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A scarred warrior, a sweet virgin, and new dangers.

Zat'an was the esteemed Second to the Al'fa, but he forfeited both his position and his stature after losing in arena combat to another Zmaj. Abigail still sees in him a sexy, veteran warrior and wants him, scars and all. She's saved herself for her "One" and knows it's Zat'an.

Yet, each time she reaches out, he pushes her away. In his mind he is unworthy, she is too young, and he is not the one who can give her safety and a long life. It must be some other young warrior, not his broken and disgraced self.

Fate has other ideas, and will throw a dangerous new enemy at them, forcing the two to realize that some things can't be fought against.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

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About the author

Miranda Martin

175 books587 followers

USA Today bestselling author Miranda Martin writes fantasy and scifi romance featuring heroes with out-of-this-world anatomy that readers call 'larger than life' and smart heroines destined to save the world. As a little girl, she would sneak off with her nose in a book, dreaming of magical realms. Today she brings those fantasies to life and adores every fan who chooses to live in them for a while.

Though born and raised in southern Virginia, Miranda Martin is a veteran who's traveled to places like Korea, Hawaii, and good 'ole Texas. She's since settled in Kansas, the heart of America, with her husband and daughters, a cat, and wishes for a pet dragon or unicorn. When she's not writing, you can still find her tucked away somewhere with a warm blanket and her nose in a book.

Visit her website http://mirandamartinromance.com and subscribe to her newsletter for new releases, special sales, and a FREE ebook!

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5 stars
199 (61%)
4 stars
79 (24%)
3 stars
36 (11%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,798 reviews89 followers
June 13, 2023
Zat'an (H), a scarred older Zmaj warrior, loses his position as the esteemed Second to the Al'fa in arena combat, and as a result, he feels unworthy and doubts his abilities. Abigail (h), however, sees past his scars and admires him as a veteran warrior, even as he doubts he can offer Abigail safety and a fulfilling life. Zat'an continuously pushes Abigail away due to his own insecurities while Abigail grapples with her own self-image issues. Despite their challenges, they are drawn to each other, and their relationship gradually develops. However, their budding romance faces further complications when Zat'an disappears, leaving her heartbroken and unsure of where to turn. They’ll have to confront their own insecurities, find strength within themselves, and fight for their happily ever after in the face of a new enemy. Another great book in the Tajss series.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews36 followers
June 24, 2023
Teaching old dogs new tricks

This is such a lot to parse. Abigail the shy virgin comes into her own and the much older cave Zmaj, Za'tan, does likewise. They are fated mates, but fate maneuvers them through misunderstanding, misgivings, through an ancient war and new cultural conflicts, through blood and tears, and forces both to grow into their HEA. The complex and compelling world of Tajss continues to evolve. It's fascinating, frustrating, and fulfilling - a worthy chapter in the saga of the Red Planet dragons and their human mates. What next?
1,603 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2023
This is an interesting addition to the series, and I'm curious to see how the author will take the story from here. With the bunker survivors moving in with the Zmaj underground dwellers, a lot of possible new plot lines are available.

So far, I'm not a big fan of the underground Zmaj and their culture, but I am curious enough to read the next books in the series. I'm hoping to learn more about the long-time enemies of the underground Zmaj, as it seems they are not as evil as the Zmaj have always thought.

I liked Zat'an, and was glad when he finally realized that he had worth other than his previous position of 2nd to the Alfa. It took him a while, but he finally did realize that. I was also glad when he convinced the Alfa that strength was not the only thing the Zmaj had to offer.

Abigail was likable, too, but she did seem to have a problem with anxiety and a lack of self-confidence. It was good for both her and Zat'an when they finally got together.

1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
976 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2023
Zat’an is lost and feels useless since he lost his place as 2nd to the Alpha. The other males now show him no respect and he is wondering if he should just give up. But when he sees Abigail for the first time and realizes she is his treasure he is once again hopeful. That is until he realizes how young she is and that he can’t pursue her as an old warrior with no place in the clan anymore.

Abagail is trying to adapt to joining the cave Zmaj but things aren’t going well. The cave Zmaj aren’t friendly like the other Zmaj they have assimilated with. When she sees three males picking on an older Zmaj, she is furious, and goes to his rescue. When she turns to talk to him she is shocked by her attraction to him. But he just stomps off without saying a word!

As these two dance around their feelings, Zat’an finally gives in to his attraction to Abagail, but the next day he disappears. None of the cave males seem concerned about him and won’t go and look for him. Is there relationship over when it just started? Abigail is heartbroken and doesn’t know where to turn.

A moving story with lots of action and emotions!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9 reviews
June 10, 2023
If you've enjoyed the Red Planet Dragons of Tajss so far, this book will not disappoint. As they begin their new chapter in the underground, we get a glimpse of a new enemy and new challenges our survivors face in integrating with the new group of Zmaj. I was intrigued by the new enemy, and the hints at something else, something "more" down in the depths of the mountain. And I especially enjoyed the friendship between the main character, Abigail, and her two besties. The camaraderie and sisterhood between these women are refreshing and delightful to be a part of. Though this book could stand alone, I highly recommend reading the rest of the series first so you can really get the full breadth of the backstory leading up to this pivotal moment in the Zmaj-human story. Having said that, it's a fun read even on its own, with some familiar tropes (like a May-December romance, a sweet virgin and a gruff warrior), some excellent characters, and the usual fascinating worldbuilding I've come to expect in Miranda Martin's novels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
769 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2023
This is Abigail and Za'tan's story.
Abigail is a human survivor of the crash on Tjass and is from the city.
She gives some perspectives on people from earlier on the series.
Abigail is somewhat young.
Abigail is also a virgin.
Abigail has survived Tjass alongside her 2 friends Tamara and Annalise.

Za'tan is the former second to the Alfa.
He has been defeated in combat and has lost his position.
His group live underground in an intricate cave system.
Za'tan is trying to find his place, yet bide his time until he can challenge for his position back.
Losing his status now makes him obsolete in the eyes of his peers.
Za'tan has lost respect amongst his peers who now look down on him.
It's a devastating space for Za'tan, until he meets Abigail.

After some light stalking and eavesdropping he learns more about Abigail.
But he tries to resist having any contact with the young woman.
Za'tan is much older and scarred from a harsh life.
He doesn't feel worthy of Abigail.

However, fate won't be denied.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Karen Nastasio.
2,661 reviews19 followers
June 21, 2023
Theses books just get better and better and the twists and turns, drama, danger, new enemies have you on the edge of your seat. Abigail is one of the humans that crash landed on the planet. Tajss and has been saving herself for the right man and so far nobody has measured up and now she and her best friends Tamara, Annalise are relocated to the cave system with a new lot of Zmaj warriors and when she see’s a group of males picking on an older warrior she steps in and the Grumpy warrior storms off but when there eyes meet she knows he is the one for her and she sets out to get her man. Zat’an is a Zmaj warrior we who is the second in charge to the Al’fa and to keep his position he must fight in the arena but when he loses his fight he loses his position with it and then a gorgeous female try’s to save him he is furious that she stepped in and that he has just found his treasure and is now unworthy to have have such a mate. How does it all turn out do they finally give in and stop fighting fate and give their burning hot chemistry a chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
403 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2023
This was an interesting read. It took alittle bit to get into this story but once I did I was hooked. This is Abigail and Zat'an's story. Abigail is a human who with others crashed landed their ship on Zat'ans planet and were taken in by his people. They live underground as the surface is no longer habitable. Zat'an is one of the Zmaj race and is an older scarred warrior. The Zmaj establish rank by fighting in the arena. Zat'an has just lost his rank to a younger warrior and is somewhat lost. Abigail is much younger and though she feels he is the one for her, he feels he's too old and has nothing to offer her as he lost his status in his society. There is a stigma here with getting older which should not be here. Will Abigail and her warrior finally get their HEA? Will Zat'an and his people finally realize that fighting in the arena isn't the only way status, respect and rank should be earned. Check this one out to see.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelley G.
907 reviews10 followers
June 17, 2023
this was a great book in this series. i loved it. packed full of action, suspense, danger, thrills, and emotional roller coasters. abigail is sweet and shy and has held out for the "right" one to come along before giving "It" up to a male. Zat'an feels old and used up yet still strong and vigorous but has lost his place in society so despite the pull towards abigail he feels he has nothing to give her. abigail is sure he is the one for her so can't understand his reluctance to interact with her. he decides to do something dangerous to prove he is worthy of her. this leads to a lot of exciting things happening that keep u enthralled with every page right to the end. don't want to list spoilers but u really need to read not only this book but this series. the character development is off the charts as is the description of the world and place they are living and what's going on. i highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,893 reviews12 followers
June 21, 2023
"Honor. A simple word, but a huge concept."

Abigail and her friends have done a lot of adapting and adjusting since crashing on Tajss, and they are at it again. The humans and surface Zmaj have moved in with the cave Zmaj... and everyone is realizing there are more than just two cultures to blend.

Zat'an knows the ways of his people well. They value strength because they know the strength needed to live underground, but a tiny human is about to introduce him to kinds of strength he never recognized existed before.

This done in one Kindle Unlimited book has simultaneous subplots on friendship and respect, the value and importance of each, and how the lines between the two can be crossed and blurred from time to time. I particularly enjoyed the thread about how we view the elderly, what they have to contribute, and how they can contribute.

This book introduced new facets of Tajss, and I can't wait for more in the series.

I read Off-Limits Dragon in kindle unlimited and chose to share my thoughts.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
June 21, 2023
Zat'an was the oldest of the cave Zmaj and second in command. He was highly respected but then the humans and surface Zmaj showed up. Zat'an fought one of the surface Zmaj to decide if the humans and surface Zmaj could join them. Zat'an lost because the other Zmaj was fighting for his mate and her people. Now Zat'an is lost. He has lost all position and duties until the next challenge period comes. His people now disrespect him and he feels old and beaten. When he is being harassed by other Zmaj, a human woman Abigail comes to his defense. Zat'an is torn because his dragon claims that she is his but he feels like he is too old and useless to be a good mate. Luckily Abigail knows what a good male he is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Abbella DiNoto.
406 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2023
huh????? just stop you completely lost the plot series and everything

I just,???????

Author should have ended this series 2 books ago.
Taking too sharp a turn now going backwards facing forwards it’s weird this book ended all wrong and made absolutely no since

Based on the rules of the fighting ring

Zara’s lost and he can’t claim his woman

Period. He can’t do what he did. “Sorta kinda. Not exactly Lose” and still get the girl in the last book the hero had to win or Zatan would have won. The heroine in the last book. So how does he let the other guy win and still get the girl makes absolutely no f in sense.
Plus the two completely different detour’s author is attempting to make in the plot change it’s now a completely different plot might as well be a completely different series and everything. Just stop this series has run it’s course just stop
Profile Image for Carole.
2,243 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2023
Off-Limits Dragon is book twenty six of the Red Planet Dragons series and what a steamy heart of hearts Zmaj/Human adventure it is!
A scared warrior, Zat’an and human Abigail are the forces that power this appealingly written read that continues to perfect its world building as expertly rendered characters bring the narrative to life.
With Zat’an thinking himself not good enough for Abigail after losing his position in arena combat as well as being older than the female who sets his two hearts thundering the question remains, how long can he deny his dragon?
I enjoyed their story which kept me engaged and immersed in a wonderfully crafted Sci-Fi Romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,515 reviews72 followers
June 12, 2023
This was a fab story that brought together Zat’an and Abigail. This is the start of a new spin off series for the Zmaj and things are a bit different here. The warriors fight to establish their pecking order and Zat'an has just been defeated, as he's much older. This leads to a lack of consideration by the other warriors and plays havoc with his self esteem. When he sees Abigail for the first time, he knows she's his treasure but figures he's too old and not worthy....of course, she doesn't seem him in the same light but has her own self image issues ;) These two were a fab couple and with new enemies to deal with, it was very exciting to follow their journey to an HEA. I can't wait to dive into the next book :D
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,307 reviews
June 13, 2023
We finally have the story of the Cave Zmajj. They have a different culture as that of the surface Zmajj but one thing remains the same: finding their treasure.

I still do no understand their hierarchy, and seems like danger still lurks even underground. We get to meet another enemy, which is sentient as them. I wonder what would be their role.

There is an age gap between our MMCs, but even age cannot stop the bond from forming. There is a bit of a resistant on one side, and shyness on the other but they recognized it for whatever it is.

I liked the MMC, he may have been misunderstood in the previous book but we see his point from this side, and he is not bad at all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,353 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2023
Abigail may be young but even she realises that there is more between herself and the huge scarred Zmaj warrior than meets the eye. The things she feels for him she has felt for no other but she is terrified that it is all very much one sided. She has been reassured that it is not but what is she to believe when he seems to keep pushing her away? Zat'an may be older but he is not so old that he cannot learn new tricks. He is still more than capable and he can deny his want of Abigail only so much before he has to accept it. He does feel completely unworthy of her though and is determined to show all that he can be, for her. That will have to wait for at the moment it seems that a war is raging that the Bunker Zmaj and Humans are unaware of.
1,910 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2023
Too many unanswered questions

First read in series. Wish author had put foreword with timeline. Took awhile for me to get Grady of storyline, current and past. Still uncertain of time that planet was blown up, is the mountain they are in on the same planet and they just blew surface up? How long was it since and how long were the humans there? Where are human males and how many females are there? Human and dragons.
Now to the main couple. I get his view of his age gap. Dont get hers. Did not buy there in live story, lust yes, dependency, since she is looking for a authoritative male.
Real issue I have is the other species (maybe warped by radiation? )
The war storyline makes zero sense.
2,047 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2023
Zat’an is a Zmaj male that looses his position as second in command. He feels worthless as he is older and is attracted to a much younger human woman. Abigail and her friends are assigned to clean unused rooms for the up coming population explosion from births. When the male she's attacked to comes up missing, she does all she can to get someone to save him. Then when a old ebemu of the Zjams attack and kidnap Abigail and her friends, it Zat'tan to the rescue. This is an age gap fated mates story, with lots of drama, danger and steam . Good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,997 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2023
For anyone thinking about this series but intimidated by the size this would be a great place to jump in. It definitely feels like a new era of the cave. But for anyone not new it is great to see how the group is doing with the changes. And I that the romance was given some time to develop. They both had some internal issues going on, but it's amazing how a little external drama can refocus some couples.

I know this isn't true and I didn't start at book one so it might be different, but the Tajss have always felt a bit ageless to me. So reading about one that's a little older and has some insecurities was really nice.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
June 14, 2023
Abigail and Zat'an's Story

Zat'an lost an arena fight and deemed himself unfit for his position and for a mate he obviously could not protect. Abigail doesn’t agree with his assessment. She saw him and desired him instantly. She sees him as her “One” and she wants no other. But despite her attempts to convince him, he pushes her away and makes excuses. But Fate will never relent. Will a terrible danger threatening them force Zat’an out of his self-pity mood and show him that he is more than capable of protecting his mate? Will Zat’an, the older warrior, win against the young Kri’sin? Or will his mercy teach the others something as he earns their respect?
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,389 reviews50 followers
June 26, 2023
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I really liked Zat'an and Abigail. Their chemistry was immediate and sizzled. But he felt he wasn't worthy of his treasure until he reclaimed the position he lost in the arena. I hated the way Zat'an was treated by other Zmaj after that loss. I understand the total culture difference, but it just felt so cruel and unnecessary to me. But then it also made his determination stand out and I was rooting for him. I liked Abigail and while she struggled with her reservations, I loved the support of her friends. An enjoyable read. 5 stars.
Profile Image for EvaLovesRomance.
473 reviews
June 10, 2023
A new beginning here!

This is a new beginning for these humans outside the bunker but I feel like it's another bunker with crazy people living in the dark!
I love that the three best friends are sticking together and love that Abigail found her mate even if he's older. I just didn't like the way the new group enjoy their fighting ways. I enjoy t this book and am looking forward to the next ones. See what happens next and who else finds their mate and what's going on with the crazy dark tunnel people.
6,168 reviews57 followers
June 16, 2023
Abigail is fantastic and she has picked her Zmaj mate. Zat'an was the second in command in charge of the cave. He lost the fight and now he has no position. Abigail wants him scars and all but he feels old and useless as if he's not worthy of her. New Zmaj and danger are living in the underground caves. After an abduction, rescue, and more deaths, the two manage to get together. I love this series and am looking forward to more books. They never seem to get old.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lizette Novotasky.
292 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2023
This is an age gap romance and I think is the first of this kind in this series. This is a standalone story so you get the full story of the main characters, but to understand the background story, you must have read the books before this one and if posible the spinoffs, as it looks like they all have merge in to this one now. Very interesting, action adventure and romance and of course no cheating and a Happily Ever After.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,516 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2023
Zat'an worked hard his whole life to be the best Zmaj warrior. Although he was beaten by another Zmaj, his values stay the same. His dragon tells him Abigail is his fated mate but he makes up excuses as to why he shouldn't mate with her. Abigail knows Zat'an is the "one". She never felt that way about any other male. They work their way through the many obstacles they each put in their way but eventually work together and become mates. This book has steamy romance, lots of action and some unusual paths that all the Zmaj and humans must get through for the better of Tajss.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,454 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2024
A new beginning for Zat’an

This is book twenty six in the series. This book features on of the underground warriors named Zat’an. He fell to Dalagh in the last book during a forced area battle. Zat’an is struggling to find his way and position in their hierarchical society. Then at the epilogue of the previous book, Zat’an sees Abagail for the first time and they know that they are meant to be mates. This book picks up from there. These two both struggle with self worth and value. There is a lot of internal dialogue for both Abagail and Zat’an. Read On!
Profile Image for Lisa A.
1,555 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2023
A wonderful addition to the Red Planet Dragons of Tajss series…
Za’tan, a battle hardened veteran warrior, struggles to find his place in the clan’s hierarchy since his recent defeat in the battle ring. His feelings of inadequacy leave him feeling undeserving of Abigail, the beautiful young treasure he knows deep down is his… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,116 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
I love the series and can't wait for the next book. Abigail, her two besties, other crash survivors and the Zmaj have moved underground with the cave Zmaj. Abbie and her friends are cleaning caves and making them habitable. Zat'an lost the battle with Dalagh and lost his status. He doesn't have the confidence to persue Abbie even though his dragon has claimed her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pamela Schalk.
673 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2023
Another great story!

I loved the introduction of another species that lives in the mountain. Also more creatures were fought. I am glad that Abigail didn't give up trying to get the older dragon man to talk to her. At times they both fight their attraction to each other. There is plenty of action that keeps you reading to find out what happens next. Will there be a mating? Will there be a war?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lucinda blankenship.
81 reviews
June 1, 2023
Ok sign me up for Tajss

I want my own dragon warrior!!!!
As all always it's well written the plot is well thought out. All the scenes flow and happen naturally so that when the books end comes your like wait I want more. I will say this again I can't wait till the next one, my only complaint is that I hate waiting I want .more books now😀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews