Romance manga bring me immense joy, and I’m excited to share that joy with you! Today, I’m here to recommend some romance manga that will make you blush with excitement. I started with recommendations that will make your heart flutter, and now I’m curating a list of manga that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. This collection covers a variety of themes: college romance, age gap romance, “supernatural” romance, and high school romance. I wanted to include a mix of stories that go beyond the typical high school setting, focusing on both mature and young love. While there are some high school romance options, I put extra effort into finding engaging stories that feature older characters. I hope these recommendations help you discover a new 2D romance and make you smile!
Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama by Kozue Chiba
© Kozue Chiba/Shogakukan
Nineteen-year-old Kinari Setoya is ready for a fresh start, leaving her quiet country home to embrace the excitement of Tokyo before heading off to college. With dreams of new experiences, she has two big goals: to move into the vibrant Kitten Blue Hostel and to find love in the big city. However, things get off to a rocky start when Towa, the hostel's extremely handsome yet aloof resident, mistakes her for a stalker. As comedic misunderstandings and chaos ensue, Kinari's Tokyo adventure quickly turns into a whirlwind of unexpected encounters and budding romance. Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama offers a gentle and charming tale of love, missteps, and new beginnings. Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama is a roommate romance manga.
This manga appealed to me because it reflected the life I sometimes wish I had—living with a group of strangers and experiencing an active, exciting life together. Roommate romance isn't something I often see in manga, and I think this is only the second one I've read, but I really enjoyed it. It's an interesting story where you watch people develop feelings for each other while living under the same roof. Another reason I loved this manga is that it doesn't just focus on the main characters. You get to know the other housemates as well, which adds depth to the story. It's refreshing to see their relationships and interactions instead of just focusing on the main romance. I could easily imagine myself being a part of this world.
Hana to Kuchizuke of Samako Natsu
© Samako Nat/Kodansha
Kasumi is a homeless woman who decides to take matters into her own hands, not wanting to burden her busy family. Due to an unexpected misunderstanding, she comes across a charming and mysterious flower arranger. Despite their age difference, he seems genuinely drawn to her. As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, Kasumi wonders if the time has finally come for her to experience love. With delicate emotions blooming like flowers, Hana to Kuchizuke weaves a touching story of unexpected romance and self-discovery. Please note that Hana to Kuchizuke is an age gap manga.
I don't usually read a lot of age gap manga, but when I started reading this one, I was drawn in by the uniqueness of their relationship. The story focuses on how this high school girl is trying to build her confidence and grow up. She admires and likes an older, mature man, and this adds depth to her character development. What I liked most was how the manga not only shows her growth, but also his. Both characters help each other through challenges, especially when they are about to give up something they love. Watching them support and inspire each other is really rewarding, and for me, that's what makes this story special. Plus, the art is beautiful, and the male lead is quite handsome!
Lightning and Romance by Rin Mikimoto
© Rin Mikimoto/Kodansha
Lightning and Romance is available in English, as Kodansha US has licensed the film for release in 2022. Kodansha describes the plot:
Now that Sumire and Reo are a proper couple, our young lovers grow closer and closer! There's just one thing they still have to do…tell Sumire's parents about Reo's past. After heading out to buy a suit for Reo to meet Sumire's parents, our duo explore their feelings…and each other with a grown-up kiss unlike any other! But the real question is, can they get Sumire's parents' approval of their relationship…? Lightning and Romance beautifully captures the growing dynamics of a couple navigating the complexities of love, family, and acceptance, while deepening their commitment to each other. Lightning and Romance is an age gap manga.
The female lead is very straightforward and never wavers, which makes her a good character. This is another manga about age gaps, but as I read their story, I was completely drawn in. Sometimes I forgot about the age gap because they were so cute and beautiful. Their chemistry was so natural that it overshadowed the age difference. I have to admit, I initially started reading because the male lead was extremely attractive, but as the story progressed, I grew to love the female lead more and more. She has a lot of confidence and “game” and that’s what makes her special!
Moto Konyakusha kara Nigeru tame Kyuketsu Hakushaku ni Koibito no Furi wo Onegai Shitara, Naze ka Dekiai Mōdo ni Narimashita by Riko Touma & Ao Kase
© Riko Touma/Ao Kase/Kodansha
Freya Villiers, daughter of a viscount, is caught in a difficult situation: pressured by her family to renew her broken engagement to Nathan, who betrayed her along with her own sister. Desperate to escape the impending reconciliation and the scrutiny of the nobility, Freya seeks out the mysterious Earl Bradbury, rumored to be a vampire.
Freya begs the reclusive count to pose as her lover, hoping the ruse will successfully deflect her family's demands. Despite her lack of experience in romance, her request sets off a series of unexpected events. As she navigates this precarious arrangement, Freya finds herself drawn to the mischievous and seductive vampire (?) in ways she never anticipated. Moto Konyakusha kara Nigeru tame Kyūketsu Hakushaku ni Koibito no Furi wo Onegai Shitara, Naze ka Dekiai Mōdo ni Narimashita mixes romance with a touch of the supernatural? as Freya's escape plan leads to a transformative affair with a vampire whose true nature may be more than just a rumor.
This historical and supernatural manga is so cute! The male lead is super funny. When I first started reading the first chapter, I was surprised because I initially thought it would focus on something more typical, like vampires being serious and hard to please, but it turned out to be really fun. I don't want to spoil anything, but I can assure you that you will really love the characters and their dynamic—it's adorable! The female lead also stands out for her determination to change her current situation and being straightforward about her desires. That's also one of the things I appreciate about her character. Together, they make for an irresistible story!
Keiko Iwashita's Breathtaking Love
© Keiko Iwashita/Kodansha
Choking on Love has been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment. The first English volume will be published on February 11, 2025. Seven Seas describes the plot:
Hibari, an ambitious art student with dreams of becoming a graphic designer, feels insecure about being “normal” compared to her peers. Gaku, a free-spirited guitarist from the same university, has her world turned upside down after a chaotic encounter at a ramen shop. Hibari wants nothing more than to escape the chaos Gaku brings to her perfectly planned life. But as he slowly breaks down her walls, Hibari begins to realize that a little chaos might be just what she needs. Choking on Love is a captivating story of two clashing souls—an aspiring fashion designer and a rebellious musician—who find inspiration, growth, and love in the most unexpected places. Choking on Love is a college romance.
I liked the male lead in this story because he was straightforward and I found that honesty refreshing. I wish I had a man as straightforward as him in my life! This manga offers a glimpse into campus romance that many people may not have experienced. I go to a small college and focus mostly on my studies so this story filled a void for me. It showcases a broader campus environment and introduces many interesting characters. One aspect that stood out to me was how supportive he is of the female lead. I appreciate a guy who doesn't get jealous easily and exudes a strong, genuine confidence. It's not cocky; rather, he genuinely believes in both of them, which makes their relationship all the more intriguing.
Seishun Heavy Rotation by Ai Minase
© Ai Minase/Shogakukan
On the day of her high school entrance exam, Nao is extremely nervous until a charming boy helps her calm down. To her delight, fate seems to be on her side when she discovers that the boy, Haruna-kun, sits next to her on the first day of school. Nao is immediately enchanted, believing this to be a sign of fate.
However, Haruna-kun, the handsome and popular boy, is known for being straightforward and often says that he doesn't like girls who confess their feelings. Despite his seemingly indifferent attitude, he often playfully teases Nao, sending her into a spiral of emotions. As Nao gets to know the real Haruna-kun, she discovers that beneath his tough exterior is an unexpectedly kind and caring person. Seishun Heavy Rotation is a touching story of first love, where misunderstandings and playful banter pave the way for a deeper bond. Nao's journey to get to know and conquer Haruna-kun unfolds in a romantic tale of youth and personal growth. Seishun Heavy Rotation is a high school romance manga.
I love this manga because it shows how some people can support you from the moment you first meet them, creating the foundation for a strong and meaningful relationship. It emphasizes how something that starts out simple can grow into something beautiful over time. That's one of the things I love most about this manga—it emphasizes how small gestures can help people grow, both as individuals and as a person. It's a cute high school romance that stands out because it avoids the typical drama you often see in other high school stories. Instead, it's a wholesome, feel-good story that focuses on the sweetness of their relationship.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my romance manga recommendations! I hope you find something that makes you blush and adds a little romance to your day. I am always excited to share my passion for manga with fellow enthusiasts. Happy reading and may your new 2D romance lover bring you all the joy!
Featured image: Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun, © Izumi Tsubaki/SQUARE ENIX, GEKKAN SHOJO NOZAKI KUN Project
