11 Heart-Melting Contemporary Single Dad Romance Books

If there’s one romance trope that never lets us down, it’s a good single dad romance. Give us the emotional baggage, the soft parenting moments, the unexpected love story, and we’re sold. Especially when it’s set in a world that feels close to home, no vampires, no time travel, no far-off fantasy realms. Just everyday life with a big side of swoon.

This list is packed with contemporary single dad romance books that deliver all the feels: grumpy heroes, emotional healing, second chances, forced proximity, and yes, some adorable kid moments that will absolutely wreck you.

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Contemporary Single Dad Romance Books

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

Years ago, Aurora made up a fake Canadian boyfriend to survive high school. Now, that imaginary boy is back in her life as a real, very hot single dad with a daughter in her ballet class. Cue the panic. This one blends humor, healing, and second chances beautifully.

Grab Canadian Boyfriend on Amazon

The Match by Sarah Adams

Evie runs a service dog nonprofit. Jacob is a grumpy single dad trying to help his daughter adjust to her epilepsy diagnosis. Sparks fly. Emotions run high. And Daisy the golden retriever might just be the real MVP.

Grab The Match on Amazon

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann

He’s a workaholic attorney. She’s a music therapist with pet rats and a love of noise. When she moves into the space above his office, he tries to evict her until his autistic son bonds with her first. A powerful story about letting people in.

Grab Look the Part on Amazon

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

Burly, broody hockey player meets bubbly marine biology student turned live-in nanny. What starts as a “help me date again” mission turns into something much deeper. With classic Tessa Bailey steam and heart, this one delivers.

Grab The Au Pair Affair on Amazon

Homebound by Meredith Trapp

He’s a hockey player. She’s a record-breaking rodeo rider. They were best friends until he left without a word. Now he’s back, with a baby. This one has second chances, big emotions, and a Texas summer heat level.

Grab Homebound on Amazon

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

She’s trying to restart her life by taking over a B&B. He’s the hot, flannel-wearing single dad next door who bakes like a dream. Fall vibes, slow burn, and small-town sweetness make this one a cozy must-read.

Grab If It Makes You Happy on Amazon

After the Storm by Laura Pavlov

A snowstorm. One hotel room. One bed. And years of unresolved feelings. He’s a grumpy single dad. She’s the one who got away. Now they’re face-to-face again, and neither of them are prepared for what happens next.

Grab After the Storm on Amazon

Just Another Love Song by Kerry Winfrey

High school sweethearts reconnect when he returns to their hometown with his son. She never left. He’s now a famous musician. Their chemistry still lingers and so do all their old feelings. This one’s full of charm and soft second chances.

Grab Just Another Love Song on Amazon

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

She’s starting over. He’s grumpy and guarded. But his teenage son secretly rented her a place on their property. With Zapata’s signature slow burn and deep emotional build, this one is a fan favorite for a reason.

Grab All Rhodes Lead Here on Amazon

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

He’s a rancher and a single dad. She’s his little sister’s chaotic best friend. They can’t stand each other until they’re forced to work together. Enemies to lovers tension and cowboy swoon galore.

Grab Lost and Lassoed on Amazon

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

She’s a romance author in a rut. He’s a documentary filmmaker and single dad roped into creating a dating reality show. The twist? They might be each other’s perfect match. Expect big laughs and real heart.

Grab The True Love Experiment on Amazon

FAQ About Contemporary Single Dad Romance Books

What makes a single dad romance feel contemporary?

Contemporary single dad romances are grounded in real-life settings and challenges, no fantasy elements, current time period. Just relatable heroes navigating work, grief, parenting, and love.

Are these all standalone books

Yes, most of these are either standalones or can be read without needing to start at book one in a series.

Are there sweet and spicy options?

Absolutely. Some of these lean sweet (The Match, If It Makes You Happy), while others bring the heat (The Au Pair Affair, After the Storm).

Which books are available on Kindle Unlimited?

Availability can change, but some titles like After the Storm, The True Love Experiment and Homebound are currently on KU. Always double check before borrowing!

Final Thoughts

Contemporary single dad romance books will have your heart melting. They’re emotional, grounded, and full of soft, swoony moments that stick with you. Let me know your favorites in the comments. I’m always ready to add more to my list.

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