No Nanny Trope: 15 of the Sexiest Single Dad Romances

Are you ready to fall head-over-heels for a seriously sexy single dad without the whole nanny trope getting in the way? Listen, I know we…

Are you ready to fall head-over-heels for a seriously sexy single dad without the whole nanny trope getting in the way?

Listen, I know we all LOVE a hot single dad romance, but sometimes the nanny/caretaker trope can feel a little icky. I know, I know, it’s forbidden love and all that. But sometimes it can feel a little gross when the female main character is an employee of the male main character, and in charge of the safety and wellbeing of his kids, you know?

15 Sexy Single Dad Romance Books

We all know that single dads in romance novels are irresistible🔥There’s just something we love about a man who’s kind and caring, and can juggle PTA responsibilities with a career and financial security. But sometimes it’s fun to bring a fresh new perspective and approach to the single dad genre, showing that love can blossom in many different delightful circumstances.

So if you’re someone who wants all the fun and flirtiness of a single dad romance book, but without having to worry about the ick of the nanny trope, then I’ve put together a list JUST FOR YOU! Seriously, there are TONS of fun single dad romance books, but I had to really dig deep to figure out which ones didn’t have the female main character as a nanny or caretaker (and some of these books are pretty new, so my apologies if my research was incorrect!)

This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Single Dad Romance Books

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

The latest and greatest from Elsie Silver! 🔥

Ford Grant, labeled the World’s Hottest Billionaire, moves to small-town Rose Hill to escape the press and open a recording studio. His plans are derailed when a young girl shows up at his doorstep, claiming he’s her biological father, leaving him to balance his business with parenting a sullen 12 year old.

Amidst the chaos, Ford hires Rosie Belmont, his best friend’s little sister, who has always driven him wild ❤️‍🔥 Their verbal sparring soon ignites a forbidden irresistible attraction.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Sparks fly when bestselling romance writer Fizzy Chen and documentary filmmaker Connor Prince team up to create Hollywood’s ultimate love story ✨

Fizzy, a beloved romance author who’s never truly been in love, and Connor, a single dad forced into reality TV, must navigate their undeniable chemistry to keep things on track.

As they dive into “The True Love Experiment”, hilarious demands and unexpected moments make this a wild ride from start to finish! Can they script a love story for the ages without falling for each other?

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Ari Abrams loves her job as a TV meteorologist, but her boss’s messy relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, leaves Ari craving some much-needed mentorship. ☔

Enter Russell Barringer, the sweet sports reporter who just gets her. After a holiday party disaster, Ari and Russell team up to rekindle their bosses’ romance. Their matchmaking mischief (secret gifts, double dates, the works!) takes unexpected turns as sparks fly between them instead.

Can Ari let Russell see all her weather patterns, from sunny optimism to hidden storms? Find out in this

Dating the Duke by Emma Hart

Dating the Duke by Emma Hart

Adelaide Astley, an aspiring author with a Tudor obsession, finds herself spending the summer tutoring the daughter of the dashing Duke of Worcester, Alexander Winthrop-Bentley – a regular star in her steamy midnight dreams ❤️‍🔥

Despite their differences, hours of chess and Tudor debates spark unexpected chemistry. When Alexander needs a date for a charity event, Adelaide volunteers, leading to a scandalous library mishap. Society papers declare them an item, and the charade must continue. But as the summer ends, Adelaide wonders: has Alexander stolen her heart too? Find out in this sizzling, charming romance! 👑

Ignite by Melanie Harlow

Ignite by Melanie Harlow

My new neighbor is a firefighter—and a scorching hot single dad—but I swear I didn’t set off that smoke alarm on purpose. (I was mortified when he rushed in and saw me naked.) 🚒🔥

Nothing happened, of course, because I, Winnie MacAllister, romance junkie with a broken heart, have sworn off men for a year. But Dex, with his chiseled jaw, bulging biceps, and deep brown eyes, makes my breath catch. Until one night, a kiss changes everything. The fire between us is undeniable, and I must convince him that happily-ever-after with me is possible.

Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt

Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt

When falling in love is the punchline…

Farley Jones, a loud and hilariously clever standup comedian, is on the brink of stardom. She loves the rush of making people laugh almost as much as she loves her hot older manager, Meyer. But Meyer has no clue about her feelings. He’s her best friend and career lifeline, and Farley can’t risk ruining that by confessing her love. 🎤⭐

Meyer, a former standup star and single father, left the stage to raise his deaf daughter, Hazel. When Farley’s big break requires them to fake-date, their act stirs up real feelings. Will their friendship turn into a swoony love story?

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

Aurora De La Torre, or Ora, moves back to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, seeking solace after her breakup with a famous musician. The town, filled with memories of her late mother, offers a bittersweet homecoming. 🥀

Ora’s new landlord, Tobias Rhodes, didn’t actually rent the apartment to her—his teenage son, Amos, did. Gruff and protective, Rhodes keeps Ora at arm’s length. But as they spend time together on hikes and by the fire, Ora’s sunny disposition breaks through his tough exterior, transforming their friendship into an unbreakable, once-in-a-lifetime love. ☀️

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

Cat King is determined to save Merry, Connecticut’s Christmas festival, but grumpy town manager Noah Yates stands in her way. 🎄❄️

Single dad Noah is dedicated to his town, especially after a late-season hurricane wreaks havoc. Enter Cat, a home renovation expert and reality TV star, with a big budget to help rebuild. Noah isn’t thrilled about a celebrity swooping in, but Cat isn’t your typical diva. Sparks fly as these two clash—except for that one steamy encounter in a dark alley. Can they team up for a Christmas miracle, or will their bickering land them on the naughty list?

A Cowboy in the Streets by Elizabeth Bright

A Cowboy in the Streets by Elizabeth Bright

From USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Bright comes a sizzling grumpy/sunshine, single dad romance set in wild, beautiful Colorado.

As head trainer at Lodestar Ranch, I’m out to prove myself in a man’s world. The only hiccup? My boss, Adam Hale—the world’s grumpiest cowboy. I can’t keep my eyes off him. 🐎

Adam’s juggling ranch life and single dad duties, hiding a loyal, compassionate heart behind his gruff exterior. Though I’ve spent my life chasing my dad’s approval, it’s tough not to fall for Adam and his son.

When things heat up at a local rodeo, I remind him: we’re off the ranch, and he’s not the boss here…unless he wants to be.

Here & There by Claire Wilder

Here & There by Claire Wilder

My life was perfectly fine until I jumped into the ocean fully clothed. Great job, perfect apartment, good-enough boyfriend—so why did I end up at the beach bar of a hot, grumpy single dad, insisting he hire me? 🌊☀️

Turns out, “perfectly fine” wasn’t enough. Grumpy Mac, his sullen teenage son, and their sunshiney dog show me how messy and beautiful life can be. This new, imperfect family brings out a version of me I love, but it also makes me miss parts of my old life. Do I have to choose, or can I have it all?

An all-new standalone small-town romance from USA Today bestselling author Claire Wilder.

Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir

Best Fake Fiance by Roxie Noir

I told a judge I was engaged to my best friend. Now we’re faking it. How hard can it be?

My life revolves around two amazing women: my daughter Rusty and my best friend Charlotte—aka Charlie. Rusty’s my feisty, tomboyish firecracker, and Charlie’s my vivacious, spontaneous rock.

When my ex drops a custody hearing bombshell, I blurt out that I’m engaged to Charlie. Only problem? We’re not. Time to fake it!

Pretending should be easy—we’ve shared crazy adventures for years. But one kiss, one touch, and suddenly it’s not pretend anymore. Falling for Charlie could mean risking everything, but it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. 💋

Grumpy Romance by Nia Arthurs

Grumpy Romance by Nia Arthurs

Billionaire. Single dad. My nightmare boss.

Holland Alistair, the gorgeous, arrogant computer prodigy, meets me on my worst day and gets his fern kicked. Instead of suing me, he hires me.

Managing Alistair’s schedule—and temper—is his revenge. In the office, his eyes follow me everywhere. Is he going to fire me or kiss me? ❤️‍🔥💋

Everything changes when I meet his adorable daughter and see his softer side. Falling for him wasn’t in the job description, but can I resist the office grump?

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann

Flint Hopkins finds the perfect tenant for the space above his Minneapolis law office. Ellen’s application is flawless, and she’s easy on the eyes. Then Flint discovers Ellen Rodgers, Board-Certified Music Therapist, plays loud music—not exactly Beethoven through headphones. 🎵🎧

Annoyed, Flint tries to evict the bubbly, constantly humming redhead. But his autistic son, Harrison, instantly adores her. Flint can’t compete with guitars and pet rats!

Ellen’s happiness is infectious, and their lust-hate relationship turns into something beautiful. This sexy rom-com explores the balance between needs, wants, and impossible choices.

The Match by Sarah Adams

The Match by Sarah Adams

Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it.

Evie Jones, dedicated to Southern Service Paws, owes her life to Charlie, her epilepsy service dog. But with the company struggling, Evie and her mentor must organize a legendary fundraiser. 🐕‍🦺💸

Enter Jacob Broaden at a client meeting—unplanned by him but set up by his daughter, Sam, who also has epilepsy and dreams of a service dog. Sparks fly, not initially the good kind, but soon Jacob and Evie connect. Helping Sam bond with Daisy, a golden retriever, Evie starts dreaming of a loving family. Love has its own plans for Jacob and Evie.

Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello

Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello

In this hilarious love story, comedian Delfina Silva-Miller is forced to return to her Jersey Shore hometown and confront everything she left behind ten summers ago—including the man who broke her heart.

Then: Del couldn’t wait to escape Evergreen, New Jersey, leaving her deadbeat dad and temperamental crush, Eddie Rodriguez, behind.

Now: After losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment, Del returns home, determined to perfect her comedy set for a huge festival. Instead, she runs into Eddie, now nothing like the boy she left behind.

With the festival looming, Del realizes everything she’s ever wanted might be closer than she thought.

Summertime Punchline is a funny, heartfelt love story celebrating the complicated relationships that shape our lives.

Want to read more? Check out these related blog posts: