🩵, PictureAge Gap  
💛, PictureSingle Dad x Nanny 
🩵, PictureHe’s a Tattoo Artist 
💛, PictureShe’s a Grad Student 

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐.5 

The Single Dad Dilemma by Kat Savage, the first instalment in the new Family of Misfits series, is a heartfelt and charming romance that successfully builds on the themes of found family and emotional resilience Kat Savage explored in her Men of Bird’s Eye series. Set in vibrant Nashville, this novel introduces Ridge Jessup, a celebrity tattoo artist and single father trying to keep his life afloat while raising his lively daughter. With his work schedule spiralling and daycare after daycare rejecting his daughter, Ridge’s desperation sets the stage for an unexpected, life-altering encounter. 

Darcy Anderson, a relatable and driven character, enters the scene with her own struggles. Still a few credits shy of finishing her degree and with dwindling finances, she leaps at the chance to take a high-paying nanny job. From their first meeting, sparks fly between Ridge and Darcy, even as Ridge tries (and fails) to keep things strictly professional. The ten-year age gap adds a delicious layer of tension, while Ridge’s daughter acts as a catalyst, ultimately influencing his decision to hire Darcy against his better judgement. 

Kat Savage masterfully blends humour, heat, and heartfelt moments in a way that makes the chemistry between Ridge and Darcy feel authentic and irresistible. The emotional stakes are beautifully drawn, with Darcy torn between the practical future she has mapped out and the messy, beautiful life she could have with Ridge and his daughter. Ridge’s internal struggle—balancing his responsibilities as a father with his growing feelings for Darcy—feels raw and real, making his character incredibly sympathetic. 

The novel maintains a perfect pace, allowing their relationship to develop naturally against the backdrop of the chaotic but love-filled world of Bird’s Eye Tattoo Studio. Kat Savage’s knack for writing found families shines here, with secondary characters providing warmth, humour, and a strong sense of community, setting up intriguing possibilities for future books in the series. 

Overall, The Single Dad Dilemma is a delightful start to the Family of Misfits series. It delivers all the emotional connection, steamy romance, and heartfelt storytelling readers have come to expect from Kat Savage. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan of Men of Bird’s Eye, this new series promises to be another unforgettable journey.