There’s something magical about a slow burn romance—the tension, the longing gazes, the gradual build-up of emotions. Unlike love-at-first-sight stories, slow-burn romances take their time, making the eventual confession and relationship even more rewarding.

If you love romance stories where the feelings develop at a steady, satisfying pace, then this list is for you! Below, you’ll find a collection of slow burn romance manga, manhwa, and webtoons that will tug at your heartstrings.

10 Slow Burn Romance Reads

Skip Beat!

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy, Shoujo
• Type: Manga
• Chapters: 331+
• Content Warnings: Emotional manipulation, toxic relationships
• Where to Read: VIZ Media

Kyouko Mogami dedicates her life to supporting her childhood crush, Shoutaro “Shou” Fuwa—until she learns he only saw her as a disposable servant. Heartbroken but determined, she vows to surpass him in the entertainment industry. Along the way, she encounters the enigmatic Ren Tsuruga, whose presence challenges everything she thought she knew about love and ambition.

I’ll Save This Damn Family!

• Genre: Historical, Romance, Isekai
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 143+
• Content Warnings: Political scheming, execution threats
• Where to Read: Tapas

After being murdered, Yeonwoo is reincarnated into her colleague’s novel as Tara Elias, the unremarkable fifth daughter of the Elias family. But the entire household is doomed to meet a grisly fate. Determined to avoid execution, Yeonwoo must rewrite history and save this damn family—before the guillotine comes for her.

Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 170+
• Content Warnings: Mild violence, power imbalance
• Where to Read: Tapas

As a were rabbit who cannot transform, Vivi is abandoned by her own kind and left to fend for herself. She’s soon rescued by Ahin, heir to the Black Leopard Clan, but her problems are far from over. Trapped in a world of ruthless carnivores, Vivi must learn to survive—while resisting the strange bond forming between her and the domineering Ahin.

Beatrice

• Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 144+
• Content Warnings: Violence, war themes
• Where to Read: Tapas

After her kingdom falls, Princess Beatrice narrowly escapes with her life, living in disguise as an enslaved person. However, fate plays a cruel trick when she catches the attention of the empire’s strongest general—who just happens to be the one who destroyed her homeland. As she conceals her true identity, an unexpected romance begins to blossom between them.

How to Get My Husband on My Side

• Genre: Historical, Romance, Isekai
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 111+
• Content Warnings: Manipulation, political intrigue, mild violence
• Where to Read: Tapas

Reincarnated as a villainess doomed to die, Rudbeckia de Borgia refuses to accept her fate. Forced into a marriage with the man destined to kill her, she must carefully win him over before it’s too late. But in a world where trust is a dangerous luxury, will she be able to rewrite her tragic ending?

6. The Mafia Nanny

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Thriller
• Type: Webtoon
• Chapters: 59+
• Content Warnings: Violence, organised crime, psychological manipulation
• Where to Read: Webtoon

Being an elite nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principal, and don’t get emotionally attached. Easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin. What he wants from her, she can’t imagine, but Gabriel Angelini drags her back into the glittering world of organised crime she thought she’d left behind forever. She might get answers about her past if she digs deep enough, but can she protect Mikey from his father’s ambitions and keep her heart from getting tangled up in their treacherous web?

A Talented Maid

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 86+
• Content Warnings: None
• Where to Read: Tapas

Maurina, a fallen noble turned maid, gains an extraordinary ability—she can master any skill overnight. Her newfound talents attract the attention of the crown prince, but keeping her identity a secret becomes harder as her feelings for him grow.

A Side Character’s Love Story [Mobuko no Koi]

• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Seinen
• Type: Manga
• Chapters: 109+
• Content Warnings: None
• Where to Read: Coamix and Tapas

Nobuko Tanaka has always been a background character in life. But when she falls in love, she decides to step out of the shadows and into her own love story—one small, heartfelt step at a time.

I Shall Master This Family

• Genre: Historical, Romance, Reincarnation
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 172+
• Content Warnings: Family betrayal, political intrigue
• Where to Read: Tapas

After being reborn as her younger self, Firentia Lombardi refuses to let her family fall to ruin again. With knowledge from her past life, she strategises her way to power, all while navigating a slow-burning romance that could change her fate.

The Siren: Becoming the Villain’s Family

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Reincarnation
• Type: Manhwa
• Chapters: 134+
• Content Warnings: Violence, dark themes
• Where to Read: Tapas

Aria, a siren with a tragic past, is given a second chance at life. This time, she allies herself with the cold and powerful Duke Lloyd Valentine, offering him a marriage contract that could benefit them both. But as their arrangement deepens, so does their bond.

Which Slow-Burn Story Stole Your Heart?

Slow burn romances are captivating because they allow characters to develop naturally, making every moment feel earned. Whether it’s overcoming trauma, political intrigue, or personal insecurities, these stories show that love isn’t always instant—but when it happens, it’s worth the wait.

Do you love slow burn romances? Which of these stories have you read? What makes a slow burn romance worth the wait for you?