Top 13 Short Josei Novels for Quick Reads in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

   4.6

   (2.7K ratings)

   Genre: fantasy, historical, josei

   Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.

   First Impressions

   "The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau

   4.7

   (1.3K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, drama, josei

   “Then why don’t I marry you! ” Yu Dong suddenly proposed.

   First Impressions

   This novel promised a fluffy and heartwarming story, and for the most part, it delivered. "Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau" offers a refreshing take on the rebirth trope, steering clear of the typical revenge plotlines and focusing instead on genuine connection and personal growth. I found myself charmed by the characters and invested in their journey. The premise is definitely unique: a woman reborn on the day of her failed wedding, impulsively deciding to marry a handsome stranger she recognizes as a future success. It's a bold move, and I was immediately curious to see how ...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Our Second Master

   4.8

   (1.0K ratings)

   Genre: drama, historical, josei

   What would you say is the most valuable thing in this world? A mountain of gold and silver?

   First Impressions

   "Our Second Master" is a short but powerful historical romance that really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to be so emotionally invested in just seven chapters, but the story's impact is undeniable. It's a story about loyalty, redemption, and the quiet strength of ordinary people, and it's definitely earned its high rating. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The female lead, often referred to as "Little Monkey," isn't your typical beautiful or exceptionally talented protagonist. Instead, she's an average-looking, self-deprecating servant with a compassionate heart. The ma...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   A Slight Smile is Very Charming

   4.6

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, josei, romance

   What is it that makes a man fall in love with a woman at first sight? Appearance?

   First Impressions

   "A Slight Smile is Very Charming" is a novel I finally decided to dive into, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. It's a light and fluffy romance that's perfect for when you need a break from heavier reads. The story centers around Bei Wei Wei and Xiao Nai, two ridiculously attractive and intelligent college students who find love through an online game. While the premise might sound a bit cliché, the execution is what makes this story stand out. I was immediately drawn in by the unique setting of an MMORPG. The blend of real-life and in-game interactions was cleverly done and added a...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

   4.7

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

   This is a story that follows the courtship between a stone from Hell and a god from Heaven that begins in the underworld and spans for three lifetimes in the mortal realm.

   First Impressions

   This novel promised a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also left me with mixed feelings. Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang certainly has its strengths, but some elements gave me pause. The premise, involving three lifetimes of romance between a stone spirit and a god undergoing mortal trials, immediately grabbed my attention. The overwhelmingly positive reviews further piqued my interest, suggesting a deeply touching and memorable story. I dove in expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, and in some ways, that's exactly what I got....

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   A Game To Make Him Fall

   4.8

   (908 ratings)

   Genre: drama, josei, romance

   Born to a house where women were only seen as tools to birth children, I was already in my twenties. I was standing on the crossroads of life.

   First Impressions

   This short story truly captivated me. "A Game To Make Him Fall" is a moving exploration of love blossoming from an arranged marriage, and it definitely earns its high rating. It's a companion piece to "The Probability I Can Kill My Wife Without Being Found Out," offering the wife's perspective on their unusual relationship. While both can be read independently, I highly recommend experiencing the husband's POV first to fully appreciate the nuances of this narrative. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the female lead's world. She's initially presented as someone who's never known true af...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf

   4.6

   (604 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

   Lin Feilu, or better known by her nickname—Green Tea Princess, was the best of all the scheming b*tches that the world had ever seen. She was the Oscar-winning actress among the masses with real life as her stage.

   First Impressions

   I recently finished reading Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf, and I have to say, it was quite the enjoyable ride. This novel blends comedy, fantasy, and romance into a surprisingly heartwarming story. It's a tale of second chances, familial love, and a protagonist who knows exactly how to work her "green tea" charm. The premise is simple: our MC is reborn as a five-year-old princess in ancient China, armed with the memories of her past life and a determination to live a better life. Initially, she's focused on surviving the treacherous palace politics, but she soon finds herself genuin...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   Mulberry Song

   4.7

   (698 ratings)

   Genre: drama, historical, josei

   One leap from the city tower thus fulfills the Marquis of Chang Ye’s triumph in conquering the world, establishing a new era. Yet she only turns into a lonely wisp, accompanying him day and night.

   First Impressions

   "Mulberry Song" is a short but emotionally charged story that left a lasting impression on me. Diving into this novel was like stepping into a melancholic painting, beautiful yet tinged with sadness. It's a tale of love, loss, and regret set against the backdrop of ancient China, and it definitely isn't a lighthearted read. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a ghost of a woman observing her husband, the emperor, as he grapples with guilt and grief over her death. The idea of seeing his suffering through her eyes was intriguing, and I was curious to see how the author would handle such a...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse

   4.6

   (768 ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, drama

   Xiao Xiang Zi, a cloud spirit in heaven, and Chu Kong mess up the red strings of fate by accident during their brawl. As a consequence, they are sentenced to be a fated couple in the mortal realm for 7 lifetimes as a punishment for not getting along with each other.

   First Impressions

   "Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse" promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm happy to report that it delivered. This xianxia romance took me on a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, leaving me with a satisfied, if slightly bittersweet, feeling. The premise alone hooked me: a fated couple entangled in seven lifetimes, each with its own unique challenges. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring how their relationship would evolve across different circumstances and identities. The initial chapters were definitely a grab for my attention...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    The Job of an Imperial Concubine

    4.6

    (664 ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

    To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional. Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good.

    First Impressions

    "The Job of an Imperial Concubine" had me intrigued from the start with its premise: treating life in the harem as a career. I dove in expecting a compelling story of palace intrigue, and while I found a lot to enjoy, some aspects held it back from being a complete knockout. The concept is undeniably clever. Zhuang Laoyan, our protagonist, approaches her role with a calculating mind, prioritizing power and luxury within the system. She's intelligent, perhaps even overly so, and this initially drew me in. I was eager to see how she navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court....

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    The Heartbeat at the Tip of the Tongue

    4.6

    (392 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, josei

    The vastly differing world views of the male and female lead – The purpose of food: Female lead: To fill my tummy! Male lead: Art!

    First Impressions

    "The Heartbeat at the Tip of the Tongue" is a delicious read, blending romance, a dash of comedy, and a generous helping of food descriptions that will leave you craving your next meal. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this novel, even with a few minor drawbacks. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: an average-looking female protagonist with a unique talent for tasting food, thrown into the high-stakes world of competitive cooking, mentored by a cold but genius chef. It felt like a fresh take on the usual romance tropes, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold. The setup is en...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    You’re My Glory

    4.6

    (436 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, josei, romance

    Actress Qiao Jing Jing has one month to get her gaming skills up to the level her publicist has claimed she has. Turns out, her high school crush is an expert.

    First Impressions

    Gu Man has done it again! "You’re My Glory" is a delightful story that had me hooked from the start. It’s a blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life that feels both fluffy and surprisingly mature. Initially, I was a bit wary. The synopsis seemed a bit cliché: a famous actress reconnects with her high school crush through an online game. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the characters and their individual struggles. The female lead, Qiao Jing Jing, is a celebrity who needs to improve her gaming skills for an upcoming tournament, and the male lead, Yu Tu, becomes her coach. It’s a f...

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi

    4.6

    (535 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

    This story tells the life of two people, a noble only in name and an older wife from the army, married through a tentative agreement. In the bone-chilling cold, they spend their time hunting, gutting, and cooking by the fireplace.

    First Impressions

    "Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi" (which I'm definitely shortening to "Hokuou Kizoku" for the rest of this review!) is a novel that snuck up on me. With a 4.6 rating, I knew it had to have something going for it, and I was curious to see what it was all about. The premise is simple: a lord in the North and a retired female soldier enter a temporary marriage contract. Right away, I was intrigued. It's not your typical isekai or transmigration story, which is refreshing. The initial meeting is apparently quite funny, and that the characters are impressive right off the bat. T...

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