Here is a list of many of the romance manga that I am either currently reading, or have already finished, and would recommend to you. All the manga included here take their time to establish relationships prior to starting the romance. While there may be a bit of flirting here and there in volume one, you won’t feel rushed reading any of these recommendations!
My Love Story with Yamada-kun at LV 999
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About the romance…
This series takes its sweet time first introducing us to our cast of characters prior to introducing any romance whatsoever. When I first started reading, I had my doubts that our main couple would ever start dating—especially with the events at the end of the first volume.
I really enjoying rooting for Akane alongside her guildmembers!
First Love, Worst Love
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About the romance…
This is a second chance romance series, meaning that our main couple has dated once before! Now broken up, while one is eager to get back together, one wants anything but. In the first two volumes there is no romance between the two of them, but rather mending old wounds and growing closer as friends.
We watch as Yori does his best to convince Hatsuho (and us) why he deserves a second chance. Thanks to all of his shenanigans, it’s not difficult to see him as good boyfriend material.
Continue reading in my full review for volume one here.
Pink and Habanero
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About the romance…
This series has a female protagonist that’s just a little too naive, and a male lead that’s just a little too tsundere for there to be any quick romance. The first two volumes focus on developing their rather unique relationship (dare I say friendship?).
As they have a lot of face time both at school and at work, there are plenty of opportunities for them to slowly grow closer!
Continue reading in my full review for volume one here.
Tell Me, Dear Butler
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About the romance…
This series features a slight age gap, with our protagonist in high school, and the male love interest in university. The reason that this series is more of a slow burn is because of their unique relationship—she’s the young lady of a house, and he’s her personal butler. While she’s been in love with him since they first met, it would be improper for a butler to reciprocate such feelings!
Only… It’s actually not all that clear exactly how he feels about her.
Continue reading in my full review for volume one here.
You’re My Cutie!
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This is less an “enemies to lovers”, and more a “two people who don’t really care for each other to lovers”. A more tame take on the trope, if you will.
Throughout the first two volumes, the story focuses on establishing our main couple’s friendship. We watch them realize they were originally mistaken about the other, and they slowly grow more comfortable being in the same space. Once the romance finally does hit, all feels right in the world. It’s hard to remember how much the didn’t like each other at first!
Continue reading in my full review for volume two here.
How I Met My Soulmate
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This is a series focused on finding your soulmate, so of course the female lead takes a moment before dating anyone—this is serious business! She puts a great deal of importance in the act of choosing a boyfriend, so we get to see a lot of the thought process behind her decision making. While we technically meet the male love interest who is endgame in the first volume, he isn’t portrayed as such quite yet.
I will warn you though, there is a bit of drama to be found in this one.
Continue reading in my full review for volume one here.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell
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This is one of the most beautifully written slow burn romances—please give it a chance when it comes out in English!
The first three volumes focus on establishing our protagonists place in the lives of all the dragon people around her. She starts off as complete strangers to dragon-people either indifferent or completely hostile toward her, and as the volumes go on, they all slowly start becoming friends. Of course, some of the bonds grow deeper than others.
Continue reading in my full review for volume one here.
Hi, I’m a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion
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About the romance…
This is a series all about unrequited love! Our protagonist has been madly in love with the male love interest for years…but he doesn’t know she exists. Once he does meet her, he only thinks of her as a frail, creepy witch.
As the volumes go on, and she forcibly prolongs their relationship, his opinion of her slowly changes. Only, how long will it take for her to notice this!? This is a very cute series, I highly recommend it!
Maddies Manga 
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