Single Dads & Nannies: The Romance Trope That Steals Hearts

The Irresistible Charm of Single Dad and Nanny Romance Tropes

In honor of Father’s Day, we’re celebrating one of the most heart-melting tropes in romance: the single dad. Whether he’s a rugged cowboy, a broody billionaire, or just your everyday hot neighbor with a baby carrier, single dads bring something special to the page—a man already committed, already loving, and totally unprepared for the way love sneaks up on him again.

But let’s take it one step further: pair that devoted dad with a nanny? Now we’re talking. The nanny–single dad trope gives us built-in forced proximity, natural emotional tension, and some serious "oops, I caught feelings" energy. We love watching the tough, overprotective dad start to unravel the moment the nanny makes his child laugh—or makes him look at her like maybe, just maybe, he could find joy again. From tender bedtime routines to kitchen-counter confessions, the dynamic sizzles with a perfect blend of vulnerability, responsibility, and temptation.

Why do we adore these stories so much? Because they offer something more than just heat (though there’s plenty of that too). They’re about second chances, unexpected families, and the kind of deep, earned love that grows out of real life’s messiness—diaper blowouts, soccer practice, custody agreements and all.

This is hands-down one of my favorite tropes, so putting this list together was a total joy. Some of the books here are ones I’ve read and fallen for, and others are sitting high on my TBR—books I’m genuinely excited to dive into soon. For the ones I haven’t read yet, I did the homework for both of us: digging through reviews, spice ratings, and trusted bookish sources to bring you the best recommendations I could find.

Of course, taste is always subjective—what works for me might not work for you—but I’ve done my best to give you a mix of options that deliver on the swoon, the steam, and the sweet single dad vibes we all love. I did the research so you don’t have to!

Whether you're looking for slow burn or insta-love, grumpy heroes or golden retriever dads, these books will make your heart do somersaults.

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Mr. Broody

by Piper Rayne

Summary: When Everly returns to her small hometown, she intends to stay invisible—especially to Henry, the NHL star and single dad who shattered her heart years ago. But fate—and his adorable son—have other plans. Forced back into each other's orbit through a substitute teaching gig, old wounds resurface, and unresolved chemistry ignites. Can their second chance survive the heat of the past?

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — sensual but emotionally grounded)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: Fans love the emotional pining, the slow-burn reconnection, and the charming father-son dynamic.

Learn Your Lesson (Kings of the Ice #3)

by Kandi Steiner

Summary: Callie is a by-the-book kindergarten teacher with deep-seated mistrust in men, thanks to her matriarchal upbringing. Enter Will Perry: grumpy NHL goalie, single dad, and off-limits boss. When she becomes his nanny, they strike a scandalous deal—he’ll teach her all the things she’s never dared explore. But physical sparks lead to emotional chaos in this heartfelt, forbidden romance.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — open-door scenes with emotionally vulnerable intimacy)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Steiner blends heat, humor, and emotional growth with finesse. Will is a grumpy-golden retriever mix readers adore.

Bad Nanny (The Badden Brothers #1)

by Maya Nicole

Summary: Billionaire CEO Cade can’t keep a nanny, but Josie—with sock puppets and glitter bombs—manages to charm his withdrawn daughter and disrupt his sterile world. Their chemistry builds quickly, but Cade must choose between guarding his heart and falling for the chaotic woman turning his house (and heart) upside down.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Mid-level — flirty and satisfying)
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Why it works: Great for fans of billionaire/nanny dynamics with humorous banter and warm family vibes.

The Brightest Light of Sunshine (The Brightest Light #1)

by Lisina Coney

Summary: Grace, healing from past trauma, forges an unexpected connection with brooding tattoo artist Cal and his little sister. As they navigate grief, boundaries, and belonging, their friendship slowly blossoms into a powerful, tender romance. A hopeful, trauma-informed journey of love.

Spice Rating: 1/5 (Low — emotional intimacy over explicit scenes)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Why it works: Beautifully written with strong mental health themes and slow-burn warmth. Readers rave about its heart and nuance.

Untouchable

by Talia Hibbert

Summary: After a scandal nearly ends her career, nanny Hannah finds herself working for broody widower Nate. He’s determined to keep things professional, but her warmth and resilience sneak past every wall. A slow-burning, taboo romance full of longing, humor, and healing.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — Hibbert doesn’t hold back)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Hibbert’s signature wit and heart shine. Nate’s yearning? Chef’s kiss.

The Secret (The Tuesday Club #1)

by Lulu Moore

Summary: Rugged bachelor Callum's world tilts when a baby is left on his doorstep. When irresistible, full-of-life Kit shows up as a “gift” from his sisters to help, sparks fly. But what happens when the lines between caretaker, lover, and family begin to blur?

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — heartfelt and steamy)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: A heartfelt, trope-rich rom-com with tender parenting moments and a smoldering romance.

Just for Now (Escape to New Zealand #3)

by Rosalind James

Summary: After heartbreak, Jenna becomes the nanny to a gruff rugby star's kids in New Zealand. What begins as temporary quickly turns into home as she falls for both the children and their guarded dad. But love is risky, especially when your heart’s still healing.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — emotional depth with open-door scenes)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: A cozy, heartfelt romance with charming Kiwi vibes and family-first storytelling.

Caught Up

by Liz Tomforde

Summary: When pastry chef Miller becomes a nanny for MLB star Kai's son, sparks fly despite their polar-opposite personalities. As summer ticks away, so does their ability to keep feelings out of it. Can two wildly different people find forever before the season ends?

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (High — electric chemistry and open-door heat)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Why it works: Flirty, funny, emotionally rich, with an adorable kid and sports backdrop.

Fifth Avenue Fling

by Rosa Lucas

Summary: Irish expat Maeve desperately needs a job to stay in NYC—and lands one with grumpy billionaire single dad Killian. Their chemistry is fire, but she’s one mistake from deportation. Tension, charm, and slow-burn attraction swirl in this big-city nanny rom-com.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — fun, flirty, and satisfying)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: Fans love the banter, opposites-attract vibes, and Maeve’s fiery personality.

Say It’s Forever

by A.L. Jackson

Summary: Salem is running from a dangerous past. Jud is a broken mechanic and single dad who’s sworn off love. When he takes her in, the fire between them threatens to consume them both. But love may be the only thing strong enough to survive the truth.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — emotionally intense and steamy)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Raw, emotional, and fast-paced with romantic suspense elements. Jackson’s fans call it one of her best.

Wild Eyes

by Elsie Silver

Summary: When pop-country star Ada comes to the rugged town of Rose Hill to escape scandal and heal, the last thing she expects is to fall for single dad Weston Belmont—a confident horse trainer who oozes cowboy charm. His two adorable kids wrap themselves around her heart as easily as he does around her body. But Ada’s fame and West’s quiet life collide in ways that force them to question what’s worth fighting for: safety or soul-deep love.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — smoldering chemistry, open-door scenes)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: A heart-melting single dad, small-town warmth, and Elsie Silver’s signature emotional depth make this a standout.

The Au Pair Affair

by Tessa Bailey

Summary: Tallulah needs cash and a fresh start—enter grumpy, hockey-playing single dad Burgess who hires her to nanny his tween daughter. Sparks fly, banter sizzles, and Tallulah might just thaw the brooding hunk’s heart. But when past wounds and parenting struggles collide, love could be the riskiest play of all.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — Bailey always brings the heat)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: Classic Bailey humor and heat with a deeper emotional arc around family and healing.

If This Was a Movie

by Morgan Elizabeth

Summary: Jules thought she met “The One” on New Year’s Eve—until she found out he was married. A year later, her chaotic life gets even more complicated when she ends up playing nanny to that same man’s daughter… and heart. Nate is now single, a devoted dad, and desperate to make things right. Cue meddling family, holiday hijinks, and second chances wrapped in Hallmark-level charm.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — cozy with steam, not explicit)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: Morgan Elizabeth delivers a sweetly festive, second-chance story full of wit, warmth, and whimsy.

If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

Summary: Freshly divorced and floundering, Evie heads to small-town Vermont to run her late mother’s B&B, only to clash (and flirt) with her flannel-wearing, pastry-making neighbor Cliff. He’s a single dad with a knack for baked goods and breaking down emotional walls. As autumn leaves fall, so do their defenses—until a ticking clock and big-city dreams threaten their slow-burn spark.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — slow-burn tension with cozy intimacy)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Charming and nostalgic with ‘90s vibes, cozy settings, and emotional richness.

Runaway Love

by Melanie Harlow

Summary: When runaway bride Veronica shows up on single dad August’s doorstep in full wedding attire, he thinks it’s a joke. But within hours, she’s wormed her way into his kids’ hearts—and possibly his own. Despite his best efforts to resist, August falls hard. But love doesn’t come without consequences, especially when summer ends and the woman who upended his life might disappear for good.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — sweet and steamy, signature Harlow)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: Opposites attract meets small-town charm with swoony dad energy and humor.

All Rhodes Lead Here

by Mariana Zapata

Summary: Aurora returns to her mother’s hometown to escape heartbreak, but she doesn’t expect her grumpy, silent landlord—single dad Tobias Rhodes—to be the one to quietly put her back together. As her bond grows with his son Amos, so does the slow-burn connection between her and the man behind the guarded eyes. A love letter to second chances, healing, and finding your place.

Spice Rating: 1/5 (Low — classic Zapata slow burn, payoff late)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Why it works: Zapata’s mastery of character development and emotion makes this unforgettable.

Return to Us

by Corinne Michaels

Summary: Fourteen years ago, Jessica ran away from her hometown—and from Grayson, the boy who held her heart. A devastating accident brings her back, and working side-by-side at his inn forces old feelings to resurface. He’s a protective single dad now, and she’s no longer the same girl. But first loves never die, and this second chance might be their only shot at forever.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — emotional and sensual)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Classic Corinne Michaels angst with heartfelt family dynamics and deeply rooted love.

Hook Shot

by Kennedy Ryan

Summary: NBA star and single dad Kenan is closing the chapter on his career—and his broken heart. When he meets Lotus, a vibrant fashion rising star with trauma of her own, it’s instant chemistry. Their bond challenges their walls and fears, drawing them into a raw, beautifully layered love story of healing, age-gap romance, and resilience.

Spice Rating: 4/5 (Very High — emotionally charged and deeply intimate)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Why it works: Deep, meaningful themes woven into passionate storytelling.

Heartless (Chestnut Springs #2)

by Elsie Silver

Summary: When Willa becomes nanny to grumpy rancher Cade’s son, neither expects sparks to fly. Cade’s all grit, scars, and stoic silence—until one hot tub game turns everything upside down. Behind Cade’s rough edges lies a man desperate to love and protect, and Willa might be the only one who sees him clearly. If only her time in town weren’t temporary…

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — slow build to explosive payoff)
Overall Rating: 5/5
Why it works: A gruff single dad + sunshine nanny trope done to perfection.

Ashes of You (Lost & Found #5)

by Catherine Cowles

Summary: Five years after a traumatic night, Everly arrives in Cedar Ridge for a fresh start—and is stunned to find her new boss and single dad Lawson is the same stranger who once saved her. As they build something tender and real, their pasts return to threaten everything. Lawson is determined to protect Everly, even if it means risking the only chance at love he’s had in years.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — tender, emotionally grounded intimacy)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: Romantic suspense wrapped in soft healing and protective love.

The Single Cowboy's Nanny (Magnolia Ridge #2)

by Elizabeth Grey

Summary: After a tragic accident leaves Jay as guardian to his late twin brother’s three children, the once high-powered financial advisor is thrust into a role he never expected—single dad on a Montana ranch. Desperate for help, he hires Sierra Wood, a gentle and grounded nanny who quickly becomes the heart of their grieving home. As Sierra brings light back into the children’s lives, Jay finds himself falling for her quiet strength. But love may be the biggest risk of all when so much is already at stake.

Spice Rating: 2/5 (Moderate — soft, heartfelt intimacy with a slow-burn build)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: A tender, family-centered romance that blends small-town warmth with emotional healing and slow-burn chemistry.

After the Storm (Cottonwood Cove #5)

by Laura Pavlov

Summary: Years after heartbreak tore them apart, Presley and Ford find themselves snowed in with only one bed and a decade of unresolved feelings. Ford, now a grumpy single dad devoted to his daughter, has built walls Presley never meant to break. But the spark between them never died. As they face a flurry of second chances, old wounds, and tender moments with his little girl, both must decide if love is worth the risk… again.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — second-chance passion meets emotional heat)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: A perfect blend of swoony single dad energy, forced proximity, and small-town second chances that will tug at your heart.

The Billionaire’s Nanny

by Elizabeth Maddrey

Summary: Gabe never expected his sudden windfall in the stock market to come with parental responsibilities—but when his cousin names him guardian of her young son, his life flips overnight. Enter Emily, the kind and capable woman who escorts the boy across the country and agrees to stay on as his nanny. Gabe’s a reluctant billionaire and even more reluctant caretaker, but Emily’s warmth and steadiness quickly become impossible to ignore. As their lives intertwine under one roof, the lines between professional and personal start to blur. But with grief, trust, and unexpected feelings in the mix, guarding his heart might be Gabe’s biggest challenge yet.

Spice Rating: 1/5 (Low — sweet and closed-door romance)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: A wholesome, emotionally gentle story of unexpected family, slow-burn affection, and learning to open your heart when life doesn't go to plan.

Single Dad Billionaire Boss

by Evie Sterling

Summary: When a Gen Z nanny signs on to care for a billionaire’s child, she never expects her new boss to look like he stepped off a romance cover. He’s kind, grounded, and heartbreakingly off-limits. But when a surprise snowstorm leaves them stranded together, the emotional intimacy grows—and so does the impossible attraction. With reality waiting outside the door, will they follow their heads or their hearts?

Spice Rating: 1/5 (Mild — sweet with emotional yearning, no explicit content)
Overall Rating: 4/5
Why it works: A charming clean romance with witty banter, snowed-in tension, and a tender emotional arc.

The Nanny

by Lana Ferguson

Summary: When Cassie Evans loses her job and is down to her last dollar, she jumps at a live-in nanny position—only to realize her new boss, Aiden Reid, is very familiar. As in, her favorite OnlyFans subscriber familiar. The hot single dad and celebrity chef doesn’t recognize her, but Cassie can’t unsee the chemistry crackling between them. Living under his roof while hiding a spicy secret gets complicated fast—especially when Aiden’s interest in her goes far beyond professional. With a charming daughter and a not-so-innocent past looming, Cassie must decide if the truth is worth the risk—or if this happily ever after is just too hot to hold onto.

Spice Rating: 3/5 (High — explicit, with strong heat and sizzling chemistry)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Why it works: A fresh, modern take on the nanny/single dad trope with irresistible steam, heart, and humor.

Final Thoughts:

There’s a reason the single dad trope is a perennial favorite—it gives us romance with roots. We see men not just as lovers, but as caretakers, protectors, and soft places to land. Add a heroine who brings light and love into the family fold, and you’ve got a story that hits all the emotional beats we crave.

This Father’s Day, if your heart’s in the mood for something tender, passionate, and full of family feels, let a single dad romance sweep you off your feet. Trust us—dad energy is the new book boyfriend gold.

About the Author

I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.

-Frances

Mom Needs A Chapter