Victoria is an artist who is frustrated with her job and her life. After a trip to Brighton on a hen weekend she has a one night stand, and decides to change her ways, life and job, which is when she receives some devastating news.

This was a lovely book, with lots of twists and turns and surprises with her family, friends and work colleagues and a surprising new love interest.

I really wanted to like this, and was looking forward to a lighthearted romantic story. Well, that's not this story. The author writes well and tells a good story -- unfortunately, I just didn't connect with it. I wasn't a fan of the main character (not that I have to be), and while I appreciated how she dealt with the major medical issue, that was about the only thing I appreciated from her. I also felt like this book was about 30 years too late, back when this was more of a medical scare.

I'm sure I'll be in the minority here, which is fine. This just wasn't a favorite of mine.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

Nicola May's latest novel, "How Do I Tell You?" is a heartwarming and deeply engaging story that explores themes of love, loss, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. With her characteristic wit and warmth, May crafts a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
The protagonist is a character that readers will instantly connect with. Her journey of self-discovery and healing is depicted with such authenticity and grace that it becomes impossible not to root for her. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each adding depth and nuance to the story.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is May's ability to blend humor with emotional depth. The dialogues are sharp and often laced with a delightful sense of humor, while the emotional moments are handled with sensitivity and care. This balance ensures that the story remains engaging and resonant throughout.
Furthermore, the pacing of the narrative is perfect. May's skillful storytelling keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, but each twist feels earned and adds to the overall richness of the story.
In conclusion, "How Do I Tell You?" is a beautifully written, emotionally fulfilling novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Nicola May has once again proven herself to be a master of her craft, delivering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt and compelling read.

I had a hard time getting into this novel, I'm sad to say. After reading the blurb, I thought I would enjoy it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A book that was hard to put down but one that the author had done a lot of research for to cover a subject like HIV, and how likely you are to have it after being with someone for one night.

It was a reminder of the time when AIDS was first talked about.

We see Vic try to come to terms with her illness and the changes she has to make to her life, how hard she finds telling others, and the different reactions of those close to her when she does tell them,

The story also covered other topics like alcoholism, gambling and unstable families.

It was very well written,

I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that feel that I was looking for from this type of book. I was invested in what was going on with the characters and was everything that I was looking for. It had that feel that I was hoping for and was enjoying the heart-warming element to this. Nicola May has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

An excellent book that brilliantly tells the story of a woman with an HIV diagnosis and the emotional highs and lows of her journey and the reactions of her partners to the diagnosis. Written from the inspiration of a female friend of the author who was diagnosed back in 2006 but also by detailed research with many people who assist those diagnosed. A beautifully balanced book that educates and provides a positive attitude to living a full life following diagnosis. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

What a good book!!
What I thought was just going to be just another romance book turned into something completely different. It’s a well written story covering a life changing situation. You won’t be able to put this one down

This was a decent read! I felt sympathy towards the fmc and was excited to watch her grow and have a happier time. I felt like at times the pacing was off, but it was nice enough of a read to enjoy over a few days!

I had made the mistake of reading other reviews and started this book with trepidation.
If you are expecting a fluffy novel like some of the others by this author then you are in for a disappointing read.

Nicola May had obviously done a lot of research into her topic and the HIV storyline was well written. It was very definitely about HIV rather than AIDS and how ‘easy’ it could be to contract after a one night stand.
As someone who was around when AIDS first raised its head it was an education for me.
It did deal with a lot of different difficulties in life, alcoholism, gambling, promiscuity, and dysfunctional family life. The parenthood of Vic and how she met another relation did stretch credibility a little.

There was romance, infidelity and in the end Vic ‘found’ herself - not a moment too soon.

What I found unnecessary was the continual use of swear words - often where they weren’t necessary in my view. I am in danger of sounding like my own late Mum who would have been horrified - actually she would never have read the book because she wouldn’t have got past the first chapter. I did find this very distracting.

But the entire book had me hooked to the extent I was looking for 5 minutes to read a little more.

Thank you

To be honest, after I requested this ARC, I hesitated a bit about reading it. The story I somehow was expecting was not AT ALL the story I got. This was funny, thoughtful, insightful, and full of interesting facts about a topic that we are unfortunately so uneducated even now. I love the story, the main characters and its supporting characters.

This is one of those cases where the description doesn’t give the book enough credit, but any further information would become an unappreciated spoiler and I personally love spoilers. So believe when I tell you to trust and read it blindly.

I can be grateful enough for being able to read this story. I thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for this book.

This is my honest and voluntary review.

this was an okay book. I think it was too cookie cutter perfect and it was just too unrealistic for me. It was a bit fluffy but I think the writing style was fine. Overall just okay

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This was a good book just not great. It read like a fluffy love story but actually dealt with some very serious topics, specifically AIDS. I do think it handled introducing the topic of AIDS, education about the disease, and how people would react to a diagnosis of AIDS well.

I thought the author deals with a sensitive topic with great skill. I do think she did such a good job on Nate's character though, that I was rooting for him and not the other male love interest. In fact, I didn't really "buy" the romance. It didn't pull at my heartstrings. I did like reading about how Vic's relationship with her family evolves. As other reviewers have said, the various plotlines wrap up a little too neatly. A very different subject matter, which was refreshing. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice book with moments of true humour amidst a lot of dark topics. Everything lined up a bit too perfectly and things went a bit too smoothly for it to be truly credible for me and, as such, it didn’t tug my heart strings as much as I would expect a book like this to do. It’s really well written in that the characters are very engaging and well developed, with strong dialogue and great descriptions.

I absolutely loved this book! From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, beautifully blending moments of sorrow and hope. The characters are wonderfully written and feel so real, making it easy to connect with them. What I appreciated most is the powerful reminder that no matter what challenges you face, friends and family are always there to support you when you need them most. It’s a truly touching and uplifting read that stays with you long after the last page.

I just loved this book. Once I started reading this book I just couldn’t put it down. I found it heartbreaking and heartwarming due to the way the story went on but it has amazing characters and makes you believe that as long as you have friends and family they will always have your back and be there for you when you need them most.

I would highly recommend reading this book as it was just amazing.

I would like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

Nicola May’s How Do I Tell You? is a deeply moving, thought-provoking exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the strength of human connections. This story captures the journey of thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe, an illustrator seemingly content with her life but quietly yearning for more. Her stable yet stagnant relationship, a career that feels uninspiring, and complicated family dynamics weigh heavily on her. When an unexpected diagnosis turns her world upside down, Victoria is forced to confront her fears, re-evaluate her priorities, and redefine what it means to live a fulfilled life.

The beauty of this novel lies in May’s ability to tackle sensitive and often misunderstood topics with a perfect balance of empathy and humor. Victoria’s diagnosis brings to light the societal stigmas surrounding HIV, offering readers not only a nuanced perspective but also an opportunity to challenge their own preconceptions. The author skillfully weaves in moments of levity, ensuring the story remains heartfelt and uplifting despite its heavy subject matter.

Victoria’s journey is relatable and inspiring, showcasing her growth as she leans on her friends and family while learning to embrace her own strength. The cast of secondary characters adds depth and richness to the narrative, from her eccentric and supportive friends to her complex, sometimes frustrating family. The relationships are portrayed with authenticity, highlighting the power of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

While there are romantic elements, this story is more than a love story—it’s an exploration of identity, resilience, and the courage to rebuild when life takes an unexpected turn. May’s writing is engaging and warm, drawing readers into Victoria’s world and leaving them with a deeper understanding of her struggles and triumphs.

How Do I Tell You? is a book that stays with you, shedding light on difficult topics with compassion and grace. It’s an inspiring reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find light, love, and the strength to move forward.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Nicola May for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Vic is in a relationship with Nate but things are a bit stale. They both end up cheating but Vic comes away from her encounter with more than she bargained for.
I wasn’t expecting the subject the author wrote about but felt it was done in a sensitive but practical way.
A romance story but not sloppy and mushy which made a refreshing change.
Well written with a lovely ending.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author Nicola May for this eARC.

How Do I Tell You? Well, let me start of by telling you I loved this book!
I could not put this down and read it in 2 days.

It's at times heartbreaking, sad and frustrating while also warm, funny and hopeful. It's about family, friendship, happiness, love, social stigmas, prejudice and perseverance.
While there is a cute love story, I don't think I'd categorise this as a romance because Victorias journey is so much more than just that small aspect of it.