Single Dad romance books

Who doesnโ€™t love a good single dad romance book? There’s just something about a hot, doting dad juggling parenthood and love that makes our hearts melt. Whether he’s playing tea party with his little princess or tossing a football with his mini-me, single dads in romance novels give us all the feels. Add in a puppy, and weโ€™re pretty much done for. If youโ€™re into swoon-worthy stories featuring single dads, youโ€™re in the right place. Check out our top picks for single dad romance books and see if your favorite made the cutโ€”or if we need to add a few more heartthrobs to the list!

This was originally posted June 14, 2017 and last updated June 13, 2024

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Watch this video for some of our favorite single dad romance books (even some not on this list)

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15 Single Dad Romance Books for Your Reading Pleasure

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley likes to make her heroes dads, which is why I had a hard time of choosing which one I wanted to put on this list. So, in the end I decided to use my all time favourite KA read, I adore this book, I don’t know what it is about it but I love it more each time I reread it. One of the things I love? The hero, the sexy as hell alpha male Tatum Jackson is an adorable dad. I mean, all KA heroes are great dads, but I have such a soft spot for Tate and Jonas.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley book review

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

The Lucky Harbor series is no stranger to sweetness and humour but there isn’t actually much of it in Josh’s life. As a doctor and a single dad, he doesn’t have much time to relax. That’s why this happily ever after was so important for him. Josh is as selfless as can be and reading his story will not only make you laugh and cry, but I’m sure he will win over your heart too.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis book review

The perfect summer reading series! Explore the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis with our guide.

Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

Success and swagger in a perfectly wrapped package.  Drew Jagger is smooth perfection.  But there’s so much more than meets the eye with this guy.  Don’t let his carefree persona fool you because he is a deeply caring man and when he falls, he falls hard.  Especially when it comes to a little bundle of joy.  Prepare your ovaries!

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Egomaniac by Vi Keeland book review

Montana Mornings by Kim Law

Montana Mornings by Kim Law

Kim Law played her hands well in this third installment of The Wildes of Birch Bay.  She portrays a realistic story of a single dad finding love after divorce, including all the ups and downs that come with it.  Gabe and Erica’s story made me laugh, tear up, and fall in love with all the characters in this small town.  If you like small town reads with stand up heroes, this series is worth taking a chance with.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Montana Mornings by Kim Law book review

Until Lily by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Until Lily by Aurora Rose Reynolds

I think this book with the abundance of adorableness needs to come with a big flashing warning sign saying: MAY INDUCE BABY MAKING FEVER. It’s hard not to get a bit broody after reading about little Jax and his sexy daddy Cash Mayson, and then seeing him reunite with his little daughter Ashlyn. THE FEELS! It’s crazy, but you can’t help but fall in love with this little family. P.S. sorry for all the caps!

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Until Lily by Aurora Rose Reynolds book review

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne

This series features bad boys and unlikely heroes, and there is something alluring about the way that Kerrigan Byrne presents them.  The Demon Highlander is ruthless and blood thirsty in battle and has a couple of hellions at home as well that need to be tamed just as much as him.  Approach both him and his offspring with care!  One 17 and one 12, he’s left them much to their own devices while he battled as Laird of Clan Mackenzie.  Did I mention the accent?  ๐Ÿ˜‰  Now he’s retired and wants to make amends for the time he’s lost with them.  Enter Mena who has just the spine to handle all three of them!

Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne book review

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Adam Hauptman. Werewolf. Alpha. Hot. Dad. The first three are what normally get people’s attention and they certainly capture ours. However, it’s the last one that we want to celebrate today. Because Adam maybe an alpha werewolf and love his pack, but that’s nothing to how fierce his love is for his daughter. Raising Jesse with only minimal input from her mother, he is a devoted father and you can’t help loving him even more after seeing this softer side of him. However, any future boyfriends better beware and treat his girl right, otherwise you might find yourself looking at the eyes of an enraged werewolf.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs book reviews

Get to know Mercy Thompson in our interview with Mercy here and don’t miss our complete Mercy Thompson series guide.

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Matt’s marriage fell apart but his love for his daughters never diminished.  They are still one of the most important parts of his life.  Adding another woman to that mix was not necessarily in his cards until he couldn’t stay away from his anonymous virtual assistant, Hailey.  Loved him!  I’m crushing on him so much!  Whether with his kids, with his teammates or his woman, Matt Erickson is the guy to sweep you off your feet.  Romantic, sexy AND will make you pancakes in the morning!

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen book review

To Sir Phillip, with Love by Julia Quinn

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

This book. So damn adorable. It’s the fifth book in the Bridgerton series and I feel it largely gets overlooked. So, I am here today to advocate for it and get everyone to give it a second look. Phillip has some rather unruly children, who he loves dearlyโ€ฆhe just doesn’t really know how to show it. This book, it plays violins on the heartstrings. Not only are you getting a rather smashing romance between Phillip and Eloise Bridgerton but you also get to see the story of them all coming together as a little family. It’s a touching and emotional ride and if you haven’t read it, I recommend you give it a chance.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn book review

Don’t know where to start reading the Bridgerton series? Check out our ultimate Bridgerton series guide.

Nuts by Alice Clayton

Nuts by Alice Clayton

Mah baby!  Farmer Leo Maxwell is one of my favorite Alice Clayton heroes.  There, I said it.  Take that Simon!  Plus one of my favorite heroes in 2015.  He’s that good boy next door, protective of family, friendly, funny and devastatingly charming.  With a heart of gold and moves that will have your heart skipping a beat. ๐Ÿ˜‰  But when it comes to his daughterโ€ฆ you will simply melt at the sweetness.  Plus did I mention the beard?  I just can’t resist him.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Nuts by Alice Clayton book review

Built by Jay Crownover

Built by Jay Crownover

Built by Jay Crownover features Zeb Fuller, a rugged construction worker and single dad. When he meets Sayer Cole, a polished lawyer, their worlds collide. Zebโ€™s blue-collar charm and Sayerโ€™s uptight demeanor create a dynamic filled with tension and attraction. As they team up to solve a personal crisis, sparks fly, and they discover that opposites really do attract. This romance is full of heart and heat, perfect for anyone who loves a good opposites-attract story.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Built by Jay Crownover book review

A Nordic King by Karina Halle

A Nordic King by Karina Halle

A Nordic King by Karina Halle serves up royal romance with a twist. Single dad and widowed King Aksel needs a nanny for his two young daughters. Enter Aurora, whoโ€™s got the warmth and spirit to melt even the coldest of hearts. Akselโ€™s grumpy demeanor and royal duties make things complicated, but Auroraโ€™s presence brings joy and chaos to the castle. This story mixes royalty, humor, and sizzling chemistry, making it a royal treat.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our A Nordic King by Karina Halle book review

Love a good royal romance? Then check out all our royal romance recommendations.

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas brings the heat with a forbidden romance. Easton Bradbury, a former tennis star turned teacher, meets single dad Tyler Marek when his son enrolls in her class. Their chemistry is off the charts, but their baggage and professional boundaries make things tricky. Can they make it work? This steamy story keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Misconduct by Penelope Douglas book review

The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan

The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan

The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan is an emotional and sexy contemporary romance. When single dad Ethan Jackson hires Nic, whoโ€™s running from her own past, to be his nanny, neither expects the intense attraction that follows. Nicโ€™s nurturing nature and Ethanโ€™s protective instincts create a bond thatโ€™s hard to ignore. As they navigate their complicated feelings, they must decide if theyโ€™re willing to take a chance on love.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan book review

Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James

Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James

Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James is a wild ride of passion and romance. Single dad Cord McKay, a rugged cowboy, is caught off guard by the fierce and independent AJ Foster. AJโ€™s determined to prove sheโ€™s not just a girl from his past, but a woman who knows what she wants. Their chemistry is electric, and the backdrop of ranch life adds a rustic charm to their story. This steamy, heartfelt romance is perfect for those who love a good cowboy love story.

Grab this book on Amazon or read our Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James book review

Love a good cowboy romance? Then check out the must-read Queen of cowboys! Check out our Rough Riders series guide to get started.

And there you have it, our single dad romances that are sure to make your heart swoon. Did we miss your favorite single dad romances? Share it with us in the comments! This character type is so popular, there are loads of books to love. If youโ€™re looking for even more single father romances, donโ€™t forget to check out our book database. You can access it anytime when you join our community. 

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13 Comments

  1. I’ve read a couple and couple are on my TBR. The Alice Clayton series is one I’ve been eyeing. Lani Lynn Vale’s CENTER MASS is one I really enjoyed. She’s got a couple of others with single dads. I love Ryker in Sawyer Bennett’s RYKER. And, we can’t forget KA’s THE WILL and SOARING. *sighs*

  2. I loved Forever and A Day! Definitely taking a note of all these titles for the future, I love the single dad theme! Thanks for the great list!

  3. I love Sweet Dreams, Tate Jackson is my favorite. I’ve also read 9,7,3 and 2. I want to read can’t wait to read Stay.

  4. Adam from Moon Called is definitely a favorite. I know I have several other books I read because of the father or step-dad aspect, but for the life of me I can’t remember. ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Great list! I’ve only read a handful of those and I do love a good dad side story in a romance.