Romance manga brings me immense joy, and I’m excited to share that happiness with you! Today, I’m here to recommend some romance manga that will make you blush with excitement. I’ve started with suggestions to make your heart flutter, and now I’m curating a list of manga that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy. This selection includes a variety of themes: college romance, age-gap romance, “supernatural” romance, and high school romance. I wanted to offer a mix of stories that go beyond the typical high school setting, focusing on both mature and youthful love. While there are some high school romance options, I’ve put extra effort into finding engaging stories featuring older characters. I hope these recommendations help you discover a new 2D romance crush and leave you with a smile!
Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama by Kozue Chiba
Nineteen-year-old Kinari Setoya is ready for a fresh start, leaving her quiet countryside home behind to embrace the excitement of Tokyo before starting college. With dreams of new experiences, she has two major goals: move into the lively Kitten Blue Boarding House and find love in the big city. However, things get off to a rocky start when Towa, the boarding house’s incredibly handsome but aloof resident, mistakes her for a stalker. As misunderstandings and comedic chaos ensue, Kinari’s Tokyo adventure quickly turns into a whirlwind of unexpected encounters and budding romance. Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama offers a lighthearted and charming tale of love, missteps, and new beginnings. Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama is a roommate romance manga.
This manga got me hooked because it reflects a life I sometimes wish to have—living with a group of strangers and experiencing an interesting, dynamic life together. Roommate romance isn’t something I often come across in manga, and I think this is only the second one I’ve read, but I really enjoy it. It’s a fascinating trope where you watch people develop feelings for each other while living under the same roof. Another reason I love this manga is that it doesn’t just focus on the main characters. You also get to know the other housemates, which adds more depth to the story. It’s refreshing to see their bonds and interactions, rather than solely focusing on the main romance. I can easily imagine myself being part of this world.
Hana to Kuchizuke by Samako Natsu
Kasumi is homeless, decides to handle the situation herself, not wanting to burden her busy family. Through an unexpected misunderstanding, she crosses paths with a charming and enigmatic flower artist. Despite their age difference, he seems genuinely captivated by her. As she navigates this new chapter in her life, Kasumi finds herself wondering if the time for her to experience love has finally arrived. With delicate emotions blooming like flowers, Hana to Kuchizuke weaves a heartwarming tale of unexpected romance and self-discovery. Do note that Hana to Kuchizuke is an age-gap manga.
I don’t typically read a lot of age-gap manga, but once I started this one, I became drawn to the uniqueness of their relationship. The story focuses on how this high school girl is trying to build her confidence and grow as a person. She admires and likes a mature, older man, and this dynamic adds depth to the character development. What I love most is how the manga shows not just her growth but his as well. Both characters help each other overcome challenges, especially when they’re on the verge of giving up on something they love. Watching them support and inspire each other is truly 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
Lightning and Romance is available in English, as Kodansha US licensed it in 2022. Kodansha describes the plot:
Now that Sumire and Reo are a proper couple, our young lovers just keep growing closer and closer together! There was just one thing they still had to do…and that was to tell Sumire’s parents about Reo’s past. After heading out to buy a suit for Reo to meet Sumire’s parents, our duo finds themselves exploring their feelings…and each other with a mature kiss unlike any other! But the real question is will they be able to get Sumire’s parents’ approval for the relationship…? Lightning and Romance beautifully captures the evolving dynamics of a couple navigating the complexities of love, family, and acceptance, all while deepening their commitment to each other. Lightning and Romance is an age-gap manga.
The female lead is so straightforward and never hesitates, which makes her such a good character. This is another age-gap manga, but once I got into their story, I was completely hooked. Sometimes I forget about the age gap because they’re such a cute and beautiful couple. Their chemistry is so natural that it overshadows the difference in age. I have to admit, I initially started reading the manga because the male lead is incredibly hot, but as the story unfolded, I grew to love the female lead even more. She’s got so much confidence and “game,” and that’s what makes her so 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
Freya Villiers, a viscount’s daughter, is trapped in a difficult situation: pressured by her family to rekindle her broken engagement with Nathan, who betrayed her with her own sister. Desperate to escape the looming reconciliation and the scrutiny of her aristocratic circle, Freya turns to the enigmatic Count Bradbury, rumored to be a vampire.
Freya begs the reclusive count to pose as her lover, hoping this ruse will deflect her family’s demands. Despite her inexperience with romance, her request sets off a series of unexpected events. As she navigates this precarious arrangement, Freya finds herself drawn to the mischievous and charming 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 blends romance with a touch of the supernatural? as Freya’s escape plan leads to a transformative love affair with a vampire whose true nature might be more than just rumors.
This supernatural and historical manga manga is so cute! The male lead is incredibly 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 are serious and hard to please, but it turned out to be delightful. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I can assure you that you’ll really love the characters and their dynamic—it’s adorable! The female lead also stands out because she’s determined to change her current situation and is straightforward about her desires. That’s one of the things I appreciate about her character as well. Together, they create a charming story that’s hard to resist!
Choking on Love by Keiko Iwashita
Choking on Love was licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment. The first English volume will be published on February 11, 2025. Seven Seas describes the plot:
Hibari, a single-minded art student with dreams of becoming a graphic designer, feels insecure about being “ordinary” compared to her peers. Gaku, a free-spirited guitarist from the same university, turns her world upside down after a chaotic encounter at a ramen shop. Hibari wants nothing more than to escape the disorder Gaku brings to her perfectly planned life. But as he slowly breaks down her walls, Hibari starts to realize that a little chaos might be just what she needs. Choking on Love is a compelling story of two clashing souls—an aspiring fashion designer and a rebellious musician—who are finding inspiration, growth, and love in the most unexpected places. Choking on Love is college romance.
I love the male lead in this story because he’s straightforward, and I find that kind of honesty refreshing. I wish I had a straightforward man like him in my life! This manga offers a glimpse into a campus romance many might not experience. I attend a small university and mostly focus on my studies, so this story fills the gap for me. It showcases a larger school environment and introduces a variety of interesting characters. One aspect that stands out to me is how supportive he is of the female lead. I appreciate a guy who is not easily jealous and exudes strong, genuine confidence. It’s not cocky; rather, he truly believes in both of them, which makes their relationship even more appealing.
Seishun Heavy Rotation by Ai Minase
On her high school entrance exam day, Nao is overwhelmed with nerves until a charming boy helps her stay calm. To her delight, fate seems to be on her side when she finds out that the same boy, Haruna-kun, is seated next to her on the first day of school. Nao is instantly smitten, believing that this is a sign of destiny.
However, Haruna-kun, the handsome and popular boy, has a reputation for being blunt and often says he dislikes girls who confess their feelings. Despite his seemingly indifferent attitude, he often playfully teases Nao, leaving her in a whirlwind of emotions. As Nao gets to know the real Haruna-kun, she discovers that beneath his tough exterior lies a surprisingly kind and caring person. Seishun Heavy Rotation is a heartwarming tale of first love, where misunderstandings and playful banter pave the way for a deeper connection. Nao’s journey to understand and win over Haruna-kun unfolds in a story full of youthful romance and personal growth. Seishun Heavy Rotation is a high school romance manga.
I like this manga because it shows how some people can be supportive from the very first moment you meet them, creating a foundation for a strong, meaningful relationship. It highlights how something that starts 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 individually and together. 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 more of a wholesome, feel-good story that focuses on the sweetness of their bond.
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 touch of romance to your day. I’m always excited to share my passion for manga with fellow enthusiasts. Happy reading, and may your new 2D romance crush bring you all the joy!
Featured image: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, © Izumi Tsubaki / SQUARE ENIX, GEKKAN SHOJO NOZAKI KUN Project
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