Book Recommendations for Female Protagonist Shoujo Romance Series (+1 if Fantasy)

Hi all, I cross-posted this on the LearnNatively forums but im more active here so I thought I would also post on my fave place to be haha. I’m starting to get into book-books (no pictures like in manga :melting_face:) and was curious if anyone could help point me in the right direction! My favorite genre is fantasy romance, and I have the following books on my to-read list:

Good Witch of the West
Kikis Delivery Service
Kakuriyo, Bed and Breakfast for Spirits
Night Cafe

but I’m open to reading other books with female protagonists and some romance level. I like books to have a main plot that isn’t solely romance-focused, with strong character growth (and broody emo male leads are also a plus).

My favorite manga is Gakuen Alice, Anonymous Noise, Fruits Basket, Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, and i’m currently level 48 on WK and N3 grammar (I don’t necessarily need a level appropriate book though)

thanks!

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I can wholeheartedly recommend 獣の奏者 https://learnnatively.com/series/de7394c244/ to you - it’s a series of 5 books but the first two form an arc and you can safely stop there (I did that tbh). It’s medieval-style fantasy with beasts and horseriding and stuff like that, it has a female protag with extremely strong character growth, and there is some romance but only later. The author is strong on politics so you will get your daily dose of which kingdom has issues with which other kingdom and stuff, and that’s a bit thick, but it all serves the plot so it makes sense in the end. :innocent:
Plus, we read it here in a book club, so you can go back and check the threads (and even ask questions if you like)!

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I have personally not read a lot of romance thus far, but looking through my ever-growing pile of books I can throw a few suggestions your way! These are mostly less of like high fantasy and more magic and miracles in our own world - unsure which you prefer!

Anyway, you might enjoy いつか、眠りにつく日, though it’s more supernatural than strictly fantasy. 君に出会えた4%の奇跡 and どこにもない13月をきみに also have good reviews specifically about the love stories, so those may be good ones! I honestly got 夕刻の町に、僕らだけがいた。 just because the cover was pretty, but it’s definitely a fantasy romance as well.

Also, if you’re reading 夜カフェ and don’t mind some stuff aimed at younger readers, a lot of books from 角川つばさ文庫 will likely be up your alley! I currently have 少女マンガじゃない! on my TBR list.

(Again, these are all very much books I have not actually read yet and just sort of…have. I make no promises about their quality and how much they may meet your preferences, but they are certainly options and I at least liked the look of them enough to get them lol)

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