What is this genre all about? Media targeting women roughly 18-40
We present you the list of Josei manga you should read right now.
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Top 20 Josei manga you should read right now. [2026 List]
- 20. Eojjeodaboni Cheonsaengyeonbun
- 19. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
- 18. Angnyeoraseo Pyeonhago Joeundeyo
- 17. I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke
- 16. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
- 15. The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
- 14. Cheating Men Must Die
- 13. As If Love Doesn't Exist
- 12. It Was Just a Contractual Marriage
- 11. Agnyeoga Gildeulin Jimseung
- 10. Gongjak Buinui Bimil Uisangsil
- 9. As the Heart Led
- 8. My Cute Beast!
- 7. Marriage Situation
- 6. Gyeyak Gyeolhoneul Wanbyeokage Kkeunnaeneun Bangbeop
- 5. Gajja Aecheobui Hwaryeohan Ilsang
- 4. Cuo Liao
- 3. Jeonnampyeonui Michingaereul Gildeuryeotda
- 2. The Lost Stiletto Affair
- 1. Sokdowiban Romance
20. Eojjeodaboni Cheonsaengyeonbun
‘How long have I been laying down at home…?’ Han Jia, who is turning 32 this year (she’s a freelancer who still doesn’t have a full-time job/jobless), suffers because of the pressure given by people around her that keep telling her to get married. Around the same time, Jin Mincheol, her childhood friend who came to Jia’s hometown for holiday, is having the same problem. Then, the two people got married just like that. Now that they have married….. ‘Huh? We match each other more than i thought?’
Source: MU
Maybe Meant to Be has finished publishing and it has 132 Chapters. It is also Known as: Accidentally Heavenly Match, Match Made in Heaven by Chance
19. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
Not all villains are evil. When Sun-A Choi reincarnates as Edith Rigelhof, the villain from her favorite novel, she is determined to change Edith’s life around and treats everyone with kindness. Although she marries the handsome Killian Rudwick, he is madly in love with the original protagonist of the book and mistrusts Edith because she is from a rival family. Will her marriage survive the whirlwind of family feuds, love triangles, and more? Will Edith find her happy ending?
Note: Includes 15 extra chapters.
Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story has finished publishing and it has 115 Chapters. It is also Known as: I Thought It Was a Common Isekai Story, I Thought It Was a Common Transmigration
18. Angnyeoraseo Pyeonhago Joeundeyo
Do-Hee lived as a pushover, died miserably, and was reborn in a novel as a notorious villainess. But it turns out that her new life is not without its perks, as Deborah Seymour is also the richest villain alive. Now, all that's left for her to do is lay low and enjoy her carefree lifestyle... if not for the fact that Deborah is fated to be sent to a monastery! Will this ex-doormat find a way to avoid yet another tragic ending, or will the challenges of being a villainess be too much for her?
The Perks of Being a Villainess is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: What's Wrong with Being the Villainess?, Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?, 當個惡女輕鬆又愉快, เป็นนางร้ายก็สบายดีนะคะ, What's Wrong With Being the Villainess?, 因为是恶女所以很舒服, 当恶女很舒服很好啊？, Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?
17. I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke
Not a single soul in Olivia Florence's life, including her own husband, provided the warmth that she craved, and she lived her life alone, growing strong.
Waking up two decades earlier right after her regretful arranged marriage to the Duke, Lord James Parnell, she plans to live a different life.
She hatches a plan to anull her marriage remarry the Duke, Ian Tyrone, infamous for being ""IMPOTENT"" for never showing any interest in the ladies.
Maybe his disinterest in women would allow Olivia to comfortably live as his wife, unburdened by childbirth and free of any other pressures in life.
But wait, the Duke who seemingly ""couldn't get it up"" turns out to be a complete stud at in the bedroom. What has Olivia gotten herself into?"
I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke has finished publishing and it has 151 Chapters. It is also Known as: 第二任老公太强了，好烦！, My Second Husband Is Desperate and Depressed
16. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
In a kingdom inspired by historical China, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts–but only one will be crowned empress. The frail and beautiful Kou Reirin, the so-called “butterfly” of the imperial court, is a shoo-in to marry the crown prince. But when “court rat” Shu Keigetsu lashes out at her during the glittering Lantern Festival, it’s Reirin who wakes up in the dungeons! Body-swapped by her assailant to steal her position at court, Reirin’s plight seems dire…to everyone else! Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ふつつかな悪女ではございますが ~雛宮蝶鼠とりかえ伝~, Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
15. The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
Is my cursed husband's fate up to me?
Madelyn's husband Ian was left broken after the war, and in turn, made her life a living hell. Fleeing her doomed marriage, she meets a tragic end. But when she opens her eyes, she finds herself at 17 again. The war has yet to start, and Madelyn can still change her fate. But what about Ian?
The Redemption of Earl Nottingham has finished publishing and it has 91 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
14. Cheating Men Must Die
One moment oppressing scum yields a moment of satisfaction. Continuously oppressing scum yields continuous satisfaction. Our female main lead, Su Lüxia is bound to the Second Female Lead Counterattack System and transmigrates to several small worlds. Using elaborate means, she beats up countless cheating bastards and bitches. Su Lüxia: "Only a cheating bastard's tears of remorse, and the pained moans of a bitch unable to get what she wants bring me solace." System: "Has my host tapped into her humanity today? Nope."
Cheating Men Must Die is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Cheating Men Must Die
13. As If Love Doesn't Exist
Siyeon had the rug pulled out from under her when she realized that everything in her life was a lie—her parents are not her real parents, her fiance not really her fiance, and her cousin Eunhye is actually the birth daughter of this household. Siyeon is resigned to her misfortunes until Eunhye reveals to Siyeon that all of this was planned and orchestrated. Swallowing her tears of anguish, Siyeon makes a fateful wish that brings her 10 years into the past where she may be able to change everything...or can she?
As If Love Doesn't Exist has finished publishing and it has 78 Chapters. It is also Known as: As If There's No Love
12. It Was Just a Contractual Marriage
I, the last princess, will use you to survive!
As the last remaining member of the imperial family, Elise must do whatever she can to survive and someday reclaim her empire, even if that means marrying the archduke of an enemy nation and promising to bear his child! As a dragonborn, he needs an heir, and it's not as though he loves her... right?
Note: Includes one extra chapter.
It Was Just a Contractual Marriage has finished publishing and it has 112 Chapters. It is also Known as: It Was Just a Contract Marriage, Just a Contract Marriage, 只是契约婚姻而已
11. Agnyeoga Gildeulin Jimseung
I've posessed the body of the sociopath villainess, Illyana! An evil villainess who picks up a boy named Magnus and raises him however she pleases...that Illyana is me?! "I am going to tame you into a beast that cannot do anything without me. Just as you had done to me." And after 2 years, he who had become an emperor began his revenge. Excuse me, author! Illyana was the sinner but why must I suffer his vengeance? I was just a normal reader named Yuna!
Source: MU
The Beast Tamed by the Evil Woman has finished publishing and it has 124 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Beast Tamed by the Villainess
10. Gongjak Buinui Bimil Uisangsil
When war tore Rubika from her life and her love, Armand, she thought everything was over... until she wakes up as her 22-year-old self! Though ecstatic at this second chance to reunite with her beloved, she discovers that she must now marry Duke Kleimore due to her conniving relatives' scheme. Unable to avoid the union, Rubika decides to just get the duke to divorce her instead! With a marriage to break up and a war looming in the near future, will Rubika be able to safely meet Armand once more?
The Duchess's Secret Boutique has finished publishing and it has 125 Chapters. It is also Known as: Secret Wardrobe of the Duchess, Tajemnicza garderoba wielkiej ksieżnej, The Duchess Secret Dressing Room, 公爵夫人の秘密のクローゼット, 公爵夫人的秘密服装店, 공작 부인의 비밀 의상실
9. As the Heart Led
Yi-jae, who has been reincarnated as Hailey, the daughter of a noble family who threw herself into the river just before the royal marriage, now sees restless spirits that should never be seen behind the king! Days are spent struggling to exorcise the restless spirits that crowd around King Roderick. As Roderick spends time with Yi-jae, he starts to notice strange changes in his mental clarity and physical condition…
As the Heart Led is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: As Your Heart Leads You, Follow Your Heart (Tildakim), Where the Heart Leads, Where Your Heart Leads You
8. My Cute Beast!
As the saying goes - never judge a book by its cover.
Da-im is a lovely elementary school teacher, as well as a savage who can rip anyone apart with the fiercest comebacks. On-gyum is a florist with a heart of gold, who often gets misunderstood because of his intimidating looks. But as incompatible as they seem, their shared love of cats starts pulling the unlikely pair closer together... Here comes an upbeat romantic comedy between a sassy bunny and a sweet beast!
My Cute Beast! has finished publishing and it has 101 Chapters. It is also Known as: シベリアウサギと花屋の野獣, Monster Imut (Heim), My Cute Beast
7. Marriage Situation
Kim Yooyoung is sick of playing the nice, boring lawyer and daughter. So when her overbearing mother books her a hotel room the night before an arranged blind date, she steps out of character and spends the night with a seductive stranger from the hotel bar. Only this stranger turns out to be none other than Cha Jihoon, her blind date and the hotel's high-class owner! Yooyoung will do anything to keep their "bad deed" a secret... but can she really marry her first one-night stand?
Marriage Situation has finished publishing and it has 73 Chapters. It is also Known as: Gyeolhon Sajeong, Marriage Circumstances, 結婚事情, 结婚请求
6. Gyeyak Gyeolhoneul Wanbyeokage Kkeunnaeneun Bangbeop
Having forced her husband, Alfonso, into a loveless marriage, Charlotte accepted when he sought solace from another woman. So when she wakes up in the past with a second chance, Charlotte hopes to sever ties while uniting him with his true love. To her dismay, however, any attempt to guide him away leads him right back to her! With Alfonso's gaze shifted to her, Charlotte is stuck between fixing her past regrets and shaping this new present into the future she had once hoped for with Alfonso.
Ending This Marriage for Your Happiness has finished publishing and it has 82 Chapters. It is also Known as: How to End a Contract Marriage Perfectly, How to Perfectly End a Contract Marriage
5. Gajja Aecheobui Hwaryeohan Ilsang
In her past life, Duke Casis Esteban swept Sally off her feet and took her in as his mistress. However, she was living in a nightmare when Duchess Elysee Esteban plotted to ruin her life and turn all the nobles against her. Now, Sally has a second chance to turn the tables on the cold duke who used her to end his unhappy marriage. She agrees to be the duke's mistress only in appearance. Meanwhile, Duke Esteban finds Sally's intelligence impressive, and his alluring dreams of her have him wanting to drop the fictional part of their arrangement.
The Glamorous Life of the Fake Mistress is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: The Fake Mistress' Glamorous Daily Life, The Glamorous Daily Life of a Fake Mistress, The Splendid Daily Life Of A Fake Girlfriend, 偽りの愛妾として華麗に過ごします, 公爵愛妾的華麗人生
4. Cuo Liao
The stunning financial reporter, Zheng Shuyi, is dating a two-timing scumbag? How could she possibly stand back and do nothing about those love birds: the cheating bastard and his white lotus of a mistress.
Upon seeing the Rolls-Royce's plate number of the mistress' uncle, which was a straight numerical number plate, Zheng Shuyi made up her mind. Doesn't the cheater plan to marry rich to retire twenty years early, by going down the laughable CEO route? Then I shall become both you and your mistress' aunt!
Cuo Liao is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Accidental Love (Qiao Yao), Beautiful Mistake, Cuò Liāo, Flirting by Mistake, Only For Love, Trêu Nhầm
3. Jeonnampyeonui Michingaereul Gildeuryeotda
"Father, please allow me to end Mikael Alanquez."
From the moment she had foreseen her death, Reinhardt continued to repeat her final wish. When she came to her senses, she found herself at her father's funeral fifteen years earlier. Back to when she had been divorced by Crown Prince Mikael Alanquez, the reason why her father lost his life. As revenge, Reinhardt stabbed the Crown Prince’s leg. And as a consequence, she was exiled to a faraway territory. While she was on the rough journey, she encountered someone unexpected… The dirty, pitiful kid she picked up, in the previous timeline, was not only a war hero but the emperor's illegitimate child — the "mad dog" whom her ex-husband had tamed.
Jeonnampyeonui Michingaereul Gildeuryeotda has finished publishing and it has 112 Chapters. It is also Known as: Eu Domei o Cachorro Raivoso do meu Ex-marido, I Tamed My Ex-Husband's Crazy Dog, 驯服了前夫的疯狗
2. The Lost Stiletto Affair
After her ex-boyfriend dumps her to marry the boss's daughter, Cha Eunseo swears off love and gets a job at a rival company for a fresh start. But her plan goes awry when she has a one-night stand with her new sexy CEO, Lee Wonwoo! Eunseo runs from the hotel, leaving behind a heel that Wonwoo uses to find her. She wants nothing to do with him, but his interest in her only grows. With such a fervent suitor, can Eunseo stay away from love? Or can Wonwoo bring her the happy ending she wanted?
The Lost Stiletto Affair has finished publishing and it has 68 Chapters. It is also Known as: Bây Giờ, Anh Là Tình Yêu Của Em, I'm in Love (INO), 初体験なので、俺の責任取ってください, 爱情，进行时
1. Sokdowiban Romance
Eun-Soo Min is an all-star overachiever. She is intelligent, beautiful, and successful. Her life is going great, and the last thing she wants to do is get married. So when her boyfriend proposes, she dumps him on the spot. Still, anyone would be depressed after a breakup. She goes drinking with her coworkers and winds up in bed with Hyun-Jae Do, the team newbie! She decides to forget about the one-night stand until the morning sickness starts. Will she let Hyun-Jae raise the baby with her like he wants to? Or will she stay true to her anti-marriage stance?
A Misogamist's Romance has finished publishing and it has 51 Chapters. It is also Known as: El Romance de una Misógama, L'Histoire d'Amour d'une Misogame, Romanze einer Ehehasserin, Speed Romance, Speeding Romance, デキ婚ロマンス, 超速罗曼史
