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Being a single parent is tough—juggling love, life, and a whole lot of responsibility all at once. So when it comes to romance, these books get it right: complicated families, messy emotions, and heroes and heroines who don’t just fall in love—they build something real amidst the chaos. Whether it’s a steamy enemies-to-lovers, a slow-burn second chance, or a heart-wrenching journey of healing, these single parent romance novels bring all the feels.
Ready to dive into swoonworthy dads, fierce moms, adorable kids, and stories that hit you right in the heart? Here are some of the best single parent romances you won’t be able to put down—perfect for when you want love that’s messy, real, and utterly unforgettable.
More Single Parent Romance Books
Sustained by Emma Chase
Jake Becker is a hotshot defense attorney with zero interest in kids, relationships, or anything that messes with his freedom. But when he ends up tangled in the chaotic world of Chelsea McQuaid and the six nieces and nephews she’s raising, his carefully controlled life takes a nosedive—in the best way.
Sustained is hilarious, heartwarming, and full of found family feels. If you love grumpy heroes falling headfirst into unexpected family life—and love—it’s a must-read.
The Takeover by T.L. Swan
Claire Anderson is a widowed mom of three and the fierce owner of her late husband’s media company. When ruthless corporate tycoon Tristan Miles tries to take over her business, she’s ready to go to war. What she doesn’t expect is for the billionaire villain to fall for her—and her three mischievous boys.
The Takeover is pure enemies-to-lovers chaos: flirty power plays, single mom resilience, unhinged kid pranks, and a hero who falls hard and fast. You’ll laugh, swoon, and probably re-read it the second you’re done.
Ghosted by J.M. Darhower
Kennedy never expected to see Jonathan Cunningham again—the Hollywood heartthrob who broke her heart and vanished years ago. But when filming brings him to New York, he comes face to face with the daughter he never knew existed.
Ghosted is a deeply emotional second chance romance between a struggling single mom and the man who left without knowing he was a father. If you love a redemption arc packed with angst, healing, and bittersweet hope, this one’s for you.
Look The Part by Jewel E. Ann
Flint Hopkins is a rule-following lawyer and single dad who just wants peace and quiet. Ellen Rodgers is a loud, chaotic music therapist who moves into his building and turns his world upside down—with her four pet rats and contagious laughter.
Look the Part is a fun, slow-burn opposites-attract romance with plenty of banter, heartfelt moments, and a neurodiverse rep through Flint’s autistic son. If you like your rom-coms with depth and heart, give this one a shot.
Scandalous by L.J. Shen
Trent Rexroth doesn’t do messy. A broody single dad and business mogul, he’s all about control—until Edie Van Der Zee walks into his life. She’s young, off-limits, and hiding secrets that could wreck them both.
Scandalous is a taboo age gap romance packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, dark secrets, and one very protective father. If you like your romances gritty and explosive, this delivers.
Heartless by Elsie Silver
Cade Eaton is a grumpy single dad with zero interest in finding love. But when Willa, a sunshine nanny with a sharp tongue and zero filter, moves in for the summer, it’s game over.
Set in a charming small town with sizzling tension, Heartless is a fan-favorite grumpy/sunshine romance with an age gap, adorable kid antics, and just the right amount of spice.
Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry
Years after their teenage romance ended in heartbreak, Eleanor applies for a nanny job—only to discover the dad is none other than her first love, Greyson East. But the boy she once knew is now a grieving, emotionally shut-off man just trying to be a good father.
Eleanor & Grey is a poignant, slow-burn second chance romance about healing, grief, and rediscovering love where you least expect it. Bring tissues.
The Smallest Part by Amy Harmon
Mercedes has spent her life loving Noah from the sidelines—through his marriage to her best friend, through grief, and now as the godmother to his daughter. When tragedy strikes again, the line between friend and something more begins to blur.
Beautifully written and deeply emotional, The Smallest Part is a heartfelt single dad romance with a slow-burn friends-to-lovers arc and themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and love that grows over time.
Wait For It by Mariana Zapata
Diana Casillas didn’t plan on raising two boys alone, but here she is—doing her best with a new house, a mountain of responsibility, and one grumpy neighbor who keeps showing up at just the right (or wrong) time.
With Zapata’s signature slow burn and soft family dynamics, Wait for It is a low-drama, feel-good romance about found family, quiet chemistry, and learning to trust again.
Be My Hero by Linda Kage
Pick Ryan has always believed in fate—especially after a childhood vision of a girl he’d one day love. Now an adult working two jobs and taking care of an addict friend, he’s just trying to survive. Then Eva walks into his life, pregnant and wearing a Tinkerbell shirt.
Be My Hero is a quirky, emotional, slow-burn romance between a cinnamon roll hero and a strong single mom-to-be. It’s weird, sweet, messy, and absolutely worth it.
Sacrifice by Adriana Locke
Crew Gentry made a promise to his late brother—to look after his widow and niece no matter what. But when life throws yet another curveball, Crew steps into the ring, risking everything to keep them safe.
If you’re in the mood for a gritty, emotional single parent romance with blue-collar vibes, raw intensity, and a fiercely loyal hero, Sacrifice won’t disappoint.
Juniper Hill by Denver Perry
Memphis Ward is starting over with a newborn and a whole lot of baggage. She doesn’t expect kindness from anyone—especially not from the brooding, tattooed innkeeper who offers her a second chance at stability… and maybe more.
Juniper Hill is a quiet, slow-burn small-town romance with a strong single mom, a protective hero, and just enough emotional weight to keep you hooked.
RoomHate by Penelope Ward
Amelia just inherited a beach house—along with her ex-best friend Justin, who hates her guts and makes that very clear. She’s pregnant and newly single; he’s brooding and not exactly thrilled about their reunion.
If you love forced proximity, second chances, and enemies-to-lovers tension with a side of unexpected tenderness, RoomHate hits the spot.
The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
Elizabeth is still grieving the loss of her husband and trying to hold it together for her daughter. Tristan Cole is the town’s reclusive widower, equally broken. When their worlds collide, the pain between them threatens to become something new—something healing.
The Air He Breathes is a heart-wrenching single parent romance about loss, love, and two shattered people learning to breathe again. Emotional, raw, and unforgettable.
Misconduct by Penelope Douglas
Easton Bradbury is only twenty-three and ready for her first year teaching at a prestigious New Orleans school. What she doesn’t expect is Tyler Marek—the single dad of one of her students—and the intense attraction between them that feels completely off-limits.
If you love steamy, taboo romances with teacher-parent tension and a slow burn, Misconduct delivers all the heat and heart you could want.
Desperately Seeking Epic by B.N. Toler
Twelve-year-old Neena’s last wish is to meet the father she’s never known, so she posts an ad on Craigslist that goes viral—bringing stuntman Paul crashing back into their lives. Clara, Neena’s mom, struggles to trust the man who walked away, but Paul is determined to prove he’s changed.
Desperately Seeking Epic is a gut-wrenching single parent romance that’ll break your heart and stitch it back together. Bring tissues.
Written with Regret by Aly Martinez
When Caven Hunt finds a newborn on his doorstep, his life as a single dad begins. Four years later, the baby’s mother Hadley returns, stirring up secrets and forcing them to face a past full of tragedy and pain.
If you want an emotional, twisty single parent romance with plenty of second chance vibes, Written with Regret is a must-read.
To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise
Lucy never expected to become obsessed with her grumpy, famous single dad neighbor Adam Connor—but now she’s locked in a battle of wills with him, full of fiery banter and undeniable chemistry. What starts as enemies soon becomes something much more complicated.
To Hate Adam Connor is a hilarious, swoony enemies-to-lovers romance perfect for fans of celebrity dads and slow burns.
Sway by Adriana Locke
Barrett Landry is focused on becoming Georgia’s next governor—until Alison Baker, a hardworking single mom, challenges everything he thought he wanted. She’s wary of politics and romance, but Barrett isn’t giving up without a fight.
This small-town political romance combines slow burn, grumpy/sunshine vibes, and heartfelt family moments.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Solène never expected to fall for a man half her age—especially not her daughter’s favorite boy band member. But when she meets Hayes Campbell, their chemistry is electric, and walking away proves harder than expected. What follows is a whirlwind, complicated romance that’s as messy and real as it is addictive.
Raw, emotional, and unforgettable, The Idea of You explores love that defies expectations and the price of desire.
The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred
Alix and Nick were childhood soulmates torn apart by tragedy, lies, and the weight of small-town judgment. Fifteen years later, she’s newly divorced—and he’s back in town with secrets of his own. When fate brings them together again, their past refuses to stay buried.
If you love slow-burn second chance romances with emotional depth and small-town charm, The Sweet Gum Tree is for you.
Return to Us by Corinne Michaels
Jessica left the man she loved to spare him his family’s disapproval—only to return years later after a life-shattering loss. Now, she faces Grayson again, a single dad with a heart still aching for her.
Return to Us is a moving second chance romance about healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering love when you least expect it. Bonus: the emotional payoff is so worth it.
Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez
Till and Eliza found sanctuary in each other amid broken homes, creating a world of their own. Years later, life pulls them apart—but when Till faces his toughest battle yet, Eliza is the only one who can help.
Heartbreaking and beautifully written, Fighting Silence is a powerful friends-to-lovers single parent romance that will leave you emotional and breathless.
Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn
Kate’s always loved Shane—from afar. He married her best friend, started a family, and when tragedy strikes, Kate steps in to help raise the kids while Shane is deployed. But grief, guilt, and long-buried feelings collide in ways neither of them expect… and one night changes everything.
Unbreak My Heart is messy, angsty, and full of morally grey choices. It’s for readers who don’t mind flawed characters, complicated dynamics, and an emotional rollercoaster of a single dad romance.
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Broke and desperate, Daisy is forced into a surprise arranged marriage with Alex, a mysterious circus owner who seems as cold as the Siberian tiger he trains. Her job? Survive six months on tour with him. But love doesn’t follow logic, and what starts as a reluctant partnership soon becomes something much deeper.
Full of humor, heart, and a dash of circus magic, Kiss an Angel is a charming enemies-to-lovers romance with an accidental family twist.