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The Last One Standing
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Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
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About the author
J.D. Linton
7 books611 followersJD Linton is the debut author of The Last Storm, book 1 in the Rogue x Ara series.
She's married to her high school sweetheart and a mother of one. She enjoys reading and writing spicy fantasy romance, and as with most writing mamas, she’s also a midnight writer—up all day with her real baby and up all night with her fictional babies.
When not writing, you can find her reading, making a million tiktoks, or at the park with her son.
Writing has truly changed her life, and she’s even more thankful for the incredible community it brought with it.
She's married to her high school sweetheart and a mother of one. She enjoys reading and writing spicy fantasy romance, and as with most writing mamas, she’s also a midnight writer—up all day with her real baby and up all night with her fictional babies.
When not writing, you can find her reading, making a million tiktoks, or at the park with her son.
Writing has truly changed her life, and she’s even more thankful for the incredible community it brought with it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 9, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and just finished it today. Whilst I agree with reviews here about the first part of the book feeling a little confusing and muddled I felt that this was an excellent book overall.
I can’t help but wonder whether the confusing nature of the first 18 chapters where we move between reality and memory were a literary technique used by the author to create that sense of confusion and unease in the read mirroring that which is being experienced by the characters at that time as once we move beyond this part the writing changes to a more coherent, bolder and gripping style. Which further emphasizes to me the possibility of this being a literary technique employed by the author in a very intentional way.
Beyond this, the book was fantastic. Despite its hefty size of 757 pages, I finished this is 3 days and managed to hold down a demanding full time job, which only seeks to highlight how addictive this series is. I felt that the character development was enjoyable and we really saw a lot of growth and acceptance for themselves within it.
There were a multitude of full circle moments where we revisited characters from previous books and unraveled mysteries that had been previously hinted at. There were some that I feel could have benefited from being extrapolated further or had some extra time dedicated to their big reveal but at over 700 pages I accept that not everything can be fully explored.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and felt that this book was the perfect ending to it. I feel like this series most closely aligns with the Plated Prisoner Series or perhaps Artefacts of Ouranos series and if you enjoyed them, then you’ll love this! Whilst I have read them all on kindle, I shall hopefully be purchasing the physical copies soon to add to my collection of book trophies containing my favorite series’.
An excellent series by this incredible author!
I can’t help but wonder whether the confusing nature of the first 18 chapters where we move between reality and memory were a literary technique used by the author to create that sense of confusion and unease in the read mirroring that which is being experienced by the characters at that time as once we move beyond this part the writing changes to a more coherent, bolder and gripping style. Which further emphasizes to me the possibility of this being a literary technique employed by the author in a very intentional way.
Beyond this, the book was fantastic. Despite its hefty size of 757 pages, I finished this is 3 days and managed to hold down a demanding full time job, which only seeks to highlight how addictive this series is. I felt that the character development was enjoyable and we really saw a lot of growth and acceptance for themselves within it.
There were a multitude of full circle moments where we revisited characters from previous books and unraveled mysteries that had been previously hinted at. There were some that I feel could have benefited from being extrapolated further or had some extra time dedicated to their big reveal but at over 700 pages I accept that not everything can be fully explored.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and felt that this book was the perfect ending to it. I feel like this series most closely aligns with the Plated Prisoner Series or perhaps Artefacts of Ouranos series and if you enjoyed them, then you’ll love this! Whilst I have read them all on kindle, I shall hopefully be purchasing the physical copies soon to add to my collection of book trophies containing my favorite series’.
An excellent series by this incredible author!
July 10, 2025
I very luckily received an ARC for this book. This has been one of my favorite series and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. The writing throughout was well done and you can tell the author loves these characters and loves what she does.
Some things I have questions about:
The fae flame was addressed very quickly. He extinguished it and then it returned and that was that. I get why he did it, but I feel like the explanation of why or how it returned so fast would have been helpful.
I’m still kind of confused how Adrastus showed up very briefly at the end and Rogue wasn’t like freaking out? He just kind of stood there and let him walk by?
Also I know rogue kept cutting off his wings from regrowing before he found Ara, but why didn’t he let them start to grow back after he found her? I’m guessing in part to make the ending more satisfying but I kept wondering when his wings were gonna start popping up.
I did enjoy the extra POVs we got, especially toward the end of the book with Elora. The reunion with her and Vaelor was wonderful, but I would have liked a little more time spent on that.
I would have also liked to delve more into rogue’s reunion with his birth mother. Again it was addressed somewhat briefly and then we got a little more between them with the battle but that was it.
All in all, the ending was what anyone would want out of a series and I’m happy with how it ended.
Some things I have questions about:
The fae flame was addressed very quickly. He extinguished it and then it returned and that was that. I get why he did it, but I feel like the explanation of why or how it returned so fast would have been helpful.
I’m still kind of confused how Adrastus showed up very briefly at the end and Rogue wasn’t like freaking out? He just kind of stood there and let him walk by?
Also I know rogue kept cutting off his wings from regrowing before he found Ara, but why didn’t he let them start to grow back after he found her? I’m guessing in part to make the ending more satisfying but I kept wondering when his wings were gonna start popping up.
I did enjoy the extra POVs we got, especially toward the end of the book with Elora. The reunion with her and Vaelor was wonderful, but I would have liked a little more time spent on that.
I would have also liked to delve more into rogue’s reunion with his birth mother. Again it was addressed somewhat briefly and then we got a little more between them with the battle but that was it.
All in all, the ending was what anyone would want out of a series and I’m happy with how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
I’m just so sad this series is over but I love these characters so much 😭😭
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
First I just want to say I am so thankful J.D. gave us this huge last book to spend so much time with them. It’s a big read but it’s also very worth it to me because I was dreading letting Rogue and Ara go.
I knew starting this book the beginning would hurt and it truly did but I loved every second of the pain. There is a lot going on in this book and at some points it can be hard to follow if you aren’t paying attention but I loved the way JD made you question what was real and what wasn’t. It made the twists and turns of the plot a lot of fun.
So many threads from the previous book and from the prequel book came together in this final book. It was really satisfying and beautiful seeing how little pieces fell into place one by one to truly bring together an epic ending for these characters. I think some of the wrapping up didn’t come across as the smoothest at times. This part was hard for me because there were so many other working parts to close out. Overall it wasn’t big enough to take away from the story that was happening but I did notice it.
The ending of this book was such a happy place to leave these characters. After so much pain and sadness they get the happily ever after moment we all needed. I loved seeing a glimpse of their future and imagining all their years to come after. Grateful I read this series !
*A HUGE thank you to J.D. Linton for gifting me an eARC of this book. Such an immense honor !*
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
First I just want to say I am so thankful J.D. gave us this huge last book to spend so much time with them. It’s a big read but it’s also very worth it to me because I was dreading letting Rogue and Ara go.
I knew starting this book the beginning would hurt and it truly did but I loved every second of the pain. There is a lot going on in this book and at some points it can be hard to follow if you aren’t paying attention but I loved the way JD made you question what was real and what wasn’t. It made the twists and turns of the plot a lot of fun.
So many threads from the previous book and from the prequel book came together in this final book. It was really satisfying and beautiful seeing how little pieces fell into place one by one to truly bring together an epic ending for these characters. I think some of the wrapping up didn’t come across as the smoothest at times. This part was hard for me because there were so many other working parts to close out. Overall it wasn’t big enough to take away from the story that was happening but I did notice it.
The ending of this book was such a happy place to leave these characters. After so much pain and sadness they get the happily ever after moment we all needed. I loved seeing a glimpse of their future and imagining all their years to come after. Grateful I read this series !
*A HUGE thank you to J.D. Linton for gifting me an eARC of this book. Such an immense honor !*
July 10, 2025
Spoiler free review!
I am grateful to have received an ARC and WOW! I’ve loved this series from the moment I read book one and have been invested in these characters and this story ever since. I feel this book was a perfect and well deserved ending for Rogue and Ara, and I loved every second of it! There was never a moment I was waiting for the next thing, but rather I feel like it played out exactly as it needed to for the character progression to happen. All my questions were answered and there were so many full circle moments.
This book had all the best romance, spice, heartache, battle scenes, and just overall heart stopping moments or times where I was truly like wtf is going on right now?! Love this story and this ending ❤️
I am grateful to have received an ARC and WOW! I’ve loved this series from the moment I read book one and have been invested in these characters and this story ever since. I feel this book was a perfect and well deserved ending for Rogue and Ara, and I loved every second of it! There was never a moment I was waiting for the next thing, but rather I feel like it played out exactly as it needed to for the character progression to happen. All my questions were answered and there were so many full circle moments.
This book had all the best romance, spice, heartache, battle scenes, and just overall heart stopping moments or times where I was truly like wtf is going on right now?! Love this story and this ending ❤️
July 26, 2025
First of all, I'm thankful to have received an ARC. An ARC I would have missed if I hadn't decided to clean out my email box the day I did. We'll call it fate.
The Last Storm truly reignited my love of reading when I picked it up in 2023, then my dive into romantasy began. These characters and their world will have a special place in my heart for that reason. I'm sad to see it end but the way it ended was perfect.
I loved the writing and the twists during the beginning, especially after the jawdrop of a cliffhanger in The Last Draig. I think it fit perfectly with the chaos and turmoil the characters were living. I also loved seeing the stories of the side characters come full circle (make sure you read The First Loss before TLOS).
Thank you, J.D., for this world of characters and an opportunity to receive this ARC.
The Last Storm truly reignited my love of reading when I picked it up in 2023, then my dive into romantasy began. These characters and their world will have a special place in my heart for that reason. I'm sad to see it end but the way it ended was perfect.
I loved the writing and the twists during the beginning, especially after the jawdrop of a cliffhanger in The Last Draig. I think it fit perfectly with the chaos and turmoil the characters were living. I also loved seeing the stories of the side characters come full circle (make sure you read The First Loss before TLOS).
Thank you, J.D., for this world of characters and an opportunity to receive this ARC.
July 19, 2025
I read this as slowly as possible because I did not want this book to end. I waited a year for this and it was so worth the wait. JD, I am so grateful to have received an ARC and it was such a happy surprise in my inbox! I am truly honored to have arc read this series. If you need a new romantasy series, empowered fmc, protective male, THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU. Ok bye, gonna go cry now.
July 9, 2025
6 stars!!!
I am thankful enough to have received an ARC of my most anticipated read! I had to do a quick reread of the other books before I started this one.
Reading this was definitely a roller coaster of emotions! I was so immersed in the story that I would have been fine if it were longer 😂
Could I have used more of an Epilogue? Sure, but I'm ecstatic with how JD ended this series. I feel like she set up multiple sub-story lines for branching off into side character books!
I am thankful enough to have received an ARC of my most anticipated read! I had to do a quick reread of the other books before I started this one.
Reading this was definitely a roller coaster of emotions! I was so immersed in the story that I would have been fine if it were longer 😂
Could I have used more of an Epilogue? Sure, but I'm ecstatic with how JD ended this series. I feel like she set up multiple sub-story lines for branching off into side character books!
January 7, 2026
6 stars. INFINITE stars. This was better than I could have ever imagined. The found family of my dreams.
I received an ARC copy of this book and it truly exceeded my expectations. This book is long, but I am thankful to have spent the time healing and growing with these characters. This whole universe is easily my favorite place to escape to. The action never fails to get my heart racing and my anxiety to work overtime.
To know Rogue and Ara, is to love them. I will never get over how deeply rooted into my heart and soul these characters are. All of the pain the first three books in the series put us through, is so worth it for this ending. Every invisible string tied to every question I had was answered in this book, I found more questions and more answers than I ever could have asked for. The beginning is written so perfectly, I was confused but in the best way. I felt like I was inside of Ara’s mind, walking her deserted halls, feeling the black fog suffocate me as well. The pain, the yearning, the confusion, the amount of times I sobbed actual tears, the frustration, was all worth it to know that Rogue and Ara get their happy ending. And the ending is HAPPIER than I ever could have imagined.
You will be angry, you will be heartbroken, you will be healed, you will need emotional support snacks and some of Iaso’s special tonic. These battle scenes with mess with your head and your heart.
This is not a book to ‘skim’ through. You have to be invested in these characters because the ties run DEEP. Make sure to read The Last Storm, The Last Draig, and the First Loss before this book. I cannot express enough how much I love this world.
Thank you, J.D. Linton, for creating my favorite characters, my favorite place to escape, my favorite family. I will never forget how much this means to me.
I received an ARC copy of this book and it truly exceeded my expectations. This book is long, but I am thankful to have spent the time healing and growing with these characters. This whole universe is easily my favorite place to escape to. The action never fails to get my heart racing and my anxiety to work overtime.
To know Rogue and Ara, is to love them. I will never get over how deeply rooted into my heart and soul these characters are. All of the pain the first three books in the series put us through, is so worth it for this ending. Every invisible string tied to every question I had was answered in this book, I found more questions and more answers than I ever could have asked for. The beginning is written so perfectly, I was confused but in the best way. I felt like I was inside of Ara’s mind, walking her deserted halls, feeling the black fog suffocate me as well. The pain, the yearning, the confusion, the amount of times I sobbed actual tears, the frustration, was all worth it to know that Rogue and Ara get their happy ending. And the ending is HAPPIER than I ever could have imagined.
You will be angry, you will be heartbroken, you will be healed, you will need emotional support snacks and some of Iaso’s special tonic. These battle scenes with mess with your head and your heart.
This is not a book to ‘skim’ through. You have to be invested in these characters because the ties run DEEP. Make sure to read The Last Storm, The Last Draig, and the First Loss before this book. I cannot express enough how much I love this world.
Thank you, J.D. Linton, for creating my favorite characters, my favorite place to escape, my favorite family. I will never forget how much this means to me.
July 30, 2025
This book broke me, rebuilt me, and healed me all at once. I truly mean it when I say this book absolutely healed a part of my soul that I didn’t know needed healing. This book was HEAVY y’all, and I mean emotionally intense and very hard at times. But it was one of those stories that needed to be told the way it did in order to close this chapter for these characters.
Rogue and Ara’s character development from book 1 to now is one of my favorite character arcs I’ve ever read. The way Ara becomes such a strong and fierce FMC and the depth to her emotional healing/everything she experiences… 10/10. Rogue also has an insanely in depth character arc that I truly enjoyed. In the beginning of this series, you love to hate him and by the end you’re wanting more of him, all the time. There’s so much healing and growth these two experience and it’s truly beautiful.
There’s A LOT that happens in this book & that’s why it’s so long. It was a little daunting at first, but when you understand what all happens it makes sense. There was so much of their story that needed to be told and I appreciated that JD took her time to develop that story.
If you haven’t read the series, you might stop here with my review, SPOILER ahead.
The book starts off where The Last Draig ended with Ara captured by Adonis and y’all….. the scenes and pain she experiences are hard. I’m not saying this to deter anyone from reading it, because there is a lot of healing that happens, but just be prepared to be in the depths of it with Ara & her experiences. I cried, I healed, I was right there with her through it all. As the book goes on, a lot of it revolves around her healing & recovering from this brutal encounter and whew! It was very heavy emotionally, but so healing. Seeing her growth as a character after what she experienced was very crucial to the story. This book broke me, rebuilt me, and healed me alongside Ara.
The ending was full of so many twists and I absolutely loved the final chapters and final battle. It had me on the edge of my seat until the very end & the last chapters of the book truly sealed it all together perfectly. I really loved the depth to the story in this book & I loved all of the twists and turns it took!
This book series will forever live in my heart and soul and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read the final book. Rogue and Ara are two of my all time favorite characters and I’m forever grateful to have met them & experienced this journey with them!
Rogue and Ara’s character development from book 1 to now is one of my favorite character arcs I’ve ever read. The way Ara becomes such a strong and fierce FMC and the depth to her emotional healing/everything she experiences… 10/10. Rogue also has an insanely in depth character arc that I truly enjoyed. In the beginning of this series, you love to hate him and by the end you’re wanting more of him, all the time. There’s so much healing and growth these two experience and it’s truly beautiful.
There’s A LOT that happens in this book & that’s why it’s so long. It was a little daunting at first, but when you understand what all happens it makes sense. There was so much of their story that needed to be told and I appreciated that JD took her time to develop that story.
If you haven’t read the series, you might stop here with my review, SPOILER ahead.
The book starts off where The Last Draig ended with Ara captured by Adonis and y’all….. the scenes and pain she experiences are hard. I’m not saying this to deter anyone from reading it, because there is a lot of healing that happens, but just be prepared to be in the depths of it with Ara & her experiences. I cried, I healed, I was right there with her through it all. As the book goes on, a lot of it revolves around her healing & recovering from this brutal encounter and whew! It was very heavy emotionally, but so healing. Seeing her growth as a character after what she experienced was very crucial to the story. This book broke me, rebuilt me, and healed me alongside Ara.
The ending was full of so many twists and I absolutely loved the final chapters and final battle. It had me on the edge of my seat until the very end & the last chapters of the book truly sealed it all together perfectly. I really loved the depth to the story in this book & I loved all of the twists and turns it took!
This book series will forever live in my heart and soul and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read the final book. Rogue and Ara are two of my all time favorite characters and I’m forever grateful to have met them & experienced this journey with them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 25, 2025Beyond 5 Stars — A Soul-Stirring Journey
If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars, I absolutely would. It was more than a story—it was a powerful experience. This book gave me the found family I didn’t know I was missing. My heart is full, and I will be thinking about these characters for a long time.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, and I can honestly say it surpassed every expectation I had going in. Yes, it’s a long read—but every page was worth it. I grew alongside these characters, healed with them, and found a universe I never wanted to leave. The pacing is intense in the best way—action-packed scenes that left my heart pounding and my emotions in overdrive.
Falling in love with Rogue and Ara felt effortless. They etched themselves into my heart. The emotional rollercoaster of the previous books in the series—every ache and heartbreak—was made completely worthwhile by this finale. Questions I didn’t even know I had were answered. Every thread was tied together beautifully, and yet the world feels so alive that I’m still left curious and wanting more. I found myself inside Ara’s head, walking her path, drowning in her emotions—it was hauntingly vivid. The grief, the hope, the moments of despair—I cried real tears. But the reward? Their joyful ending. It was everything I hoped for and more.
Be prepared—this book will shatter you, mend you, and leave you forever changed. You’ll need tissues, snacks, and maybe even a hug (or Iaso’s famous tonic). The battle scenes? Brutal and brilliant. Your heart and mind will be spinning.
This is not a casual read. You have to commit—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The connections run deep, and the payoff is worth every second. Make sure you read The Last Storm, The Last Draig, and The First Loss before diving in. I am in awe of this world and will never stop loving it.
If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars, I absolutely would. It was more than a story—it was a powerful experience. This book gave me the found family I didn’t know I was missing. My heart is full, and I will be thinking about these characters for a long time.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, and I can honestly say it surpassed every expectation I had going in. Yes, it’s a long read—but every page was worth it. I grew alongside these characters, healed with them, and found a universe I never wanted to leave. The pacing is intense in the best way—action-packed scenes that left my heart pounding and my emotions in overdrive.
Falling in love with Rogue and Ara felt effortless. They etched themselves into my heart. The emotional rollercoaster of the previous books in the series—every ache and heartbreak—was made completely worthwhile by this finale. Questions I didn’t even know I had were answered. Every thread was tied together beautifully, and yet the world feels so alive that I’m still left curious and wanting more. I found myself inside Ara’s head, walking her path, drowning in her emotions—it was hauntingly vivid. The grief, the hope, the moments of despair—I cried real tears. But the reward? Their joyful ending. It was everything I hoped for and more.
Be prepared—this book will shatter you, mend you, and leave you forever changed. You’ll need tissues, snacks, and maybe even a hug (or Iaso’s famous tonic). The battle scenes? Brutal and brilliant. Your heart and mind will be spinning.
This is not a casual read. You have to commit—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The connections run deep, and the payoff is worth every second. Make sure you read The Last Storm, The Last Draig, and The First Loss before diving in. I am in awe of this world and will never stop loving it.
July 21, 2025
Whew. I waited so long for this book and it did not disappoint. The was the most amazing ending to the series and it could not have been better. JD your writing just does something to me and man was I blown away. I finished this in less than 48 hours because you had your claws on me and I could not stop. Ara and rogue gosh I love them so much thank you for telling their story and giving us the ending you did. Especially with other characters. If you read it you will know who I’m talking about because I don’t think my heart would have survived if a certain person remained a realm away after repeatedly being given moments with them. Ugh by the way perfection that you for healing my soul back together. You broke me and healed it in one sitting. The trials and tribulations they went through were brutal but they came out stronger on the other side it was a long journey to get there but they prevailed against all odds. I sobbed, I cried, I raged, and sobbed happy tears as well. And my gosh let’s just say what a round about messed up family tree, everyone just kept coming out of the woodworks and you delivered in shocking me with all the twists. This was the best ending to Ara and Rogue’s story that could have been delivered and you did spectacularly. Thank you for allowing me on this journey because they will all have a place in my soul. If you want a series that will break you down and put you through the wringer but heal parts of you that you didn’t know needed to be healed this one is for you.
July 25, 2025
27 reviews
July 20, 2025
The final chapter in the story of Rogue x Ara.
This story was a great way to wrap up the story of Vaelor & Elora, Rogue & Ara and all the other characters we have seen throughout the series. We are even introduced to new characters. This book will take you to new lands with more mythical creatures and people. Family dynamics is such a vital role in this book. With twists to the story that keep you on your seat, while still playing at the emotional heart strings of love, loss and found family.
*** to prevent from sharing spoilers, I am keeping this more vague.
While I devoured the first three books in this series, I had to take my time with this. There are some parts within the story that it took me a minute to realize the POV was "remembering" a scene. The first few times this occurred, it took me a minute of going back and seeing if I missed something. If you feel that way, PLEASE stay with it. Once you get use to her slight change in story telling you will be hooked again, and unable to put it down.
This story is so much more than just the love story of Rogue & Ara. You have Vaelor & Elora's story from the third book that plays into this. The people they touched and were part of that story are very active and you gain even more insight into them with this final chapter. Nothing is stronger than love and trying to save those that you love at all costs.
August 1, 2025
SPOILERS INCLUDED!
I truly wasn’t sure what I expected when reading this book. When The Last Draig ended and we were left on that cliff hanger, there was no definitive motive but I truly just assumed the worst of Adonis. While his reasonings were not anywhere close to okay, part of me understood his wanting to bring back Vaelor and right his wrong. I DEFINITELY did not think it was going to succeed though! When I say I am so happy that Ana and Rogue were able to get their happy ever after, I was truly over the moon. But to see Vaelor and Elora also get there’s filled me with such happiness, especially knowing what she went through in the First Loss.
I think one of my favorite things about this book was the way the beginning was written. It came across as somewhat muddled and confusing. Whether that was intentional or not, I feel like it really put you in the mindset of Ana as she was tortured by Adonis. She couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t. What was Adonis playing with her head and what was trauma. Whether JD Linton intentionally wrote it that way or not, it really resonated with me as a reader.
Overall, I LOVED this book. I can’t wait to go back and reread it a few times to see what clues I missed along the way that lead to that final battle with Adonis. His motives, their plan, their success.
I truly wasn’t sure what I expected when reading this book. When The Last Draig ended and we were left on that cliff hanger, there was no definitive motive but I truly just assumed the worst of Adonis. While his reasonings were not anywhere close to okay, part of me understood his wanting to bring back Vaelor and right his wrong. I DEFINITELY did not think it was going to succeed though! When I say I am so happy that Ana and Rogue were able to get their happy ever after, I was truly over the moon. But to see Vaelor and Elora also get there’s filled me with such happiness, especially knowing what she went through in the First Loss.
I think one of my favorite things about this book was the way the beginning was written. It came across as somewhat muddled and confusing. Whether that was intentional or not, I feel like it really put you in the mindset of Ana as she was tortured by Adonis. She couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t. What was Adonis playing with her head and what was trauma. Whether JD Linton intentionally wrote it that way or not, it really resonated with me as a reader.
Overall, I LOVED this book. I can’t wait to go back and reread it a few times to see what clues I missed along the way that lead to that final battle with Adonis. His motives, their plan, their success.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
I love these characters and their story and was so happy to finally be able to dive back into this world!
This was a massive book with lots of twists and turns but I’m glad to have read it and gotten to the end to see where they end up. It makes it all worth it!
I was confused at times and my brain hurt but I think it was meant to be that way because of everything Ara goes through. While I understand it, it pulled me from the book and made me not connect like in the previous ones.
Having read them all now I feel so connected to Vaelor and Elora still. The First Loss is my absolute favorite from this series so I’m happy that this book connects with them and everything is intertwined so beautifully.
It’s amazing to see little pieces along the way finally start to add up and click.
I have to stop or I’ll give spoilers but the ending and the epilogue make my heart so so happy!
I will definitely recommend this series! I think having a long wait time had me not as connected but if I had read them all back to back or closer together this would’ve hit me harder.
Overall I absolutely love the writing, world and characters so much and think this book wrapped it all up nicely!
"I'm your mate. I've seen you in much more compromising positions than last night-much more depraved, messy, wanton positions—and I've held you in darker moments. You run to me. Not away."
“I wanted someone who would be there to find me when I was lost, because as of late, I was lost more than not.”
This was a massive book with lots of twists and turns but I’m glad to have read it and gotten to the end to see where they end up. It makes it all worth it!
I was confused at times and my brain hurt but I think it was meant to be that way because of everything Ara goes through. While I understand it, it pulled me from the book and made me not connect like in the previous ones.
Having read them all now I feel so connected to Vaelor and Elora still. The First Loss is my absolute favorite from this series so I’m happy that this book connects with them and everything is intertwined so beautifully.
It’s amazing to see little pieces along the way finally start to add up and click.
I have to stop or I’ll give spoilers but the ending and the epilogue make my heart so so happy!
I will definitely recommend this series! I think having a long wait time had me not as connected but if I had read them all back to back or closer together this would’ve hit me harder.
Overall I absolutely love the writing, world and characters so much and think this book wrapped it all up nicely!
"I'm your mate. I've seen you in much more compromising positions than last night-much more depraved, messy, wanton positions—and I've held you in darker moments. You run to me. Not away."
“I wanted someone who would be there to find me when I was lost, because as of late, I was lost more than not.”
July 25, 2025
Speechless. Obsessed. Emotionally wrecked in the best way possible.
The Last One Standing is a raw, gripping, and absolutely unforgettable conclusion to what has become my all-time favorite series. JD Linton doesn’t just write stories—she rips your heart out, stitches it back together with brutal honesty and unexpected tenderness, and leaves you reeling long after the last page. The emotional depth in this book is unmatched. Every twist, every painful moment, every glimmer of hope kept me glued to the pages and completely invested in their fates.
What sets this series apart is Linton’s fearless storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat reality, and that authenticity is what makes her work stand out. Her prose is sharp yet poetic, her pacing flawless, and her ability to weave heartbreak, healing, and humanity together is something truly special.
To JD Linton—thank you. Thank you for creating a world I’ll never forget and characters I’ll carry with me forever. You are a phenomenal writer, and I’m beyond honored to have been an ARC reader for this masterpiece. Highly, highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to feel something real.
The Last One Standing is a raw, gripping, and absolutely unforgettable conclusion to what has become my all-time favorite series. JD Linton doesn’t just write stories—she rips your heart out, stitches it back together with brutal honesty and unexpected tenderness, and leaves you reeling long after the last page. The emotional depth in this book is unmatched. Every twist, every painful moment, every glimmer of hope kept me glued to the pages and completely invested in their fates.
What sets this series apart is Linton’s fearless storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat reality, and that authenticity is what makes her work stand out. Her prose is sharp yet poetic, her pacing flawless, and her ability to weave heartbreak, healing, and humanity together is something truly special.
To JD Linton—thank you. Thank you for creating a world I’ll never forget and characters I’ll carry with me forever. You are a phenomenal writer, and I’m beyond honored to have been an ARC reader for this masterpiece. Highly, highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to feel something real.
July 4, 2025
I’ve waited a long time for this book. I started the last storm January of 2024, finished it in one day and did the same with book 2. I waited patiently for this book and when the release got pushed back I was disappointed but I knew it would be worth it. I think what makes this series so amazing is the authors ability to rip your soul from your body with the trauma and love between the characters. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone else but I will say that they go through it. As I read this book I kept waiting, waiting for answers waiting things to get easier and let me tell you it was a long wait. This book has loss, sacrifice, and such pure love. By the end I was sobbing. Like ugly crying and asking my dog why!?!? This is a god tier series for me that I will read and reread. I have been disappointed by many last books because how do you just end an entire world and wrap it up in a neat little package? I was not disappointed by this ending. I felt sad that it was over but I also felt a little hope that maybe it isn’t the end for everyone? 😉
July 6, 2025
I received an ARC and while it was one of my highly anticipated books of the year, it was such a struggle to get through. The writing was clunky and the first 50% was so disorienting and confusing about Ara being captured, Adonis’s mind tricks about who was actually in the tunnel and things that really happened. It felt like nothing was happening plot wise and there wasn’t any progress. It just kept rehashing Ara not having her memories of Rogue and her trauma of the torture she went through. It was honestly tiresome to read and I found myself skimming a lot.
It was also strange how in the story it went from one scene to another random scene that you couldn’t tell if it was a dream, a memory or Adonis in Ara’s head manipulating her. It was so disjointing.
The ending after the final battle was rushed and the epilogue was so short. I honestly wanted to DNF, but forced myself to get through this. I waited so long for this book to come out and it was such a let down. I think the author struggled to write this and the book being delayed for so long really made the series go downhill.
It was also strange how in the story it went from one scene to another random scene that you couldn’t tell if it was a dream, a memory or Adonis in Ara’s head manipulating her. It was so disjointing.
The ending after the final battle was rushed and the epilogue was so short. I honestly wanted to DNF, but forced myself to get through this. I waited so long for this book to come out and it was such a let down. I think the author struggled to write this and the book being delayed for so long really made the series go downhill.
July 6, 2025
I received an ARC copy of the book and I hadn’t had time to sit down and read it till now. And I blasted through the whole book in one sitting. WOW. Absolutely amazing. There hasn’t been many book series that I absolutely fall in love with every book and this is one of them. I could undeniably feel all of Rogues heartache without his Ara. Spoilers! Don’t continue reading this review if you don’t wanna be spoiled. Okay, usually I dislike the, lost memories trope. But by the gods was this written so well. And the way her memories returned was so satisfying as a reader. It was heartbreaking but it made me that much more excited to see where it was going. I love their little found family so much. And the epilogue was the sweetest kiss on a well loved series. I was so happy to see Rogue and Ara and all of their family have a happy ending. I’m sad to see them go, but their story was so satisfying and gut wrenching in the best way possible. This is one of my favorite series of all time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
I am so lucky to receive an ARC of this story and I will be giving my honest review!
I am so happy with the last book in this series. The ending, perfect. I loved it, I enjoyed all the twists and turns. Yes, this book was a lot of emotional damaged, but I enjoyed it and in the end I got the happy ending I wanted. I also say I dislike when some fantasy series have no deaths at all, it makes the series feel low stakes. This book was high stakes
I do wish I did a reread of the previous books. It had been awhile and I was seriously struggling to keep up with the family charts and who each character was.
Not to mention this book is long, and not particularly happy, but it kept me reading, searching for a happy ending for ara and rouge.
I will def be rereading this series. I am so happy with how it turned out, and I can’t say goodbye to the characters yet.
I am so happy with the last book in this series. The ending, perfect. I loved it, I enjoyed all the twists and turns. Yes, this book was a lot of emotional damaged, but I enjoyed it and in the end I got the happy ending I wanted. I also say I dislike when some fantasy series have no deaths at all, it makes the series feel low stakes. This book was high stakes
I do wish I did a reread of the previous books. It had been awhile and I was seriously struggling to keep up with the family charts and who each character was.
Not to mention this book is long, and not particularly happy, but it kept me reading, searching for a happy ending for ara and rouge.
I will def be rereading this series. I am so happy with how it turned out, and I can’t say goodbye to the characters yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
I’m sitting here, still wiping away tears, trying to figure out how to tell you just how much this book made me feel. I honestly don’t even have the right words for how deeply it broke me and put me back together. THIS was the ending these characters deserved…raw, bittersweet, and so painfully beautiful.
Yes, I was that person sending sobbing voice notes to my friends just so they could hear how wrecked I was and to tell them how much they need to read this series. Watching these characters I love so much fight for their peace, their love, and their future was everything I hoped for and more.
If you haven’t read this series yet, please do. Let yourself feel it all. Cry with it, love with it—you won’t regret it. 10/10, forever in my heart.
Thank you so much JD for giving us this perfect goodbye. 🖤
Yes, I was that person sending sobbing voice notes to my friends just so they could hear how wrecked I was and to tell them how much they need to read this series. Watching these characters I love so much fight for their peace, their love, and their future was everything I hoped for and more.
If you haven’t read this series yet, please do. Let yourself feel it all. Cry with it, love with it—you won’t regret it. 10/10, forever in my heart.
Thank you so much JD for giving us this perfect goodbye. 🖤
July 22, 2025
It was difficult finishing this book not due to the 750 pages, which was rough, but just because I didn't want to leave the characters or the story. This book deals with a lot, and you are thrown on a rollercoaster of emotions - happiness, love, fear, grief, sadness, etc. It's hard to read this book and believe that there is a happy ending.
Although this was a book that was overshadowed by a lot of grief, fear, and sadness. We are able to see happiness in hard times, bonds that can't be broken, and true love.
While I am depressed that this series is officially over, I loved getting to see a happy ending and just an overall amazing ending to an amazing series.
Highly highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone <3
Although this was a book that was overshadowed by a lot of grief, fear, and sadness. We are able to see happiness in hard times, bonds that can't be broken, and true love.
While I am depressed that this series is officially over, I loved getting to see a happy ending and just an overall amazing ending to an amazing series.
Highly highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone <3
July 14, 2025
5 ⭐️ WOW. what an epic conclusion to a series that is so close to my heart! i finished this in two sittings because i truly couldn’t put it down. it gripped my attention from the start and although i cried during a lot of it i wouldn’t have it any other way
perfect if you loveeee:
🐉 fae, dragon shifters, wyverns, and many other creatures and beings to love!
⛈️ unique and varying types of magic
🗡️ badass fmc & mmc who would burn the world down for each other
❤️🔥 a found family that you will fall in love with
JD i could feel the passion and love that you put into this one, it was everything i wanted and more 🥹🤍
perfect if you loveeee:
🐉 fae, dragon shifters, wyverns, and many other creatures and beings to love!
⛈️ unique and varying types of magic
🗡️ badass fmc & mmc who would burn the world down for each other
❤️🔥 a found family that you will fall in love with
JD i could feel the passion and love that you put into this one, it was everything i wanted and more 🥹🤍
July 20, 2025
I got an advanced copy of this book.
I was with this series from the very beginning and the end of this book is perfection. I really thought of Rouge and Ara sometimes during this time and I'm so happy this series is now finished.
Yes, there was heartbreak but in the end all loose ends (and then some) were tied up so beautifully and all the heartbreak was forgotten.
But to be fair, it took me a while to get all the names and relationships together again, but that's on me, because I did not do a reread of the series 😅
I can not wait to read the whole series again in one sitting. This will be so epic.
I was with this series from the very beginning and the end of this book is perfection. I really thought of Rouge and Ara sometimes during this time and I'm so happy this series is now finished.
Yes, there was heartbreak but in the end all loose ends (and then some) were tied up so beautifully and all the heartbreak was forgotten.
But to be fair, it took me a while to get all the names and relationships together again, but that's on me, because I did not do a reread of the series 😅
I can not wait to read the whole series again in one sitting. This will be so epic.
July 29, 2025
This book! it's hard to find the words for how perfect this ending was and so well written. The torture, the trauma, the healing, and the struggles in between made it so real. It was like you truly went through it yourself. Every word grips you, and you will not want to put it down. Adonis reach! The long game I couldn't believe how twisted and connected everything was. I definitely wasn't expecting that! Most importantly, Rogue and Ara got the ending they deserved, and I couldn't have been happier. The epilogue had me in tears and smiling ear to ear! I'm so to see the story end but so overwhelmingly happy they got their peace (& others did as well)
July 3, 2025
holy crap, 6 freaking stars. I received this arc on tuesday and when I say that I couldn't put it down, i literally could not. I thank J.D for allowing me to arc read this. I cried, I laughed, I screamed.. I felt all the emotions. The found family in this all was beautiful and im glad that rogue x ara finally got their happy ending as they deserved.
This book was beautifully written, and it was just everything. The side characters were all so perfect to 🤌 I just can't believe my most favorite series has ended.
Please please please, if you haven't already, please give this author a chance.
This book was beautifully written, and it was just everything. The side characters were all so perfect to 🤌 I just can't believe my most favorite series has ended.
Please please please, if you haven't already, please give this author a chance.
July 7, 2025
A year ago I started Rouge and Ara's story and fell in love instantly. This book was exceptional in my option. Without giving much away, the 2nd book shattered your heart then this one put it back together. It was a long road to get there but in the end I loved every second of it. I will say you have to pay attention in this one. With the multiple points of views and the twists and turn it can be confusing if you don't. The books have always been at the top of my reread list and I hope anyone who reads it loves it as much as I did
July 11, 2025
This book. These characters. The plot.
Everything was exactly what the last book needed. My heart went through all stages of emotions while reading this book. The way that this book is written keeps you in the moment— in the feeling that the character is experiencing in that moment.
This series is one of my absolute favorites and I highly recommend reading. It’s been a journey with the characters & I’m so thankful I was able to be a part of it. I’m so sad to say goodbye to these characters— but the ending was absolutely perfect. Rogue and Ara deserved every ounce of the HEA. ✨
Everything was exactly what the last book needed. My heart went through all stages of emotions while reading this book. The way that this book is written keeps you in the moment— in the feeling that the character is experiencing in that moment.
This series is one of my absolute favorites and I highly recommend reading. It’s been a journey with the characters & I’m so thankful I was able to be a part of it. I’m so sad to say goodbye to these characters— but the ending was absolutely perfect. Rogue and Ara deserved every ounce of the HEA. ✨
July 21, 2025
I waited a year for the conclusion to Ara and Rogue’s story. I was not disappointed. JD Linton did her story and characters justice in this book. There was a lot of heartache along the way but it ended up being worth it. I saw other reviews about the story being hard to follow at times. There are chapters from Ara’s point of view that feel that way in the beginning. It felt intentional on JD’s part because Ara becomes an unreliable narrator during her captivity. I loved the book and I hope the author keeps writing other stories.
July 22, 2025
OMG I loved this book and JD, I am so grateful to have received an ARC, thank you! I loved it from the first chapter, it gripped me right from the start. I love that it gets dark at times but just like the theme of the book it’s all about balance, there’s dark and there’s definitely light. It is such a strong finish to an absolute awesome series. Rogue & Ara and definitely characters I have learned to love and I’m really looking forward to reading the series again, as a whole, in another couple of months. Congratulations JD it’s a fabulous book.
July 23, 2025
Finally!! I am so glad that this story has finally concluded, and was definitely worth the wait. While this book moved a bit slower there was a lot of story building and character development here in the final installment. I was confused initially at some of the vantage swaps that happened, but settled into it at a point. This book is much longer but it's well worth the read to conclude so many of the individual characters stories that you have encountered in the Rogue/Ara world. Highly Recommend! Great job J.D.!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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