Back for Seconds

by Betty Corrello

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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Betty 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.