I read a lot of historical romance so I'm a bit fussy, well-written leads (who have chemistry) and a decent plot are a must!  Also, cliche tropes are fun once in a while but I prefer things that are a bit more unique.... more>>

This list will include some spicy ones... <<less

✨Only the cream of the crop ✨ All the (mostly) historical novels which have proven to stand the test of time a.k.a survived  my endless nitpicking, fluctuating moods and multiple re-read. So yeah, pretty strong novels.... more>>

PS: The others novels I liked, but not enough to be featured here, are in my yearly "New Favorite Historical Romances" lists. <<less

I've read novels over the years, and I guarantee you won't regret diving into them.... more>>

No BL, GL. Sorry that's not my type of novels. 

Other novels from another websites (webnovel, scribblehub..)

Time emperor (fanfic)
https://www.webnovel.com/book/time-emperor-(champion)_17500339706298405

Fox in a inverted world 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/fox-in-an-inverted-world_19203318006781205

Author POV 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-author's-pov_20524563005115705

Administrator
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/94510/-the-administrator-/

School idol (yandere/gore novel)
https://www.wattpad.com/story/296700221-the-school-idols-yandere-harem

Shadow s*ave
https://www.webnovel.com/book/shadow-s*ave_22196546206090805

A Budding Scientist in a Fantasy World
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/256241/a-budding-scientist-in-a-fantasy-world/

The Reincarnation of Alysara 
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/278151/the-reincarnation-of-alysara/

Nanomancer reborn 
https://www.webnovel.com/book/nanomancer-reborn---i've-become-a-snow-girl_14064812306272705

Mother of learning 
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21220/mother-of-learning

My vampire System
https://www.webnovel.com/book/my-vampire-system_16709365405930105

Library of Rain
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/858447/library-of-rain/

For more recommendations, check out my next list: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/83142/ <<less

Mostly "toxic" relationships and primarly that of a romantic nature.... more>>

Although the ML's are usually the one described of such acting, the FL's can be too.

Ussually the FL has the upper hand and the ML is a puppy, this also being the preference, but there can be exceptions in the list.

Also novels where the ML's burning affection is not reciprocated by the FL. This can be changed as the plot evolves, or until the end the love won't be reciprocated.

Fantastic realm/ Royalty/Modern world/Ancient times - doesn't matter as long as the FL is not treated miserably, even if there is angst, mixed emotions, bursts of anger, sad and tense moments. The ML lead definitely can not be a total scum and the FL a weak, emotional damsel. This being said, I gladly accept new suggestions that match this genre. <<less

Here's a list of novels you might enjoy if you, like me, want to read some good stories that don't force an unnecessary & underdeveloped romance subplot where it isn't needed.... more>>

So these stories will have minimal to no romance, and I despise the harem trope in general. On the other hand, I'm a sucker for good bromance/brotherhood/friendship/found family stories. I also won't add any series to the list that I haven't personally read.

I decided to create this list because I've seen many similar 'no romance' lists on the site from which I've gotten many great recommendations to the point they have now become my go-to sources for new novels.

- - - - - - - - - - -

I'll be trying to organize the list based on how good I personally think the books are, but I'm only really certain about the first 4 being my favorites, the list then gets quite ambiguous, but I personally really like everything on the first page.

In the descriptions, I'll include how many chapters of the series I have read as well as how much romance there has been up until where I've read, as well as additional thoughts/opinions/warnings that I might have about the series.

I'll try to update the list whenever I find another good series to add. If you know of any series you think I'd like based on my list I'm more than open to suggestions! 

UPDATED JAN 1ST: Added 'The Nebula's Civilization' to the list. <<less

A list of all the new shining stars of the genre.... more>>

PS: I'm an avid reader of HR novels but my initial list of favorites was getting too long so I simply divided it in 2. There's one list for the well-known classics & one for the upcoming shakers.  This here is obviously the latter. On that note, happy reading :)

Rating:   ❤️❤️❤️ To-die-for             ❤️❤️ Greatly entertaining                     ❤️ Enjoyable 

For more, my all times "Best historical novels" list is here: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19039/ <<less

[TWISTED ML]

These are all the Romances that come highly recommended and have been on my radar. Ended up being quite an eclectic mix though. Enjoy!... more>>

Note: Obviously this list will frequently change. The novels are later either moved to my "New Favorite Historical Romance of 2022" list or my "Put on ice" list.

Latest moves:

      - New Favorite HR: Who cares?; The Imperial guard’s revenge; Royal Road; Villainess won’t let the main lead break up

      - Novels Put on ice:  <<less

Sequence is CN- JP- KR- Fluffy- (Comedy)- Exceptions- To-reads. Not ranked by number. 
My descriptions varies greatly from a gist, polished review, impressions, or explains key points.        ... more>>

[Flexible Preferences] 
A. Protags are somehow mostly male but I read both!- interesting, has compelling qualities, flawed with development
B. Entertaining, Distinct, & Creative
C. Steady premise, no TERRIBLE plot hole 
D. Romance: good execution, pacing, build-up, & evokes emotion; no bullsh!t drama & brain-dead denseness
E. Vital, relevant, fleshed-out characters
F. Comedic & Fun
G. Danger, Wars, Battles, Strategy, Tactics, Trials, Fights, Thriller, Suspense
H. Lore, Culture, Kingdom, Worldbuilding 
I. Political Intrigue, Schemes, Mind Games, Manipulation, Mystery
J.  Pure tragedies rarely - it hurts!
K. No BL/GL(yet?)
L. Can be R-18 
M. Polygamous-like IF great story | even if you're averse consider my recs. ;)

[Criteria]
1. These are (mostly) 4/5 stars in story, translation and enjoyment according to my flawed evaluation that is mainly 3/10 objective, 7/10 subjective.
2. I have perused the novels or adaptation before sharing my thoughts.
3. Writing must be consistent, coherent and engaging and the ending must at least not be sh!t. Clichés to a point are fine however it needs to be purposeful & executed well. 
4. I will keep adding books that are promising, satisfying, translated.  <<less

No romance, no harem. Just MC with their brotherhood/sisterhood or found-family ^^~.... more>>

Novels with adaptations are noted.

Recommendations are appreciated! <<less

For all my poor citizens of harem society who try very hard to find good harem novels.... more>>

No ntr.(f*ck that bullshit)

If you know any great you can recommend me

But i can guarantee u i have read all good novels. <<less

I  prune this list often with  better replacements. Last page has the "updates"... more>>

1. Charm of the soul pets 2. Mechanic 3. Overlord 4. Throne of magical arcana 5. Mage Adam 6. shrouded sea scape <<less