Here we are back again! After struggling with my PC, I honestly don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep this website going without some kind of income source. With all the current tech issues, it’s been tough to continue but I’m hoping we’ll find a way.
If you’ve been reading romance for a while, you know not every love story comes with roses and grand gestures. That’s why I keep coming back to romance books with single mothers. There’s just something real about them.
These stories don’t rely on perfect lives or fairytale setups. Instead, they show love growing in the middle of mess—work, parenting, healing, all of it.
As a reader, I find these books hit deeper. When a single mom opens her heart again, it’s not just romance—it’s trust, risk, and often, starting over.
You see the emotional weight behind every choice, and that makes the connection more powerful. Some of my favorite stories come from this sub-genre because they don’t pretend life is easy.
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter plots and want something honest and full of heart, romance books with single mothers are worth your shelf space.
Why Readers Love Single Mom Romance Books
Romance novels featuring single moms often explore:
- Second chances at love
- Found family and emotional healing
- Protective or cinnamon roll heroes
- Kids who steal the show (and your heart)
- Authentic, mature characters overcoming real-life struggles
These stories are relatable, uplifting, and often deeply healing for both the characters and the reader.
Top 10 Single Mom Romance Books You Need to Read
1. The Takeover by T.L. Swan
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Second‑Chance
- Publication Date: August 27, 2020
- Pages: 450
- Goodreads Rating: 4.40/5 (over 136,000 ratings)
If you enjoy romance with real tension and layered emotion, The Takeover by T.L. Swan sticks with you; it is a popular book among readers.
It follows Claire, a single mom trying to hold her business and family together, and Tristan, a confident and successful guy who walks into her world with a business proposal, of course.
I think many readers are already familiar with this book, and if you are a single mom, then you can easily relate to the story. What pulled me in wasn’t just the attraction between them, but how raw and honest Claire’s life felt.
She’s not just a love interest; she’s a mother, a widow, and a woman figuring things out. Tristan’s charm is obvious, but it’s the way he steps into her world, chaos and all, that gives the story depth.
There’s humor, tension, grief, and real growth here. It’s messy in a good way. You feel the connection between them and find that this book deserves its first place on this list.
If you like second-chance or single-mom books, I recommend reading characters that seem like real people; this book is worth reading. If you’re into second-chance stories or single mom books, then I highly recommend checking out characters who feel like real people; this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Why it’s unique: A perfect blend of emotional depth and witty banter, this office romance features a powerful widowed heroine and a relentless, charming billionaire.
2. One Percent of You by Michelle Gross
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Single Mom
- Publication Date: May 2, 2019 (paperback) / June 2022 (hardcover)
- Pages: 320
- Goodreads Rating: 4.03–4.05/5 (over 50,000 ratings)
If you are into single mom romance books, One Percent of You by Michelle Gross is one of the sweet, no-drama, fun books that I really enjoyed. It’s not loud or dramatic; it just has really funny dialogue.
The story follows a young single mom who’s been through enough and is just trying to build something stable for her and her daughter.
She ends up moving into a new place and meets her neighbor, who is gruff, distant, and not exactly welcoming at first. But that’s where the book starts to shine. The slow build, the careful trust, and the way their connection grows step by step—it all feels earned.
What really worked for me was how much the child mattered to the story. The romance doesn’t ignore that part of her life; it embraces it. It is a fun single-parent romance book that you will definitely enjoy.
It’s not just a love story; it’s about feeling safe again, letting someone in, and finding something steady after everything’s fallen apart.
Why it’s unique: A single-mom romance where vulnerability meets quiet strength, and love blooms slowly in everyday moments.
3. Unravel Me by Becka Mack
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance (Hockey), Mature/New Adult
- Publication Date: 2023 (Paperback edition)
- Pages: 434
- Goodreads Rating: 4.24/5 (about 95,500 ratings)
Unravel Me by Becka Mack is one of those romance books about single moms that really sticks with you. Willow is a single mom trying to build something steady for her son, and you can feel the weight of that in every choice she makes.
She’s not looking for a relationship, especially not with someone like Nate, a pro hockey player with his own share of issues.
But the way their connection unfolds feels real. Nothing is rushed, and that’s what makes it work. This book doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff: parenting, co-parenting, trust, and starting over.
Willow’s strength isn’t just in what she handles, but in how she keeps going. Nate’s growth is quiet and steady, and you actually believe it.
The emotional payoff hits because it’s earned. If you are into slow burns with honest characters and real emotional weight, this one’s worth picking up.
I know slow-burn books are sometimes frustrating. In my opinion, it’s a solid read in the single mom romance space.
Why it’s unique: A heartwrenching, slow-burn romance packed with deep emotional scars, healing love, and redemptive character arcs.
4. Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy
- Genre: New Adult, Sports Romance
- Publication Date: September 3, 2021
- Pages: 323 (Kindle), 358 (paperback)
- Goodreads Rating: 4.0–4.3/5 (reviews praise characters & chemistry)
Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy is one of those single mom romance books that keeps you flipping pages because you actually care about the people in it.
The main character is a young mom trying to balance school, work, and raising her kid. She’s got a lot on her plate, and you feel that pressure. Then she meets the campus golden boy, a star athlete who seems like the last person she should get involved with.
At first, it’s more about curiosity than romance, like when we see a new girl around, but the way things shift between them feels good.
What was remarkable to me is how Brandy doesn’t just write a love story she builds the friendships, the family moments, and the personal struggles so they matter just as much.
The sports angle adds energy, but the heart of the book is trust and finding someone who sees you fully. It’s emotional without being heavy and romantic without losing its edge. Solid read if you like depth with your swoon.
Why it’s unique: A sports romance with secrets, grit, and unexpected tenderness beneath the bravado of college athletes.
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5. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA+
- Publication Date: February 2022
- Pages: 374
- Goodreads Rating: 4.1+/5 (first in Bright Falls trilogy)
This book is one of those reads that surprises you in the best way. For readers into single mom romance books with queer love and a bit of a messy family background, this one’s a solid choice.
Delilah comes back to her hometown for her stepsister’s wedding, mostly for the paycheck, and ends up reconnecting with Claire, a single mom and close friend of the bride.
What starts off as some playful teasing turns into something deeper. Their chemistry is there from the start, but it’s the emotional layers that really make it work.
The author has worked on the characters’ storyline amazingly, which I liked the most about it—how they feel attached. They’re figuring things out—parenting, identity, and family baggage—and the romance grows out of that, not around it.
It’s a love story, yes, but also a story about showing up for yourself and others. If you’re after something heartfelt and human, this book hits the mark.
Why it’s unique: A queer rom-com with sharp wit, emotional family dynamics, and a captivating opposites-attract romance.
6. Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers
- Genre: Sapphic Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers
- Publication Date: 2024
- Pages: 406
- Goodreads Rating: 4.50/5 (approx. 3,800 ratings)
Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers is the kind of single-mom romance book that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady and emotional.
The main character is a mom starting over after life throws her off course, and you feel the weight of every decision she makes for her kid’s future. The small-town scene isn’t just a backdrop; it shapes the way she reconnects with someone from her past.
What I liked most, and I’ve seen other readers say the same, is that nothing feels instant. The romance builds with hesitation, small steps, and the kind of trust that takes time to develop.
The parenting side isn’t glossed over; it’s part of the story in a real way. She’s strong, but she’s also allowed to be tired, scared, and unsure, and that makes her more relatable.
If you like second chances without forced drama and characters who feel lived-in, Ribbonwood delivers a story that stays with you after the last page.
Why it’s unique: A hauntingly beautiful romance where the rugged New Zealand landscape becomes as much a character as the lovers themselves.
7. The Christmas Wife by Elizabeth Kelly
- Genre: Holiday Romance, Contemporary
- Publication Date: ~2016 (approx. 9–10 years ago)
- Pages: not officially listed (~novella-length)
- Goodreads Rating: ~4.0/5 (single mother meets millionaire trope)
The Christmas Wife by Elizabeth Kelly is a warm, emotional pick for fans of single mom romance books with a holiday twist.
The story centers around a widowed single mom who’s just trying to keep life steady for her child during the holidays. When a quiet, reserved man unexpectedly enters their lives, everything begins to change.
This isn’t just a love story—it touches on grief, healing, and finding hope again when things feel stuck. The characters don’t fall into romance instantly.
There is a bridge of tension, patience, and moments that feel honest and connected. You get to watch them slowly open up, and that makes the payoff feel rewarding.
What makes this book stand out in the Single Mom Romance Books category is how grounded it is. It doesn’t rely on drama or perfect people. It’s about real connections during a time of year when emotions run high. A simple, heartfelt read with substance.
Why it’s unique: A heartwarming holiday romance with steamy surprises and emotional second chances wrapped in Christmas charm.
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8. Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Workplace / Second Chance
- Publication Date: January 14, 2025
- Pages: 336
- Goodreads Rating: 3.74/5 (approx. 2,700 ratings)
Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan is a solid pick if you’re into single parent romance books with a strong emotional thread.
The story follows two people forced to work together after years of tension. She’s a single mom focused on her child, and he’s the last person she wants help from, but life has other plans.
What makes this book work is how its history adds depth without turning into constant conflict.
The characters feel grounded, like people you might know, trying to navigate their past while raising a kid and finding new purpose. There’s banter, some real moments of growth, and a slow shift in how they see each other.
The romance doesn’t feel rushed; it builds as trust grows. If you enjoy stories with second chances, quiet strength, and realistic parenting challenges, this one fits well into the single parent romance books category.
This book has a different charm from other books, and you will love the Ben character.
Why it’s unique: A charming enemies-to-lovers small-town romance brimming with sharp banter, holiday magic, and surprising tenderness.
9. The Lost Husband by Katherine Center
- Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance
- Publication Date: May 7, 2013
- Pages: ~304–306
- Goodreads Rating: ~3.83/5 (about 21,800 reviews)
The Lost Husband by Katherine Center is one of those contemporary romance novels with single moms that’s less about the “will they/won’t they” and more about the “how do you start living again?” It follows Libby, who’s still trying to find her footing after losing her husband.
Moving to her aunt’s farm with her two kids isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a lifeline.
A lot of readers connect to how Center writes the everyday stuff: packing lunches, juggling emotions, and figuring out who you are when life doesn’t look like you planned.
The romance is there, but it never overshadows the family moments or Libby’s own growth. The pacing feels like real life, a little slow at times, full of small wins and setbacks, as happens in real life. What makes this one stick is the way it blends second chances with self-discovery.
Why it’s unique: A moving story of grief, renewal, and unexpected love, set on a goat farm with second chances in full bloom.
10. The Wild One by Daisy Jane
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Reverse Age‑Gap
- Publication Date: ~2022
- Pages: ~403–464
- Goodreads Rating: ~3.83/5 (over 3,200 ratings)
The Wild One by Daisy Jane is a perfect pick if you like romance books with single mothers. The story follows a woman rebuilding her life in a small town, focusing on her child and staying far from chaos.
Then comes a man from her past, wild, complicated, and not the safest choice. What makes this book worth buying is how real the characters feel with dual POV and spicy things like kinks that you will love. The mother is strong but tired, hopeful but guarded.
The author works amazingly in her bond with her child, who is cared for, and her growing connection with the love interest feels natural.
This book doesn’t lean on drama for shock. Instead, it tells a slow, steady story about second chances, quiet strength, and learning to trust again.
If you’re into romance books with single mothers, this one fits right in—grounded, heart-first, and honest in tone. A good pick for readers who prefer stories that feel close to life.
Why it’s unique: A raw and emotional romance filled with wild hearts, broken pasts, and healing in the most unexpected places.
11. Gold by E. J. Noye
- Genre: LGBTQ+ Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
- Publication Date: July 13, 2018
- Pages: 283
- Goodreads Rating: 4.52/5 (approx. 570 ratings)
Gold by E. J. Noye is one of those single mom romance books that feels honest. The story follows a woman who’s trying to keep her life together after a rough past.
She’s focused on her kid and her career, not looking for love, but of course, life has other plans. The love interest isn’t a cliché.
He is real and patient and not trying to “fix” her. Both character connections build slowly and naturally, which makes the storyline feel grounded. The unique thing about the book is how Noye handles the single mom angle.
It’s not just a backdrop; it’s central to her choices, her fears, and her growth. You see her juggling everything, second-guessing herself, and still moving forward. The writing feels calm but strong.
It doesn’t push too hard on drama or heat—it lets the characters speak. If you like romance with a bit of real life mixed in, this one’s worth picking up. It respects its readers and characters alike.
Why it’s unique: An evocative, poetic love story exploring ambition, sacrifice, and the shimmering pull between two souls.
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12. Juniper Hill by Devney Perry
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
- Publication Date: January 11, 2022
- Pages: 324
- Goodreads Rating: 4.13/5 (approx. 116,000 ratings)
Juniper Hill by Devney Perry is one of those single parent romance books that really gets it right. From the first few chapters, I felt connected to Memphis.
She’s not just starting over; she’s trying to survive and protect her baby, and that weight is felt in every scene. Moving to a quiet Montana town and taking a job at the local inn sounds simple, but nothing about her journey is easy.
Knox, the inn’s grumpy owner, isn’t exactly welcoming, but the slow shift in their dynamic is what kept me turning pages.
I like the thing most, which is how Perry doesn’t overdo the drama. Sometimes many books add unnecessary drama, which feels boring.
Both characters carry weight, but it’s handled with care. Their healing feels like a personal win, not rushed or fast.
The romance is a slow burn, and the parenting moments are honest. If you like emotional, character-driven stories with depth, Juniper Hill is a strong addition to your single parent romance shelf.
Why it’s unique: A heartfelt small-town romance about starting over, found family, and the healing power of love.
13. Charge by Cate C. Wells
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Motorcycle Club, Age‑Gap
- Publication Date: July 24, 2019
- Pages: 266
- Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
Charge by Cate C. Wells is one of those single parent romance books that feels honest from the start. It has elements of motorcycle romance.
It’s set in a small town where everyone knows your history, and the past sticks around. The main character is a single mom doing life on her own terms, strong, steady, and not here for anyone’s drama.
When Charge, a quiet, rough-edged biker, comes back into town, things slowly start to shift between them.
I enjoyed the character development in the story that doesn’t rush for anything.
The trust builds naturally, and the romance between them grows out of real moments, not just attraction. The kid isn’t just there for show; he matters. Their little family feels real, and you can feel what’s at stake.
If you like simple, small-town romance with depth, good pacing, and characters who feel like people you could actually know, this one’s worth the read.
Why it’s unique: A gritty small-town biker romance with a fiercely loyal heroine and an anti-hero learning to love.
Conclusion
After reading so many single mom romance books, one thing becomes clear: they are not just about love stories.
They’re about women who keep going, even when life throws everything at them. Every book has its own take; some lean into second chances, some into starting fresh, and others mix in sports, small towns, or old flames. But at the heart of all of them is that mix of strength, vulnerability, and hope.
You see the messy parts of parenting, the fear of opening up again, and the reward of finding someone who accepts it all.
That’s why these books connect with you; they feel real and authentic, and they leave you believing in love that lasts.
Hi, I’m Nik — a passionate reader with a soft spot for romance and a deep love for fantasy. I started this journey to connect with fellow book lovers and help readers discover magical worlds, epic adventures, and hidden gems that deserve more attention. Whether it’s a slow-burn romance, a best-friends-to-lovers story, or an epic fantasy with rich lore, I’m here to guide you to your next favorite read. My content is all about sharing honest book reviews (I am not a pro), thoughtful reading guides, and diving deep into the fantasy and romance genres. If you’re looking for real opinions, underrated book recommendations, or just a place to celebrate the joy of reading, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore powerful love stories and unforgettable worlds—one book at a time.