What Are The Most Popular Top Romance Manga Series?

Romance novels in 2023 have been absolutely dominated by Colleen Hoover, and it’s not even close. Her books like 'It Ends with Us' and 'Verity' have been tearing up the charts for months, with readers obsessing over her emotionally raw storytelling and twisty plots. What makes her stand out is how she blends heavy themes—like domestic abuse and mental health—with addictive romance, making you ugly-cry while still shipping the couples hard. BookTok and Goodreads are flooded with fan edits and theories, proving her grip on the genre. Hoover’s success isn’t just about sales (though she’s outsold entire publishers). It’s about how she’s redefined modern romance. Unlike classic happily-ever-after tropes, her endings are messy and real, which resonates with Gen Z and millennials. The way she writes flawed, relatable characters—like Lily Bloom’s vulnerability or Verity’s chilling unreliability—makes her work feel like a gut punch. Critics might dismiss her as ‘commercial,’ but her ability to spark conversations about trauma and love is legit revolutionary. The runner-ups—Emily Henry (‘Book Lovers’) and Ali Hazelwood (‘Love on the Brain’)—are fantastic, but Hoover’s cultural impact is on another level. She turned romance into a mainstream literary event, not just a niche.

As someone who spends hours scrolling through Wattpad for the perfect romance reads, I've stumbled upon some absolute treasures. 'After' by Anna Todd is a classic—it started as a Harry Styles fanfiction and blew up into a full-blown phenomenon. The messy, intense love story between Tessa and Hardin is addictive, and the drama keeps you hooked. Another favorite is 'The Bad Boy's Girl' by deep_blue7, which nails the enemies-to-lovers trope with its fiery chemistry and emotional depth. For something lighter, 'The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window' by Kirsty Moseley is a sweet, heartwarming tale about childhood friends turning into something more. If you're into fantasy romance, 'The Alpha's Mate' by LeightStark blends supernatural elements with steamy romance, perfect for werewolf trope lovers. I also adore 'The Arrangement' by H.M. Ward for its billionaire romance twist—it's got all the glamour and tension you'd expect. These stories have massive followings for a reason—they deliver the feels!

I’ve followed the careers of so many romance novelists, and what stands out is how many of them built their fame through sheer persistence and understanding their audience. Take someone like Nora Roberts—she didn’t just write; she wrote *a lot*, and each book honed her ability to craft emotional punches that readers craved. The romance genre thrives on emotional authenticity, and the best authors tap into universal desires—love, conflict, redemption. They don’t shy away from tropes but reinvent them. The key isn’t just talent but consistency. Publishing regularly, engaging with fans on platforms like Twitter or TikTok, and adapting to trends (like the shift from pure historicals to paranormal romance) keeps them relevant. Another factor is community. Romance readers are *passionate*, and successful authors nurture that. They join forums, attend conventions like RWA, and treat their readers like friends. The rise of self-publishing also changed the game. Authors like Colleen Hoover blew up because they bypassed traditional gatekeepers and connected directly with readers through platforms like Wattpad or Kindle Unlimited. It’s a mix of skill, timing, and treating writing like both an art and a business. The ones who last? They’re the ones who love the genre as much as their fans do.

As someone who's been immersed in the world of romance novels for years, 1999 was a standout year for the genre. Diana Gabaldon continued to captivate readers with her 'Outlander' series, blending historical fiction with passionate romance in a way that felt fresh and exciting. Nora Roberts also dominated the scene with her seamless storytelling in books like 'The Reef,' mixing romance with suspense. Meanwhile, Jude Deveraux's 'The Summerhouse' offered a magical twist on love stories, proving her timeless appeal. Let's not forget Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whose witty and heartfelt 'Lady Be Good' became an instant favorite. These authors didn't just write romance—they crafted worlds where love felt tangible and unforgettable, making 1999 a golden year for the genre.

When it comes to romance novels, there are a few publishers that consistently stand out. Harlequin is a giant in the industry, known for its vast array of romance subgenres, from contemporary to historical. They’ve been around for decades and have a loyal following. Avon is another big name, especially for historical romance fans, with authors like Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas under their banner. Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is also a favorite, publishing popular titles like 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. St. Martin’s Press is another key player, offering a mix of romance and women’s fiction. These publishers have shaped the romance genre and continue to bring us some of the most beloved stories.

Romance novels have always been my go-to for a comforting escape, and over the years, I’ve noticed certain publishers consistently delivering top-notch stories. Harlequin is a giant in the romance world, known for its diverse range of subgenres from contemporary to historical. Avon, an imprint of HarperCollins, is another favorite, especially for its steamy and emotionally charged reads. Berkley, part of Penguin Random House, has been killing it with their contemporary romances, often featuring strong, relatable characters. Then there’s St. Martin’s Press, which has published some of the most iconic romance novels, including works by Nora Roberts. For those who love indie vibes, Entangled Publishing is a gem, offering fresh and unique voices in the genre. Lastly, Sourcebooks Casablanca deserves a shoutout for their beautifully crafted historical and contemporary romances. These publishers have shaped the romance landscape, making it easier for readers like me to find stories that resonate deeply.

I have a soft spot for authors who craft romance stories that feel both fresh and deeply emotional. One standout is Anna Todd, whose 'After' series took Wattpad by storm with its addictive mix of drama and passion. Another favorite is Ariana Godoy, known for 'My Wattpad Love' and 'A través de mi ventana,' which blend cultural depth with swoon-worthy moments. Then there’s Bethany Lopez, who delivers heartwarming small-town romances like 'Always Room for Cupcakes,' perfect for those who love cozy vibes. For fans of paranormal romance, J. Lynn’s 'Wait for You' series is a must-read, blending supernatural elements with steamy relationships. Lastly, Mariana Zapata’s slow-burn romances, like 'The Wall of Winnipeg and Me,' are legendary for their emotional payoff. These authors have mastered the art of keeping readers hooked with relatable characters and unforgettable love stories.

As someone who devours romance novels like candy, 2024 has been an incredible year for the genre. Tessa Bailey continues to reign supreme with her steamy, character-driven stories—her latest, 'Fangirl Down', blends sports romance with her signature humor. Emily Henry remains a powerhouse; 'Funny Story' is a masterclass in witty banter and emotional depth. Helen Hoang’s 'The Heart Principle' sequel cements her as a must-read for nuanced, diverse love stories. Ali Hazelwood’s STEM-centric romances, like 'Bride', are still fresh and addictive. For historical romance, Julia Quinn’s 'Queen Charlotte' spin-offs keep readers hooked. Meanwhile, newcomers like Mazey Eddings ('The Plus One') and Carley Fortune ('Meet Me at the Lake') are bringing vibrant new voices to the genre. Each author offers something unique, whether it’s humor, heat, or heartfelt storytelling.