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Knowing Me Knowing You
Recently single mother Kate is struggling. Clinging on to a career and bringing up her 2 year old daughter leads to nights alone drowning her sorrows in the cheapest white wine she can find. Forced to employ Joel, a male escort, to accompany her to a professionals' dinner, Kate somehow ends up in the middle of a relationship contest, competing for a £100,000 prize alongside someone she barely knows. With her boss, the Lady Dragon Miranda, desperate for Kate to flounder, her tarot card reading child-minder trying to match-make and her ex-husband making her life a misery, can Kate keep her life on an even keel? And more importantly can she put her trust in a serial dater who used to be an underwear model?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2013
52 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baggot
54 books754 followersMandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 18, 2011
Really enjoyed this. Good to find what felt like a realistic portrayal of a woman trying to cope with being left; still being emotionally attached to the person who left her; bringing up a small child and holding down a good job in the face of an antagonistic, unsympathetic boss... all done with verve and real humour.
Kate felt very three-dimensional to me and so did Joel, who despite his good looks, was more than a stock 'hero'. Friends and workmates are also drawn well, you feel you know them by the end of the book and I loved the way the chatty, cheezy quiz show was described in all its toe-curling awfulness.
I was really rooting for Kate to decide what she wanted from life and to wake up to the awfulness of her ex and the ending is really satisfying.
Kate felt very three-dimensional to me and so did Joel, who despite his good looks, was more than a stock 'hero'. Friends and workmates are also drawn well, you feel you know them by the end of the book and I loved the way the chatty, cheezy quiz show was described in all its toe-curling awfulness.
I was really rooting for Kate to decide what she wanted from life and to wake up to the awfulness of her ex and the ending is really satisfying.
May 5, 2012
This is the first book I've read by Mandy Baggot and I have to say, I'll be reading more by this author.
Her portrayal of Kate - a single mother raising a young daughter after her husband left her - tugs at your heartstrings. She struggles from day to day to get through both financially and emotionally.
Things get dicey for Kate when she hires an escort (Joel) to take her to a company function. She doesn't want another relationship at this time but gradually as she begins to know him, she lets her guard down.
Mandy has you wanting Kate and Joel to get together and uses the cast of supporting characters to that end quite skillfully. Hermoine - Kate's childminder, Lynn - Kate's secretary.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Her portrayal of Kate - a single mother raising a young daughter after her husband left her - tugs at your heartstrings. She struggles from day to day to get through both financially and emotionally.
Things get dicey for Kate when she hires an escort (Joel) to take her to a company function. She doesn't want another relationship at this time but gradually as she begins to know him, she lets her guard down.
Mandy has you wanting Kate and Joel to get together and uses the cast of supporting characters to that end quite skillfully. Hermoine - Kate's childminder, Lynn - Kate's secretary.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 10, 2012
Imagine being a single mom and having to work with a boss who likes nothing more than to put you in boiling water just because she can. Now imagine having to go to a fancy work event and having to bring a date, and you and said date end up being on national television on a dating show. Well, welcome to Kate's life.
I thought the story was fantastic. I have been vacillating between giving this book 3 and 4 stars. The story is fantastic, however there are some details I would have liked that weren't included.
I really felt for Kate. She had so much on her plate and she wasn't sure what to do and how to handle things. Kate was also too complacent for me. I understand how sometimes people will say and do mean and harmful things, but to not react at all seemed a bit much. Especially when she met Amanda for the first time. Hermoine, Kate's best friend and Bethan's childminder, was fantastic. I like how she pushed Kate to get out of her comfort zone, watch out for her, and keep her head somewhat straight all at the same time.
Knowing Me Knowing You is a wonderful story and you should definitely give it a chance and read!
I thought the story was fantastic. I have been vacillating between giving this book 3 and 4 stars. The story is fantastic, however there are some details I would have liked that weren't included.
I really felt for Kate. She had so much on her plate and she wasn't sure what to do and how to handle things. Kate was also too complacent for me. I understand how sometimes people will say and do mean and harmful things, but to not react at all seemed a bit much. Especially when she met Amanda for the first time. Hermoine, Kate's best friend and Bethan's childminder, was fantastic. I like how she pushed Kate to get out of her comfort zone, watch out for her, and keep her head somewhat straight all at the same time.
Knowing Me Knowing You is a wonderful story and you should definitely give it a chance and read!
June 13, 2012
Loved it, brilliant!
September 9, 2012
I was pretty excited to get this eBook when it was available as a free download from Amazon (£1.95 at the time of writing this review) because I really enjoyed the two other books that I’ve read from this author, Taking Charge and Strings Attached. The synopsis sounded fantastic (definitely my kind of read) and the main character was called Kate (what a wonderful name) so I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!
The very first page had me laughing out loud as Kate struggled with an unfortunate stain on her work jacket. The whole book is written in a comfortable and fun way which made it very easy to read, I felt drawn in by the story, almost like I was a part of it. I did have an idea as to how the story would end but still enjoyed the journey to get to that point, especially with a couple of interesting twists that seemed to complicate everything.
Kate was quite a funny character particularly when she was drunk, at one stage she seemed to have problems in all areas of her life and I did feel quite sorry for her as she struggled to make any kind of decision. Her ex-husband was a real nasty piece of work and I felt a strong dislike towards him, when Kate received a surprise visit from his new girlfriend things really got vicious (this was definitely a gasp out loud moment!)
Hermione was a lovely character, she was a little bit crazy but a very good friend to Kate and had some very wise words to share with her.
Joel was fabulous, he had a bit of emotional baggage but was absolutely adorable, sweet and caring, not to mention gorgeous! At one point in the story, however, I wasn’t too keen on him or his behaviour but I won’t say why, you’ll just have to find out for yourself!
One of my favourite moments in the book was during the game show when all hell broke loose, I could picture the scene of chaos in my mind and couldn’t stop giggling, particularly at the wig part – again I will say no more!
This was a brilliant read that I just couldn’t put down, another hit from Mandy Baggot!
The very first page had me laughing out loud as Kate struggled with an unfortunate stain on her work jacket. The whole book is written in a comfortable and fun way which made it very easy to read, I felt drawn in by the story, almost like I was a part of it. I did have an idea as to how the story would end but still enjoyed the journey to get to that point, especially with a couple of interesting twists that seemed to complicate everything.
Kate was quite a funny character particularly when she was drunk, at one stage she seemed to have problems in all areas of her life and I did feel quite sorry for her as she struggled to make any kind of decision. Her ex-husband was a real nasty piece of work and I felt a strong dislike towards him, when Kate received a surprise visit from his new girlfriend things really got vicious (this was definitely a gasp out loud moment!)
Hermione was a lovely character, she was a little bit crazy but a very good friend to Kate and had some very wise words to share with her.
Joel was fabulous, he had a bit of emotional baggage but was absolutely adorable, sweet and caring, not to mention gorgeous! At one point in the story, however, I wasn’t too keen on him or his behaviour but I won’t say why, you’ll just have to find out for yourself!
One of my favourite moments in the book was during the game show when all hell broke loose, I could picture the scene of chaos in my mind and couldn’t stop giggling, particularly at the wig part – again I will say no more!
This was a brilliant read that I just couldn’t put down, another hit from Mandy Baggot!
October 9, 2013
Humorous And Entertaining- A Treat To Read!
Knowing Me Knowing You is a light-hearted love story that had me chuckling and was a pleasure to wind down with at the end of the day. Throughout the book I found myself amused at how I could relate with Kate in different ways, such as Motherhood and having an inner independent streak a mile wide. Also, with the wine she got nervous – I must say if I had to hire a gorgeous escort and show up my Dragon-lady boss at a game show in front of my colleagues, it would drive me to drinking, also!
There is a sympathy I felt for Kate in the beginning, knowing she was having a hard time of it being a new single Mom. However, as the story progresses, it becomes more clear why she has her insecurities. I like Kate because she doesn’t blame others for her situation. Although she shows her vulnerability and admittedly acts as a doormat at times, she acknowledges her faults and grows a backbone. She’s a woman most any woman will relate to. Burned out as the little stresses of life build up, and determined to get through it on her own.
Joel is an everyday average hottie in the beginning, until you get to know him – then you’ll absolutely fall in love with his character. He has the one thing Kate wants most in a man that doesn’t include his gorgeous looks and charm. Like many men, he’s unwilling to pour out about his past at first, but when he does it adds to the tenderness of the moment. I like Joel because he is a believable hero and is very genuine and open about his feelings for Kate.
For those interested in knowing the hotness factor, this book is a closed-bedroom story, but very sweet on the intimacy and extremely entertaining! I’m looking forward to delving into another Mandy Baggot book very soon!
Knowing Me Knowing You is a light-hearted love story that had me chuckling and was a pleasure to wind down with at the end of the day. Throughout the book I found myself amused at how I could relate with Kate in different ways, such as Motherhood and having an inner independent streak a mile wide. Also, with the wine she got nervous – I must say if I had to hire a gorgeous escort and show up my Dragon-lady boss at a game show in front of my colleagues, it would drive me to drinking, also!
There is a sympathy I felt for Kate in the beginning, knowing she was having a hard time of it being a new single Mom. However, as the story progresses, it becomes more clear why she has her insecurities. I like Kate because she doesn’t blame others for her situation. Although she shows her vulnerability and admittedly acts as a doormat at times, she acknowledges her faults and grows a backbone. She’s a woman most any woman will relate to. Burned out as the little stresses of life build up, and determined to get through it on her own.
Joel is an everyday average hottie in the beginning, until you get to know him – then you’ll absolutely fall in love with his character. He has the one thing Kate wants most in a man that doesn’t include his gorgeous looks and charm. Like many men, he’s unwilling to pour out about his past at first, but when he does it adds to the tenderness of the moment. I like Joel because he is a believable hero and is very genuine and open about his feelings for Kate.
For those interested in knowing the hotness factor, this book is a closed-bedroom story, but very sweet on the intimacy and extremely entertaining! I’m looking forward to delving into another Mandy Baggot book very soon!
September 14, 2013
Loved it. A very uplifting romance that makes you smile.
Kate works as a legal executive in a posh law firm. Her boss, the Lady Dragon, is doing everything she can to make Kate's working life hell. Expected to bring a date to a client dinner, the recently divorced Kate hires an escort, at her best friend's suggestion.
When the man she selects can't make it and the oh so handsome Joel takes his place, Kate knows no one is going to believe this beefcake is her guy. Then Kate finds out her boss has entered herself and her "beau" in a couples contest.
Forced to compete, Kate decides to make the best of it with the hopes of winning the one hundred thousand pound prize and along the way, she learns a few things about herself too.
Kate works as a legal executive in a posh law firm. Her boss, the Lady Dragon, is doing everything she can to make Kate's working life hell. Expected to bring a date to a client dinner, the recently divorced Kate hires an escort, at her best friend's suggestion.
When the man she selects can't make it and the oh so handsome Joel takes his place, Kate knows no one is going to believe this beefcake is her guy. Then Kate finds out her boss has entered herself and her "beau" in a couples contest.
Forced to compete, Kate decides to make the best of it with the hopes of winning the one hundred thousand pound prize and along the way, she learns a few things about herself too.
February 28, 2013
This was a great read from an author I hadn't read before. I instantly liked the main character Kate, she was so relatable and easy to warm to. I couldn't help but think I'd like to be her friend, which is always a good thing as I genuinely cared about her throughout. Her evolving relationship with Joel was interesting and I absolutely loved the whole Knowing Me Knowing You contest! From the Love Dove to the stereotypically sparkly and upbeat host, it was all so well written and entertaining! Despite the fact that I had the Abba song stuck in my head the whole time while reading, this was a very funny and entertaining read and I hope to read more from Mandy Baggot in the future.
July 15, 2012
Such a sweet and charming book! I am sure that the majority of women could definitely identify with Kate e.g. broke, heart broken, stressed etc! LOL! Although this is typical girl meet boy; girl tries to NOT fall in love; girl falls in love...the background of the story is great! I just loved the game show theme, psycho ex-hubs, psycho wig wearing boss and some PTSD for good measure! Loved it!
July 15, 2012
This was a cute book. I stayed interested throughout, but I wasn't totally addicted. I feel like something about it could have been better, but I can't really place what. The storyline and characters were nice, but I guess parts could have had more depth. Sometimes the story jumped where I thought there could have been more. But overall it was a pretty good read.
April 17, 2013
A really fun romance. It begins with a divorced young mother who works for a law firm. She has to attend a client function and has been under pressure from her boss to bring a date, so she hires a male escort for the evening to save face. Things go downhill from there and she finds herself enlisted into a couples TV gameshow with the escort. A cute endearing story.
May 10, 2013
Bloody Brilliant!! from starting this book i was hooked and laughing. The whole contest is so funny it could be true and the characters are totally believable. I really couldn't put this book down and i absolutely loved it!
October 6, 2013
I loved this book, although I occasionally wanted to give poor Kate a slap for putting herself down all the time. Some brilliant characters, a couple of real sleaze balls, a hilarious but cringeworthy game show and a great plot. I think this would make for a great movie.
January 25, 2013
Loved this book, will definitely be looking out for more by this author.
March 7, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Mandy Baggot. I had me smiling from the first page right to the very end. I can't wait to read some more by this Author.
April 2, 2018
The story is really good, but I had to mark it as two stars as it's in dire need of an editor, not to mention decent formatting.
November 13, 2012
Very cute book, with some unexpected happenings!
February 11, 2022
I needed an easy fluffy read and I figured I may as well pick up a Mandy Baggot romance, as I generally enjoy her romances. This one missed the mark for me, but what really let it down for me is the lack of chemistry between the characters and the body shaming.
This is a fake-dating romance and those definitely can be fun. This started out with a lot of promise, but the indecisive female lead soon started to annoy me and the male love interest just did not feel fleshed out enough. Issues were brought up and the kind of not dealt with enough.
Then there was incidence with a mean female boss, who was laughed at for wearing a wig to hide hairloss. That is just a huge red flag for me. No matter how mean and horrible she may be as a person, you just do not use that as a way to get back at someone. Knowing friends who suffered from hair loss, it is very traumatic and not something to make fun of. That really brought the story down even more. It was unnecessary. It really overshadowed any enjoyment I got out of this story.
This author can do better than this. I will read her again, but only because I have read later novels by her, which I have loved. This one was very disappointing.
This is a fake-dating romance and those definitely can be fun. This started out with a lot of promise, but the indecisive female lead soon started to annoy me and the male love interest just did not feel fleshed out enough. Issues were brought up and the kind of not dealt with enough.
Then there was incidence with a mean female boss, who was laughed at for wearing a wig to hide hairloss. That is just a huge red flag for me. No matter how mean and horrible she may be as a person, you just do not use that as a way to get back at someone. Knowing friends who suffered from hair loss, it is very traumatic and not something to make fun of. That really brought the story down even more. It was unnecessary. It really overshadowed any enjoyment I got out of this story.
This author can do better than this. I will read her again, but only because I have read later novels by her, which I have loved. This one was very disappointing.
January 30, 2021
I didn't like the heroine of the story.
I decided to read this after reading One Christmas Star by the same author and because I'm a fan of ABBA. Unfortunately it was a bit of a let down. I didn't like the heroine of the story, largely because of the amount of alcohol she consumed. This story could have been so much better with a few changes to the lead female character.
Thankfully the totally uber hero and good storyline saved this from being a total waste of reading time. This book is almost a decade older than the first Mandy Baggot novel I read, so I can say she definitely improved since this was published.
I decided to read this after reading One Christmas Star by the same author and because I'm a fan of ABBA. Unfortunately it was a bit of a let down. I didn't like the heroine of the story, largely because of the amount of alcohol she consumed. This story could have been so much better with a few changes to the lead female character.
Thankfully the totally uber hero and good storyline saved this from being a total waste of reading time. This book is almost a decade older than the first Mandy Baggot novel I read, so I can say she definitely improved since this was published.
March 11, 2020
Will you, Won't you, Can you Can't you?
A delightful story of Kate and her beloved daughter. When her husband walks out on her and refuses to pay for their daughter, Kate thinks she can"t go on. But it does and there are many ups and downs and tears and laughter befor Kate finally finds her life IS good. I loved it and recommend this grreat story.
A delightful story of Kate and her beloved daughter. When her husband walks out on her and refuses to pay for their daughter, Kate thinks she can"t go on. But it does and there are many ups and downs and tears and laughter befor Kate finally finds her life IS good. I loved it and recommend this grreat story.
November 6, 2020
Mandy Bangor Rocks !!!
I am revisiting all the Mandy Bangor books and Livingstone even more second time around even though I know the ending. Laugh out loud !moments with a touch of pathos, slight irritation with some of the characters until they can see whatever can!!! More, more more please!
I am revisiting all the Mandy Bangor books and Livingstone even more second time around even though I know the ending. Laugh out loud !moments with a touch of pathos, slight irritation with some of the characters until they can see whatever can!!! More, more more please!
February 21, 2021
The book started off really strong. It was super funny and adorable. Kate's chronic indecisiveness about everything got annoying after awhile though and that brought the book down a bit for me. Overall the book was enjoyable and cute.
May 30, 2022
Not bad, despite itself
Incredibly poor punctuation, with more run-on sentences than a five year old on a sugar high. The competition sounds inane and the main character is a bit of a lush. It's fun, though, in its own way - the sort of thing one reads for entertainment when you are only half paying attention because it's okay if you lose the plot.
Incredibly poor punctuation, with more run-on sentences than a five year old on a sugar high. The competition sounds inane and the main character is a bit of a lush. It's fun, though, in its own way - the sort of thing one reads for entertainment when you are only half paying attention because it's okay if you lose the plot.
October 22, 2017
Cute, humorous
Funny story, even with the horrors of ex-husband and his new girlfriend. Delightful telling as well. Good read, British words like nappie instead of American diaper added to the charm.
Funny story, even with the horrors of ex-husband and his new girlfriend. Delightful telling as well. Good read, British words like nappie instead of American diaper added to the charm.
March 10, 2020
Love, Laughs and Tears
A fun way to spend a few hours. Typical British humor with a surprise or two thrown into the mix. Meet Kate and Joel as they get to know one another and end up learning about themselves along the way.
A fun way to spend a few hours. Typical British humor with a surprise or two thrown into the mix. Meet Kate and Joel as they get to know one another and end up learning about themselves along the way.
October 8, 2020
Knowing Me
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A laugh out loud kind of book. The characters are interesting and engaging. Kate is definitely a stressed out single mom who's trying to do the best for her daughter. Joel is a sweetheart
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A laugh out loud kind of book. The characters are interesting and engaging. Kate is definitely a stressed out single mom who's trying to do the best for her daughter. Joel is a sweetheart
January 2, 2021
'Knowing me Knowing you' is more or less a pretty alright story with some lovely moments and lovely characters.
The main down point, unfortunately, is the main character, Kate. She's often pretty annoying and causing unnecessary trouble.
The main down point, unfortunately, is the main character, Kate. She's often pretty annoying and causing unnecessary trouble.
March 15, 2019
Not for me.
April 19, 2019
Argh - I just wanted to slap Kate the whole way through the book.
January 22, 2020
I loved Knowing Me, Knowing You. The characters were so bold and lifelike, they certainly stood out from the page. I think we all need a Hermoine in our lives!
I didn’t want the book to end!!!
I didn’t want the book to end!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews