12 Best Paranormal Dads in Romance and Urban Fantasy
Whether they’re biological dads, found-family guardians, or reluctant father figures, there’s something extra swoony about a paranormal romance or urban fantasy hero who’s good with kids—and still ready to take on the supernatural world.
Don’t miss our favorite paranormal moms here.
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Why We Love a Good Paranormal Dad
The best paranormal dads in romance and urban fantasy know how to handle chaos, protect their loved ones, and still make time for the people who matter. These are the broody shapeshifters, powerful vampires, and deadly warriors who melt the moment they’re with their kids (or adoptive kids). It adds depth, warmth, and a dose of real-world emotion to all the supernatural drama.
These are our favorite dads, guardians, and baby-carrying badasses who prove that being deadly and domestic can go hand-in-hand.
Our Top 12 Paranormal Dads (in no particular order, sort of)
Adam Hauptman (Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs)
As the Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack, Adam is used to leading. But with his daughter Jesse and his fierce loyalty to Mercy, Adam balances fatherhood and pack duties like a pro. Bonus points for protective dad vibes and emotional maturity.
Curran (Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews)
As Beast Lord and later Consort, Curran is already protective and alpha to the max. But seeing him step into a father role? Peak heartwarming chaos. He’s still dangerous, but now he packs snacks.
Clay Danvers (Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong)
Clay might be one of the most dangerous werewolves out there, but when it comes to the kids, he’s all heart. His journey from feral to family man is one of the best arcs in the series.
Zsadist (Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward)
Z’s journey from tormented, closed-off warrior to devoted father is one of the most emotional arcs in the series. His bond with his daughter, Nalla, shows just how deeply he’s transformed, and it’ll wreck you in the best way. Protective, gentle, and always watching her back.
Rhage (Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward)
Rhage + kid = ovaries explode. Watching this vampire warrior fall head over heels for his daughter Bitty is one of the most wholesome turns in the BDB series. Beast-mode protector with the softest dad heart.
Wrath (Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward)
As king, Wrath already carries a ton of responsibility. But when fatherhood enters the picture, it adds even more emotional depth to his journey. Protective, fierce, and vulnerable in all the right ways.
Reyes Farrow (Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones)
Spoiler alert! Maybe a little. But Reyes as a father (and protector of the literal daughter of death) is layered, emotional, and absolutely swoon-worthy. He brings the dark danger and the devotion.
Grab First Grave on the Right on Amazon
Mencheres (Night Huntress Universe by Jeaniene Frost)
The ancient vampire who sees all? Yeah, he’s got soft spots too. While not a traditional dad, Mencheres takes on the vampire daddy role that bring major found family energy.
Grab Eternal Kiss of Darkness on Amazon
Lucan Thorne (Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian)
Lucan’s been through it all—founding the Order, fighting ancient enemies, and carrying the weight of leadership. But nothing hits quite like seeing him become a dad. He and Gabrielle have a son, Darion, and by the time we get to King of Midnight, it’s Darion stepping into his father’s world. Watching Lucan shift from battle-hardened warrior to fiercely protective father is one of the most satisfying arcs in the series. He doesn’t stop being a badass, but he definitely adds “dad mode” to his resume.
Grab Kiss of Midnight on Amazon
Lucas Hunter (Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh)
Alpha of the DarkRiver pack, Lucas is equal parts lethal and loving. His relationship with his daughter Naya is adorable, and it adds a whole new layer to his already magnetic connection with Sascha.
Grab Slave to Sensation on Amazon
Lucas Cortez (Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong)
Lucas isn’t just a brilliant sorcerer and lawyer, he’s also a surprisingly steady dad. His role in the series evolves, and by the time he’s raising a teenager with Paige, he’s just as fierce about parenting as he is about magic.
Grab Dime Store Magic on Amazon
Ethan Sullivan (Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill)
Ethan starts off cold and commanding, but the spinoff series Heirs of Chicagoland gives us a deeper look into him as a father. His relationship with Elisa is layered with love, loyalty, and so much dry humor.
Final Thoughts
Paranormal romance and urban fantasy are filled with dangerous heroes, but it’s the ones who turn into dads, guardians, and caretakers that stick with us. They’re fierce, loyal, and unexpectedly soft in all the best ways. Whether you like your supernatural stories with fangs, fur, or telepathy, there’s a book dad on this list that’ll steal your heart.
Let me know in the comments which are your favorites!
Read More
- Favorite paranormal moms
- More paranormal romance and urban fantasy book recommendations
- Check out all our dad book recommendations
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