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Survivor Brides of Tajss #1

Bride of the Scarred Alien

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Years after the human generation ship crashed on Tajss, survival isn’t enough—especially for a woman who’s been told she’s weak.

Kara has spent years living in the shadow of stronger voices, scraping by in the dust and heat of a dying world. When she volunteers for a desperate hunt for food, she expects death.
Instead, she finds him—the scarred Zmaj warrior who will change everything.

Drazan is battle-forged and haunted, a protector hardened by loss. He swore never to love again, but the fierce, stubborn human he saves refuses to obey fear—or him. Her fire calls to something primal in his blood. His treasure. His mate. His reason to fight again.

Together they’ll face sandstorms, predators, and the ghosts of a shattered planet.
Kara will learn what it means to survive on her own terms—and what it costs to claim the heart of a Zmaj who has already lost everything.

🔥 Perfect for fans of Ice Planet Barbarians, The Last Dragon Rider, and Captive of the Horde King, this steamy sci-fi romance

Fated mates & forbidden love

Forced-proximity survival

A strong heroine & scarred alien hero

Redemption, passion, and hope on a dying world

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

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About the author

Miranda Martin

506 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
96 (36%)
4 stars
52 (19%)
3 stars
71 (26%)
2 stars
27 (10%)
1 star
18 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for kymagirl.
7,045 reviews89 followers
October 31, 2025
Two broken souls. One brutal planet. A bond they never planned.

Kara isn’t the strongest or loudest, but when the colony faces starvation, she volunteers for a last-ditch mission, ready to vanish if it means helping others. When a sandstorm tears her from the group, she ends up alone with a scarred, silent Zmaj warrior who has lost more than she can imagine.

Drazan is a protector with a haunted past and no room left for hope. But Kara doesn't flinch. She keeps pace through storms and silence, meets danger without backing down, and refuses to see him as anything less than whole. Their survival becomes a partnership no one planned.

What starts as necessity shifts into something fragile and fierce. With every step, Kara finds her voice, and Drazan begins to trust again. Together they face not just the planet’s dangers but the weight of grief, guilt, and the risk of choosing each other. ‍

Kara grows from overlooked and unsure into a woman who leads with quiet strength. Drazan begins to let go of the ghosts he carries and starts living for something more than the past. What builds between them isn't easy, but it's real, rooted in respect, survival, and something deeper than either expected.

A steamy, alien-human, fated mates, forced proximity, survival romance that blends emotional tension, quiet intimacy, and the slow burn of trust forged in fire. It explores survival, trauma, healing, identity, resilience, and love. It's about two wounded souls choosing each other, confronting grief, and building an enduring bond. Fated mates. Scarred hearts. Quiet strength. And a love that refuses to break.

The Elevator Pitch: A human survivor and a scarred alien warrior are forced to rely on each other in a brutal desert where trust is as rare as water. What begins as survival turns into a slow-burning, emotionally charged bond rooted in respect and healing. Gritty, tender, and intense, this is a love story about choosing connection when everything else feels broken.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,898 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2025
"Someone—finally—speaks up for me."

Kara was still a kid when the generation ship crashed... suddenly an orphan on an alien planet. For years, as the humans have struggled to survive she has tried to find her role in this new society, but most of the adults are in the habit of looking past her.

She is determined, as life takes a turn towards even harder, to contribute, and to her everlasting relief one of the Zmaj looks like he will support her efforts.

This done in one kindle unlimited book came out in October, which is only relevant because it has a very "goes but,p in the night" vibe throughout. I enjoyed this story about strength, believing in ourselves, supporting others in a variety of ways, and the extraordinary things we will do to survive, and help our community. While I'm not fond of things that go bump in the night, this was well done, that aspect was well used, and our "strong silent" hero really brought out some interesting moments.
384 reviews
November 11, 2025
This is darker than usual

Our brave Human/Zmaj(now Urr’Ki) survivors are just weeks after the mountain collapse. Although they brought out as much supplies as they could, it was a long way from enough.

Teams are being sent out to scout for a more habitable area and more importantly for food and water. This is the darkest time that with no active opponents. This story is about one of those groups.

It is lead by the silent warrior who Very Rarely Speaks and no one knows his name. Kara is a small human overlooked by everyone even as she helps them out. She works very hard around camp to be recognized.

The warrior( who will be named near the end), has noticed all she has done and her strong spirit. These two along with 2 useless humans and a young Zmaj face lots of harsh treatment from Tjass.

I think we are going to have a long trek to get our survivors back to some degree of stability. Miranda and her in-depth characters will get us through this!
Profile Image for Carole.
2,321 reviews16 followers
October 30, 2025
Bride of the Scarred Alien begins another chapter of Tajss adventures with the first book of Survivor Brides of Tajss.
Many years after the crash of the human generation ship survival has been upper most in the day to day struggle.
MFC Kara has been one of those scraping by and when she volunteers to go on a hunt for food she encounters a scarred Zmaj warrior MMC Drazan who discovers in her a mate and his treasure.
Enjoyed the writing and characters in this electric story with it’s danger, passion, and emotion that leads the reader into a new future of thrilling, wonderful reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
226 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2025
Kara and Scared Zmaj

As a devote Tajss fan who has read every book in this series, this book was sooo disappointing. Too much "thinking"...too much "feeling" and not enough action. Kara is looking to be notice but never even asks the scarred Zmaj his name until the end of the book. She never even finds out the name of the "younger Zmaj". A sand storm covered chapter 8-16....enough already! The other two characters, Harlan & Joran are sooo irritating (in my head I kept saying "Just shut up!"). 2 stars and that's questionable! Sorry!!!
Profile Image for Katie Dennis 📖 .
150 reviews10 followers
November 20, 2025
DNF @ 74%. Has a good concept but can’t get over the fact that she doesn’t know his name nor really communicates with him. She can’t just assume what he’s telling her without words. Maybe it’s just me.
Profile Image for Courtney.
877 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2025
bah; i *really* loved this - but i also have a lot of complaints, haha. first off, it was *SO* repetitive; to the point where I was sometimes concerned I forgot to turn the page and was re-reading the same thing over and over. and it was like that the ENTIRE time. I loved the story and the characters so much that I wished it was longer, but honestly if it had been about half as repetitive, it probably could stay the same length. secondly, were his wings not meant for flying?? why were they climbing so much? also third, there's NO WAY she was climbing that much when she was basically starved to death. ...and fourthly, she didnt get a courtesy claw bite before he stuck his phallanges in her cooch? rude. overall, though - I was totally into it and really did love it. i dont buy that she fell in love with him when he had barely said 5 single words to her - but his silence did add to his stoic/mysterious arc that I loved. I wanted more. less of the same thoughts over and over and more of their relationship building. especially after they made it back to their little village because it least then they wouldnt be constantly attacked by something.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,196 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2025
Wonderful story!

Kara was a great character. Strong, and determined, despite how she's overlooked, and ignored by most of the survivors. Kahzan is a strong Dragon warrior, who battles every day by the quilt of surviving when others , including his brother didn't. His body riddled with scars he received by surviving a giant worm, grabbing his body. Kara was determined to be like him, and fight to live through horrible conditions, and horrific monster attacks, while on a hunting trip. The people were starving, and there were no animals nearby to provide meat. The planet is still recovering from the bomb going off to kill all the invaders, now they don't know what is safe to eat, and creatures have become mutated, and venomous. He sees her strength and respects it. He has found his Treasure. Ongoing series, but they at least claim each other, for their own HEA ending. Trish. A.
250 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
I loved the slow build up in the relationship between Kara and Drazan. She is 'not seen' in the group of survivors. So when she volunteers to go on the next exploration to find food she is scoffed at. But the Zmaj warrior leading the group insists she comes along. So with 2 male humans and a younger Zmaj they embark on their perilous journey to find food for the colony. As their journey progresses Kara is drawn to Drazan but also has to deal with the continuing derogatory remarks directed towards her. After an injury to one of the others causing them to return, it is left to Kara and Drazan to continue the journey. For me it was a really good read and I enjoyed the challenges they had to overcome and the development of their relationship towards their future together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
947 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
Kara's always been on the fringe, treated like less. But she notices that Drazan always watches her with no judgement. So when they need people to hunt for food, she volunteers, even though many try to discourage her, he doesn't. She wants to prove to them that she's strong, even though Drazan already knew she had the will of a warrior. She was his treasure, but he didn't deserve her. So touching, they both have demons to overcome, internal and external that will test everything that they are. there's heartache and danger and trials that make for and adventure where only the strong survive. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,148 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2025
A story of proving oneself. Kara has survived on the planet of Tajss since the crash of the generation ship and she was young then. Now years later, she feels rejected and ignored by the others and wants to prove herself. She volunteers to go with the hunting party to find food. She is told no at first and then Roslind, leader of the humans and Drazan, a dragon agree that she needed a chance. She finds that the planets animals want to kill them. Can she survive her first trip hunting for food or will she become the food? Must read to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
864 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2025
Bride of the Scarred Alien by Miranda Martin begins the newest Tajss series. Kara Has always been treated as an outsider. Tired of being overlooked, she joins a team heading into the desert to hunt, following a silent yet deadly warrior and others. As they search there are many incidents where Kara proves her worth while the two human males turn out to be worthless. She and the scarred warrior go on to hunt while the others turn back after a debilitating attack by a huge creature. She and Drazan return in love and hauling enough meat to feed the group, proving both their worth and solidarity. Love that the female becomes a warrior in her own right!
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,423 reviews51 followers
November 10, 2025
'Tajss doesn’t give without taking. And this gift comes with teeth.'

I enjoyed this book. It was a journey of survival, and for Kara- an opportunity to finally prove she's no longer a child and can be useful. Good world building and wonderful characters. Draven is a male of few words, but when he does speak people stop to listen. He spoke up for her when the other humans kept dismissing her. And she was determined to not waste the opportunity she was given. This story was fast-paced with action and danger. 4 stars
3,267 reviews25 followers
November 15, 2025
Cara was angry that everyone overlooked her efforts as she was young.
Cara has just fetched water but every one ignores her efforts but the scarred warrior watches her. After the hunting party returns empty handed She joins a group to head out and find food lead by the scarred warrior along with young warrior and two humans who continually moan and belittle her. She find that the scarred warrior looks encourage her and help her hold firm when they are attacked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,344 reviews
November 16, 2025
The story is told from the point of view of the FMC, and we see her grow from a girl trying to prove herself into a confident woman who believes in her skills. This book is different from her other works. Her vivid descriptions paint a clear picture of the world, though at times it can seem a bit repetitive.

I truly enjoyed the dynamic between our MCs. It beautifully shows that sometimes, words aren't necessary—actions really do speak louder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
358 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2025
Too slow to develop... too much left unresolved -- bring on #2

I know we needed to experience the tough, hopeless journey with Kara and the others but it meant it took way too long for Kara to get together with her Scarred Alien -- and the battles with creatures they encountered were too repetitive. And we didn't even really get much of an HEA ending. Disappointing after waiting so long to get back to Tjass -- but I am still grateful we finally are back. Hopefully the next will be better!!
2,551 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2025
This was another treasured mate story I'd highly enjoyed reading. Our characters are Kara our unappreciated human and Drazan our scarred Zmaj warrior. Their adventure begins when they both volunteer to hunt for food for the colony. What occurs as they separate from the hunting party is an engaging story. Loved our characters as Drazan discovers Kara is his mate and how the time away from the colony forces Kara to become more self-aware of her worth as they bond and survive during the hunting trip. I'd volunteer to read and review this enjoyable copy I'd received.
Profile Image for Lisa A.
1,569 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2025
This was really good…
Kara feels as if she isn’t valued by the other survivors and is determined to prove her worth. With the scarred Zmaj’s support she sets out on a crucial reconnaissance mission with a small group to hunt for critical resources. She quickly and consistently proves she has the heart of a warrior and together Kara and Drazan overcome impossible odds… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,968 reviews
November 23, 2025
I loved this story by Miranda Martin. I can’t get enough of the world of Tajss. I can’t wait to read her books when I see them pop up. Her worlds are so amazing. I loved reading about Kara and Drazan. I didn’t want to finish the book because I would have to leave them. They were amazing. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Megan.
21 reviews
December 17, 2025
I’ll be honest, I didn’t finish this. I tried. I really did. But hearing the same phrases over and over and over again? I got so annoyed I didn’t even want to finish it.
“We’re not alone” “if the scarred warrior can do it, so can I”.
I was really interested in reading this, then the further I got into, the less I wanted to read.
I made it to chapter 15 out of 36…and it’s not getting any better.
Profile Image for Alexis.
60 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2026
This was just a little palette cleanser to break up some of the books I’m reading. The story is a little different compared to other alien romances I’ve read being that the MMC and FMC are constantly fighting for survival. Keep in mind I jumped in the middle of the series so I’m curious how the other books compare. If you’re looking for something that’s more plot heavy with minimal spice then this is for you!
7,330 reviews34 followers
November 1, 2025
Part of the Survivor Brides of Tajss series. The author writes this genre very well. Kara, a human and Drazan, a Zmaj warrior meet and find they're fated mates. Will they have a HEA? Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,085 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2025
I love visiting Tajss. Kara is a human female wanting yo prove herself. She volunteers to hunt for food with the hunting partty. Drazan is a scarred Zmaj warrior who finds that Kara is his mate. He'll do anything to protect his treasure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
December 3, 2025
Disappointed

Writing style to repetitive. The two main characters are overly described in the book. She's tired of being
looked over as weak, as a child and never getting noticed. Also he is super hot with lots of scars. It says these things through the WHOLE book. The ending is lack luster because they will still have the same problem that they had in the beginning
Profile Image for Alicia Bish.
344 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2026
Drazan and Kara

World building was insanity. Plot was ever changing. Angst was through the roof. Spice was icing on the cake! I need to read the other series though I do feel like I would get more of what the general aspects were but I didn’t know this until I was half way thru! Back to the beginning I go!
1,532 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2026
Kara grew up on the generation ship and has always felt she is treated like a child even though she is now an adult. When a group of five go on a mission to find food, she is included. Drazan, a scarred Zmaj Warrior also on the hunt, knows Kara is his treasure to protect at all costs. They find each other and love in the most dangerous of situations.
Profile Image for Poetry Drive.
504 reviews14 followers
May 25, 2026
It’s only 249-ish pages but there’s a lot of information and one of the sloooooowest burns ever. The FMC gets a good character arc and the spice eventually drops towards the last 50 pages.

There is some in depth detail about the world and their journey so if you’re a sci-fi nerd, you’ll love this. It’s hard to skim because every sentence matters, but overall it was a solid 3 stars.
Profile Image for Kathleen Reed.
935 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2025
Well written

The story all told by kara. I find this approach very interesting and different from all the other stories in this series. Deep thought and true bonds Emerge from kara and the scarred warrior.
2 reviews
December 26, 2025
strangely written & repetitive

The chapters kinda blend together. No resolution to the main post apocalyptic plot. Smut is kinda weak sauce. Not sure if this is supposed to be a standalone or apart of a series but I’m definitely still lost in the sauce after reading.
1,797 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2026
Good read🌝

Kara is tired of everyone thinking she's a child. The scarred Zmaj says she can come look for food. Along with two human men and a young Zmaj. As it turns out only the first two can complete the trip. Many dangers! Enjoy

Ps be sure to read the bonus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews