8 Historical Single Dad Romance Books That Bring the Drama and the Feels

There’s something irresistible about a historical romance hero who’s juggling fatherhood (or guardianship), brooding responsibilities, and a heart he swears is off-limits. Maybe it’s the hidden softness. Maybe it’s the governess who shakes up his well-ordered life. Or maybe it’s just the pure joy of watching a grumpy duke, rugged highlander, or morally gray investigator fall completely to pieces over love (and bedtime stories).

This list is all about historical single dad romance books that feature from stern aristocrats to secretly tender warriors who did not plan on falling in love but do it anyway, spectacularly. If you’re into pining, proximity, and just the right amount of scandal, these romances deliver.

Prefer to watch instead?

This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

Historical Single Dad Romance Books

The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett

A Victorian apothecary and a grumpy private investigator team up to solve a sabotage mystery. Thorne, a single father, is all walls and rules until Lucy slips under his armor. There’s mystery, slow burn tension, and a chemistry that turns protective into passionate.

Grab The Love Remedy on Amazon

Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley

Widowed Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can handle criminals, but not his own unruly children. When street-smart Bertie Frasier charms the kids and their father, she becomes their governess and slowly turns his life (and heart) upside down.

Grab Rules for a Proper Governess on Amazon

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell

The Duke of Banksford needs help with his twins. Enter Mari Perkins: bold, clever, and not afraid to challenge the powerful duke. This one has governess vibes, forbidden tension, and a duke who doesn’t stand a chance.

Grab What a Difference a Duke Makes on Amazon

The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior by Megan Frampton

A surprise child arrives on the duke’s doorstep. Enter Lily, the governess who challenges everything about his scandalous ways. She’s supposed to teach him how to behave. He’d rather misbehave with her.

Grab The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior on Amazon

Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke

He wants a male tutor for his wild twin boys. She shows up in disguise and lands the job. Jamie, the Earl of Kenyon, is drawn to the smart, opinionated woman who shakes up his world and captures his heart.

Grab Governess Gone Rogue on Amazon

It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian

A country vicar is asked to care for a naval captain’s wild children. He doesn’t expect to fall for their gruff, grieving father. This queer historical romance is warm, witty, and full of gentle caretaking and deep emotional connection.

Grab It Takes Two to Tumble on Amazon

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne

Laird Liam MacKenzie is feared by all except the new English governess who sees the man behind the legend. Miss Philomena tames his unruly children and his heart. A dark and steamy Victorian Highland romance.

Grab The Highlander on Amazon | Read my review

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Widower and botanist Sir Phillip proposes to Eloise Bridgerton expecting a quiet life. What he gets is anything but. This is a charming, emotional romance with a single father learning to love again.

Grab To Sir Phillip, With Love on Amazon | Read my review | Bridgerton series guide

Final Thoughts

Historical single dad romance books bring together all the emotional depth of historical romance with an extra layer of heart. Watching tough heroes soften, kids cause chaos, and love bloom where no one expected it? That’s the kind of story we’ll always say yes to.

Let me know your favorite historical single dad romance. I’m always up for another brooding duke with parenting issues.

Read More

• More historical romance book recommendations

Pin It for Later