32 Enemies to Lovers Manhwa you need to check out

Best enemies to lovers Manhwa

Enemies-to-Lovers (ETL) is a popular romance trope and one of my personal favorites. The problem is that there are very few true enemies-to-lovers stories out there, especially in Romance Manhwa. From the 1,000 Manhwa I’ve read, these are my favorites that meet the criteria to some degree. The Enemies-to-Lovers Level should help you find your next great read:

  • ETL Level 1: They don’t like each other in the first few chapters, but become friends very quickly.
  • ETL Level 5: They are more than just rivals and have legitimate reasons to hate each other – which they do. The bickering between them only gets better with each chapter.
  • ETL Level 10: They are true enemies – either trying to kill each other in the beginning or truly standing on opposite sides.

Your Eternal lies (Completed)

© MANTA /Kkomak

Summary: This is one of the most interesting premises I’ve read in a while. The protagonist, Rosen Walker, is the most infamous jailbreaker in history. She has escaped prison twice and is now being transported to a maximum-security prison on an island. The story takes place on the ship, and the male lead is war hero Ian Connor, who also serves as her prison guard.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: To be completely honest, it’s more the setting that earns a perfect 10 than how the characters treat each other. Still, the guard-prisoner dynamic makes the story compelling, and the author does an excellent job portraying their complicated relationship.

You should read if you:

  • Want to feel all the feels – because with this one, there’s no clear right or wrong.
  • Love it when a Romance Manhwa has NO second male lead. What a breath of fresh air.
  • Don’t mind angst throughout the whole story.

The Crown Princess Scandal (Completed)

Historical Romance Manhwa: The Crown Princess Scandal
ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. /Jeonghyeon/ KITROW

Summary: Hwa-yeong is tricked by her sister into joining a crown princess selection at the imperial palace. Determined to get disqualified, she does everything she can to fail on purpose — but her plan backfires, and she quickly becomes a favorite among the royals. Her frequent run-ins with Crown Prince Shin-yeong only make things worse, as he seems intent on keeping her there. Now Hwa-yeong has to figure out how to handle royal favor and the prince’s attention if she ever wants to return home before the six-month mark.

Enemies-to-lovers-Level 6: If you’re into the enemies-to-lovers trope, it doesn’t get much better than Crown Princess Scandal. Their relationship is doomed from the start when the crown prince nearly causes an accident and doesn’t apologize – setting the tone for everything that follows. Their constant bickering goes on for a long time, but through it all, they slowly grow closer and become friends.

Check it out if you:

  • Like it when the ML falls first
  • Love it when the FL is funny and headstrong
  • Don’t mind when the FL is oblivious to MLs feelings (but who can blame her, he doesn’t stop calling her goblin and stuff)

How to Win my Husband over

© SIRU・Spice&Kitty/CARROTOON

Summary: After a fatal plane crash, the protagonist wakes up as Rudbeckia de Borgia – a villain in a historical novel doomed to be murdered by her husband, Iske van Omerta. Now part of the notorious Borgia family, she’s forced into a marriage with the man destined to kill her. Determined to survive, Rudbeckia sets out to prove to Iske, his family, and the entire court that she’s completely harmless.

Enemies-to-lovers-Level 5: It’s not the typical enemies-to-lovers story, because they don’t truly hate each other – even if it seems that way at first. The ML is cold and rough (due to a misunderstanding), and the FL is annoyed by his attitude but still treats him kindly. It’s such a good story that I had to include it. It’s more of a from-indifference-to-love romance.

You should read if you:

  • Love when the characters aren’t black and white
  • Like it when the female lead has to actually work through her trauma and isn’t just “shaking it off”
  • Don’t mind when the male lead is pretty neglectful because he can’t communicate his feelings

Your Majesty Please Spare me this time (Completed)

(c) Tappytoon/Hayeon, eclair, hyeyong

Summary: After being executed by the emperor, Laliette Bellua wakes up as her 12-year-old self. Determined to change her family’s fate, she heads to the capital to win the trust of Emperor-to-be Rupert Edgar Laspe Vellelum – currently disguised as Princess Rapertte. With only a suitcase and some cash, Laliette sets out to become Rapertte’s most trusted servant and prove her loyalty.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 10: They don’t trust each other because the FL comes from a family that’s the ML’s enemy. In her first life, he killed them all. What makes this manhwa stand out is that it takes over 100 chapters for the FL to change her mind about him – she secretly hates him for a long time, while he falls for her hard. Her conflicted feelings are a real breath of fresh air.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the ML treats the FL horribly until late in the story.
  • Like it when the FL doesn’t forget what the ML did before her regression and genuinely tries to work through her feelings.
  • Don’t mind a very unnecessary step-sibling second ML.

Trapped (Completed)

Summary: After a reader mentioned in the comments that Olgami was missing from this list, I braced myself to check it out once again, because it has a very toxic setting – but now I see what the hype is about. This is the ultimate enemies-to-lovers story, and it’s well written. The ML is an absolute psycho, though, so you’ll need to be in the mood for that. But to actually summarize the story: Trapped follows ex-convict Chae-a Han, who gets blackmailed into a dangerous relationship with Yunsu Park, a powerful and manipulative vampire. What begins as a fight for survival slowly turns into a twisted romance.

ETL-Level 10: I mean…our protagonist Chae‑a gets blackmailed and manipulated by the ML, who bends every situation to his will purely for his own amusement.

You should read if you:

  • Enjoy dark romance with morally complex characters who are both predators and survivors.
  • Love psychological tension and slow-burn romance
  • Like stories that explore trauma and have character development

When Jasy Whistles (Completed)

(c) Webtoon/ Cibeles

Summary: In the past, people commonly believed that the woods of Paraguay were filled with deities and mythical creatures. Hela, who grew up on the outskirts of modern-day Asuncion, didn’t think much of these old stories. However, when her best friend disappears, allegedly taken by the mythical figure Jasy Jatere, Hela realizes that these ancient myths are still very much alive.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: They are enemies for a very good reason: Hela believes that Jasy is the reason her friend disappeared. And Jasy, a god, is not a fan of humans. They gradually come to trust each other – but it takes a very long time.

Check it out if you:

  • If you are into folklore stories with deities and magic
  • Love reading a unique story with many twists and turns
  • Don’t mind betrayal and many angsty moments

The Hand that Once Fed

enemies to lovers Romance Manhwa
ⓒkimda/KAKAO WEBTOON Studio

Summary: If you’re in the mood to torture yourself, The Hand That Once Fed is perfect. Evelyn Winter seems like a coldhearted villainess at first glance – she even drove away her former lover and servant, now Colonel Gilath Black. Years later, he returns to take his revenge. This is a story about trying to carve out your place in the world.

Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: While reading this, I realized I’ve been too lax with my ETL levels, because these two protagonists are the ultimate example of true enemies-to-lovers – or more accurately, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind when the main characters are toxic with each other – constant physical and verbal abuse included. But this is a romance with grey characters who actually do terrible things, which is pretty rare.
  • Like feeling stressed while reading. Because the angst is real. It is well-written angst and trauma, though.
  • Don’t mind a very tragic story with lots of triggers. Tapas warns for graphic and domestic violence, and the FL is so deeply traumatized that season 2 will likely be even heavier.

Revenge Wedding (Completed)

(c) Tappytoon/ ByulSatangYang, SaRyong

Summary: Mercedia Sasha has it all – beauty, wealth, and status – until she wakes up kidnapped and forced to marry Admiral Demetriu Cyprosa, the empire’s greatest war hero. Stranded on a deserted island for their so-called honeymoon, the two must work together to escape and get revenge on those who set them up.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 9: Although they don’t have a political reason to hate each other, they constantly fight because of very different beliefs. Their dynamic is extremely fun to read and seeing them overcome their dislike and teaming up to take revenge is very satisfying.

Check it out if you:

  • Like having a very unique, proud and open FL, she is obsessed with her social media (at first) and her appearance – but in a fun and charming way
  • Want a green flag ML with a personality and doesn’t just do everything the FL says (although he becomes her hairdresser)
  • Don’t mind when both main characters secretly like the other but don’t admit it.

How to survive as a maid in a horror game

ⓒDCCENT

Summary: The Murderer of Pflatzgraff Manor is a brand-new horror game from developer A-coms. Despite its beautiful graphics, players have criticized it for its extreme difficulty. The game features Adrian, a charming young man who is the devil’s reincarnation. As Adrian, the player’s objective is to kill as many people as possible due to Lilith’s Curse. One night, after playing the game to the point of exhaustion, our FL finds herself waking up as Hilda, one of Adrian’s maids.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: Despite the dark setting and Yandere ML this Manhwa still manages to have some Comedy gold. The ways the female lead tries to survive are hilarious and the setting fits enemies-to-lovers perfectly.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind murder and blood – obviously
  • Love that the narrative is actually pretty funny despite the theme
  • Like to escape the Otome-Isekai loop – but don’t want to stray too far

Roxana (Indefinite Hiatus)

ⓒ Juniljus, Kin / Yeondam

Summary: Roxana is part of the notorious Agriche family of assassins. Reincarnated with knowledge of the story’s events, she attempts to avoid her own death by rescuing Cassis Pedelian, the heroine’s brother. But before you start reading: This one is on an indefinite hiatus because the author had serious health issues. So better wait before you start, or don’t start at all. I still wanted to keep it on this list, so new readers know what to expect.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: They meet in a cell where the ML is being held and she has to torture him in some way to ensure her family isn’t getting suspicious. It is perfect for the trope.

You should read if you:

  • Want to read a Romance Manhwa with godlike art
  • Don’t mind a story with very violent characters and moderate gore
  • Like to see the female lead stand up for herself in a toxic environment

Villain with a Crush (Completed)

(c) Webtoon/ seyoon

Summary: Rosa Park falls for Doryeong Han, a famous superhero cop who saves her from a collapsing building. Years later, a new villain appears: Blackdog – Doryeong’s top target. The twist? Blackdog is actually Rosa’s secret identity, and every “crime” she committed was accidental. This makes the story absolutely hilarious and one of the best Romance Comedy Manhwa out there.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 10: It has a twist on the trope: In real life they are friends and as their superhero-selves they are enemies – although Rosa is just being misunderstood.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind that the whole premise is based on a huge misunderstanding that doesn’t get resolved for a very long time
  • Like when the female lead is physically insanely strong but extremely chaotic
  • Need a funny story you don’t want to take too seriously.

Frozen Hearts

Underrated enemies to lovers
(c) HWIYO / WEBTOON

Summary: This manhwa is stunning, and it deserves way more readers. Seola, a snow maiden demon, lives in hiding because humans hunt and kill demons. Her quiet life changes when she catches the attention of the ML – a northern prince notorious for hunting demons – who becomes obsessed with making her his bride.

Enemies-to-lovers-Level 5: She has to hide her identity at first, which makes the premise really intriguing – especially since it’s the ML’s job to hunt demons. But because they actually get along well and there’s no constant bickering, I kept the ETL level low.

You should read if you:

  • Like reading a Prince of the North story you haven’t already read 100 times
  • Love when people in the north finally dress for the cold
  • Love reading a Romance Manhwa with a strong FL

Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story (Completed)

(c) A-jin/ DOYOSAY

Summary: Edith gets reincarnated as the villainess of her favorite novel. As the name suggests, the story is pretty typical but it takes an interesting turn. While Edith tries to be kind to everyone around her everyone just keep beeing unnecessarily cruel. And as a reader you will know why very soon.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 8: Although the hate is only one-sided (the ML hates the FL in the original plot), it is quite satisfying seeing him overcome that gradually. Especially because he is very cruel in the beginning.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the FL gets treated very harshly but doesn’t speak up
  • Don’t mind when their relationship always has setbacks
  • Love it when the good girl of the family may turn out not to be as good as everyone thought

Morgana and Oz

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON /Miyuli

Summary: When a struggling witch meets a brooding vampire, it’s hard to tell if it’ll lead to romance or disaster. Morgana, born into a powerful witch family, and Oz, heir to a rival vampire clan, cross paths by accident – and a few unintended spells make things even messier. Now they have to work together to stop a full-on war between their people.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 1: This one is on the list because they are on opposite sides of a conflict between witches and werewolves. They pretty much instantly like each other though.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the story progresses slowly, as the chapters are pretty short
  • Like a story with an on-point mystery plot
  • Love reading a story with refreshing art. It’s different but extremely beautiful

Sixth Sense Kiss (Completed)

(c) Got W / Jocobong

Summary: When our female protagonist Yesul kisses someone, she sees a vision of their future. One day, she kisses her strict boss Minhu, and the vision she sees leaves her stunned. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers. This story has a bit of unrealistic drama, but it’s still a nice read and one of the best Office Romance Manhwa.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 4: Although the ML secretly loves the FL, he hides it and acts extremely cold. The FL dislikes him because of his attitude at the office. Even after they get together, they have to keep pretending they don’t like each other – which leads to plenty of fun moments.

You should check it out if you:

  • Like it when the main couple is “fated” to be together
  • Love a story with many chapters where they are just lovey dovey
  • Like reading a modern Romance story with a supernatural touch

Romance 101 (Completed)

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd./Namsoo

Summary: This story is about Bareum and her life at university. Sound boring? Far from it. Romance 101 is a great and fun read where the main couple first has some disagreements but slowly get together. It is fun, there’s no dragged-out drama and the relationships feel real. Also: the male lead is the greenest flag on this planet. The art and color palette is really unique, so that’s a rare treat too. Just go read it.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 4: They don’t like each other at first, because they seem to have absolutely nothing in common. And they find it hard to communicate.

You should check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the girl has a crush on another guy at first
  • Like reading a fun story with very little drama and many lovable characters (and a love triangle that is done right)
  • Love reading a modern Romance Manhwa with unique art. Sometimes the eyes crave something different.

For better or for worse (Completed)

ⓒYeondamXDCC/ EUNREN, No Heeda

Summary: The female lead reincarnated as Lady Dillion, the villain of a novel (although she doesn’t really do much “villainy stuff”). In the original plot, her sister dies after marrying Marquess Cedric, that is why she doesn’t like him. In order to protect her sister, she marries him herself – although she knows he is meant to fall in love with the female lead of the original story. I love the dynamic of the MCs.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 2: The FL hates the ML because she believes he is responsible for her sister’s death. Although their dynamic is fun and they challenge each other a lot, the “hate” quickly dissipates.

Check it out if you:

  • Love it when the MCs bicker and tease each other a lot
  • Like it when the characters have pretty surprising character traits (the stepmother, the sister and so on)
  • Don’t mind some “misunderstanding”-storylines that drag a bit

Fallen to Paradise

(c)BY/YoonJu

Summary: Ange, the daughter of Duke Glaster, thinks her future is secure with her arranged marriage to Philip Cardiner, the rightful heir to the throne. But everything changes when Philip’s brother, William, schemes his way into the line of succession. To secure his power, William forces Ange to marry Aiden Fitzroy – the emperor’s illegitimate son and a commoner.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 6: Even though they’re not technically enemies, this story ticks a lot of ETL boxes. They’re forced into marriage, and both absolutely hate it – which makes their constant bickering so much fun to read. One of my favorite lines from Episode 17: “Don’t be too harsh to the worm, Lady Ange. It’s much more helpful than you.”

Check it out if you:

  • Love reading a story with a lot of character development
  • Like it when both characters slowly grow closer while learning from each other — with panels showing the ML reflecting on how the FL has grown and how she’s taught him to be more open.
  • Finally like reading a historical romance Manhwa where the ML isn’t a super-rich duke

Villains are Destined to Die

ⓒ Tapas / Gwon Gyeoeul, SUOL

Summary: After playing an otome game, the FL is suddenly transported into the game itself and forced to live as the villainess Penelope Eckhart. The catch? The game is set to hard mode, and every mistake could cost her life. Her only guide to survival is the affection bar hovering over each male love interest. This one is one of the best Villainess Manhwa out there.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 9: Pretty much everyone hates the FL – something she can literally see in the affection bars above every potential ML’s head. She doesn’t like them either, but she has to win their favor to survive. And yes, it’s a reverse harem, just so you know.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when everyone treats the female lead very poorly in the beginning
  • Love a slow burn
  • Like it when you don’t really know who the male lead is for a very long time

I became the Tyrants dishonest adviser

(c) Tappytoon/hingdoon/Hae Arim

Summary: A customer service employee is unexpectedly transmigrated into the body of Duchess Erina Valois, a side character in a novel who is fated to die at the hands of the tyrannical Emperor Cardan Zeon. To survive, Erina must navigate her new reality and get her act together quickly. As she adapts to her role as the emperor’s adviser, she realizes there may be more to their relationship than what was initially described in the novel.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 7: Their relationship is quite complicated. Although Erina works for the emperor and he obviously likes her in some way, he still simultaneously despises her. And the reader doesn’t know why at first which makes it very interesting.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the main characters don’t communicate openly and it feels really out of place that the FL is reincarnated. This would’ve been a stronger love story without the isekai element.
  • Like reading a Romance Comedy where the dynamic between the main couple is pretty complicated – even for the reader. The real intentions behind their actions get clearer later in the story.
  • Like having a different character design for a change: The FL – although she has silver hair – has a monocle and often wears pants.

Till Debt do us Part (Completed)

(c)janggreen , Flowbee

Summary: Subin’s mother consistently arranges dates for her through matchmakers, but she rejects each suitor. Things take a turn when she unexpectedly reunites with a school friend who shocks her by proposing marriage. Now, Subin must decide if he’s the solution she’s been hoping for or if there’s more to him than meets the eye. She’s faced with a dilemma: accept the proposal to escape her financial burdens or decline and keep searching for another way out.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 4: They can’t stand each other, and their dynamic is pretty bad since Subin has a lot of debt. But it doesn’t stay like that for long.

You should read if you:

  • Like a well-paced and sweet story, with a sweet epilogue – children, wedding, and everything
  • Love it when the female lead is strong and speaks her mind
  • Like reading about a story where a broken family gets mended

An hour of romance (Completed)

(c) Tappytoon/Kim MYEONGMI

Summary: Jooahn and Dojin work in the same company but couldn’t be more different from one another. Jooahn plans out every little detail at work and has a leading position in the company, while Dojin is working as an entry-level marketer and still makes tons of mistakes. But he is adored by everyone at work while the employees are kind of afraid of Jooahn. One day they take a trip to a monastery and a little monk messes with their fates, so they change bodies one hour a day.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 1: They don’t hate each other, but the FL doesn’t like the ML’s incompetence. It is still fun to watch them grow closer.

You should read if you:

  • Like seeing two complete opposites fall for each other
  • Love strong character development for both leads
  • Enjoy a manhwa full of hilarious moments – the body-switch plot delivers, but a certain toilet scene was unexpectedly brilliant (you’ll know what I mean when you read it)

To love your enemy (Completed)

© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Jungyoon/Taegeon

Summary: Yeohee Bae wants to leave her old life behind and goes as far as changing her name. She got caught up in a pyramid scheme and ended up scamming the mother of Yikyung Lee, who holds a grudge against her. Unfortunately, they are going to the same university. As they get to know each other, their quarrels turn into something else. This one has a pretty unsatisfying ending, and a weird arc in between. If you like hate-to-love I would still recommend reading it though.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 6: As the name suggests, it starts off perfectly for the trope: they both can’t stand each other because the ML thinks FL has scammed his mum. It even takes about 20 chapters till their relationship changes – more than many supposed “enemies to lovers” stories.

You should read if you:

  • Love reading a story where the male lead is kind of shy and blushes a lot
  • Donˋt mind unnecessary drama and weird plot choices (they infiltrate a cult out of nowhere and with every new chapter you think: where did the plot go? Where am I?)
  • Like the university setting

So I married the Anti-Fan (Completed)

(c) Jaerim , Eunjeong Kim

Summary: With no home, no job, and nothing left to lose, Geunyeong Lee is determined to take down Who Joon, a famous Korean celebrity she deeply hates. But getting to know him up close complicates everything. As she learns more about who he really is, she has to decide if she’ll follow through with her plan for revenge – or let it go.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 5: While the ML doesn’t have anything against the FL it’s quite the opposite for Geunyeong. But she can’t resist his charms for long.

Check it out if you:

  • Like reading a good rom-com where the MCs have a hilarious dynamic
  • Don’t mind being ashamed for the FL pretty often
  • Love watching a K-Drama immediately after finishing the Webtoon

The Witch and The Bull

(c) Moonsia

Summary: As the King’s advisor, Tan’s dislike for witches is well-known, which ironically leads to him being cursed and transformed into a bull. The only solution to reversing the curse lies with Aro, a witch whose beauty is matched by her kindness. Now, Ian must reconsider his prejudices as he depends on Aro to lift the curse.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 7: These two are technically only enemies on paper, but the setting fits perfectly. But because Tan doesn’t reveal his identity right away they get to know each other without prejudice – and still don’t like each other at first.

Check it out if you:

  • Like reading a story with lots of character development and unique art
  • Don’t mind the “how will FL react if she finds out, that he is actually the enemy”-feeling
  • Spoiler Alert but important for your enjoyment: Don’t mind when they are about to get closer, the ex appears, and FL immediately goes to him. They even kiss. It is quite a dealbreaker.

Subzero

© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Junepurrr

Summary: Clove is the last princess of the nearly extinct Azure Dragon Clan. To bring peace between the two Dragon Clans and protect her people, she forces herself to marry her sworn Enemy Kyro. Their first encounter is pretty rough, but they slowly open up to one another.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 9: Their clans are enemies and Clove really hates Kyro. He is not fond of her either and treats her badly at first. So be prepared. The story has its flaws and a very slow pacing, but it’s still entertaining. The mystery is going strong.

Check it out if you:

  • Love a story with a setting in Asia, dragons, and political intrigue
  • Like the forced marriage trope, and don’t mind a love triangle that drags
  • Don’t mind when both MLs are questionable at first. But it gets better – at least for endgame ML

Act Like You Love Me! (Completed)

(c) Webtoons Entertainment /XUANN

Summary: Ji-eon is in her mid-twenties and completely stressed out. She has no money but tries to get by with a job at a convenience store. One day, she gets her hands on a peculiar doll that can control Doyun Nam – a popular actor who suffers from panic attacks. Although their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, they somehow make it work and their interactions are hilarious.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 7: They can’t stand each other in the beginning because Ji-eon hates Doyun’s attitude. The fact that Ji-eon can command him with the weird doll doesn’t make it better. Although it doesn’t take very long for them to become friends.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind a story with a love triangle that’s just off – they really treated the second ML horribly. That’s all I can say without spoilers.
  • Like reading a modern Romance Manhwa with a supernatural twist – although the storyline gets completely neglected later on
  • Love it when the female lead is a loudmouth and voices her opinions

Beatrice (Completed)

ⓒ Cierra, Macherie 2019 / D&C MEDIA

Summary: This one has its flaws, which is why I’m reviewing it – so you know if Beatrice is for you. Alexandro is cold and indifferent to life, ruthless in pursuing his goals, and not afraid to kill to get what he wants (especially early on). Beatrice survives by disguising herself as a slave named “Chloe” and becomes the Archduke’s personal maid, slowly drawing his interest. And while the ML is an ass, his character actually feels historically accurate – unlike many manhwas where “war heroes” are barely shown in action or come off as unrealistically charming.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 10: It starts with the ML trying to kill the FL but sparing her life. To him, she’s still an enemy – though that’s not true for her new identity as Chloe. Still, she lives in constant fear that he’ll kill her if her secret is exposed.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind the Archduke being a ruthless murderer at the beginning (but maybe that’s exactly your cup of tea?)
  • Don’t mind when the female lead doesn’t really have a goal of her own, other than surviving
  • Like having lots of panels with fanservice (abs – abs everywhere)

Caught by the villain

(c) CHA SoHee, CHARA

Summary: Eunha, a fencing prodigy, wakes up as Selena Evan, the daughter of a famous swordsman — and a side character doomed to die at the hands of Prince Ignus. When her twin brother flees conscription, she takes his place to protect her family. Disguised as “Sir Celestine,” she catches Ignus’s attention with her sword skills and risks being exposed.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 4: The FL tries to avoid the ML at all costs because he brought demise to her family but – of course – ends up as his bodyguard. It takes a very long time for her to trust the ML and after 120+ chapters she still tries to keep her distance.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind the slowest and most frustrating of burns
  • Don’t mind misunderstandings at every corner
  • Like reading a good cross-dressing story with a nice flow

Can’t get enough of you

(c)QuornQuorn

Summary: Can’t Get Enough of You is a Romance Manhwa that follows the tumultuous relationship between Taejun Kim and So-eun Han. After losing his parents in a tragic car accident caused by So-eun’s father, Taejun grows up seeking revenge. As an adult, he becomes wealthy and powerful, using his resources to make So-eun’s life difficult. However, as he spends more time with her, he starts developing genuine feelings, complicating his desire for vengeance. It’s not a great read, but it is entertaining. And the art is phenomenal.

  • Enemies-to-Lovers-Level 7: Although the setting would be a perfect ten, it “only” gets a six, because his “revenge” is almost always out of concern for the FL or because he is jealous (which means he already likes her). Also, the FL is very timid and doesn’t contribute to a nice hate-to-love dynamic.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the FL is constantly being pushed around – by her current boyfriend at the beginning of the story and by her soon-to-be-boyfriend Teajun Kim.
  • Don’t mind when the FL is pretty passive
  • Don’t mind when the antagonists are bad just for the sake of being bad. There is absolutely no depth to those characters

Swolemates

Romance Manhwa for guys
ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON/LummyPix

Summary: When Braydin, an arrogant social media star, and Alex, a geeky gamer, meet at the gym, they instantly clash. But as circumstances force them to team up, they find unexpected common ground. I almost cut this one from the list, since the last two arcs feel more like fanservice than solid storytelling, but it’s still a fun read – especially if you’re into gym culture. See for yourself.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 5: Alex and Braydin meet at the gym, and they immediately dislike each other, because Alex finds him obnoxious. Swolemates can be a clusterfuck in one chapter and a very sweet romance in the next. So just know what you are getting yourself into.

Check it out if you:

  • Like admiring girl abs and a seriously well-trained gluteus maximus
  • Need a silly pick-me-up
  • Don’t mind a male lead who seems like an insensitive idiot at first (don’t worry, he’s actually a nice guy), and can handle some wonky art

Ten Ways to get Dumped by a Tyrant (Completed)

(c) mapzzil

Summary: Knowing her character is doomed to die at the hands of her fiancé, Charleon Kalior, Scarlett is determined to avoid that fate by making him end their engagement. But her plan backfires when Charleon starts showing more interest in her, making it harder to keep her distance. This one isn’t a masterpiece (by far), but it’s still a short and fun read – flaws and all.

  • Enemies-to-lovers-Level 1: It’s not your typical enemies-to-lovers story because the ML hates everyone and FL only wants to escape her fate. But their dynamic fits the trope, so I included it.

Check it out if you:

  • Don’t expect something you have never read before
  • Love it when the FL is completely shameless
  • Like it when the tyrant can’t resist the crazy charms of the FL – and falls first

One last rec for all the Spanish readers out there or those who want to learn Spanish by reading: Check out “Guerra No Amor”. It is really fun and portrays the enemies-to-lovers trope perfectly, while simultaneously turning it around. It has a few chapters on Webtoon Canva in English called “War not love”.

Btw. here is everything you need to know about the release date of Selfish Romance Season 2

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I have read more than 1000 Romance Manhwa, Webtoons and Manga - TV-Series and books not included. So I hope to bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the genre to every review and recommendation. As a journalist with seven years of experience, I've dedicated my free time to exploring and writing about the intricacies of romance in various forms.

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2 Responses

  1. Was disappointed as the true goat enemies to lovers manhwa isn’t here: Olgami!!!

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