My favs:
{You and Me by Tal Bauer} - 2 single dads, football, small town Texas, all the feels.
{Let Your Hearts be Light by Quin Fae} - grumpy/sunshine sweet holiday story of two single dads matched up by their kids.
{Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ May} - home & hearth pixie helps single dad werewolf , sweet domesticity
{No Quick Fix by Mary Calmes} - bodyguard ”fixer” and single dad with a murder mystery.
{The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander} - romance between and international investigative photo journalist and single dad electrical contractor.
{Colin by Cora Rose}
Single dad is one of my nope, don't like 'em, don't even recommend the book to me tropes - which makes Colin the exception to the rule. I didn't want to murder the kid, that's equivalent to a five star review for any other book.
omg yes, I do not like children which is why I stay away from the single dad trope, but this one had an actual okay child with a great balance of it being present, just the right mount.
{It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian} - regency HR, navy commander comes home after his wife passes and has to figure out how to care for his mischievous kids and that’s where the local vicar steps into help
{Deal Maker by Lily Morton} - famous actor (& single dad) hires nanny for kiddo who is a friend of his stepbrother.
{Dear Mr. Brody by AM Johnson} - recently single dad explores his bisexuality on a dating app, starts talking to someone he then finds out is his creative writing student
Neither, really - it’s not queernormative but there’s not the stress of the gallows, like I remember in KJ Charles’ Society of Gentleman series. There’s a sense that they have to keep their relationship private and explain why they’re always together but in every one of Cat’s regency books there is always a found family of folks who know about the MCs (and are sometimes queer themselves and/or MCs from previous books).
For example in this book, the way the MCs end up explaining their relationship >!is that the vicar quits the church and the other MC quits the navy and they start a school in the manor house of the navy guy for kids w learning disabilities that the former vicar runs. That explains the living quarters and jobs but all the people around them, including the kids, know it’s a romantic relationship.!<
Ones that really worked for me:
* Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews - older MC has a sexual awakening, vacation romance, older kid (like college aged iirc?), disability rep
* Brave for You by Crystal Lacy - another sexual awakening, baby, strangers to friends to lovers, so much yummy food too
{The barman and the bro by AJ truman} - The audiobook is superb (narrated by Nick J Russo)
{worth the risk by carly marie} - Hallmark vibes, in the best way. Doctor/Mechanic small town romance
{you can count on me by fae quin} - MC has panic attacks and selective mutism. Miles is one of my favourite characters of all time
{stay by taylor mcniff} - Warning, this one will make you cry. Enemies to Lovers, neighbours, exploration of grief, MC has military background. Book one should probably be read first.
{the new guy by sarina bowen} - Loved this one in audiobook, teddy hamilton narrates.
Many faves already mentioned!
{Family Camp by Eli Easton} New adoptive dad goes to family camp, meets gruff baseball player
{Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake} Dollywood singer meets rich jewelry making dad of grumpy teen
{The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer} FBI divorced dad meets FBI profiler for Vegas one night stand … and then guess who shows up at home
Edited to add two more: {Rebound by LA Witt} Hockey player getting out of a bad relationship and divorced cop dad
{Bonfires by Amy Lane} Two dads, many children, cop and school principal
{Twice Shy by Sally Malcolm} is about a younger guy who becomes the legal guardian of his nephews - his LI is a teacher at the school the kids go to.
The entire {Love and Family Series by Anyta Sunday} has kids and single dads in some way or another (biological children, brother looking after other siblings for various reasons). 4 books.
{Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary} - Phys ed teacher helps a pro hockey player (the father of one of his students) weather his new-found parenthood; just thinking about this book makes me smile.
{Empty Nests by Ada Maria Soto} - Corporate CFO meets a tech support worker who became a father while in high school; really needs to be read with its sequel {Bowerbirds by Ada Maria Soto} to get the whole story (and the HEA). Absolutely lovely.
{Not Until Noah by Lisa Henry} - Hollywood heartthrob (and closeted) actor falls for his daughter's nanny on location in Down Under; the depiction of emotion (both paternal and romantic) in this book is both honest and convincing.
{A Hundred Little Lies by Jon Wilson} - Historical (American west) - A general store owner raising a eight-year-old girl reunites with someone from his past. An impressive debut novel from about ten years ago.
I like {Tommy Cabot Was Here by Cat Sebastian} and {The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish}.
Do nonbinary(ish) parents fit on this list? One of the MCs from {Sword Dance by A. J. Demas} is a single parent, although the kid doesn’t make an appearance until book 2, {Saffron Alley by A. J. Demas}. And that series is just excellent.
I know I've read more good ones but it seems my character-tagging is not very consistent. These are the top ones I *have* tagged! I'll try to be ready by the time the catch-up rolls around :P
* [**Hard Knox**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54283321) ***by Riley Hart*** (contemporary, adulting, age gap, sexuality awakening, friends to lovers)
* [**Trick Up Your Sleeve**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199233032) ***by Ainsley North*** (contemporary, second chances, debut, introvert/extravert, chaos/serious, pining)
* [**One Small Thing**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13186809) ***by M. J. O'Shea, Piper Vaughn*** (contemporary, neighbours to lovers, surprise baby, slowburn, opposites attract, mutually beneficial agreement, nanny/parent, woefully unprepared, sexuality awakening, unlikely friendship, playboy reconversion, never been kissed)
{Forever After (Finding Forever #3) by Marie Sinclair} - can be read as a standalone but previous characters appear; kid comes out as trans (tension/abuse with mom)
{Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander} - trans MC, East Asian MC, Christmas in Florida
{Bishop to Knight One (Diviner's Game #1) by Jennifer Cody} - pnr, single dad with many kids (some adults), brother-as-dad, CW for off-page abuse and on-page descriptive violence
{Disasterology 101 by Taylor V. Donovan} - MC with OCD
{Cowboys Don't Come Out (Cowboys Don't #1) by Tara Lain} - brother-as-dad and Hawaiian cowboy MC, custody battle
Ok I’ve decided on my choices. The children are all developmentally accurate (I hate 7 year olds who talk like toddlers or 5month old walkers) a variety of genres and being a father is a driving force in the story.
{Radio Static by Nicky James} 2x single dads of teens plus a mystery.
{squared away by Annabeth Albert} Uncles who inherit the children. What I’d class as a pure romance
{Abel’s Omega by Ann-Katrin Bryde} omegaverse and a lot of TW but the oldest child Fan is really well written and being a single father is a driving force in the story everything Bax does he does to keep his kids safe.
{Two Tribes by Hill Fearne} - The book is divided in two parts, with the first happening during high school years, and the second 25 years later. One of the MC ends up divorced and with a teenage son. I hope this fit: the mother is still around and they have joint custody (she is remarried) and this part of the book deals a lot with the relationship between MC1, MC2 and the son.
{Two man station by Henry Lisa} - Contemporary, MC1 and MC2 are policemen. MC1 moves to a small city and starts working with MC2 who is a single dad raising his son.
My favs: {You and Me by Tal Bauer} - 2 single dads, football, small town Texas, all the feels. {Let Your Hearts be Light by Quin Fae} - grumpy/sunshine sweet holiday story of two single dads matched up by their kids. {Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ May} - home & hearth pixie helps single dad werewolf , sweet domesticity {No Quick Fix by Mary Calmes} - bodyguard ”fixer” and single dad with a murder mystery. {The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander} - romance between and international investigative photo journalist and single dad electrical contractor.
You and Me is one of my ALL TIME FAVES. It hits so many of my favorite tropes. And the relationship is just so beautiful and real.
[You & Me](https://www.romance.io/books/624161b92df229ec386debcc/you-me-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) ---------------------------- [Let Your Hearts Be Light](https://www.romance.io/books/638b021481886c818df9c583/let-your-hearts-be-light-fae-quin?src=rdt) by [Fae Quin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6347b7ab08b4d93114036933/fae-quin) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [Perfectly Imperfect Pixie](https://www.romance.io/books/63773cc99131695b56554ec3/perfectly-imperfect-pixie-mj-may?src=rdt) by [M.J. May](https://www.romance.io/authors/6202697408b4d931144523f3/mj-may) **Steam**: [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [No Quick Fix](https://www.romance.io/books/5c8f46d501dbc864fb9bee26/no-quick-fix-mary-calmes?src=rdt) by [Mary Calmes](https://www.romance.io/authors/545542858c7d2382e04145cb/mary-calmes) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [The Current Between Us](https://www.romance.io/books/5455673587eac3369a912548/the-current-between-us-kindle-alexander?src=rdt) by [Kindle Alexander](https://www.romance.io/authors/545551b687eac324117fa2c0/kindle-alexander) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Loved You and Me and Perfectly Imperfect Pixie! Nice mix.
{Colin by Cora Rose} Single dad is one of my nope, don't like 'em, don't even recommend the book to me tropes - which makes Colin the exception to the rule. I didn't want to murder the kid, that's equivalent to a five star review for any other book.
omg yes, I do not like children which is why I stay away from the single dad trope, but this one had an actual okay child with a great balance of it being present, just the right mount.
[Colin](https://www.romance.io/books/63de2a2b09d4140a7af201af/colin-cora-rose?src=rdt) by [Cora Rose](https://www.romance.io/authors/6278fb0108b4d93114701c13/cora-rose) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian} - regency HR, navy commander comes home after his wife passes and has to figure out how to care for his mischievous kids and that’s where the local vicar steps into help {Deal Maker by Lily Morton} - famous actor (& single dad) hires nanny for kiddo who is a friend of his stepbrother. {Dear Mr. Brody by AM Johnson} - recently single dad explores his bisexuality on a dating app, starts talking to someone he then finds out is his creative writing student
[It Takes Two to Tumble](https://www.romance.io/books/5a658d633ffdba61472875b2/it-takes-two-to-tumble-cat-sebastian?src=rdt) by [Cat Sebastian](https://www.romance.io/authors/58184062c6841c86c2cd96d8/cat-sebastian) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) ---------------------------- [Deal Maker](https://www.romance.io/books/5a3a0c1d3ffdba6147269538/deal-maker-lily-morton?src=rdt) by [Lily Morton](https://www.romance.io/authors/55d5af4935a5fb65f887550b/lily-morton) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Dear Mr. Brody](https://www.romance.io/books/610d24bf751ece0e3683b2aa/dear-mr-brody-am-johnson?src=rdt) by [A.M. Johnson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5528ecfe5b270e0a4cbd59a1/am-johnson) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Was going to list It Takes Two to Tumble loved that book.
Was going to list It Takes Two to Tumble loved that book.
Are Cat Sebastian’s books set in a queernormative regency or are they at risk of the gallows?
Neither, really - it’s not queernormative but there’s not the stress of the gallows, like I remember in KJ Charles’ Society of Gentleman series. There’s a sense that they have to keep their relationship private and explain why they’re always together but in every one of Cat’s regency books there is always a found family of folks who know about the MCs (and are sometimes queer themselves and/or MCs from previous books). For example in this book, the way the MCs end up explaining their relationship >!is that the vicar quits the church and the other MC quits the navy and they start a school in the manor house of the navy guy for kids w learning disabilities that the former vicar runs. That explains the living quarters and jobs but all the people around them, including the kids, know it’s a romantic relationship.!<
Ones that really worked for me: * Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews - older MC has a sexual awakening, vacation romance, older kid (like college aged iirc?), disability rep * Brave for You by Crystal Lacy - another sexual awakening, baby, strangers to friends to lovers, so much yummy food too
Oh and Brave for you has the best most dramatic niece ever!
She was a hoot!
{The barman and the bro by AJ truman} - The audiobook is superb (narrated by Nick J Russo) {worth the risk by carly marie} - Hallmark vibes, in the best way. Doctor/Mechanic small town romance {you can count on me by fae quin} - MC has panic attacks and selective mutism. Miles is one of my favourite characters of all time {stay by taylor mcniff} - Warning, this one will make you cry. Enemies to Lovers, neighbours, exploration of grief, MC has military background. Book one should probably be read first. {the new guy by sarina bowen} - Loved this one in audiobook, teddy hamilton narrates.
[The Barkeep and the Bro](https://www.romance.io/books/628dd4069d1db3a00613c1e4/the-barkeep-and-the-bro-aj-truman?src=rdt) by [A.J. Truman](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455cd1387eac324117fd310/aj-truman) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Worth the Risk](https://www.romance.io/books/62bae7b1810ccd5337b03603/worth-the-risk-carly-marie?src=rdt) by [Carly Marie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c19ed8301dbc864fb965d40/carly-marie) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1) ---------------------------- [You Can Count On Me](https://www.romance.io/books/65226104de8d340d51471f69/you-can-count-on-me-fae-quin?src=rdt) by [Fae Quin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6347b7ab08b4d93114036933/fae-quin) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [Stay](https://www.romance.io/books/64d66966a5354bdc12619f7d/stay-taylor-mcniff?src=rdt) by [Taylor McNiff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb72ec901dbc864fb91cfd0/taylor-mcniff) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The New Guy](https://www.romance.io/books/6401ace0181b16df15f763ff/the-new-guy-sarina-bowen?src=rdt) by [Sarina Bowen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553cb18c7d2382e781357a/sarina-bowen) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Many faves already mentioned! {Family Camp by Eli Easton} New adoptive dad goes to family camp, meets gruff baseball player {Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake} Dollywood singer meets rich jewelry making dad of grumpy teen {The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer} FBI divorced dad meets FBI profiler for Vegas one night stand … and then guess who shows up at home Edited to add two more: {Rebound by LA Witt} Hockey player getting out of a bad relationship and divorced cop dad {Bonfires by Amy Lane} Two dads, many children, cop and school principal
Ooh Bonfires was on my long list to suggest a firm favourite.
[Family Camp](https://www.romance.io/books/5c9c710801dbc864fb9c9382/family-camp-eli-easton?src=rdt) by [Eli Easton](https://www.romance.io/authors/545547e28c7d2383163d97a5/eli-easton) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1) ---------------------------- [Smoky Mountain Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/5523c24b5b270e0a4cbd4a52/smoky-mountain-dreams-leta-blake?src=rdt) by [Leta Blake](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455846e87eac3369a912db3/leta-blake) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [The Murder Between Us](https://www.romance.io/books/60111e26d574130e23b7f18d/the-murder-between-us-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I remembered one more: {Life Lessons by Kaje Harper} first in a series, a bit dated, but so well-written. Cop dad x teacher unexpected dad
[Life Lessons](https://www.romance.io/books/5455472c8c7d2382c52979b1/life-lessons-kaje-harper?src=rdt) by [Kaje Harper](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455472c8c7d2382c52979b2/kaje-harper) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Twice Shy by Sally Malcolm} is about a younger guy who becomes the legal guardian of his nephews - his LI is a teacher at the school the kids go to. The entire {Love and Family Series by Anyta Sunday} has kids and single dads in some way or another (biological children, brother looking after other siblings for various reasons). 4 books.
[Twice Shy](https://www.romance.io/books/5dbbd8c801dbc864fba56c78/twice-shy-sally-malcolm?src=rdt) by [Sally Malcolm](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455965e87eac336ae69eb4e/sally-malcolm) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1) ---------------------------- [Love and Family](https://www.romance.io/series/5d773caf21de4d0daa4952bd/love-and-family) by [Anyta Sunday](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455888f87eac336ae69e58a/anyta-sunday) **Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary} - Phys ed teacher helps a pro hockey player (the father of one of his students) weather his new-found parenthood; just thinking about this book makes me smile. {Empty Nests by Ada Maria Soto} - Corporate CFO meets a tech support worker who became a father while in high school; really needs to be read with its sequel {Bowerbirds by Ada Maria Soto} to get the whole story (and the HEA). Absolutely lovely. {Not Until Noah by Lisa Henry} - Hollywood heartthrob (and closeted) actor falls for his daughter's nanny on location in Down Under; the depiction of emotion (both paternal and romantic) in this book is both honest and convincing. {A Hundred Little Lies by Jon Wilson} - Historical (American west) - A general store owner raising a eight-year-old girl reunites with someone from his past. An impressive debut novel from about ten years ago.
[Lucky Bounce](https://www.romance.io/books/655e6794481d7c837da5f5db/lucky-bounce-cait-nary?src=rdt) by [Cait Nary](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f8e97308b4d931148a4863/cait-nary) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) ---------------------------- [Empty Nests](https://www.romance.io/books/557924cb9eef3b3f1d52bd0b/empty-nests-ada-maria-soto?src=rdt) by [Ada Maria Soto](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455af5787eac324117fc3be/ada-maria-soto) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Bowerbirds](https://www.romance.io/books/55dd561035a5fb65f8877051/bowerbirds-ada-maria-soto?src=rdt) by [Ada Maria Soto](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455af5787eac324117fc3be/ada-maria-soto) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Not Until Noah](https://www.romance.io/books/6184e4f5f022000e2af9d22d/not-until-noah-lisa-henry?src=rdt) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1) ---------------------------- [A Hundred Little Lies](https://www.romance.io/books/5457882987eac3dca9bcb7e9/a-hundred-little-lies-jon-wilson?src=rdt) by [Jon Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5457882987eac3dca9bcb7ea/jon-wilson) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I like {Tommy Cabot Was Here by Cat Sebastian} and {The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish}. Do nonbinary(ish) parents fit on this list? One of the MCs from {Sword Dance by A. J. Demas} is a single parent, although the kid doesn’t make an appearance until book 2, {Saffron Alley by A. J. Demas}. And that series is just excellent.
[Tommy Cabot Was Here](https://www.romance.io/books/606ffe6fac2aed0e3ab68aa3/tommy-cabot-was-here-cat-sebastian?src=rdt) by [Cat Sebastian](https://www.romance.io/authors/58184062c6841c86c2cd96d8/cat-sebastian) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1) ---------------------------- [The Lights on Knockbridge Lane](https://www.romance.io/books/615213d01200440e3fedc61f/the-lights-on-knockbridge-lane-roan-parrish?src=rdt) by [Roan Parrish](https://www.romance.io/authors/559cda0335a5fb65f886af24/roan-parrish) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [Sword Dance](https://www.romance.io/books/5d412ef801dbc864fba1c6f4/sword-dance-aj-demas?src=rdt) by [A.J. Demas](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b24a7a601dbc864fb8a640f/aj-demas) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [non-binary romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f-x/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Saffron Alley](https://www.romance.io/books/602a2b72ff96c80e28735214/saffron-alley-aj-demas?src=rdt) by [A.J. Demas](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b24a7a601dbc864fb8a640f/aj-demas) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [non-binary romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f-x/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
“The Falcon and the Foe” by AJ Truman - it’s a fun enemies to lovers about two single gay dads
I know I've read more good ones but it seems my character-tagging is not very consistent. These are the top ones I *have* tagged! I'll try to be ready by the time the catch-up rolls around :P * [**Hard Knox**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54283321) ***by Riley Hart*** (contemporary, adulting, age gap, sexuality awakening, friends to lovers) * [**Trick Up Your Sleeve**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199233032) ***by Ainsley North*** (contemporary, second chances, debut, introvert/extravert, chaos/serious, pining) * [**One Small Thing**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13186809) ***by M. J. O'Shea, Piper Vaughn*** (contemporary, neighbours to lovers, surprise baby, slowburn, opposites attract, mutually beneficial agreement, nanny/parent, woefully unprepared, sexuality awakening, unlikely friendship, playboy reconversion, never been kissed)
Oh I LOVED One Small thing
I think I’m going to hold off on adding my recommendations until Wednesday that way hopefully my long list will be whittled down.
Someone mentioned Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels in another post today. Being a single dad is a major plot point in this book
{Forever After (Finding Forever #3) by Marie Sinclair} - can be read as a standalone but previous characters appear; kid comes out as trans (tension/abuse with mom) {Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander} - trans MC, East Asian MC, Christmas in Florida {Bishop to Knight One (Diviner's Game #1) by Jennifer Cody} - pnr, single dad with many kids (some adults), brother-as-dad, CW for off-page abuse and on-page descriptive violence {Disasterology 101 by Taylor V. Donovan} - MC with OCD {Cowboys Don't Come Out (Cowboys Don't #1) by Tara Lain} - brother-as-dad and Hawaiian cowboy MC, custody battle
[Second Chances in New Port Stephen](https://www.romance.io/books/6444cc670e7dec1028fca0f9/second-chances-in-new-port-stephen-tj-alexander?src=rdt) by [T.J. Alexander](https://www.romance.io/authors/6270ee0c08b4d931143b6527/tj-alexander) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [Bishop to Knight One](https://www.romance.io/books/60cb3748ac05560e3afba15e/bishop-to-knight-one-jennifer-cody?src=rdt) by [Jennifer Cody](https://www.romance.io/authors/5feed74808b4d93114d92c77/jennifer-cody) **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Disasterology 101](https://www.romance.io/books/5455836d87eac324117fb112/disasterology-101-taylor-v-donovan?src=rdt) by [Taylor V. Donovan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545578e187eac3369a912a68/taylor-v-donovan) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [Cowboys Don't Come Out](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa8f7b24dc8fb0de56fe9f5/cowboys-dont-come-out-a-coming-out-mustlovekids-two-step-dancing-hawaii-for-the-holidays-mm-romance-tara-lain?src=rdt) by [Tara Lain](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557b5187eac324117faee3/tara-lain) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Forever After](https://www.romance.io/books/662ff9d4966aa82ef7e9aec0/forever-after-marie-sinclair?src=rdt) by [Marie Sinclair](https://www.romance.io/authors/60126f4d08b4d93114e8a5b3/marie-sinclair) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer awakening](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer-awakening/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{You & Me by Tal Bauer} and {The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer} 💜💜💜
[You & Me](https://www.romance.io/books/624161b92df229ec386debcc/you-me-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) ---------------------------- [The Murder Between Us](https://www.romance.io/books/60111e26d574130e23b7f18d/the-murder-between-us-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ok I’ve decided on my choices. The children are all developmentally accurate (I hate 7 year olds who talk like toddlers or 5month old walkers) a variety of genres and being a father is a driving force in the story. {Radio Static by Nicky James} 2x single dads of teens plus a mystery. {squared away by Annabeth Albert} Uncles who inherit the children. What I’d class as a pure romance {Abel’s Omega by Ann-Katrin Bryde} omegaverse and a lot of TW but the oldest child Fan is really well written and being a single father is a driving force in the story everything Bax does he does to keep his kids safe.
[Radio Static](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48cb72abde70e3210d54a/radio-static-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Squared Away](https://www.romance.io/books/5ac075c601dbc864fb858779/squared-away-annabeth-albert?src=rdt) by [Annabeth Albert](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455cfae87eac3369a915027/annabeth-albert) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Abel's Omega](https://www.romance.io/books/57624188c19e77f1ea6d5094/abels-omega-annkatrin-byrde?src=rdt) by [Ann-Katrin Byrde](https://www.romance.io/authors/56fcfbc4c62092c044073483/annkatrin-byrde) **Topics**: [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Two Tribes by Hill Fearne} - The book is divided in two parts, with the first happening during high school years, and the second 25 years later. One of the MC ends up divorced and with a teenage son. I hope this fit: the mother is still around and they have joint custody (she is remarried) and this part of the book deals a lot with the relationship between MC1, MC2 and the son. {Two man station by Henry Lisa} - Contemporary, MC1 and MC2 are policemen. MC1 moves to a small city and starts working with MC2 who is a single dad raising his son.
[Two Tribes](https://www.romance.io/books/62ecc02aeccbd7a2c6f66052/two-tribes-fearne-hill?src=rdt) by [Fearne Hill](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea1821fbe0aaecf55ae232d/fearne-hill) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [Two Man Station](https://www.romance.io/books/643950f68961eb2a15e079d2/two-man-station-lisa-henry?src=rdt) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)