
Member Reviews

Nicola May’s How Do I Tell You? follows Victoria Sharpe, a mid-30s illustrator, whose HIV diagnosis forces her to confront societal stigmas, navigate personal challenges, and rediscover her worth. With humor, compassion, and insight, the novel explores resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of love and human connections.

This book was dialogue heavy. Wouldn't say it normalised cheating, but it was mentioned as part and parcel of life, which was refreshing to read. The family dynamic was a tearjerker. It's been a while since I read a good British chick lit. This author was a good choice.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing to read/review.

Despite dealing with some heavy topics, this was a quick read. I appreciate the care the author took when dealing with a sensitive topic and giving us a look into the main characters life as she navigated her life altering diagnosis.
At times the book felt like it was trying to rush through too many storylines at one time so many felt very surface level.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this new to me author.

This was such a heavy book, but done so well it didn't feel as heavy as it could. I felt like I learned a lot more about HIV. I loved all of Vic's family and friends. Vic was amazing, she's like alot of us. Living life in a cycle and comfortable. But what could happen if we truly go after our dreams? I absolutely loved the author, he was my favorite character. So unique and interesting. The twist was a lovely addition as well as the ending. All around a wonderful read! Side note and completely irrelevant: The author truly enjoys using the terms "sounds omnious", I felt like I heard it 10 times minimum, but I didn't count (looking back now, I wish I did). Lol
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

A story of bonds being tested and strengthened while finding yourself along the way after being diagnosed unexpectedly. Thank you to NetGalley, Nicola + Storm Publishing for the eARC.
What to Expect:
⭐ Single story POV
⭐ Discussions of long term immune disease
⭐ Best Friends bonded together through life
⭐ A story of dysfunctional families, decades long secrets tied with new ones & a journey of finding yourself when given an unexpected diagnosis
My Thoughts:
WHEW.... deep. I thought I had selected a laid back easy going romance that wasn't winter based, but something comedic for a lighter start to the year. There is some of that but this is a DEEPLY emotional book. The main character is unexpectedly given a diagnosis that will change the complete trajectory of her life. From friendships, to family and even partners her life is flipped upside down.
What I love about the trajectory of her journey is that she is faced having to make some really tough decisions. Some that a lot of us would never take. That she takes the chance to jump at committing to her dreams chasing her art & allowing herself to fully become herself. More than that is the ending! I loved that it was all tied up beautifully.
The main characters are all well developed. The sub characters will have you laughing and loving them. I will say there is A LOT going on in this. So make sure you pay close attention to the story as it unfolds!
More than that make sure to read the authors notes. It will give you a lot more perspective on why Nicola decided to take the direction with this book.
Synopsis:
Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why can’t she shake the feeling that something is missing?
Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning – one reckless decision later – she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.
Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.
Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance causes her heart to skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all she’s been through, can she let it in?

Firstly I need to apologise to my family for being absent today. I started reading this book and literally only put it down to attend to nature. Thought-provoking? YES. Warmly written? YES. Sensitive? YES.
What an insightful read and so beautifully written!!! Your love for your friend simply shines through every page.

This romance novel tackles some hard hitting topics, but ultimately is lighthearted in tone and the perfect beach read. It was an easy read with a cast of likeable characters.

Sinopsis en español:
Victoria Sharpe, de treinta y cinco años, tiene un trabajo decente como ilustradora, una relación perfectamente buena aunque predecible, y grandes amigos. Entonces, ¿por qué no puede sacudirse la sensación de que falta algo?
Ansioso por desahogarse, se embarca en una noche con sus mejores amigos. A la mañana siguiente, una decisión imprudente después, decide hacer algunos cambios muy atrasados para lograr la satisfacción que anhela.
Luego recibe noticias devastadoras que destrozan todo lo que siempre quiso para su futuro.
O eso piensa ella. Porque a medida que los amigos y la familia se reúnen para apoyarla, y un nuevo romance inesperado hace que su corazón se salte un latido, Victoria descubre que a veces en la oscuridad más profunda la luz más brillante puede brillar a través de ella. Pero, después de todo lo que ha pasado, ¿puede dejarlo entrar?
Reseña:
Me gustó, pero me costó trabajo la primera mitad, se me hizo un poco pesado por la actitud de Victoria en esa parte. En cambio la segunda parte fluyó y se me fue rápido.

This was a heartwarming story with Vic the main character, she’s going through a rough patch, she doesn’t know if she still wants to with her boyfriend Nate. After a hen weekend in Brighton, she sleeps with another guy which will have a lasting effect. This was a well written book with a very important subject and I’m so glad the author dealt with it so well. It is something that is not talked about, but should. I really enjoy reading this authors books, they are an easy read with great subjects. A 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

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.