Top 15 Romance Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Little Mushroom

   4.8

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: drama, psychological, romance

   “Until the day humanity falls. ” In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation.

   First Impressions

   "Little Mushroom." Don't let the cute title fool you. This isn't a fluffy, lighthearted story; it's a poignant journey through a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of a naive, yet incredibly endearing, little mushroom. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a mushroom that takes on a human form and embarks on a quest. But it quickly became clear that this was more than just a quirky adventure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet a...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me

   4.8

   (1.6K ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological

   “A prodigy at ten, a genius at fifteen, a common man past twenty. ” This is a story of the struggle of an ordinary guy like me who is a “reincarnator” and a reckless and promising girl who is a “genius”.

   First Impressions

   This web novel, About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me, really took me by surprise. With a high rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I went in with pretty high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a deceptively simple story that manages to pack an emotional punch. The premise is intriguing: a reincarnated man, armed with his past life's knowledge, finds himself constantly challenged by a relentlessly competitive childhood friend. The initial setup feels like a classic setup for wish-fulfillment, but the story quickly evolves beyond that. I was immediately d...

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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

   The Probability I Can Kill My Wife Without Being Found Out

   4.8

   (841 ratings)

   Genre: drama, romance, slice of life

   “I may kill you and take all the money you’ve to inherit for myself. Even so, are you alright with me?

   First Impressions

   This web novel, with its rather provocative title, certainly grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a strong following. It's a short, poignant story about a marriage of convenience that blossoms into something much deeper, but not without its melancholic moments and emotional hurdles. Initially, the premise felt a little jarring. The idea of a protagonist calculating the "probability" of killing his wife seemed like it might lead to a dark or edgy narrative. However, I quickly realized that this was more of a quirky, albeit awkward, way for the couple to co...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   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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6. 

   6

   #6 PICK

   Turning

   4.8

   (869 ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.

   First Impressions

   "Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Three Days of Happiness

   4.9

   (473 ratings)

   Genre: drama, mature, psychological

   Three Days of Happiness is a novel by Sugaru Miaki, also known as Fafoo. It’s a rewritten version of the story originally posted to 2ch.

   First Impressions

   This novel… it's stayed with me long after I finished reading. It's not a story you simply consume; it's one that burrows under your skin and makes you question things. I can see why it's resonated with so many readers. The premise is immediately intriguing: a young man, down on his luck, sells off his remaining lifespan for cash. It's a dark starting point, and I went in expecting a bleak, nihilistic tale. While there are definitely elements of tragedy and a raw honesty about the struggles of feeling worthless, it's ultimately a story about finding meaning and connection. The beginning is cer...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   SAYE

   4.8

   (492 ratings)

   Genre: drama, mature, psychological

   When Jiang Cheng was told to return to a family that he never knew or had a relationship with, he had never expected to end up meeting a young girl, and eventually, her seemingly roguish brother Gu Fei, as a first encounter in the new city.

   First Impressions

   "SAYE" is a novel that truly resonated with me. It’s a coming-of-age story that feels incredibly raw and real, and one that I found myself completely invested in from beginning to end. It's a story about youth, about finding yourself, and about the power of connection. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The premise, on the surface, seemed simple enough: two boys from different backgrounds finding solace in each other. However, from the first few chapters, I knew I was in for something special. The author's ability to create a deeply immersive atmosphere, especially within the setting of ...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   The Destruction of a Triad Boss Trilogy

   4.8

   (396 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, romance, school life

   Li Hao Ran is known as the neighborhood troublemaker. Ever since he was 3, Li Hao Ran’s main goal in life was to be a bad guy.

   First Impressions

   This short and sweet story definitely left a lasting impression! "The Destruction of a Triad Boss Trilogy" is a quick read, clocking in at only five chapters, but it packs a surprising amount of charm and humor into its limited space. The premise alone – a boy determined to become a triad boss getting completely derailed by a sweet, adopted sister – is enough to pique anyone's interest. I was immediately drawn in by the lighthearted tone and the unique perspective. It's refreshing to see a romance told from the male lead's point of view, and the comedic elements are well-executed. The story se...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

    4.8

    (282 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance?

    First Impressions

    "If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die" is a wild ride that I'm so glad I decided to jump on. With a near-perfect rating and a sprawling storyline, I was intrigued, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it's so beloved. It's a unique blend of genres, and the execution is what really makes it shine. Initially, the title and summary made me think this would be another run-of-the-mill transmigration story. You know, the kind where the protagonist just clings to the main character for survival. But boy, was I wrong! From the get-go, the author throws you into a world brimming ...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Pearl Light

    4.8

    (276 ratings)

    Genre: drama, josei, romance

    My husband, Xie Wu Chen, was a genius sword cultivator, while I was just a mortal. Xie Wu Chen despised foolish people.

    First Impressions

    "Pearl Light" promised a blend of xianxia, romance, and a touch of tragedy, and boy, did it deliver! This short novel packed an emotional punch that left me reeling, but in the best way possible. It's a story that explores the complexities of love, devotion, and finding happiness in unexpected places. Going in, I was intrigued by the tags – arrogant characters, a caring protagonist, and devoted love interests. It sounded like a classic setup, but I was eager to see how the author would subvert expectations. The initial chapters have a whimsical, almost fairytale-like quality, which drew me in ...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

    4.8

    (240 ratings)

    Genre: drama, romance, school life

    One day, I – a high schooler – found a paperback in the hospital. The “Disease Coexistence Journal” was its title.

    First Impressions

    "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" – the title alone is enough to pique anyone's curiosity, and I dove in expecting something truly unique. What I found was a poignant story about life, death, and the beautiful, messy connections we make along the way. It's a short novel, but one that packs an emotional punch far beyond its length. From the outset, I was struck by the author's storytelling. We know what's coming, we know the inevitable, but that doesn't diminish the impact. In fact, it enhances it. The story unfolds slowly, meticulously detailing the interactions between the introverted male protag...

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy

    4.8

    (120 ratings)

    Genre: adventure, horror, josei

    Upon waking, Bo Li found herself in the nineteenth century. Heavy smog, rampant tuberculosis, deplorable sanitation, and horse dung littering the streets—such was the nineteenth century she had stepped into.

    First Impressions

    "How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy" is a wild ride, and I mean that in the best possible way. With its unique blend of horror and romance, it's a novel that definitely sticks with you long after you've finished reading. The premise itself, a transmigration story into a world akin to "Phantom of the Opera," had me intrigued from the start. I went in expecting a fairly standard fanfiction-esque story, but I was pleasantly surprised. The protagonist isn't just some self-insert; she's witty, clever, and, dare I say, a little bit unhinged herself. The male lead, Erik, is a fascinating study ...

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14. Completed

    14

    #14 PICK

    Your Story

    4.8

    (142 ratings)

    Genre: psychological, romance, seinen

    The story is about a man who’s opposed to the now-common practice of implanting false memories, but is one day given memories of a fictional childhood friend. This fabricated happiness torments him, but then, to his surprise, he meets her – a girl who shouldn’t exist.

    First Impressions

    "Your Story" is a web novel that has genuinely stuck with me. Diving into this world of implanted memories and fabricated realities was an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm still processing the impact it had. It's the kind of story that makes you question the nature of happiness, truth, and the lengths we go to find solace. Initially, the premise intrigued me: a man given implanted memories of a childhood friend who then encounters her in reality. The concept of memory technology is fascinating and thought-provoking, and I was immediately drawn into the mystery of whether this childhood friend ...

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15. 

    15

    #15 PICK

    Female-Dominant World: The Fallen Saint Just Wants to Die

    5.0

    (1 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

    Tien transmigrates into a female-dominant world, becomes the Saint, and faces the desperate situation of a fallen nation. Coincidentally, the cheat promised by the goddess requires dying once to activate.

    First Impressions

    Alright, let's dive into "Female-Dominant World: The Fallen Saint Just Wants to Die." The title alone grabbed my attention; it's got that perfect blend of intrigue and dark humor. The premise is certainly unique: a male protagonist, burdened with a goddess's promise of a time reset and cheat abilities upon his death, is actively seeking a way to kick the bucket, with the catch being he can't do it himself or harm others. It's a fascinating setup, ripe with comedic and potentially tragic possibilities. The core concept is undeniably strong. The idea of a protagonist constantly failing in his at...

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