Alien Engineer's Mate

Latharian Mate Program #5

by Mina Carter

Colony widow, desperate mother, reluctant mate…

Her kids needed doctors she couldn't afford. The Latharian Mate Program seemed like Eira's only way out. Walking away from her husband's memory and their family home gutted her, but the space station offered what the colony couldn't—a fighting chance for her children's health.

Being matched with the station's intimidating Lead Engineer—a warrior with combat honors who's already raising a daughter of his own—wasn't part of her plan. Neither was watching him be arrested for treason right as she was beginning to fall for him….


Lead Engineer, decorated warrior, single father...

Maax A'Taav prides himself on precision and control. Since rescuing his daughter from abusive guardians, he's created an orderly life for them aboard Devan Station. When the mate program matches him with Eira and her three children, he discovers that family isn't about order… it’s about love, adaptability and having the courage to stand up and fight for those you love… even if it costs you everything.

With security forces hunting Maax and Emily facing removal from the only father she's ever known, can Eira fight an alien system determined to tear them apart? Or will their chance at happiness be shattered before it truly begins?

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blended family

I always think that I have found my favorite book by this author, but then she writes another book. This one is complete with a terrible situation that starts a family off on a new adventure that might just be what they need, but not without some drama and emotional angst first. The beginning of the story is explosive and the end is as heartwarming as you can possibly get. I love how both characters found the support they needed when they needed it most. Especially when that support comes from a completely unexpected source. The author kept me interested from the very beginning of this wild ride and I can’t wait to go back and start all over again to see what new treasures I might have missed the first time. Or until the next book comes out and I can see what amazing match happens next.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eira life was falling apart. Her job was taking all her credits to replace a faulty device that she told them about repeatedly. She and her children: Leo, Kyle and Grace and struggling. She has to do something. Finding the pamphlet about the Mating Program is her best hope. If you read “Alien Protector’s Mate” you already know about Maax A’Taav and Emily. He saved her and brought her back with him to Devon Station. He is in the process of trying to adopt her. Getting her ready for nursery school and not be late for his meeting is a chore.

Eira and Maax both are parents just trying to make sure their kids have a happy life and a fulfilled one. It isn’t easy. Maax having to go through legal means to adopt Emily. Thank goodness for his by the book lawyer. And Eira wants her kids to be health. Kyle is her child that needs care but he never is down. Leo is protective of his mother and does a find job. Grace, well she is little and is happy. When these two groups meet at the nursery there is an instant connection. I was so glad that Maax found Eira. Aisha is a POA. Why can’t they just boot her from the program. She is a gold digger. There should be standards with the Mate Program. I was happy to read that Kyle was going to get better. Grace and Emily were buds from the start. And even Leo started being a normal teen and was dating. The main shocker, well it shouldn’t have been, the purists. Really?! I was so upset for Maax but thank goodness for friends old and new that had his back. I wasn’t too surprised about the outcome. I had a feeling. Looking forward to the next story.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It was another great installment in the series and the Latharian world. I loved getting to pick up with Maax and watching him with Emily was awesome. He pulled her out of the abusive foster home on Earth and is being an amazing father as he gives her a safe place to be and to heal. He is so cute with his protectiveness and how he interacts with her. Eira is a widow with three children from a colony that has been going downhill with the corporation running it and so she makes some hard decisions with her kids in mind and getting them the medical care, safety and opportunities they need and joins the mate program. I love that Maax and Eira meet first at the nursey and are drawn to each other prior to being matched. Maax was so great with how he went about courting Eira and how he included the entire family. It wasn't closed off and only about her but about all of them, both his side and her side as well as building their individual connection. This story definitely had the emotions with that part of things and watching these two get to know each other and blending families together. There are a few twists and turns as well as they deal with both internal and external obstacles. I was engaged with these characters and loved seeing them come together and overcome everything thrown at them. The sacrifice that they are willing and do give and show for their loved ones is great and well done! They support each other and give each other what they need and it was great to see. I am excited for what is coming next in the series and this world!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Finds a Way!

The Latharian Mate books just keep getting better & better! Here we meet Eira, a widow with 3 children, who is a hard rock miner on a colony planet run by a corrupt corporation. She makes the difficult decision to uproot her family & marry an alien so her kids will get better medical care &a superior education.

Eira’s match is Maax, the Space Station’s Lead Engineer. Maax is in the process of adopting a traumatized Earth child he liberated from an abusive foster family.

It looks like a great match. Both Eira & Maax are all about creating a warm family life for all the kids in their care. And Eira & Maax are not having any problems feeling warm about each other…

But everything comes to a grinding halt when Maax is arrested. Eira doesn’t even understand the Latharian legal system or how to help Maax. Don’t miss what happens next…. best story ever!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story from Ms. Carter. An emotional story of a loved one lost, Eira's fighting for her family's survival, engineering chief Maxx trying to succeed in raising Emily, the earth child, from her trauma of abusive treatment from her Earth so-called foster parents. Both M/F depict love of family, sacrifice, tribulations, children accepting huge responsibilities, dealing with overcoming a husband's loss or as Maxx so succinctly says "Time doesn't heal all wounds but it teaches us to carry them better." The conflict the Purists put forth focuses on Maxx's torture for being an enemy of the Latharian culture also adds intense drama. All the children involved, Leo, Kyle, Grace, and Emily, adds a sense of realism to this book. A heart-felt book that I had the pleasure of reading.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Mina's books, and there are some that I really really love. This is one of them!

The sacrifices that we make in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones is the most humbling endearing gift we can bestow.

Mina has created an intoxicating world with our Latharian warriors. Their compassion and dedication to their mates is astounding, as well as their affection and commitment to children, which goes above and beyond any and all possibilities of the imagination.

This story just breaks your heart. From beginning to end. Page after page the turmoil you feel. The happiness, the sadness, and the overwhelming need to scream.

All the emotions that you evoke from reading this book means that Mina did an outstanding job.

Mina this story just blew my mind. An exceptional read

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman who has suffered and sacrificed much for the survival of her family and a Lathar full of honor, commitment, and beautiful feelings come together to give rise to a story filled with intense moments, conflict, camaraderie, romance, and passion. I was saddened by everything Eira had to face, but at the same time, I appreciated her strength and fighting spirit. Maax surprised me. Who would have thought this Lathar had all of that within his grasp? I smiled more than once and felt moved by emotion. Emily touched my heart, and I was intrigued by how Leo was "acclimating" to the change in the family situation. A good boy who could be the protagonist of an interesting story in the future. These stories entertain me greatly, thanks to the author's ingenuity in maintaining suspense and giving them a mysterious touch that surprises me every time.

[Titania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eira is at her wits end. Her children need more than she can provide. Although she isn't looking for a male she will do what is necessary to give her children a future. Maax just wants to protect the daughter of his heart. If he is blessed with a mate that is just the cherry on top. So gaining a mate and more children has him riding a high...until it changes abruptly and he mat lose everything.
Alien Engineer's Mate is the latest in Mina Carter's Latharian Mate Program series. I really enjoyed this quick read. Ms. Carter should us just how the Latharians felt about children as Maax provide Emily with love and support. He showed Eira that he wasn't looking to replace and for her to forget her past but to enhance and enrich her future. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to see where Ms. Carter will take us next.

[Theresa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good word building

I'm going to see if I can give a review that doesn't give anything away. I enjoyed this story up until the inevitable conflict that arises in most stories. It sort of came out of left field with no buildup at all in the first 75% of the story. It left me off guard and a little confused as to where it fits in. I have at least eighteen of the original Lathar series and I am not sure if I missed something by not reading the book before this Latharian mate series? But it is almost as though it was added as an afterthought. Up until that, I was enjoying getting to know the characters and their story. As a rule, Mina Carter's books are a nice balance between story, language, and plot but in this book, I feel she dropped the ball and threw in unrelated and unlinked drama to reach the necessary number of words!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another engaging and emotional addition to the series and I loved the feeling of family in this one. It goes without saying the the Latharian warriors are totally devoted to their mates and we definitely see that with Maax and Eira. These two have a meet cute that lets their sparks soar ;) Then they get matched and he sets about courting her. This will melt your heart as he includes his adopted human daughter and Eira's three children in his courtship. Of course, their journey to an HEA isn't smooth but their own insecurities are their biggest obstacle. Expect to get caught up in the drama, danger, emotions, twists, family and hot romance when you dive into this one. Well done!

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci-fi romance of second chance at love. Eira lives and works to take care of her children. She loves them beyond anything but with the loss of her husband and their health she will have to put even more on the line. Humans in this series have traveled to other planets and not always for the best. Eira lives on a space station that is slowly destroying her and her children. Between the hazardous environment, the dangerous working conditions and the fact that those hire up take all and give nothing back. She will take one big leap of faith that will definitely change the lives for them all. The story shows what an amazing mother she is and how sweet and wonderful her children are. The romance is the one thing she never thought she would find again.

[Gwendolyn Thaggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maax is taking on a new role.
The role of father to a young human child he rescued in the last book.
A very impressive deed to take in this foster child.
Eira signs up for the Latharian Mate Program to give her three children a better life.
Another commendable deed.
Very selfless people here...
So when these two are matched, it's my simpatico!!
The two families blend quite easily and the chemistry is off the charts between the couple.

One major lesson from this book is hater's gonna hate, but don't let them get you down.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love seeing the sweet side of the Latharian and Maax’s story does this and more. Eira takes the step to keep her kids safe and healthy by signing up for the Math Program. When she is matched with Maax she is overjoyed especially with the attraction that was evident from her first meeting with the engineer. But as their courtship nears its steamy peak, they are sudden faced with a traumatic situation. Will she be able to find a way to keep her new family safe and together? One click to find out in this newest add to the series that doesn’t disappoint. I fell in love with the characters and how their story blossomed to so much more surrounded by their children.

[Cheri Winget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great additional to the Latharian tale.
Maax and Eira's attraction is instant. While Maax doesn't think he deserves a mate, hope springs eternal. And Eira's not looking at all, only joined the program to take care of her children and get off a mining company planet, having lost her beloved husband to an accident.
Chance meeting and a connection putsd them on a path to finding their one and only.
Great character and world development and depth as usual.
Never can fail lenjoying one of this author's books. One of my go-to author's and has been for years.
Well worth my time.

I received an ARC from this author, but am freely leaving this review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series and story. I can't wait for the next book. Eva is a single mom and wants a better life for her children. Things have been difficult since the death of her husband. She reluctantly decides to sign up for the Latharian Mate Program. Maax is an engineer and rescued his daughter from abusive humans and has been raising her alone. He knows that she needs a mother. Maax is matched to Eira and she isn't sure of him in the beginning. As they fall for each other, he is accused of treason. What will happen now? I read an arc of the book and this is my review. Keep the books coming.

[Janet Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

Maax and Eira are matched through the Lathar Mating Program. They should have had an easy time blending their families, but there is a vicious enemy taking steps to ruin their happiness. Loyalty, honor and the strength of their bond are tested. I felt like I was right there as Maax, Eira, children, brothers in arms, and one very bright teenager fight an over zealous legal system. Author Mina Carter weaves a story of desperation, strength, and love. And, what a teaser at the end. Can't wait for book six. Hurry! Hurry!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eira’s only way to keep her children safe and healthy is to enter the Latharian Mate Program. As she is going through the medical exam she meet frantic father Maax as he demands care for his rescued human daughter. They are both attracted to each other but have to wait for the programme to match them to someone. To their surprise that are matched and the adventure continues from here with some unexpected twists that kept me reading this fast paced book with wonderful characters. It is always wonderful to come back to this worl and I can’t wait for new books!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

a second chance for happiness

Book sucked me into this world of make believe. But could not stop.
Loved it and the hero, kids and characters.
Only one I would have left out was the gold digger. Story did not need it.
Wished author had ended story with some of her new family connections and mate brothers going to mining colony she came from. With news they bought company and with supplies to make it livable and modern medical, mining equipment. Also that she was working at one of the equipment, etc parts. Or garden

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and this book! Mina Carter weaves another beautiful tale about Latharian warriors and their mates. I really could not put this one down…it warms your heart with its displays of parental love and acceptance of diversity. The plot leads into a web of accusations that abruptly changes the course of this engineers life. I loved that Carter continued the story of Emily. Well done. It’s a must read❤️❤️❤️

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Latharians may be warriors and protectors to the core but the lack of women hasn't dulled their courting skills!

Maax is a warrior but also an acclaimed engineer. He's also a new dad having adopted a human child he found during a rescue. They have settled into family life and he can't wait to be matched and extend his little family.

Eira is a recent widow with 3 kids of her own and now that her "mourning period" is over she's feeling creepy vibes from the men she works with and decides it's time to get her kids out of Dodge and signs up for the Mate Program, hoping against hope to find medical assistance foe her son.

These two have a super sweet meet-cute and there are sparks flying from the off. I love they bonded over their children becoming friends and their joint dislike of a certain someone. Their courtship is so family centric and Maax never makes any of the children feel left out. He is a great illustration of family is what you make it.

There path of their HEA isn't without some trials and tribulations but their main downfalls are their own insecurities. They are perfectly flawed characters that you can't help cheering on!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the world building expanded on the space station in this Lathar installment. I felt so sorry for Eira and her children on the colony but their total joy at moving to such a better place was so heart warming to read. Maax is multifaceted, a warrior, an engineer, and an adoptive father. He and Eira make a connection at first encounter and then more, until the baddies rear their ugly head. Don’t miss this slice of life in space, the HEA will have you smiling all day.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. Different from most of the other ones. Still it has all the bells and whistles in it. It is so cute with a first time father, even if she is adopted. A scrape on her knee and he takes her to the hospital to be checked out. Just like a first time dad. I enjoyed the story so very much. I look forward to the next book also. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

totally enjoyed

I love this series by Mina Carter. I always look forward to when a new book comes out. Eira and Maax are such a great match . They give you all the feels and a bit of heat too. I really liked how her wanting to save her children gave a more realistic reason for joining the mate program. And even though they weren’t initially matched when they first met, the feels were there and how they both hoped for the other. Totally enjoyed this book!

[Amy Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming family

I love the Maax and Emily became a little family immediately. The two families merged together seamlessly with each individual adding to the whole. I don’t like how the Latharian security forces dealt with Maax. He was tortured and left chained up alone with prisoners who were supposed to kill him. That not honorable and I don’t understand how they were allowed to do it.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say, this is the first time in a year, give or take, that I’ve actually enjoyed a good Lathar story. No woman was being raped, beaten or running for her life. It was just a story about a woman and her family struggling to survive on a harsh world and the decision to make sacrifices for her family. It was a wonderful story. There was some purist nonsense, but all in all a wonderful story. Highly recommend.

[sharon e hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!! I really liked this one!!!..

The kids made it more special. They were brave and supportive. FIFA desperately needed to save her family. She signed up for the mate program. She worries about the kids health. They needed food. They need security. Eira and her family meet Maax and Emily in the Healers Bay. Its love at first hello. They have a very tough trial ahead. Love Sheena and Tisshel. The warriors so loyal. Loved it!!!!!!

[Jane.w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. Maax & Eira met at pretty early in the book and things took off from there. I like them both individually and as a couple. They are such good people who care deeply for their kids and rather quickly, for each other’s kids. I liked watching them blend the 2 families together. The kids are great and surprisingly, fun to read about. I recommend this book.

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most heartwarming adorable story, it is just amazing. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series but this one is just special. I think because the heroine is a widow with three children, and the warrior is so caring and sweet. There was some tension in a dark situation to overcome, but the ending was extraordinarily happy. I just loved this book

[MindySu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

This one was different, the themes were a little darker in some ways. But (considering it’s sci-fi romance), also a little more realistic.
My favorite part was how the real hero of this whole book isn’t who you’d initially expect. (I won’t spoil it for you, you’ll have to read it to find out!)
I’m looking so forward to the next book!

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was right back with the Lathar. I cannot wait to see who will get the next book and how everything turns out. I was on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see what was going to happen. Maax and Eira are everything you would want in a couple and more. I absolutely loved the bonus relationship thrown in with Leo.