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.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I disliked the first half so much that I almost gave up. The second half is what gets the 3 stars. I didn't like any of the characters at first, and the rampant cheating, one night stands, alcoholism, and non-communication really turned me off. However, I will say that the subject matter of HIV was dealt with very sensitively and the author obviously did a lot of research. After Victoria gets her diagnosis is when her character turns her life around, stands up for herself, and basically reinvents her life. I'm glad she got a happily ever after, but this is by no means a romance novel. I did like how all the separate plots came together (a little too neatly?) at the end. Can't say I'd recommend this one, though.

From the moment I started this book I couldn't put it down.

It's so hard to talk about this book without giving away some spoilers.

So I will just say, this book was funny, heartwarming, a touch angsty, sad and at times frustrating .
I wouldn't really put this under the category of "romance" but more under women's fiction.

Yes, there are romantic partners but not a lot in the development of the romantic relationship .

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.

This is a mad book. Mad in all the right ways. There are characters galore, in friends, family, neighbours and partners which all mix the book up and give it real strength and variety. Victoria is a fab person to lead the book. Full of doubt, sure, but also full of spirit and artistic temperament and most of all kind. There are so many hidden stories told as light is shone on them as the book progresses, that reading it is like a lovely long train journey with sights all along the way. The issue at the heart of the book is sensitively dealt with and no one can’t love an aging dog who loves his walks.

Excellent although it wasn't quite what I was expecting and took me by surprise! Victoria is in cruise control in her life. Comfortable in her relationship and job but not really fulfilled. It takes a night out and devastating news to shake her out of her rut. Along the way she has to face and deal with her fears, decide what she really wants from life, and she finds out how much her friends and family love and support her. My only criticism is that the ending felt a little rushed. But this is a very well told story filled with empathy, understanding and compassion, as well as a huge amount of twists and revelations!.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Nicola May for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

I really love Nicola May. Her latest book, How Do I Tell You, was such a good story. I just loved the plot, the characters, even the cover.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. This is the first book by Nicola May I have read. I felt that she wrote about a difficult subject it a sensitive manner. The story follows Victoria, as she reviews her life and friendships, after receiving unexpected news. I felt that the characters are particularly well written and I could perhaps see myself viewing things in a similar way. A story of ignorance and misinformation.
The story develops at a good pace and the changes for the better in some characters are heartwarming. The truths that come to light were unexpected but added to the interest level. It also shows that we don't always get things right first time.

I absolutely loved this book. I found it funny, heart wrenching and very well written. I had a hard time putting it down, thus the late night reading! This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this wonderful book.

Messy, gritty, heartfelt and emotional. Vic has a hard road to travel but it is a wonderfully told story that will keep you gripped. Yes, there are a lot of coincidences but I loved the characters and the realistic, if harsh, way they sometimes dealt with things. Brilliant.

3.5* stars excellent writing

How Do I Tell You deals with a subject that many people have no knowledge about or are misinformed. It's worth reading just to learn more.

Thirty-five year old Victoria has an absent father, an alcoholic mother and a brother who's addicted to gambling, also her relationship with her boyfriend of six years has stagnated. At this low point in her life she receives a life-changing shock and ultimately has to rely upon her family and friends for support. Victoria is one of the lucky ones, so many others in a similar situation are rejected.

The story line is sensitively written with bursts of real humour. If the reader is expecting a full-on romance, they'll be disappointed, this should be categorised as women's fiction, or general fiction.

Recommended.

With thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that takes a fresh perspective on personal transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. The story follows thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe, a talented illustrator who seems to have it all—an unremarkable but stable relationship, a decent job, and a close-knit group of friends. Yet, despite outward appearances, she can't shake the feeling that something crucial is missing from her life.

After a wild night out with her best friends, Victoria makes a decision that prompts her to reevaluate everything about her life. But just as she's setting out to make the changes she believes will bring her the fulfilment she craves, devastating news rocks her world, threatening to shatter her future plans. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, pain, and unexpected hope as Victoria leans on her friends, family, and an unexpected romance to navigate the darkness she finds herself in.

The beauty of How Do I Tell You? lies in its handling of delicate themes with both sensitivity and levity. Nicola May expertly weaves together the endurance of friendship, the complexities of family dynamics, and the struggle to find purpose in life—particularly when faced with unexpected adversity. What could easily have been a heavy, sorrowful story is instead filled with moments of warmth, humour, and the undeniable power of human connection.

Victoria’s emotional journey is both relatable and inspiring. Her character feels real—flawed, uncertain, and searching for something more—but also capable of great strength and resilience in the face of hardship. The unexpected romance that blooms in her life adds a beautiful layer of hope and excitement, reminding us that sometimes love can blossom in the most unexpected places, even in the midst of despair.

The book challenges the idea of what it means to live a fulfilled life, addressing the social stigmas surrounding personal struggles and the complexities of healing from trauma. It is a poignant reminder that, even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of light.

Ultimately, How Do I Tell You? is an exploration of the tenacity of the human spirit, of overcoming adversity, and of finding meaning and love when life seems to take an unexpected turn. Nicola May has crafted a heartfelt and inspiring book that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to rebuild their life after a seismic shift.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This was a good story about a difficult subject. This is the first time I’ve read a book where the main character contracts HIV. I had never thought of all the implications the diagnosis would have on a person’s life! Victoria’s story was one of hope, friendships, family, and love.