Vanilla Romance Collection (no N*R, no harem, no melodrama)
Manga
100+ romance, here are my favorites!
List does NOT include: Harem, N*R, excessive drama, annoying third wheelers / triangles, surface-level fluff
When there is Ecchi or Prominent (but tolerable) Triangles, I will specifically mention them
List does NOT include: Harem, N*R, excessive drama, annoying third wheelers / triangles, surface-level fluff
When there is Ecchi or Prominent (but tolerable) Triangles, I will specifically mention them
Manga, ? vol, 2023
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life
Tone: Fluff
---
Superb slice of life romcom, among the best in its genre. Makes you grin like a madman due to pure sweetness!
8.5/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Superb slice of life romcom, among the best in its genre. Makes you grin like a madman due to pure sweetness!
8.5/10
Manga, 16 vol, 2007
Me:-
Author:10
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Lengthy, High Subtext, Non-romance Drama
---
Among the best romance I've ever read. Contains both fluff and comedy, but requires an extensive reading.
If you plan to start reading this, prepare yourself to read between the lines as the dialogues are intricately in-depth.
9.5+/10
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Lengthy, High Subtext, Non-romance Drama
---
Among the best romance I've ever read. Contains both fluff and comedy, but requires an extensive reading.
If you plan to start reading this, prepare yourself to read between the lines as the dialogues are intricately in-depth.
9.5+/10
Manga, ? vol, 2019
Me:-
Author:10
Genre: Slice of Life
Tone: Fluff
Notes: High Subtext
---
Extremely unique romance, a one of kind. The fluff is there to torture your cheeks from excessive-grinning, and the romance is among the best I've ever seen. No amount of description can do this title justice. Just please, read it. Please.
Seriously, this is once-in-a-lifetime type of romance that I'm 99.9% sure you'll regret skipping!
9.5+/10
Tone: Fluff
Notes: High Subtext
---
Extremely unique romance, a one of kind. The fluff is there to torture your cheeks from excessive-grinning, and the romance is among the best I've ever seen. No amount of description can do this title justice. Just please, read it. Please.
Seriously, this is once-in-a-lifetime type of romance that I'm 99.9% sure you'll regret skipping!
9.5+/10
Manga, 16 vol, 2015
Me:-
Author:9
Genre: School Life, Comedy
Tone: Fluff
Notes: Many rivals (NOT Harem)
---
Quite literally Romeo & Juliet, but anime (in this case manga)
Many rivals present (NOT a harem), but has a relatively nice closure with goated ending. The main ship is admirable, and their perseverance to save their relationship is truly awesome.
9/10
Tone: Fluff
Notes: Many rivals (NOT Harem)
---
Quite literally Romeo & Juliet, but anime (in this case manga)
Many rivals present (NOT a harem), but has a relatively nice closure with goated ending. The main ship is admirable, and their perseverance to save their relationship is truly awesome.
9/10
Manga, ? vol, 2023
Me:-
Author:9
Genre: Idol, Comedy
Tone: Fluff
---
Extremely underrated manga with a surprisingly unique story! Idol/fan ships are rather overdone in this space, but this one did it so, so, SO well. Each chapter just left me wanting more with how great the dynamic of the ship is. Huge recommend!
9/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Extremely underrated manga with a surprisingly unique story! Idol/fan ships are rather overdone in this space, but this one did it so, so, SO well. Each chapter just left me wanting more with how great the dynamic of the ship is. Huge recommend!
9/10
Manga, ? vol, 2020
Me:-
Author:9
Genre: Fantasy, Magic
Tone: Fluff
---
The exemplary of "pure love" manga. It tries its best to avoid any triangles or excessive drama.
It's the epitome of vanilla, and as such it's one of my personal favorites!
9.5/10
Tone: Fluff
---
The exemplary of "pure love" manga. It tries its best to avoid any triangles or excessive drama.
It's the epitome of vanilla, and as such it's one of my personal favorites!
9.5/10
Manga, ? vol, 2022
Me:-
Author:9
Genre: Comedy, Childhood Friend, Action
Tone: Fluff
---
An extremely fun romcom that has really strong side-wingmen, so strong I think they're the best in the genre. The comedy of this manga is pure gold, and it actually pokes fun at non-vanilla genres which I find to be super hilarious.
Super recommend!
8.5/10
Tone: Fluff
---
An extremely fun romcom that has really strong side-wingmen, so strong I think they're the best in the genre. The comedy of this manga is pure gold, and it actually pokes fun at non-vanilla genres which I find to be super hilarious.
Super recommend!
8.5/10
Manga, 4 vol, 2020
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: Slow-burn, School Life
---
I had the greatest time re-reading this. The manga has bite-sized chapters, so if you're looking to kill time, this is by far the best pick.
You would die out of overdose of insulin if you came unprepared for its sweetness.
8.5/10
---
I had the greatest time re-reading this. The manga has bite-sized chapters, so if you're looking to kill time, this is by far the best pick.
You would die out of overdose of insulin if you came unprepared for its sweetness.
8.5/10
Manga, 6 vol, 2019
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life, Comedy
Tone: Fluff
---
Don't be fooled by the title! It's not a harem. It's just a roleplay by the heroine.
Extremely cute, and the premise is also quite unique.
8/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Don't be fooled by the title! It's not a harem. It's just a roleplay by the heroine.
Extremely cute, and the premise is also quite unique.
8/10
Manga, 4 vol, 2021
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Age Gap* (3~ years)
---
This is the only age gap done-right romance I've read. The series really tackles the hurdle of a gap in age really well in the story, as it portrays the FMC being uncomfortable at the idea at first. It's really great to see how the story unfolds and addresses the issue!
Strong recommend.
8/10
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Age Gap* (3~ years)
---
This is the only age gap done-right romance I've read. The series really tackles the hurdle of a gap in age really well in the story, as it portrays the FMC being uncomfortable at the idea at first. It's really great to see how the story unfolds and addresses the issue!
Strong recommend.
8/10
Manga, 3 vol, 2019
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life
Tone: Fluff
---
Oh my god... I've just reread this, and man isn't this wholesome!
The premise may be slightly misleading, but trust me, this romcom has among the most smile-inducing fluff I've ever read! The story revolves around the two trying to advance their relationship a step further, with them trying to tackle the problems they encounter while doing so (height difference & others). It's seriously such a good read!
8/10
Side note, the art of the earlier chapters are on the rough side, but it's still very pretty and, and the later ones totally make up for it! My only real complaint? It's too short!
Tone: Fluff
---
Oh my god... I've just reread this, and man isn't this wholesome!
The premise may be slightly misleading, but trust me, this romcom has among the most smile-inducing fluff I've ever read! The story revolves around the two trying to advance their relationship a step further, with them trying to tackle the problems they encounter while doing so (height difference & others). It's seriously such a good read!
8/10
Side note, the art of the earlier chapters are on the rough side, but it's still very pretty and, and the later ones totally make up for it! My only real complaint? It's too short!
Manga, 5 vol, 2014
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life
Tone: Fluff
---
Surprisingly fun and interesting. Their dynamic is quite cute, too.
8/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Surprisingly fun and interesting. Their dynamic is quite cute, too.
8/10
Manga, 5 vol, 2015
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: Slice of Life
Tone: Fluff
Notes: Ecchi (Mild-Moderate)
---
Contains some level of ecchi. Not the main focus, but is present nevertheless.
8/10
Tone: Fluff
Notes: Ecchi (Mild-Moderate)
---
Contains some level of ecchi. Not the main focus, but is present nevertheless.
8/10
Manga, 1 vol, 2020
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: Adult Cast, Seinen
Tone: Balanced
---
A romcom manga that is... actually kind of realistic?!
This title is actually amazing in that the story is actually believable in real life. Events and developments happen very naturally (too naturally!), but it doesn't affect the reading experience in a bad way. If anything, it enhances it! One of the chapters even got me jumping out of my seat (literally) because of how much it surprised me.
If you're tired of highschool, cliche romcoms, this is among the best pick!
8/10
Major nitpick: too short!
Tone: Balanced
---
A romcom manga that is... actually kind of realistic?!
This title is actually amazing in that the story is actually believable in real life. Events and developments happen very naturally (too naturally!), but it doesn't affect the reading experience in a bad way. If anything, it enhances it! One of the chapters even got me jumping out of my seat (literally) because of how much it surprised me.
If you're tired of highschool, cliche romcoms, this is among the best pick!
8/10
Major nitpick: too short!
Manga, 7 vol, 2015
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: Slice of Life
Tone: Fluff
---
Very cute and wholesome slice of life. Very nice.
8/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Very cute and wholesome slice of life. Very nice.
8/10
Manga, 10 vol, 2018
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: Comedy, School Life
Tone: Fluff
---
Extremely cute romcom. It plays on a relatively generic premise, but I promise you that the execution is sublime. This is actually my comfort manga, and every time it updates I just can't help but smile!
The development of the main ship is also subtle but super gratifying. Huge recommend!
7.5+/10
Tone: Fluff
---
Extremely cute romcom. It plays on a relatively generic premise, but I promise you that the execution is sublime. This is actually my comfort manga, and every time it updates I just can't help but smile!
The development of the main ship is also subtle but super gratifying. Huge recommend!
7.5+/10
Manga, ? vol, 2025
Me:-
Author:8
Genre: School Life, Childhood Friend
Tone: Fluff
---
This is the slow burn, slice of life romance we've all been waiting for. This title is extremely cute, but what makes it stand out so much in my opinion is how accurately and realistically it portrays awkwardness among teenagers! There are lots of dedicated scenes to show that the ship is still figuring things out, and the way they handle the awkwardness is simply adorable. It's surprisingly not frustrating (despite how relatable it is at times), and I kept on grinning all day long when I read it!
Overall, very recommend! No loss here as it is nice and short!
8/10
Tone: Fluff
---
This is the slow burn, slice of life romance we've all been waiting for. This title is extremely cute, but what makes it stand out so much in my opinion is how accurately and realistically it portrays awkwardness among teenagers! There are lots of dedicated scenes to show that the ship is still figuring things out, and the way they handle the awkwardness is simply adorable. It's surprisingly not frustrating (despite how relatable it is at times), and I kept on grinning all day long when I read it!
Overall, very recommend! No loss here as it is nice and short!
8/10
Manga, 12 vol, 2014
Me:-
Author:9
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Prominent Triangle, Non-Romance Drama
---
Urami Koi is very unique romance title as the plot is rather intricate. I can't say much without spoiling crucial details, so the best way to find out is to read the first chapter and see if you're interested. All I can say, though, is that the romance and triangle is very well made, with a relatively satisfactory ending for both sides!
Strong recommend!
9/10
Tone: Balanced
Notes: Prominent Triangle, Non-Romance Drama
---
Urami Koi is very unique romance title as the plot is rather intricate. I can't say much without spoiling crucial details, so the best way to find out is to read the first chapter and see if you're interested. All I can say, though, is that the romance and triangle is very well made, with a relatively satisfactory ending for both sides!
Strong recommend!
9/10
