Romance
Read Romance Classics in English
1,673 romance books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best romance classics to read in English as a learner?
The best romance classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Zoraida: A Romance of the Harem and the Great Sahara, Zibeline — Complete and Young Earnest: The Romance of a Bad Start in Life. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
- 1,673
- books
Level C1RomanceZibeline — CompleteA bold and wealthy American heiress, nicknamed Zibeline for her rare and striking presence, disrupts Parisian high society with her audacity and generosity while seeking to repay a…
Level C1RomanceYoung Earnest: The Romance of a Bad Start in LifeA young man haunted by his father’s fall from grace struggles to embrace a tender, stolen love with a girl from a world far removed from his own.
Level C1RomanceYou Ask AnybodyRenowned stage-driver Casey Ryan races through treacherous mountain roads with unmatched speed and daring, facing down holdups, grizzlies, and the challenge of the encroaching auto…
Level C1RomanceYellowstone NightsAmidst the breathtaking wonders of Yellowstone Park, a lively group of strangers embarks on an unexpected adventure, weaving romance and local color into a vivid tale of discovery…
Level C1RomanceWoodcliffOn a sunlit shore, young Madeline’s innocent joy contrasts with the harshness of the world as children dream of treasures and face cruelty, weaving a tale of hope, pride, and the j…
Level C1RomanceWoodburn Grange: A story of English country life; vol. 2 of 3In an English country setting, the return of Henry Clavering stirs old affections and deep conflicts, as Ann Woodburn grapples with love challenged by his unshakable doubts about f…
Level C1RomanceWomen in LoveTwo sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, navigate the complexities of love, marriage, and self-discovery against the backdrop of early 20th-century societal expectations.
Level C1RomanceWoman and Puppet, Etc.In the vibrant chaos of Seville’s Carnival, André Stévenol finds himself entangled in playful battles and fleeting encounters, until a fierce, captivating young woman turns the gam…
Level C1RomanceWives and DaughtersIn a quaint country town overshadowed by a noble family, young Molly Gibson eagerly anticipates her first grand festival, a bright moment in an otherwise simple life marked by loss…
Level C1MysteryWithin the Maze: A Novel, Vol. 2 (of 2)As Lucy masks her inner turmoil, an unexpected visit to Foxwood Court sets the stage for a tangled mystery involving secret identities and unsettling discoveries within the enigmat…
Level C1RomanceWithered Leaves: A Novel. Vol. 3 (of 3)In a wintry town, the passionate and mysterious love between Blanden and the celebrated singer Giulia unfolds, challenged by societal prejudices and the fading glory of her stage c…
Level C1RomanceWithered Leaves: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)A solitary dreamer wrestles with a profound yearning to connect his soul to the universe's mysteries, finding solace only in nature's silent beauty and an elusive, sacred aspect of…
Level C1RomanceWith Edged ToolsIn a grand ballroom where old-world cynicism meets youthful charm, a sharp-tongued veteran and a worldly lady observe the rising star of society, Millicent Chyne, whose heartless a…
Level C1FantasyWisdom's Daughter: The Life and Love Story of She-Who-Must-be-ObeyedImmortal and burdened by vanity, Ayesha—She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed—reveals the secrets of her past lives, weaving tales of love, power, and spiritual conflict captured in ancient manus…
Level C1RomanceWired Love: A Romance of Dots and DashesIn a world connected by Morse code, an expert telegraph operator encounters a mysterious and swift correspondent from a distant office, sparking a digital dance of wit, nerves, and…
Level C1RomanceWilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume 24In a serene Scottish valley, young Edmund and the lovely Helen share a bond of friendship and innocent love, set against a backdrop of nature’s beauty and quiet tragedy.
Level C1RomanceWilly Reilly: The Works of William Carleton, Volume OneAmidst Ireland’s turbulent history and clashing faiths, a steadfast hero navigates love and loyalty while confronting deep-seated family legacies and fierce rivalries.
Level C1RomanceWild MargaretA spirited young woman arrives at a quiet country station with only a small bag, while a carefree gentleman of leisure observes her from his luxurious carriage.
Level C1MysteryWhither Thou GoestA young nobleman’s forbidden love leads him to a Madrid embassy tangled in anarchist plots and venomous vendettas.
Level C1RomanceWhite Wings: A Yachting Romance, Volume IIIAmidst the rugged beauty of a remote island, a determined young artist captures the truth of her yachting voyage while a group of seal hunters face unexpected scarcity and silent c…
Level C1RomanceWhite Wings: A Yachting Romance, Volume IIAs the yacht White Dove drifts in calm seas, a passionate debate unfolds about the nobility and struggles of the medical profession, drawing a young doctor into a summer journey fi…
Level C1RomanceWhite Wings: A Yachting Romance, Volume IA spirited young woman arrives to join a summer yachting adventure, stirring curiosity and admiration among her new companions.
Level C1RomanceWhite Magic: A NovelAn American painter returns home from Paris to claim a mysterious inheritance, carrying the hopes of building a meaningful career amid the untamed wilderness and the complexities o…
Level C1RomanceWhite LiesAmid the turmoil of revolutionary France, the noble Baron de Beaurepaire faces ruin, loss, and betrayal, while his devoted family struggles to preserve their legacy and survive in…
Level C1RomanceWhite Heather: A Novel (Volume 3 of 3)Amid the honey-scented moorlands and shimmering lochs, gentle Meenie receives a troubling letter that shatters her hopes and reveals dark secrets about Ronald’s fate, setting her o…
Level C1RomanceWhite Heather: A Novel (Volume 2 of 3)In the wild Scottish lochs, an unexpected bond forms between a solitary man and an adventurous American woman as they navigate the challenges of ambition, nature, and the thrill of…
Level C1RomanceWhere Love IsAt a dull London gathering, a chance encounter sparks a clash between worldly cynicism and genuine spirit, as a humble man challenges a fashionable woman’s guarded heart with the p…
Level C1RomanceWhere England sets her feet: a romanceIn Tudor England, a humble vicar reluctantly takes in an orphaned boy under mysterious circumstances, raising him amid religious turmoil and secret pledges.
Level C1RomanceWhen love dawnsTwo stepsisters face the harsh reality of lost fortune and uncertain futures, sparking tension and determination in a world where survival means relying on wit and resilience.
Level C1RomanceWhen hearts are trumpsExplore a poignant collection of verses that capture love’s joys, mysteries, and heartaches—from tender confessions and stolen kisses to the bittersweet moments before a bride’s ne…
Level C1RomanceWhen a Man's Single: A Tale of Literary LifeIn a close-knit Scottish village where Sabbath traditions and daily struggles intertwine, young Davy clings to a mysterious letter from her uncle Rob, setting the stage for a tale…
Level C1FantasyWhen Valmond Came to Pontiac: The Story of a Lost Napoleon. Volume 1.A mysterious man named Valmond, believed to be a lost son of Napoleon, appears in a French-Canadian village, stirring legends and secrets as his extraordinary past unfolds against…
Level C1RomanceWhen Thoughts Will Soar: A romance of the immediate futureAn American multimillionaire plots a grand vision involving science, beauty, and power, while a young woman mourning her father's tragic death captures the attention of a mysteriou…
Level C1RomanceWhen Knighthood Was in Flower: or, the Love Story of Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor the King's Sister, and Happening in the Reign of His August Majesty King Henry the EighthIn the vibrant court of King Henry VIII, a daring romance unfolds between Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor, the king’s spirited sister.
Level C1RomanceWhat Answer?In the bustling heart of New York, a wealthy young man drifts through society’s glittering facade, restless for purpose—until a mysterious girl captivates him, igniting a quest tha…
Level C1RomanceWestways: A Village ChronicleIn a small village shaped by social divides and the echoes of war, the Penhallow family’s fortunes rise and fall with iron mines and changing times, weaving a rich tapestry of comm…
Level C1RomanceWesterfeltIn a rural Southern community, young Sally faces harsh gossip and heartbreak as whispers spread about John Westerfelt’s shifting affections, testing her resilience amid family tens…
Level C1RomanceWest Lawn, and The rector of St. Mark'sA young woman reflects on family struggles and complex relationships while navigating love, duty, and village gossip in a close-knit community.
Level C1RomanceWee WifieIn a sunlit countryside, a weary girl in black clings to memories amid harvest fields, while a noble, patient woman watches over her child with quiet strength—setting the stage for…
Level C1RomanceWe Two: A NovelIn bustling London, a young doctor’s routine encounters with a mysterious schoolgirl ignite an unexpected and profound connection, revealing the hidden dramas and delicate emotions…
Level C1RomanceWau-nan-gee; Or, the Massacre at Chicago: A Romance of the American RevolutionAmid the looming chaos of the War of 1812, a fort's commandant receives urgent news of hostile forces and dire threats from Native American alliances.
Level C1RomanceWaterloo: A sequel to The Conscript of 1813Amid the hopeful peace following Napoleon’s fall, a weary soldier dreams of marrying his beloved Catherine but faces bureaucratic obstacles and the lingering shadows of war.
Level C1RomanceWatch and wardA shy, meticulous man embarks on a daunting mission in the cold December streets, wrestling with despair and hope.
Level C1RomanceWashington SquareIn 19th-century New York, a distinguished doctor balances his scientific career and social standing while navigating complex family dynamics and unspoken expectations.
Level C1RomanceWas It Right to Forgive? A Domestic RomanceA steadfast builder shaped by faith and hard work, Peter Van Hoosen cherishes his brilliant daughter Adriana, whose beauty and intellect brighten their home amidst the challenges o…
Level C1RomanceWanted—A Match MakerIn a world where wealth and charm collide, a determined mother seeks a matchmaker to guide her daughters through the tangled social maze overshadowed by a proud, unattainable siste…
Level C1RomanceWanderfoot (The Dream Ship)Haunted by loss and exile, a skilled surgeon sails from Ireland to America, carrying memories of a mysterious woman who visits his dreams.
Level C1RomanceWager of Battle: A Tale of Saxon Slavery in Sherwood ForestIn twelfth-century England, a fugitive Saxon slave battles the tyranny of his Norman lord amid the wilds of Sherwood Forest.