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Knowing Me Knowing You
Five years ago, Alex met the man of her dreams on New Year’s Eve – but he never called. Years later, and after a string of failed relationships, she’s given up on men and accepted that ‘New Year’s Eve Guy’ will always be the one who got away.
Until the day he turns up in her office – a management consultant tasked with ‘streamlining’ the company. New Year’s Eve Guy – Gihan – might shut down Alex's team!
Gihan is as just as gorgeous as Alex remembers, and she swears there’s still a connection between them. As she gets to know the real Gihan, will sparks continue to fly – or will Alex have to accept that the man she knew as New Year’s Eve Guy was never real to start with?
Until the day he turns up in her office – a management consultant tasked with ‘streamlining’ the company. New Year’s Eve Guy – Gihan – might shut down Alex's team!
Gihan is as just as gorgeous as Alex remembers, and she swears there’s still a connection between them. As she gets to know the real Gihan, will sparks continue to fly – or will Alex have to accept that the man she knew as New Year’s Eve Guy was never real to start with?
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 11, 2024
6 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jeevani Charika
11 books69 followersHi. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Jeevani, but you can call me Jeev. Everyone does.
I write women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism. I also write under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. So why the two names? Well… I’m British Sri-Lankan and the first book I wrote was about a bunch of middle class Sri Lankan people. I couldn’t find a home for it (even though I got some very nice rejection notes). The next book I wrote was a rom com with white main characters in it. That found a publisher within a year. I chose to use a pen name for those books, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that my real name is difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce and marks me out as non-white. My fifth book also had Sri Lankan main characters. It hasn’t found a publisher yet.
Recently, I got to write a book with Sri Lankan heroine. So it seemed only right for that book to be under my difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce name.
For the record, it’s pronounced Jeev-uh-nee.
There’s a whole lot of other stuff I could tell you – but mainly, I’m a former scientist, a fan of Lego, an embarrassing mum, a part time geek (see ’embarrassing mum’) and a very short person.
I write women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism. I also write under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. So why the two names? Well… I’m British Sri-Lankan and the first book I wrote was about a bunch of middle class Sri Lankan people. I couldn’t find a home for it (even though I got some very nice rejection notes). The next book I wrote was a rom com with white main characters in it. That found a publisher within a year. I chose to use a pen name for those books, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that my real name is difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce and marks me out as non-white. My fifth book also had Sri Lankan main characters. It hasn’t found a publisher yet.
Recently, I got to write a book with Sri Lankan heroine. So it seemed only right for that book to be under my difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce name.
For the record, it’s pronounced Jeev-uh-nee.
There’s a whole lot of other stuff I could tell you – but mainly, I’m a former scientist, a fan of Lego, an embarrassing mum, a part time geek (see ’embarrassing mum’) and a very short person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 20, 2024
Yeah - it was fine. Very meh.
January 21, 2024
Not my very favorite by this author but I still enjoyed the second chance, dual POV, workplace romance between two tech consultants. I liked that there was some disability rep (childhood cancer) and that the chemistry between the two leads felt really authentic. This was also good on audio and featured two BIPOC leads. Recommended for fans of authors like Sara Desai and Farah Heron.
Steam level: kissing only
Steam level: kissing only
January 11, 2024
3/5 stars! I'm just not convinced that a guy you met for a few minutes one night can be a "one who got away." Because of that, the whole premise felt kind of lacking in my opinion. This book felt like it was stealing ideas from The Hating Game and Valentine's Day, rather than coming up with unique and special ideas of its own. That being said, those books were popular for a reason, so romcom readers will likely enjoy the story.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 29, 2023
Alex is a little unlucky in relationships. She seems to fall, a little too quickly, in love, and that can scare off a guy. After a particularly harsh break-up, one New Year's Eve, she meets the perfect stranger, and after sharing some special moments, she never hears from him again.
Until five years later, when he turns up. At her workplace. With a high chance that he might recommend she be made redundant.
Gihan, the man in question, is a good guy, though. So many misunderstandings, both five years ago and during the course of a couple of months in the present, mean that he is not always shown in the best light to her.
It's not so much enemies to lovers as misunderstood yearnings and missed chances.
There are references to cancer throughout which are dealt with sensitivity.
I love a bit of contemporary fiction that has South Asian representation in it, and Jeevani Charika does this well. She incorporates a little background and culture through the book while not making it about that very same thing. We see Gihan as a regular human, but also an insight into his cultural background. I especially liked the scene when he goes to the temple. I felt the serenity he felt.
This book continues the story of a side character from previous novels of the author, Picture Perfect, and Playing for Love; however, it is a standalone and can be read as such. I enjoy reading stories that have characters from other books intertwined within, as we see the progression of other familiar faces, as well as the story in hand.
A lovely read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
Until five years later, when he turns up. At her workplace. With a high chance that he might recommend she be made redundant.
Gihan, the man in question, is a good guy, though. So many misunderstandings, both five years ago and during the course of a couple of months in the present, mean that he is not always shown in the best light to her.
It's not so much enemies to lovers as misunderstood yearnings and missed chances.
There are references to cancer throughout which are dealt with sensitivity.
I love a bit of contemporary fiction that has South Asian representation in it, and Jeevani Charika does this well. She incorporates a little background and culture through the book while not making it about that very same thing. We see Gihan as a regular human, but also an insight into his cultural background. I especially liked the scene when he goes to the temple. I felt the serenity he felt.
This book continues the story of a side character from previous novels of the author, Picture Perfect, and Playing for Love; however, it is a standalone and can be read as such. I enjoy reading stories that have characters from other books intertwined within, as we see the progression of other familiar faces, as well as the story in hand.
A lovely read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
October 30, 2023
Advance reader copy on net galley. I enjoyed the story of Alex and Gihan as it was a good and light hearted second chance book that had some trickier themes discussed. I liked the references to Gihan’s family and culture that run throughout the book, and also how it didn’t romanticise cancer or illness. That party of the story I felt was fleshed out well. I also enjoyed the dual points of view so you understood both sides.
I felt like some parts of the story were a little too repetitive for my liking, such as the regular mentioning of Alex and Gihan meeting five years ago. At parts I felt like the characters were a bit two dimensional but they had enough about them overall to keep you reading. I also think the description should mention it is the miscommunication trope too as I don’t think it did and it wasn’t enemies to lovers (which did attract me to start with).
In summary, I would recommend to another romance fan if you like second chance romances.
I felt like some parts of the story were a little too repetitive for my liking, such as the regular mentioning of Alex and Gihan meeting five years ago. At parts I felt like the characters were a bit two dimensional but they had enough about them overall to keep you reading. I also think the description should mention it is the miscommunication trope too as I don’t think it did and it wasn’t enemies to lovers (which did attract me to start with).
In summary, I would recommend to another romance fan if you like second chance romances.
December 31, 2024
*4 Stars
This story warmed my heart.
I listened to this book on audio when I needed a light and easy pallet cleanser.
The book is a romance book where the main characters met by chance and then ended up not meeting again for over five years.
The confusion of why the person never reached out and how rejection, perceived or not, can make someone clam up clearly came out in the plot.
Needless to say, the author weaved a beautiful tale of how letting your guard down can be worth it with the right person.
Totally would recommend.
This story warmed my heart.
I listened to this book on audio when I needed a light and easy pallet cleanser.
The book is a romance book where the main characters met by chance and then ended up not meeting again for over five years.
The confusion of why the person never reached out and how rejection, perceived or not, can make someone clam up clearly came out in the plot.
Needless to say, the author weaved a beautiful tale of how letting your guard down can be worth it with the right person.
Totally would recommend.
Read
December 9, 2023*Disclaimer: I was kindly provided with an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.*
Knowing Me Knowing You is a cute, cozy, comfort romance about second chances and grief.
What I liked: The book starts out really well, the flashback to five year before sets the scene really well and makes you want the two of them to be together immediately. I really appreciated the way grief was depicted in the book. Watching Gihan process his mother‘s passing years after the fact was very hopeful in a way. I also thought the side characters of Jake, Maureen and Leila were very well done and made the story that much more loving and cute.
What I didn’t like that much: After a while, the back and forth of both Gihan‘s and Alex‘ inner monologue became a little repetitive. While it is of course understandable that both of them were processing their emotions, the book ends up being very heavy on the inner monologue, which is fine, and keeps talking about the same thing again and again. A lot of the trains of thoughts Gihan especially was having kept repeating in detail and I saw myself lose interest after some time.
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet, quick read, but it is not particularly new and engaging for the entire book.
Knowing Me Knowing You is a cute, cozy, comfort romance about second chances and grief.
What I liked: The book starts out really well, the flashback to five year before sets the scene really well and makes you want the two of them to be together immediately. I really appreciated the way grief was depicted in the book. Watching Gihan process his mother‘s passing years after the fact was very hopeful in a way. I also thought the side characters of Jake, Maureen and Leila were very well done and made the story that much more loving and cute.
What I didn’t like that much: After a while, the back and forth of both Gihan‘s and Alex‘ inner monologue became a little repetitive. While it is of course understandable that both of them were processing their emotions, the book ends up being very heavy on the inner monologue, which is fine, and keeps talking about the same thing again and again. A lot of the trains of thoughts Gihan especially was having kept repeating in detail and I saw myself lose interest after some time.
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet, quick read, but it is not particularly new and engaging for the entire book.
January 3, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for an eARC of this book.
While I've tried to keep this review spoiler free, please be warned that there may be some spoilers ahead.
I thought the premise looked great, and second chance romance is very much one of my favourite tropes, but I think my expectations of how this trope would be executed differed from the book.
To begin with, some aspects of the books I loved:
- The depiction of grief and the very real trauma Gihan faces. I think this was such a realistic portrayal of a grief reaction, even years after the death of a loved one, and was one of the most emotional parts of the story for me.
- The dynamic with the side characters (especially Maureen and Leila). These characters were fleshed out, I loved the banter and the love I could feel shared between these friends and that village vibe.
- The stupidity of 'work talk'. I have to admit this gave me some PTSD as I read this on my Christmas holiday from work, but it had me laughing out loud at points. I really wanted to punch Daniel at times (I will definitely be using thoughtopsy at work)
Some things that I didn't like so much:
- Miscommunication trope. I HATE this with a passion. Perhaps this is more of a personal preference, but when the only source of conflict for a couple in a romance is miscommunication, I really struggle to buy into their relationship. Alex & Gihan's entire relationship just felt like a series of miscommunications rather than actual, genuine problems they worked through with each other.
- Chemistry between Alex and Gihan. Perhaps as a result of the miscommunication trope, but I was really struggling to find why they liked each other so much. 5 years is such a long time to hold on to a good date, and I would've loved to have seen how they had changed as people during this time to come together.
- Lack of office interaction. I really thought this would be an office romance, but the office dynamics were minimal and not really established. I was expecting a bit more 'The Hating Game'-esque interactions, but it fell a bit flat.
Overall, this book had some great elements but wasn't quite the second chance romance I thought it would be.
While I've tried to keep this review spoiler free, please be warned that there may be some spoilers ahead.
I thought the premise looked great, and second chance romance is very much one of my favourite tropes, but I think my expectations of how this trope would be executed differed from the book.
To begin with, some aspects of the books I loved:
- The depiction of grief and the very real trauma Gihan faces. I think this was such a realistic portrayal of a grief reaction, even years after the death of a loved one, and was one of the most emotional parts of the story for me.
- The dynamic with the side characters (especially Maureen and Leila). These characters were fleshed out, I loved the banter and the love I could feel shared between these friends and that village vibe.
- The stupidity of 'work talk'. I have to admit this gave me some PTSD as I read this on my Christmas holiday from work, but it had me laughing out loud at points. I really wanted to punch Daniel at times (I will definitely be using thoughtopsy at work)
Some things that I didn't like so much:
- Miscommunication trope. I HATE this with a passion. Perhaps this is more of a personal preference, but when the only source of conflict for a couple in a romance is miscommunication, I really struggle to buy into their relationship. Alex & Gihan's entire relationship just felt like a series of miscommunications rather than actual, genuine problems they worked through with each other.
- Chemistry between Alex and Gihan. Perhaps as a result of the miscommunication trope, but I was really struggling to find why they liked each other so much. 5 years is such a long time to hold on to a good date, and I would've loved to have seen how they had changed as people during this time to come together.
- Lack of office interaction. I really thought this would be an office romance, but the office dynamics were minimal and not really established. I was expecting a bit more 'The Hating Game'-esque interactions, but it fell a bit flat.
Overall, this book had some great elements but wasn't quite the second chance romance I thought it would be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
💞🔬Realistic treatment of life's ups and downs📈
4-4.5🌟 stars
I am a romantic at heart and loved the way the main couple in this novel found each other briefly and, apart for five years due to neither's real fault, meet again for a second chance.
Knowing Me Knowing You (loved the title!) felt like a real slice of life in the bio tech world, where a scientist with a great idea can miss out on success because of the company's bottom line. In this case, it seemed CEO Daniel was a toxic influence and Alex, the female scientist lead, had her hands full heading her team of researchers while tolerating Daniel's "clever" babble and divisive management techniques.
But Alex's main dilemma is falling all over again for a guy who may now be the one who ends her job and her project's chance to make it to the market to save lives. The company's ailing finances force them to seek input from a management consultant team (including Alex's refound man) and recommendations for streamlining and job cuts, particularly in r&d. This conflict was an interesting twist that seemed to have no easy or happy outcome, plus it definitely dampened the chances of a happy romantic end.
Gihan, the business consultant male lead, was harder to connect with through much of the story because he held himself back emotionally and let his mother's death and the family aftermath provide justification for his reluctance to commit. But his kindness, consideration and attachment to Alex do come through. I found his waffling not unrealistic but a bit frustrating.
Happy, problem-free romance can be boring for me and this novel escaped that by including the curve balls real people get thrown every day in their search for professional success, personal health and happiness. It's a well-written, good romance and it ends on a positive note.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
I am a romantic at heart and loved the way the main couple in this novel found each other briefly and, apart for five years due to neither's real fault, meet again for a second chance.
Knowing Me Knowing You (loved the title!) felt like a real slice of life in the bio tech world, where a scientist with a great idea can miss out on success because of the company's bottom line. In this case, it seemed CEO Daniel was a toxic influence and Alex, the female scientist lead, had her hands full heading her team of researchers while tolerating Daniel's "clever" babble and divisive management techniques.
But Alex's main dilemma is falling all over again for a guy who may now be the one who ends her job and her project's chance to make it to the market to save lives. The company's ailing finances force them to seek input from a management consultant team (including Alex's refound man) and recommendations for streamlining and job cuts, particularly in r&d. This conflict was an interesting twist that seemed to have no easy or happy outcome, plus it definitely dampened the chances of a happy romantic end.
Gihan, the business consultant male lead, was harder to connect with through much of the story because he held himself back emotionally and let his mother's death and the family aftermath provide justification for his reluctance to commit. But his kindness, consideration and attachment to Alex do come through. I found his waffling not unrealistic but a bit frustrating.
Happy, problem-free romance can be boring for me and this novel escaped that by including the curve balls real people get thrown every day in their search for professional success, personal health and happiness. It's a well-written, good romance and it ends on a positive note.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 25, 2023
Five years after a chance, brief, meeting on New Year's eve Alex meets Gihan again - when he is brought in as a management consultant to where she works to streamline the company.
This is one of those slow burning stories that grew on me, part of a series but easily read as a standalone. Both Alex and Gihan had issues that they had to work around, but there was an unmissable spark between the two even after a very brief meeting. I could certainly relate to being the subject of a consultancy looking to streamline the company where I was working which gave me "a chance to find new challenges" in management speak. Yet again this is a story where you want to knock the two main characters' heads together, but in the nicest possible way. There is discussions around cancer, both surviving and losing people to it, but very sensitively done. In summary a slow, thoughtful book that I ended up really enjoying and I will now have to look for the other books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is one of those slow burning stories that grew on me, part of a series but easily read as a standalone. Both Alex and Gihan had issues that they had to work around, but there was an unmissable spark between the two even after a very brief meeting. I could certainly relate to being the subject of a consultancy looking to streamline the company where I was working which gave me "a chance to find new challenges" in management speak. Yet again this is a story where you want to knock the two main characters' heads together, but in the nicest possible way. There is discussions around cancer, both surviving and losing people to it, but very sensitively done. In summary a slow, thoughtful book that I ended up really enjoying and I will now have to look for the other books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
January 11, 2024
Although I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romance, I feel like the way it was done in this book meant we still got to see the initial stages of the relationship and the developing closeness. I really enjoyed the opening chapters and seeing Alex and Gihan first meet. I won't go into too much detail, but I also really enjoyed their future meetings and some of the misunderstandings, but unfortunately the pace did start to drag for me about halfway through and I found myself less absorbed. There was quite a lot of ruminating about the same things. Also, the romance didn't fully pull me in and I think that was because I didn't get too attached to Alex. I really liked Gihan but Alex didn't grab me in the same way. For me, the subplots about Alex and Gihan's personal lives, including their health, careers and families, were more gripping and I really enjoyed reading about those. Overall, I liked this book and I did find it both fun and moving, but just a few things didn't click for me.
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an ARC through netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an ARC through netgalley and all opinions are my own.
January 22, 2024
Another incredibly enjoyable story from Jeevani Charika, which I was delighted to realise had links to her previous two books, as we get some familiar recurring characters, in addition to the brand new story.
It can easily be read as a standalone as Alex is brand new, and Gihan we didn't really see much of before, and I absolutely loved their meet cute.
Fast forward five years and they meet again, in completely different circumstances, and I loved seeing how their story developed.
But above all I really was fascinated by Alex's research, the medical research and project that if it was real and developed correctly could be so vital to saving people's lives And learning about her personal reason for being so invested in her work was rather touching.
As was Gihan's as we discover why the project would mean something to him too.
I enjoyed the dynamics between them both and could understand where they were both coming from, even if I really wanted to knock their heads together on multiple occasions.
This is a really enjoyable story, that kept me entertained
Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It can easily be read as a standalone as Alex is brand new, and Gihan we didn't really see much of before, and I absolutely loved their meet cute.
Fast forward five years and they meet again, in completely different circumstances, and I loved seeing how their story developed.
But above all I really was fascinated by Alex's research, the medical research and project that if it was real and developed correctly could be so vital to saving people's lives And learning about her personal reason for being so invested in her work was rather touching.
As was Gihan's as we discover why the project would mean something to him too.
I enjoyed the dynamics between them both and could understand where they were both coming from, even if I really wanted to knock their heads together on multiple occasions.
This is a really enjoyable story, that kept me entertained
Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
This book is a full story by itself but, if you read Playing for Love and/or Picture Perfect before, you'll recognise Gihan as Sam's brother and Niro's cousin (while Alex is an entirely new character).
Having loved both above-mentioned books, I was really looking forward to this one, and now I'm pleased to report that I enjoyed it as much as the other two (although I was worried when I saw in the author's newsletter that it included both my least favourite things to read about - serious illness and grief - it turned out okay because those horrible things happened in the characters' past, so I didn't have to suffer through descriptions of medical horrors or have my mood ruined by empathy with continuously depressed feelings).
I loved the second-chance aspect (they met 5 years before the main part of the story, missed the opportunity to start something, and now meet again by chance), and also the awkward (for them) but interesting (for the reader) "his job might make her lose hers" situation. Plus, it was very nice to see Sam and Niro again. ☺
Having loved both above-mentioned books, I was really looking forward to this one, and now I'm pleased to report that I enjoyed it as much as the other two (although I was worried when I saw in the author's newsletter that it included both my least favourite things to read about - serious illness and grief - it turned out okay because those horrible things happened in the characters' past, so I didn't have to suffer through descriptions of medical horrors or have my mood ruined by empathy with continuously depressed feelings).
I loved the second-chance aspect (they met 5 years before the main part of the story, missed the opportunity to start something, and now meet again by chance), and also the awkward (for them) but interesting (for the reader) "his job might make her lose hers" situation. Plus, it was very nice to see Sam and Niro again. ☺
December 3, 2023
Another great book from Jeevani Charika. I was delighted to be given an ARC of 'Knowing me, knowing you' by Harper Collins, Netgalley and Jeevani Charika. I didn't realise it was interconnected with Playing for Keeps and Picture Perfect, but it was so lovely to meet some of those characters again.
Alex and Gihan's story is set in the world of STEM, so has elements of the Ali Hazlewood world (but not a spicy one ;-) ) There's quite a bit of frustration running through this book, two stubborn MCs who have complications and misunderstanding stacking all the cards against them. Lots of lovely supporting characters and moments right the way through. I love Jeevani Charika's ability to describe scenes in such a way that I can really visualise the environment. A solid 4 stars and I'd highly recommend!
Alex and Gihan's story is set in the world of STEM, so has elements of the Ali Hazlewood world (but not a spicy one ;-) ) There's quite a bit of frustration running through this book, two stubborn MCs who have complications and misunderstanding stacking all the cards against them. Lots of lovely supporting characters and moments right the way through. I love Jeevani Charika's ability to describe scenes in such a way that I can really visualise the environment. A solid 4 stars and I'd highly recommend!
January 30, 2024
talk about invisible string with this two... 💗
at first I wasn't really feeling the miscommunication, although it made sense and was really believable because it could happen to anyone, I really wanted them to sort it out way before it happened in the book.
I did enjoy the book a lot, I think I went into it expecting something completely opposite from what I have just read and I am so glad it came this way.
The characters felt really real, and I honestly liked the romance being a sub plot but still feeling very palpable during every scene the mcs had together, I could feel the tension.
also, my standards have been yet again raised.
😭he😭 bought😭 a😭 mattress😭 she 😭would😭 be😭 comfortable 😭sleeping😭 in 😭with😭 her😭 back 😭problems 😭
at first I wasn't really feeling the miscommunication, although it made sense and was really believable because it could happen to anyone, I really wanted them to sort it out way before it happened in the book.
I did enjoy the book a lot, I think I went into it expecting something completely opposite from what I have just read and I am so glad it came this way.
The characters felt really real, and I honestly liked the romance being a sub plot but still feeling very palpable during every scene the mcs had together, I could feel the tension.
also, my standards have been yet again raised.
😭he😭 bought😭 a😭 mattress😭 she 😭would😭 be😭 comfortable 😭sleeping😭 in 😭with😭 her😭 back 😭problems 😭
January 28, 2024
What a fantastic palette cleanser romance. As an Ali Hazelwood fan, I loved that the book has a STEM FMC. I thought her work ethic and clear confidence in her field was refreshing compared to other romances I have read. I would love to see a second book where we get to see someone else's story, perhaps Jake...that way we also get more of Queen Maureen. Or perhaps seeing where Alex's new job ends up down the line.
No spice, but it didn't need it. The inner anguish of both the main characters worked fantastically as a representation of finding love in your 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book #NetGalley #KnowingMeKnowingYou
No spice, but it didn't need it. The inner anguish of both the main characters worked fantastically as a representation of finding love in your 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book #NetGalley #KnowingMeKnowingYou
January 1, 2024
I loved these characters. It is a second change romance of sorts. Alex and Gihan met five years prior on NYE and then lost contact. Now they are thrown back in each other's lives due to a work consultation. They both have past traumas surrounding relationships and love. It's a slow burn but totally worth it. It feels like the one that got away.
Content warnings are included at the beginning of the book so read those but be prepared for discussions around cancer, grief and death of a parent.
I got a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
Content warnings are included at the beginning of the book so read those but be prepared for discussions around cancer, grief and death of a parent.
I got a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
January 24, 2024
************Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review**************
Well this was lovely second chance romance with a sciencey twist although I did have a few reservations about it. I didn't quite understand why Alex is so quick to jump to all in to relationships - and why she doesn't realise how and why this is causing her problems. And on a similar front, I didn't quite understand why she didn't realise why Gihan couldn't start a relationship with her while they were working together. There was a little bit of "a conversation could have solved all this" air to some of the conflict in the novel. That said, they're both nice leading characters and it was great to see the characters from previous books coming back. More of a 3.5 than a four, but rounding up because I did like it.
Well this was lovely second chance romance with a sciencey twist although I did have a few reservations about it. I didn't quite understand why Alex is so quick to jump to all in to relationships - and why she doesn't realise how and why this is causing her problems. And on a similar front, I didn't quite understand why she didn't realise why Gihan couldn't start a relationship with her while they were working together. There was a little bit of "a conversation could have solved all this" air to some of the conflict in the novel. That said, they're both nice leading characters and it was great to see the characters from previous books coming back. More of a 3.5 than a four, but rounding up because I did like it.
January 23, 2024
Humor & Heart
I adore Jeevani's brand of rom-com. Right away her characters feel so real to me. Mistakes and misunderstanding make for that wonderful push and pull between them with a satisfying ending that makes me sigh with a full heart. This story touches on cancer as both backstory and the research field of the main characters. It was a bit cathartic of a read for me after going through losses in my own life and those around me. I definitely stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this one!
I adore Jeevani's brand of rom-com. Right away her characters feel so real to me. Mistakes and misunderstanding make for that wonderful push and pull between them with a satisfying ending that makes me sigh with a full heart. This story touches on cancer as both backstory and the research field of the main characters. It was a bit cathartic of a read for me after going through losses in my own life and those around me. I definitely stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this one!
December 22, 2023
Knowing Me Knowing You is a nicely written book about second chances at love. It's an easy and cute read with some nice moments. For those who love Ali Hazelwood books that are set in the STEM world, this would be a similar read but without the spice. The characters, including the side ones, are well written. The main thing that bothered me in this book was after a while it started to feel repetitive. But if you're looking for a quick, easy romance to read then I'd recommend it for that.
January 9, 2024
Yep, here is an author who GETS IT RIGHT 👏👏👏👏👏
I have loved both of their previous books and imagine my surprise when those characters appear in this one!!! It's like the multiverse 😂
I loved the plot. The FMC is a scientist or in medical research really, and the MMC is in consultancy. The way their paths cross, the budding romance, the culture and diversity that is on every page, absolutely loved.
An auto buy author for me, for sure!!!!
I have loved both of their previous books and imagine my surprise when those characters appear in this one!!! It's like the multiverse 😂
I loved the plot. The FMC is a scientist or in medical research really, and the MMC is in consultancy. The way their paths cross, the budding romance, the culture and diversity that is on every page, absolutely loved.
An auto buy author for me, for sure!!!!
December 15, 2023
I liked the premise of the book and enjoyed the first half of it. I thought Gihan and Alex had good chemistry, and I was excited to see where it would go.
However, I became increasingly frustrated with Gihan's flakiness and the mixed messages he sent Alex. His constant waffling got monotonous. It was entertaining enough to get 2.5 stars, but I was disappointed with the second half of the book.
However, I became increasingly frustrated with Gihan's flakiness and the mixed messages he sent Alex. His constant waffling got monotonous. It was entertaining enough to get 2.5 stars, but I was disappointed with the second half of the book.
January 30, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of this book.
The first few chapters were good and I liked the concept. But it didn't go anywhere. For me it was slightly boring and lacked something.
This isn't the type of book I normally read, so that could have something to do with why I didn't enjoy it that much.
Honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of this book.
The first few chapters were good and I liked the concept. But it didn't go anywhere. For me it was slightly boring and lacked something.
This isn't the type of book I normally read, so that could have something to do with why I didn't enjoy it that much.
January 6, 2024
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise of it was great and a lot of the writing and storytelling was good. For some reason, this book felt like it was dragging. I appreciated the self-discovery journey that both of the main characters were on and the ending made sense. I can't quite put my finger on why I just didn't find myself as invested as I felt like I should be. Maybe I just wasn't in the right head space, but I think a lot of people would enjoy this book.
January 12, 2024
Gihan please give me a chance 🙏 this was a lovely read! The relationship felt very real and the characters were nuanced. Trigger warnings for a lot of talk about cancer, however. Will def be reading more of this author!
January 26, 2024
I listened to the audiobook. It may have been the narration that was the problem. Just a beat too slow and with terrible accents. But the whole thing felt a bit ploddy and thought through and explained rather than felt and acted.
June 27, 2025
2.75
The relationship was soo dull and boring, they had no chemistry and the most basic conversations. the only thing saving this book was the decent writing and the audiobook narrator. I also like the community aspect with all of Alex's neighbours.
The relationship was soo dull and boring, they had no chemistry and the most basic conversations. the only thing saving this book was the decent writing and the audiobook narrator. I also like the community aspect with all of Alex's neighbours.
January 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
I enjoyed this book, I was really routing for all parties. Looking forward to reading the epilogue. Would read again, 4/5.
I enjoyed this book, I was really routing for all parties. Looking forward to reading the epilogue. Would read again, 4/5.
February 1, 2024
Wonderful characters
I've read a few books now by this author so this felt like catching up with old friends.
I really loved Alex.
Great characters written well as always.
I've read a few books now by this author so this felt like catching up with old friends.
I really loved Alex.
Great characters written well as always.
February 7, 2024
This was cute. A little predictable but overall was a lovely story. New author for me and I would read more from her.
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