Top 17 Most Popular Romance Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil

   4.5

   (3.4K ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain. With no free will, every world became a dead end.

   First Impressions

   "Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil" is quite the ride, a whirlwind of different worlds and romantic entanglements that kept me thoroughly entertained, even if it wasn't always perfect. It's a novel that seems to inspire both fervent devotion and some equally strong reservations, and I can see where both sides are coming from. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately struck by the sheer variety. The premise of a protagonist transmigrating through multiple worlds, each with its own unique genre and storyline, is undeniably appealing. There's something for everyone here, from ancient China set...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Heaven Official’s Blessing

   4.7

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: drama, mystery, romance

   Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world.

   First Impressions

   "Heaven Official's Blessing" is quite a ride, a sprawling xianxia novel that's clearly captured the hearts of many, even inspiring an anime adaptation. Diving into this world of gods, demons, and intricate relationships, I can see why it’s become so popular, but I also noticed some recurring concerns that held it back from being a perfect read for me. The story immediately throws you into the chaotic world of Xie Lian, a god who's ascended (and descended) multiple times. His initial assignment and subsequent meeting with the mysterious Hua Cheng sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System

   4.3

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, comedy

   “Can’t I properly read stallion novels anymore! ” Shen Yuan transmigrated into someone who’d tormented the young male lead almost to death, the s*um villain Shen Qingqiu.

   First Impressions

   "The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System" (SVSSS) is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated fanbase. It's a story that simultaneously embraces and pokes fun at the tropes of the xuanhuan and transmigration genres, leading to a reading experience that’s often hilarious, sometimes angsty, and always engaging. Going in, I knew this was a parody of the "stallion novel," a genre I'm only vaguely familiar with. The premise itself is brilliant: a reader transmigrates into the body of the villain he hates most. The initial chapters were a blast, with the main character, Shen Q...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   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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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love

   4.5

   (2.4K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   An internet troll who wanted attention, the reader criticized his favorite web novel, saying: “The protagonist is dumb and the author is s*upid. ” Author: “…Got it.

   First Impressions

   This novel had been sitting on my to-read list for ages, and I finally took the plunge. "The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love" promises a unique twist on the transmigration trope, and for the most part, it delivers. The premise is undeniably intriguing. A reader gets sucked into their favorite web novel, one they inadvertently ruined with their troll comments, and now has to fix the protagonist's tragic fate. The initial chapters are filled with humor, and the MC's internal monologues had me chuckling. There's a lot of potential established early on. The novel starts w...

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6. 

   6

   #6 PICK

   My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending

   4.5

   (2.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   When he came to his senses, Hirasawa Kazuki, a normal university student, found himself in possession of the body of a game’s character. Moreover, it was Harold Stokes, the story’s most hated character who was even given the title 『King of Tr*sh』by the players.

   First Impressions

   "My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending" has been quite the ride! Jumping into this isekai adventure, I was immediately hooked by the unique premise. It's not every day you see a protagonist reincarnated as a villain, especially one with a rather… unfortunate speech impediment. The initial chapters grabbed me with their blend of humor and intrigue. The protagonist, a university student reborn as Harold Stokes, a hated character from a game he loves, immediately has to navigate a world where his words constantly betray his intentions. It's a clever twist on the usual isekai formula and sets the ...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 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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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   The Legendary Master’s Wife

   4.3

   (1.9K ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   After a sudden and unfortunate explosion, You Xiaomo wakes up in a body and a world that isn’t his own. With his name being the only remaining thing familiar to him, he has to adapt quickly, a task as incredulous as it is dire.

   First Impressions

   "The Legendary Master’s Wife" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan novel with a healthy dose of yaoi that seems to have divided readers. It definitely kept me hooked, but not without some reservations along the way. Jumping in, I was immediately drawn to the world-building. The author clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a detailed and immersive cultivation world, and I appreciated the gradual unfolding of its intricacies. It felt like I was learning alongside the MC, You XiaoMo, as he navigated this new reality. The initial focus on alchemy and adventure was also a plus....

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   To Be A Virtuous Wife

   4.5

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

   As a virtuous wife, does it include tolerating his cousin, enduring his concubines, bearing his mother? If you will not let me live freely, why would I let you live in satisfaction?

   First Impressions

   "To Be A Virtuous Wife" initially caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a modern woman transmigrating into the body of an ancient Chinese noblewoman. I was curious to see how she'd navigate the complexities of court life and a potentially loveless marriage. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, landing somewhere between captivated and slightly underwhelmed. The novel throws you right into the thick of things, with Qu Qing Ju waking up as a Wang Fei, a princess consort. I immediately appreciated the slice-of-life feel, focusing on the day-to-day management of the household, ...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    My Disciple Died Yet Again

    4.5

    (1.6K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.

    First Impressions

    "My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Common Sense of a Duke’s Daughter

    4.5

    (1.6K ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, romance

    When a young woman is killed in a traffic accident on her way home from work at a tax bureau, she suddenly finds herself transported to the world of the otome game she was playing the night before – but instead of the heroine, she’s been reincarnated as the villainess! Using her knowledge of the...

    First Impressions

    "Common Sense of a Duke’s Daughter" promised a refreshing take on the reincarnation isekai, and while it does deliver in some aspects, it also stumbles in others. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, read. I was immediately drawn in by the premise: a woman reincarnated as a villainess armed with modern knowledge and a determination to carve her own path. The initial chapters were strong, showcasing the MC's quick thinking and resourcefulness as she navigated a sticky situation. It definitely hooked me from the beginning, and I was excited to see how she'd rebuild her lif...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness

    4.6

    (1.7K ratings)

    Genre: drama, mature, romance

    Xie Yang struggled in the post-apocalyptic world for many years until he was too tired to go on. Then he transmigrated into a young adult entertainment circle novel where the protagonists have easy, sweet, and satisfying lives.

    First Impressions

    "My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness" is a wild ride, a blend of humor, face-slapping, and surprisingly sweet romance. I went in expecting one thing and came out pleasantly surprised, though not without a few reservations. The premise itself is intriguing: a transmigrator from an apocalyptic world ends up as a cannon fodder married to a terminally ill, tsundere CEO. It’s a recipe for chaos, and the initial chapters definitely deliver on that promise. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between Xie Yang, the MC, and Qiu Xing, the ML. Their early interactions are gold, filled with...

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    Lucia

    4.4

    (1.5K ratings)

    Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

    Lucia grew up not knowing she was a princess. But when her mother died, she entered the palace and had the chance to see her entire future in a dream.

    First Impressions

    "Lucia" is a web novel that really took me on a rollercoaster. With its mix of adult themes, fantasy elements, and a central romance, it definitely has a lot going on. After diving in and absorbing various reader opinions, I've got a pretty good handle on what makes this story tick, both for good and for ill. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise of a protagonist trying to navigate a pre-determined fate. The tags promised a complex story with character growth and a mature tone. However, some readers found the world-building lacking and the initial plot points to be somewhat weak, especiall...

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14. Completed

    14

    #14 PICK

    Eight Treasures Trousseau

    4.5

    (1.4K ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

    Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure. Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the Di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.

    First Impressions

    "Eight Treasures Trousseau" has been quite the journey, and I've come away with some mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel, set in a fascinating ancient China-esque backdrop, weaves a tale of political intrigue, arranged marriage, and a touch of the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day actress reincarnated as a beautiful, but seemingly apathetic, noble wife. It's a familiar trope, but the promise of a lazy, yet secretly capable, protagonist was intriguing. I found myself curious to see how this character would navigate the complexities of court li...

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15. Completed

    15

    #15 PICK

    Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

    4.7

    (1.5K ratings)

    Genre: adventure, comedy, romance

    In a Mary-Sue novel, the readers all liked the Devil Venerable, the second male lead who devoted himself whole-heartedly to the female lead. However the female lead only loved the male lead who ab*sed her physically and mentally.

    First Impressions

    This novel was quite the ride! It's a xianxia with a strong comedic bent and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I found myself thoroughly entertained, and it's easy to see why it has such a high rating. Initially, the story felt a little slow as it set the stage, but that didn't last long. The premise is intriguing: our protagonist, the Devil Venerable Wenren E, discovers a book detailing a future where he's a supporting character in a trashy romance. His reaction? Utter confusion and a determination to understand why the characters are acting so…illogically. I was immediately hooked by his...

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16. Completed

    16

    #16 PICK

    Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

    4.4

    (1.4K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

    She was a peerless genius in the 24th Century – all she needed was a silver needle and she could practically bring anyone back from the dead. After an explosion, she crossed over into a strange world; everyone calls her “Miss.

    First Impressions

    "Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan adventure that I found myself both captivated and occasionally frustrated by. With a strong female lead, plenty of scheming, and a slow-burn romance, it definitely has its hooks. But it's also a commitment, and not without its flaws. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of satisfying revenge and a protagonist who isn't afraid to play dirty. The setup is familiar – a reincarnation story with a genius MC – but the execution felt fresh enough to keep me engaged. I was eager to see how Jun Wu Xie would navigate...

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17. Completed

    17

    #17 PICK

    Global Examination

    4.7

    (1.5K ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, horror

    The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.

    First Impressions

    "Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...

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