Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Special Ops: Homefront #3

Contract With a SEAL

Rate this book
Some contracts are meant to be broken...

Desperate to shake herself free from the humiliation of a very public divorce, TV financial correspondent Vi Owens makes a deal with a Navy SEAL Commander who can wipe her slate clean:

One date in the public eye. One night of unrivaled temptation. No strings attached.

Just weeks before he deploys, Captain Joe Shey can't resist the intriguing offer from the sister-in-law of a fellow SEAL. As Commander of the Teams in Little Creek, however, there's something he'll need in return... something that makes Vi realize she's struck a deal with a man she can't resist.

But when tragedy strikes and a life is shattered, Vi and the hardened SEAL might discover a depth of passion they never knew existed...

1 pages, Audio CD

First published October 23, 2014

543 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

Kate Aster

40 books343 followers
When Kate Aster was in fifth grade, she wrote her debut novel on a spiral-bound notebook–a science fiction which ended with the tragic destruction of all humanity.

Fortunately, she’s gotten a lot more upbeat.

Now preferring romantic settings and blissfully happy endings, Kate just released her eighth book available on Amazon.

Kate is an avid snorkeler, “beach read” fanatic, and margarita connoisseur. She is so grateful for the support and positive reviews from her readers. Thank you!

If you’d like to be notified when Kate’s next book is available, please fill out the contact form on her website to be added to her mailing list. Thanks so much for your interest!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
942 (50%)
4 stars
611 (33%)
3 stars
238 (12%)
2 stars
43 (2%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,226 reviews267 followers
May 3, 2020
Originally read 2014. Re-read May, 3, 2020
Great romantic series !!
Captain Joe Shey can't resist Violet, no matter how hard he tries. The SEAL Commander is a super hot hunk, and Vi can't get him out of her mind or heart. This series has wonderful deeply thoughtful characters, interesting tales, and true, super hot sex. What more could we want ??

We see the previous characters and how they are doing, but be prepared to use a tissue, as Mick gets injured and sent to Walter Reed. Beautifully written by Kate Aster, this is an emotional, loving romance. What a lovely story. ENJOY !!!!!!
Profile Image for dee.
313 reviews
January 3, 2023
Why was this the first book I picked up this year?
Anyways… so, I made that mistake and now I have to live with the consequences of it.

This book was not what I was hoping it would be, sadly. And I cannot tell if I should be disappointed or pleased to confess that it was not one I found on tiktok, but rather one that was recommended to me by Apple’s books app. But here we are.

This book was so short and rushed in terms of its storyline, so much so that it was irritating to read. The characters seemed plainer than plain flour and had close to no personality, aside from an internal struggle of trying to be like every other character in a stereotypical romance novel, with its conflicted leads and amusing or problematic side characters. The so-called romance between the main characters made no sense as it seemed more like addiction to each other or intense attraction and lust for one another, not love. And the sex scenes in this book were mediocre.

I would not recommend this book to anyone for the way it seemed so disappointing. There was so plenty of opportunity for it to be better, even if the writer was eager to keep it short.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews116 followers
Want to read
July 3, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (7/3/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Luli.
718 reviews78 followers
May 21, 2015
3.5 stars.
Ha estado entretenida. No ha sido una historia de las de recordar toda la vida, más bien una de esas que te hace pasar un buen rato.
Lo bueno de esta historia es que no hay grandes malentendidos, ni melodrama exagerado, ni repeticiones cansinas. Tenemos el punto de vista de los dos protagonistas al principio de la historia y al final. En medio sólo contamos con el punto de vista de ella, Vi, eso ha sido un fallo, porque realmente no sabemos qué pasa por la cabeza de Joe en momentos clave.
Lo malo de esta historia es que el principio suena flojo, vago, muy forzado y poco creíble. Pasando ese bache la carretera se vuelve más suave. Otra cosa floja de esta historia ha sido el final, lo he encontrado demasiado manido, empalagoso y hollywoodiense…IMO, of course.
Por lo demás la historia está divertida, los secundarios son muy interesantes aunque sin robarle protagonismo a los personajes principales y a la autora se le da bien mostrar los sentimientos de los personajes, he conseguido conectar con ellos.
Para pasar el rato.

It has been entertaining. It has not been a story to remember forever, but rather one of those that makes you have a good time.
The good thing about this story is that there are no big misunderstandings, exaggerated melodrama or tiresome repetitions. We have the point of view of the two main characters at the beginning of the story and at the end. In between we only have the point of her, Vi, I think that it has been a error, because we really don't know what goes through the head of Joe at key moments.
The bad thing of this story is that the beginning sounds loose, vague, very forced and little credible. Passing that bump, the road becomes smoother. Another loose thing has been the end, I found it too trite, cloying and hollywood-ish... IMO, of course.
Otherwise the history is fun, the secondary characters are very interesting but without stealing prominence to the main characters and the author can show the feelings of the characters, I have managed to connect with them.
Like I said, it´s perfect to have a good time.
Profile Image for Nathania Ma.
270 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2020
Captain Shey peaked my interest in the last book and along with Violet, both really changed my impression. In the first book, both characters seemed too be cold and distant though successful in their careers. By the end of this book, they are cute, adorable, and honorable. Unlike the last book, we see a glimpse of how a couple met, dated, fell in love, and have their lives changed forever.

The book would have been better if:

1) There are more descriptions in the non-sexual interactions between Captain Shey and Vi. Both are described to be highly intelligent people (with Captain Shey well read in history) but I don't see that in this book. Disappointing.

2) Thicker plot with something actually happening other than going on dates. That's why I usually shy away from pure romance because my adrenaline just will not allow me to go through a book where nothing is really happening.

Anyway, this is certainly my favorite in the series (and judging from Goodreads ratings, I'm not alone but I've yet to read the last book to give a final judgment).
Profile Image for Janice.
3,052 reviews
January 14, 2018
Violet needed a date for an event that would be attended by her ex-husband. Enter Joe Shep who she met at Lacey and Mick's wedding. Excellent filler story but the ambulance scene was killer, so well written.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,049 reviews44 followers
June 2, 2018
If you’ve read the previous books in this series, you’ll know that Commander Joe Shey and Vi Owens have a few hard edges, and may be, dare I say, a tick mercenary? But when they start orbiting each other at Vi’s sister’s wedding, you start to see a different side to each of them. Months later when Vi needs help in the social arena, her friends convince her to call Joe. And so begins the social contract. He helps her, she helps him. Determined to stay only friends despite their undeniable chemistry, as Joe prepares to accept a new command. Well, you know where that leads them.
I loved watching Violet come into her own in this book, it was very satisfying! And the harsh, unyielding Commander comes undone by Vi’s surprising warmth. I loved this book!
Profile Image for Silvia Davis.
37 reviews
September 22, 2021
A nice read.

a little lackluster for me. I don't know, I was just expecting something different. Something more. I read this series before, the first one I read Vi & Joe were married already. I felt the "tragedy" while sad and obvs continues in Bess & Tylers story that happens to Lacey & Mick detracted from Vi & Joe's story.

Just fell flat for me. Though a sweet story.
419 reviews
April 8, 2015
Too short

The story line was good but it could have been developed more. It seems to be rushed. I would have liked to have more.
Profile Image for Vania.
594 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2019
Military romance
Some fake dating

Note to self: very trope-y, not bad at all but neither what I like to read in a romance
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,326 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2025
An enjoyable fake-dating romance with a slightly older hero ( though his age isn't mentioned specifically - I'm guessing 40ish?)
Joe is a no-nonsense commanding officer of Navy SEAL teams. He's seen some things, both in his military role and in life in general. Twice divorced, and a few weeks away from being transferred to a new post overseas, he's not looking for a serious relationship. But, when the chance comes to spend time with the gorgeous and interesting Violet Owens, Joe decides the risk is worth the reward.

Violet asks Joe to be her plus-one at a work event that her cheating ex-husband will also be attending, hoping to quiet the pitying looks from her colleagues with some sexy, uniformed arm candy.

Even though they both know the score and neither is looking for a relationship, Vi and Joe can't deny their mutual attraction. They are a sweet couple and though there are some angsty moments, the author guides us through without making anyone wait too long.

All the regular series cast members make cameo appearances, with Laney and Mick at the fore, with their own B-plot thread through the story.

This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
605 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2022
This was another fabulous book by Kate Aster. I have read all of her books so far. This book was the last one I read in this series. This is the story of Joe Shey Navy SEAL CO and Vi Owens, sister of Lacey in her first book. Joe is mentioned in all her books and I finally read his story and throughly enjoyed it. All her books are standalone HEA’s. So you don’t need to read in order but it seems that is what I did when I started reading Kate. But I didn’t get to this one of Joe till now. I loved how she describes Navy SEAL life. She takes me to Annapolis when I read her books. I have watched her YouTube videos also. So you actually get a feel for writing.
125 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2022
What a love story!

Joe and Violet are a perfect match, but they don't know it at first. Violet is totally wrapped up in her career, and Joe is a Navy SEAL CO, completely devoted to his military life. The HEA to their story, and even to some of the other people in their circle, is just a perfect ending. Kate Aster is such an excellent writer! I don't normally enjoy quite so much "steam" in a romance novel, but the characters were all so well-developed, the tone and pacing kept the reader enchanted in this lovely fairy tale romance. I cannot wait to read more books wriiten by Ms. Aster!
732 reviews
October 22, 2022
3rd in series

This book is 3rd in a series of related books. This is the story of SEAL Commanding Officer Joe Shey, who was the CO of Mick from the 1st book, and Vi/ Violet, sister of Mick's wife Lacey. Vi is fresh off a divorce from her brief marriage to a man who is also in the TV correspondent world, so her sister convinces her to take a hot date to the annual correspondent dinner. Commander Shey could also use a date to help stave off all the attempts to fix him up over the holidays. They are overcome by their chemistry & have some hot times. Also some good discussion on the realities of relationships in the military, including dealing with a serious injury.
77 reviews
July 22, 2022
Contract with a Seal (Special Ops: Homefront Book 3)

I liked how Joe and Vi were able to work through their insecurities and find their happiness and love with each other. I also liked the glimpse into the life of a seal and military life. The supporting characters with their quirks and traumas and how they support each other highlights the importance of friends and family. The story shows how a family can be represented by genetics as well as by friends or by a group such as the military. Enjoy your style of writing.
Profile Image for Tisa.
1,212 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2021
The third installment of the Homefront Series. Violet Owens; Lacey Owens recently divorced successful sister. And Mitch's Commander Joe Shey. How a one night stand turns possibly turns into love, that neither one will admit.
Vi has decided she is having an extended stay in Little Creek for a much needed break from the lime light & humiliation of a very public divorce. During her time in Little Creek, she has met many of Mitch Lacey's husband fellow Seals. Including Commander of the Mitch's unit Joe Shey. She finds Commander stimulating in every sense of the word.
Not wanting to attending the correspondence dinner alone to face her cheating Ex. She asks Commander Shey to be her date & fake boyfriend. Vi wants to show that clown of an EX big time for hurting her.
What better way then to attend the party with a REAL MAN! A strong Navy Seal who will put her 1st the entire night. The whole NIGHT! One date & an evening of unrivaled temptation. No strings attached.

I love the military theme & the female characters that make these strong men melt. They are so vulnerable, duty bound & willing to sacrifice their lives & loves. These stories talk about how the men turn into putty once they meet the woman of their dreams. Will they let their scars from war, trauma & past relationships keep them away from true happiness.

Just weeks before he deploys, Captain Joe Shey can't resist the intriguing offer made by the beautiful Violet Owens. Joe has watched & gotten financial advice from Ms. Owens news correspondence & thought she was beautiful. He never thought he would meet this news beauty let alone be asked to be her date for the correspondence dinner. To get back at her jerk of an ex.
From dance rooms to bedroom they have a night of passion. They both are grown up & know that Joe will be leaving in 6 weeks to his new commission for a year. He cannot start a relationship to fall in love.

But their one night stand means so much more to both of them. Spending more & more time together. learning each others vulnerabilities & dreams after their careers. Do they have something t0ogether? Is this relationship the real thing? Something worth fighting for?
Read their story to find out. Oh yes their are hot sex scenes too.

Then a crisis happens within Violet's brother in law their family unit & Seal team. Lacey's husband Mitch is missing during a mission. Then when found the doctors discover he has Temporary amnesia.
Vi realizes life is to short. Its time she put some roots down & be a better sister for once in her life. She needs to tell Joe how she really feels before he goes to his new command. Will she be able to tell him how she feels & is willing to wait before its to late.
Read their story to find out.
340 reviews
July 10, 2022
Wow!

This is the first Kate Aster story that I’ve read and it certainly won’t be my last! What a great read!! I loved the slow build as Vi and her CO learned that things often become non-choices where love is concerned. Their feelings and the situations each found themselves in were so very real and believable. Having been a military wife for 12 years, I could totally connect to so many of their thoughts and emotions. Love a HEA … and Joe and Violet certainly deserve theirs.
63 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
Joe ❤️

Very rarely do I read and feel the completeness of accurately written character.

Joe is not perfect, he doesn't know everything and he certainly has survived through a rigid application of rules and instinct.

Joe makes this book. It was very clever of the author to introduce to the female MC first because it just makes getting to know Joe all the better.

I've never wanted a man to have a happy ending harder than I wanted for Joe. Well done!
521 reviews
October 25, 2022
Fake to real

Captain Joe Shey is asked by Violet to attend a correspondence gala as her date. In return she will help him host a party for his Navy Seal teams and their families. What they both agree is there will be nothing more to it than fake dates. Joe is leaving for his new assignment and does not want more. Yet they both find they want more. Great story delving on military relationships.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,277 reviews
March 4, 2019
I’m not sure, but I think this is my favorite story of the series. Both Vi and Joe are comfortable in their life, but know something is missing. I liked that they tried to stay friends, but the chemistry kept pulling them in. The side story with Mick and Lacey was a little emotional and I’m glad the author made it a happy ending for them. Looking forward to reading Beth’s story.
220 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
I love this series

Vi and Joe are amazing together. It's a mature romance. The others are all great couples but younger. Both Vi and Joe have been burned in marriage, so they weren't looking for love when they met. Their journey is sweet. The plot twist with a previous book character ripped my heart out.
791 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2022
lovely

Another engrossing story from Kate. This one is the story of Joe ( Mick’s former CO) and Vi ( Lacey’s sister). Lacey is recovering from a public divorce and Joe has been divorced twice and is about to be posted abroad for a year. This tale tells how they both overcome their distrust and decide to take a second chance. Full of feels.
Profile Image for Roxy the Fury.
589 reviews
August 7, 2022
Slow burn

Violet is afofares and always doing what she believes will garner her the most acceptance, she’s a people pleaser. Joe is a Commander in the Navy SEALS. Both are in need of second chances.

This was a well written story. The characters were mature and there was minimal angst. I truly enjoyed the series. I would recommend.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,847 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2022
Having read other books in the series, albeit a while ago, I am a bit disappointed to realise that I don’t remember these characters particularly well. I did like them in this though. Starting with a fake date premise, the two main characters fight their attraction to each other, not wanting to get involved before Joe heads off for a year OS.
Profile Image for Eva.
637 reviews8 followers
Read
February 2, 2019
I liked more More, Please. The characters had more depth, and the "L" word arrived more later. In Contract with a SEAL, they fall in live after 3 dates. And we don't know much about Violet and Joe.
But, it's well written.
2 reviews
January 21, 2021
Good read

This is a good series. I liked the characters and the trials of life they go through. I gave it a 4 because in my world there is always room for improvement. I would definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Delores.
321 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2022
Oh Joe

My thoughts on this book was it was a slow simmer. No action or drama. Just a realistic look into the lives of our soldiers.
This author seems to write about Navy life with factual symbolism.
If you enjoy Seal books,then this author is yours.
115 reviews
July 11, 2022
10/10 ‼️

There was nothing in this book that I didn’t like. The storyline and characters reeled me in right from the start. I never read books twice but I’m going to save this one in my Christmas books folder to read again. 🙌❤️🥰
Profile Image for Karol Southerland.
336 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2022
SEALS

Vi and Joe find each other by helping each other with events by attending them with each other. Both came from faulty marriages to having one work for them down the road. A truly awesome tale and an excellent read!






Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.