Whether you’re new to the webtoon world or you’re a seasoned reader, discovering a new genre or a new title to sweep you off your feet is no easy task. You can always trial-and-error your way through platforms’ libraries, but that can be too time (and money) consuming. And that’s where this post chips in.
Romance fantasy, or romantasy as fans put it, is a sub-genre of romance that’s been on the rise. From waking up in your favorite novel/game as its villainess to traveling back in time after a tragic event and getting a second chance at life, or fate presenting an escape, there are several basic tropes you can encounter when taking a peek at the romantasy section. Some are suitable for everyone while others are for adults only. Some have the fluffiest, kindest love interests while others feature love interests who would simply walk into a room and set off alarms.
No matter what your taste is, or what you’re willing to explore, there’s something for everyone. So I hope you enjoy my selection of the 10 most popular romantasy titles and find your next favorite series!
The Divorceé’s Dessert Cafe
Writer: Danpung-sae
Artist: Night Blue
Original Creator: Dandelionwine
Localization: Kakao Ent.
Platform: Tapas
Erin is from an ostracized noble family riddled with debt. When the emperor sends word for her to marry one of his grandsons, she jumps with joy, thinking she’ll finally live the dream. Instead, she has to endure a loveless marriage and a life with her husband’s lover. When a long-awaited silver lining shows up in the form of divorce papers, Erin doesn’t think twice and begins a new life.
No truck accidents or waking up as the villainess in The Divorceé’s Dessert Cafe! Erin’s lineage is gifted in their sense of taste, and Erin’s mother has instilled the joy of baking in her daughter from a young age. So far, the series is lighthearted and sweet, as Erin finds success through opening a dessert shop.
The Remarried Empress
Writer: Alphatart
Artist: Sumpul
Adapted by: HereLee
Localization: WEBTOON
Platform: WEBTOON
Navier is raised to be an empress in the future, and she accomplishes her duty thoroughly. But that doesn’t stop Sovieshu, her childhood friend and husband, from taking a mistress. Understanding that her marriage has passed the point of being salvageable, she accepts the divorce, and requests approval of remarriage. Everyone in the court is shocked by this declaration, and then more so when it is revealed that the person Navier wants to marry is none other than the emperor of the opposing territory.
I know, I know. People who don’t know about The Remarried Empress must be living under a rock. With 3.5 million subscribers and almost 500 million views, it’s unmistakably a stronghold of the romantasy realm. The mistress and the husband will make you punch a pillow or two, but the series is equally heart-throbbing and sweet. Navier’s wit and Henry’s lovable character will make you swoon. If you’re a binge-reader, The Remarried Empress should be your pick!
The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway
Writer: CHOKAM
Artist: Cheong-gwa
Original Creator: CHACHA KIM
Translator: yw740030
Platform: Tappytoon (All-ages / Mature)
Cárcel goes to lengths to postpone his wedding to Inés, all the while having sex with numerous women. He finally braces himself to fully devote his life to Inés, only to discover that what she wants from marriage is nothing but the two staying out of each others’ businesses, and Cárcel has free reign to sleep with whoever he wants. Just what goes on in this woman’s mind?!
3rd place contender of Tappytoon‘s Million Readers Medalists, The Broken Ring deserves the attention it has garnered. It’s simply beautiful inside and out. Inés’ raven black hair, droopy emerald eyes, and sleek figure makes it hard to tear your eyes away from her. The Broken Ring successfully keeps its readers on the edge of their seats (or their bed, depending on the version you’re reading) with intrigue, while Inés and Cárcel’s dynamic is a joy to read!
I Fell Into a Reverse Harem Game!
Writer & Artist: GOYA
Original Creator: inui
Translators: Kristianna Lee & Michelle Kwon
Typesetter: Dani Chen
Platform: Tapas
“We all have those days.” Princess Elvia wakes up in a bed with two pieces of eye candy beside her, the main character of a reverse harem game where gorgeous studs compete for her attention. Unfortunately for her, she’s less of a pure heroine type and more of a red-haired, feared villainess character. How will she fare in a game in which she has no way of logging out?
Well Elvia, not all of us wake up to extreme riches and have men lining up at our doorstep, but sure, we all have those days. I Fell Into a Reverse Harem Game! has been running ever since 2020 and is among the most popular current romantasy titles. Elvia’s striking red hair and blue eyes make her stand out, and her reactions to the situations she finds herself in are hilarious. The series’ continuation has a mature-rated option, and you’re in luck if you’d like to read the original novel!
The Fantasie of a Stepmother
Writer & Artist: ORKA
Original Creator: Spice&kitty
Translator: Ipae
Typesetter: Trisha Yucamco
Platform: Tapas
When Shuri thinks her life has ended, she’s given a second chance. Shuri’s 16 again, on the day when her husband Johannes’ funeral is being held. Even though she tried her best to lead the Neuschwanstein family in her previous life, she was merely a child herself. Can Shuri navigate the loss of a husband, the strained relationship with her stepchildren, and keep the greedy relatives away this time?
It’s hard to do The Fantasie of a Stepmother justice in only a few sentences. It’s that good and deserves all the praise. So far, the series concentrates more on the political intrigue in the empire, the Neuschwanstein family members trying to find a balance while mourning the head of the family, and the circumstances that shape these characters while romance progresses very slowly. I have reviewed Seven Seas‘ print edition in detail for The Beat if you need more convincing.
I’ve Become a True Villainess
Production: Manta Studios
Original Creator: Flowing HonEy
Translator: Katherine Stuchlik
Designer: Rian
Platform: Manta
Seria is the villainess of a romance novel where Lina is the transmigrated protagonist (a character who is dropped into a different world). She is to marry the duke while death awaits her and the second male lead, Callis. When Callis surprisingly proposes to Seria, Seria thinks sidetracking from the original plot means she’ll survive as well. Will this marriage change the story and Seria’s future in ways she can benefit from?
A smashing hit exclusively on Manta, I’ve Become a True Villainess is adapted from a webnovel of the same name. I find the series a bit on the melodramatic side, but not jarring. Rouche, the male lead who marries Lina in the original plot, is such a kind, caring, and sweet character. If you want to take a break from toxic dukes and their dangerously charming six-packs, I’ve Become a True Villainess should be your pick! You can also read the original novel on Manta‘s app, or listen to Meet Cute‘s audio drama adaptation.
Finding Camellia
Production: Manta Studios
Original Creator: JIN SOYA
Translator: Rixdel
Designer: Rian
Platform: Manta
Camellia was a young girl in the slums when suddenly, she was forcefully taken away by the Bale family. Now she has to live as Camellius in case something happens to their biological son. Her stepmother reminding her how unwanted she is and having to live as a “small, frail, and shy boy” in an environment where she has to hunt or play sports with the other boys, Camille struggles to hold onto the hope of reuniting with her mother.
Finding Camellia contains one of the most popular and loved tropes in the romance genre: gender-bending. The female lead having to live as a man and the male love interest falling in love with her regardless is a pleasure to read! Misfortunes never stop following Camellia as she navigates life as Camellius, but they make her friendships and blossoming love with Lord Claude all the more worthwhile.
Like Wind on a Dry Branch
Writer: Dalsaeowl
Artist: Hwaeum
Localization: WEBTOON
Platform: WEBTOON
Rieta has given up on living. Her husband has died due to a rampaging plague, their only child taken away by traders, and now she is to be buried alive as per the Count’s dying wish. She is saved by Killian, the infamous archduke of Axias, but having endured such tragedy, maybe it was better that she wasn’t.
Like Wind on a Dry Branch is not for the faint heart. The pacing is so slow that calling this series ‘slow-burn’ doesn’t cut it. It’s commendable to pull off that pacing and not end up boring, falling into repetition, or relying on petty misunderstandings. Both Killian and Rieta need time to heal their wounds, but the evolution of their relationship is so satisfying to read. If lore and fantasy are as important as the romance aspect Like Wind on a Dry Branch is tailored for you.
Let’s Hide My Little Brother
Artist: Chen Li
Original Creator: CHAEJIHOO
Localization: Lezhin Ent.
Platform: Lezhin
House Vesta’s son Franz’s popularity among men is out of this world. Why, you might ask? Because they are all characters from a Boys’ Love novel, including Franz’s older sister Kyla. Kyla is aware that she has transmigrated and of the death that awaits her, so she suggests becoming the knight instead of Franz to prevent the events that lead to their house’s demise.
Boys’ Love fans, assemble! We are to embark on a journey with Kyla to prevent advances from other love interests to protect sweet, little Franz. This is not to say you wouldn’t enjoy reading this series if you aren’t familiar with BL tropes or clichés, but recognizing them certainly adds to the fun. It’s been a while since Let’s Hide My Little Brother went on hiatus after the second season’s completion, but here’s to hoping the return is soon!
Sacrificed
Writer & Artist: DH
Original Creator: Jeong Ochan
Translator: Steven Edwards
Publisher: Wisdomhouse
Platform: Pocket Comics
Ludis is the illegitimate daughter of the emperor, and her life is one of mistreatment and neglect. Her well being has never held importance to her father, but the one time she is acknowledged, it’s to be a living sacrifice for an ancient god. The ritual is successful, but Ludis is surprisingly left alive. What’s more, the ancient god who is supposed to grant one wish of his summoner doesn’t intend to play along.
Sacrificed leans towards heavy drama rather than light-hearted fun, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Ludis’ newfound frankness is rooted in the life-changing experience rather than her being saved by a man, and it was refreshing to read. Did I mention the smoking-hot ancient god that only obeys Ludis’ command? The flavor!
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And that’s a wrap. These series were a selection from titles that are all the rage in the romantasy section! Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite romantasy title yourself, or a title that a newcomer would enjoy that isn’t included in the list.
