Discovering a captivating anime often leaves us yearning for more stories that evoke similar emotions and themes. Whether it’s the heart-fluttering romance, high-stakes battles, or deeply emotional character arcs, there’s a book out there that can give you that same rush of excitement.
Also, please don’t judge my list too badly—I know some people are die-hard anime fans and might not see the connections immediately, but like HEAR ME OUT! We all take away different things from an anime or book, so keep an open mind. I promise, there are real parallels here!
If you’re looking for your next great book recommendation based on the best romance anime series, here’s a curated list of perfect pairings that will keep you hooked!
Now if you’re feeling guilty about the amount of books I’m about to add to you’re TBR don’t! Loving anime and books isn’t just fun—it’s a way to express yourself, unwind, and even grow as a person. If you want to explore how your passions shape you, check out my post on How Hobbies Boost Self-Esteem: Embracing Passions for Personal Growth.
1. If You Love Horimiya, Read Bride by Ali Hazelwood
At first glance, Horimiya seems like a simple high school romance, but it quickly reveals itself to be a heartwarming and deeply emotional story about connection, acceptance, and love beyond appearances.
Hori, the popular and responsible girl, and Miyamura, the quiet loner with hidden tattoos and piercings, form an unexpected bond that transforms their lives.
If you love the opposites-attract dynamic and characters with hidden layers, Bride by Ali Hazelwood is your next must-read.
I know, I know—a paranormal romance featuring a vampire king and a scientist? What does that have to do with Horimiya? But trust me!
Much like Hori and Miyamura, the couple in Bride uncover hidden depths in each other. It’s a forced-proximity romance packed with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a surprising depth of emotions. If you loved how Horimiya explored vulnerability, unexpected love, and personal growth, then Bride will give you those same warm, butterflies-in-your-stomach feelings—plus a supernatural twist.
2. If You Love Blue Spring Ride, Read Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Blue Spring Ride is all about second chances, personal growth, and healing old wounds.
Futaba and Kou’s journey isn’t just about rekindling their past feelings—it’s about:
- 💔 Facing emotional baggage
- 💔 Overcoming insecurities
- 💔 Learning to trust again
If you crave a mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth, Things We Never Got Over is a perfect parallel.
The novel follows Naomi, a runaway bride, and Knox, the grumpy but secretly soft-hearted hero, who reluctantly gets involved in her chaotic life.
I honestly couldn’t put the book down! I read it in one sitting because it was such a refreshing and relatable read. Naomi’s journey mirrors Futaba’s struggle with self-worth and learning to open up again, making this a beautifully emotional experience that will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for love against all odds.
3. If You Love Attack on Titan, Read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros\
If you’re obsessed with Attack on Titan’s:
- 🔥 Brutal training academies where only the strongest survive
- 🔥 Looming threats that test every character’s will to live
- 🔥 Unpredictable plot filled with shocking twists & political intrigue
Then Fourth Wing is going to wreck you in the best way possible.
Instead of titans, Fourth Wing immerses you in a world of dragons, deadly competition, and cutthroat alliances.
I just have to say—I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and by the time I was halfway through, I had lost all sense of time. If you love high-stakes battles, emotional gut punches, and the tension of knowing your faves might not survive, then Fourth Wing is your next obsession.
4. If You Love Naruto, Read Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Okay, so this one may be a hard sell, but hear me out. Both Naruto and Percy Jackson deliver epic coming-of-age journeys filled with friendship, found family, and thrilling adventures.
Honestly, I feel like I grew up with both of them. Their stories are so ingrained in me, and they made me feel like I could do anything after finishing them. They were encouraging, inspiring, and at times heart-pounding.
Why you’ll love this pairing:
- ⚔ A young hero with a lot to prove
- ⚔ A tight-knit group of friends (Squad 7 vibes!)
- ⚔ Action-packed battles against formidable foes
- ⚔ Emotional moments that hit right in the feels
If Naruto’s journey of perseverance, friendship, and destiny resonated with you, Percy’s hilarious, action-packed, yet deeply emotional quest will feel like home.
Quick Aside: If you ever wanted motivation to do the hard things in life and work hard to achieve your goals, Naruto is your guy! If you need help going after your dreams, read my post, How to Pursue Your Dreams Successfully: Overcoming Doubt & Taking Action. And if you want real-life practice tips for how to stay motivated while you go after your goals, read my post, 6 Effective Strategies to Stay Motivated on Your Fitness Journey.
6. If You Love Yakuza Fiancé, Read The Ravenhood Series by Kate Stewart
Okay, these are VERY well aligned, and if you don’t agree, you can…. I don’t know, but don’t tell me lol I’m sensitive. 😭
This book series explores:
- 💀 Love and loyalty in a dangerous world
- 💀 Characters with dark pasts and questionable morals
- 💀 A heroine caught between different forces, unsure of who to trust
- 💀 Super hot male leads!!!
The tension, emotional turmoil, and intensity of the romance in both stories will keep you glued to the pages.
I devoured this series because it was SO intense, so unhinged, and so ridiculously good. If you love the adrenaline rush, drama, and messy yet deliciously addictive romance of Yakuza Fiancé, The Ravenhood Series will completely consume you.
7. If You Love Fruits Basket, Read Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
These to me are both super whimsical and fantastical. And Fruits Basket is one of the best romance Anime series that there ever was!
If you were enchanted by Fruits Basket’s blend of whimsy, romance, and fate-driven storytelling, Once Upon a Broken Heart will feel like a dream come true.
Much like Fruits Basket, this book is full of:
💖 A heroine on a journey of self-discovery and love
💖 A world where destiny plays a key role
💖 A romance that is both sweet and heartbreaking
Jacks, the mischievous and charismatic love interest, gives off big Kyo energy. But be warned—Once Upon a Broken Heart is a spin-off of the Caraval series, so if you don’t want to be lost, I highly recommend reading Caraval first!
And if you’re wondering how to fit more reading into your busy schedule, because I just added 6 books to your TBR list, (hehe!) check out my guide on How to Read More Books in 2025: Top Strategies for Avid Readers.
8. If You Love Toradora!, Read Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh
Toradora! thrives on heartfelt friendships, miscommunications, and slow-burn romance—exactly what Boys of Tommen delivers. Toradora is also one of the top 10 best romance anime series. Highly recommend it!
Both stories feature:
🌟 Endearing, flawed characters who grow together
🌟 Love stories that build slowly and feel incredibly real
🌟 A mix of humor, drama, and deep emotional moments
Okay so I want to keep it real. Boys of Tommen is a very deep and emotional series. It will probably make you cry and you should definitely read the trigger warnings before you start.
But If Toradora! made you laugh, cry, and root for the characters’ growth, this series will do the same.
9. If You Love One Piece, Read The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Okay, this one may be another one where you’re thinking, “Uhhh, where’s the connection?” But trust me!
I had to squeeze this book in somewhere because it’s just too good, and when I thought about it, it low-key matches One Piece really well if you look at the deeper themes. And while One Piece isn’t one of the best romance anime series, since it lacks romance, it still does have a lot of similarities with The Bridge Kingdom Series!
Such as:
- 🏴☠ A cunning protagonist who must outwit her enemies
- 🏴☠ Strategic alliances and thrilling battles
- 🏴☠ A rich world filled with danger and power struggles
Every two books in this series focus on a different couple, but the story is heavily centered on power struggles between nations—like a Game of Thrones-style One Piece, but with more romance.
There’s crazy betrayals, shifting alliances, and a heroine who has to infiltrate enemy territory while questioning everything she was taught. It’s high stakes, unpredictable, and spicy as hell.
If you love the camaraderie, adventure, and larger-than-life stakes of One Piece, this book will be your next obsession.
Side Note: Zoro in One Piece, is a major factor in me getting in shape. The dude is ripped and stays lifting heavy. If you are interested in learning more about my fitness routine, how I lost 40 lbs in 6 months, and how I got started, check out my post, My Fitness Transformation Journey: From Struggle to Strength.
Which Pairing Are You Trying First?
Okay, so now that you’ve read my list of the best romance anime series and their book counterparts, do you have any recommendations? Are there any that surprised you?
Let me know in the comments which of these anime/book pairings you’re most excited to read! 📚✨
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