Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Louisa
If you’re looking for heartwarming romance books dedicated to single parents, then you’ve come to the right place.
Single parent romance books are about overcoming obstacles, kick-ass romantic adventures, and chemistry between characters that will have you swooning.
From endearing stories about raising kids on your own to heart-wrenching tales of rebuilding shattered relationships, these novels will show you that being a single parent doesn’t mean love is gone – it just takes a little bit of effort and courage.
Whether you’re looking for a single dad romance or a single mom romance, these novels deal with all the highs and lows of being a lone parent – from love and loss to hope and healing.
Get ready for an emotionally charged tale of second-chance love, these single parent romance novels will have you cheering on the single parents!
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What To Expect From Single Parent Romance Books?
Single parent romance books explore life’s unexpected surprises when a single parent is presented with the chance for a new relationship.
It focuses on the complex journey single parents take while navigating through love and parenthood with strength and resilience.
These novels are usually inspiring stories about how one can overcome a divorce, the death of a partner, or finding love again after betrayal.
In any situation, these books are about being able to find joy and purpose in their lives outside of being a parent.
You can expect to find characters that struggle between their desire for independence and their need for a connection with another person.
The themes often buck societal expectations like age gap issues, financial status, as well as cultural differences.
Ultimately, these characters usually find that there is beauty in vulnerability, and that love does come back around again!
Best Single Mom Romance Books
Let’s begin with the best single mom romance books. From the surprising romance to the sultry and seductive, these are the best parent romance books.
1. One Percent Of You – Michelle Gross
Are you looking for an exciting single mom romance book? One Percent Of You will have you hooked until the very last page. Hadley is a young single mom who is also pregnant with her second child.
Providing for her family isn’t easy. Hadley is in her last year of nursing school. Between exams and work, she doesn’t have time to keep up appearances.
Her hair is messy, she has bags under her eyes, and she could care less about her clothes.
She is used to the judgemental stares from strangers and the rude comments about her lifestyle. It never bothered her, until a new neighbor, Elijah, moved in.
At first he seemed judgemental, like everyone else. But to Hadley’s surprise, an unlikely friendship develops.
If you love friends to lovers romance books, then you will swoon over the blossoming romance between Hadley and Elijah.
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2. On The Square – Brenda Murphy
On The Square is a single mom romance book that features an unlikely duo with a lot of chemistry.
Mai Li is a celebrity chef whose career went downhill after a very public split from her ex. Dale Miller is a single mom and hard-working contractor.
When Mai decides to return to her hometown, she has her hopes set on reopening her parents’ old restaurant.
The building needs a major renovation before she can do anything with it. That’s when Mai meets Dale, someone she never thought she would connect with.
The two have undeniable chemistry, however, they’ve both been burned in the past. Can they put aside their insecurities for a real romance?
I love the character’s struggles between the desire for independence and the need for a connection with another person.
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3. Feels Like Love – Jenna Hartley
Feels Like Love by Jenna Hartley is a single parent romance book that will have readers rooting for the protagonist.
Bennett has a secret that he doesn’t want anyone to know. He’s falling for his best friend’s sister, Wren.
Bennett figures everything is fine and he doesn’t have to face his feelings if he simply avoids her.
After a flood causes damage to Bennett’s house, she needs to find somewhere to stay temporarily. The only person he knows with a room available is Wren.
To make things more complicated, Wren is ready to date again. She hasn’t dated since before she got pregnant as a teenager and asks Bennett to be her dating coach.
Will this be too much for Bennett to handle?
This is a heartwarming book that follows the journey of one single parent navigating through both love and parenthood while still being in experienced in romance.
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4. Sustained – Emma Chase
Sustained is one of the single parent romance books that we couldn’t put down.
The story follows Jake Becker who is a defense attorney that has a cold reputation.
Most people find him very intimidating, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He likes people that are straightforward and cut right to the chase.
However, things change for Jake when he meets Chelsea McQuaid. There is something about her that he can’t resist.
The only problem is that Chelsea comes with a lot of baggage. That baggage just happens to be her 6 orphaned nieces and nephews.
Jake never imagined himself to be the knight in shining armor type of guy. But, when it comes to Chelsea and the kids, he would do anything to defend them.
This single parent romance novel is a heartwarming story of overcoming unexpected trials with strength and resilience.
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5. Penthouse Prince – Virginia Nelson
One of the most exciting single parent romance books on my list is Penthouse Prince which combines elements of fake relationships and power dynamics between employer and employee.
Jeanie Long is a single mom that’s faced with a difficult decision when it comes to her position at work. That is when she is introduced to the company’s CEO, Camden James.
Camden gives Jeanie an offer that comes with a big pay raise that the single mom desperately needs.
He needs her to pretend to be his fiance. Camden has been nicknamed the Penthouse Prince and needs to prove to his family that he’s ready to marry and turn his reputation around.
The two “fake” lovebirds have everyone convinced they are a perfect match. However, they may not be pretending when it comes to their real feelings.
If you’re looking for a steamy read, this is worthy of any romance fans bookshelf.
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6. Until Jax – Aurora Rose Reynolds
Until Jax is one of the most intriguing single parent romance books on my list as it focuses on a bad boy looking to change his ways.
The story centers around Jax Mayson who has a reputation for breaking hearts.
That’s why he’s one man that single mom Ellie Anthony doesn’t want to deal with. But, there’s something about Ellie that has Jax ready to become the best version of himself.
Jax is ready for a family, even if it means that he has to face his inner demons. He wants to be the man that Ellie and her daughter can trust.
His persistence has Ellie convinced to give him a chance.
However, she is hesitant because she doesn’t want to get her heart broken. Could Jax be everything that he’s promising or is he another false hope?
A unique look at the complex dynamics involved in dating when you are a single parent, how it’s not only your own heart to worry about but your child’s too.
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7. Keile’s Chance – Dillon Watson
If you want to read more single parent romance books about unexpected love, you need to add Keile’s Chance to your list.
Keile Griffen is used to helping everyone but herself. She has been so busy with her career that she never made time for friendship or romance.
Things change for Keile when she finds a lost young boy in the park. His mother, Hayden Davenport, is filled with gratitude for Keile’s help.
As Hayden gets to know Keile, feelings begin to develop.
However, it’s her natural instinct to guard them because she wants to protect her son and her heart.
Has Hayden been burned too hard in the past? Or will she let her feelings flourish?
A captivating journey of personal growth as characters as well as giving love a second chance.
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8. Ghosted – J.M. Darhower
One of my favorite single parent romance books about two old flames trying to work it out is Ghosted.
Jonathan Cunningham is a troubled young actor that’s always in the tabloids.
His sudden rise to fame after getting cast as the lead in a superhero movie was too much for the young star to handle.
Kennedy Garfield is an assistant manager at a grocery store. She works hard to support her daughter.
While the father isn’t in the picture, his face haunts Kennedy almost every day when she sees him on the tabloid covers.
Being one of the top movie stars in the world isn’t everything Jonathan thought it would be.
He’s ready to fix the mistakes he made when crawling to the top and get his family back.
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9. Snowfall On Haven Point – RaeAnne Thayne
If you want to read more holiday-themed single parent romance books, you need to check out Snowfall On Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne.
Andie is a single mom that just wants her kids to have a good Christmas at Haven Point.
When Andie’s best friend Wyn asks a favor, Andie can’t say no. Wyn’s brother Marshall was hit by a car and is in recovery.
She needs Andie to check on him while she’s away for the holidays. Marshall hates feeling defenseless and isn’t afraid to let people know it.
While he wasn’t looking forward to being cared for, there’s something about Andie and her kids that melts his frigid heart.
When a snowstorm has them stuck together at Christmas, their real wishes begin to come true.
An uplifting story of life and love in the face of unexpected changes.
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10. Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny – Rebekah Weatherspoon
If you want an angst romance novel about a hard-working female lead falling for her male nanny, then Rafe is the book for you.
After moving to Los Angeles following a tumultuous divorce, Dr. Sloan Copeland is left with the responsibility of finding a capable and reliable nanny for her twin daughters.
After searching extensively for someone with the perfect qualifications, Rafe Whitcomb soon arrives on the scene – handsome, tattooed, and possessing all the qualities needed to take care of the twins.
But when their relationship develops past live-in nanny and employer into something more, Sloan must come to terms with her hidden desires in order to be truly happy.
Full of slow-burn angst and tender romance between an independent single mother and a strong alpha male, this single parent romance novel explores the complexities of life’s unexpected surprises with heartwarming grace.
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Best Single Dad Romance Books
And now for the dads. If you’ve ever fantasized about a single dad, then you’re going to love these single dad romance books.
11. Happily Letter After – Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Are you looking for a single dad romance book that will warm your heart? You need to read Happily Letter After.
Sadie works for a magazine company that makes a point to fulfill a few readers’ wishes each year.
When Sadie opens up a letter from a young girl named Birdie, she can’t help but play fairy godmother to fulfill some of the things the girl had been wishing for.
Sadie feels a connection to young Birdie. Once she catches a glimpse of Birdie’s single dad, who happens to be incredibly handsome, Sadie knows she needs to meet them.
She decides to take a big risk and go for it, even if it means randomly showing up on their doorstep.
This is a unique take on the single parent romance genre and has been very well written.
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12. Fresh Meet – Jasmine Miller
Want to read a cute babysitter romance novel? Then Fresh Meet is a single dad romance book that I couldn’t get enough of. Jace is a professional swimmer that’s known by his fans as the king of the water.
His lifestyle as a pro athlete has come with a lot of sacrifices, allowing him to only have time to focus on his sport.
Jace’s world is thrown through a loop when a son he never knew he had shows up at his home. This kid also comes with a cute nanny.
However, Jace can’t afford any distractions right now if he wants to stay on top.
Could the arrival of Jace’s son shake up his chances of achieving his goals? Or will he trade trophies for love and family?
This is an action-packed romance book with thrilling sport scenes and a romance that buds slowly.
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13. All His Secrets – Maya Hughes
All His Secrets is a single dad romance book that will have you rooting for a happy ending.
Rhys is a billionaire who once had a perfect life and family. After his wife passed away, his daughter Esme stopped speaking in other people’s presence. She will only speak to Rhys.
His world is shattered when Esme goes missing. But to his surprise, a sweet waitress finds his daughter.
What’s even more surprising is when Esme says “thank you” to the young woman. This is a sign to Rhys that he needs to know more about the waitress, Melanie.
While Melanie sticks around and helps Esme come out of her shell, Rhys is afraid that his feeling could jeopardize how she is helping his daughter.
Through its pages, this billionaire romance book with a single dad will leave readers with an understanding of the true meaning of resilience in the face of life’s adversities.
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14. When The Time Is Right – M. Mabie & Aly Martinez
If you’re looking for single parent romance books that fit into the friends-to-lovers niche, you should check out When The Time Is Right.
Alexis has never enjoyed the company of her brother’s best friend Hudson. He’s cocky and full of himself, with an attitude like he’s God’s gift to women.
When Hudson reaches out to Alexis to get help finding his dream woman, she agrees to help him. Hudson wants to meet a woman that his son will adore as much as he does.
However, when Alexis starts spending more time with the father and son, she realizes that she wants to be that woman.
Will she act on her feelings before it’s too late?
A single parent romance novel of hidden desires unfolding, this book captures the courage it takes to move on and open up to new beginnings.
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15. Forever Right Now – Emma Scott
Forever Right Now is a single parent romance book that had me glued to the pages until the very end.
Darlene Montgomery has been released from jail and is ready to turn her life around. She moves to San Fransico to make things happen for her dance career.
Darlene moves next door to Sawyer Haas. He’s a single dad that’s finishing his last year of law school.
He’s in over his head with finances and is struggling to provide for his daughter. To make things worse, his absentee ex’s parents are trying to fight him for custody of his daughter.
When the two strike a friendship, they need to learn to trust each other to get over their own obstacles.
The protagonists of this novel take readers on a journey of discovery and transformation, exploring themes of family dynamics and resilience.
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16. Tempest – Beverly Jenkins
One single parent romance book that had me on the edge of my seat was Tempest.
This story centers around Reagan Carmichael, an independent spirit that agrees to marry a man she’s never met before.
When she accidentally shoots him in the shoulder, she questions if she made the right decision.
Dr. Colton Lee isn’t thrilled about his mail-order bride. His heart belongs with his wife, who he buried years prior. All Colton needs is a woman that will take care of his daughter.
Reagan isn’t the delicate flower that Colton was expecting. Yet, there’s something about her fierce and bold personality that he begins to admire.
His family may not approve, but he will do whatever it takes to win her heart.
This is one doctor romance novel you won’t be able to put down.
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17. Look The Part – Jewel E. Ann
Look The Part is a fun single parent romantic comedy book that will warm your heart.
The story follows Flint who is one of the best lawyers in Minneapolis.
He needs a good tenant to rent the space above his law office. Ellen seems like the perfect fit and has references to back her up.
What Flint didn’t know when renting to Ellen is that she’s a musician.
This tenant’s loud music is too much for the lawyer to handle, so he writes up an eviction notice. However, his plan to evict her fails when his autistic son takes a liking to her.
He wants to learn more about music and play with her pet rats. Flint can’t stand Ellen, but he’s also fascinated by her.
This is a fun-filled story with bittersweet moments that challenge societal expectations while still allowing for compromise and a romance to blossom in the most unlikely place.
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18. Give Me A Reason – A. L. Jackson
Give Me A Reason is a New York Times bestselling novel by A.L. Jackson about a single-dad and jaded club owner who falls for his son’s teacher.
Eden Murphy is a teacher who wants to make some extra cash. Usually, a girl as soft as her would be ripped apart in a club like this but there’s something about her that makes Trent Lawson drawn to her.
She’s hot, and a little bit challenging. Despite the fact that she teaches his son, she also cannot deny her attraction to trent.
This is a sweet enemies-to-lovers stand-alone novel.
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19. Return To Us – Corinne Michaels
Return To Us is a gripping second chance romance novel about a couple who reconnect several years later.
When Jessica Walker was eighteen, she left Willow Creek Valley for good, leaving behind the love of her life, Grayson Parkerson.
Fourteen years later, she returns home to recover after getting into a crash. Now Grayson is living as a single dad to his daughter, and the pair started working together at The Park Inn.
By chance, they reconnect. She falls back in love with him, but he’s guarded his heart. Can Jessica convince him to give their love a second chance?
The ultimate love story that proves you can come out on top despite the odds stacked against you.
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Best Single Parent Romance Series
Sometimes one book just isn’t enough. If you’re looking for a series, these are the best single parent romance books in a series.
20. Irresistible – Melanie Harlow
Irresistible is an age gap romance novel and forbidden romance novel with lots of tension and irresistible chemistry.
Mack is a full-time single dad with three daughters. He’s also a busy CFO at Cloverleigh Farms, so he really doesn’t have the time to fall in love.
But then there’s Frannie Sawyer. She’s beautiful and sweet, and only twenty-seven. She’s also the boss’s daughter and Mack’s part-time nanny.
The desire between the two is mutual and Mack can’t stay away. She reminds him of what it’s like to want something, to feel something besides parenthood and work.
Despite being a former Marine, Mack is struggling to resist her, even if it means giving up a life he wants.
An angst-filled slow burn romance between an independent nanny and an alpha male boss.
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21. Juniper Hill – Devney Perry
If you want to read a bad boy romance book that is full of spice, then Juniper Hill by Devney Perry is a worthy addition to any bookshelf.
When Memphis Ward comes to in Quincy, Montana, it’s one of the worst days of her life. Having just moved across the country with a newborn was not an easy task.
But she’s determined to build a good life and put the past behind her, for a better future for her newborn son.
She takes up a job working as a housekeeper at The Eloise Inn and moves into an apartment above a garage.
But on the day she moves in, she meets the handsome Knox Eden – a beautiful chef and also her temporary landlord.
He’s sharp and tattooed, the kind of rugged bad boy women swoon over. But he’s the kind of guy that could mess up her dreams…or maybe, he is her dream?
An emotional journey exploring the complexities of single parenthood and unconventional relationships.
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22. Mr Masters – T. L Swan
T.L. Swan is known for writing incredibly captivating CEO romance novels, and Mr Masters is no exception. Julian Masters is a powerful boss and he needs a nanny for his kids.
Brielle moves to England to become a nanny, only the job didn’t get off to a great start as the kids didn’t like her.
It then goes from bad to worse, when he catches her snooping in his bathroom in her skimpy pajamas and the chemistry goes from playful fun to more tantalizing romances.
If you’re looking for a single-parent romance book where the man falls for his nanny, then you’re going to love Mr Masters!
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23. Things We Never Got Over – Lucy Score
You wouldn’t expect it from the cover, but Things We Never Got Over is a bad boy book about Know – a ruggedly handsome barber who prefers to fly solo.
That is, until Naomi comes along. Running away from her own wedding and arriving in the rough town of Knockemout, Virginia with no car, no money, and no home in sight, Naomi unexpectedly has to care for her newly inherited 11-year-old niece.
Striking up an unlikely alliance with Knox – the loner barber – Naomi’s life quickly spirals out of control as she finds herself embroiled in local disputes and entwined with the mysterious ‘bad boy’ like never before.
Follow this couple as they take on their own unique journey while fighting to get over the things they can never undo.
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24. Single Dad Seeks Juliet – Max Monroe
For something unique and fun, consider checking out Single Dad Seeks Juliet by Max Monroe.
The story follows Hollie, a reporter, who’s stuck running the newspaper’s Bachelor Anonymous contest.
Her job is to help a reader-nominated bachelor find a date, and she’s feeling not only grossed out by the idea but overwhelmed by the enormity.
Men from all over Southern California have applied, and Single Dad Seeks Juliet was the reader’s favorite.
Jake is a six-foot-three, former Navy SEAL, business owner, and motocross rider. He’s a funny single dad, the full package.
As Hollie gets to know him, the more she wants to bring the content to a close, not to find him a date but because she wants him for herself.
This is a sweet romantic comedy single-parent romance book that will have you hooked from start to finish.
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25. The Air He Breathes – Brittainy C. Cherry
Another story about a woman falling for a man she shouldn’t is The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry.
The story centers around Tristan Cole who is a cruel, cold, damaged man. Or at least that’s what people say about him. When everyone said to stay away, Liz couldn’t help herself.
She didn’t see the monster everyone else does. The wreckage that lives in him, lives in her too.
Both Tristand and Liz are looking for something to fill their empty lives, and to repair the damage of their past.
Together, they finally remember how to feel and to breathe.
Richly drawn characters that challenge societal expectations and find a love that conquers no boundaries. An excellent addition to the bad boy romance trope with a single parent theme.
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Final Word on Single Parent Romance Books
So there you have it, those are my best single parent romance books.
Whether you’re looking for a strong, independent single mom protagonist or looking for your new single dad book boyfriend, these single parent romance books have something for everyone.
Do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments!
