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Special Ops: Homefront #4

Make Mine a Ranger Lib/E

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It's not him. It can't be him..."

24-year-old Bess Foster has a three-year-old daughter she cherishes... friends she adores... and an Army Ranger she's been fantasizing about for nearly four years.

But she also has a past that haunts her: an abusive ex-boyfriend she fled to protect her child. She thought she was free of him... till she saw his face again.

Sharing a house with a single mom and a preschooler might not sound like the best fit for an Army Ranger. But when First Lieutenant Tyler Griffon finds out that the waterfront house where his long-time friend Bess lives with her daughter has a vacancy, he can't resist the jaw-dropping view of the Chesapeake Bay.

And when he signs the lease, this Ranger will get more action than he bargained for...

Audio CD

First published November 6, 2014

160 people are currently reading
301 people want to read

About the author

Kate Aster

40 books344 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!

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5 stars
664 (47%)
4 stars
462 (32%)
3 stars
228 (16%)
2 stars
38 (2%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,226 reviews267 followers
May 3, 2020
read June 2014
What a great series !!!
Book 4. Bess and Tyler finally have their story. He's a Ranger, who happened to be there for her when she had her baby girl. He kept in touch ever since. Bess escaped her abusive ex and found a wonderful home. The deeply thoughtful characters, interesting stories, and hot sexy romance make these tales worthwhile.
Family is where the people you love are. Tyler is devoted, loyal, compassionate and caring. I'm glad he took care of the ex. Emotional story of love and kindness.
I've loved each previous story, too.
Kate Aster is a terrific writer. ENJOY !!!!

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Profile Image for Nathania Ma.
270 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2020
I never imagined I would like this book so much because I'm not really a fan of Bess (felt she has too low self-esteem in the previous books and the women in this series, especially Maive and Violet are just too awesome). In this book, Bess is still the good old Bess, scoring low on self-esteem though she's improved a bit along the way but it's really Tyler who made me swoon.

What I like about Tyler is not his body (though I don't mind an eye candy but I usually go for the nerdy kind anyway who plays video games more than going to the gym), I like him because he's so patient with Bess. Trust me, any other guy would definitely take a no for a no but not Tyler.

The sweet Tyler is not a one night stand of guy (CHECK)
He's patient and caring for Abby (CHECK x 2)
He's successful in his career plans well (even planning for Bess as well ) CHECK x3
He's smart and protective (CHECK x 4)

While the other guys are also hot in this series, I think he's the best and this book also has the best plot (you see the growth from friendship to romance). Overall, I enjoyed this series a lot but I just have a small complaint:

Initially:
Mick loves Lacey for her legs, Lacey loves Mick for his body;
Both Maive and Jack fell for each other's body;
Captain Shay loves Violet for her brains (and body) and Violet likes Captain Shay for his body?;
Tyler loves Bess for her motherly love for her daughter and Bess likes Tyler because of his thoughts for her daughter (and body).

There are way too much reference to the physique! I know ladies fancy 6 pack or 8 pack or whatever but still, it's all about physique in the beginning. Ugh. Need something beyond the BODY.
Profile Image for Taria Reed.
Author 0 books84 followers
October 19, 2015
ok this was a sweet little story. I did wanna smack Bess whenever she became self deprecating or her low self esteem got in the way. Overall I really enjoyed this story. I usually don't like the friends to lovers angle but it worked here. I didn't like that Abby was not written as a typical 3yr old. Most 3yr olds don't grasp most of the conversations and concepts Abby did. Other than that, I liked everything about this. I may or may not go back and listened to the first 3 books. No rush though.

story - 3.25
narrator 3
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,383 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2014
Spectacular finish to Ms. Aster's series!

I have enjoyed reading about each one of the girls who has fallen in love with their own special ops men, thanks to my favorite character Mrs. B.

With this book we learn about Bess and Tyler who were in the first book and little Abby. I loved following their love story to the very special proposal at the end. Ms. Aster is very talented writer and I can't wait to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Ashley.
4 reviews
May 5, 2015
Can't put them down!!

Read the whole series loved them! Can't help falling in love with all the characters! These books had a great story line in addition to the heat infused romance!
56 reviews
November 18, 2014
Great series! I love the stories of the SEALS and these women. Good mix of all the right things! Character development, taking time for romance to build! Spicy when it should be! I'm a new fan!
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,326 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2025
Just Stop it! These books are too good. I think they read like modern-day fairytales, ones I'm more than happy to re-read anytime I need a guaranteed pick-me-up.

In this final installment, Bess gets her long-awaited HEA with Tyler.

The thing I love most about Kate Aster's books is the found family aspect. Lacey, Vi, Maeve (along with their husbands), and Edith give Bess and Abby all the familial love, support, and protection they need. Tyler has always been perfect for Bess and I loved how despite his unfailing care and devotion to Bess and Abby, he is completely clueless to his real feelings for such a long time.

This one is my favourite of all, but it only wins by a nose from Lacey's book.

This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Profile Image for Tonya Peterson.
1,570 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2020
I read through the audio
Bess is a single mom that ran away from her abusive ex bf the minute she found out she was pregnant. When she first moved in with her now bfs they went to the base where she net tyler she was pregnant then abs helped her find a seat. Then months later he saw her again but this time she was going into labor again he helped her the hospital. Then 4 yrs later she still was in some contact with him allowed him to move in which was great since she still feared her ex. Over the months they fell in love bu she was not convinced it was real. So tyler never backing away proved it.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,049 reviews44 followers
June 5, 2018
Emotionally satisfying
Bess and Tyler’s story was definitely worth the wait. We meet this couple in the first book of this series and see their friendship blossom throughout. The Bess in the first book was no where near ready for Tyler, it was wonderful to see her character arc. She becomes a wonderful mother, and a strong and loyal friend to the women and men in her circle. And when Tyler and his Special Ops buddies need to deal with a problem from Bess’s past? Total swoon city. I loved seeing Bess and Tyler’s life fall into place! Such a well deserved HEA! I loved this series!
732 reviews
October 22, 2022
4th in interrelated series

This is the story of Bess, a single mom who escaped domestic violence while pregnant, and Tyler, an Army Ranger who briefly met Bess while she was pregnant and ended up being the person to take her to the hospital when she was in labor. He got attached to her daughter from. that experience & stayed in touch, and they end up as housemates when he transfers back to the area for an assignment. Friends-to-lovers, with some excellent hot times, some drama about the abusive ex, and some nice weaving in of updates on the prior couples in the series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,277 reviews
March 4, 2019
I loved Tyler since we were introduced to him. He is such a good guy. I always had a sweet spot for Bess. It was fun to watch her grow. I have a pet peeve about authors and kids. Sometimes they try to make the child’s dialogue for an older child. Unfortunately, this author had a 3yr old thinking like a 12 yr old. The dialogue did forward the story, so I was able to ignore it for the most part. I liked how the author dealt with Dan also. Loved this series and will miss the characters.
77 reviews
July 24, 2022
Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Home front Book 4)

I liked the story and the characters. It, however, seemed as if you ran out of steam with this last book in the series. The characters were given their dreams and closures from the previous books and an opening as to possible future stories with a new generation when the children are adults. I feel you rushed the ending by skipping five years to show how everyone got their happy every after.
Profile Image for Grayce Connors.
45 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2018
I don't generally read works in this area as they are often vapid and fairly mind numbing but Aster puts enough thought and care into the details, locations and supporting characters to make this a very enjoyable (if not particularly original or surprising) example of the romance genre. This is not an easy thing to do so kudos!!!
Profile Image for Janshea (Tobborah C.).
493 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2019
3.5 stars
Nice end to the series. I was rooting for Bess for 3 books and glad to finally get it. Her poor self esteem became a bit much in some instances, just could have been less repeated.
Tyler wasn’t nearly as clueless in this book and his mistake at the end was quickly dealt with.
All in all I enjoyed my time in Annapolis
229 reviews
January 3, 2023
Tyler and Bess is such a good story. Both characters have such integrity and their love takes a natural conclusion. The love Tyler has for Abby, Bess's 3 yr old daughter is so touching. He was there at her birth. He never had a dad to care for him just like Abby.
And of course the little girl adores him. A must read.
791 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2022
finally

I have been longing for Bess to get her happily ever after and Tyler is absolutely perfect for her and Abby. This story is full of emotion and wraps up the loose ends beautifully. Great job Kate!
Profile Image for Farisa.
669 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2022
Idk why I didn't DNF this book because I have nothing to say about it other than it's awful and fatphobic. (Also tell me why a single mom has to be constantly down on her luck and self sacrificing????)
172 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2020
Wonderful

I enjoyed all 4 books in the series am heading for a new series these stories are great and entertaining
32 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
Love this book! Read it multiple times.
Profile Image for Popcorn.
438 reviews
March 4, 2023
Great story

Favorite part! Calling someone bluffs! Sorry but you will all have to read the book to find out what that is.
1 review
March 1, 2023
Best book of the series

Being ex-navy myself, I was curious about weaving an army guy into a bunch of navy officers at Annapolis. It was well done and was a sweet story. I’m sad to see the series end. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!!
Profile Image for Lia.
25 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2016
I really like this book. It wasn’t a dramatic “abusive ex who keep showing up and the hero keeps her out of the loop while trying to one-man up the ex.” Tyler actually tells Bess what’s going on. I love that he does that because too often the hero would not tell the heroine what’s going on because he’d rather deal with it himself because he’s the “man.” But, Tyler doesn’t shy away from telling her what it is exactly that her ex wants and what the ex had said. Also, I like that he doesn’t shy away from his feelings for her and he actually communicates with her. He’s actually the one pursuing her and being open about his feelings for her.

I also like that Bess didn’t pull the whole “I’ve got to do this by myself because I’m threatened and no one can help me, even if the hero is a beefy manly man.” Her character is really relate-able and likeable. Her status as a single mom makes this story a nice touch. I like that Aster made Bess have realistic thoughts and that her character is really like a single mom, not a sexy slim single mom, but a normal doesn’t-have-time-for-herself kind of mom.
Abby is an adorable little girl. The ending scene with her is just so typical of a little girl her age. I love that Aster included moments where Abby whines and acts like a kid because seriously, no kid is 100% good at all times.

Overall, I really like this story. At this point I’m repeating myself, but I haven’t enjoyed a story with characters as realistic as these characters in a while. It wasn’t instant “OMG, you’re so hot and attractive and I want to have your babies” and it wasn’t the usual storyline with characters that are always “sexy, hot, attractive, tall, blonde, and slim with smothering eyes.” I love that Aster made the characters know each other for years before the main male lead finally realizes that he loves the main female lead instead of the usual instant love and attraction at first sight
Profile Image for Bridgett.
61 reviews20 followers
November 22, 2015
Bess - She is shy at first, and a bit unsure of herself. She reminds me a little bit of myself except you won't catch me dead in a dress, ever! She is a fantastic mother, and has talent in the kitchen. Her character was believable and likable. I had no qualms with her at all.

Tyler - His character is the nice guy, with muscles and hotness. Just the way they should be in a romance novel. The best part about him is that he is articulate enough to have clever things to say. This makes him interesting. He also has a tiny bit of an edge to him, but I think I would have liked to have seen it a little bit more sprinkled through the pages. He was almost too good to be true.

Abby - What a cute little girl. I loved her character.

Bess's friends - High class, a little lofty. I suppose I feel this way because I have never had friends in high places before, or ones that have everything they could ever want.

This was a pretty basic romance novel. It wasn't boring at all, and kept me moving forward without problems. I do however think that a bit more conflict could have been introduced to create more drama between the characters.

The ending was beautiful. Perfect. Tyler made me fall in love with him.

The author added an epilogue that wasn't necessary though. It didn't add to the book at all, and even took from the elation I felt reading the end of the book.

Over all, I am impressed with the author. She writes very well for an independent author. In my eyes, she is probably one of the better writers out there, and she should be congratulated for that. I will probably read another of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,611 reviews36 followers
April 4, 2015
This is the 4th book in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I hadn't read any of the other books & just randomly came upon this one. However, the other books look really good, so if you like to start your series from the beginning, I highly recommend checking out book 1!

Bess & Tyler meet just before she gives birth to her daughter, Abby. They make a connection of friendship, and mostly because Tyler falls in love w/ Abby right away (in the "this child holds a special place in my heart" way). Cut to a few years later, Tyler (an Army Ranger, of course) gets an assignment in Annapolis (a Navy town!) & needs a place to live. Bess's roommates have just recently moved out & she keeps seeing her abusive ex everywhere ... Tyler moving in is win-win!

I really enjoyed getting to know Tyler & Bess as friends, getting to know Abby & all of the supporting characters from the earlier stories. And the way the DB ex is handled is really unique and clever!! Since this was the last of the series, the epilogue is a BEAUTIFUL wrap up to everyone's stories while still pointing toward the future. Absolutely adored how that was written! : )
1,112 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2014
Sweet

While I tend to read mainly books that fairly heavy on the suspense, this book was ranked as one of the most read books on kindle unlimited, so I decided to try it. It was primarily a romance with a small hint of suspense to make it interesting. It is also the fourth book in a series of which I have read none of the other books. I didn't find myself lost at all, although I do believe I would have been better connected to the secondary characters if I had started with book one. Overall, it was sweet, well written, and had fun characters. I would certainly read this author again.
Profile Image for Kristin.
317 reviews16 followers
April 10, 2015
Friends to lovers

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the 4th book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. After reading Bess and Tyler's story, I will definitely look into her other books. Bess was pregnant when she first met Tyler. Tyler is an army ranger, but that doesn't impress Bess like other girls. She has an abusive ex-boyfriend, who is her daughter's father. Tyler has always loved and protected Bess' daughter, Abby. As the story progresses, Bess and Tyler can't deny the sexual chemistry any longer. It is very hot and sweet, in my opinion. Tyler helps get rid of Bess' ex and proposes to her. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ebf.
206 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2015
This was my favorite of the series. I enjoyed seeing the history of how they met. Fell in love with Tyler as I watched him care for and protect little Abby. Watching their friendship build and become more supportive of one another was perfectly paced. I loved how all the men banded together to protect Abby and Bess and one of the reasons I loved this series so much. Loved the epilogue going far enough ahead we get the glimpse of all the couples future. Great read and look forward to more from this author :)
Profile Image for Audra Hart.
Author 27 books117 followers
February 10, 2015
Love this series!

It was wonderful to watch Bess and her baby grow through the course of this series. Tyler was the sweetest and possibly sexiest of heroes in this group of uniformed hotties. The author imbued this series with love, romance and sizzling intimacy. Perhaps more importantly she conveyed deep respect for the valiant and dedicated individuals who serve in special ops. I loved reading about challenges and daily life for military families and the wonderful traditions around Annapolis, the navy as well army rangers.

Delightful series! I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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