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Latharian Mate Program #4

Alien Protector’s Mate

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Her survival depends on invisibility. Her heart has other plans.

Desperate to escape her abusive foster family, Jade disguises herself as a boy and stows away on a ship bound for Devan station, knowing her only hope of survival is to remain undetected.

But when she meets S'aad, a powerful healer working aboard the station, she is caught between survival and an unexpected attraction to the handsome alien warrior. But her secret could destroy everything, and the dangerous mate program might be her worst nightmare—or her only salvation.

Genetic matching expert. Emotional novice. Inevitable collision.

As a lead researcher in the mate program, S'aad believes in the scientific precision of genetic compatibility. But a new assistant threatens to unravel everything he knows about matching humans and Latharians, challenging his professional detachment and awakening something far more dangerous than any scientific protocol.

With a trafficking network closing in Jade is now the key to exposing a network that could destroy everything he believes in. And some secrets are deadly enough to destroy them both.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2024

149 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Mina Carter

279 books2,368 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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5 stars
385 (63%)
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157 (25%)
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58 (9%)
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8 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
366 reviews9 followers
December 16, 2024
Nice add to the series, although its quite simplistic plot doesn't really add to the overarching storyline. I really liked the male lead.

A few thoughts, take em or leave em:

The female leads seem to get younger every volume. I was worried that this one was high school age until her age was pointed out at 21. Is this young young young trend to cultivate YA readers? In this case, it's a bit weird since the male lead is over 100 years old. Does it have to be the virgin trope, too?

And what's with portraying older females? These ladies in their 40s, 50s or so always have dialogue more related to grandma types from WWII. They call everyone dearie, use the word "gentlemanly" frequently or exclaim "Oh my!" a lot. Women are just women, they don't have to be portrayed through ancient sterotypes.

Is there ANY possibility we could get a female lead who is older, even 40s? Shocking to consider, I know, but YES, older women do have $ex, fantasies, and read romance even in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. In fact, that's the age group that mostly buys romance books.

Give us the emperor's story already. Clearly this series won't or doesn't need to end with his mate. And FFS, don't make her super young. I'll delete every fricking Mina Carter book in my library, which would leave a giant gaping hole in my reading collection since I own virtually every book she's written. Even after I swore I wouldn't get any more of her books.
Profile Image for Deb.
683 reviews
January 10, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yep, another heart string puller from Mina. Wish I could find myself a Saad, such a big lethal drop dead gorgeous teddy bear.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,493 reviews51 followers
December 1, 2024
Jade has had a horrid existence up till now. It wasn't anything like a "life", she's emotionally and physically abused by her foster parents, she's been made out to be dependent on them and now she's basically being sold off!

She makes a break for freedom and ends up on a shuttle heading for the Latharian Space Station. She manages to hide out for a while but becomes a target for the local bullies. Thankfully she is saved by a Latharian scientist.

Saad may be a geneticist but he is still a warrior. Being a healer was his calling but his clan take protecting others seriously. He's taken young "Jay" under his wing, given him a job and a place to stay. He's part of the Mate programme but he's had no matches so far. But now he's attracted to Jay and feels so torn over it as he thinks he's cornering Jay after inviting him into his home.

I really enjoyed the way Jay and Saad's relationship organically grew. The story manages to explore attraction to the person not the gender, traumatic relationships, bullying, forced pairings and fated mates. The blend of an office romance and forced proximity really heightens poor Saad's worry that he's taking advantage of someone he is in an supervisory capacity with.

The continued storyline of someone interfering with the mate programme continues and this story deals with essentially a human trafficking ring working under the cover of an LMP office and forcing women into "matings" which have no legitimacy and may even be dangerous.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,031 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2025
S’aad has been helping LMP with matching the humans with Latharian. All is going well. He, however, still hasn’t found his match. Jade’s life is brutal. Being used and abused by her fosters was slowly killing her. When she is dragged to the LMP for trafficking, she takes her chance to run. When she makes it to Devon Station, she needs to hide in plain sight. She acts the part as a little boy, her brother Jared. When she is saved by a big alien, she is given a chance at a new life. But things spark between them. S’aad doesn’t know what to make of the young human boy in his care. Something about him makes S’aad feel like they are mates. When S’aad discovers there is a flaw in the matching system, he needs to find out why.

I loved this one. S’aad was open and honest. He helped all the matches making sure they were comfortable. When he finds Jay, he doesn’t know he is a she. He gives Jay purpose. When it finally becomes clear that Jay was actually Jade, he is shocked and very protective. What he learns is heartbreak about how her life was. And then to have a challenge thrown at him. I do love the ending. I had a feeling S’aad would make things right. And what will happen with Maax and Emily. Crossing my fingers that we find a mate for him next.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
764 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2024
Jade lived a very difficult life with her foster family.
She unfortunately didn't receive the tender loving care she deserved.
When her inconsiderate and greedy foster father tries to sell Jade off to Latharian Mate Program, she flees into the unknown upon Devan station.
Jade doesn't have a clear plan, she only knows she's gotta get somewhere safe.
Safe seems easier said than done on a space station filled with strange alien creatures.
Jade disguises herself as a young man to avoid unwanted attention/trouble.
After running into some hooligans causing trouble, Jade is rescued by Sa'ad.
Sa'ad works with the LMP program and has strong protective instincts.
He feels compelled to take "Jade" in and offer a safe place to stay and a job.
Things become a little complicated when Jade develops feelings for her rescuer.
She can't afford to blow her cover for several reasons.

This was a cute love story. I am happy that Sa'ad got his happy ending. I'm curious about how the matching program got hacked and am still anxiously waiting for the emperor to be matched.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
525 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
S'aad takes his duty seriously. He will protect the females even as he finds them compatible mates. If only his match was in the system. Jade is a survivor but being sold leads her to taking chances thar could be deadly. Will hiding in plain sight protect her or lead to more problems?
Alien Protector's Mate is the latest in Mina Carter's Latharian Mate Program series. I enjoyed getting to meet S'aad. He has taken the time to understand the females he is tasked with helping. He is a warrior disguised as a nerdy scientist. He is more thanhe appears and I thoroughly enjoyed peeling back his layers. I loved seeing him with Jade. She causes him to question himself but I loved how honorable he is even as he protects her from himself. This story is well written and an wonderful addition to this series. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Carter will take us next.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,047 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2024
Loved Jade and S'aad story; 4th in this Latharian Mate Program
FMC Jade has a unique way to solve her escape from her so-called foster parents: Mr. & Mrs. Morgan. Being a slight built female, she dressed and assumed the unusual of her twin when sneaking aboard the ship to Devan Station. Thus begins her tale of deception and success. S'aad is the MMC of this tale and his is a sad search for his "kelarris". Their trek aboard the Devan Station is a slow but not plodding one. The plot involves treachery from certain crew, sex trade, attraction worth fighting for, and perfect retribution. Ms. Carter has crafted another perfect book for this series and has a hint for the next LMP series. This is my voluntary and honest review.
133 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2024
Abuse & Terror Meets Kindness & Love

This Lathar story is a tear-jerker! Make sure you have tissues close!

Jade has been abused her entire life. So when she is in danger of being sold, she runs in terror without money or a plan. As you watch her struggle to survive, your heart cannot help but ache for her. She doesn’t know who to trust and is terrified of everything.

S'aad, the Lathar in charge of the Mate Program, observes Jade in the marketplace and offers “him” a job. Jade is eager to work, and they grow close. But holding on to her male persona brings everything to a head. Don’t miss how Jade gets her HEA! It couldn’t happen to a sweeter gal!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana Gagliardi Gagliardi.
597 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2025
Heal the Soul and Heart

S'aad, the healer warrior who was in charge of the DNA matching program hoping to find human mates for the male warriors of the dying Katharine race was tired. He worked long hours perfecting the methods and protocols for the program, then trained young warriors to keep in shape. He was in no mood for a gang of young hoodlums harassing merchants in the market area. He might have kept going if he hadn't glimpsed a small human boy being surrounded and bullied. Jade was going to go down fighting. She hadn't fled abusive foster people, stowed away in a spaceship cargo hold to be sent back. When the enormous alien stepped in to save her and offer her a job. She accepted but pretended to be a young boy. Let the dice fall where they may.
1,867 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2024
Vulnerable, in need of help, and determined to leave the abuse she’s been living behind, Jade sees her chance to escape, even if it’s into the unknown. S’aad has sacrificed much of his life for the well-being of others, but when will be his turn? I liked how in this story, in addition to the situation between Jade and S’aad, the Lathar’s mate program is discussed in more depth. Interesting and intriguing how things were developing. I was drawn to the emperor and how his situation looks very complicated. I’m looking forward to seeing what that leads to. I liked how different Jade and S'aad's history was.
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
959 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2024
An awesome story. Jade ran away when her foster father tried to sell her to the Latharian Mate Program. She disguises herself as a boy and hides in a crate and goes to Devon Station. She is attempting to find food and shelter on the station and to keep from getting caught. S'aad is a healer and in charge of the Latharan Mate Program 's algorithms. He finds J and offers him a job and a place to stay. He is attracted to J and can't figure out why. As J and S'aad work to find who is tampering with his algorithms they get to know each other better. What happens when J is injured? I loved the story and can't wait for the next book. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Cristy.
631 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2024
This started off a tad slow but then the story completely turned around and developed into this suspenseful addictive adventure.

The creative way that Mina broached her lead female character in such a way that you felt every emotion. The bravery and turmoil, the sadness and loss made Jade strong and resilient.

The trials and tribulations that the LMP have to endure is overwhelming and arduous.

This compelling story pulls at your heart strings, but it's an enjoyable read with a HEA💜

Another brilliant read Mina 💜



Profile Image for Judi.
1,878 reviews14 followers
November 30, 2024
I love the hiding in plain sight thing. Jade has made the best (and that is qualified) of a bad situation with her foster parents. When she runs away and hides as a boy she once again shows her ingenuity. Her running into S’aad on the huge space station is fantastic luck. That he doesn’t recognize her as a female is far fetched yet allows for a very nice slow burn romance. The rest of the story is part of the overarching tale of matchmaking females for the all male Lathar population and I am a huge fan of this sci-fi world. This is definitely one of my favorites in this series, great read.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,325 reviews20 followers
December 2, 2024
Great book. I love each new story and how the mates are found. This story has an LMP mystery that was not solved and an against the rules relation (the relation will be shown in the next book and I CANNOT wait for it). Daaynal makes an appearance and I REALLY want him to receive his mating marks. Every glimpse we get of Daaynal shows just how alone he is and I want to meet the lady that is his match. S'aad's and Jade's story is intriguing with the LMP mystery twist and I loved how his friends vowed to help and honor Jade. Mina Carter, please, keep them coming!
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,860 reviews18 followers
December 2, 2024
I enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster read which takes the reader on a ride full of ups and downs which makes the reader experience so many emotions in between as they follow along on Jade and S'aad's journey.

For many years Jade was subjected to abuse so when she saw a chance to escape she took it. Her journey took her to Devan Station and the Lathar Mating Program where she met S'aad V'Renn. What happened next surprised them both and took them on a journey of deiscovery.

I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did.
3,144 reviews
December 21, 2024
Escaping an abusive foster family brings Jade to the Latharian Mate Program front and center. She was just trying to find a way out to save herself when she is rescued by S’aad, a healer in charge of the mate program. Their attraction is electric and confusing for both as she is hiding a secret. Will he still want her when her secret is revealed? One click to find out in this newest addition to the series that doesn’t disappoint. I love the characters and how their romance blossomed to so much more with danger, suspense and spice surrounding them.
764 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2024
One of the best Carter has ever written, this new release in the Latharian Mate Program series combines gripping action and hot steaming romance to perfection. I also commend Carter’s creativity within the plot line. There were times that the action was so intense that you felt like you were there, witnessing it with your own eyes. I loved how strong Jade was…not a weakly heroine some authors prefer. This is a must read for Carter fans!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
5,852 reviews60 followers
November 30, 2024
This is another fab addition to the series and I really enjoyed how this one unfolded. Jade and S'aad come together with her disguised as a guy. Yeah, imagine his confusion over this. Lol! There is a lot going on in here that includes intrigue, action, danger, betrayal and steamy romance as they work their way to a wonderful HEA. So good and the hints at the next book have me anxious for it to come out. Good fun!
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,279 reviews
November 30, 2024
I liked Jade and S'aad. Abused all her life, Jade takes a great risk sneaking to Devin Station. S'aad sees a young boy trying to survive and extends a hand to help him. It left him confused when he began having feelings for a "man". In the middle of S'aad and Jade working out their feelings for each other, he is trying to track down a trafficking ring withing the Lathair.

It was a good story.
Profile Image for Jeanne Mead.
479 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2024
The strength of Jade's will to escape her hellish foster family allows fate to steer her in the right direction to meet S'aad, a Latharian warrior healer.
Their story has many emotional layers that have you wanting to protect and root for them as surprising obstacles arise that must be deal with not just for their safety, but also for the survival of the program.
Another fantastic installment of this wonderful series!
1,181 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
What An Emotional Ride!

Oh, my! (Sigh). What an emotional story! From the highest highs to the lowest lows and just about every emotion in between, Jade and S'aad's story is wonderful. After enduring years of abuse, Jade saw an opportunity to escape and took it. It led her to Devan Station, the Lathar Mate Program and S'aad V'Renn... And, their adventure and love story began. I believe you'll love their story as much as I did. Enjoy it today!
Profile Image for Amy Hinkle.
104 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2025
I truly wish there were Latharians

Swoon worthy to the Max! I love the entire extended series. The hero’s are always gentle and sexy as well as awesome warriors. The heroines are smart, tough, and totally digging their warriors. It’s not a pretty picture about the possible future of the human race or their ugly and dark side. It shows that there is always hope if you’re willing to take a chance to grab it.
1,853 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2025
see an opening

And make a break for freedom.
Enjoyed the story of survivor seeking a way out and trying to adjust to a new way of choices and opportunities.
One personal thing I would have liked to know was what really happened to her brother. Did not think he died for real. Sounds like they either sold him or did something else to him. Would like a future book where he is found and reunited with his sister.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,925 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2024
This whole series has been awesome. So far this story has left me with more questions than answers. How did Jade's genetic makeup get into the Mate Program? She never singed up for it. How did the bad guys get into the system? Like I said so many questions. I did LOVE the story so very,very much. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,257 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. S’aad was a fabulously unaware character with no clue that Jade isn’t the boy she disguised herself as. The characters are so well written, that I couldn’t put the book down, Jade was escaping abusive foster parents and stows away on a spaceship, I don’t want to say more because of spoilers, but this book is fun, with a great happy ending
Profile Image for Michelle Fortune.
1,698 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2024
I was immediately right back into space and the world of the Lathar. Sa'ad and Jade are a wonderful couple and I loved how they actually met. You can actually feel the angst that Jade went through and why she actually felt that way. I cannot wait to see what happens with Maax and how his story plays out. The duke seems to be a real character and it should be interesting to see how he will impact everything as well.
20 reviews
November 30, 2024
Another home run!

I loved S’aad! One of her more interesting characters. It doesn’t hurt that to a certain extent, this is Cindrrella, if you like your prince to be very tall, handsome, and alien.
(I do!)
I especially loved the last couple pages (go find out for yourself-no spoilers here!)
All told, well written, with likeable characters!
Worth the read!!!
322 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2024
Worshipped and Protected

How Mina Carter can conjure up the perfect mate that any of us gals would die to have, time after time, I really appreciate! Another Home Run. I gave the tale 5*s.I can't wait to now read Maax's story next. I think I have now read all the Lathar series books, so far.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,159 reviews34 followers
December 6, 2024
A sci-fi romance. The author has brought us another beautifully written couple. I loved how the relationship grew and how our Alien, S’aad accepted Jay/Jade. Jade is a sweet human that has made it through a dark life. But it never broke her and she finally has a chance to make her own life. Plenty of danger and alien drama to go with the romance.
355 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2025
OMG....hahaha

She's fat, oh wait, no she's starving!! Poor ,pitiful, oh wait...she's a warrior. Started as a Cinderella story, turned into a mis-mash . I know the big "A" ebook company doesn't publish bad reviews anymore, do please save yourself some money and a headache, pass on this one.
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