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Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne #3

Alien Mercenary's Prize

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Natalia Heath is a survivor. She’ll survive an alien fight pit. No problem.

On the run from her crime lord father most of her life, Nat knows how to survive in the worst places in the universe. Being kidnapped by aliens and thrown into a gladiatorial arena to fight for her life is just another turn of bad luck in a lifetime of them. She just needs to figure out a plan to escape.

What she doesn’t plan on though is the sexy alien who says he’s here to rescue her... or the sparks that fly between them.

Beauty’s secret could get him killed... not revealing it will mean her death.

Former pit champion and now a member of the famous mercenary unit, the Warborne, Beauty has two goals in life; keep his head down and die of old age in his own bed. Unfortunately he picked the wrong profession for that. When a team member’s sister is captured, he must head back to the gladiatorial fight pits and reclaim his place as champion to save her.

Unfortunately for him, she turns out to be a spiky, snippy little human female with plans to save herself. Worse, her scent is the most tantalizing he’s ever encountered... She’s beautiful, alluring, and HIS. His mate.

But the rules have changed. The pits are no longer a place where skill in combat can elevate a fighter to freedom. It’s a place of despair and hopelessness with no way out.

To save them all, he must deal with the devils of his past and fight a new champion, one shrouded in secrecy who kills all who dare to step onto the sands in challenge...

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

154 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Mina Carter

298 books2,392 followers
Mina 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 65 reviews
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,663 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2026
Strength and weakness are a heady combination
I should have known that Beauty's story was going to be phenomenal! The author had me on the edge of my seat from the first page and with each turn the excitement just increased. I absolutely love the characters! They each have not had a fantastic past, but they made their little place in the world and when they found their people they shined. I enjoyed that Nat was such a strong character and yet she didn't lose the softness of a gentle heart, and Beauty is everything I hoped he would be and so much more. Just when I thought the story wouldn't get any better the author revealed a secret that had my mouth dropping and made me desperate to see what would happen next. I think I have said this at the end of each book, but this one might just be my favorite. It is certainly one that is going to stay with me and be a frequent re-read, well at least until the next book in the series steals my heart.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,573 reviews55 followers
April 1, 2021
I'm really hoping that this is not the last we hear from this crazy crew. How can I leave this dysfunctional, squabbling, smart@$$ family behind????

Nat may be the queen of the illegal cage matches but she constantly hopes that her notoriety doesn't bring her evil father out of the woodwork! But when she gets abducted and dumped into the Pits, she quickly learns that she may no longer be the queen of the ring because now her opponents have wings or other alien attributes!

Beauty has kept his past quiet from all but the captain but he must face the pits he conquered and managed to escape once more. He has a rescue to mount, a damsel to save and a deep desire to right a few wrongs along the way. But this damsel has no need of saving, she'll kick butt and save herself thank you very much! She is NOTHING like the sister she doesn't know she has who has been living on Beauty's ship as the mate of his friend.

Heartpumping action, spacefaring adventure, heroic daring-do and passion to fry the senses! I love me some Lathar and the Warborne are just as good. Give me more soon please!
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,945 reviews
December 27, 2022
The hero wanted her from the moment he smelled her.

But there were some unanswered questions.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

Right before the end, we find out the hero is a space dragon, a Serotovian (misspelling?). They are extinct. But the evil pit owner had a child space dragon. Hero saves him. Yet we're told in the next book that the kid is in the pits and decided to be a pit fighter for a living. Hero just left him there? A kid and the last one of their species? It didn't make sense.
1,240 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2021
Alien Mercenary’s Prize is the third book in the Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne series, but could be read as a stand alone. Nat is a fighter, both literally and figuratively, but her chance of survival is slim when she’s kidnapped and thrown into a fighting pit. Beauty is on the hunt for Nat, but not only will he have to step back into the pit and fight for his and Nat’s freedom, but he has to fight his inner self against the urge to mate Nat. But with a new, unknown champion they must fight, will they make it out alive?

Oh my goodness, this book was fantastic! I loved this alien spin on historical gladiator fights and I loved the connection that forms between Nat and Beauty! I was hooked pretty fast into their story and did not want to stop reading their romance, plus I was addicted to what would happen to them next with their fights! Nat is such a BA, a little warrior with big attitude and I loved that she never would back down. It was so cool that not only was she underestimated because she was a woman, but also because she was human, but she used that often to her advantage. And for as bold as she often seemed, seeing some of her vulnerable sides was amazing, too! Beauty was my favorite character in this book, though, and I think it’s because we got to see a few new sides to him. He’s pretty secretive, for lots of reasons, but I loved that he had a second family within the pit, beyond just the Warborne. I loved that he had such drive and motivation to win, but that ultimately he was all alpha and protective and possessive and growly and oh, I also loved that he went from thinking he needed someone soft to loving all of the challenges that loving Nat would bring. So good! Such an amazing connection! I loved his secrets, too! The pits and fighting and ever lurking danger set the scene, but their romance would not be denied! I loved being back with the Warborne again, loved reading Beauty and Nat’s story, and I already can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2021
This is Beauty's story and his discovery of Nat, the unknown sister of Marika whose story is told in Book #2, Alien Mercenary's Bride. Nat is not what Beauty expected of her, The Cage Queen, as Nat was totally the opposite of Marika. Nat wasn't sweet, soft, delicate, or nurturing but the exact opposite. Anyway, Beauty's inner beast couldn't scent Nat so she couldn't be anything other than a human. Little did he know Nat's disguise secret so she would be able to win against the Other World creatures in the cage. His Kelarris she was not. Beauty must return to his previous life on Tarviisa, one of fighting and killing as a slave to help Nat. This is one strong story of sacrifice and eventual love. It is a great story in the tradition of Ms. Carter's writing style. Lots of quips, angst, turmoil, the hardened villain Vaxel Ri , fantastic creatures (oh, the butterfly), and violence. All the crew of the Sprite is present on this latest flight. And new characters are introduced, namely Rishnakt, Melissa, and Zad who could be added to a future book. This book contains two epilogues with the 2nd one hinting at a future book involving another male of the Sprite's crew which I will be looking for. This is an ARC review from the author and contains my own voluntary thoughts of this book.
539 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2021
Beauty is going back to the last place he wants to...the pits. Nat isn't sure where she is or how she got here but she us determined to survive. Can they survive together?
Alien Mercenary's Prize is the latest in Mina Carter's Lathar Mercenaries Warborne series. I love getting an opportunity to get to know Beauty better. And for all that Nat was human she made up for the lack of inborn weaponry with street smarts and skill. I love that even as she protected her body her heart found itself under siege. I love seeing Beauty gain Nat's trust even as danger surrounded them. I love that Beauty appreciated Nat and what she brought to the table.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to this series. It was well written and allowed me to return to a world of love, loyalty and friendship.
Profile Image for Jeanne Mead.
501 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2021
Nat is living off the grid to stay off of her crime lord father's radar. So, getting drugged and abducted by aliens and waking up to a fight to win or die situation was a different hell but familiar skill set.
Beauty has personal knowledge of said hell and earned his way out.
When intel informs the Warborne crew learns that she is the lost sister of a member's mate, he offers to go back to get her out.
Many changes and last minute surprises are among the many developments that arise when Nat and Beauty meet and a slow trust is formed along with sparks of intense attraction.
Great banter with old friends and Warborne crew with new acquaintances met in the pits.
Many new and interesting stories to be told!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2021
Beauty's Prize

"You smell like home and all the happily-ever-afters I've ever wanted" - Beauty
I absolutely love that line! In this story Beauty has to return to his past to rescue Marika's sister. Doing so will put his secret in jeopardy. A secret that will get him killed. It will also give him the one he's been looking for his whole life. As for the secret, it's a big one....one that I figured out before the reveal. I received an advance reader's copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
509 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2021
Wow! I absolutely love the Warborne! I wasn’t expecting this, but glad I found it. Love the Lathar series, but the Warborne are amazing. All of them. They definitely need a bigger ship. Unfortunately, I can’t really share much, without giving too much away. I will say this is Beauty’s story. Nat is his new lady love. Lots of humor and action. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,367 reviews46 followers
April 3, 2021
Totally enjoyable instalment in this series.
Action from start to finish with a great heroine in Nat, an interesting surprise from Beauty and some enthralling new characters introduced.
Loved how this all played out and what happens to Pelv, poetic justice indeed.
Do hope we have these characters in future books, I so want to know about Rish and Marissa, and was the woman Eric rescued Zad?
This is my honest review of this book.
3,187 reviews
April 6, 2021
This is a wonderful book and you will enjoy this riveting read
This is a wonderful read and there no escaping the fact that you will be totally enthralled by the plot and the characters.
Nat had learned to survive and now that it has come down to her having to fight as a member of the Mercenaries and now, she has to fight or die. When he hears that a team members sister has been kidnapped, he knows that he has to help and do whatever it takes, after all family is family and these men have been through thick and thin to keep each other alive.
This is a wonderful read full of action, the character are simply wonderful and the plot is so well written that once started you won’t be able to put this book down until you reach the finish.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,929 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2021
In this sci-fi tale the settings would remind you of MMA fights of today. Natalia has been a cage fighter for years saving to get out of the life and retire to obscurity. Just when she thinks she is free she finds herself in a worse place. Beauty is the nerd of the Warborne, quietly reading on his time off. His compatriots don’t know he had escaped the hell he had grown up in.

I love this “world”, the Warborne are fighters but they have honor. The aliens are varied, some I would never imagine. But the storyline sucked me in, I was instantly invested in Nat and Beauty’s trials and their quandary when they meet each other, because neither of them would readily seek out he other’s company.
Great read!
3,178 reviews
April 2, 2021
Another knockout addition to the series. Enjoyed Beauty and Nat's story. it was filled with action and romance with off the charts chemistry. Great word building that will have you flipping the pages until you don’t realize your at the end of this crazy couples journey. Or is it the end, this series could go in any direction and I love it’s many unique characters and I can’t wait until the next story.
153 reviews
April 3, 2021
I'm trying to think of what to say without giving any spoilers. Things happen so fast in this book it's hard not to give anything away. Beauty's secret is so cool. Natalie is the "Cage Queen" and WWE has never seen anything like her! We even have a few extra HEA, but what is the deal with T'Raal and who are the Reapers.
Bottom line, it's great, get it!
14 reviews
April 2, 2021
I really love this series by Mina. It has a great story and once I started I didn’t want to put it down. This book is full of action and heat. Each book stands alone but I think you’ll enjoy it more if you’ve read them all, as you get to catch up with characters from the other books. I really can’t wait to see who gets their story next.
100 reviews
April 2, 2021
Fantastic

Another great read from Mina. So love the Warborne just as much as the Latham. Keep them coming pls. Loved the pit fights and new characters. Still waiting for the Latham Emperor’s mate . Yum
Profile Image for Jac Nielson.
425 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2021
Such a fun series

Mina Carter is on my authors I love list:) always fun, sexy, action packed and interesting. And the Lathars are some great characters:)
1,902 reviews13 followers
March 30, 2021
Nat was prepared to fight for her survival and Beauty was putting his freedom and his life on the line to free her. Interesting and worrisome fights with the alien creatures. Liked the camaraderie developed between the Pit’s fighters and how the Warbornes were ready to take charge. Intrigued with the other mercenaries. Action, suspense, violence, exciting and intense fights, a surprise, romance and passion.
Profile Image for Debra.
379 reviews
April 2, 2021
Fantastic book

Loved it! And the surprises! The author keeps you guessing right up to the last pages. Definitely a must read book.
1,262 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2021
I just loved this book from start to finish. Nat is such an excellent character, she is a cage fighter, and is awesome! The space dragon is fantastic, the story is thrilling and I couldn’t put it down. I have never read a book by Mina Carter that I have not enjoyed, this is no exception
I cannot wait for the next book to come
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2021
I absolutely loved this story! Great characters and story! It pulled me in from beginning to end. I have absolutely loved this series so far! There is plenty that grabbed and held my attention from start to finish. The characters were fantastic! I loved Natalia's determination to save herself to just about the point of stupidity but it I loved the strength she was willing to put forth to face what she had ahead of her. She wouldn't give up and I love a strong heroine. I loved Beauty and his interactions with her as well. He definitely has his hands full with dealing with his pants and this spitfire of a woman that he doesn't entirely know what to do with lol. Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. It was a great read! I can't wait for more in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
244 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2021
I absolutely LOVE the Lathar World and Mina has done an amazing job creating it. We're now on the 3rd book in the Warborne series. We've met Beauty in the previous books and I was looking forward to when he would receive his HEA.

Both Beauty and Nat have been fighters their entire lives. They understand each other and Beauty does the ultimate sacrifice in allowing himself to become a slave for someone he never met, Nat, just because her sister is part of his Crew.

Nat has been on the run for her entire life due to her Father. She has been an arena champion just to earn coin to hide herself away. Little does she realize, that training will save her life after she was abducted and made to fight to the death.

This book is hot and fast paced from the moment you start. I love Nat's strong character and how she doesn't trust him right away. He has to earn her trust but when the chips are on the table, they do trust each other.

You don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one but if you fully want to understand what has happened, I would recommend reading the others in the series first. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Pam.
857 reviews
October 16, 2022
Natalia Heath has been running for years trying to keep out of her crime lord father's clutches. She has been fighting in the fighting pits for years. She is walking home from her day job when she is abducted. She wakes up to find she is a prisoner with other aliens and humans. Nat is being forced to fight in the alien fight pits. Beauty escaped the fighting pits by winning a challenge fight, now he needs to go back to save Nat the sister of one of his team members. Nat is not expecting sparks to fly when she meets Beauty. Beauty is shocked to discover the little human female with an attitude is his mate. He will do anything to claim and protect her even if it costs him his life. Beauty has a secret that could get him killed if it's discovered but he has to let the cat out of the bag when Nat is injured and put in danger. I loved this book. The main characters both have back stories that have shaped their lives. The characters are amazing and the story is original. This book and the series is a must read.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,102 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2021
Natalia was a great pit fighter. She could strategize and take down any alien. When she is abducted and place in a new arena. Fighting for her life to survive. When Beauty spots her, he knows she is Mariska’s sister. He needs to go back into the pits and bring her out. But he has to gain her trust. She is an equal fighter to him. As much as she is beautiful, she isn’t for him. Or is she?

You have to love that the Warborne is a tight family. Finding Mariska’s sister is a blessing. Beauty has a soft heart for her but he knows Mariska isn’t for him. Nat is a different story. She is tough and can fight. She is his equal in the arena. I love that when he first meets her they are sparing. And Zad and Rish are funny. But I was surprised who Rish actually hooks up with. This is a battle. We find out so much more about Beauty aka Ilar aka Talon. He has a secret he has been keeping about himself. Every one of the Warborne is all hands on deck.
Profile Image for Stacy .
350 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2021
Holy Guacamole!

It’s fantastic to be back in the Lathar Mercenaries Warborne world with book 3! I have to admit as soon as the books are available I download them and devour them immediately. This book has Nat, the daughter of a crime lord as the heroine and she has been kidnapped by aliens. She’s required to fight for her life in the gladiator pit. Our hero, Beauty, is a former pit fighter and he has come to try to save her but he has a secret that could get them both killed. I really enjoyed this thrilling love story. There is humor and excitement and a great emotional connection.
1,084 reviews
December 15, 2023
Great book!

I really enjoyed this book and can see me reading it again. Nat is such a tough woman who’ve been living a tough and rough life. She is a great fighter with both hand to hand combat and weaponry skills dispose her petite size. She’s very confident and doesn’t up up with much. My kind of heroine.
Beauty didn’t like her in the beginning, thinking he preferred a gentle, easy going mate but on comes to admire her fighting skills and then fall in love. I enjoyed the banters they have. The fights in the pit are cool and the life there is interesting.
Exciting plot, great MC’s you can’t help but root for with some funny moments.
I recommend this book!
208 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2025
Alien Mercenary's Prize - book 3

Best one yet! I lived Beauty's and Nat's story! A perfect couple. Lots of action! Beauty returns to his old home of the gladiator pits to save Marika's sister Nat. He has to release himself back to the terrible pit master he hated who put him in the ring at a very young age. This is where he grew up. Luckily he still had old friends there he could count on. Thus begins the story of Beauty and the beast of the rings. Ha, a play on words but you'll find out its pretty close to the truth. I can't wait till the next book is finished. Loved it!
Kathy
Profile Image for Candy Berg.
282 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2024
best love stories with excitement mixed in

I love this series. I’m hoping the entire crew finds their true mates. Nat is a cab fighter working to make enough to create a new life. What she gets is abducted and thrown into the pits as a fighter. This is where she meets Beauty who has been tracking her for her sister who is mated to another of his partners. This story has many twists and turns and will keep your interest. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series.
222 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2021
Alien Mercenary’s Prize

I had trouble getting into the story. It took 35 to 45 percent before I could begin getting into the story. I liked Beauty from the start, Nat I had a little trouble connecting with. Of course I have read the other books in the series. I had a prior understanding of the people involved. After Beauty met Nat the story started to get interesting. I recommend the book. Two professional fighters meet and fall in love. Who knew……?
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