Author:: Betty Corrello
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Avon
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 15m
Audiobook Narrator:: Joy Nash
Published:: May 13th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
If you liked this book, check out…
Summertime Punchline | Betty Corrello (author’s debut)
The Rom-Commers | Katherine Center (same intimacy vibes)
Hello Stranger | Katherine Center (coping with health issue)