Title: Vital Temptations: A Heart’s Betrayal
Author: K.L. Lewis
Publisher: BookBaby
IBSN: B01B6SJ56Y
Pages: 216
Genre: Light Adult Romance
Reviewed by: Kathleen Logan-Taylor
Hollywood Book Reviews
Dr. Bethany McNeal is a Pediatric resident at one of the top children’s hospitals in Seattle. She is utterly focused on her career and is no longer interested in dating after the heartbreak of her previous relationship. On a rare night out with her best friend, Danielle, she meets a handsome frat boy named Brent. At work, she discovers that Brent is a newly transferred fellow resident, and over time Brent melts her icy resolve and the two begin dating. Bethany discovers that Brent has been hiding a number of secrets from her – including a game changer – he is already a married man.
Angry at herself for falling in love with him, Bethany breaks off the relationship and tries to refocus on her career. She decides to move. That is when Bethany, searching for a new apartment and meets a handsome realtor, Charles. She and Charles begin dating, but even after a year of wonderful times and many loving episodes, Bethany realizes she really still isn’t in love with Charles with all of her heart; although he is the sensible choice. Her heart wants Brent and she cannot get him out of her mind, so she soon begins seeing Brent again, this time while still dating Charles.
As her personal conflict between her heart and her mind struggles within, her life begins to fall apart and she soon finds everything, including her career, on the line. She finds she must decide between following her heart, or listen to her better judgment of her mind. This is something many young adults often can relate to, although the circumstances vary of course.
Reading how Bethany resolves her conflict becomes the page turning fascination of this novel. How author K. L. Lewis’ “Vital Temptations: A Heart’s Betrayal” juxtaposes the inner conflict with the seemingly light and fluffy love story makes this book a great weekend or holiday read, as the book delivers exactly what is expected of this genre. The writing style is enjoyably suited to this genre as I feel the book will appeal to women looking for a story to read while relaxing. Those who enjoy adult romance books in a similar style to the Mills & Boon series will certainly enjoy the work of K. L. Lewis.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Seattle and Hawaii. It drew out my memories and provided the imagery for the backdrop of the love story. The medical section did not overpower the reader with technical vernacular of the profession, which made the characters more prominent than the working environment. It seemed as if the main characters could have been involved in any professional career, allowing once again for the reader to mentally place themselves into the situation of deciding which way they would go – use their best judgment or follow their heart?
“Vital Temptations: A Heart’s Betrayal” is an easy read for an afternoon at the beach, or perhaps a companion book for a long flight, or even a bedside story. The book was light hearted but dove deep in the inherent conflict Bethany had to deal with; up until the last page, which had a perfect feel-good ending that matched the style of the book. Which way did she go?
I would certainly pick up other novels by K. L. Lewis, as this one left me very content having spent my time getting to know Dr. Bethany McNeal and witnessing first hand see how she handled the conflict between her heart and mind.