TOP 20 Strong Female Lead Romance Novels, Featuring Intelligent and Powerful Protagonists

Chinese romance novels, or romance fiction, have always been an essential source of inspiration for millions of readers. Particularly, the strong female lead genre with its portrayal of smart, talented, and powerful female protagonists has garnered significant interest. In the following article, Mytour Blog will suggest the TOP 20 modern strong female lead romance novels, both contemporary and historical, that you shouldn't miss!

TOP 10 Contemporary Strong Female Lead Romance Novels

1. The Way of Love – Modern romance novel with a strong female lead, featuring the underworld

• Author: Chu Ngọc
• Genre: Romance, Urban
• Chapters: 132

One of the renowned romance novels featuring strong female protagonists in the underworld genre is The Way of Love. The story revolves around Mộc Ly Tâm, a super thief specializing in stealing antiques. Her final mission with her close sister Tùy Tâm is to steal the precious West Chu Jade.

However, that West Chu Jade becomes the starting point for a complete change in Ly Tâm's destiny. She encounters her 'life destiny,' the Tề family patriarch – Tề Mặc, who keeps her to be his trusted subordinate. Thus begins the journey of Ly Tâm and Tề Mặc, as they face challenges, overcome difficult missions together, and deal with plots from enemies.

2. Boss as the Female Supporting Role – A compelling reincarnation romance novel

• Author: Mặc Linh
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Otherworldly, Transmigration
• Chapters: 2038

The story of Boss as the Female Supporting Role revolves around Thời Sênh – a female author specialized in creating pitfalls for characters, often tormenting supporting roles. Due to creating such terrible storylines, Thời Sênh faces punishment and falls into the hands of a system. She is transported by the system across 56 novel worlds to play the roles of female supporting characters and change their destinies.

The female supporting characters that Thời Sênh inhabits all face dreadful tragedies: from being harmed to being violated. However, when Thời Sênh appears, she turns the world upside down and fears no challenge. With her reckless, shameless, and ruthless personality, Thời Sênh deserves the title of the craziest female lead in the romance novel world. (Source: Internet)

3. Clash of Heiresses – A gripping modern reincarnation novel with a strong female lead

• Author: Cửu Nguyệt Hi
• Genre: Romance, Reincarnation
• Chapters: 75 

Clash of Heiresses is a modern reincarnation romance novel that tells the story of Nghê Gia – a beautiful but unfortunate heiress. Since childhood, she has been mistaken and raised in the slums, unaware of family affection. Even when recognized as the heir, her twin brother, mother, and grandmother all treat her coldly, showering affection on Mạc Doãn Nhi, another girl in the household.

Nghê Gia finds herself in a dire situation caused by Doãn Nhi, becoming a victim of addiction and experiencing the downfall of life. Even her younger brother cannot escape the tragic fate. Ultimately, after attempting suicide, Nghê Gia is reborn to the moment before her innocence was lost. She is determined to change her life, protect her family, and her beloved brother.

4. Provoking Beloved Wife: Buy One Get One Free – A modern, cold-hearted romance novel with a strong female lead

• Author: Quẫn Quẫn Hữu Yêu
• Genre: Romance, Sweet, Humor
• Chapters: 2165

This is a captivating romance novel with a strong female lead that many readers adore. Ninh Tịch, initially a weak and easily shaken girl, finds herself entangled in turmoil due to any change. Born into a prestigious family, Ninh Tịch is forced to endure suffering and poverty in the countryside due to a misunderstanding at birth. Even upon reuniting with her biological parents, she faces the schemes of her foster sister, Ninh Tuyết Lạc, and must leave the country for five years.

Upon her return, Ninh Tịch has transformed into a strong, resilient woman who never fears the challenges of fate or the malicious plans of Ninh Tuyết Lạc. Pursuing her passion to become an actress, she joins the Tinh Huy entertainment company, where she meets Lục Đình Kiêu.

5. Daughter-in-law Extreme - A romance novel with a smart, powerful female lead

• Author: Du Nhân
• Genre: Romance, Romance
• Number of chapters: 1339

Viêm Hề, the female protagonist in the romance novel with a strong female lead 'Daughter-in-law Extreme,' is a strong-willed girl often seen as a master player in the business world. She lives in dire circumstances, having been an orphan since childhood. Đàm Hi, her boss, is going through a tough time. Đàm Hi used to live with her uncle, but later, they deceived her, took away her assets, and forced her to marry the son of the Tần family, who enjoys tormenting women.

When Viêm Hề wakes up and realizes that her current weak point is this body of Đàm Hi's, with no protection and no assets, she is determined to find someone to protect and rely on, and that someone is the CEO of the Lục family conglomerate.

6. Object in Hand – Modern romance novel with a strong female lead, involving the underworld

• Author: Bối Hân
• Genre: Reverse Story, Romance
• Number of chapters: 141

The protagonist Hà Nghiên becomes a victim of a robbery and is attacked by two criminals. Although initially appearing weak, Hà Nghiên demonstrates strength by killing one robber and disabling the other. She then reports them to the police and takes them to court.

Four years later, Hà Nghiên marries Lương Viễn Trạch, and their happy life begins. However, their happiness is threatened when Phó Thận Hành appears. He was the mastermind behind the robbery years ago and has changed his identity to seek revenge on Hà Nghiên. Although Hà Nghiên must submit to Phó Thận Hành outwardly, internally, she harbors deep resentment. She is determined to seek revenge and is ready to kill him given the opportunity. The battle between Hà Nghiên and Phó Thận Hành is a race between love and hatred.

7. Love or Vanish – Modern cold-hearted female-centric romance

• Author: Cửu Lộ Phi Hương
• Genre: Modern, Romance
• Number of chapters: 485

Hà Tịch is a 'manly gentleman' with a feminine appearance, rough demeanor, and special logical thinking. Once, because of her unfaithful boyfriend, she decided to tear up all the money and throw it in his face in public, then went to a bar to vent. But after a drunken night, she unexpectedly encounters the male lead, Tần Mạch.

However, Tần Mạch lacks experience in love, while Hà Tịch seems to excel in every aspect, especially in rejecting love. Therefore, they missed each other for two years. When they meet again after two years, Tần Mạch realizes his feelings for Hà Tịch and wants to win her over.

8. If Snails Could Love – Engaging female-centric detective romance

• Author: Đinh Mặc
• Genre: Romance, Modern, Detective
• Number of chapters: 70

'If Snails Could Love' is a detective story infused with romance, revolving around the unique crime-solving duo consisting of Hứa Hủ, nicknamed 'Snail,' and Quý Bạch. Together, they tackle complex cases, including dangerous and tense situations, from skilled murderers to sinister schemes within wealthy families.

9. Who Understands My Heart - Modern, savvy female-centric romance

• Author: Lục Xu
• Genre: Romance, Reverse Story
• Number of chapters: 87

The story revolves around the marriage of Giang Nhân Ly and Mạc Tu Lăng, with significant ups and downs. At the age of 15, Giang Nhân Ly first appeared at the Giang family's house. She is the daughter of Uông Tố Thu, who was once her father's first wife, but later her father had a new love and another child. Uông Tố Thu decided to take Giang Nhân Ly away when she was born. After a while, she fell seriously ill and had to return to her father's house for treatment.

In her father's family, Giang Nhân Ly met Mạc Tu Lăng, who was their neighbor. From childhood, she had special feelings for him, but at that time, he was in love with Giang Nhân Đình, her biological sister. They had many beautiful and sweet memories together, but in the end, she let go. She thought she could find true love elsewhere, but fate suddenly changed. Giang Nhân Đình committed suicide, and all the blame fell on her. Tả Dật Phi, whom she had loved for four years, also abandoned her. She was in pain and despair, not knowing what to do. In the end, to escape the pain, she had to compromise with fate and accept an unexpected marriage with Mạc Tu Lăng.

10. Heading Towards Each Other - Modern female-centric romance with affection and showbiz

• Author: Mạch Ngôn Xuyên
• Genre: Romance
• Number of chapters: 94

The female lead Chu Nghi Ninh is a rising star in the entertainment industry, having faced difficulties and tragedies since childhood due to an unhappy family environment. She has gone through some tough years, living a rebellious and wild life.

However, she has never faltered or given up on herself. Only after meeting Quý Đông Dương did she truly understand her feelings.

Quý Đông Dương, known as the 'celebrity uninterested in feminine charm,' also has a difficult life as his parents are drug addicts. However, Quý Đông Dương never gives up. Despite feeling tired, desperate, and considering retirement, they always face the challenges that life presents.

Top 10 Most Remarkable Ancient Female Protagonist Romance Novels of All Time

1. The Poisonous Second Daughter - A remarkable ancient romance novel with a strong female lead

• Author: Tần Giản
• Genre: Romance, Rebirth, Palace Intrigue, Female Protagonist, Family Struggle, Ancient Times
• Number of chapters: 294 

This renowned strong female protagonist romance novel focuses on Ly Vi Uong, the second daughter of Prime Minister Ly Tieu Nhien. Born in February and considered unlucky, she was sent to the countryside and had to live a commoner's life. After a long period, she was welcomed back to the Ly family to marry Thac Bac Chan. Throughout their 8-year marriage, Ly Vi Uong devoted all her love and sacrifices to her husband.

However, when Thac Bac Chan ascended to the throne, he made her elder sister empress, while Ly Vi Uong lost her leg and was exiled to the cold palace. Before passing away, Ly Vi Uong vowed that if there were another life, she would not live virtuously again!

2. The Medical Princess Conceals Heaven – An intelligent ancient romance novel with a strong female lead

• Author: Mourning Bliss
• Genre: Romance, Otherworldly, Rebirth, Strong Female Lead
• Chapter Count: 207

Mourning Bliss – the main character in the story, is the third young lady of the Mourning clan on the Great Mystical Continent. However, Mourning Bliss's fame is not due to beauty or talent, but because of her ugly appearance and incompetence.

In the 21st century, Mourning Bliss is a genius in traditional Chinese medicine, specializing in acupuncture. Once, after helping a middle-aged man, she receives a special ring that sends her back to ancient times, where she becomes a discarded Mourning Bliss, considered weak and ugly.

Nevertheless, Mourning Bliss refuses to accept her fate. She self-studies and self-treats to enhance her power, aiming to reach the pinnacle of cultivation.

4. Phoenix Against the World – Intelligent and savvy female lead in ancient costume romance

• Author: Lu Phi
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Otherworldly, Time Travel, Drama, Strong Female Lead, Ancient Costume
• Chapter Count: 1725 

She is a time-traveling assassin, inhabiting the body of the only daughter of the prime princess, a waste in the eyes of the entire court. Despite the original host being weak, she possesses a mysterious physique. Engaging in intrigues, she skillfully deals with those who once tormented the previous host. After the death of the prime princess, she leaves the palace and faces the outside world, where spiritual beasts and divine beasts exist. Enduring five years of resistance, under the guidance of the Divine Emperor, she ascends to the position of the Night Sovereign and wields formidable power.

Phong Liên Dực, the man she loves and her heart's desire, has always held a special place for her since the beginning. He is drawn to her, teasing and loving her from the depths of his heart. However, fate is never fair, and he carries the pure bloodline of the Tu La tribe. He is bound to fulfill a haunting curse, forced to kill the one he loves with his own hands...

5. Mad Emperor's Obsessive Consort: A Waste Wants to Overturn the Heavens

• Author: Xiao Seventh Family
• Genre: Romance, Otherworldly, Fantasy, Rebirth, Strong Female Lead, Ancient Costume
• Chapter Count: 1801

Fierce Romance: Mad Emperor's Obsessive Consort tells the story of Cố Nhược Vân, a weak and untalented girl. Meanwhile, Hạ Nhược Vân is an outstanding genius entrusted with the task of protecting the Ancient Divine Tower.

However, fate is unfair. Hạ Nhược Vân has to face the jealousy and malice of others. Then one day, a miraculous coincidence reincarnates Hàn Nhược Vân into the body of Cố Nhược Vân, turning her from a genius into a waste. Hàn Nhược Vân is determined to become stronger and more talented every day, making those who once looked down on her regretful, and seeking revenge on the heartless and cruel from her past life.

5. Unrivaled Eldest Daughter: A story of rebirth in ancient times with a strong female lead (Source: Internet)

• Author: White Color Lotus
• Genre: Rebirth, Strong Female Lead, Family Struggles, Ancient Times
• Total Chapters: 316 chapters

Bùi Nguyên Ca, the eldest daughter of the Bùi family, displayed filial piety towards her in-laws when married to Vạn Quan Hiểu, contributing wealth and resources to her husband's family. As a result, the Vạn family became one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the Jiangnan region.

However, her husband deceived her and conspired with her elder sister, ultimately leading to her death. Her mother was also killed, and her child was taken away. A miracle occurs when Bùi Nguyên Ca is reborn at the age of 13. This time, she will confront the villains, seek revenge for the injustices done to her, and send them to hell!

6. The 11th Special Consort: A Cold and Resolute Heroine in Time Travel

• Author: Eastward Journey
• Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Strong Female Lead, Ancient Times
• Total Chapters: 191 chapters + 13 side stories

The romantic novel 'The 11th Special Consort' truly captivates with its impressive allure, especially when adapted into a film. The story revolves around Su Qiao, an exceptional special agent who unexpectedly time travels to an ancient world, belonging to the kingdom of Dai Ha. Here, Su Qiao becomes a slave in the Gia Cat mansion and is kept by Gia Cat Nguyen as a servant.

However, Gia Cat Nguyen is the archenemy of the original soul within Su Qiao's body. Therefore, Su Qiao is determined to avenge the family of the original soul. However, Gia Cat Nguyen soon discovers Su Qiao's plan, putting her at risk of being hunted down. Fortunately, she is rescued by Yan Tuan, the prince of North Yan, from this perilous situation. From here begins a journey fraught with difficulties as she must flee from the pursuit of both Gia Cat Nguyen and the North Yan court.

7. Rebirth: The Graceful On Yuan

• Author: Lucy Moon Snow
• Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Rebirth, Court Intrigue, Strong Female Lead, Ancient Times
• Total Chapters: 1336 chapters + 23 side stories

The protagonist in the empowering romance novel 'Rebirth: The Graceful On Yuan' is perhaps one of the unluckiest female characters in the romance novel universe. Previously, her life was full of tragedies when she was abandoned and lost her parents at a young age. After she grew up and her family found her, they encountered a serious accident that led to the death of both her father and mother.

She decided to study abroad, but a bitter fate led her to encounter a terrible boyfriend, be deceived by her best friend, and suffer from a serious illness. After a series of risks and tragedies, On Yuan decided to buy a train ticket and go on a trip. However, another fatal accident occurred on that train journey.

But fate continued to challenge her. On Yuan reincarnated and became the daughter of a princess in the royal court, but was treated even worse than a servant. On Yuan's life was far from stable, but despite enduring numerous hardships, she was determined to create a beautiful, colorful life and write her own legend.

8. Woman Behind the Empire: Genius Little Empress

• Author: Ve So Lang
• Genre: Romance, Historical, Time Travel, Palace Intrigue, Strong Female Lead
• Number of chapters: Updating

This strong female lead romance tells the story of a girl with an IQ of 159 who travels back in time and inhabits the body of To Mat – a second daughter in the family, whose fate has brought her many hardships. To Mat not only has to live in the shadow of her stepmother, Do Di, but also endure frequent abuse and mistreatment.

After time-traveling, this girl realizes that To Mat has suffered enough. Using her modern knowledge and intelligence, she decides to help To Mat change her fate. From there, To Mat gradually devises plans, touches the hearts of the To family, and shapes a future in an era where women are often weak and must adhere to the rule of 'where parents place, children lie.'

9. Chieu Dieu – Supernatural romance featuring a fierce female lead

• Author: Chiu Lo Phi Huong
• Genre: Strong Female Lead, Historical, Rebirth, Romance, Supernatural
• Number of chapters: 81

In the strong female lead romance 'Chieu Dieu', the main character, Chieu Dieu, is notorious as a ruthless and fiery female demon, unstoppable in her violence and cruelty. She even establishes her own sect, becoming the sect master of the Van Luc sect.

However, Chieu Dieu dies unjustly at the hands of a worthless person. Thus, she cannot reincarnate and remains trapped in the mortal world. One day, an unusual event occurs, leading to Chieu Dieu's reincarnation into the body of a little fairy named Chi Yen, determined to seduce and revenge against her old enemy, Mac Thanh. However, what she didn't expect is that Mac Thanh had recognized Chi Yen as Chieu Dieu from the start, as well as knowing about her schemes. Nevertheless, Mac Thanh decides to support her and wholeheartedly pursue Chieu Dieu's goals.

10. Summoning Master: A strong female lead romance novel with fantasy elements

• Author: Nhuoc Tuyet Tam Thien
• Genre: Fantasy, Rebirth, Romance
• Number of chapters: 727 – Ongoing

Summoning Master is a fantasy romance novel with a strong female lead. In her past life, she had no name, merely designated as Experiment No. 17. After the failure of the experiment, she hoped to escape that nightmare, but upon waking up again, she found herself as a girl from the Vân family – a home where she was loved, cared for, and cherished by her father and elder brother.

Initially, she believed that with her new identity and name, she would live a happy life. However, not long after, the Vân family faced the risk of extinction. Vân Phong had to overcome numerous difficulties to sustain the family and protect her loved ones.

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Above are the TOP 20 strong female lead romance novels with captivating plots featuring intelligent, talented female protagonists. Hope you will have relaxing reading moments. Additionally, if you're looking to purchase quality books, household items, technology, etc., don't forget to visit the Mytour e-commerce platform.