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Withering Hope
Aimee’s wedding is supposed to turn out perfect. Her dress, her fiancé and the location—the idyllic holiday ranch in Brazil—are perfect.
But all Aimee’s plans come crashing down when the private jet that’s taking her from the U.S. to the ranch—where her fiancé awaits her—defects mid-flight and the pilot is forced to perform an emergency landing in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
With no way to reach civilisation, being rescued is Aimee and Tristan’s—the pilot—only hope. A slim one that slowly withers away, desperation taking its place. Because death wanders in the jungle under many forms: starvation, diseases. Beasts.
As Aimee and Tristan fight to find ways to survive, they grow closer. Together they discover that facing old, inner agonies carved by painful pasts takes just as much courage, if not even more, than facing the rainforest.
Despite her devotion to her fiancé, Aimee can’t hide her feelings for Tristan—the man for whom she’s slowly becoming everything. You can hide many things in the rainforest. But not lies. Or love.
Withering Hope is the story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope. It is a story in which hope births wings and blooms into a love that is as beautiful and intense as it is forbidden.
*This read is recommended for 18+ due to romance and sex and mature themes.*
But all Aimee’s plans come crashing down when the private jet that’s taking her from the U.S. to the ranch—where her fiancé awaits her—defects mid-flight and the pilot is forced to perform an emergency landing in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
With no way to reach civilisation, being rescued is Aimee and Tristan’s—the pilot—only hope. A slim one that slowly withers away, desperation taking its place. Because death wanders in the jungle under many forms: starvation, diseases. Beasts.
As Aimee and Tristan fight to find ways to survive, they grow closer. Together they discover that facing old, inner agonies carved by painful pasts takes just as much courage, if not even more, than facing the rainforest.
Despite her devotion to her fiancé, Aimee can’t hide her feelings for Tristan—the man for whom she’s slowly becoming everything. You can hide many things in the rainforest. But not lies. Or love.
Withering Hope is the story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope. It is a story in which hope births wings and blooms into a love that is as beautiful and intense as it is forbidden.
*This read is recommended for 18+ due to romance and sex and mature themes.*
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2015
1237 people are currently reading
18082 people want to read
About the author
Layla Hagen
75 books4,655 followersWelcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,397 reviews
January 24, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::
Wow! I read this in one sitting and finished it with tears in my eyes because of how beautiful the epilogue was!! I'm so glad I decided to try this one out :)
Withering Hope is a standalone romance about a woman, Aimee, who was on her way to her wedding when the private jet she was taking crash landed in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. With no communication, no supplies, and no hope of rescue on the horizon, she and her pilot, Tristan, had to work together to survive. And the more time they spent together, they slowly began to fall in love...
I loved so many things about this book! "Survival" type romances aren't that common and I jump on them whenever I come across them (On The Island and Surviving Raine being two of my other favorites) because I just find myself so captivated by what these characters decide to do in order to survive.
The romantic relationship was understandably slow building, but in such a way that made perfect sense given both their dire situation and the fact that she was initially engaged to another man. I do want to reassure you though that there's no stupid drama or frustrating storylines at all here with regards to the two men. This isn't a love triangle and you don't end up feeling like anyone was cheated out of happiness. Just trust that things work out the way they're supposed to.
This is mostly told from Aimee's POV, but we do get a few chapters from Tristan's side of things too. He was a very mysterious character. They'd both been in each other's lives for quite a while given that he was her driver and pilot but they'd naturally kept a certain distance before. Now, faced with having to depend on each other, she slowly began to uncover his past that he tried so hard to keep hidden.
I enjoyed the whole book but my favorite part was the epilogue. It's actually a double epilogue and the second one (much later in their lives) brought tears to my eyes because of how absolutely beautiful it was!! I was honestly taken by surprise by how strongly those last lines hit home. I read them, cried, re-read them, and cried some more. It was such a beautiful concept and such a perfect ending for them.
If you're looking for a "different" love story, give this one a try!!
Rating: 4 stars overall (but 4.5 for that epilogue).
Standalone Adult romance.
_______________________________________
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Wow! I read this in one sitting and finished it with tears in my eyes because of how beautiful the epilogue was!! I'm so glad I decided to try this one out :)
Withering Hope is a standalone romance about a woman, Aimee, who was on her way to her wedding when the private jet she was taking crash landed in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. With no communication, no supplies, and no hope of rescue on the horizon, she and her pilot, Tristan, had to work together to survive. And the more time they spent together, they slowly began to fall in love...
I loved so many things about this book! "Survival" type romances aren't that common and I jump on them whenever I come across them (On The Island and Surviving Raine being two of my other favorites) because I just find myself so captivated by what these characters decide to do in order to survive.
The romantic relationship was understandably slow building, but in such a way that made perfect sense given both their dire situation and the fact that she was initially engaged to another man. I do want to reassure you though that there's no stupid drama or frustrating storylines at all here with regards to the two men. This isn't a love triangle and you don't end up feeling like anyone was cheated out of happiness. Just trust that things work out the way they're supposed to.
This is mostly told from Aimee's POV, but we do get a few chapters from Tristan's side of things too. He was a very mysterious character. They'd both been in each other's lives for quite a while given that he was her driver and pilot but they'd naturally kept a certain distance before. Now, faced with having to depend on each other, she slowly began to uncover his past that he tried so hard to keep hidden.
I enjoyed the whole book but my favorite part was the epilogue. It's actually a double epilogue and the second one (much later in their lives) brought tears to my eyes because of how absolutely beautiful it was!! I was honestly taken by surprise by how strongly those last lines hit home. I read them, cried, re-read them, and cried some more. It was such a beautiful concept and such a perfect ending for them.
If you're looking for a "different" love story, give this one a try!!
Rating: 4 stars overall (but 4.5 for that epilogue).
Standalone Adult romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
January 30, 2015
*****5 Dazzling Stars*****
(Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
My heart is swelling with emotions after reading this engrossing and unique story. I wish for everyone to read this book and experience the everlasting love of a couple that had to face really extreme circumstances but their love flourished and shined brighter than the stars.
Aimee boarded her fiancé's airplane to go to Brazil and get married in a beautiful ranch in a lavish ceremony she's been planning for months. Her life hasn't been easy, after loosing her parents at a very young age, but her best friend Chris who later became her boyfriend has always been there for her to help her through life and now they are getting married. A few hours into the flight, the turbulence gets very intense and Tristan, the pilot, announces there's difficulties with the plane that are forcing him to make an emergency landing in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
Tristan has been working for Aimee's fiancé Chris for the past two years, the handsome pilot mostly keeps to himself but is clear that he carries deep secrets that still haunt him. Tristan has always enjoyed being in Aimee's presence, she's beautiful, smart and incredibly sweet and she always manages to put a smile on his face. Now that both Tristan and Aimee are stranded in the wild, a deep bond starts to form between them, something that begins as a friendship but will turn into something especial and as vital to them as breathing.
It won't be easy facing the forest with the very scarce provisions they have, but these two become a team; their goal is to protect one another from the dangers of the rainforest, both willing to fight anything and always aiming to survive. Day after day, hope of a rescue becomes a distant thought neither of them is willing to torture themselves with. A fierce love is born, desperate and unlike anything neither Aimee or Tristan have ever known, but the guilt and fear of hurting Chris plus all the scary encounters in the wild will make it hard for their love to even have a chance. Will Aimee and Tristan survive? and if they do, will their love continue once they get back into the real world and will they make it as a couple, despite the traumatic circumstances they've been through?
This book was an absolute page turner, the story held me captive from beginning to end, never predictable and absolutely romantic, it was everything I hope for in a novel. I've read a few books by this author now and her writing gets better with every story and this time around she delivered a truly original storyline and delightful characters that completely brought out all my emotions, specially the beautiful epilogue that left with with tears in my eyes, amazing!!!
My Withering Hope music playlist:
*It Was Always You by Maroon 5
*Love Someone by Jason Mraz
*Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
*Be My Forever By Christina Perry ft. Ed Sheeran
(Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
My heart is swelling with emotions after reading this engrossing and unique story. I wish for everyone to read this book and experience the everlasting love of a couple that had to face really extreme circumstances but their love flourished and shined brighter than the stars.
Aimee boarded her fiancé's airplane to go to Brazil and get married in a beautiful ranch in a lavish ceremony she's been planning for months. Her life hasn't been easy, after loosing her parents at a very young age, but her best friend Chris who later became her boyfriend has always been there for her to help her through life and now they are getting married. A few hours into the flight, the turbulence gets very intense and Tristan, the pilot, announces there's difficulties with the plane that are forcing him to make an emergency landing in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
Tristan has been working for Aimee's fiancé Chris for the past two years, the handsome pilot mostly keeps to himself but is clear that he carries deep secrets that still haunt him. Tristan has always enjoyed being in Aimee's presence, she's beautiful, smart and incredibly sweet and she always manages to put a smile on his face. Now that both Tristan and Aimee are stranded in the wild, a deep bond starts to form between them, something that begins as a friendship but will turn into something especial and as vital to them as breathing.
It won't be easy facing the forest with the very scarce provisions they have, but these two become a team; their goal is to protect one another from the dangers of the rainforest, both willing to fight anything and always aiming to survive. Day after day, hope of a rescue becomes a distant thought neither of them is willing to torture themselves with. A fierce love is born, desperate and unlike anything neither Aimee or Tristan have ever known, but the guilt and fear of hurting Chris plus all the scary encounters in the wild will make it hard for their love to even have a chance. Will Aimee and Tristan survive? and if they do, will their love continue once they get back into the real world and will they make it as a couple, despite the traumatic circumstances they've been through?
This book was an absolute page turner, the story held me captive from beginning to end, never predictable and absolutely romantic, it was everything I hope for in a novel. I've read a few books by this author now and her writing gets better with every story and this time around she delivered a truly original storyline and delightful characters that completely brought out all my emotions, specially the beautiful epilogue that left with with tears in my eyes, amazing!!!
My Withering Hope music playlist:
*It Was Always You by Maroon 5
*Love Someone by Jason Mraz
*Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
*Be My Forever By Christina Perry ft. Ed Sheeran
January 20, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was a good short read that had likable characters and an interesting plot. The ending was a bit too much but I did like the slow paced road that Aimee and Tristan take falling in love in such extreme circumstances.
"I've found something here I've never had before. Hope. You gave it to me. And I have you here. You're more than I've ever had, and more than I'll ever wish for."
The bond they built while facing their own mortality while struggling for daily survival was awe inspiring.
The excitement of the story for me was whether or not both will survive long enough for the possibilities of rescue and/or will anyone ever find them under the canopy of the Amazon Rain Forest?
This was a good short read that had likable characters and an interesting plot. The ending was a bit too much but I did like the slow paced road that Aimee and Tristan take falling in love in such extreme circumstances.
"I've found something here I've never had before. Hope. You gave it to me. And I have you here. You're more than I've ever had, and more than I'll ever wish for."
The bond they built while facing their own mortality while struggling for daily survival was awe inspiring.
The excitement of the story for me was whether or not both will survive long enough for the possibilities of rescue and/or will anyone ever find them under the canopy of the Amazon Rain Forest?
March 17, 2017
5 Stars (Originally Read 2/4/2015)
4 Stars (Re-Read 3/16/2017)
Overall Opinion: This was still an enjoyable read, and one that will remain on my favorites shelf. I will, however, drop it from a 5 star rating to a 4 star rating though. My biggest issue was that we don't really have any time with them as a couple in the real world after they're rescued. To me, that is such a missed opportunity! I love that they go into different career fields, but I wanted more! I felt like the confrontation with Chris was resolved way too neatly, and we didn't experience any fallout from that whole situation. I'm definitely tougher in my ratings now that I feel the need to justify them with words than I was when I just left a star rating before, and it might also be that I'm getting more grumpy as time goes on ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Aimee and Tristan's story. Aimee is on her way to the location for her upcoming wedding in her fiancé's private jet. The pilot, Tristan, ends up crash landing them somewhere in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. They are stranded with no way to communicate or travel, so they have to adjust to their new realities. Both of them also carry some baggage from their past, but after spending more and more time with each other they break through the barriers and fall in love...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Aimee (mostly) and Tristan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well throughout. I did have a big issue with the fact that we get them being rescued and then it practically jumps right into an epilogue! I felt like we could've spent some more time in between.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Tristan. I really liked him. I felt bad for his past, and I liked the way he was so protective of the h.
h rating: 4 stars. Aimee. I liked her. She was pretty tough considering she was totally out of her element.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed this time -- but I do remember crying some the first time I read it.
Push/Pull:Mild
Heat level: Decent. They have some decent tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: No
OW/OM drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, but not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending and great epilogues. (see above overall opinion and pacing section)
How I got it: I read it the first time as part of my scribed subscription, but then I bought it for $0.99 when it went on sale on Amazon in 4/2016.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
4 Stars (Re-Read 3/16/2017)
Overall Opinion: This was still an enjoyable read, and one that will remain on my favorites shelf. I will, however, drop it from a 5 star rating to a 4 star rating though. My biggest issue was that we don't really have any time with them as a couple in the real world after they're rescued. To me, that is such a missed opportunity! I love that they go into different career fields, but I wanted more! I felt like the confrontation with Chris was resolved way too neatly, and we didn't experience any fallout from that whole situation. I'm definitely tougher in my ratings now that I feel the need to justify them with words than I was when I just left a star rating before, and it might also be that I'm getting more grumpy as time goes on ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Aimee and Tristan's story. Aimee is on her way to the location for her upcoming wedding in her fiancé's private jet. The pilot, Tristan, ends up crash landing them somewhere in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. They are stranded with no way to communicate or travel, so they have to adjust to their new realities. Both of them also carry some baggage from their past, but after spending more and more time with each other they break through the barriers and fall in love...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Aimee (mostly) and Tristan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well throughout. I did have a big issue with the fact that we get them being rescued and then it practically jumps right into an epilogue! I felt like we could've spent some more time in between.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Tristan. I really liked him. I felt bad for his past, and I liked the way he was so protective of the h.
h rating: 4 stars. Aimee. I liked her. She was pretty tough considering she was totally out of her element.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed this time -- but I do remember crying some the first time I read it.
Push/Pull:Mild
Heat level: Decent. They have some decent tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: No
OW/OM drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, but not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending and great epilogues. (see above overall opinion and pacing section)
How I got it: I read it the first time as part of my scribed subscription, but then I bought it for $0.99 when it went on sale on Amazon in 4/2016.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
August 31, 2020
5 stars (Fifth Read 8/31/2020)
5 stars (Fourth Read 6/9/2019)
5 stars (Third Read 10/18/2018)
5 stars (Second Read 7/27/2017)
5 stars (First Read 5/22/2015)
I. LOVE. THIS. FREAKING. BOOK!!!! 😍 I can't get enough of it!!
WOW! I honestly did not expect to love this as much as I did. The writing was excellent, the storyline realistic (I would presume, I've obviously never been stranded in a rainforest but it seemed realistic to me), and the characters were very easy to like and relate to. I had pause when I started because of some of the reviews I read. I'm not necessarily fan of a couple of the themes they alluded to.
(These are pretty significant spoilers, beware)
1.
2.
I'm always impressed when I read a book and my pet peeves are not only quelled but are actually used to make the story more enjoyable for me. That's the sign of a very strong author in my opinion. I enjoyed the slow build up, even if it made the book slow all around in the beginning (but not boring), and the ending was just a rush of emotions. Their love for each other was so apparent and everything was so well written that I won't be forgetting this novel any time soon.
Favorite Quotes...
Safety:
Closure:
5 stars (Fourth Read 6/9/2019)
5 stars (Third Read 10/18/2018)
5 stars (Second Read 7/27/2017)
5 stars (First Read 5/22/2015)
I. LOVE. THIS. FREAKING. BOOK!!!! 😍 I can't get enough of it!!
WOW! I honestly did not expect to love this as much as I did. The writing was excellent, the storyline realistic (I would presume, I've obviously never been stranded in a rainforest but it seemed realistic to me), and the characters were very easy to like and relate to. I had pause when I started because of some of the reviews I read. I'm not necessarily fan of a couple of the themes they alluded to.
(These are pretty significant spoilers, beware)
1.
2.
I'm always impressed when I read a book and my pet peeves are not only quelled but are actually used to make the story more enjoyable for me. That's the sign of a very strong author in my opinion. I enjoyed the slow build up, even if it made the book slow all around in the beginning (but not boring), and the ending was just a rush of emotions. Their love for each other was so apparent and everything was so well written that I won't be forgetting this novel any time soon.
Favorite Quotes...
It was comforting to realize that darkness can lead to beauty. Like poems.
But there is no going back after this. I will fight for her.
"I need you in a way I never thought I could need anything. It's like air. You don't notice how much you need it until you don't have it. I love you, Aimee. For being selfless and giving me your strength. For giving me the things I never knew I needed. If there's something I learned in war, it's that no one is unimportant. Every person means the world to someone. That makes us vulnerable, but it also makes life a gift. I had no one who could give me that gift. Now I do."
I don't know what's crueller: letting him hope, or robbing the hope from him.
"Always. I would marry you in a heartbeat and take care of you until we're both old, wrinkly, and nagging. I'd brew you coffee every morning and hold you tightly in my arms every night. It would be a privilege to watch you fall asleep every night. I can't imagine anything more beautiful and fulfilling than growing old next to you and taking care of you. Always loving you."
"He loved her so much he never wanted to say goodbye to her. He wanted to leave with her."❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Safety:
Closure:
February 19, 2015
"4.5 hope stars"
“I’ve found something here I’ve never had before. Hope.”
Aimee is on her way to Brazil, flying in a private jet owned by her fiancé to get married but all her dreams are shattered when Tristan, the pilot had to perform an emergency landing on the hills of Amazon rain forest due to engine failure. Now stranded in middle of a dense wild forest, where there’s no sign of a rescue the only hope of surviving is each other.
As days turns into weeks and weeks into months being stranded in forest takes its toll, with wild animals lurking in every nook and corner, where even pretty looking flowers could been dangerous their chances of surviving becomes slim to none. With only each other to lean on, they grow very close and fight to stay alive every day and night not only battling with danger outside of their very plane but also with their inner turmoil. In midst of all this, they are in constant battle with desperation, loneliness, danger, hunger and disease. Will they survive in nature’s cruel environment or will their WITHERING HOPE destroy their chances of living yet another day?
“I used to hate waking up every morning. Now I look forward to every day, even though we're stuck in this place. Because it means one more day with you.”
I will go ahead and say that this story is no different from any other survival stories you have read and I’m not the one to read a recycled plot and devour it, but still I rated it 4.5 stars, because of its SIMPLICITY.
Ok, let me elaborate that! At about 20% mark I predicted what’s going to happen and how it’s going to end, like any other survival story there were two helpless people alone in the harshest environment, put together some romantic moments, wild animals, disease which will almost kill them and no sign of rescuing. It was everything and nothing like that! As I started reading further I was lost in world of Aimee and Tristan, I lived every moment of their distress situation and their constant struggle to keep each other alive and happy.
See the thing is this author didn’t go to any extent exaggerating their already horrendous living condition or make the characters look like super humans or add any unnecessary danger to make it believable, even she didn’t add any OTT romance to make it enjoyable or glue to the pages. The writing itself was quite simple yet the story was very much consuming with humble, lovable characters and their love so subtle and pure, adding right amount of passion, humor, keeping the story very grounded. It happens so rarely that an author takes a used plot and makes it an amazing story, delivering a wonderful message of hope, love and will power.
Withering hope is an inspiring story of finding love in the darkest place, a story of healing and discovering oneself in time of distress, living and loving every small thing you are grateful in life. A beautiful story which had me crying for hours after I read it and the one to always remain close to my heart.
So why not 5 stars?
This story definitely deserves a huge appreciation and the quote "There is beauty in simplicity" sits well with this one but I didn’t get the tone of the ending or even the epilogue! It’s not that I disliked it but
All in all it was an emotionally overwhelming great love story!
“I’ve found something here I’ve never had before. Hope.”
Aimee is on her way to Brazil, flying in a private jet owned by her fiancé to get married but all her dreams are shattered when Tristan, the pilot had to perform an emergency landing on the hills of Amazon rain forest due to engine failure. Now stranded in middle of a dense wild forest, where there’s no sign of a rescue the only hope of surviving is each other.
As days turns into weeks and weeks into months being stranded in forest takes its toll, with wild animals lurking in every nook and corner, where even pretty looking flowers could been dangerous their chances of surviving becomes slim to none. With only each other to lean on, they grow very close and fight to stay alive every day and night not only battling with danger outside of their very plane but also with their inner turmoil. In midst of all this, they are in constant battle with desperation, loneliness, danger, hunger and disease. Will they survive in nature’s cruel environment or will their WITHERING HOPE destroy their chances of living yet another day?
“I used to hate waking up every morning. Now I look forward to every day, even though we're stuck in this place. Because it means one more day with you.”
I will go ahead and say that this story is no different from any other survival stories you have read and I’m not the one to read a recycled plot and devour it, but still I rated it 4.5 stars, because of its SIMPLICITY.
Ok, let me elaborate that! At about 20% mark I predicted what’s going to happen and how it’s going to end, like any other survival story there were two helpless people alone in the harshest environment, put together some romantic moments, wild animals, disease which will almost kill them and no sign of rescuing. It was everything and nothing like that! As I started reading further I was lost in world of Aimee and Tristan, I lived every moment of their distress situation and their constant struggle to keep each other alive and happy.
See the thing is this author didn’t go to any extent exaggerating their already horrendous living condition or make the characters look like super humans or add any unnecessary danger to make it believable, even she didn’t add any OTT romance to make it enjoyable or glue to the pages. The writing itself was quite simple yet the story was very much consuming with humble, lovable characters and their love so subtle and pure, adding right amount of passion, humor, keeping the story very grounded. It happens so rarely that an author takes a used plot and makes it an amazing story, delivering a wonderful message of hope, love and will power.
Withering hope is an inspiring story of finding love in the darkest place, a story of healing and discovering oneself in time of distress, living and loving every small thing you are grateful in life. A beautiful story which had me crying for hours after I read it and the one to always remain close to my heart.
So why not 5 stars?
This story definitely deserves a huge appreciation and the quote "There is beauty in simplicity" sits well with this one but I didn’t get the tone of the ending or even the epilogue! It’s not that I disliked it but
All in all it was an emotionally overwhelming great love story!
March 6, 2015
4.5-5 emotional stars
Withering Hope is an emotional and unique book. It's a story about a man who desperately needs forgiveness and a woman who gives him hope and brings him back from the dark dreams of his past.
It's not a love story. It's a story about hope, forgiveness and finding love in the most unlikely places.
The Plane Crash
With no communication with the outside world can Aimee and Trisatn face the horrors of the forest and survive?
Can they resist their attraction?
Will love save them or tear them apart?
“Love has an effect few other things have: to empower you with happiness, and at the same time, strip you of all power, making you a prisoner of fear.”
I loved Tristan's protectiveness over Aimee. He always ALWAYS put her first, watching out for her and trying to protect her from everything, sometimes even himself.
He was a sweet but strong man willing to do anything to keep his hope safe.
I so much enjoyed that Aimee wasn't a spoilt rich girl but she was compassionate and selfless. She didn't expect Tristan to provide everything but she made herself useful and tried to help with everything she could.
"I thought the bond between us here in the rainforest was one of friendship. But maybe it's more. Maybe I feel more for this man who's not only the strongest person I've met, but who also seems more determined to keep me alive than himself."
This book was so fast paste, I didn't want to put it down. The story was captivating and unexpected.
You can't help but fall in love with Tristan and Aimee.
Their romance was so beautiful and realistic. It was slow but day after day you could see their feelings change. It was stunning.
This book had some heart-breaking scenes that had me crying like a baby. You'll definitely need some tissues if you pick this up.
So if I likes it so much why not 5 stars? Well cause of the ending. I'm not sure if I loved it or kinda ruined the story for me.
Let me tell you that but I cried so bad at the end of this book so that says a lot.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Withering Hope is an emotional and unique book. It's a story about a man who desperately needs forgiveness and a woman who gives him hope and brings him back from the dark dreams of his past.
It's not a love story. It's a story about hope, forgiveness and finding love in the most unlikely places.
The Plane Crash
With no communication with the outside world can Aimee and Trisatn face the horrors of the forest and survive?
Can they resist their attraction?
Will love save them or tear them apart?
“Love has an effect few other things have: to empower you with happiness, and at the same time, strip you of all power, making you a prisoner of fear.”
I loved Tristan's protectiveness over Aimee. He always ALWAYS put her first, watching out for her and trying to protect her from everything, sometimes even himself.
He was a sweet but strong man willing to do anything to keep his hope safe.
I so much enjoyed that Aimee wasn't a spoilt rich girl but she was compassionate and selfless. She didn't expect Tristan to provide everything but she made herself useful and tried to help with everything she could.
"I thought the bond between us here in the rainforest was one of friendship. But maybe it's more. Maybe I feel more for this man who's not only the strongest person I've met, but who also seems more determined to keep me alive than himself."
This book was so fast paste, I didn't want to put it down. The story was captivating and unexpected.
You can't help but fall in love with Tristan and Aimee.
Their romance was so beautiful and realistic. It was slow but day after day you could see their feelings change. It was stunning.
This book had some heart-breaking scenes that had me crying like a baby. You'll definitely need some tissues if you pick this up.
So if I likes it so much why not 5 stars? Well cause of the ending. I'm not sure if I loved it or kinda ruined the story for me.
Let me tell you that but I cried so bad at the end of this book so that says a lot.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 20, 2015
I have to say it's not a very smart novel. And not very well written either. Some of the issues that I had with it:
1. The hero is supposedly a pilot who fly's a private jet for heroine's finance's company and also serves as her driver. Now anyone who knows anything about pilots who fly private jets for businesses knows that they would never ever agree to become car drivers. Its not their job and not their level. No amount of suspension of disbelief can account for this glaring error.
2. Heroine couldn't control herself from jumping hero's bones just for 4 months in the jungle despite having a loving and caring fiance who, against all odds, was mounting a private rescue campaign in the amazon forest to find her when the government gave up and the heroine was enjoying daily love making sessions with the hero. What a sucker!
3. Jaguars apparently have nothing better to do than to wait on the hero and heroine outside their crashed airplane 24/7 for about 2 weeks. They don't go hunting or prowling their territory or even to relieve themselves.
4. Hero's excuse for using heroine's breasts as pillows is that he can only sleep without nightmares this way. Sounds like something a pervert pedophile would tell a minor girl to get closer to her. His so called PTSD sounds like a dirty ploy to make her sleep with him.
5. Monkey's don't ever challenge our heroine when she climbs up trees and takes her share from their potential food.
6. Birds lay so many eggs around the area of their crashed plane that they find & eat 4-6 eggs daily. News flash; they're wild birds, not farm hens.
7. Birds actually land on hero's hands so that he can kill and then roast them. This is exactly what happens. Not making this up!
The writing is not up to the mark as well. My sincere advice; avoid this.
1. The hero is supposedly a pilot who fly's a private jet for heroine's finance's company and also serves as her driver. Now anyone who knows anything about pilots who fly private jets for businesses knows that they would never ever agree to become car drivers. Its not their job and not their level. No amount of suspension of disbelief can account for this glaring error.
2. Heroine couldn't control herself from jumping hero's bones just for 4 months in the jungle despite having a loving and caring fiance who, against all odds, was mounting a private rescue campaign in the amazon forest to find her when the government gave up and the heroine was enjoying daily love making sessions with the hero. What a sucker!
3. Jaguars apparently have nothing better to do than to wait on the hero and heroine outside their crashed airplane 24/7 for about 2 weeks. They don't go hunting or prowling their territory or even to relieve themselves.
4. Hero's excuse for using heroine's breasts as pillows is that he can only sleep without nightmares this way. Sounds like something a pervert pedophile would tell a minor girl to get closer to her. His so called PTSD sounds like a dirty ploy to make her sleep with him.
5. Monkey's don't ever challenge our heroine when she climbs up trees and takes her share from their potential food.
6. Birds lay so many eggs around the area of their crashed plane that they find & eat 4-6 eggs daily. News flash; they're wild birds, not farm hens.
7. Birds actually land on hero's hands so that he can kill and then roast them. This is exactly what happens. Not making this up!
The writing is not up to the mark as well. My sincere advice; avoid this.
January 19, 2015
******ARC received by the author in exchange for review******
OUT TODAY!
Genre: Stranded romance.
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person, small snippets of Hero's POV. Stand Alone. Approx 180 kindle pages.
Withering Hope is a sweet romance with angst, friendship and action.
Despite my 3.5 star rating, I enjoyed the book, the latter half more. I felt there was something missing, something deeper maybe. I wanted there to be a better connection or character depth than the one I was given.
The first half was a lot about surviving, it packed in a lot of 'this is what we are doing to survive' scenarios and explanation, it was pretty fast paced. And even though that was needed as a set up, I wanted some more character development inbetween, I also needed to know how our hero knew so much about survival techniques before the second half; to make it feel more realistic.
The romance was slow build, angsty, and very sweet, as were the characters, they were also very genuine. I enjoyed seeing them discover themselves, their love and the rainforest. The drama and action was very good, written well and totally effective. The writing was romantic and their troubles tangible.
Even though Withering Hope is a short read, it packed a lot of good stuff in, the end and the epilogue was an extra bonus and I loved the way it ended.
OUT TODAY!
3.5 STARS
Genre: Stranded romance.
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person, small snippets of Hero's POV. Stand Alone. Approx 180 kindle pages.
'I thought the bond between us here in the rainforest was one of friendship. But maybe it's more. Maybe I feel more for this man who's not only the strongest person I've met, but who also seems more determined to keep me alive than himself.'
Withering Hope is a sweet romance with angst, friendship and action.
Despite my 3.5 star rating, I enjoyed the book, the latter half more. I felt there was something missing, something deeper maybe. I wanted there to be a better connection or character depth than the one I was given.
The first half was a lot about surviving, it packed in a lot of 'this is what we are doing to survive' scenarios and explanation, it was pretty fast paced. And even though that was needed as a set up, I wanted some more character development inbetween, I also needed to know how our hero knew so much about survival techniques before the second half; to make it feel more realistic.
The romance was slow build, angsty, and very sweet, as were the characters, they were also very genuine. I enjoyed seeing them discover themselves, their love and the rainforest. The drama and action was very good, written well and totally effective. The writing was romantic and their troubles tangible.
Even though Withering Hope is a short read, it packed a lot of good stuff in, the end and the epilogue was an extra bonus and I loved the way it ended.
December 23, 2014
☆I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!☆
4.75-5 SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL stars!!★★★★☆
“I’m not a star,” I whisper. “I’m a satellite rotating around you. You’re the star. I need your light to shine.”
Withering Love was author Layla Hagen’s best work to date!! It enraptured me, gutted me, choked me up a couple of times, and ultimately had me wanting to read this story again and again!!
Aimee and Tristan’s love was one of those once in a lifetime types of love that everyone wishes to have or experience. Tristan, who you learn has always held a torch for Aimee pre-crash days, is the ultimate sweetheart and survivor who will do anything to keep himself and his unrequited love alive. It’s quite poetic and heartwarming to see the lengths he will go (and Aimee vice versa) to ensure her health and safety really. So adorable!!
“Love has an effect few other things have: to empower you with happiness, and at the same time, strip you of all power, making you a prisoner of fear.”
What’s more poignant and beautiful about his and Aimee’s relationship is-- is that their romance doesn’t take off right away, but carefully builds over their time in the Amazon rainforest. With nothing coercing, forcing, or stopping their irrefutable chemistry and connection, it was amazing to see nature run its course in its most basic of intervals and to witness two people falling in love without even realizing it. The only catch is-- Aimee is engaged to be married to another man. Who will she choose? Will Tristan be able to convince her to take a chance on him?...on each other?...Or is their love just simply not meant to be?
All in all…
#A breathtaking and touching read!!
Life throws you unexpected curves and wedges, sometimes in the right or wrong scheme of things, and it’s up to you to make the best of your situation or crumble to the abyss. This totally sums up what happens to Tristan and Aimee as they struggle to cope with the bleak outlook of their situation, their growing feelings for another and the rising stakes set against them, and the realization that they may or may not make it back to civilization alive after all…
I truly fell in love with this story and wish there was more like it!! It was so wonderful!! For all those of you ladies who are looking for a pure, untainted and unadulterated story filled with love defying the odds in the most unlikely of situations…along with realistic upheavals filled with terrifying and heartbreaking situations where everything could mean life or death… Withering Love is for you!
“Those terrifying months in the rainforest were, in a way, a gift. Maybe it’s true what they say, that without darkness, you can never truly appreciate the light.”
4.75-5 SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL stars!!★★★★☆
“I’m not a star,” I whisper. “I’m a satellite rotating around you. You’re the star. I need your light to shine.”
Withering Love was author Layla Hagen’s best work to date!! It enraptured me, gutted me, choked me up a couple of times, and ultimately had me wanting to read this story again and again!!
Aimee and Tristan’s love was one of those once in a lifetime types of love that everyone wishes to have or experience. Tristan, who you learn has always held a torch for Aimee pre-crash days, is the ultimate sweetheart and survivor who will do anything to keep himself and his unrequited love alive. It’s quite poetic and heartwarming to see the lengths he will go (and Aimee vice versa) to ensure her health and safety really. So adorable!!
“Love has an effect few other things have: to empower you with happiness, and at the same time, strip you of all power, making you a prisoner of fear.”
What’s more poignant and beautiful about his and Aimee’s relationship is-- is that their romance doesn’t take off right away, but carefully builds over their time in the Amazon rainforest. With nothing coercing, forcing, or stopping their irrefutable chemistry and connection, it was amazing to see nature run its course in its most basic of intervals and to witness two people falling in love without even realizing it. The only catch is-- Aimee is engaged to be married to another man. Who will she choose? Will Tristan be able to convince her to take a chance on him?...on each other?...Or is their love just simply not meant to be?
All in all…
#A breathtaking and touching read!!
Life throws you unexpected curves and wedges, sometimes in the right or wrong scheme of things, and it’s up to you to make the best of your situation or crumble to the abyss. This totally sums up what happens to Tristan and Aimee as they struggle to cope with the bleak outlook of their situation, their growing feelings for another and the rising stakes set against them, and the realization that they may or may not make it back to civilization alive after all…
I truly fell in love with this story and wish there was more like it!! It was so wonderful!! For all those of you ladies who are looking for a pure, untainted and unadulterated story filled with love defying the odds in the most unlikely of situations…along with realistic upheavals filled with terrifying and heartbreaking situations where everything could mean life or death… Withering Love is for you!
“Those terrifying months in the rainforest were, in a way, a gift. Maybe it’s true what they say, that without darkness, you can never truly appreciate the light.”
October 6, 2019
"Maybe it's true what they say, that without darkness, you can never truly appreciate the light."
Oh WOW. I'm breathless, sobbing, so full to the brim of overwhelming emotions. I'm overcome with happiness and sadness at the same time. This book absolutely took me by surprise. Wow. I'm pretty speechless right now. This story was beautiful in its tragedy, stunning in its completion. It has been a long time since I've read something that has made me FEEL so much; I'm bursting with it. I can't tell you strongly enough how much you need to experience this story. The emotions I'm feeling right now are priceless. This is exactly what I search for when I read a book. Something that makes me FEEL, that makes my heart race, ache, and break.... something that fills me with such excitement, fear, joy, dread, and happiness. Listen to me, trust me on this one, read, live, experience this book.
"Tristan slipped into my soul the way mist travels in the forest after the rain: Unseen, unstoppable, and ubiquitous."
Oh WOW. I'm breathless, sobbing, so full to the brim of overwhelming emotions. I'm overcome with happiness and sadness at the same time. This book absolutely took me by surprise. Wow. I'm pretty speechless right now. This story was beautiful in its tragedy, stunning in its completion. It has been a long time since I've read something that has made me FEEL so much; I'm bursting with it. I can't tell you strongly enough how much you need to experience this story. The emotions I'm feeling right now are priceless. This is exactly what I search for when I read a book. Something that makes me FEEL, that makes my heart race, ache, and break.... something that fills me with such excitement, fear, joy, dread, and happiness. Listen to me, trust me on this one, read, live, experience this book.
"Tristan slipped into my soul the way mist travels in the forest after the rain: Unseen, unstoppable, and ubiquitous."
September 22, 2022
3.5 stars
December 24, 2014
★Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review★
TITLE: Withering Hope
AUTHOR: Layla Hagen
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 19th 2015
MY RATING:★★★★★
I initially rated this at 4 stars I only had about 10 pages to go but was on the verge of going out the door and thought bugga it I'll rate it now and be done with it..And then I reach that ending surrounded by men whilst they are working and I'm sitting in the truck hiding away reading and trying to control the tears that are pouring down my face, f*ck that ending was gut wrenching but beautiful, a truly beautiful ending to end all endings..
Withering Hope is a story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope, a forbidden kind of love that blossoms as they try to survive in the Amazon Forest..
EMERGENCY LANDING
The right wing of the plane is completely destroyed, two large trees completely cover the right side of the plane leaving a huge dent in place..Everything is wrecked..
NO COMMUNICATION FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD
THE JUNGLE NEVER SLEEPS
The night reeks of danger, fresh jaguar paw prints surround their camp at night, there is no sight of them during the day but they roam around the plane at night..
will add more tomorrow
TITLE: Withering Hope
AUTHOR: Layla Hagen
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 19th 2015
MY RATING:★★★★★
I initially rated this at 4 stars I only had about 10 pages to go but was on the verge of going out the door and thought bugga it I'll rate it now and be done with it..And then I reach that ending surrounded by men whilst they are working and I'm sitting in the truck hiding away reading and trying to control the tears that are pouring down my face, f*ck that ending was gut wrenching but beautiful, a truly beautiful ending to end all endings..
Withering Hope is a story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope, a forbidden kind of love that blossoms as they try to survive in the Amazon Forest..
EMERGENCY LANDING
The right wing of the plane is completely destroyed, two large trees completely cover the right side of the plane leaving a huge dent in place..Everything is wrecked..
NO COMMUNICATION FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD
THE JUNGLE NEVER SLEEPS
The night reeks of danger, fresh jaguar paw prints surround their camp at night, there is no sight of them during the day but they roam around the plane at night..
will add more tomorrow
March 31, 2015
3.5 stars
Do not read this book in public!!!
As much as I wasn't really feeling the characters, and was not my typical speed of a book, I was swept up into a monumental set of feels toward the end.
Read with tissues.
Do not read this book in public!!!
As much as I wasn't really feeling the characters, and was not my typical speed of a book, I was swept up into a monumental set of feels toward the end.
Read with tissues.
January 15, 2021
Ok survival romance...
Not bad if you’re looking for survival romance. Set in the rainforest. It was a bit repetitive and was missing something for me. Plus, the ending was a little cheesy, but it seems that’s how many of the survival romances end up. Either over the top cheese or sad lol. So yeah.
Not bad if you’re looking for survival romance. Set in the rainforest. It was a bit repetitive and was missing something for me. Plus, the ending was a little cheesy, but it seems that’s how many of the survival romances end up. Either over the top cheese or sad lol. So yeah.
October 23, 2018
Withering Hope was a beautiful and at times suspenseful story. What do you do when you crash land in the Amazon Rainforest and how do you react. Tristan and Aimee not only get to know one another but they get know their own strengths too. Their form a bond. A friendship which slowly turns to an undeniable love. True love.
Most of the story takes place in the forest. It was fast paced and exciting. I would have loved more story of them after they were rescued. How they transitioned back to their new normalcy. The epilogue was fantastic. Beyond amazing. Withering Hope was a great surprise.
4 Hope Stars
Most of the story takes place in the forest. It was fast paced and exciting. I would have loved more story of them after they were rescued. How they transitioned back to their new normalcy. The epilogue was fantastic. Beyond amazing. Withering Hope was a great surprise.
4 Hope Stars
November 6, 2021
I don't make a habit of listening to audiobooks unless I have lots to do and can't sit and read. I find with a book like this one, the emotional side is partially lost because a narrator can only have so much impact. Having said that, I did enjoy it.
The story wasn't slow, it was interesting and though you don't get much of Tristan's POV, what you do get is enough to glimpse his feelings for Aimee. I would have liked to read more about their time after the jungle, to see how they adapted, but overall I really enjoyed this one.
The story wasn't slow, it was interesting and though you don't get much of Tristan's POV, what you do get is enough to glimpse his feelings for Aimee. I would have liked to read more about their time after the jungle, to see how they adapted, but overall I really enjoyed this one.
January 5, 2015
So, if you are looking for a book that is truly original and unlike any other book you have ever read, you need this one.
When Aimee, the bride-to-be, and her pilot, Tristan’s, plane crashes in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, there is little hope of them being rescued after the first 48 hours.
They are unable to search for civilization because it is the rainy season and the area around them is flooded. They must learn to survive the next few months until they can hike out, or someone rescues them.
With spiders, snakes, poisonous fruit, jaguars, and many other factors, the outlook looks grim.
This book does not have a lot of sex, or alpha male dominance that the books I usually read do. Yet this is one of the best love stories I have read in a long time. My heart breaks for Aimee and Tristan as they overcome obstacle after obstacle, only to have to take five steps back to ensure they make it out alive.
This is one of the books that once you start reading, you will be hooked. I didn’t want to put it down, because I was always wondering, what happens next? Will they be ok? Will they ever get out? ~ Devlynn, 4.5 stars
~~~
Wow, this book grew on me! The story line was very original and intriguing.
Two people stranded in the middle of the rainforest after their plane crashes. They are not a couple....the pilot is actually an employee of the other passengers fiancé. However......feelings grow while learning to survive together.
With poisonous plants, animals and bare essentials, I couldn't stop reading! I never knew WHAT was going to happen and along the way I fell for Tristan. This story just got better and better. I am so glad this is a standalone. I don't think my heart could take waiting for a what's next? ending. ~ Krissy, 4 ( wild ) stars
When Aimee, the bride-to-be, and her pilot, Tristan’s, plane crashes in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, there is little hope of them being rescued after the first 48 hours.
They are unable to search for civilization because it is the rainy season and the area around them is flooded. They must learn to survive the next few months until they can hike out, or someone rescues them.
With spiders, snakes, poisonous fruit, jaguars, and many other factors, the outlook looks grim.
This book does not have a lot of sex, or alpha male dominance that the books I usually read do. Yet this is one of the best love stories I have read in a long time. My heart breaks for Aimee and Tristan as they overcome obstacle after obstacle, only to have to take five steps back to ensure they make it out alive.
This is one of the books that once you start reading, you will be hooked. I didn’t want to put it down, because I was always wondering, what happens next? Will they be ok? Will they ever get out? ~ Devlynn, 4.5 stars
~~~
Wow, this book grew on me! The story line was very original and intriguing.
Two people stranded in the middle of the rainforest after their plane crashes. They are not a couple....the pilot is actually an employee of the other passengers fiancé. However......feelings grow while learning to survive together.
With poisonous plants, animals and bare essentials, I couldn't stop reading! I never knew WHAT was going to happen and along the way I fell for Tristan. This story just got better and better. I am so glad this is a standalone. I don't think my heart could take waiting for a what's next? ending. ~ Krissy, 4 ( wild ) stars
June 11, 2018
Aimee is on a private jet on her way to visit her fiancé Chris. The plane crashes in a remote part of the Amazon, leaving her and the pilot Tristan stranded. Dependent on each other to survive, Aimee and Tristan find themselves drawn to each other in ways that can't be avoided.
January 20, 2015
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
I am so emotional right now, I hope I can get all of my words out the right way.
When I started this book, I have to admit that I had a really hard time connecting to the story. I would say for probably a good 50% of the book. It was very mundane explanations of day to day life in the jungle. You see, the story starts off right away with Aimee on a flight to bring her to her fiancee' and where their wedding will be held to oversee last minute wedding plans. The hero, Tristan is the pilot of the plane. It is only the two of them on this flight because it was a last minute flight Aimee was actually making a day earlier than she would have. You know right away that Aimee truly cares for Chris, her fiancee. She is excited to be marrying him. Unbeknowst to her, Tristan has been having feelings for her from afar from awhile. With all that he has dealt with in his life, he finds her optimistic and friendly personality endearing, as well as her beauty remarkable. As this two rough it in the Amazon Jungle, Aimee starts to fall in love with Tristan, who was half in love with her already before they even embarked on the plane. It ended up being a beautiful story and I loved how once Aimee realized she loved Tristan and became intimate with him, there was no back and forth with her feelings for Chris. She did feel guilty, but she loved Tristan and that was that. She was ready to tell Chris right away about what transpired.
When we got to finally meet Chris towards the end, I realized that he truly was a wonderful guy.
I found the ending absolutely beautiful. I am the type of person that NEEDS and yearns from an HEA no matter what.
I am so emotional right now, I need to figure out very carefully what my next read will be! LOL
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
I am so emotional right now, I hope I can get all of my words out the right way.
When I started this book, I have to admit that I had a really hard time connecting to the story. I would say for probably a good 50% of the book. It was very mundane explanations of day to day life in the jungle. You see, the story starts off right away with Aimee on a flight to bring her to her fiancee' and where their wedding will be held to oversee last minute wedding plans. The hero, Tristan is the pilot of the plane. It is only the two of them on this flight because it was a last minute flight Aimee was actually making a day earlier than she would have. You know right away that Aimee truly cares for Chris, her fiancee. She is excited to be marrying him. Unbeknowst to her, Tristan has been having feelings for her from afar from awhile. With all that he has dealt with in his life, he finds her optimistic and friendly personality endearing, as well as her beauty remarkable. As this two rough it in the Amazon Jungle, Aimee starts to fall in love with Tristan, who was half in love with her already before they even embarked on the plane. It ended up being a beautiful story and I loved how once Aimee realized she loved Tristan and became intimate with him, there was no back and forth with her feelings for Chris. She did feel guilty, but she loved Tristan and that was that. She was ready to tell Chris right away about what transpired.
When we got to finally meet Chris towards the end, I realized that he truly was a wonderful guy.
I found the ending absolutely beautiful. I am the type of person that NEEDS and yearns from an HEA no matter what.
I am so emotional right now, I need to figure out very carefully what my next read will be! LOL
January 20, 2015
✯✯✯✯1/2 Emotional Stars
“Every person means the world to someone. That makes us vulnerable, but it also makes life a gift. I had no one who could give me that gift. Now I do.”
Well wasn’t this story a surprise and a half! We were really looking forward to getting stuck in after being intrigued by the synopsis. Aimee is on her way in a private jet to marry her best friend Chris on a holiday ranch in Brazil. Sadly, disaster strikes when the jet crashes into the depths of the rainforest taking Tristan – the pilot and Aimee with it.
“I used to believe that the experiences life throws at us shape us. Now I think that it’s the way we cope with what life throws our way that shapes us.”
Aimee plans everything in her life, but this was one situation no one was prepared for. A rescue seems nowhere in sight and with the dangers of the unknown perils of the jungle; how long will any hope of survival last? Whilst the desperation, the angst, betrayal and the terror is at a high; a sudden protective love of the soul mate kind emerges.
‘Being on the brink of losing everything had the remarkable power of setting me free.’
Fighting for survival in the jungle brings fighting for the truth; self – realisation and discovery as well as true love and the journey is fraught with a passionate intensity and building emotions. Whilst ‘practical and sensible’ Aimee fights with her conscience she realises she cannot deny her truth. And Tristan, the stoic quiet force of a man who has a secret past and hidden feeling learns to open up and trust. Well, the beauty and the pure romance shone in the latter part of Withering Hope.
‘Tristan slipped into my soul the way mist travels in the forest after the rain: unseen, unstoppable, and ubiquitous.’
“You don’t need anyone. You’re like a star, Aimee. Stars shine from within. They don’t need anything else.”
So we have to be honest and say that we really struggled with Layla Hagen’s writing style in the beginning. Due to the significant lack of dialogue, the pacing and almost statement like sentences as well as being told the story rather than feeling a part of it, well, we just didn’t connect nor did we feel much of the emotion displayed by the characters Tristan and Aimee. At one point we were even sadly thinking of putting it aside for another day as it seemed we hadn’t actually really learnt anything about our characters which ultimately prevented us to feel anything for them or feel involved in the story…..
“Because I’ve found something here I’ve never had before. Hope. You gave it to me. And I have you here. You’re more than I’ve ever had, and more than I’ll ever wish for.”
Then…..THEN…..everything changed somewhere around the halfway point. It actually became so incredibly intense and emotional we had tears leading to complete ugly crying which lasted long after finishing. The story became utterly captivating and so powerful an alarm could have gone off next to us and we’d be shushing it so we could finish reading. We cannot express how utterly amazed we were with how a story that wasn’t wow-ing us became everything we love. It grabbed us and demanded for us not to give up; experience and understand just how much love, pain and devotion it had to offer. And it did and we felt it! So, we say to you, if you feel like us and struggle please…please keep going because we promise you, you will fall just like we did. Aimee and Tristan’s love will burrow deep into your heart.
“I’m not a star,” I whisper. “I’m a satellite rotating around you. You’re the star. I need your light to shine.”
**Reviewed honestly from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks.**
♥ ♥ ♥
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February 3, 2015
Maybe I'll be in the minority here... but I thing the epilogue was a big mistake. Here's why :
January 24, 2015
Ugh. That epilogue...seriously...was it necessary??? I mean, the end of the first one was perfect. Damn. That last part ruined it. Still, I loved Tristan and Aimee's story. Just that last part broke my heart.
Wow, my first completed book for January. That's sad. It's been a crazy busy first of the year already.
Wow, my first completed book for January. That's sad. It's been a crazy busy first of the year already.
December 1, 2016
There's something raw and addictive about a book that forces two people to rely on each other for survival. Since the elements around them can easily make today their last day alive. They have to learn to work and trust one another to be successful. And that forces them to become closer than ever imaginable. This is why I love the idea behind survival stories. And while Withering Hope was thoroughly entertaining, the writing style felt flat at times. It left me desiring and wanting so much more. I'm so sad, because that's how I felt with On The Island also. But if you're able to look past that, then what you'll find is an enjoyable story that is a lot of fun.
Aimee and Tristan, her husband's private pilot, were on their way from the US to her husband's ranch in Brazil. So she could prepare for their upcoming wedding. Yet all of her plans skidded to a halt when Aimee and Tristan ended up crash landing in the Amazon. In the middle of nowhere with the bare minimum of resources. They aren't by any water that is drinkable. The food that surrounds them could potentially be poisonous. And creatures that are on the ground and even in the trees are lethal. The odds are stacked up against them, and making it through each day is a true feat!
I liked watching Aimee and Tristan slowly become closer and closer as the days passed. It was believable and realistic how their friendship unfolded. We slowly got to learn details about Aimee and Tristan's past, and that sparked some hope that maybe they could be something more. Because the chemistry was most definitely there. They just needed to take that emotional step too!
So while the situation and the development of their friendship was wonderful, as I said before, the writing style wasn't my favorite. It left me struggling at times to make a connection to either of the characters. And each time I thought that I was becoming immersed in the story, it'd pull me back out again. I hated not being able to make that full connection to Aimee, Tristan and the story. *pouts*
But I will say that for those who love a solid ending, Withering Hope was perfect in that department! You get not one, but two epilogues. That was a truly wonderful experience! But now I'm on the hunt for a survival story that is an emotional powerhouse! If you know of any, please let me know because I'd love to give them a try!
This review was originally posted on Star-Crossed Book Blog
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Aimee and Tristan, her husband's private pilot, were on their way from the US to her husband's ranch in Brazil. So she could prepare for their upcoming wedding. Yet all of her plans skidded to a halt when Aimee and Tristan ended up crash landing in the Amazon. In the middle of nowhere with the bare minimum of resources. They aren't by any water that is drinkable. The food that surrounds them could potentially be poisonous. And creatures that are on the ground and even in the trees are lethal. The odds are stacked up against them, and making it through each day is a true feat!
I liked watching Aimee and Tristan slowly become closer and closer as the days passed. It was believable and realistic how their friendship unfolded. We slowly got to learn details about Aimee and Tristan's past, and that sparked some hope that maybe they could be something more. Because the chemistry was most definitely there. They just needed to take that emotional step too!
So while the situation and the development of their friendship was wonderful, as I said before, the writing style wasn't my favorite. It left me struggling at times to make a connection to either of the characters. And each time I thought that I was becoming immersed in the story, it'd pull me back out again. I hated not being able to make that full connection to Aimee, Tristan and the story. *pouts*
But I will say that for those who love a solid ending, Withering Hope was perfect in that department! You get not one, but two epilogues. That was a truly wonderful experience! But now I'm on the hunt for a survival story that is an emotional powerhouse! If you know of any, please let me know because I'd love to give them a try!
This review was originally posted on Star-Crossed Book Blog
For more of my reviews, please visit:
April 7, 2016
Contains Spoilers!
4.5 stars. I'm emotional right now I'm still crying. So I might not get all my feelings right on this one . But look at Rachel's review , Mandy's and Talltree's they all express my feelings towards this book! Love the hero. Such an amazing, selfless, sweet man. I love that the herione wasn't a spoil rich girl. She was a sweet selfless person too! In the beginning it was kind of slow with all the day to day jungle stuff. However, it was interesting to see how they overcame obstacles , made it where they can survive .Aslo herione talking about her fiancé and wedding. It didn't last too long though. Honestly there love was so real I never once doubted anything between them. Parts had my crying , so you might need some tissues. When herione finally realized her feelings and let herself acknowledge them and along with hero expressing his feeling had me in tears! Absolutely beautiful. So many little sweet wonderful moments!Oh and the Epilogues Beautiful!
Safety : Hero was married before. Not much is mention about it. We know she wanted a divorce and was cheating on him. he was young when they married thought he loved her , felt like he wanted it to work but realized later it wasn't right. He says he has never felt anything like he feels about herione. You can feel this is true and never doubt his love for her at all! Herione is engaged to her childhood best friend. She loves him . but it's more of a best friend love. She even says that at times that's how she feels. Same for her she has never felt what she feels for hero! In the beginning she does think about him, cry for him, talks about her wedding. I didn't care for it but it was understand able. Time goes by and she starts to have these feelings about hero. They kiss and she feels terrible about it ( this happens after 2 months) she feels guilty.She doesn't quite understand why she allowed herself to kiss hero back. she trys to distance herself from hero but finds it hard. Then something happens and some of my GR friends won't like this but after about 3 months in the jungle she does have sex with hero so technically she cheats on her fiancé. But at that time she knew she was going to end it. She knew she was in love with hero. She does feel bad (not about loving hero or even regretting making love to him )but hurting her fiancé. He is a great man and her best friend. I felt bad for him. He truly was a good man. In the epilogue he does forgives her and finds happiness with someone else. They all get along and he is uncle to their daughter. Strangely this didn't bother me. Usually I don't like it when the stay in contact with exes but this didn't feel like that at all. besides it was brief an only a phone call. I truly felt their beautiful love!
Thank you Mandy for the loan. I'm glad I took a chance with this one! :)
4.5 stars. I'm emotional right now I'm still crying. So I might not get all my feelings right on this one . But look at Rachel's review , Mandy's and Talltree's they all express my feelings towards this book! Love the hero. Such an amazing, selfless, sweet man. I love that the herione wasn't a spoil rich girl. She was a sweet selfless person too! In the beginning it was kind of slow with all the day to day jungle stuff. However, it was interesting to see how they overcame obstacles , made it where they can survive .Aslo herione talking about her fiancé and wedding. It didn't last too long though. Honestly there love was so real I never once doubted anything between them. Parts had my crying , so you might need some tissues. When herione finally realized her feelings and let herself acknowledge them and along with hero expressing his feeling had me in tears! Absolutely beautiful. So many little sweet wonderful moments!Oh and the Epilogues Beautiful!
Safety : Hero was married before. Not much is mention about it. We know she wanted a divorce and was cheating on him. he was young when they married thought he loved her , felt like he wanted it to work but realized later it wasn't right. He says he has never felt anything like he feels about herione. You can feel this is true and never doubt his love for her at all! Herione is engaged to her childhood best friend. She loves him . but it's more of a best friend love. She even says that at times that's how she feels. Same for her she has never felt what she feels for hero! In the beginning she does think about him, cry for him, talks about her wedding. I didn't care for it but it was understand able. Time goes by and she starts to have these feelings about hero. They kiss and she feels terrible about it ( this happens after 2 months) she feels guilty.She doesn't quite understand why she allowed herself to kiss hero back. she trys to distance herself from hero but finds it hard. Then something happens and some of my GR friends won't like this but after about 3 months in the jungle she does have sex with hero so technically she cheats on her fiancé. But at that time she knew she was going to end it. She knew she was in love with hero. She does feel bad (not about loving hero or even regretting making love to him )but hurting her fiancé. He is a great man and her best friend. I felt bad for him. He truly was a good man. In the epilogue he does forgives her and finds happiness with someone else. They all get along and he is uncle to their daughter. Strangely this didn't bother me. Usually I don't like it when the stay in contact with exes but this didn't feel like that at all. besides it was brief an only a phone call. I truly felt their beautiful love!
Thank you Mandy for the loan. I'm glad I took a chance with this one! :)
February 25, 2015
I read this because Karen Ferry said I should. I didn't even peek at the blurb first, I just dove right in. I had no idea what to expect, but it was different than anything I'd ever read before! And this is the first time in a while I've been able to read a story through in one sitting! I loved it.
All the trials and emotions the two had to go through together were just...I don't even know how to describe it. But if I ever crash land in the Amazon, I better have a Tristan with me too.
And as a lover of epic first kisses, I must say, this one was...wow!
The Notebook-like ending was sweet too!
All the trials and emotions the two had to go through together were just...I don't even know how to describe it. But if I ever crash land in the Amazon, I better have a Tristan with me too.
And as a lover of epic first kisses, I must say, this one was...wow!
The Notebook-like ending was sweet too!
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December 16, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2017)! 💝
December 9, 2016
FIVE STARS...
Yup. You read right. Five.
How can I begin describing this perfection?
Aimee and Tristan's love developed in the most unusual way.
In a island in the middle of fucking nowhere.
Their love was so pure, so beautiful and so full of hope...
And tears.
Many tears.
I don't think there is too much to say about this book. One of my top five books. I would recommend this to everyone actually.
I loved it so much.
Safety:
HEA:
But then again, if you crash into an island in the middle of nowhere with your other half, you can't help falling in love.
Definitely re-reading this in five hours...
Yup. You read right. Five.
How can I begin describing this perfection?
Aimee and Tristan's love developed in the most unusual way.
In a island in the middle of fucking nowhere.
Their love was so pure, so beautiful and so full of hope...
And tears.
Many tears.
I don't think there is too much to say about this book. One of my top five books. I would recommend this to everyone actually.
I loved it so much.
Safety:
HEA:
But then again, if you crash into an island in the middle of nowhere with your other half, you can't help falling in love.
Definitely re-reading this in five hours...
September 16, 2025
I cannot praise this book highly enough for a completely gripping and engaging story. It's a quickish read and I devoured it in half a day. The characters of Tristan and Aimee pull you into their predicament that deteriorates day by day. Physical and psychological survival teeters on the edge constantly. The story felt realistic and I felt like I lived it with them. The epilogue was beyond wow. Just excellent.
Audio update: I really enjoyed revisiting this book by audio. The feelings it evoked remained strong and I cried as the culmination of their experience was complete. The narration was excellent, dual POV although the male POV is limited but adds that extra something.
Audio update: I really enjoyed revisiting this book by audio. The feelings it evoked remained strong and I cried as the culmination of their experience was complete. The narration was excellent, dual POV although the male POV is limited but adds that extra something.
October 15, 2018
This book was so cute! Actually Tristan made this book so cute. ❤️
I love an adventure. And this book, about survival in the Amazon... was an adventure full with things I learned and actions that melted my heart.
I recommend it!
Also, there are 6 highlights/quotes that I found to be interesting! Take a look! It will be worth it.
I love an adventure. And this book, about survival in the Amazon... was an adventure full with things I learned and actions that melted my heart.
I recommend it!
Also, there are 6 highlights/quotes that I found to be interesting! Take a look! It will be worth it.
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