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The Last Man on Earth: A Survival Romance
Famous rapper Villain and his rowdy entourage are headed to his bachelor party in Brazil when his private jet crashes on a remote island. The only survivors are him and Ariana, the beautiful, older, no-nonsense in-flight concierge who can't stand him.
Stranded with no rescue in sight, they have no choice but to work together if they want to survive. What begins as a fragile truce soon ignites into passion and forges a path to trust, understanding, and a love neither of them expected to find.
But when rescue finally comes, reality hits hard--the headlines, the scrutiny, their grief, and the fiancee and boyfriend they left behind.
Ultimately, they realize they have to Will they return to the lives they once knew, or fight for the new life they built together on that island?
Stranded with no rescue in sight, they have no choice but to work together if they want to survive. What begins as a fragile truce soon ignites into passion and forges a path to trust, understanding, and a love neither of them expected to find.
But when rescue finally comes, reality hits hard--the headlines, the scrutiny, their grief, and the fiancee and boyfriend they left behind.
Ultimately, they realize they have to Will they return to the lives they once knew, or fight for the new life they built together on that island?
446 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2025
1149 people are currently reading
2771 people want to read
About the author
Shae Sanders
50 books546 followersJust a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews
January 7, 2026
4.5/5
THIS BOOKS WAS SO GOOD!! The perfect mixture between a romance with thriller vibes. I finished this book in 24 hours because it’s so fast paced. Loved the character growth between there’s two so much!
THIS BOOKS WAS SO GOOD!! The perfect mixture between a romance with thriller vibes. I finished this book in 24 hours because it’s so fast paced. Loved the character growth between there’s two so much!
October 29, 2025
THIS IS THE CREATIVITY I NEED FROM AUTHORS. I loved how this book had my attention from the beginning. I just wish we got 100 more pages. A detailed experience when they got rescued and how challenging it was to transition back into their old lives. Ending felt a bit rush but still a good read.
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Y’all! I paused my current read for this because the visuals had the timeline in a frenzy…and I’m glad I did, because this wasn’t just a romance; it was a stripping down of ego, grief, and survival instincts until love had room to breathe.
Ariana is structure, routine, and control– the kind of woman who survives by being composed. Watching her slowly loosen her grip on independence, not out of weakness but because shared survival required surrender, was powerful in a way it was felt.
Villain? He started as a walking red flag with a stage name and zero emotional regulation. Then tragedy forced silence into him, and we got to see the man underneath the persona– raw, wounded, protective, learning softness as a language he was never taught. His grief didn’t make him colder…it forced him to show up warmer than he ever had the safety to be before. Ladies and gentlemen this is where we meet Vincent.
🌿 his unraveling was his becoming
🔥 her letting go became her healing
🌊 love found them when certainty left
Their bond didn’t bloom from convenience, it formed because there was nowhere to hide. No entourage. No image. No armor. Just two people stripped to the bone, learning how to live again by learning how to feel again.
This story didn’t just give chemistry– it gave human transformation.
Not fairytale love… survival-forged love.
He didn’t win her. He grew into someone worthy of standing beside her.
And that’s why it’s a 5.75-star read & if you don’t agree…we didn’t read the same book.
Y’all! I paused my current read for this because the visuals had the timeline in a frenzy…and I’m glad I did, because this wasn’t just a romance; it was a stripping down of ego, grief, and survival instincts until love had room to breathe.
Ariana is structure, routine, and control– the kind of woman who survives by being composed. Watching her slowly loosen her grip on independence, not out of weakness but because shared survival required surrender, was powerful in a way it was felt.
Villain? He started as a walking red flag with a stage name and zero emotional regulation. Then tragedy forced silence into him, and we got to see the man underneath the persona– raw, wounded, protective, learning softness as a language he was never taught. His grief didn’t make him colder…it forced him to show up warmer than he ever had the safety to be before. Ladies and gentlemen this is where we meet Vincent.
🌿 his unraveling was his becoming
🔥 her letting go became her healing
🌊 love found them when certainty left
Their bond didn’t bloom from convenience, it formed because there was nowhere to hide. No entourage. No image. No armor. Just two people stripped to the bone, learning how to live again by learning how to feel again.
This story didn’t just give chemistry– it gave human transformation.
Not fairytale love… survival-forged love.
He didn’t win her. He grew into someone worthy of standing beside her.
And that’s why it’s a 5.75-star read & if you don’t agree…we didn’t read the same book.
December 31, 2025
What a great way to wrap up 2025! Initially, I was turned off by all the hype surrounding this book, but I'm so glad I gave it another shot. I definitely judged it way too soon! This is one book that lives up to the hype!
October 20, 2025
Loved it!!! 🥰🥰🥰
November 3, 2025
2.5/5 I really wanted to love this one because it was so hyped up—but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story and plot were very predictable, and the “romance” felt lukewarm at best. By the end, I realized I didn’t know much about the characters at all. The character development was pretty one-dimensional, with very little depth or growth.
It was a quick read, but ultimately not one that stuck with me. I could take it or leave it. 🤷🏽♀️
It was a quick read, but ultimately not one that stuck with me. I could take it or leave it. 🤷🏽♀️
October 20, 2025
This book reminded me so much of one of my favorite old school movies The Blue Lagoon. But make it black! lol it was also referenced in the book ☺️
Story picks up little after 50% mark. I really started to feel the romance between Ari and Vincent (Villain).
I enjoyed it although the ending felt rushed.
Story picks up little after 50% mark. I really started to feel the romance between Ari and Vincent (Villain).
I enjoyed it although the ending felt rushed.
November 19, 2025
4.25 🌟 This is my first ever “survival romance” novel and I am not disappointed at all! This is also my first novel by Shae Sanders and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing / storytelling abilities. I am glad this was my introduction to her because it definitely convinced me to read more of her catalogue.
I agree with many of the reviews I've read about this novel that say the “rescue” arc / ending should've been longer (or even included in a sequel) because it was all gas and no brakes the last 20% of the book, and I really wanted to see more of how Ariana & Vincent got readjusted to life / society after months on the island.
Nevertheless, I was fully invested in Ari & Vincent's survival on the island and seeing how they made it all those months stranded. I feel Shae (the author) did an amazing job telling this story and really making you sympathize with their situation / survival on the island. Also, Villain / Vincent's character growth was so well done and I ended up loving him more as a character than Ari. Their HEA was beautifully written and I can understand the hype around this book! 10 out of 10 recommend.
I agree with many of the reviews I've read about this novel that say the “rescue” arc / ending should've been longer (or even included in a sequel) because it was all gas and no brakes the last 20% of the book, and I really wanted to see more of how Ariana & Vincent got readjusted to life / society after months on the island.
Nevertheless, I was fully invested in Ari & Vincent's survival on the island and seeing how they made it all those months stranded. I feel Shae (the author) did an amazing job telling this story and really making you sympathize with their situation / survival on the island. Also, Villain / Vincent's character growth was so well done and I ended up loving him more as a character than Ari. Their HEA was beautifully written and I can understand the hype around this book! 10 out of 10 recommend.
November 12, 2025
I loved TF out of this book!!! The Last Man On Earth was, hands down, the best book I read in 2025. I highly recommend you read this book before the year is out. You will not be disappointed.
October 21, 2025
A top read for 2025!
This book got me out of a vicious reading slump 🙌🏾 and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I enjoyed the unique premise and both the story and writing were great (per usual). Ari and Vin were written so beautifully that I could actually visualize their interactions while reading. This is one of the best romance novels I’ve read this year and I would love to see this story depicted in a movie.
I deducted a few points only b/c I wish more time was devoted to unpacking the events that occurred in the last quarter of the book. However, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the book from beginning to end, would definitely read again and also recommend.
4.75/5 🌟
This book got me out of a vicious reading slump 🙌🏾 and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I enjoyed the unique premise and both the story and writing were great (per usual). Ari and Vin were written so beautifully that I could actually visualize their interactions while reading. This is one of the best romance novels I’ve read this year and I would love to see this story depicted in a movie.
I deducted a few points only b/c I wish more time was devoted to unpacking the events that occurred in the last quarter of the book. However, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the book from beginning to end, would definitely read again and also recommend.
4.75/5 🌟
October 28, 2025
Too good!! 5🌟!
Vincent, aka Villan, was a menace on that plane, and Ariana was trying to make it through her last flight as a flight attendant when tragedy struck, and they were the only two survivors from the crash. The older FMC and younger MMC, along with the survivor romance, were sooo good! The character development of Vincent and Ari was excellent. Seeing them handle their grief, struggle, experience small wins and losses, fall in love, and individually realize what matters most! Ugh, this was just too good, and the HEA was perfect! This is my first survivor romance, and it was done so well!
Vincent, aka Villan, was a menace on that plane, and Ariana was trying to make it through her last flight as a flight attendant when tragedy struck, and they were the only two survivors from the crash. The older FMC and younger MMC, along with the survivor romance, were sooo good! The character development of Vincent and Ari was excellent. Seeing them handle their grief, struggle, experience small wins and losses, fall in love, and individually realize what matters most! Ugh, this was just too good, and the HEA was perfect! This is my first survivor romance, and it was done so well!
November 15, 2025
4.5🌟 Shae Sanders ATE with this story! Imagine being one of only two survivors of a plane crash and having to thug it out on a deserted island with a man you barely know. Ari & Vincent went through hunger, fear, and isolation.
That long rescue felt way too long, but it gave them exactly what they needed which was space to grow, trust each other, and build something real in the middle of chaos.
Watching Villain transform to Vincent was Incredible. The character development was chef’s kiss.
My only wish is that we got more of their journey after the rescue because after everything they survived, I needed to see how their love held up in the real world.
That long rescue felt way too long, but it gave them exactly what they needed which was space to grow, trust each other, and build something real in the middle of chaos.
Watching Villain transform to Vincent was Incredible. The character development was chef’s kiss.
My only wish is that we got more of their journey after the rescue because after everything they survived, I needed to see how their love held up in the real world.
October 22, 2025
Trust
This was a really good love story. The chemistry that developed between the main characters was top tier. It's nice when a story shows real love.
This was a really good love story. The chemistry that developed between the main characters was top tier. It's nice when a story shows real love.
October 18, 2025
This book had no business being this GOOD. The way Ari & Villian grew from despising each other to loving each other after surviving a plane crash was so well detailed. Their entire duration on the island was very well written, that every little detail about shelter, food, water made it clear I would’ve never survived one day on a deserted island. Great dialogue and focus on mental health talk after the rescue made the ending come together perfectly.
November 28, 2025
Absolutely in my TOP 5 books this year!
From start to finish this book was 5 stars!! From the very first chapter I was locked in with Villian & Arianna!! I couldn’t stand Villian at first 😭 he was so childish & entitled he definitely acted his age!! The way things changed so quickly was crazy!! The crash reeled me in & really had me on my toes wanting to know what was going to happen next!! How are they going to survive if they survive at all!!
The character development in this book is crazyyy!! We literally watch them go from Arianna & Villian to Ari & Vincent the way Vincent matured & was everything Ari needed when she needed it was amazing!!! He was such a provider & protector he knew he was all she had & he wanted to be everything she needed & more 🥰 I really grew to love him & the man he became!!
In the blink of an eye they were back to reality & idk how I felt about that 😭 they were so content on the island & were each others peace til the point I didn’t want them to be rescued 😩😭 I wasn’t sure what would happen with them or if Vincent would be a man of his word… but I must say he really did his big one!!! This book gave me alllll the feels!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this & was legit sad when it ended!!! This was my first read from this author but most definitely won’t be my last!!! Absolutely a must read for anyone who hasn’t already!!!
From start to finish this book was 5 stars!! From the very first chapter I was locked in with Villian & Arianna!! I couldn’t stand Villian at first 😭 he was so childish & entitled he definitely acted his age!! The way things changed so quickly was crazy!! The crash reeled me in & really had me on my toes wanting to know what was going to happen next!! How are they going to survive if they survive at all!!
The character development in this book is crazyyy!! We literally watch them go from Arianna & Villian to Ari & Vincent the way Vincent matured & was everything Ari needed when she needed it was amazing!!! He was such a provider & protector he knew he was all she had & he wanted to be everything she needed & more 🥰 I really grew to love him & the man he became!!
In the blink of an eye they were back to reality & idk how I felt about that 😭 they were so content on the island & were each others peace til the point I didn’t want them to be rescued 😩😭 I wasn’t sure what would happen with them or if Vincent would be a man of his word… but I must say he really did his big one!!! This book gave me alllll the feels!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this & was legit sad when it ended!!! This was my first read from this author but most definitely won’t be my last!!! Absolutely a must read for anyone who hasn’t already!!!
October 25, 2025
this was a time here! stranded on an island 👌🏾
This man on this island turning this girl every which way but loose boyyy! Now if a man don’t tear a pig up the way he just tore this pig up for invading their space… I don’t want him 🤯🤯💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🚬
This man on this island turning this girl every which way but loose boyyy! Now if a man don’t tear a pig up the way he just tore this pig up for invading their space… I don’t want him 🤯🤯💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🚬
December 5, 2025
This was my first survival romance and it definitely won’t be my last! I liked both Villain and Ariana, though Villain had to grow on me because he was extremely rude in the beginning. I enjoyed watching their romance develop while they tried surviving on the island and the spicy scenes definitely delivered. The pacing was solid for most of the book, but the last third felt rushed and I just wanted to spend more time with certain moments. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!
November 8, 2025
In short, I don't get the hype?
November 9, 2025
Surviving Rescue
Wow this was so good!!!
Vincent aka Villain the rapper is at the top of the world in his career and getting ready to party on his bachelorette trip before marrying his baby mama. Ariana is a flight attendant servicing Vincent's private jet, ready to move into the next phase of her life after this flight. Tragedy strikes and the two are the only ones left on an uninhabited island. Vincent grows from an immature, childish young man into a capable, understanding grown man. While Ariana whom is used to being in control becomes vulnerable and for the first time dependent on a man.
Their time on the island was painted so vividly. I could literally picture the changes in their body...the weight loss, the hair growth, the darkened skin. Prior to rescue the way they learned to survive together was beautifully depicted.
Once they were rescued we lost the descriptors. There was conflict after conflict, but we lost the connection that was built on the island. I would have loved for her to talk about the changes to their bodies and skin once home. I rarely say this, but I think we needed about a 100 more pages of this book. There were so many layers and it just felt rushed while the first half was carefully paced. We needed that same energy after rescue. There was no description of the baby, like what did they look like? Vincent lost so many people, and idk if enough time was spent on that grief. Or even one celebration of life for them? There was only a brief mention of therapy. The wedding was also barely described.
This story was original, heart wrenching, and the love was strong. I just needed more after rescue
Wow this was so good!!!
Vincent aka Villain the rapper is at the top of the world in his career and getting ready to party on his bachelorette trip before marrying his baby mama. Ariana is a flight attendant servicing Vincent's private jet, ready to move into the next phase of her life after this flight. Tragedy strikes and the two are the only ones left on an uninhabited island. Vincent grows from an immature, childish young man into a capable, understanding grown man. While Ariana whom is used to being in control becomes vulnerable and for the first time dependent on a man.
Their time on the island was painted so vividly. I could literally picture the changes in their body...the weight loss, the hair growth, the darkened skin. Prior to rescue the way they learned to survive together was beautifully depicted.
Once they were rescued we lost the descriptors. There was conflict after conflict, but we lost the connection that was built on the island. I would have loved for her to talk about the changes to their bodies and skin once home. I rarely say this, but I think we needed about a 100 more pages of this book. There were so many layers and it just felt rushed while the first half was carefully paced. We needed that same energy after rescue. There was no description of the baby, like what did they look like? Vincent lost so many people, and idk if enough time was spent on that grief. Or even one celebration of life for them? There was only a brief mention of therapy. The wedding was also barely described.
This story was original, heart wrenching, and the love was strong. I just needed more after rescue
December 16, 2025
Let me save you the suspense. It's several hundred pages of screwing. Screwing on land. Screwing by sea. Nothing else really happens to move the plot forward. They are trapped on a deserted island and they screw one another until help comes. That is 3/4ths of the book. The last 1/4 was decent. 2.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
This book is amazing! From beginning to end, I was absolutely enthralled. The way I was holding my breath throughout each and every scene because I didn't see what was coming next. Wow!
What an incredible journey this was. Very well written. I cried, laughed, and clutched my pearls. Highly recommend!
What an incredible journey this was. Very well written. I cried, laughed, and clutched my pearls. Highly recommend!
October 20, 2025
4.5⭐️ soooo freaking good!!
January 12, 2026
This was my first time reading a survival romance, and it was so good. The author really did her big one. The pacing was a bit slow, and it took me longer than expected to finish, but I realize it had to be though, in order to fully feel the emotions, the fear, and the sadness… all of it had me needing to calm my damn nerves, lol.
Villain really went from sir, who you think you talking to? to a genuinely great man, because at first I wanted Ari to pop him upside the head. The beginning was heartbreaking and had me devastated. I said holddddd up now, wait a damn minute. Villian took hella losses but still showed up for Ari and himself. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.
I don’t even have much else to say. Just read the book!
Villain really went from sir, who you think you talking to? to a genuinely great man, because at first I wanted Ari to pop him upside the head. The beginning was heartbreaking and had me devastated. I said holddddd up now, wait a damn minute. Villian took hella losses but still showed up for Ari and himself. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.
I don’t even have much else to say. Just read the book!
December 7, 2025
The Last Man on Earth
This was so good! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Ariana & Vincent. The foreshadowing was crazy lol. Because honey, she did!!! All over that island too🤭🤭🤣. Their growth was my favorite part. I really enjoyed their jokes with each other. It’s crazy while reading it I began to vaguely remember a movie I watched from my childhood. I forgot the name and had to google it. But this was so much better of course LOL. Definitely recommend. 🥰
This was so good! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Ariana & Vincent. The foreshadowing was crazy lol. Because honey, she did!!! All over that island too🤭🤭🤣. Their growth was my favorite part. I really enjoyed their jokes with each other. It’s crazy while reading it I began to vaguely remember a movie I watched from my childhood. I forgot the name and had to google it. But this was so much better of course LOL. Definitely recommend. 🥰
November 15, 2025
A survival romance — what a way to add some range to the current popular urban fiction reads. This was so entertaining. It was good to see Villain’s 180 transformation unfold. Dare I say…their stint on the island and return to civilization was idyllic given the circumstances/possibilities. There was definitely room for a bit more drama.
December 2, 2025
so so good!!! 5 stars truly. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more. She set the scenes up so well, I could envision everything so vividly, and she definitely kept my attention throughout the entire book. The way I started off despising the MMC Vincent in the beginning and then grew to love him at the end… such good writing. I really enjoyed the FMC Ari a lot; her personality was everything, she really held herself to a high regard and I love that for her. This storyline was so unique and so well done.
November 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ | I absolutely loved this book—I devoured it in one sitting.
The romance was beautifully paced and emotionally rewarding. Ari and Vincent started off disliking each other, but after the crash forced them to work together to survive, their relationship blossomed into something truly touching. Watching Vincent grow from an immature and annoying guy into someone protective, grounded, and determined to be the man Ari deserved was one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
Ari’s character was a standout for me. She knew her worth, held firm to her boundaries, and gradually allowed herself to be vulnerable. Her decision to take a chance on Vincent felt earned and empowering.
I do wish there had been more chapters exploring what happened after their rescue and how they reconnected with their families. Still, this was a fantastic read and a beautiful example of how love can grow between two people who start off as adversaries.
The romance was beautifully paced and emotionally rewarding. Ari and Vincent started off disliking each other, but after the crash forced them to work together to survive, their relationship blossomed into something truly touching. Watching Vincent grow from an immature and annoying guy into someone protective, grounded, and determined to be the man Ari deserved was one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
Ari’s character was a standout for me. She knew her worth, held firm to her boundaries, and gradually allowed herself to be vulnerable. Her decision to take a chance on Vincent felt earned and empowering.
I do wish there had been more chapters exploring what happened after their rescue and how they reconnected with their families. Still, this was a fantastic read and a beautiful example of how love can grow between two people who start off as adversaries.
December 24, 2025
5/5 - Hands down best book I’ve read all year….I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this book and did NOT want it to end. The contention between Ariana (FMC) and Villain (MMC) before the crash and after was great. Shae Sanders described everything so vividly that I felt like I was there with them on the island. The emotions they both went through as they started to accept their fate had me distraught. The fact that Ariana and Villain needed each other to survive made the romance even better.
I hated Villain in the beginning but as time went on, I was rooting for him as he grew up and handled business. Ariana is the FMC that I wish was in every book because I loved her so much. This book was creatively different than any book I've read in the past 2 years that I started back on my reading journey. I will be reading this again.
I hated Villain in the beginning but as time went on, I was rooting for him as he grew up and handled business. Ariana is the FMC that I wish was in every book because I loved her so much. This book was creatively different than any book I've read in the past 2 years that I started back on my reading journey. I will be reading this again.
October 26, 2025
4.5 - such a great story! I enjoyed Ari and Vincent's journey so much. Shae did such a good job making the reader feel the character's emotions. It was also refreshing to read something different.
October 27, 2025
A Ride
You know I wasn’t quite sure if I’d enjoy a survival romance but if anyone is going to give me something new and show out it’s Shae Sanders. This one had me on edge from page one. I did not like Villain at all when I first met him. He was just rude…..however watching him go from Villain to Vincent was a TREAT. Ari immediately had my support, like she felt like someone I could be friends with. I couldn’t imagine being trapped on deserted island like that but these two managed to make it work and fall in love at the same time. I will say the ending felt a bit rushed, I don’t want to spoil anything, but I could have used a bit more. That didn’t take away from me absolutely enjoying this story! Shae never disappoints.
You know I wasn’t quite sure if I’d enjoy a survival romance but if anyone is going to give me something new and show out it’s Shae Sanders. This one had me on edge from page one. I did not like Villain at all when I first met him. He was just rude…..however watching him go from Villain to Vincent was a TREAT. Ari immediately had my support, like she felt like someone I could be friends with. I couldn’t imagine being trapped on deserted island like that but these two managed to make it work and fall in love at the same time. I will say the ending felt a bit rushed, I don’t want to spoil anything, but I could have used a bit more. That didn’t take away from me absolutely enjoying this story! Shae never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews