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Warriors of the Lathar #21
Stolen by the Alien Bodyguard
She didn't sign up for some alien mail-order-bride thing, but she fell for the alien anyway. Trouble is, she fell for the wrong one…
Emily was a social worker, not a princess. She sorted donated coats, broke up fights over bunks, and went home to a grumpy cat. Then her mother forged her signature on a contract with the Latharian Mate Program, and Emily didn't just get matched, she got matched to the Emperor himself. The most powerful man in the known galaxy. And not one person gave a damn that she hadn't been asked...
He was sworn to protect her. Not to want her.
Raaevik K'Vass had one job: guard the Emperor's future mate. Shadow her. Sleep outside her door. Keep her alive.
He was not supposed to notice the way she looked at him like he was the only solid thing in her world. He was not supposed to feel the word mine thunder through his blood every time she turned those beautiful, dark eyes on him. But the Emperor trusted him, and Raaevik would rather die than betray that trust. The problem was, dying might be easier.
Then Purists took her.
Which is when Raaevik stopped being a warrior and started being a problem…
Emily was a social worker, not a princess. She sorted donated coats, broke up fights over bunks, and went home to a grumpy cat. Then her mother forged her signature on a contract with the Latharian Mate Program, and Emily didn't just get matched, she got matched to the Emperor himself. The most powerful man in the known galaxy. And not one person gave a damn that she hadn't been asked...
He was sworn to protect her. Not to want her.
Raaevik K'Vass had one job: guard the Emperor's future mate. Shadow her. Sleep outside her door. Keep her alive.
He was not supposed to notice the way she looked at him like he was the only solid thing in her world. He was not supposed to feel the word mine thunder through his blood every time she turned those beautiful, dark eyes on him. But the Emperor trusted him, and Raaevik would rather die than betray that trust. The problem was, dying might be easier.
Then Purists took her.
Which is when Raaevik stopped being a warrior and started being a problem…
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Mina Carter
290 books2,415 followersMina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, a puppy who pays no attention to her whatsoever, and a bossy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 4, 2026
This book lacked substance. Are you a fan of the Lancelot, King Arthur and Guinevere dynamic? If so, you might enjoy this book. I never could get past the cheater vibes, so that has never been a story that I enjoyed. The FMC is assigned to Daanyal and we are supposed to find a budding romance between her and her bodyguard entertaining? Emily is portrayed as a doormat. She goes along with the match and her acceptance of it to Daanyal's face is the piece that seals the yuck factor for me. She is unlikable and when she engages in extracurriculars with her bodyguard...nope. I was never going to be a fan of this story because of the cheating. I did finish the book and I was disappointed. The action was meh and the ending was convenient. Next!
April 6, 2026
As I've said in other Mina Carter reviews of this series, I can't figure out where this is going.
This series started out great. Interesting characters, a clear issue with a species who had messed with their own DNA and lost the ability to have girl children. But this has turned into something that sprawls all over the place. Established characters change personalities, new motivations come and go, different governments move in and out, and settled processes change depending on the story. Things made very clear in previous books change in another.
First example, why are women treated as virtual prisoners in this book? In most of the past books, the woman was given three days to decide on accepting a mate. Here, we have women housed in small rooms with limited food and nothing to do, including having little contact with other women. In this case, the FMC was contracted by HER MOTHER, not herself, yet this made no difference. What? All the initial scenes--grabbing the FMC, treating her like cargo, shoving her into a room of strangers who strip her and talk over her, being referred to as a "canvas," and drug around to parties and ceremonies--what is this? Luckily, she responds with silence or sarcasm, so there's that. No yelling or refusal? Nothing changes until her bodyguard steps in. Yeah! The man fixes things. Yet she's also referred to as the "breeding candidate."
At 21% I started skipping ahead in search of a story. Daaynal, the emperor, a strong and fair character in all the previous books, is a milktoast who barely makes an appearance.
Then, the FMC's mother shows. Huh? For the first time in this series, a nagging, power hungry, evil mom appears. Such a tired trope, MC! And what does the nearly 30 year old FMC do? She acts as a doormat. Almost 30? Seriously?
Somewhere in this hot mess an entirely new thing comes up--a resistance among the human women. That's weird, because we've been told repeatedly that human women are treated like stray dogs on Earth, and line up to sign up for a potential new life. Why would anyone not want to try the mate program? So what happened? Too much propaganda from Earth purists? No one is forced, or at least until now. This is the first time anything like this has been mentioned in this entire series.
So here we are, at book 21, where we've been told that the Emperor will get his match! It was all over the place when this book went on pre-sale. So what happened? We got pimped, folks. Daaynal doesn’t get his mate. But in thw afterward, we're told the NEXT book will be about Daaynal's mate. Right.
I have some other questions. How did the Emperor get matched to someone who is the mate of another? This is a first. Daaynal talks to her as if the match is just for political reasons. In all the previous books, the couple usually feel the attachment immediately if they are matched. Why not this time? Was something rigged or wrong with the DNA match? Who knows, because it's never mentioned.
At least at the end, Daaynal finally pulls up his big girl panties and says he's going to deal with the Purists once and for all. I'm not holding my breath.
Man, I used to LOVE this series. But it's really all over the map these days. Some stories are quite frankly boring, some are limited with dry, unfun leads, and some introduce a pile of new concepts that completely change what's happened before.
I actually have enjoyed the offshoot series more after these last 4 or 5 books. I'm not sure what's next here.
This series started out great. Interesting characters, a clear issue with a species who had messed with their own DNA and lost the ability to have girl children. But this has turned into something that sprawls all over the place. Established characters change personalities, new motivations come and go, different governments move in and out, and settled processes change depending on the story. Things made very clear in previous books change in another.
First example, why are women treated as virtual prisoners in this book? In most of the past books, the woman was given three days to decide on accepting a mate. Here, we have women housed in small rooms with limited food and nothing to do, including having little contact with other women. In this case, the FMC was contracted by HER MOTHER, not herself, yet this made no difference. What? All the initial scenes--grabbing the FMC, treating her like cargo, shoving her into a room of strangers who strip her and talk over her, being referred to as a "canvas," and drug around to parties and ceremonies--what is this? Luckily, she responds with silence or sarcasm, so there's that. No yelling or refusal? Nothing changes until her bodyguard steps in. Yeah! The man fixes things. Yet she's also referred to as the "breeding candidate."
At 21% I started skipping ahead in search of a story. Daaynal, the emperor, a strong and fair character in all the previous books, is a milktoast who barely makes an appearance.
Then, the FMC's mother shows. Huh? For the first time in this series, a nagging, power hungry, evil mom appears. Such a tired trope, MC! And what does the nearly 30 year old FMC do? She acts as a doormat. Almost 30? Seriously?
Somewhere in this hot mess an entirely new thing comes up--a resistance among the human women. That's weird, because we've been told repeatedly that human women are treated like stray dogs on Earth, and line up to sign up for a potential new life. Why would anyone not want to try the mate program? So what happened? Too much propaganda from Earth purists? No one is forced, or at least until now. This is the first time anything like this has been mentioned in this entire series.
So here we are, at book 21, where we've been told that the Emperor will get his match! It was all over the place when this book went on pre-sale. So what happened? We got pimped, folks. Daaynal doesn’t get his mate. But in thw afterward, we're told the NEXT book will be about Daaynal's mate. Right.
I have some other questions. How did the Emperor get matched to someone who is the mate of another? This is a first. Daaynal talks to her as if the match is just for political reasons. In all the previous books, the couple usually feel the attachment immediately if they are matched. Why not this time? Was something rigged or wrong with the DNA match? Who knows, because it's never mentioned.
At least at the end, Daaynal finally pulls up his big girl panties and says he's going to deal with the Purists once and for all. I'm not holding my breath.
Man, I used to LOVE this series. But it's really all over the map these days. Some stories are quite frankly boring, some are limited with dry, unfun leads, and some introduce a pile of new concepts that completely change what's happened before.
I actually have enjoyed the offshoot series more after these last 4 or 5 books. I'm not sure what's next here.
April 3, 2026
I don’t get why this book is getting such amazing reviews, especially since it’s part of a series that used to be so different. Doesn’t anyone remember the other twenty books? When the female main characters had real agency instead of just being doormats? When the Latharian love interest would do anything for the woman they wanted? When the writing was fast-paced and full of action?
For a book that’s only 256 pages, this one felt super slow. Even at 40% in, I was still waiting for the main plot to show up, but all I got was a whiny FMC and a race of supposed warriors I barely recognized. Everything just felt... off. And pretty flat, too. Daaynal, the clever but charming warrior emperor I’ve been rooting for since Book 1, was completely missing. The Daaynal in this book was nothing like the one who stole little Miisan away to show her his palace... Remember the palace? The actual seat of power instead of Devan station? Daaynal also used to be a few steps ahead of everyone, but here he couldn’t even see what was right in front of him.
The human government, too, seemed to be gone, which used to be a counterbalance to the Latharians. What happened to President Murphy and all those tough negotiations so the Lathar didn’t just take whatever they wanted? You'd think if the emperor found his genetic match and is marrying her, there'd be a human delegation present at least one of those many, many receptions, no? And the rules for the LMP? Remember how matched warriors had three days to court their matches? All gone, with no explanation.
And Emily? I couldn’t figure out why she was so obsessed with Raaevik from the start. He was a jerk, especially early on. He acted just like the LMP office people, her mom, or pretty much anyone else, but she clung to him like he was her savior... or her mate, in this weird cosmic way that doesn’t fit the Lathar universe. Like, Emily felt a hook in her chest? Seriously? Some paranormal mate bond when no other human female lead ever did? The Latharian mate bond used to be way different from the usual kind. And why are LMP candidates called breeders now? When did that happen?
I could keep going forever. Reading this book made me feel like I missed a few books when I have, in fact, read them all, including the spin-offs. So none of this makes sense to me, especially since Mina Carter spent twenty+ books building this huge world, a detailed set of rules, and memorable characters she... threw overboard for this one. Everything was off by a lightyear.
I had to DNF at 47%. Had to. Just too many inconsistencies, nothing really happening, and zero emotional connection. This book doesn’t feel anything like the other Warriors of the Lathar books. If this is the new direction for the series (and the spin-offs, which, sadly, also took a nosedive), it might be time to say goodbye to the Warriors of the Lathar universe, even though it hurts to give up on Daaynal’s story. But honestly, he stopped being the Daaynal I wanted to see happy and matched a couple of books ago (across series), so maybe it won’t be such a big loss...
For a book that’s only 256 pages, this one felt super slow. Even at 40% in, I was still waiting for the main plot to show up, but all I got was a whiny FMC and a race of supposed warriors I barely recognized. Everything just felt... off. And pretty flat, too. Daaynal, the clever but charming warrior emperor I’ve been rooting for since Book 1, was completely missing. The Daaynal in this book was nothing like the one who stole little Miisan away to show her his palace... Remember the palace? The actual seat of power instead of Devan station? Daaynal also used to be a few steps ahead of everyone, but here he couldn’t even see what was right in front of him.
The human government, too, seemed to be gone, which used to be a counterbalance to the Latharians. What happened to President Murphy and all those tough negotiations so the Lathar didn’t just take whatever they wanted? You'd think if the emperor found his genetic match and is marrying her, there'd be a human delegation present at least one of those many, many receptions, no? And the rules for the LMP? Remember how matched warriors had three days to court their matches? All gone, with no explanation.
And Emily? I couldn’t figure out why she was so obsessed with Raaevik from the start. He was a jerk, especially early on. He acted just like the LMP office people, her mom, or pretty much anyone else, but she clung to him like he was her savior... or her mate, in this weird cosmic way that doesn’t fit the Lathar universe. Like, Emily felt a hook in her chest? Seriously? Some paranormal mate bond when no other human female lead ever did? The Latharian mate bond used to be way different from the usual kind. And why are LMP candidates called breeders now? When did that happen?
I could keep going forever. Reading this book made me feel like I missed a few books when I have, in fact, read them all, including the spin-offs. So none of this makes sense to me, especially since Mina Carter spent twenty+ books building this huge world, a detailed set of rules, and memorable characters she... threw overboard for this one. Everything was off by a lightyear.
I had to DNF at 47%. Had to. Just too many inconsistencies, nothing really happening, and zero emotional connection. This book doesn’t feel anything like the other Warriors of the Lathar books. If this is the new direction for the series (and the spin-offs, which, sadly, also took a nosedive), it might be time to say goodbye to the Warriors of the Lathar universe, even though it hurts to give up on Daaynal’s story. But honestly, he stopped being the Daaynal I wanted to see happy and matched a couple of books ago (across series), so maybe it won’t be such a big loss...
April 16, 2026
Something's Afoot Here🧐
Emily is a Social Worker.
Whoop!! Whoop!!
Love my Social Workers ❤️
It appears that she works in a shelter, when she gets an alert from the LMP.
Emily is floored to be notified that she's been matched with someone but she never signed up for the LMP program.
I have so many questions about how she got matched but never signed up.
The mystery is soon solved when Emily realizes she's been tricked.
And by someone very close to her.
I want to know how this was possible?
Was someone paid off?
How could this happen?
Is it legal?
How is it binding when it was done without consent??
Emily goes to the LMP office to contest her results and try to resolve the situation.
But she's told nothing can be done because she's matched with a high profile individual
Who cares about their profile??
She didn't consent to this!!
Emily has essentially been drafted into the Latharian empire and can't get out of it.
At the same time she's been wisked away from her whole life and taken to Devan station to begin preparation for her new life.
A new life no one bothers to ask if she wants.
What Emily really wants is to return home to her life and her dog.
But she also wants a life with her new bodyguard who's most definitely off limits for several reasons.
Raaevik was assigned to escort Emily to Devan station to meet her high profile match
Raaevik is a Sub Commander.
He is loyal to the empire.
He knows his duty and never waivers from it.
Until he meets Emily.
Now he's facing an internal struggle between his duty and a connection to Emily that he can't walk away from.
They both are walking a fine line between treason, duty, obsession, deceit, and a budding romance.
Somebody's gonna get burned.
I have been patiently waiting for Dyanaal to get matched and find his happily ever after.
But it wasn't meant to be.
Not in this book and I wanna know why??
Why not him?
Why did he get matched this way?
Who is the woman in the secret room??
Where did she come from?
What's going on here?
Does he already have a mate?
So many questions...
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Emily is a Social Worker.
Whoop!! Whoop!!
Love my Social Workers ❤️
It appears that she works in a shelter, when she gets an alert from the LMP.
Emily is floored to be notified that she's been matched with someone but she never signed up for the LMP program.
I have so many questions about how she got matched but never signed up.
The mystery is soon solved when Emily realizes she's been tricked.
And by someone very close to her.
I want to know how this was possible?
Was someone paid off?
How could this happen?
Is it legal?
How is it binding when it was done without consent??
Emily goes to the LMP office to contest her results and try to resolve the situation.
But she's told nothing can be done because she's matched with a high profile individual
Who cares about their profile??
She didn't consent to this!!
Emily has essentially been drafted into the Latharian empire and can't get out of it.
At the same time she's been wisked away from her whole life and taken to Devan station to begin preparation for her new life.
A new life no one bothers to ask if she wants.
What Emily really wants is to return home to her life and her dog.
But she also wants a life with her new bodyguard who's most definitely off limits for several reasons.
Raaevik was assigned to escort Emily to Devan station to meet her high profile match
Raaevik is a Sub Commander.
He is loyal to the empire.
He knows his duty and never waivers from it.
Until he meets Emily.
Now he's facing an internal struggle between his duty and a connection to Emily that he can't walk away from.
They both are walking a fine line between treason, duty, obsession, deceit, and a budding romance.
Somebody's gonna get burned.
I have been patiently waiting for Dyanaal to get matched and find his happily ever after.
But it wasn't meant to be.
Not in this book and I wanna know why??
Why not him?
Why did he get matched this way?
Who is the woman in the secret room??
Where did she come from?
What's going on here?
Does he already have a mate?
So many questions...
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emily is shocked when she's told she has matched with someone in the Lathar Mate programme. Especially as she didn't sign up for it! Learning her mother essentially sold her DNA profile for profit is just the latest thing to drive a wedge between Emily and her appalling mother, Miranda.
Raaevik is the most trusted guard of the Latharian Emperor, sent to guard Emily on her travels to Devan Station. But when he sets eyes on her he feels an instant tug and his mind screams "MINE". But Raaevik is loyal to his Emperor and puts aside his attraction to Emily. When they are forced to spend more and more time together that stoic, warrior façade cracks.
Social Worker to potential empress is quite a leap. Emily hates all the money grubbing antics of her mother, she just wants to help people, make their lives easier and treat them with some dignity. Miranda has never saw her daughter as a person, just a potential beneficial pawn to be traded for gain. Raaevik sees just who Emily is and thinks she is perfect as she is.
The threat from the Purists is still ongoing and they perform a particularly heinous attack, one which would put an entire bloodline in peril. An it would seem Raaevik has a surprise or two in store for us too!
Perfectly balance between adventure storyline and romance. The smexy scenes are few but the tension is there in spades. The struggle Raaevik feels between betrayal to his Emperor and his mate bond with Emily was intense. Similarly Emily understands that even though she didn't agree to this match with the Emperor, she's now stuck with it - well unless of course they have a crafty way to circumvent it!
Raaevik is the most trusted guard of the Latharian Emperor, sent to guard Emily on her travels to Devan Station. But when he sets eyes on her he feels an instant tug and his mind screams "MINE". But Raaevik is loyal to his Emperor and puts aside his attraction to Emily. When they are forced to spend more and more time together that stoic, warrior façade cracks.
Social Worker to potential empress is quite a leap. Emily hates all the money grubbing antics of her mother, she just wants to help people, make their lives easier and treat them with some dignity. Miranda has never saw her daughter as a person, just a potential beneficial pawn to be traded for gain. Raaevik sees just who Emily is and thinks she is perfect as she is.
The threat from the Purists is still ongoing and they perform a particularly heinous attack, one which would put an entire bloodline in peril. An it would seem Raaevik has a surprise or two in store for us too!
Perfectly balance between adventure storyline and romance. The smexy scenes are few but the tension is there in spades. The struggle Raaevik feels between betrayal to his Emperor and his mate bond with Emily was intense. Similarly Emily understands that even though she didn't agree to this match with the Emperor, she's now stuck with it - well unless of course they have a crafty way to circumvent it!
April 16, 2026
Emily did not enroll in the mating program. She had a job on Earth. When she found out her mother set it up, she decided to mix it. But it wasn’t that simple. She was to be the mate of Daaynal, the Emperor. Raaevik K’Vass has been sent to retrieve the Emperor’s bride from Earth. Surprisingly, she is HIS. His blood burns for her. Em sees Raaevik as a friend on the Devon Station but as they spend more time together she can feel the pull. She doesn’t want to be an Emperess. Raaevik is honor bound to keep his distance from Em. Even his friend Thyaar knows what is going on. Raa and Em eventually come together but they both feel like they are hurting others. I loved how they both tried hard to keep the relationship just friends. Each time they had an interaction, one or the other pulled back. It was frustrating at times. And OMG her mother is a piece of work. This woman just thought of herself. Wanting to be royalty and thumbing her nose at everyone. She also was cruel with her words to Em. I loved that Raa stepped up. Things look they are going good then the purists make a move. I could not believe what they did. We also have Isan back. There is a twist with Raa. It is really a good one. With Thyaar now bound for Earth to get Em’s cat Barnaby, I wonder if he finds hie mate there too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emily had no interest in changing her life, and Raaevik K’Vass struggled daily to maintain control of his, but the reality was that a greater force controlled their lives, and they had no power over it. Caught in a difficult and dangerous situation, a poorly thought-out decision unleashes chaos with a surprising twist that exposed the protagonists. Much of what happened took me by surprise, and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. I felt sorry for the emperor’s situation, angry with Miranda, and even appreciated Thyaar. The plot captivated me, and some scenes moved me deeply. I love when I connect with the characters, when I feel what they feel, and the authors surprise me constantly. The emperor’s role was anything but predictable, leaving me eager for his story and to see him in the thick of the battle. It’s an interesting story, full of action, suspense, violence, betrayal, with moving scenes, intrigue, romance, and passion. For me, this has been one of the best stories I've read by this author.
March 31, 2026
Yes, definitely
I was completely absorbed in this book from beginning to end and enjoyed it immensely. I appreciated the resolution at the end and also the setup for Thyaar's story. I am assuming he gets a book of his own. Of course I'm waiting for the emperor's story , But I've been waiting for that since the very beginning of this series so I can wait a bit longer. But Thyaar, he really surfaced as a character of his own, and he deserves his own HEA, not to mention wanting to know how his first encounter with a diabetic cat would proceed.
How this author manages to imbue each story with heat and excitement, and after writing about the Lathar for so long, is a testament to her skill. I await the next episode in this world with bated breath. Of course it helps that the editing is superb, and I don't have to be constantly annoyed with misplaced commas and apostrophes, grammatical errors and spelling inaccuracies; all of which seem to be par for the course these days with many of these recent books. Thank you. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
I was completely absorbed in this book from beginning to end and enjoyed it immensely. I appreciated the resolution at the end and also the setup for Thyaar's story. I am assuming he gets a book of his own. Of course I'm waiting for the emperor's story , But I've been waiting for that since the very beginning of this series so I can wait a bit longer. But Thyaar, he really surfaced as a character of his own, and he deserves his own HEA, not to mention wanting to know how his first encounter with a diabetic cat would proceed.
How this author manages to imbue each story with heat and excitement, and after writing about the Lathar for so long, is a testament to her skill. I await the next episode in this world with bated breath. Of course it helps that the editing is superb, and I don't have to be constantly annoyed with misplaced commas and apostrophes, grammatical errors and spelling inaccuracies; all of which seem to be par for the course these days with many of these recent books. Thank you. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
April 1, 2026
Love to Die For
I wish I had more than 5 stars to rate this book! Mina's stories never fail to grip me until the last page. I downloaded this on the day it was published and read until the end in one sitting, only stopping to grab a sandwich and a cup of coffee.
I loved both Raaevik and Emily. Warm and caring Emily was sold to the Empire by her narcissistic, greedy mother. Raaevik, one of the Emperor's guardsmen was sent to fetch her from Earth, after her genetics were matched to the Emperor himself. Not a love match or even a fated mate match, but one that was supposed to produce an Imperial heir. Instead after many an adventure it turns out fated mates were Raaevik and Emily, not the Emperor and Emily. Suffice it to say, Like all Mina's Lather stories, after much struggle, this had an HEA! I highly recommend the book.
I fell in love with Raaevik and Emily both. Emily was basically sold to the Empire by her narcissistic, greedy mother.
I wish I had more than 5 stars to rate this book! Mina's stories never fail to grip me until the last page. I downloaded this on the day it was published and read until the end in one sitting, only stopping to grab a sandwich and a cup of coffee.
I loved both Raaevik and Emily. Warm and caring Emily was sold to the Empire by her narcissistic, greedy mother. Raaevik, one of the Emperor's guardsmen was sent to fetch her from Earth, after her genetics were matched to the Emperor himself. Not a love match or even a fated mate match, but one that was supposed to produce an Imperial heir. Instead after many an adventure it turns out fated mates were Raaevik and Emily, not the Emperor and Emily. Suffice it to say, Like all Mina's Lather stories, after much struggle, this had an HEA! I highly recommend the book.
I fell in love with Raaevik and Emily both. Emily was basically sold to the Empire by her narcissistic, greedy mother.
April 19, 2026
Ok. Liked it.
Emily is notified a Lathar match has been found for her. Except she had not signed up for the Mate Program. And her notice was 15 minutes for pick up. She argued with the Earth Mate Program Agency manager. It did not help. Raae'vec showed up and hauled her off. Raae'vec immediately felt a connection. Emily also felt the connection. Then she discovers she is matched to the Emporer. Except she is really not suited for Daay'naal. No. She is for the body guard. Emily and Raae'vec fight the attraction. Death is the punishment for them if they give in. They spar, argue. Danger awaits when Emily makes a very bad decision to run. Really bad things happen. The ending is interesting. Good read. I am SOOOOOO ready for Daay'naal to find his mate. Please let her be a fierce, protective female. Like the first books. Those women kicked butt and took names! Can't wait!!!!
Emily is notified a Lathar match has been found for her. Except she had not signed up for the Mate Program. And her notice was 15 minutes for pick up. She argued with the Earth Mate Program Agency manager. It did not help. Raae'vec showed up and hauled her off. Raae'vec immediately felt a connection. Emily also felt the connection. Then she discovers she is matched to the Emporer. Except she is really not suited for Daay'naal. No. She is for the body guard. Emily and Raae'vec fight the attraction. Death is the punishment for them if they give in. They spar, argue. Danger awaits when Emily makes a very bad decision to run. Really bad things happen. The ending is interesting. Good read. I am SOOOOOO ready for Daay'naal to find his mate. Please let her be a fierce, protective female. Like the first books. Those women kicked butt and took names! Can't wait!!!!
July 6, 2026
This plotline could have been good.
Had a nice twist with Raaevik being Izaean. But we get a weak doormat heroine once again.
She can’t stand up to a mother who SOLD her for money and prestige.
She cheats on her betrothed with her bodyguard.
Yes, she didn’t ask to be matched, but once again she just went along with not standing up for herself.
Then has a hissy fit, trying to slap, couldn’t call it fighting, a sub commander lathar warrior in a fight.
Then when she is weaponised by the purists, she doesn’t shout out a warning for no one to touch her, so a young medic dies.
I truly disliked her for her inaction on every front. Not once does she stand up for herself.
Truly not a good storyline, and it has an easy solution to what was done to Emily. Ship her off to somewhere she cannot kill a K'Saan.
A hint of possibility for Daaynal.
Though I did like Raaevik’s friend Thyaar.
What happened to the twit Lucy?
Read through kobo+.
Had a nice twist with Raaevik being Izaean. But we get a weak doormat heroine once again.
She can’t stand up to a mother who SOLD her for money and prestige.
She cheats on her betrothed with her bodyguard.
Yes, she didn’t ask to be matched, but once again she just went along with not standing up for herself.
Then has a hissy fit, trying to slap, couldn’t call it fighting, a sub commander lathar warrior in a fight.
Then when she is weaponised by the purists, she doesn’t shout out a warning for no one to touch her, so a young medic dies.
I truly disliked her for her inaction on every front. Not once does she stand up for herself.
Truly not a good storyline, and it has an easy solution to what was done to Emily. Ship her off to somewhere she cannot kill a K'Saan.
A hint of possibility for Daaynal.
Though I did like Raaevik’s friend Thyaar.
What happened to the twit Lucy?
Read through kobo+.
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Review of advance copy
Two people attracted to each other, from different worlds, finding themselves in dire circumstances, each facing betraying Emperor Daaynal. Emily because of her mother's social ambition, and Raaevik K'Vass, the Emperor's elite bodyguard, who has to safeguard Emily (against himself and the ever-present Purists). Their feelings are like a magnet, positive vs negative, pulling and pushing, into and out of each other's arms. This theme also gives hints of the Emperor and who is the female in statis that he feels such strong emotions for when observed by both Emily and Raaevik. The plot line in this story shows twists and turns that showcase Ms. Carter's writing style making this another powerful read in this Warriors Of The Lathar series. I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily left my honest opinion.
March 31, 2026
Love and Fear
So Emily is selected to be the Emperor’s mate and she’s thrilled, right? No, the perverse woman wants her guard with the impossible name, Raaevik. Well, he wants her, too, so no problem. WRONG. If they’re caught canoodling, it’s considered treason, and Raaevik will immediately be executed.
So I’m biting my nails trying to figure out possible ways to get around this… It’s impossible! The tension is killing me!
Then Mina Carter pulls an impossible plot point out of left field, and I’m left gasping.
Actually, it’s genius! I guess that’s why she’s the writer! Bravo! Five stars! Don’t miss this as long as your pacemaker is working.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So Emily is selected to be the Emperor’s mate and she’s thrilled, right? No, the perverse woman wants her guard with the impossible name, Raaevik. Well, he wants her, too, so no problem. WRONG. If they’re caught canoodling, it’s considered treason, and Raaevik will immediately be executed.
So I’m biting my nails trying to figure out possible ways to get around this… It’s impossible! The tension is killing me!
Then Mina Carter pulls an impossible plot point out of left field, and I’m left gasping.
Actually, it’s genius! I guess that’s why she’s the writer! Bravo! Five stars! Don’t miss this as long as your pacemaker is working.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2026
This was an exciting and thrilling reading ride and I was glued to my reader to see how the conundrum of Emily being set to be the next empress when she and bodyguard, Raaevik, have such a strong connection. Raaevik is under threat of execution if he acts on his strong feelings of 'mine!'. Yikes! This had me on and off the edge of my seat as I followed Emily dealing with her wretched mother, them dealing with the purists and just so many twists. Expect to be glued to your reader as you follow these two through the action, danger, betrayal, suspense, intrigue and romance to their fab and well earned HEA. Now I'm anxiously waiting for the Emperor's story and the mystery of the gal in stasis. So good and I can't wait for more :D
April 8, 2026
This is booked 21 in the Lathar series Mina Carter. And while this is booked 21 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I eagerly await each book in the series so I was very happy to download this one and jumped right in. Basically the story has our female main character being chosen as the matched mate for the emperor of the Lathar. Her mother signed her up behind her back and she is to be taken to him against her will. The main male character is sent to retrieve her and unfortunately for him immediately feels like she is “his mate ” but since she is for the emperor and he is the Emperor‘s guard, he cannot betray that trust. There’s a lot of emotional angst in this book and deep feelings. I really enjoyed it and obviously can’t wait for the next one in the series.
April 12, 2026
I can’t believe it’s the 21 book in the Warriors of the Lathar series and I’m still hooked! Emily and Raaevik story was complicated, intense, Swoony and that’s just from their first meeting. As their story grows so does the danger surrounding her as the Emperor matched mate. This wasn’t your typical mate match storyline, it had a taboo element that burns the pages as duty and love clash to make an unexpected romance spout of reach for the characters. Will they find their HEA? One click to find out in this edge of your seat, high heat addition to the definite must one click series. I can’t wait for the next story which everyone who has read this series from the start has been waiting for the Emperors story.
April 2, 2026
She doesn’t want to be the Empress of the Lathar
Unbeknownst to her Emily has been sold to the Lathar mating programme so she is very surprised when she is told she has been mated tot eh Emperor himself. Raaevikhas been sent to get her and is surprised to find she is his mate. It is treason if they follow through on their attraction so they must fight it.
I really enjoyed this book about this romantic adventure in this world. As usual the characters are fantastic and the action is unexpected so that I have to keep reading. Another wonderful addition to this series! I can’t wait for the next one!!!
Unbeknownst to her Emily has been sold to the Lathar mating programme so she is very surprised when she is told she has been mated tot eh Emperor himself. Raaevikhas been sent to get her and is surprised to find she is his mate. It is treason if they follow through on their attraction so they must fight it.
I really enjoyed this book about this romantic adventure in this world. As usual the characters are fantastic and the action is unexpected so that I have to keep reading. Another wonderful addition to this series! I can’t wait for the next one!!!
April 2, 2026
Being informed that you were matched to a Latharian Warrior was enough of a shock but that's a minor glitch to discovering that it's the Emperor Emily's destined to join with.
It doesn't matter that her "mother" arranged for her to be entered into the program, it's the Emperor.
Raaevik was tasked with guarding Emily, to keep her safe at all costs, not have his whole being scream Mine when he sees her.
Heart clenching and soul agonizing knowing theirs' is a true bond but not being able to acknowledge it was torture to witness until it became lethal when Emily was taken.
An amazing read that could not be put down!
Love the Lathar Warrior series that keeps getting better.
It doesn't matter that her "mother" arranged for her to be entered into the program, it's the Emperor.
Raaevik was tasked with guarding Emily, to keep her safe at all costs, not have his whole being scream Mine when he sees her.
Heart clenching and soul agonizing knowing theirs' is a true bond but not being able to acknowledge it was torture to witness until it became lethal when Emily was taken.
An amazing read that could not be put down!
Love the Lathar Warrior series that keeps getting better.
April 2, 2026
Love The Twists
One of the biggest things I love about Mina Carter’s books is her plot twists. Just as you think you know how the story goes (or maybe goes) she swoops in and destroys all your suppositions. This story started out fairly humdrum with bodyguard falling for a gal supposedly fated to marry his Emperoror, yadayadayada…leaving you wondering just how this was all going to be resolved especially since there were death sentences attached to the whole thing when everything gets flipped on it’s head! I’m not giving a recap as the surprises in the book are all part and parcel of its readability. But I will say to definitely read this one!
One of the biggest things I love about Mina Carter’s books is her plot twists. Just as you think you know how the story goes (or maybe goes) she swoops in and destroys all your suppositions. This story started out fairly humdrum with bodyguard falling for a gal supposedly fated to marry his Emperoror, yadayadayada…leaving you wondering just how this was all going to be resolved especially since there were death sentences attached to the whole thing when everything gets flipped on it’s head! I’m not giving a recap as the surprises in the book are all part and parcel of its readability. But I will say to definitely read this one!
April 3, 2026
True Love (sigh)
Well! Another amazing Warriors of the Lathar story. I never get tired of reading about their escapades, battles and love connections. Daaynal is one of my favorite characters. Sometimes he's every bit an Emperor, but he is still able to access compassion and wisdom toward his warriors. His cunning and strategic decisions are very much on display in this book. He finally found his mate in Emily, but there are complications. She is in danger. She also loves another warrior. Oh, the drama! It's intense! I love this book and all the Lathar series. Enjoy!
Well! Another amazing Warriors of the Lathar story. I never get tired of reading about their escapades, battles and love connections. Daaynal is one of my favorite characters. Sometimes he's every bit an Emperor, but he is still able to access compassion and wisdom toward his warriors. His cunning and strategic decisions are very much on display in this book. He finally found his mate in Emily, but there are complications. She is in danger. She also loves another warrior. Oh, the drama! It's intense! I love this book and all the Lathar series. Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mina Carter has another five star read! I love this series and this book I believe is the best. We got to see a little bit of the emperor and the man behind the crown. I am intrigued by who is in stasis. Emily is kind and warm while she navigates life as an impending monarch. The plot line keeps you at the edge of your seat while the romance is intense and hot! You fall in love with Carter’s characters and I can’t wait to see what she has in-store for the future of this series. Download and enjoy🩷🩷
April 6, 2026
Poor Emily. Her mother is greedy and ambitions and has sold Emily's DNA to the Latharian Mate Program. Even though her mother falsely signed her up, she can't get out of it because she has been matched to the Emperor himself. Raaevik knows that Emily is his but he is loyal and would never commit treason against his emperor by taking his fated mate. I want Daaynal to get his mate but not this way. I am glad that things worked out the way they did. I liked how independent Emily is and Raaevik is a strong and honorable man.
September 25, 2026
WANTED: LATHAR BODYGUARD - ALIVE
Dominant (he thinks) strong silent type felled by demure (oh heck no) sassy unflinching female. I haven't had so much fun reading a book in this genre in a long time. A sensual read with insight into not only a man's desires but a woman's as well. The author tastefully shows that the bond between a male and female begins with respecting their feelings and nurturing their souls. I didn't know this was part of a series. Now, I'm going to have to get book #1!
Dominant (he thinks) strong silent type felled by demure (oh heck no) sassy unflinching female. I haven't had so much fun reading a book in this genre in a long time. A sensual read with insight into not only a man's desires but a woman's as well. The author tastefully shows that the bond between a male and female begins with respecting their feelings and nurturing their souls. I didn't know this was part of a series. Now, I'm going to have to get book #1!
March 31, 2026
Emily grabbed my heart from the beginning of this tale, just a good hearted woman trying to help the less fortunate. Then her life is turned upside down. And who should she be matched with but the Emperor himself. I have been waiting so long for Daaynal to get his mate. The twisted tale that is Emily’s match has me holding my breath for the resolution. When baddies step in and everything flips it all falls into place, but what a wild ride I never expected. Loved this read!
April 1, 2026
A great addition
I have been waiting for the Emperor bride to be chosen the whole series. This was a great forbidden love story that had a great ending. Is there a reason that there are no children mentioned in these books, though. Also, it would be great to have a women group from previous books represented in these stories. It would have solved so many issues when it came to this repetitive anxiety that humans have regarding the program.
I have been waiting for the Emperor bride to be chosen the whole series. This was a great forbidden love story that had a great ending. Is there a reason that there are no children mentioned in these books, though. Also, it would be great to have a women group from previous books represented in these stories. It would have solved so many issues when it came to this repetitive anxiety that humans have regarding the program.
May 31, 2026
Alien romance at its finest
I am not usually an alien fan. However, I love Mina Carter, and have read several of her series. This one was a great one to read if you'd like to sample Mina's writing. While I'm sure the one's that come after are awesome (they always are), it could be a stand-alone too. More than likely, it's going to make you want to go back and read them all. Good luck. Thanks Mina's for another winner.
I am not usually an alien fan. However, I love Mina Carter, and have read several of her series. This one was a great one to read if you'd like to sample Mina's writing. While I'm sure the one's that come after are awesome (they always are), it could be a stand-alone too. More than likely, it's going to make you want to go back and read them all. Good luck. Thanks Mina's for another winner.
April 1, 2026
Best yet
This is an amazing addition to the warriors of Lathar series. A sweet caring MFC put into a situation not of her choosing. A strong MMC that struggles with duty over love. A won't put down story. Can't wait for the next book and truly hope this series continues for many more books.
This is an amazing addition to the warriors of Lathar series. A sweet caring MFC put into a situation not of her choosing. A strong MMC that struggles with duty over love. A won't put down story. Can't wait for the next book and truly hope this series continues for many more books.
April 1, 2026
A fantastic addition to the series and I never want the series to end. I love Emily, she compassionate, smart, and determined not to be an alien mail order bride. Raaelvek is determined to protect the Emperors mate while falling for her. What happens when she is kidnapped.?
I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
April 3, 2026
Can't believe this is the 21st book in this series. I have read every one and each book is original and engaging. Stayed up longer than I should have to finish it in one sitting. Each page entices you to turn to the next one. Well-rounded characters and this world just keeps evolving book after book.
Must read series and author.
Must read series and author.
April 6, 2026
Emily didn't sign up to the Mate program, her mother did behind her back. Raaevik is sent to retrieve the Emperors mate but he has an immediate reaction to her. I thought we were finally getting the Emperors book but there was no stopping the attraction between these two. Can't wait for Daaynals book next. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
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