This is the second novel of MB’s I’ve read and although I enjoyed Breaking the Ice, her writing style, character and plot seem to improve the more confidence she gains as an author. When we meet Kate her life is not at all what she expected it to be. She is unbelieving and numb about the departure of Matthew, with her self-worth dragging behind her. I was quickly drawn into her story, not only because it starts to unfold from the beginning but also because of the style of writing. I loved the fact that Kate’s background information is not lengthy and drawn-out but unwinds gently as the story takes shape. Kate is actually a very strong woman, despite the knocks. Her sense of humour comes across very strongly and I often had a smile on my face. She is the type of person I would choose to have as a friend! Our hero, Joel, is introduced to us quite early in the story. I loved the way MB created him as a ‘male model’ stereotype but with depth in his soul. He is very solid and despite his own hang-ups, very centred and balanced (although prepared to be sleazy and under-hand himself). I loved all the characters in this book. ‘Mione, to me, is the epitome of the ‘earth mother’. She is a nurturer on an outer and inner level. Lynn is a work colleague we would all love to have and Kate’s arch-nemesis, Miranda is the woman we all love to hate! Matthew is the ex quite a few of us may have had the misfortune to meet at some point in our lives …………………….……. Even though I have read quite a few ‘love stories’ with plots that are very similar, at no point is this story laborious. The tension comes at just the right point to keep your interest and you feel yourself championing the lead characters. There are some explosive moments where I found myself holding my breath and one crisis in particular I hadn’t figured on at all! I love to read chick lit where we see our heroine at her worst, follow her on her life’s path, empathise with lessons that lead to growth, identify with her and finally see her glowing and where she should be – and this book has it all. This is much more than a love story – the plot and sub plot will hold your interest throughout. It is a positive story that is full of hope and promise. Go get it for the feel-good factor!

I am the author of this book and would love you to give my unique style of romance a try. Here is the back cover blurb to tempt you! KNOWING ME KNOWING YOU – BRING ON THE LOVE! 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?

Knowing me knowing you is Mandy Baggot’s 3rd novel. The story focuses on recently divorced single mother Kate. Working as a Legal executive at Randall’s with the Lady Dragon, Miranda as her boss. Kate juggles debts, work and her daughter Bethan with the help of her tea leaf reading best friend Hermione. Kate is a typical single mother of today, struggling to make ends meet whilst trying to get a bit of her own life back as well but still be a Mum. Matthew, her ex is not the most hands on of fathers! Due to a company function and the shame of having to attend without a plus one, Mione suggests she hires a Male escort for the evening. Over a cheap bottle of wine and a pinged microwave meal, Kate books Stephen or so she thinks but gorgeous swim wear model Joel turns up instead. No time to change her mind Kate and Joel arrive at the function to suddenly find themselves well and truly stitched up by the Lady Dragon and have been entered into a relationship Contest, think Mr & Mrs with a Love Dove! Can Kate and Joel get their act together and be the prefect couple and win the £10k prize money or will the past ruin everything? I found this book so easy to read and you are swept up into Kate’s mixed up life straight way. Thank goodness for the help of Hermione who tries to be her common sence! The book is full of comedy and some very funny scenes around the contest, but Mandy also touches on the whole relationship status whether they are friends or lovers which are past or present and how they can have an impact on your now and can be very touching in places. This is Chic Lit at its best! Can’t wait to read Breaking the Ice and Excess all areas also by Mandy.