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Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne #1

Alien Mercenary's Heart

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Librarian's Note: An alternate title and cover for this ASIN can be found here.

Return to the worlds of the Lathar, as you've never seen them before...

She wanted a coffee and an easy shift. Instead, she got a smart-alec mercenary and commandos trying to kill her…


Medically discharged from the military over a decade ago, Station Chief Eris Archer just wants a quiet life. But life on a frontier station like Tarantus is never dull. The wild west of space, she’s used to less than scrupulous characters crossing her path.

So when handsome cyborg, Zero, charms her with fantastical tales of being non-human, she takes it with a pinch of salt. When commandos storm the base, trying to kill her and she ends up with a price on her head, she has to trust him with her life… but can she trust him with her heart?

He doesn’t know where he came from, but he knows one thing… his destiny is with her.

Zero is a mystery, even to himself. Since waking up badly damaged in a wrecked shuttle, he’s made his home with the Warborne, a band of Latharian Mercenaries with a lethal reputation. He lives fast and he expects to die young…

Until he meets her. Eris Archer captures the attention of all his instincts, human and cyborg. Drawn to her like a targeting lock… he wants to get to know her better. But his plans for a date in the station’s brig are foiled by people with guns and they have to get off the station. Fast.

Between murderous commandoes, betrayals and an unexpected rescue mission; can Zero prove to her that he’s all the man, or machine, she’ll ever need...

NB - Previously titled 'Zero's Heart'.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2020

489 people are currently reading
587 people want to read

About the author

Mina Carter

278 books2,363 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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763 (53%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,660 reviews966 followers
January 7, 2025
Alien Mercenary’s Heart is book one in the Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne series by Mina Carter.

If you’ve read Warriors of the Lathar then you are familiar with this world. This is a spin-off series. We’re introduced to the Warborne crew in Kissed by the Alien Mercenary. The Warborne are Lathar Mercenary’s, but not accepted in the Larthar Society.

Zero our hero is more cyborg than Lathar. He doesn't remember his past. Station Chief Eris Archer, our heroine, is an X-Marine discharged; because of medical issues. All she wants is quiet.

Alien Mercenary’s Heart is a fun and cute story. It moves quickly. There’s some action, a little mystery, rescuing Eris' brother and learning more about Zero’s crew. The Lathar Mercenary’s fight and love hard.

All and all this was a fun read and I look forward to reading on. As usual, there is an underlying story that carries through each book, so it is best to read the Lathar Warriors series first, to get the best enjoyment and understanding, but you don't have to start this series.

Rated: 4 Stars

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Profile Image for Deb.
683 reviews
August 4, 2021
5 stars ⭐️

This is the first in the Lathar Warriors offshoot series, The Lathar Mercenaries. As usual the story packs a lot of action and adventure in its pages, with the mercenaries known as the Warborne not playing by the usual rules of engagement. They fight hard, and they love hard. As usual, there is an underlying story that carries through each book, so it is best to read the Lathar Warriors series first, to get the best enjoyment and understanding of where the storyline is leading.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,657 reviews23 followers
June 28, 2020
Her knight in shining metal
I am so glad that we get to see the inner circle of the Warborne. The author managed to pique my interest in previous books with the different characters and their tumultuous personalities and now she has given them stories of their own. With every new book this series gets an added depth that keeps me anxiously excited to read the next one, and this branch off from the original series is absolutely fantastic. I love how the author has shown the comradery between this crew of mercenaries and the take no prisoners attitude they have when one of their own is threatened. The author kept this book high intensity and fast moving with danger and action up until the last page. I especially enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for Judy W.
1,216 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2022
So...I'm not sure about the gushing here but it was "competent" alien fiction. Of course the alien hero, Zero is a bit of a cop out one who looks exactly like a buffed out human male only he has replacement mechanical parts in some areas. He's got a crush from afar for the station security chief Eris. She's ex military with some serious injuries from her service. Of course Zero arrives at the station at the same time as an elite military hit squad that seems to be out to kill Eris. There is an unknown background to Zero and an open ended finale to allow for sequels. I have not read the Lathar series so maybe I wasn't quite vested in the tale as one could hope. I did like the competence of the heroine Eris which makes for a refreshing change.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,868 reviews14 followers
June 28, 2020
I loved this offshoot of the Lathar “world”. Eris is all woman and a tough talented veteran soldier. Zero is a cyborg with many secrets and a bit of an inferiority complex. Their attraction is not instant but a nagging feeling they belong together, between that and her needing to run for her life Zero is going to protect her anyway he can. Of course, she can take care of herself. The edge of your seat action is exhilarating. The crew or the “Warborne” form a family of choice and enrich the world building. While there is romance it is just part of a big fun thrilling tale and a great read.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,079 reviews56 followers
July 4, 2020
Nobody writes sexy scifi romance quite like Mina Carter. This book is a prime example of why I love her work. Sexy, sassy and loaded with action this story has it all. Our hero is a cyborg who knows what he wants. Our heroine is a woman who has been betrayed by those she should have been able to trust above all and a cast of quirky sidekicks for comedic relief.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,203 reviews74 followers
December 25, 2020
This was a fast-pace, action-filled, sexy read! I loved getting to know the colorful cast of characters and their dynamics.
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,653 reviews
December 26, 2022
He liked her the moment he saw her. He kept getting himself thrown in jail so he could see her.
Profile Image for A Greenaway.
122 reviews
June 26, 2020
Thoroughly loved this new series by Mina. Eris is an absolute badass!
Can’t wait to read more about this rag-tag team.
Profile Image for Ruth Hambley.
1,493 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2024
Loved it

This was an amazing start to the new series The Warborne and I can't wait to read more. Well written fast paced sci-fi romance with some hot scenes.
1,231 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2020
Zero’s Heart is the first book in the Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne series. Eris is a war veteran just trying to live a quiet life. But when she’s all of a sudden targeted as a criminal with people trying to kill her, she’s going to have to rely on Zero, a man she can’t help but feel drawn to. Will Zero be able to protect Eris and infiltrate her heart?

I really enjoyed reading this book! I absolutely loved the romance, but I was captivated by the action, adventure, the connection between the Warborne members, and I felt like I was on the edge of my seat while I was reading! Zero and Eris are fearless in battle, fiercely protective of those they love, and my favorite part of them as a couple was that they easily accepted the other exactly as they were. Zero might not know where he came from, but I loved the family he created for himself, the way he was willing to charge right in, and while he might have stumbled a bit with Eris, he was willing to apologize. Eris was an awesome character with so much inner strength, but also had a more vulnerable side, needing someone to see her for herself. They were a fantastic team, a passionate couple, and I liked that they kept finding themselves in trouble. I am so excited about this new series, the side characters are all someone I want to know more of, and I absolutely loved their brotherhood. If you’re looking for a book that has a steamy romance, heart pounding action, and things that go boom, this is totally the book for you!
622 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2020
Zero is part of the Warborne crew and the last time he was on the Tarantus Station he spotted Eris Archer the human Security Chief and now he has a chance to meet her due to the new mission his commander T'Raal has requested of him. Eris has had a meeting with the doctor on the station and the news she has received has devastated her chances of ever being able to walk properly again once her implants fail completely due to damage she sustained while on active duty. The armored suits the soldiers of her division wore merged with their central nervous system and were never meant to be for long term use and would eventually cripple them. Eris is invovled in an investigation of the manufactures of the suits much to the disgust of her mother who is married to her step father who is part owner of the company. Zero is determined to finally meet Eris and has managed to get himself arrested and just in time because the station has been invaded by solders intent on taking Eris out and too bad if you are in their way. Jayce Allen has also got himself arrested again and it appears he is not just a trouble maker but someone Zero and Eris will need to get off the station. This new series is awesome. A big thank you to Mina Carter for the review book and I am also a verified purchase. So looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,023 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2020
Eris Archer had hopes of a quiet comfortable life. Nope. For one, her leg. Her prosthetic that she had was breaking down. It was only a matter of time before she lost use. For another, someone was gunning for her. Zero could not get Chief Archer out of his mind. Something about her called to him. He still didn’t know where or how he came about. Everything in his life was a mystery. But when someone is out to take your mate, you will protector to the end.

I love this new series. It has a great deal of humor. For one, Sparky is back and a big pain. And Zero is funny with a touch or charm. You have to love that. Yes there was that “What the heck” moment when a news feed went out. I was was shocked. The crew of the Sprite were great. I look forward to reading about each one. Sparky is a character. He always causes issues. The connection between Eris and Zero is perfect. They are both soldiers and work great as a team. In the sheets, they are hot. I am looking forward to finding out about Ingrassia. You know she has to be in the next one. Skinny has his work cut out for him if she is to be his mate. And what is the deal with calling her the poison princess. We will just have to see.
Profile Image for Pam.
807 reviews
October 16, 2022
Zero is a cyborg and he is also part of the Warborne. Ex-Military Eris Archer is Station Chief of Tarantus. Zero saw Eris on a previous trip to Tarantus and has been unable to get her out of his mind. Another trip to Tarantus is planned and Zero hopes to spend some time with Eris. Zero gets arrested so he can be around Eris but they end up fighting against commandos who storm the station and are trying to kill Eris. Eris finds out there is price on her head for crimes she didn't commit and has to relay on Zero to help her escape. Eris had to get back in her military fighting suit to help them escape from the station. Now Eris is unable to walk, the suit has fried her nervous system. Eris knew this would happen but she had to do something to help, they were pinned down and weren't going to make it out without her using the suit. Zero took Eris to the medical personnel on his ship and Talent was about to fix most of the nervous system damage Eris received from her suit. They aren't out of trouble yet, the commandos are still after Eris and will not stop until they are killed or they achieve their goal of kills Eris. I loved this book, there is a lot going on and the characters all have back stories. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,479 reviews50 followers
July 1, 2020
The Warborne are back and making a mess whilst saving the universe!

An eclectic mix of Lathar, hybrids and various other alien people, the Warborne are like the A-Team of Space. No job is too big or too small for them. Just don't expect it to be plain sailing!

Zero may be a kickass cyborg but all his cybernetic bits can't seem to make up for the humanity (we'll call it humanity cos we're not sure where he's actually from) he feels he has lost.

Tarantus is the new home for Eris. Her exoskeleton suit was slowly killing her and the military weren't exactly shedding a tear at the thought. But when she is listed as a traitor and terrorist, Zero makes it his mission to save her.

The scene-stealer for me was Zeo making Eris his captive audience for dinner just before hell breaks loose - Superb!. There is also a certain loon cropping up again causing all sorts f mayhem whilst also kinda saving the day. I really need to know what his malfunction is!

Fabulous, funny, frantic and fast-paced.
Profile Image for Lissa J.
623 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2023
Alien Mercenary's Heart is the newer title for Zero's Heart. Another reviewer called this competent sci-fi romance, and I have to agree. I've read all of the books in the other Lathar series as they come out, and this is my 2nd read through of this series.

I'm so annoyed with the missing info. It's never answered. Carter teased little mysterious side stories, and I can't remember them ever being solved. Firstly, who is Zero? Where does he come from, and what's the full memories teased by his nightmares. Secondly, who is the mysterious alien female who needs rescuing, where did she come from, and do they ever get around to rescuing her? I've read up to Alien Mercenary's Consort (book 5) in this series at least once before reading this again, and I don't think this mystery is ever resolved or progressed.

Soapy style storyline, always teasing reader with a possibility of finding out more next time. I'm so irritated right now and wondering why I keep reading this series. It was probably only because it was free to read through my local elibrary and KOBO subscription at one point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
962 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2021
I read this book when it was titled Alien Mercenary's Heart.
I totally love any of the books in Mina Carters Warriors of the Lathar and Lathar Mercenaries series. These books are automatic one-clicks for me.
The women in these series are strong. If they don't start out that way they certainly become that way. The men are hot. They love their women and are totally dedicated to them. The stories are well written and flow nicely. There are few if any typos. Sometimes the British colloquialisms throw me for a loop. The characters are all very different and there's no mistaking one for the other. They don't merge into one in my mind. Locations and scenes are described so that you can easily picture them in your mind. Each book has it's own HEA for the main couple but there's always a little something that let's you know that there will be another book to follow. I just wish that the stories were a little longer.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2020
Her Knight in black combats...

The Warborne... we were introduced to this group in the last couple Lathar books. You knew then that Ms. Carter had plans for them. The first member to get a story is the hunky cyborg Zero. Tarantus Station Security Chief Eris, who we also met in a previous story, has gotten under Zero's skin/metal. When he returns to the station, Zero makes a play for her. The scene where he gets arrested just to bring her dinner was swoon worthy. It was also where the danger and suspense portion of the story starts. The story never lets up from that moment. Even the ending leaves you chomping for the next chapter. No, there is no cliffhanger. Zero and Eris get their HEA but we are left with what can only be the beginning of the next book as well as a continuing plot thread.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books20 followers
July 4, 2020
Complex, exciting, and addictive! This piece of the series was easy to become addicted to. I began reading it and then just couldn't stop! First of all, there's Eris, who is more compelling to read about as more layers are revealed. The fact that her family is dysfunctional and probably dirty only makes her more of a heroine. Zero, I don't think he's just what he thinks he is and I'm dying to find out what his real history is. I loved the addition of Sparky, I thought that this book would take us back to the prison planet to save then the girl from the last book, but maybe that will come later. In this book, it was full-on excitement and action, which is par for the course for a Mina Carter book. This author brings her characters to life on every page and it's fascinating to see it all unfold.
Profile Image for Kerry Ann.
512 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2024
This book seems to have two names. “Alien Mercenary’s Heart” and/or “Zero’s Heart.”

This is the first in a spin off series. We follow a mercenary crew operating in Mina Carter’s Warriors of Lathar universe. There are some cross over characters however one does not have to have read the Lathar series to enjoy. I give the author props for introducing new species. (At the time of this review the Lathar series 20 books deep. With no end in sight.)

This book follows the Mina Carter’s Lathar formula. Alien hero falls in love with human heroine. Enjoyed the fact that Zero did not start out as a pompous know it all. Sadly despite all the things this book had going for it the plot just moseyed along. No real hook to pull you in, nor was there much substance. What was there was predictable.

Rating it 3 ⭐️ stars. Entertaining but completely forgettable.
521 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2020
Eris is marking time even as she works as a security chief. Zero is fascinated by Eris even if he doesn't think he has a chance. But when danger finds Eris will Zero stand by her side?
I enjoyed getting to know the Warbourne crew a bit more. Even as Zero and Eris find they are super compatible. The passion between them is real even as their timing could be better. I loved seeing Zero struggle with his preconceptions of a womans place...at least a woman he is fascinated by and falling in love with. And I loved seeing Eris accept that she no longer needs to be alone. Together Zero and Eris are learning to accept themselves and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this spinoff by Ms. Carter and can't wait to see where she will take us next.
1,860 reviews14 followers
July 2, 2020
The Warborne mercenaries’ crew! As a member of the crew, Zero was different, cyborg like and without any knowledge or recalling of his origin, but he knew the human woman attracted him and he was going to help, protect and make her his. But despise her situation, the woman was not a damsel in distress and he would have to learn to deal with it. This first book was action-packet with alien and enhanced characters that intrigue and suggest more interesting twists in the future. Liked the strong and skilled characters, the suspense, the intriguing plot development, the interesting descriptions and narrations, enjoyed the friendly banter between the crew members and Zero and Eris’s romance. Boring? At all, with all the things going on.
213 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2020
An amazing start to a new Carter spin off series!

This book has action, depth, and fantastic characters that make the book not just about two heroes, but about a group of close knit comrades. The fact that we have 12 previous Lathar stories to give us history and ground us in Lathar culture is awesome- but you don’t need to read the Warriors of Lathar series to thoroughly enjoy this book. In Book 12 of the Warriors of Lathar series - Kissed by the Alien Mercenary - we fell in love with Saal and Lizzie. The Warborne Mercenaries were introduced in that story, and Zero’s Heart is a spin-off. Like all of Carter’s books, you’ll find an intriguingly fresh plot and heroes who are believable, tons of action and hot aliens. I can’t wait for more!
1,025 reviews
November 30, 2023
Good book.
This is the first book from this author that I’ve read, and so far, I like it. This is an easy fun read that is developed enough to keep my interest but no angst or heavy plots. This was action from the beginning and I really enjoyed the MC’s personality. Zero is a confident half cyborg half human. He is very calm under stress and a strong man. Iris is a veteran soldier, who is now a civilian due to injuries from her war machine suit. They hook up when she is being pursued, and he saves her and introduces her to his crew. He didn’t need to go to save her brother and the plot thickens, which I assume will be continued in other books in the series. I look forward to the next book and plan to read the entire series.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,058 reviews29 followers
June 30, 2020
Never a dull moment!
Zero doesn’t see himself quite the same way as others. Personally, I think he’s really hard on himself. Eris is an admirable woman. She’s willing to take high risks, if there’s a slim possibility of success.
This is a very exciting adventure. The odds of success change in an eye-blink. Still, there is time enough for a hot romance. I love it!
Ms. Carter paints colorful word pictures that draw me right in to the story. Her sense of humor always tickles me. The characters are enjoyable, with skills beyond the ordinary - a good thing! They’re needed! There is more to come with this group of people; I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
Profile Image for Stacy .
317 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2020
I must admit up front that I’m a huge fan of all things Mina Carter and I’m of the singular opinion that the Lathar books are the bomb! So this new book in this world but following the Warborne is something I’ve been itching to get ahold of and man was it worth the wait!!! Zero is a member of the Warborne crew. He’s a gorgeous cyborg who can’t remember his past and and Eris is a security chief on Tarantus Station that caught his eye. When he finally makes his move all things go to hell and from then on the book goes a mile a minute. There is action galore, a hot romance and fun, fun, fun! I loved this foray into the world of the Warborne and can’t wait till the next one comes out!
Profile Image for Jeanne Mead.
475 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2020
Eris is trying to come to terms with a not so great medical diagnosis, when an "easy on the eye" mercenary arrives on her space station and is very interested in spending some quality time with her.
Zorn is strongly attracted to smart and beautiful Eris, He'll go to extreme lengths to make that happen.
Things happen that make it imperative for Eris to leave quickly and Zorn is determined to keep her safe.
Can these two strong willed military types survive long enough to have a relationship?
Great camaraderie between Zorn's crew and off the charts hot sexy times with Eris and Zorn!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,273 reviews
July 17, 2020
I would say my only real issue with this story is that Zero’s past is still unknown. He gets the start of some memories but they pass before fully forming. I can only assume this will be resolved later in the series.

This story didn’t head in the direction I was thinking. I thought it was going to be about her tank suit and step-father. Maybe there will be later.

For being a Cyborg with little memory of his past, he is really a big softy where Eris is concerned. She is pretty kickbutt and doesn’t hesitate to back him up even if it means never walking again.

Looking forward to more stories in this series.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,045 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2020
The inimitable Mina Carter has done it again!

A great start to her new series "Lathar Mercenaries: Warborne". Zero is one tough kick ass cyborg and Eris is his perfect match. The secondary characters have such charming personalities. The angst is intense and the subterfuge is mysterious to the end. A story I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to the next mysterious installment telling us about Eric. This is an ARC reading obtained through BookFunnel and I am willingly reviewing the same.
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