“Into the Lure of Time” by Vera Bell

Into the Lure of Time 

Vera Bell
Timebound Publishing LLC (2024)
ISBN: 979-8989612444
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (05/2024)

If you’re like me and believe there’s nothing like a delicious escape into a time-travel romance, then you are in for a treat. “Into the Lure of Time” by Vera Bell is the second book in her Always and Forever trilogy, a compelling exploration of the haunting similarities that connect lives separated by centuries.

In 16th-century Ulster, Ireland, Neave O’Neal faces societal disgrace when her husband Aedan, King of Tyrone is forced by Queen Elizabeth into nuptials with an English maiden in order to maintain peace between their two countries. Blind with heartbreak and disillusion Neave jumps at the chance of revenge by allying with Aedan’s mortal enemy. Meanwhile, in modern-day America, Siena has her own issues. Driven by (unfounded?) jealousy, she has a serious lapse in judgment that threatens her own marriage and family. Trapped by the politics of the past and the emotional battles of the present, Neave and Siena find themselves at critical intersections. Will they be able to rectify the repercussions of their actions, or are some ripples in time impossible to smooth over?

I’ll try not to jump all over the place with this review but there are so many things to talk about! I’ll start by admitting I was late to this party, so I went back to read book one of the trilogy, “Through the Veneer of Time” in order to fully appreciate book two. I highly recommend you do the same – it is a saga that must be read sequentially to fully understand the intricacies of the plot and the connections between the characters across time.  And hey, there’s nothing wrong with indulging a few extra hours in masterful storytelling, am I right?

One aspect that piqued my interest from the start is that “Into the Lure of Time” is truly a journey combining tantalizing time travel with historical fiction. Bell’s character Aedan O’Neal is inspired by the legendary Shane O’Neill and showcases how the figures of the past shape the present. The brief interactions between Aedan O’Neal and Queen Elizabeth give readers a glimpse into the subtleties of her courtly machinations, complete with secret plots, quiet manipulation, and hidden rivalries – all characteristic of this period.

The characters are simply amazing. Without giving too much away, each couple, despite their flaws and errors in judgment, is inextricably bound by a deep soul connection. Their undying love is the ultimate in romance, and their near incapacitation without one another will tug at your heart. It’s fascinating to observe the parallels and contrasts in these complex relationships across centuries, and I had to ask myself: have we learned nothing from history, and are we destined to repeat the same patterns of the heart?

The writing is beautiful, evocative – clearly the author is a gifted storyteller. The way she digs into the emotions of the characters, the extensive world-building, the twisty plotlines – everything comes together completely immersing you in the story. I felt the fear of punishment, the anguish of betrayal, the desperation of hope, along with the ease and comfort of being with the one you love. There’s also an edgy, seductive tone with scenes of erotica enticing the darker themes of obsession, jealousy, manipulation, and the psychological depths of romantic and sexual relationships. Bell had me feeling “all the feels” as I feverishly turned each page.

Most interesting to me perhaps is the move away from good vs. evil or hero vs. villain to a battle of inner conflict. The characters are their own worst enemies in this story as Bell peels back their layers to reveal the contradictions that wrestle within them. It’s a thought-provoking and intense journey, watching the characters confront their personal demons in a powerful and at times excruciating display of self-discovery.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Into the Lure of Time” by Vera Bell. It’s a must-read for those who savor time travel romances woven with rich historical detail, emotional depth, and complex, mature themes. I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy, it promises to be as breathtaking as the first two books. Highly recommended reading.