Fall in Love with These Must-Read Romance Manga Recommendations
Published Date: May 21, 2025 (PST)
Romance manga has a unique way of capturing the magic of love, from heart-fluttering first crushes to deep, emotional connections that last a lifetime.Whether you're a fan of sweet and wholesome shoujo romances, laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, or even dark love stories full of drama, there's a perfect manga waiting for you.In this guide, we've handpicked some these must-read recommendations will take you on an unforgettable journey through love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Get ready to fall in love! (Last updated: May 21, 2025)
*Number of reviews since 4/30
Table of Content
- Shoujo & Josei Classic Love Stories That Touch the Heart
- Romantic Laughs Comedy & Lighthearted Stories for Feel-Good Moments
- Magical Love Fantasy Stories That Transport You to Another World
- Intense Passion Drama Stories That Tug at Your Heartstrings
- Dark and Enchanting Romance Stories with a Dangerous Edge
- Beautiful Love BL & GL Stories Beyond Boundaries
- Thrilling Action Romance Stories in the Heat of Battle
Shoujo & Josei Classic Love Stories That Touch the Heart
Fall in love with these heartfelt love stories that'll tug at your heartstrings. Find the cutest Shojo & Josei romance manga here!
Keeping You in Sight
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (871)
Story
Rio is a completely average high school second-year, while her best friend Katsuki is pretty enough to turn everyone's heads. Sometimes Rio feels like she's just there to make Katsuki's beauty stand out better... or even worse, that she's invisible to the whole world. Discouraged as she is, Rio was holding onto a faint hope of love with Haruta, the only person at school who ever seems to notice her. When she realizes one day that he has a crush on Katsuki rather than her, she's so upset that she flees the classroom, wishing she could finally just disappear for real. But, while she's nursing her hurt feelings, someone comes and finds her; it's none other than "the reaper," aka Echizenya, the gloomy guy who's always hiding away in the corner creeping out their classmates. Enjoy this adorable will-they-won't-they romance between the "plain best friend" and the secret hottie undercover as the class weirdo!
What Makes This Manga Special?
This manga has been all the rage since its release! It's a classic shojo manga that will give you all the butterflies♥
Rio feels like a side character whenever she's with her cute best friend, Katsuki. She tells herself she's used to it and that it's not Katsuki's fault, but she still can't help feeling invisible. Her inner thoughts are exactly how a teenage girl would think. You'll easily relate to all her struggles and growth as a character!
Enjoy this heart-pounding love story between a super handsome but quiet guy and a cute girl who takes on the supporting role for her best friend ♥
I'm The Only One You Should Love: My Childhood Friend's Love Is Too Deep
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (111)
Story
High school student Mugi Hoshimi has a crush on Nagisa Kudo, a childhood friend. However, Mugi has been unable to express her feelings to Nagisa because of her body's sensitivity: she is stimulated by even the slightest touch, and she is afraid that Nagisa will find out and hate her for it... She attempts to evade him, but Nagisa comes on to Mugi with a strong love that won't allow any other man close to her...?!
What Makes This Manga Special?
She's in love with her childhood friend, but where will this hidden love lead?
Mugi has grown up with Nagisa and has always been by his side. She has feelings for him that she just can't express. As they mature, their feelings grow from friendship to love! It'll have you kicking and screaming! What is the secret that Mugi has been keeping for the past 16 years?
If you're looking for a pure, cute, and heart-pounding romance, this is just the manga you're looking for! Get ready to feel like your heart is about to leap from your chest ♥
His Sweet Aroma
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (272)
Story
Yomogi Aoba is a struggling 35-year-old writer. Her editor suggests writing about sex services for women but refuses. However, after learning her friend with benefits and former editor, Ryo, will soon marry, she begins to feel the loneliness creep in. Wanting affection, she decides to try out the sex therapist service her editor introduced her to. To her surprise, the one at the door is none other than her young and attractive housekeeper, Rin!
What Makes This Manga Special?
A must-read for older women! A relationship that's purely business?
Yomogi Aoba, a 35-year-old writer, meets Rin, a mysterious young man. On impulse, she visits a "brothel for women," and the sex therapist she meets turns out to be her younger housekeeper?! This story is filled with heartbreaking love and kindness. It will make your heart flutter, but also leave you feeling crushed at times.
The realistic depiction of Aoba's emotions, as she's torn between instinct and reason, will hook you right in!
I highly recommend this manga to all the women out there who are always doing their best, whether it's at work, at home, or in every other aspect of life β¨
I Don't Deserve You. But I'll Love, Love, Love You Forever.
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (376)
Story
After her ex-boyfriend refuses to marry her because of her cooking skills, Waka decides to devote herself to cooking! Her efforts have paid off, and she now manages a restaurant of her own. Being next to a police station, cops often come by to eat, but one, Mr. Takeda, has caught her eye. His "satisfied" face when eating her cooking has her absolutely swooning! She can't help but imagine him eating more than just her food! How far can her cooking take her with this dreamy cop?
What Makes This Manga Special?
Her heart races when she sees him eat her cooking with a face that screams "delicious." An adult romance that'll send your fantasies running wildπ΄π
"I like you, but... is this love?"
Waka has just begun her journey to become a chef. She finds herself captivated by Takeda, a regular customer who always eats her food with the most satisfied expression. Every time she sees him eat, her imagination runs wild ♥
Takeda is what you'd call a "zaddy." He's calm and composed, yet somehow makes Waka's heart flutter.
This story is filled with heartwarming moments of love and personal growth. It's sure to stay with you.
Romantic Laughs Comedy & Lighthearted Stories for Feel-Good Moments
Rom-coms are making a comeback with these over-the-top and light-hearted stories. These awkward characters are just the cutest! They'll keep you hooked all the way through to the end, rooting for their love!
The Quintessential Quintuplets
Genres
Reviews
4 (2)
Story
One day, a poor high school second-year named Futaro Uesugi comes across a private tutoring gig with good pay. But his pupils are his classmates!! And they're quintuplets!! They're all gorgeous girls, but they're troublemakers who hate to study and are on the verge of flunking out! And his first task is simply gaining the sisters' trust?! Every day is a party! The curtain is rising on the Nakano quintuplets' quirky romantic comedy with five times the cute!!
What Makes This Manga Special?
Too cute! The ultimate romantic comedy with quintuplet sisters bursting with personality♥
Which sister will the main character, Futaro, end up with?!
You'll be glued to the pages as you try to figure out who he really likes. DON'T SPOIL YOURSELF! This is a must-read hit manga, and it's already completed πβ¨
Futaro's bond with the unique sisters deepens as they boss him around. There are even some risquΓ© moments?! This story will have you laughing and your heart racing all the way through. The scenes where they mature and grow closer are truly heartwarming.
The charm lies in the elegant balance between realistic emotions and the hilarious back-and-forth between Futaro and the sisters. The more you read, the more hooked you'll become. It's no wonder this series has captivated so many fans β¨
This manga is a massive hit with its own anime adaptation. No matter how many times you read it, there's always something new to enjoy. So go ahead, see if you can choose a favorite sister π«
Plus-sized Misadventures in Love!
Genres
Reviews
5 (94)
Story
"This is my punishment - someone as hideous as me falling for someone as good-looking as you..." Yumeko had a mountain of complexes about herself. Then, a terrible accident befalls her. Though somehow saved from the brink of death, Yumeko wakes up a completely different person. "Is this...me...?! I'm SUPER cute!!" Those around her can't hide their surprise and wonderment at this 180-degree change... But, Yumeko's new hyper-positive attitude starts to change her surroundings, too. Worries and complexes can affect anyone, and Yumeko will chop right through those of her various supporting characters!! In love, work, friendship... And an attempted murder case?! This frenzied romantic comedy will leave you bubbling with energy!
What Makes This Manga Special?
Freed from her complexes, a super positive girl is born!
What changed her life? A serious accident, of course! Yumeko never had much confidence in herself, but the moment she woke up, she became a brand-new version of herself, bursting with positivity! π
The accident didn't just leave scars, it gave her the chance to break free from her emotional shackles. Get ready for a life full of laughter, surprises at work, heartfelt moments with friends, and sweet twists in love!
This manga is packed with humor and moving messages that'll make you believe a positive mindset really can change your life! Read it, and you might just find yourself feeling more upbeat, too πͺπ
Dive into Yumeko's world today β¨ It's full of little insights that'll help you enjoy your life even more!
Mr. Princess And Ms. Knight -How My Super Cute Younger Coworker Became My Boyfriend-
Genres
Reviews
5 (3)
Story
The very tall Kiyoko Naito is 5'9". She's outgoing, dependable, and is like a big sister to everyone. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a beautiful princess, but as she grew older and taller, she found herself becoming more like the "knight" that protects the other girls around her.
Mikoto Himeno is a younger guy who works at the same office as Kiyoko. People call him a gloomy and incompetent loser, which makes Kiyoko worry about him. One day, she finds an opportunity to talk to Mikoto properly and discovers an astonishing truth about him.
Himeno decides that she's going to step up and help this guy, whom everyone has the wrong idea about.
She promises to protect him if he gets into any trouble and urges him to stop hiding his true self!
From then on, he becomes the "princess" and she his "knight"...!
A romantic comedy about a boy as beautiful as a princess, and the girl who serves as his "bodyguard"!
Mikoto Himeno is a younger guy who works at the same office as Kiyoko. People call him a gloomy and incompetent loser, which makes Kiyoko worry about him. One day, she finds an opportunity to talk to Mikoto properly and discovers an astonishing truth about him.
Himeno decides that she's going to step up and help this guy, whom everyone has the wrong idea about.
She promises to protect him if he gets into any trouble and urges him to stop hiding his true self!
From then on, he becomes the "princess" and she his "knight"...!
A romantic comedy about a boy as beautiful as a princess, and the girl who serves as his "bodyguard"!
What Makes This Manga Special?
A heart-pounding office romance that begins with a "princess" and her "bodyguard"π
She thought her junior was just drab and clumsy, but it turns out he's an unbelievably handsome guy! β¨ The story starts with an unexpected twist, opening the curtain on this refreshing, one-of-a-kind love story!
The reliable office lady, Kiyoko, and the adorable junior, Himeno, begin their relationship as "princess" and "bodyguard." As his hidden charms start to bloom, the distance between them grows smaller. π Before she knows it, she's captivated by the younger Himeno, who was never even on her radar! This title is packed with moments that'll have your heart racing!
If you want to escape your exhausting everyday life and dive into a story full of romance and heart-soothing warmth, this is the one for you ♥ You'll fall for the charming Himeno, and before you know it, he might just become your favorite! ♥
I Want to Make My Demon Boss Blush!
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (66)
Story
Demonically scary x secretly shy x dessert loving = heartthrob moe boss!! One day, Kasumi Mugino, a writer for a women's magazine, loses a photo of a past she wants to leave buried in the dark. After searching high and low for it, what she found was... her boss with the worst workplace rating in the company (because he's as scary as a demon), Hibiki Hasegawa, in the middle of making desserts!? Completely shocked, she shouts in surprise, and Hasegawa sees her... and though she thought he was one real demon of a boss, he's actually harshly sweet! Sweetly harsh! A super sweet boss!? Enjoy a taste of this 1000% sugar overloaded office romcom that's so sweet, it'll practically give a heart attack!
What Makes This Manga Special?
A tsundere boss & a former delinquent girl! The ultimate contrast to squee over!
The transformation of this fearsome boss is just too much fun! At work, Hibiki Hasegawa is a strict and scary boss. But it turns out, he's a sweet tooth who's awkward when it comes to love?! As the story unfolds, his tsundere side comes to light and you won't be able to stop your excitement from bubbling over!
Former delinquent Kasumi's determination is exhilarating! She's bursting with determination to make her boss "swoon"! It has the perfect balance between hilarious situations and gripping moments that will have you hooked β¨
With plenty of moments that'll touch your heart, have you laughing, and on the edge of your seat, this office romance is exactly what you need if you're craving both a little bit of comfort and some spicy tsundere action! ππ
We've got to spread the love for tsundere around the world!
Magical Love Fantasy Stories That Transport You to Another World
Get spirited away into these fairytale worlds filled with magic and monsters, mixed with a little bit of fluffy romantic tension. Where magic meets romance, these hardened spirits won't be the only ones whose hearts of ice are melting.
The Ogre's Bride
Reviews
4.8 (211)
Story
A Japanese-style ayakashi Cinderella story! "You're the bride I've been searching for all this time." The ayakashi and humans coexist in harmony. The ayakashi, having superior abilities and beautiful appearances, sometimes find their partner among human women, making them their "bride". The bride, in exchange for bringing prosperity, receives absolute love from the ayakashi. Yuzu is constantly compared to her sister, a bride of a demon fox, and is resented by her family every day. One day, when Yuzu just couldn't take things anymore, a man appears before her on a bridge. This man is the most beautiful man Yuzu has ever seen... and he's calling her his wife?! "Just be quiet and let me hold you." The most powerful, "cold-hearted" ayakashi is pouring his heart out for Yuzu?!
What Makes This Manga Special?
A Cinderella story of tender, devoted love that transcends race between an ayakashi and a human π
This manga is the talk of the town both in Japan and abroad! You'll be missing out if you don't give it a read.
A chance meeting between an ayakashi and a human that transcends race. It grips the heart of everyone who reads it β¨
Yuzu has lived an unfortunate life, unloved by her family. The world's strongest ayakashi, an ogre, has chosen her as his bride. Bound by fate, but enveloped by unwavering love, Yuzu will draw you in as she begins to nurture a love that's both bittersweet and beautiful π
With a carefully crafted world and intense characters, this manga is filled with many heart-wrenching love stories. It's jam-packed with a certain charm that you won't be able to escape once you read it!
The best Romantic Fantasy you've got to read today! Immerse yourself in this brand-new love story β¨
In My Second Life I Became Food For My Bias?!
Reviews
5 (221)
Story
"Only if you vow to keep this secret and continue serving me your blood as "food" for eternity..." Ruri, a weak and overworked office worker, finds solace in Gilbert, her favorite character from the otome game "Vampire Mansion." One morning, after pushing herself too hard, her co-workers find her collapsed at the office, and her body is already cold... However, when she awakens, she finds herself in the game world, and even meets Gilbert...! She has been reborn as Fiona, the fiancee who is destined to be killed by him! Fiona's struggle to avoid this fate and to be close to her beloved character begins. Over time, her feelings shift to wanting to save this man who has never been rewarded. Thus begins the story of the cursed vampire duke and the reborn side character.
What Makes This Manga Special?
Devote your life to your fave?! An isekai with her out-of-this-world fave!
A parade of heart-pounding and heart-stopping moments in a world where your fave actually exists! ♥♥♥
The heroine reincarnated from her world into her favorite otome game, where her fave, the villainous vampire Gilbert, awaits.
And of course, vampires feed on blood! She's thrown into a world where he'll sink his fangs into her neck. But her inner fangirl shines through, and she leans into it: "This isn't so bad, is it?" Her positive attitude is the absolute best and gives the story its charm!
Life with her fave is pure blissβor so she thought. If she lets her guard down, punishment awaits?! This manga will have you hooked with the right mix of thrilling romance and riveting tension π
Who would have known that a reincarnated life could be so entertaining? Once you start, there's no going back. Indulge in this dangerously addictive manga πΏπ
Intense Passion Drama Stories That Tug at Your Heartstrings
If you live for drama, these tormenting love stories will have you on the edge of your seat. These complex characters battle their inner demons to find the good in their hearts and discover that even the best love stories are born from struggle.
Cinderella In Plastic
Genres
Reviews
5 (5)
Story
Have you ever cried while looking in the mirror...? "With this face, if I talked about fashion or went out to buy cosmetics, I'd be a total joke." Living with such thoughts, pitifully ugly office worker Tachibana Rin passed the days miserable and taunted by fate since she shares a first name with the most beautiful woman at her company, Kaizuka Rin. But that's just how it had to be. After all, for ugly girls, life's over before it begins... Then one day, Rin wins 11,910,000 yen in the lottery!! "Life's over for ugly girls, but for me this is just the beginning."
What Makes This Manga Special?
"Is life hopeless if you're ugly? Are beautiful people really happy?"
Since she was a child, Rin has never had any confidence in her looks. She's given up on love and fashion, but when something horrible is said about her, she makes the audacious choice to get plastic surgery.
The changes in her appearance don't just affect how others treat her. It sparks a transformation within herself as she begins to accept who she is and changes from within. Keep your eye on Rin as she transforms and gains confidence in herself πβ¨
This manga is not just about pursuing outer beauty but also reclaiming one's own self-worth and finding personal growth. Her journey will resonate with many readers. How will she carve out a path to her future?
A truly compelling story exploring beauty and self-acceptance that's worth the read!
Dark and Enchanting Romance Stories with a Dangerous Edge
Entice yourself with these dangerously handsome, mysterious characters. Delve into the darker side of love with some of the best dark romance stories, charming, dangerous, and sure to leave you questioning what exactly love is.
The Obsessed Mage and His Beloved Statue Bride: She Cannot Resist His Seductive Voice
Genres
Reviews
4.9 (247)
Story
Lala Pradley, a national mage is tasked with the elimination of a low level demon that has appeared. She heads out on the mission with her student, a young boy by the name of Alistea who hopes to marry her. However, the "demon" turns out to be a dragon, one of the most dangerous creatures to exist! While helping to ensure her student can escape, Lala realizes she herself cannot get away. Cornered by a dragon, she uses a special spell to ensure her safety... but at what cost?! "You are mine now, and I will never let you get away."A time slip leaves the two in a new, exciting situation!
What Makes This Manga Special?
The boy she only saw as a student grows into a total heartthrob and comes back to confess to her?!
Readers are raving, "He's just too hot ♥" and "Seriously, he's perfect!" This is the story of Lala and her devoted disciple, Alistea, torn apart following the subjugation of a dragon.
Alistea has never stopped loving his master. Years later, Lala reunites with Alistea, but now, he's grown into a handsome man and is older than her?!
This mature (18+) manga is packed with exciting and steamy scenes underpinned by pure love.
The breathtaking art and touching story will remind you that being able to give love to others is a wonderful thing πβ¨
This manga is completed at 34 chapters, so you can enjoy binging it all the way to the end!
It must be luck that has led you to this manga! Don't miss out on all of the charm it has to offerβ¨ππ
Love and Hell
Genres
Reviews
4.6 (37)
Story
"Did you know? Even I get a turn to make my move." Temp worker Rino Amano, 27 years old, used to have a lover. His name was Haruo Higashiyama and he worked full-time at the same company as the manager of the planning department. He was 32 years old, married, and had a two-year-old daughter. While 99% of her knew that this was an unforgivable love that would never amount to anything, the other 1% was clutching her phone, spending her days waiting for him to reach out. One day he suddenly demands to break it off, throwing the feelings she had for him in the trash. This devastating blow leaves Rino distraught. Even at work she is unable to suppress her feelings, and she searches for an empty room to hide her tears. In doing so she catches Haruo secretly making out with another coworker much younger than herself. At that moment something inside her breaks and awakens something inside.
What Makes This Manga Special?
The ultimate Dark Romance that thoroughly depicts both the light and dark sides of love.
This gripping title goes beyond the sweetness of love and realistically portrays the madness and desires that lurk beneath it! The plot is incredibly captivating, and once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down β¨
The characters have complex emotions and inner conflicts that will make you feel as though you are in the story yourself! It'll leave a deep, resounding impression that you won't forget!
What's more, the visuals are beautiful and are something you need to see for yourself! The illustrations breathe life into each scene, leaving a lasting impression in your heart. The characters' detailed expressions and the empathy you'll feel through them are the greatest strengths.
It perfectly depicts the beauty and danger of love that swallows you up. A must-read that showcases both the beauty and darker sides of love β¨
Beautiful Love BL & GL Stories Beyond Boundaries
Love knows no bounds. These cute Boys' Love (BL) and Girls' Love (GL) stories are beautifully written, challenging what it means to fall in love. Follow along as the characters discover what it means to love and how to accept themselves and others into their hearts.
Living With Him
Reviews
4.5 (2)
Story
Ryota Natsukawa is starting university and he suddenly finds out that his roommate is going to be his childhood friend, Kazuhito Tanaka. Despite Kazuhito's picture-perfect looks, he doesn't have a girlfriend. Ryota is curious about why this is and attempts to point out his faults from a girlfriend's point of view. However, as Ryota gets to know more about Kazuhito, their relationship changes. Will they just remain friends? Or will their relationship blossom into something more?
Also, be sure not to miss out on the bonus story, Living With Him: Heating Up, where you can find out what happens later on!
Also, be sure not to miss out on the bonus story, Living With Him: Heating Up, where you can find out what happens later on!
What Makes This Manga Special?
An irresistible heartthrob couple that'll make your heart flutter! π
The distance between them and the conflict they feel is more intense because they're childhood friends and the same sex!
Kazuhito is a handsome guy with a great personality, but he's always had a secret crush on his childhood friend, Ryota. Once they get into college, they move in with each other π
It's Boys' Love, but the beautiful story will appeal to a much wider audience! The more you read, the more you'll feel your heart ache and pound as the story unfolds β¨
Not to mention, it's a huge hit with its own live-action adaptation! The pure and precious love between the two boys is filled with a special kind of beauty that only BL has to offer. It might just awaken feelings you never knew you had! A masterpiece that not only BL fans will love, but manga readers of all kinds can enjoy β¨
Kotonoha
Genres
Reviews
4.2 (28)
Story
When Fujita was in high school, she had but one romantic encounter - and it was with another girl. It happened one day when they ended up kissing. However, somewhere inside her, she knew a girl kissing another girl was wrong, so she chose to remain as just friends. Even when graduation came, she could not confess her feelings, and so the two girls split ways. Five years later, Fujita still thinks back to that romantic encounter. Meanwhile at work, due to one of her colleagues going on maternity leave, a new designer is brought into the company... and who does that designer turn out to be? None other than her high school crush!
What Makes This Manga Special?
A bittersweet and beautiful story woven by two adorable girlsπΈ
You'll come to learn the deeper meaning behind the words "Let's go back to being just friends."
The story begins when the two girls share a kiss in high school.
Although they kissed, they weren't able to be honest about how they truly felt. At the time, they thought it was weird for a girl to like another girl. I just wanted to yell at them, "Love has nothing to do with gender!"
It's an agonizing slowburn where neither can express their feelings, both becoming timid in the face of it. What will happen to these two girls, who care deeply about each other? It's only 2 chapters long, but it'll leave you with a profound feeling in your heart. I highly recommend this short yet beautifully heartwrenching Yuri love story!
Thrilling Action Romance Stories in the Heat of Battle
Get your heart racing with these action-packed romances filled with knights, swords, and battles that rage both on and off the battlefield. Beneath their hardened exteriors lie soft, fluffy hearts, ready to be won over by love.
From General to Bride: Marrying My Strongest Rival
Reviews
4.9 (9)
Story
Princess Leone of Alderia is a dedicated knight who would take armor over dress and sword over jewelry. Feared as the "Golden Lion" for her bravery, she is surprised to receive a marriage proposal from Berthold, a marshal of the enemy nation whom Leone has confronted numerous times in battle.
United with the former enemy in a political marriage, Leone accepts her role with Alderia's best in mind, but through getting to know Berthold, his modest kindness touches her heart and her guard is slowly taken apart. What kind of change will this marriage bring to the two who have only known each other through battles and war?
United with the former enemy in a political marriage, Leone accepts her role with Alderia's best in mind, but through getting to know Berthold, his modest kindness touches her heart and her guard is slowly taken apart. What kind of change will this marriage bring to the two who have only known each other through battles and war?
What Makes This Manga Special?
Two sworn enemies get married?! A dramatic tale wrapped up in fate!
Things kick off with an unexpected turn when two former enemies on the battlefield suddenly become engaged!
Leone, a beautiful blonde warrior princess, and Berthold, her honest and honorable rival, were once fierce opponents. Now that they're engaged, they're opening themselves up to each other and slowly connecting their hearts π
Your heart will surely stir from the powerful bond they form that transcends their inner turmoil, love, and even fate.
It's packed with intense emotion that'll have you crying and your heart stirring β¨
How will their reluctant relationship begin to change? Don't miss out on their journey ππ
A highly praised and emotion-filled story, known for its "compelling characters that hold a place in your heart." Don't miss out! β¨
