We’ve composed a list of the best dads in books. The ones who serve as the moral center and steady presence guiding their family. But that’s not the only way a dad shows up in books… It’s also a major trope in the steamy romance scene. So if you’re into dad bods and a guy who keeps it together while taking care of his kids, we have the reads for you. In honor of Father’s Day, we’ve rounded up some romance novels featuring some of our favorite single dads.

Heartless by Elsie Silver

Willa is in Chestnut Springs trying to figure out her next steps. At the urging of her best friend, she applies for a live-in nanny position, even though she has NO experience with kids. Begrudgingly, Cade Eaton accepts her help. He has no choice, and she’s best friends with his brother’s wife. Beneath Cade’s super gruff exterior, he’s actually a sweetheart, and he can’t help but have eyes for Willa. She’s irresistible, but totally off limits. As these two continue to grow closer, resisting one another becomes even harder… until a night in the hot tub changes everything.

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After the Storm by Laura Pavlov

Cage and Presley dated as teenagers, and she’s always been the one that got away. Now, she’s back in Cottonwood Cove after all these years. Cage wonders if this could be their second chance at happily ever after, but his sole focus is parenting his daughter. When a freak snowstorm hits, Cage and Presley end up trapped together at a hotel, and of course, there’s only one bed. Will one night of passion be all there is to their love story, or can they find happiness together after the storm?

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Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt

Farley Jones is a talented up-and-coming comedian. Her stand-up dreams are so close to coming true, and the only thing that would make her life better would be if her sexy manager, Meyer Harrigan, reciprocated her huge crush on him. Meyer used to do standup, but retired early in order to raise his daughter Hazel, who is deaf.  Hazel and Meyer love having Farley in their life, and when a great career opportunity arises for Farley that requires Meyer and Farley to fake a relationship, Meyer agrees. Pretty soon, their funny feelings don’t feel so funny, and instead, feel quite real.

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Mr. Masters by TL Swan

Ready for some adventure, Brielle finds herself applying to a nanny position in London, despite not having a ton of experience. Upon getting the job, she discovers her boss isn’t the “Mrs” she originally thought, but instead, the extremely attractive widowed judge, Mr. Julian Masters. With a first impression that isn’t great and a series of mishaps with the children, Brielle is convinced she’s just a day away from getting fired. However, Julian can’t seem to stop fantasizing about the new nanny, even though she’s seemingly incompetent. As time goes on, their attraction grows, but will Julian’s traumatic past hinder their bright future before it even starts?

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Coach by Devney Perry

Ford has just retired from professional football and is ready for a change. Post-divorce, he moves to Montana with his daughter for a new job, coaching a college football team. When he shows up to work, he’s shocked to see Millie, his ex-best friend and love of his life. It was easy to pretend Ford didn’t exist when Millie didn’t have to see him everyday, but with lingering feelings on both sides, could the timing finally be right for these two?

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Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

NBA player Kenan Ross has had better days – newly divorced and traded to a losing team, he’s spending the summer in NYC with his daughter. While in New York, he reconnects with Lotus DuPree, whom he’s met before due to their mutual friends, but they’ve never lived in the same city. Lotus is a fashion designer who has recently sworn off men. Finally having the opportunity to spend some time together, both are reluctant to entertain this “distraction”, but neither can deny the pull they feel when they’re together. Could this be a shot at the real thing, or is this just a right place, wrong time situation?

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Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow

Veronica Sutton is a runaway bride. Out of options–and money–she lands in Cherry Tree Harbor hoping for a fresh start. She immediately charms the small-town residents, including Austin Buckley’s family and seven year old twins. Austin needs a nanny for the summer, but there’s no way he’s going to hire a perfect stranger. Somehow, Veronica convinces him to give her a shot, and from there, sparks fly. Has this runaway bride finally found love that’s worth taking a chance on?

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All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

Aurora De La Torre has faced a lot of loss recently, so she decides to move back to a place she used to call home, even if it means being reminded of her late mother everywhere she goes. By a stroke of good luck, she finds an inexpensive, safe place to live, where she can nurse her broken heart. However, she soon realizes that the landlord’s son was the one who actually rented it to her. The grumpy single dad, Tobias Rhodes, reluctantly lets her stay temporarily, until she can find another option. Over time, the two get to know each other, and as the walls come down, they find there might be something there.

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Learn Your Lesson by Kandi Steiner

Chloe Knott is a kindergarten teacher, looking for a way to pay back her student loans quickly. A chance agreement with Will Perry, one of her student’s father, leads to her nannying for him over the summer, and living in his pool house. He just happens to be the starting goalie for a popular NFL team. Although Chloe grew up learning not to trust men, and is lacking in dating experience, she can’t deny how attractive she finds her boss. Unable to handle the sexual tension, the two strike up an understanding: Chloe will continue to be his nanny, and Will will give her some spicy lessons – no strings attached. What could possibly go wrong?!

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Broken Dreams by Corrine Michaels

When Grady Whitlock and Addison Davis make an agreement to fake date, it’s a mutually beneficial deal. Grady will have someone to accompany him to client meetings, and Addison will have a date for the upcoming wedding she needs to attend. They both agree not to “catch feelings”. Grady is focused on his son, Jett, and not looking to have his world crushed again. Before long however, neither feels like they’re faking it anymore, and the feelings start to seem all too real.

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