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Back for Seconds
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5 copies available
U.S. only
Two cups of chaos, a dash of generational trauma, and a pinch of Christmas magic.
June Alfiero is just trying to survive her first Christmas post-divorce. If growing up the only daughter of Evergreen's boardwalk pizza king taught her anything, it's how to eat or be eaten.
She's done indulging family drama; she refuses to play games with her ex; and she definitely will not be falling for the viral vegan homecook she accidentally dragged on TikTok after one too many margaritas.
But when June comes face-to-face with the Adonis himself, Joey Pagano is nothing like his digital footprint. He's patient. Earnest. Maddeningly kind. And navigating his own heartbreak.
The more time they spend together, sharing home-cooked meals and soft confessions,—the more June's hardened exterior begins to melt.
Suddenly, her small Jersey Shore town is serving up more than bittersweet it's late-night kitchen experiments, flirty bickering, shared secrets, and the kind of steady companionship June had given up on. Joey doesn't shy away from her mess—he pulls up a chair, pours a glass of wine, and asks for seconds.
With every boardwalk stroll and cozy, flour-dusted moment, June feels something inside her unclench. Maybe healing doesn't have to be quiet. Maybe it can be loud, joyful, and a little chaotic—just like Evergreen at Christmas.
But bearing her soul to Joey means risking the kind of heartbreak she's barely recovered from.
Will June take a chance on the delicious magic growing between them—or close the door before Joey can knock again?
From Cosmopolitan's book imprint comes BACK FOR SECONDS, a sexy, sensory exploration of how food, sex, connection, and community can make even the darkest days shine bright with hope and love. It's about letting yourself be seen—mess and all.
June Alfiero is just trying to survive her first Christmas post-divorce. If growing up the only daughter of Evergreen's boardwalk pizza king taught her anything, it's how to eat or be eaten.
She's done indulging family drama; she refuses to play games with her ex; and she definitely will not be falling for the viral vegan homecook she accidentally dragged on TikTok after one too many margaritas.
But when June comes face-to-face with the Adonis himself, Joey Pagano is nothing like his digital footprint. He's patient. Earnest. Maddeningly kind. And navigating his own heartbreak.
The more time they spend together, sharing home-cooked meals and soft confessions,—the more June's hardened exterior begins to melt.
Suddenly, her small Jersey Shore town is serving up more than bittersweet it's late-night kitchen experiments, flirty bickering, shared secrets, and the kind of steady companionship June had given up on. Joey doesn't shy away from her mess—he pulls up a chair, pours a glass of wine, and asks for seconds.
With every boardwalk stroll and cozy, flour-dusted moment, June feels something inside her unclench. Maybe healing doesn't have to be quiet. Maybe it can be loud, joyful, and a little chaotic—just like Evergreen at Christmas.
But bearing her soul to Joey means risking the kind of heartbreak she's barely recovered from.
Will June take a chance on the delicious magic growing between them—or close the door before Joey can knock again?
From Cosmopolitan's book imprint comes BACK FOR SECONDS, a sexy, sensory exploration of how food, sex, connection, and community can make even the darkest days shine bright with hope and love. It's about letting yourself be seen—mess and all.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Betty Corrello
3 books356 followersBetty Corrello is an incredibly beautiful and normal woman. Despite her hardened exterior, she is biologically 95% marshmallow. She blames this on the abundance of water in her astrological chart. Her greatest passion is writing stories where opposites attract, but love is chosen. When she's not writing, she can be found fretting about niche historical events most have forgotten––or petting her very tiny dog. In addition to writing books, she previously performed stand-up and sit-down comedy all over the east coast. She calls herself a stand-up comedian to avoid bullying, but she is actually an improv nerd. She does not like The Harold. She is Italian and American and spent time growing up in both countries. She is a proud Philadelphian. Go Birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 3, 2026
oh my god this was perfect holiday magic!!!!!
i love betty corrello's sense of humor & her books never fail to make me laugh so hard i sound like a witch cackling in the woods. and this book delivers so many moments just like that!! highly entertaining and joy-filled. crazy, hilarious moments!! but there's also something so incredibly special in this book. . . it truly feels full of holiday magic✨
the magic of meeting THE perfect person for you at a random neighborhood party. a person that theoretically you should've crossed paths with so many times throughout your life, living in a small town and all, but somehow you never did. until that night. that moment when you both needed each other more than ever, when you're both at this point of your life of change and heartache. but then THIS person sees you for who you are and wants you more for it???? when they don't want you to quiet yourself or fit a particular image, they just want YOU 😭 and then you throw christmas into the mix of what is already an insanely beautiful romance??? that's holiday magic.
this book is so cute and sweet and full of yearning!!!!!! i love joey an insane amount. that man!!!! the way he loves and cares and cooks food?! hello!!! and i love how obsessed with june he is from the very beginning. i love how june and him cannot stay away from each other. ugh they’re perfect. this book is perfect.
genuinely one of my favorite christmas romance books. ever. hands down!!!
thank you so much Cosmo Reads for the gifted arc! this is my honest review.
i love betty corrello's sense of humor & her books never fail to make me laugh so hard i sound like a witch cackling in the woods. and this book delivers so many moments just like that!! highly entertaining and joy-filled. crazy, hilarious moments!! but there's also something so incredibly special in this book. . . it truly feels full of holiday magic✨
the magic of meeting THE perfect person for you at a random neighborhood party. a person that theoretically you should've crossed paths with so many times throughout your life, living in a small town and all, but somehow you never did. until that night. that moment when you both needed each other more than ever, when you're both at this point of your life of change and heartache. but then THIS person sees you for who you are and wants you more for it???? when they don't want you to quiet yourself or fit a particular image, they just want YOU 😭 and then you throw christmas into the mix of what is already an insanely beautiful romance??? that's holiday magic.
this book is so cute and sweet and full of yearning!!!!!! i love joey an insane amount. that man!!!! the way he loves and cares and cooks food?! hello!!! and i love how obsessed with june he is from the very beginning. i love how june and him cannot stay away from each other. ugh they’re perfect. this book is perfect.
genuinely one of my favorite christmas romance books. ever. hands down!!!
thank you so much Cosmo Reads for the gifted arc! this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars.
Betty Corrello is one of my favorite authors. She's constantly putting out hit after hit, and "Back for Seconds" is no exception. I LOVED this book. I laughed, I cried, I got in the Christmas mood. The way Betty combines wit, humor, New Jersey, bombastic characters, and grief or trauma about *something* is something to be studied. She is just so, so freaking funny. Her sense of humor is right up my alley. I absolutely adored June (FMC) and Joey (MMC). The two of them meet a few days before Christmas while at a family holiday party, but it turns out they *technically* know each other already. The night before, while drinking at home with a friend and mindlessly scrolling social media, June stitched a video with one of "JoeyDaVegan"'s shirtless cooking TikTok videos, laughing and giggling all the way to semi-viral status. Turns out, JoeyDaVegan lives in her hometown and is at the same party as her... and he is even more gorgeous in person. As the two get to know each other, they fight and flirt and bicker and talk and cook and be honest with each other and decorate and divulge and get r4unchy and eventually fall in love. They also try to process their mutual relationship troubles. June and her ex-husband got divorced after he cheated on her about a year prior, and Joey and his ex-long-term girlfriend recently broke up. They are both imperfect and messy and charming and sexy and wonderful characters. They are allowed to heal *and* be funny. They are allowed to be imperfect *and* search for meaning at an age when it feels like time is slipping away quicker than they know. I loved their chemistry with one another. It's honestly off-the-charts good. Their dynamic feels realistic, and these characters feel authentic and lived-in. This book is also surprisingly a great Christmas book despite the drama and trauma. I could not stop reading this book once I picked it up. It's wholly bingeable, perfectly paced, and hilarious. Check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Betty Corrello, and Cosmo Reads for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Betty Corrello is one of my favorite authors. She's constantly putting out hit after hit, and "Back for Seconds" is no exception. I LOVED this book. I laughed, I cried, I got in the Christmas mood. The way Betty combines wit, humor, New Jersey, bombastic characters, and grief or trauma about *something* is something to be studied. She is just so, so freaking funny. Her sense of humor is right up my alley. I absolutely adored June (FMC) and Joey (MMC). The two of them meet a few days before Christmas while at a family holiday party, but it turns out they *technically* know each other already. The night before, while drinking at home with a friend and mindlessly scrolling social media, June stitched a video with one of "JoeyDaVegan"'s shirtless cooking TikTok videos, laughing and giggling all the way to semi-viral status. Turns out, JoeyDaVegan lives in her hometown and is at the same party as her... and he is even more gorgeous in person. As the two get to know each other, they fight and flirt and bicker and talk and cook and be honest with each other and decorate and divulge and get r4unchy and eventually fall in love. They also try to process their mutual relationship troubles. June and her ex-husband got divorced after he cheated on her about a year prior, and Joey and his ex-long-term girlfriend recently broke up. They are both imperfect and messy and charming and sexy and wonderful characters. They are allowed to heal *and* be funny. They are allowed to be imperfect *and* search for meaning at an age when it feels like time is slipping away quicker than they know. I loved their chemistry with one another. It's honestly off-the-charts good. Their dynamic feels realistic, and these characters feel authentic and lived-in. This book is also surprisingly a great Christmas book despite the drama and trauma. I could not stop reading this book once I picked it up. It's wholly bingeable, perfectly paced, and hilarious. Check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Betty Corrello, and Cosmo Reads for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I found this so incredibly charming. I love a complicated, messy heroine, and I found June so relatable and realistic. She was petty, and vain at times, and genuinely so funny and warm. She felt lived in in a way that I haven't encountered with a new release in what feels like a hot minute. The setting of Evergreen was also so charming, and the love that Corrello has for a South Jersey Italian American enclave was infectious. Despite Joey being a little flat for me, I don't begrudge the writing for that. Full acknowledgment that I am just not the girl for a cinnamon roll hero. The family dynamics were so great, and I just wish that we got more. Fully intending on deep diving Corrello's backlist, immediately.
I found this so incredibly charming. I love a complicated, messy heroine, and I found June so relatable and realistic. She was petty, and vain at times, and genuinely so funny and warm. She felt lived in in a way that I haven't encountered with a new release in what feels like a hot minute. The setting of Evergreen was also so charming, and the love that Corrello has for a South Jersey Italian American enclave was infectious. Despite Joey being a little flat for me, I don't begrudge the writing for that. Full acknowledgment that I am just not the girl for a cinnamon roll hero. The family dynamics were so great, and I just wish that we got more. Fully intending on deep diving Corrello's backlist, immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so happy to revisit the Jersey Shore and meet another Betty Corrello strong female who is going through a season, and this is in a charming Christmas setting. June is loud and angry and full-bodied, recovering from a divorce with a man who diminished her and then cheated to escape. Joey is a trainer and aspiring chef recovering from a ten-year relationship that ended bitterly. They meet and spar and start a friendship with a slow burn, but Joey wants more. The side characters are Italian and Italian-Cuban family and eccentric friends that help them to all embrace where they are in their life stages.
What I loved about this novel was the time spent with June being indecisive and being so angry about her divorce. We know there's a romance ready to happen, but this was very realistic because June was not ready for romance. She is still recovering from a deep betrayal that continuously made her feel too large and undeserving of attention. There are parallels to her parent's marriage and her place in her family that draw out her psychology and lived experiences, which help us understand why this is so terrifying. She then begins to get louder and eat freely and start loving Joey, and it's beautiful. I'm very tired of romance books where the only barrier is trust, because it can be so two-dimensional. This is June analyzing her family dynamic and creating a drastic change to let Joey in. It felt very, very realistic with the shouting, the loud families weighing in, and the sibling dynamics.
And Joey - my fellow Cuban vegan, I can see you very clearly. His experience never feeling smart or successful enough and being a steady caretaker was layered on in each chapter, that we see how beautiful he is beyond that stallion head of hair. He's into her instantly, I'll grant that, but isn't that what happens (often) in real life? I loved reading about him and his family and am sad this is the last Evergreen book, because I need some Mimi bonus content and I really appreciate the themes of untangling your mess by the shore.
I really can't wait to hear this narrated by Joy Nash, who did the other Evergreen novels. I love Corrello's books and listening to the audio versions is sublime, because Nash really embodies these strong, messy female leads and her male voices are delicious. I highly recommend revisiting the back catalog of Evergreen through Nash's narration to see these brassy females get seriously loved.
Thank you to Betty Corrello, Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the ARC to review early.
What I loved about this novel was the time spent with June being indecisive and being so angry about her divorce. We know there's a romance ready to happen, but this was very realistic because June was not ready for romance. She is still recovering from a deep betrayal that continuously made her feel too large and undeserving of attention. There are parallels to her parent's marriage and her place in her family that draw out her psychology and lived experiences, which help us understand why this is so terrifying. She then begins to get louder and eat freely and start loving Joey, and it's beautiful. I'm very tired of romance books where the only barrier is trust, because it can be so two-dimensional. This is June analyzing her family dynamic and creating a drastic change to let Joey in. It felt very, very realistic with the shouting, the loud families weighing in, and the sibling dynamics.
And Joey - my fellow Cuban vegan, I can see you very clearly. His experience never feeling smart or successful enough and being a steady caretaker was layered on in each chapter, that we see how beautiful he is beyond that stallion head of hair. He's into her instantly, I'll grant that, but isn't that what happens (often) in real life? I loved reading about him and his family and am sad this is the last Evergreen book, because I need some Mimi bonus content and I really appreciate the themes of untangling your mess by the shore.
I really can't wait to hear this narrated by Joy Nash, who did the other Evergreen novels. I love Corrello's books and listening to the audio versions is sublime, because Nash really embodies these strong, messy female leads and her male voices are delicious. I highly recommend revisiting the back catalog of Evergreen through Nash's narration to see these brassy females get seriously loved.
Thank you to Betty Corrello, Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the ARC to review early.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book will definitely have me coming back for seconds this holiday season! This was the quintessential Christmas romcom that I've been searching for! Betty's quick witty humor shines through once again as we follow along with June and Joey after a chance run in at a holiday party. From there, the two fight/flirt with each other as they both work through their own past relationship hardships/trauma. The east coast New Jersey setting of Evergreen paints the perfect backdrop for a holiday book that feels magical.
The way that Betty writes her FMC is always so special. Their vulnerability, messiness, and rawness (of course paired with the best sense of humor) makes them so perfectly imperfect and so very real and human. June is simultaneously loud and full of anger and yet somehow still warm and full of moments of quiet longing in a way that you can't help but fall for.
I'm always such a sucker for when a MMC's love language is acts of service, especially when that service is cooking for others. The descriptive and delicious details of the meals and recipes Joey makes throughout the book left my mouth watering and pairing it with his constant ability and desire to show up for those he loves instantly made him a new favorite MMC.
The chemistry between the two is unmatched! While the events of the book only unfold over the course of a few weeks (honestly days feels more accurate), the way Betty explores every little moment and piece of dialogue between the two of them with such beauty and depth, Joey and June's love story never felt rushed.
Thank you to the publisher for a physical and e-arc of the book!
The way that Betty writes her FMC is always so special. Their vulnerability, messiness, and rawness (of course paired with the best sense of humor) makes them so perfectly imperfect and so very real and human. June is simultaneously loud and full of anger and yet somehow still warm and full of moments of quiet longing in a way that you can't help but fall for.
I'm always such a sucker for when a MMC's love language is acts of service, especially when that service is cooking for others. The descriptive and delicious details of the meals and recipes Joey makes throughout the book left my mouth watering and pairing it with his constant ability and desire to show up for those he loves instantly made him a new favorite MMC.
The chemistry between the two is unmatched! While the events of the book only unfold over the course of a few weeks (honestly days feels more accurate), the way Betty explores every little moment and piece of dialogue between the two of them with such beauty and depth, Joey and June's love story never felt rushed.
Thank you to the publisher for a physical and e-arc of the book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Cosmo Reads & Betty Corrello for the earc via NetGalley!
Title: Back for Seconds
Author: Betty Corrello
Format Read: ebook
Publication date: October 6, 2026
OMG! This is my first read by Betty & it was a delight. I saw she was coming to St. Louis so I decided to grab her book on netgalley as it was a read now and I am so glad I did.
I do not know how she did it, but there was humor, heart, depth, laughter, so much good food, representation, and more...and NONE of it felt forced. Sometimes, an author just has the magic touch, and I think Betty must be one of those authors because this was just a delight.
The depth made me not want to stop reading....and the slightest touch of Christmas magic?! Grandmas really are the best is all I will say to that. <3
I would highly recommend this to any romance lover!! While it is set at Christmas time, I really do think you could pick this up any time of year and enjoy the story!!!
If you grab this one be sure to let me know your thoughts!!!
Title: Back for Seconds
Author: Betty Corrello
Format Read: ebook
Publication date: October 6, 2026
OMG! This is my first read by Betty & it was a delight. I saw she was coming to St. Louis so I decided to grab her book on netgalley as it was a read now and I am so glad I did.
I do not know how she did it, but there was humor, heart, depth, laughter, so much good food, representation, and more...and NONE of it felt forced. Sometimes, an author just has the magic touch, and I think Betty must be one of those authors because this was just a delight.
The depth made me not want to stop reading....and the slightest touch of Christmas magic?! Grandmas really are the best is all I will say to that. <3
I would highly recommend this to any romance lover!! While it is set at Christmas time, I really do think you could pick this up any time of year and enjoy the story!!!
If you grab this one be sure to let me know your thoughts!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back for Seconds is a fun, heartfelt read full of romance, food, and family.
June loves Christmas, but this year, post-divorce and dealing with family issues, she's just not feeling it. And then there's Joey, recently out of a long-term on-and-off relationship. The two have quite the meet-cute when he walks in to a party after she's roasted him online. Despite the awkwardness, a friendship forms and grows into something more.
I appreciate how real their growing relationship feels. They are coming into it with broken hearts and are cautious, but when there's a connection like theirs, it can't be denied. I loved the role Joey's grandma played helping them along and can relate to the grief he was feeling.
The only thing I would have liked to see but didn't is what happened with the family restaurant. I'm sure there would be growing pains, but it would be a huge success.
Thank you, Betty Corrello, Cosmo Reads, and NetGalley for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
June loves Christmas, but this year, post-divorce and dealing with family issues, she's just not feeling it. And then there's Joey, recently out of a long-term on-and-off relationship. The two have quite the meet-cute when he walks in to a party after she's roasted him online. Despite the awkwardness, a friendship forms and grows into something more.
I appreciate how real their growing relationship feels. They are coming into it with broken hearts and are cautious, but when there's a connection like theirs, it can't be denied. I loved the role Joey's grandma played helping them along and can relate to the grief he was feeling.
The only thing I would have liked to see but didn't is what happened with the family restaurant. I'm sure there would be growing pains, but it would be a huge success.
Thank you, Betty Corrello, Cosmo Reads, and NetGalley for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
September 27, 2026
I gobbled this up like one of JoeyDaVegan’s recipes. Wow, this was sooo cute and sweet and a perfect holiday romance.
June and Joey are complicated and messy, they find each other when they’re both in not the most ideal places in life, yet together, it just works. They fit together like puzzle pieces and watching them wade through their messes together was really beautiful.
I love that it’s dual POV. I love the insane family members and side characters. I was tearing up and then cracking up a page later which is just my favorite thing.
If you’re looking for an addicting friends to lovers romcom- check this one out!
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the early copy!
June and Joey are complicated and messy, they find each other when they’re both in not the most ideal places in life, yet together, it just works. They fit together like puzzle pieces and watching them wade through their messes together was really beautiful.
I love that it’s dual POV. I love the insane family members and side characters. I was tearing up and then cracking up a page later which is just my favorite thing.
If you’re looking for an addicting friends to lovers romcom- check this one out!
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the early copy!
September 28, 2026
All it took was Betty Corrello’s debut, SUMMERTIME PUNCHLINE, to cement her as one of my auto-buy authors.
BACK FOR SECONDS is a delectable contemporary romance about recently divorced June, and Joey, a newly single cooking influencer.
I absolutely LOVED how BACK FOR SECONDS kicks off. It’s hilarious, chaotic, and romantic. Joey and June’s interactions had me so giddy 🤭 They are perfectly matched! June and Joey’s ability to break down each other’s walls while providing a safe and nurturing partnership was so sweet.
I fell in love with Evergreen, New Jersey and its characters in Betty’s first two books. I was thrilled for a chance to revisit the magic of their little shore town and see how everyone is doing!!
BACK FOR SECONDS is a Christmas romance, but can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s filled with delicious food and a charming love story 💙
BACK FOR SECONDS is a delectable contemporary romance about recently divorced June, and Joey, a newly single cooking influencer.
I absolutely LOVED how BACK FOR SECONDS kicks off. It’s hilarious, chaotic, and romantic. Joey and June’s interactions had me so giddy 🤭 They are perfectly matched! June and Joey’s ability to break down each other’s walls while providing a safe and nurturing partnership was so sweet.
I fell in love with Evergreen, New Jersey and its characters in Betty’s first two books. I was thrilled for a chance to revisit the magic of their little shore town and see how everyone is doing!!
BACK FOR SECONDS is a Christmas romance, but can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s filled with delicious food and a charming love story 💙
August 23, 2026
A very solid 4/5! I struggle a lot with my feelings around Christmas - I’m often the ba-hum-bug type 😅 and so, normally I don’t enjoy a holiday romance novel… BUT THIS WAS SO GOOD! And actually made me look forward to Christmas this year a little more❤️
I mainly just wish that the chapters could have been a little shorter. But would definitely recommend!
I mainly just wish that the chapters could have been a little shorter. But would definitely recommend!
June 26, 2026
This book was a treat. It is full of sugar, spice, and Christmas magic. Life has knocked down both of the main characters. We see them trying to get back up, navigating their traumas while being obsessed with each other. There was a realness to the story I felt. It also made me hungry. I didn’t know it was part of a series. I want to go back and read the previous books and maybe one day there will be more.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
October 1, 2026
Thank you CosmoReads for the digital copy to review! It's so hard for me to get an early copy of Betty's books cause I never want to read it TOO SOON cause then it's over and I have to wait *again* for her next adventure. As a self-proclaimed non-lover of insta-love, Betty fully captivated me with this story and how it came together.
First of all, June? I LOVE HER YOUR HONOR. We love unlikable and difficult female MMCs in this house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Amen!!!!!!!!!!!! She was *intensely* relatable for me. I'm a fat girl. We don't often see our love stories play out in the media. Or in books tbh. But June's inner self doubt, always being told she's a crybaby, being told she's too much? God, it's like she was written for me and I'm pretty sure Betty had me in mind (I was born in June... also I'm kidding Betty <3) when she wrote June because I am her. She is me. Though it's been way longer for me for intimacy and I've also never been married or fallen for JoeyDaVegan. Speaking of......
Joey, my sweet, sweet, lover boy. God we love a down bad man in this house, amen. He was *so far gone* for June the minute he laid his eyes on her. We love to see it!!!!!!!!! Also, truly adored his POV and seeing his grief and love of his grandmother shine through.
But one of the things I loved most about this story was the connection that brought June and Joey together - and how June felt like she was truly brought to make Joey happy. That they were meant to find out how to love and be loved again - together. How they just *got* each other instantly and felt that comfort that comes with best friends. Knowing your person. Soul mates as friends first, and I love that they decided to make a friendship that they wanted to elevate and keep above all else. AND I loved that June recognized she needed some space.
Also, cameos from Eddie and Del had my heart singing, my OG babies who brought Betty into my life. Forever and ever will I love them. And of COURSE there is food and drink and salivating on the page because this is a Betty book.
Anyway, it comes out on 10/6 and you should buy it cause Betty is the best, most wonderful person and I adore her and her writing.
First of all, June? I LOVE HER YOUR HONOR. We love unlikable and difficult female MMCs in this house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Amen!!!!!!!!!!!! She was *intensely* relatable for me. I'm a fat girl. We don't often see our love stories play out in the media. Or in books tbh. But June's inner self doubt, always being told she's a crybaby, being told she's too much? God, it's like she was written for me and I'm pretty sure Betty had me in mind (I was born in June... also I'm kidding Betty <3) when she wrote June because I am her. She is me. Though it's been way longer for me for intimacy and I've also never been married or fallen for JoeyDaVegan. Speaking of......
Joey, my sweet, sweet, lover boy. God we love a down bad man in this house, amen. He was *so far gone* for June the minute he laid his eyes on her. We love to see it!!!!!!!!! Also, truly adored his POV and seeing his grief and love of his grandmother shine through.
But one of the things I loved most about this story was the connection that brought June and Joey together - and how June felt like she was truly brought to make Joey happy. That they were meant to find out how to love and be loved again - together. How they just *got* each other instantly and felt that comfort that comes with best friends. Knowing your person. Soul mates as friends first, and I love that they decided to make a friendship that they wanted to elevate and keep above all else. AND I loved that June recognized she needed some space.
Also, cameos from Eddie and Del had my heart singing, my OG babies who brought Betty into my life. Forever and ever will I love them. And of COURSE there is food and drink and salivating on the page because this is a Betty book.
Anyway, it comes out on 10/6 and you should buy it cause Betty is the best, most wonderful person and I adore her and her writing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars.
Another holiday book that will give you cozy vibes, but that can be enjoyed year long. Taking place in about the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's, Back for Seconds follows June and Joey, both of whom are reeling from broken relationships that have left them questioning who they are and how lovable they might be.
First, I loved the "meet cute" in this book. Joey is also JoeyDaVegan, a shirtless influencer who cooks vegan food, shirtless, of course. June and her roommate and friend, Mimi, stitch one of his more ridiculous videos, which goes a bit viral. Turns out the two live near each other and have overlapping family groups, which puts Joey directly in June's orbit. It's a cute idea that pokes just enough fun at Joey's online persona, while also giving him a path to growth during the book.
This is very much an instalove story on both fronts, which isn't surprising given the short timeline, but I think it works with the magic of the season and the unique connections the two end up having as they learn more about each other. Joey is truly a golden retriever, cinnamon roll, soft boy MMC, but he has some great depth and the way that he treats June is really beautiful. June, herself, is a great character. A year off a divorce that really left her unmoored, she struggles with believing Joey wants her for the long haul. It's a totally realistic response to what she's gone through and the way that she was treated in her previous relationship.
My only quibble is the third act break. I understood the underlying motivation for taking time apart, but it felt a bit abrupt and it resolves so quickly that I'm not sure it was necessary. Despite that minor complaint, I really enjoyed the book. It's beautifully written, with well-developed characters trying to get past the pain in their past together.
* Thank you to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *
Another holiday book that will give you cozy vibes, but that can be enjoyed year long. Taking place in about the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's, Back for Seconds follows June and Joey, both of whom are reeling from broken relationships that have left them questioning who they are and how lovable they might be.
First, I loved the "meet cute" in this book. Joey is also JoeyDaVegan, a shirtless influencer who cooks vegan food, shirtless, of course. June and her roommate and friend, Mimi, stitch one of his more ridiculous videos, which goes a bit viral. Turns out the two live near each other and have overlapping family groups, which puts Joey directly in June's orbit. It's a cute idea that pokes just enough fun at Joey's online persona, while also giving him a path to growth during the book.
This is very much an instalove story on both fronts, which isn't surprising given the short timeline, but I think it works with the magic of the season and the unique connections the two end up having as they learn more about each other. Joey is truly a golden retriever, cinnamon roll, soft boy MMC, but he has some great depth and the way that he treats June is really beautiful. June, herself, is a great character. A year off a divorce that really left her unmoored, she struggles with believing Joey wants her for the long haul. It's a totally realistic response to what she's gone through and the way that she was treated in her previous relationship.
My only quibble is the third act break. I understood the underlying motivation for taking time apart, but it felt a bit abrupt and it resolves so quickly that I'm not sure it was necessary. Despite that minor complaint, I really enjoyed the book. It's beautifully written, with well-developed characters trying to get past the pain in their past together.
* Thank you to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Betty Corrello is quickly becoming one of the most consistent contemporary romance authors for me. Her debut was on my best of the year list when it came out, I loved her sophomore outing, and Back for Seconds has cemented her spot on my auto-read list.
Thanks to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
This is a holiday novel about two people at a crossroads in small-town New Jersey. June is attempting to navigate her first holiday season alone after experiencing her own divorce, watching her parents divorce, and her mother leaving to go on a solo vacation. Joey has finally ended his decade-long on-again, off-again relationship and is trying to figure out what he wants from his life without his ex's input. These two end up bonding over their shared love of food—even if Joey is a vegan—and desire for connection.
I read this book right after my mom died, which was definitely a choice on my part. I'm not sure I'd recommend that decision, but here we are. June's character arc is centered around trying to learn how to do life alone after her divorce before she turned 30. She had married in her 20s and thought she was done—she'd have a partner, and that was that. But his infidelity, followed by her father's sudden desire for a new life in Florida, has left her adrift. I really loved the way Betty Corrello navigated the bone-deep loneliness June feels after her life and the majority of her support system blew up, while still recognizing the part June has played in her own isolation. She doesn't let June off the hook for the bad decisions she made in regard to her brothers, which has left her much more isolated than she needed to be.
Overall, this was a lovely holiday romance without the kitsch that often crowds the genre. 4 stars.
Thanks to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
This is a holiday novel about two people at a crossroads in small-town New Jersey. June is attempting to navigate her first holiday season alone after experiencing her own divorce, watching her parents divorce, and her mother leaving to go on a solo vacation. Joey has finally ended his decade-long on-again, off-again relationship and is trying to figure out what he wants from his life without his ex's input. These two end up bonding over their shared love of food—even if Joey is a vegan—and desire for connection.
I read this book right after my mom died, which was definitely a choice on my part. I'm not sure I'd recommend that decision, but here we are. June's character arc is centered around trying to learn how to do life alone after her divorce before she turned 30. She had married in her 20s and thought she was done—she'd have a partner, and that was that. But his infidelity, followed by her father's sudden desire for a new life in Florida, has left her adrift. I really loved the way Betty Corrello navigated the bone-deep loneliness June feels after her life and the majority of her support system blew up, while still recognizing the part June has played in her own isolation. She doesn't let June off the hook for the bad decisions she made in regard to her brothers, which has left her much more isolated than she needed to be.
Overall, this was a lovely holiday romance without the kitsch that often crowds the genre. 4 stars.
September 23, 2026
June and Joey, I love you a lot.
Betty Corrello has a way of striking such a wonderful balance between humor and emotional vulnerability while creating characters who feel achingly authentic.
June is a big personality who has been stifled and is still reeling from both her own divorce and her parents’. In a community with a lot of opinions, she’s just trying to get through the holidays without too many blows. Enter Joey, and she finds the most unexpected soft place to land. One of my very favorite things to read is a woman who has always been told she’s too much, too loud, too abrasive meeting a man who embraces and falls in love with exactly who she is. June deserves that. Joey gives her that. Joey, who is going through his own emotional turmoil. Joey, who is trying to figure out what his own future looks like.
The friendship that builds between June and Joey as their romance simmers in the background is so important to who these two are and how they can learn to trust each other. It’s really beautiful. They find a space where they can share the things they’ve held back from others, their deeply rooted insecurities and worries, and the things they’re almost too scared to how for. Their communication is refreshing and honest, even when it’s hard and has the ability to hurt.
Among the friendship and romance, there are also important conversations happening for June and Joey with their respective families that showcase how much love in all its forms surround these two. It’s raw and it’s real and it’s lasting.
With a touch a holiday magic, food descriptions that will have you wanting to try everything — including, and maybe even especially, Joey’s vegan dishes — and a soft, tender romance with a side of delicious heat, this is a read that should be on your holiday reading radar.
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Betty Corrello has a way of striking such a wonderful balance between humor and emotional vulnerability while creating characters who feel achingly authentic.
June is a big personality who has been stifled and is still reeling from both her own divorce and her parents’. In a community with a lot of opinions, she’s just trying to get through the holidays without too many blows. Enter Joey, and she finds the most unexpected soft place to land. One of my very favorite things to read is a woman who has always been told she’s too much, too loud, too abrasive meeting a man who embraces and falls in love with exactly who she is. June deserves that. Joey gives her that. Joey, who is going through his own emotional turmoil. Joey, who is trying to figure out what his own future looks like.
The friendship that builds between June and Joey as their romance simmers in the background is so important to who these two are and how they can learn to trust each other. It’s really beautiful. They find a space where they can share the things they’ve held back from others, their deeply rooted insecurities and worries, and the things they’re almost too scared to how for. Their communication is refreshing and honest, even when it’s hard and has the ability to hurt.
Among the friendship and romance, there are also important conversations happening for June and Joey with their respective families that showcase how much love in all its forms surround these two. It’s raw and it’s real and it’s lasting.
With a touch a holiday magic, food descriptions that will have you wanting to try everything — including, and maybe even especially, Joey’s vegan dishes — and a soft, tender romance with a side of delicious heat, this is a read that should be on your holiday reading radar.
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2026
🍝 A little messy. A little spicy. AND A WHOLE LOT OF FEELINGS!🍝
Can we talk about this cover? So cute!
June is navigating her first Christmas after divorce when a very unexpected connection with Joey, a vegan home chef whom she made fun of because of his food porn videos lol, brings the necessary excitement to turn her life around. While their relationship moves quickly, you can enjoy their heartfelt conversations, emotional connection and the way Joey makes June feel seen.
Loved the foodie vibes and the sprinkles of Cuban/Italian cultural elements throughout the book. As a Cuban, I was left craving a little more haha.
If you love romances where the characters are imperfect, complicated, a little messy but still wanting and deserving of love, this one belongs in your TBR.
What to Expect:
- Love After Heartbreak Journeys
- Foodies (Italian/Cuban) also Vegan
- Family Drama
- Christmas Vibes
- Small Town/Jersey Shore
- Two POVs
- Short Chapters
Thank you Cosmo Reads for the Book Mail!
Can we talk about this cover? So cute!
June is navigating her first Christmas after divorce when a very unexpected connection with Joey, a vegan home chef whom she made fun of because of his food porn videos lol, brings the necessary excitement to turn her life around. While their relationship moves quickly, you can enjoy their heartfelt conversations, emotional connection and the way Joey makes June feel seen.
Loved the foodie vibes and the sprinkles of Cuban/Italian cultural elements throughout the book. As a Cuban, I was left craving a little more haha.
If you love romances where the characters are imperfect, complicated, a little messy but still wanting and deserving of love, this one belongs in your TBR.
What to Expect:
- Love After Heartbreak Journeys
- Foodies (Italian/Cuban) also Vegan
- Family Drama
- Christmas Vibes
- Small Town/Jersey Shore
- Two POVs
- Short Chapters
Thank you Cosmo Reads for the Book Mail!
September 20, 2026
This was fantastic!! It’s the perfect holiday romance!! And while it’s centered around Christmas and a little holiday magic it really feels like a perfect read for any time of year!! I loved everything about the cataracts and the setting and the writing!! I’ll have to go back and read Betty’s other books bc they’re all set in Evergreen and I’d love to be back!!
I LOVE JUNE AND JOEY!!! There really is something so special about the right person at the right time!!! They both had been through it!!! And maybe weren’t really looking for something right now?! But they found so much LOVE and friendship and FUN in each other and it was literally SO PERFECT! They were really able to SEE each other and be able to BE THEMSELVES for the first time in a relationship, and seeing them FLOURISH together!!! Made my heart SING!
Thanks to CosmoReads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I LOVE JUNE AND JOEY!!! There really is something so special about the right person at the right time!!! They both had been through it!!! And maybe weren’t really looking for something right now?! But they found so much LOVE and friendship and FUN in each other and it was literally SO PERFECT! They were really able to SEE each other and be able to BE THEMSELVES for the first time in a relationship, and seeing them FLOURISH together!!! Made my heart SING!
Thanks to CosmoReads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Romance stories and characters can feel kind of similar if you read a lot of them, even when they're good, but Back for Seconds felt pretty unique in the structure and characters that were included. There were tropes yes, but nothing about it felt like it was serving a trope just for the sake of it or doing something 'predictable' just because it's romance (hopefully that makes sense!)
The things that didn't land as much for me felt like they could have just been editing things that would be fixed in an additional pass. Sometimes I'd be confused about a scene or a detail that was mentioned previously, but that could very well be because I read an early copy. In general I was interested in the story and wanted to see the end, it wasn't my favorite but I think others would enjoy it! (especially if you really like food)
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the ARC via NetGalley for review!
The things that didn't land as much for me felt like they could have just been editing things that would be fixed in an additional pass. Sometimes I'd be confused about a scene or a detail that was mentioned previously, but that could very well be because I read an early copy. In general I was interested in the story and wanted to see the end, it wasn't my favorite but I think others would enjoy it! (especially if you really like food)
Thank you to Cosmo Reads for the ARC via NetGalley for review!
Read
September 2, 2026ALL HAIL QUEEN BETTY
Betty Corrello’s books are so delectable and I want everyone to know!
A vegan chef (slash hottie social media star) and a recently divorced pizza-shop heiress have a sort of virtual meet-ugly when she stitches and mocks one of his shirtless cooking videos. When the two happen to meet in person at a holiday party, their connection is immediate. Through the Christmas season, they connect over food and festivity, and the result is a smart and sexy, thoughtful and deep romance that touches on meaningful topics expertly. I enjoyed this one so much, as I do all of Betty’s books! A definite must-read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cosmo Reads for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. BACK FOR SECONDS is out 10/6/26.
Betty Corrello’s books are so delectable and I want everyone to know!
A vegan chef (slash hottie social media star) and a recently divorced pizza-shop heiress have a sort of virtual meet-ugly when she stitches and mocks one of his shirtless cooking videos. When the two happen to meet in person at a holiday party, their connection is immediate. Through the Christmas season, they connect over food and festivity, and the result is a smart and sexy, thoughtful and deep romance that touches on meaningful topics expertly. I enjoyed this one so much, as I do all of Betty’s books! A definite must-read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cosmo Reads for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. BACK FOR SECONDS is out 10/6/26.
September 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!!
June is back home following a very emotional divorce (likewise her mother is following a similar route) and meets an intriguing man at a holiday party; a vegan cook who she drunkenly made fun of the night before!
Thankfully Joey (da vegan) is cool and the two spark up a friendship that quickly heats up. Joey is also suffering from heartbreak but finds a new distraction in June. This book is so funny and I love the small town Jersey dynamic. It felt so genuine to me, especially the town hall meetings. I loved the vibes that town and the whacky people who live there. And Junes mother!!! I need a novella of her trip please! What a delightful little interlude her emails were!
September 28, 2026
I want to bottle up all the passion that is in this book and carry it with me! I want to laugh and feel and cry and be angry along with June and Joey and always remember how that feels! There is just so much to love about this Christmas romance! June and Joey and their earnestness, their honesty, their tenderness, and their devotion were inspirational. I received an advance reader copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐
Betty Corrello writes just the most solidly wonderful easy beautiful romances - and this one is no different! What starts as a hilarious meet cute/argument turns into watching two people who are somewhat broken & working on healing themselves or finding out how to be their true authentic self in a relationship & falling in love along the way. It just feels like the most relatistic read while also being incredibly romantic in the most genuine real human way. I really enjoyed it and after really enjoying 32 Days in May as well, Betty Corrello is definitely added to my auto buy author list!
Huge thanks to Netgalley for this arc. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Betty Corrello writes just the most solidly wonderful easy beautiful romances - and this one is no different! What starts as a hilarious meet cute/argument turns into watching two people who are somewhat broken & working on healing themselves or finding out how to be their true authentic self in a relationship & falling in love along the way. It just feels like the most relatistic read while also being incredibly romantic in the most genuine real human way. I really enjoyed it and after really enjoying 32 Days in May as well, Betty Corrello is definitely added to my auto buy author list!
Huge thanks to Netgalley for this arc. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 7, 2026As someone who LOVED Corrello’s previous 2 novels set in Evergreen, I am super bummed that this story didn’t hit for me. The beginning was really funny and I loved their meet cute! I also loved seeing Del and Eddie again. ❤️ They are couple goals! But there were a few things that kept me from enjoying this book. First, there were too many characters that weren’t easy to distinguish from one another. It pulled me out of the story to have to go back and remember who certain characters were because they didn’t have clear identifiers. Second, the emotions of the characters didn’t make sense sometimes. We’d be making out, it would be great, and then June’d leave and wonder if she’d ever see Joey again...? Huh?? What about that interaction gave her that impression? There was one instance where she just started crying?? Like SOBBING. And I thought maybe he was misreading it and she was really laughing bc why on earth would she be crying...? But no. She was full on sobbing. Randomly (in my opinion). There were multiple instances where the progression of the characters’ emotions didn’t match what had happened in the story. This isn’t typical with Corrello’s writing, and I’m hoping some more editing has taken place between the e-arc and finished copies.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐
While the timeline caught me off guard—almost the entire story unfolds in under two weeks—this ended up being such a cute, fun read!
Despite dealing with heavy heartbreak, the main characters maintained a refreshing sense of youthfulness. I loved their playful banter and how comfortable they were being completely honest with one another. The chemistry between them was undeniable right from the start. I loved the overarching message that second chances aren't just about forgiving the past, but about giving yourself permission to fall in love again.
Thank you NetGalley & Cosmo Reads for this ARC!
While the timeline caught me off guard—almost the entire story unfolds in under two weeks—this ended up being such a cute, fun read!
Despite dealing with heavy heartbreak, the main characters maintained a refreshing sense of youthfulness. I loved their playful banter and how comfortable they were being completely honest with one another. The chemistry between them was undeniable right from the start. I loved the overarching message that second chances aren't just about forgiving the past, but about giving yourself permission to fall in love again.
Thank you NetGalley & Cosmo Reads for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So much of this book, especially the scenes around Christmas celebrations at Joey's house felt like a warm hug. I could smell and feel the cozy and loving family vibe. It was very nostalgic and comforting, as was the spark between Joey and June! The chemistry was off the charts.
What's stopping me from recommending this to everyone this Christmas is that something just doesn't feel fully developed with this story. I don't think we needed the details of moms sex cruise, we didn't need to get the strange snippets of Mimi and... what was the point of the restaurant fight with Dad? It gives the feeling that the author was plotting out several potential ways for the story to go and left them all there without following through. There were just too many times of the story where I couldn't gauge the temperature of what was going on.
I loved the piece about Joey's grandma and that tie together (and the ring!!). It was probably my favorite detail and I was actually bummed when Joey revealed it to June and it sort of flopped. Those deeper moments slid in there too casually. They either should have played a bigger role in the overall story or shouldn't have been included at all.
Thank you to all involved for giving me an opportunity to read this early and help get me into the Christmas spirit!
What's stopping me from recommending this to everyone this Christmas is that something just doesn't feel fully developed with this story. I don't think we needed the details of moms sex cruise, we didn't need to get the strange snippets of Mimi and... what was the point of the restaurant fight with Dad? It gives the feeling that the author was plotting out several potential ways for the story to go and left them all there without following through. There were just too many times of the story where I couldn't gauge the temperature of what was going on.
I loved the piece about Joey's grandma and that tie together (and the ring!!). It was probably my favorite detail and I was actually bummed when Joey revealed it to June and it sort of flopped. Those deeper moments slid in there too casually. They either should have played a bigger role in the overall story or shouldn't have been included at all.
Thank you to all involved for giving me an opportunity to read this early and help get me into the Christmas spirit!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I felt like this started off strong, but then I had a hard time connecting with the main characters about 3/4 way through. I didn’t really buy into their falling into love fast. Overall I liked the FMC - I found her to be relatable. Maybe it was just the dynamic between her and the cinnamon roll MMC?
I enjoyed the dramatic family aspects, but the drama with her dad at the end really threw me off. It was kind of just thrown in there when it really could have been left out.
Ultimately I think this will be a good unconventional holiday read set in the Jersey Shore.
I enjoyed the dramatic family aspects, but the drama with her dad at the end really threw me off. It was kind of just thrown in there when it really could have been left out.
Ultimately I think this will be a good unconventional holiday read set in the Jersey Shore.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back For Seconds by Betty Corrello
OUT OCT 6TH
I am going to just say it. I really think this could be my top read of the year. I loved it. So raw and so Jersey. It just felt so real with how different types of heartbreak hurt us, how the people around us change us, the variety of family dynamics. I loved it. I loved June. She’s so real. Joey is everything. He’s so sweet, pure, family boy, but also strong and dependable. I want him to show up with eggplant meatballs for me.
I love to cook and bake. It is often my love language. Having a bad week? There is a chance I will show up with a tray of meatballs or a cake. So the food, friends, family, and love throughout this book spoke to me. I also loved Joey’s tiktok journey.
I also LOVED how we got to see our past friends from Evergreen in this one. Loved seeing that their lives are doing so well!
Instalust
Dual POV
Feast of the seven fishes
Curvy FMC
Noche Buena
They're both moving on from heartbreak
Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Divorced & Curvy FMC
Trainer X Chef MMC
Black Cat X Golden Retriever
June Alfiero is just trying to survive her first Christmas post-divorce. If growing up the only daughter of Evergreen's boardwalk pizza king taught her anything, it's how to eat or be eaten.
She's done indulging family drama; she refuses to play games with her ex; and she definitely will not be falling for the viral vegan homecook she accidentally dragged on TikTok after one too many margaritas.
But when June comes face-to-face with the Adonis himself, Joey Pagano is nothing like his digital footprint. He's patient. Earnest. Maddeningly kind. And navigating his own heartbreak.
The more time they spend together, sharing home-cooked meals and soft confessions, the more June's hardened exterior begins to melt.
Here are just a few of my favorite highlights…. Seriously, I highlighted SO MUCH.
“BREAKING News! Local Woman Actually Didn’t Want To Be Cheated On By Her Kind Of Lame Husband! Also: She Would Have Made It Work!”
“Truth be told, I would take June in any form I could have her. Fuck, I’d do her taxes if it meant I at least got to hear from her twice a year.”
“But right now, I couldn’t think of anything better. I wanted to enjoy every bite. I wanted seconds. And I wanted to lick the plate clean.”
Betty. This book is a dream. Thank you. I know this is goodbye to Evergreen but I will sure miss it. Thank you Thank you.
This book also inspired me to try a new caramel apple blondie recipe…. So stay tuned there…
OUT OCT 6TH
I am going to just say it. I really think this could be my top read of the year. I loved it. So raw and so Jersey. It just felt so real with how different types of heartbreak hurt us, how the people around us change us, the variety of family dynamics. I loved it. I loved June. She’s so real. Joey is everything. He’s so sweet, pure, family boy, but also strong and dependable. I want him to show up with eggplant meatballs for me.
I love to cook and bake. It is often my love language. Having a bad week? There is a chance I will show up with a tray of meatballs or a cake. So the food, friends, family, and love throughout this book spoke to me. I also loved Joey’s tiktok journey.
I also LOVED how we got to see our past friends from Evergreen in this one. Loved seeing that their lives are doing so well!
Instalust
Dual POV
Feast of the seven fishes
Curvy FMC
Noche Buena
They're both moving on from heartbreak
Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Divorced & Curvy FMC
Trainer X Chef MMC
Black Cat X Golden Retriever
June Alfiero is just trying to survive her first Christmas post-divorce. If growing up the only daughter of Evergreen's boardwalk pizza king taught her anything, it's how to eat or be eaten.
She's done indulging family drama; she refuses to play games with her ex; and she definitely will not be falling for the viral vegan homecook she accidentally dragged on TikTok after one too many margaritas.
But when June comes face-to-face with the Adonis himself, Joey Pagano is nothing like his digital footprint. He's patient. Earnest. Maddeningly kind. And navigating his own heartbreak.
The more time they spend together, sharing home-cooked meals and soft confessions, the more June's hardened exterior begins to melt.
Here are just a few of my favorite highlights…. Seriously, I highlighted SO MUCH.
“BREAKING News! Local Woman Actually Didn’t Want To Be Cheated On By Her Kind Of Lame Husband! Also: She Would Have Made It Work!”
“Truth be told, I would take June in any form I could have her. Fuck, I’d do her taxes if it meant I at least got to hear from her twice a year.”
“But right now, I couldn’t think of anything better. I wanted to enjoy every bite. I wanted seconds. And I wanted to lick the plate clean.”
Betty. This book is a dream. Thank you. I know this is goodbye to Evergreen but I will sure miss it. Thank you Thank you.
This book also inspired me to try a new caramel apple blondie recipe…. So stay tuned there…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️
Ah, the frustration of a book that is good, but not quite good enough.
Maybe I came into this with expectations that were too high—after all, Corrello’s previous book was one of my favorites of last year. And while this novel is good, I couldn’t help but see all the ways it could have been better.
Things started out strong, and I found myself immediately lost in the story. While I’m not a big fan of insta-love, the connection between June and Joey was palpable right from the start. The relational conflict was believable, rooted in personal histories and old wounds rather than contrived obstacles. And Corrello did a great job, at least initially, of giving both characters the kind of depth and backstories that would warrant such reservations.
However, as the story progressed, I found myself frustrated. At a point when both the story and characters should have come into clearer focus, everything started to feel scattered and fuzzy. Both June and Joey have layers, but never felt fully realized. Whatever pieces of their characters—and the story as a result—were missing prevented everything from clicking together.
Here’s the rub: if this were a different author, would I be as critical? Possibly not. And I want to be clear that I did enjoy this book. I just wish the back half had matched the quality of the first.
Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that while this is a story that takes place during the holidays, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a holiday story. Christmas is more of a backdrop than part of the plot, which is totally fine with me but may fall short of expectations if you’re looking for a cozy holiday romance.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Ah, the frustration of a book that is good, but not quite good enough.
Maybe I came into this with expectations that were too high—after all, Corrello’s previous book was one of my favorites of last year. And while this novel is good, I couldn’t help but see all the ways it could have been better.
Things started out strong, and I found myself immediately lost in the story. While I’m not a big fan of insta-love, the connection between June and Joey was palpable right from the start. The relational conflict was believable, rooted in personal histories and old wounds rather than contrived obstacles. And Corrello did a great job, at least initially, of giving both characters the kind of depth and backstories that would warrant such reservations.
However, as the story progressed, I found myself frustrated. At a point when both the story and characters should have come into clearer focus, everything started to feel scattered and fuzzy. Both June and Joey have layers, but never felt fully realized. Whatever pieces of their characters—and the story as a result—were missing prevented everything from clicking together.
Here’s the rub: if this were a different author, would I be as critical? Possibly not. And I want to be clear that I did enjoy this book. I just wish the back half had matched the quality of the first.
Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that while this is a story that takes place during the holidays, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a holiday story. Christmas is more of a backdrop than part of the plot, which is totally fine with me but may fall short of expectations if you’re looking for a cozy holiday romance.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Back for Seconds is a charming, emotional romance where characters who each have been burned before find love. Betty Corrello’s small town story allows the characters to be vulnerable while readers root for them each step of the way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
For the first time, newly divorced June Alfiero isn’t looking forward to the holidays. She cheers slightly when her video making fun of hottie internet chef JoeyDaVegan goes viral. But the next day, she actually meets Joey Pagano IRL and is utterly embarrassed. Joey takes it in stride, as he’s still getting over his finally over (for real this time) ten years long relationship. The pair has an instant bond, even as they both struggle with their emotional baggage. Can they help each other feel confident again while leaning into their mutual attraction?
I love the POV of this second chance romance, where both MCs have loved and been rejected by other people, and need to figure out how to be vulnerable again. They each still believe in love in general, but at the beginning of the story, they aren’t convinced it’s for them. June and Joey are both strong but damaged characters in their own right, and it’s wonderful to watch them lift each other up.
The tone of this book is great. The characters are allowed to be witty and funny while going through intensely emotional times in their lives. And, the offseason Jersey Shore setting makes this a delightful change from the usual small town romance setting.
I’m so glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author and read Back for Seconds. Betty Corrello’s characters and Jersey Shore setting come to life, and that’s all before the wonderful food descriptions. If you are looking for a character driven romance where things aren’t as perfect as a Hallmark holiday movie, read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
For the first time, newly divorced June Alfiero isn’t looking forward to the holidays. She cheers slightly when her video making fun of hottie internet chef JoeyDaVegan goes viral. But the next day, she actually meets Joey Pagano IRL and is utterly embarrassed. Joey takes it in stride, as he’s still getting over his finally over (for real this time) ten years long relationship. The pair has an instant bond, even as they both struggle with their emotional baggage. Can they help each other feel confident again while leaning into their mutual attraction?
I love the POV of this second chance romance, where both MCs have loved and been rejected by other people, and need to figure out how to be vulnerable again. They each still believe in love in general, but at the beginning of the story, they aren’t convinced it’s for them. June and Joey are both strong but damaged characters in their own right, and it’s wonderful to watch them lift each other up.
The tone of this book is great. The characters are allowed to be witty and funny while going through intensely emotional times in their lives. And, the offseason Jersey Shore setting makes this a delightful change from the usual small town romance setting.
I’m so glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author and read Back for Seconds. Betty Corrello’s characters and Jersey Shore setting come to life, and that’s all before the wonderful food descriptions. If you are looking for a character driven romance where things aren’t as perfect as a Hallmark holiday movie, read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Betty Corrello for offering an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Society, we’re still trying to figure out how to want the best for ourselves, how to make our wants and needs a priority. Of course, so many different circumstances can make a person doubt themselves or put themselves on the back burner, whether it’s something from childhood or an abusive relationship with a former partner. I loved how Betty gave us an MMC who realised the importance of building people up, not tearing them down. I appreciated how much the story hammers home that the right person SEES you for you. They don’t want to change anything about you; they love you for exactly who you are. It’s about being able to be vulnerable and knowing that feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable with someone is special. The more you show them, the more they want you.
June, she’s definitely a really relatable character, and I felt like it was realistic. Sometimes a little bit petty, sometimes sweet and warm. She’s confident and building back up. It’s a sweet book, and Joey is a man who knows how to YEARN. From the beginning he’s looking out for June. He does things for her because he wants to, he wants her to feel cared about. It’s a funny book as well, author is funny.
June was recently divorced, and Joey was in a relationship with someone for a decade. I think they met each other at the right time. Those experiences also helped them to shape how they wanted their relationship to be. They have good banter and chemistry, Joey falls first. It was also a very realistic portrayal of being hurt in the past, but trying to move on from it, allowing herself to be vulnerable again.
Society, we’re still trying to figure out how to want the best for ourselves, how to make our wants and needs a priority. Of course, so many different circumstances can make a person doubt themselves or put themselves on the back burner, whether it’s something from childhood or an abusive relationship with a former partner. I loved how Betty gave us an MMC who realised the importance of building people up, not tearing them down. I appreciated how much the story hammers home that the right person SEES you for you. They don’t want to change anything about you; they love you for exactly who you are. It’s about being able to be vulnerable and knowing that feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable with someone is special. The more you show them, the more they want you.
June, she’s definitely a really relatable character, and I felt like it was realistic. Sometimes a little bit petty, sometimes sweet and warm. She’s confident and building back up. It’s a sweet book, and Joey is a man who knows how to YEARN. From the beginning he’s looking out for June. He does things for her because he wants to, he wants her to feel cared about. It’s a funny book as well, author is funny.
June was recently divorced, and Joey was in a relationship with someone for a decade. I think they met each other at the right time. Those experiences also helped them to shape how they wanted their relationship to be. They have good banter and chemistry, Joey falls first. It was also a very realistic portrayal of being hurt in the past, but trying to move on from it, allowing herself to be vulnerable again.
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