Customer Reviews

Heart of the Matter

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This might be KI Thompson's second book, but from the first page it had the feel of a seasoned writer who knows how to weave a tale. I picked this book up last weekend and when I reached the last page I realized that it was after 4 in the morning. Anything that makes me laugh out loud and talk to the characters as I'm reading deserves as many stars as I'm allowed to give.

In Ellen and Kate you'll find smart, caring women who have their share of insecurities, but it's what makes them such great characters. They'll remind you of someone you know, and in some cases you can see yourself in them as they try to find what we all want--love.

Another great piece, Ms. Thompson, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in a good romance.

I have yet to review any of the books I read but I just had to share with everyone how wonderful this book is. I love this genre and read at least two or three books a week.
I believe that KI Thompson will be one of the greatest lesbian romance authors ever. She has such a soft touch with her characters. It feels as though you are the character---Amazing.
"Heart of the Matter" is a wonderful love story that will stay you with you long after you've finished. I too stayed up til 2 in the morning because I had to know what happened to these lovely characters. Ellen will make you laugh, cry and fall in love.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book to read and reread. Thank you KI Thompson for this story and I hope to read many more of your works.

I couldn't wait to get this book after having read KI Thompson's House of Clouds (which is stupendous by the way). I had loved the historical setting of HoC and was wondering how she would do with a story set in present days. I totally enjoyed reading this book! I started it and couldn't stop until I was done.

Ellen Webster, who is a history professor at Georgetown University, has a condo next door to formidable TV Newscaster Kate Foster. Ellen is a sweet soul, someone who everyone loves, who's self esteem about body image gets in the way of who she really is. Kate has everyone jumping, and for good reason, she's good at what she does and is responsible for a huge rise in the station's ratings.

So what happens when tables are turned and a high powered newscaster must face recouperating from an accident alone? Can someone who's self-sufficient and very proud accept help from Ellen, her next door neighbor? What about Ellen? She must leave on a sabbatical to tour Civil War sites for a book that she must write. [and here the author shines even brighter with her knowledge of the civil war bringing battlefields to life].

Buy this book, enjoy this book and then read it again in a few months. You know you want to! Right? It's a great read.

I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I didn't like this book as much as House of Clouds. It didn't seem as well focused. The characters too often created their own drama through reacting badly to situations, or poor communication, which gets old. They also seemed to tread water a lot on their issues through the book. For instance, Ellen doesn't seem to make any progress as things go along on her self-esteem issues. So it was a touch frustrating. But these flaws weren't horrible. There was a lot to like about this book too.

The characters were sympathetic and human. I thought that Kate's post-traumatic stress was fairly realistically handled, or at least not just glossed over. Ellen had some drive and verve herself, despite her low self-esteem, and it's fun to read about people successful at the top of their field who are also just really good, nice people. We're all confident about something, I guess. There were some intriguing bits regarding Civil War battlefields and research. And the way the tables turned, or at least the way the field was leveled as Kate began to deal with her own self-esteem issues post-accident was intriguing.

Ultimately, it didn't grab me for some reason. It didn't feel fresh to me. The whole thing wrapped up very quickly, suddenly everyone had issues illuminated at the end that had just persisted all book, and it all seemed rather suddenly pat, given all the text devoted to character waffling and angst. But this book is still a fair way to spend a couple of evenings. I just wish there had been a bit more creativity, overall.

I highly recomend this book to all. This book will make you go through many feelings good, bad, and nerve racking. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent read. I enjoyed it thoroughly! It is a very well written modern day romance.

good summer romance read!!...loved it... this is the second book I have read from
KI Thompson... love this author so far!

I admit. This story is "predictable". But then again, every lesbian romance is. The characters go through a series of obstacles to finally come together. However, the truth is, we read and/or write stories to see where the journey takes us. We've all started something, so clearly knowing the result, only to wonder, how the hell we'll get there. I enjoyed seeing the obstacles the characters go through, the things they have to overcome in order to succeeed together. Beautiful story, heartwarming. Probably will not make it into the literary cannon, but definately made it into my heart.

Being my first book of KI Thompson's I enjoyed the story line. I thought the characters were well developed and had very believable situations. The self-esteem issues on both characters were refreshing (we all can't be buff and strong like some lesbian characters get portrayed, though there is nothing wrong with buff and strong....... :-)..but just nice to see some true portrayal of body image. I enjoyed the story line and especially liked the references to the civil war as research. I thought both characters were well written and the lesson, things can be overcome and true love can be found when looking beyond the surface of our outer beauty, was good - looking forward to more from this author.

I loved this book! I finished it in two nights, staying up almost all night the first night. It was really romantic, had a great plot, and had hot sex scenes. Honestly what more can you ask for in a romance book? This is definitely a keeper as I know I'll be reading this one more than once.

It's the classic unrequited crush the plain Jane has on the head cheerleader. However, in this case it's the mousy Ellen who is enamored with her media darling neighbor Kate - the neighbor who seemingly doesn't know she exists.

All's well for Kate as she can, and does, have any woman she wants. She drives a fast car and has a fast-paced job she loves. That is, until Kate has a disfiguring accident while on her way to pick up her date for the evening. When she finally comes home from the hospital, Kate won't leave her apartment for fear that the public will notice her damaged face. She ultimately has to depend on Ellen for help.

Kate and Ellen develop a strained relationship. Ellen begins to feel almost used by her new friend and is almost relieved when she decides to go on a sabbatical. Kate panics when she realizes Ellen truly means to leave. This is when their true feelings are exposed.

Bottom Line - This is probably Thompson's best book yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, loved the characters, was engaged by the writing style, and look forward to her next book.