Romance
Read Romance Classics in English
438 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 The Melting of Molly, The McBrides: A Romance of Arran and The Master's Violin. 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.
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Level B2RomanceThe Master of Silence: A RomanceA young apprentice in Liverpool receives a mysterious letter from a long-lost uncle, delivered by a silent, eerie messenger who suddenly dies.
Level B2RomanceThe Marquis de VillemerA determined woman leaves her family behind to secure a livelihood, facing the challenges of a new social world and complex alliances as she seeks favor with the enigmatic Marchion…
Level B2MysteryThe Mandarin's FanIn a venerable English mansion shadowed by ancient family curses and fading fortunes, a restless heir confronts mysteries both worldly and supernatural.
Level B2RomanceThe Man in Lonely LandA weary man battles loneliness and the fading health of his loyal dog in a cold, gray New York winter, surrounded by books but starved for warmth and companionship.
Level B2RomanceThe Man from Brodney'sWhen wealthy Taswell Skaggs dies under mysterious circumstances on a remote South Seas island, his perplexing will ignites a legal battle across continents, entangling heirs, lawye…
Level B2RomanceThe Man and the MomentA wealthy young man wrestles with the unwanted prospect of marriage, caught between his fierce independence and a determined woman’s cold ambition as his family legacy looms large…
Level B2RomanceThe Man Thou GavestIn the remote pine woods, a recovering man seeks refuge and healing, guided by the taciturn Jim White amid rugged isolation.
Level B2RomanceThe Main ChanceA determined man arrives in a small town to manage troubled investments and navigate local power plays, where success demands both shrewdness and resilience.
Level B2RomanceThe Magic Cameo: A Love StoryA young man’s world shatters when his fiancée leaves him for another, setting off years of heartbreak and betrayal.
Level B2RomanceThe Madness of MayA man haunted by theft and impending disgrace faces an unexpected visitor—R.
Level B2RomanceThe Lucky Piece: A Tale of the North WoodsIn the rugged North Woods, a chance encounter between a determined boy and a mysterious mountain girl sparks a tale of unexpected connection and hope, bound by a cherished lucky co…
Level B2RomanceThe Lost ValleyA weary drifter stumbles upon a hidden cave by the sea, where chance encounters and mysterious discoveries hint at unexpected opportunities ahead.
Level B2RomanceThe Lost TrailA determined young frontiersman follows a frantic horse’s wild trail through the Kentucky wilderness, sensing danger from lurking Native American foes.
Level B2RomanceThe Lonely StrongholdIn a dreary bank office on a bitter December night, young women grapple with monotony and dreams of escape.
Level B2FantasyThe Living MummyIn the scorching Libyan desert, a renowned Egyptologist and his intriguing daughter uncover the tomb of Ptahmes, a powerful priest who foretold his own resurrection after millennia…
Level B2RomanceThe Little Red Chimney: Being the Love Story of a Candy ManA candy vendor's quiet life turns intriguing when fate weaves him into a world of social intrigue, mistaken identities, and the pursuit of love amidst the colorful bustle of the ci…
Level B2RomanceThe Literary SenseA tense meeting in a cold, dreary city setting reveals a troubled confession of a lover's fleeting betrayal, challenging their bond and testing forgiveness beneath the surface of t…
Level B2RomanceThe Lilac GirlTwo men camp high in the Colorado mountains wrestle with hunger and hardship as a late train struggles up the pass, setting the stage for unexpected encounters and a stirring tale…
Level B2RomanceThe Lightning Conductor Discovers AmericaA spirited American beauty returns to Long Island after years abroad, her hopeful arrival intertwined with the lives of a wounded war hero and his devoted wife.
Level B2RomanceThe Life and Death of Cormac the SkaldIn a land ruled by Vikings and ancient magic, Cormac, the fiery son of a great champion, navigates fierce battles, bitter rivalries, and a tragic love that shapes his destiny amids…
Level B2RomanceThe Letter of CreditA young girl dreams beyond her humble farm life, longing for adventures and stories that transcend her reality.
Level B2FantasyThe Legends of King Arthur and His KnightsIn a Britain torn by Saxon invasions, prophecies and legends intertwine as King Arthur rises from mysterious origins to unite knights under a noble quest.
Level B2RomanceThe Last WomanIn the high-stakes world of Wall Street, Patricia Langdon defies convention with fierce independence and sharp wit, standing toe-to-toe with her powerful father as they confront a…
Level B2RomanceThe Last Chronicle of BarsetIn a quiet county town, a respected clergyman faces accusations of theft, stirring doubt and tension among the community.
Level B2RomanceThe Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)A mysterious man cloaked in secrecy travels alone from Ireland to London, shrouded in isolation and intrigue.
Level B2RomanceThe Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 2 of 3)A young woman, newly reunited with her estranged grandfather, faces the challenges of London life and a lost fortune as she seeks a safe haven and the chance to visit a loved one f…
Level B2RomanceThe Key Note: A NovelIn a rugged coastal retreat beset by broken pipes and sagging porches, a determined woman struggles against the failures of unreliable men, while her idealistic boarder finds beaut…
Level B2RomanceThe Keeper of the DoorA sharp-witted young woman finds herself challenged by a clever, satirical stranger whose brilliance both irritates and intrigues her, sparking a tense dance of wit, pride, and une…
Level B2MysteryThe Joss: A ReversionA day of misfortune turns into a tangled mystery when a shop assistant faces dismissal after missing crucial sales, only to be drawn into a curious adventure involving strange cust…
Level B2RomanceThe IntriguersIn the scenic backdrop of Quebec, an adventurous widow and her companion navigate social intrigues, wild animals, and mysterious letters, uncovering secrets that intertwine nature,…
Level B2RomanceThe Incomplete AmoristIn a bustling community bound by gossip and small dramas, Betty navigates the challenges of daily life and unexpected connections, all while seeking moments of quiet escape in stor…
Level B2RomanceThe Imaginary MarriageA young woman torn between her domineering aunt’s choice of a wealthy suitor and her own love for a penniless but charming young man must navigate family control and her own heart’…
Level B2RomanceThe Hunter Hercules, or, The Champion Rider of the Plains: A Romance of the PrairiesA daring young hunter roams the vast Texas prairie, seeking a lost heir and adventure, when a desperate cry for help leads him into a deadly encounter with a panther—and a mysterio…
Level B2RomanceThe Hundredth ChanceCaught between pride and necessity, a young woman faces the harsh reality of her family's desperate circumstances and the unwelcome prospect of marrying a man she despises.
Level B2MysteryThe House by the LockA restless adventurer returns to London seeking new thrills after years abroad, only to find his night at the theatre entwined with a mysterious mining magnate and unexpected intri…
Level B2RomanceThe House Under the Sea: A RomanceA seasoned seaman embarks on a mysterious voyage to the remote Ken Archipelago, driven by a secret cause tied to a woman named Ruth Bellenden, as his ship nears uncharted shores un…
Level B2RomanceThe Hidden Cabin: a pathetic story in condensed formHigh atop Palomar Mountain, a mysterious hidden cabin becomes the backdrop for a heartfelt romance filled with nature’s beauty, deep friendship, and inspiring messages of manhood a…
Level B2RomanceThe Hero of the People: A Historical Romance of Love, Liberty and LoyaltyAmid the turmoil of the French Revolution, a skilled artisan with secret motives watches the royal procession, weaving a tale of love, liberty, and loyalty as hidden forces stir th…
Level B2RomanceThe Heart of the Desert (Kut-Le of the Desert)In the vast, scorching desert, Rhoda’s solitary walk turns perilous when a scorpion sting cripples her foot—only the swift and steady Charley Cartwell stands between her and the me…
Level B2RomanceThe Heart of Una SackvilleA young woman leaves school, stepping into the uncertain world armed with a diary that will capture her joys, sorrows, and the thrilling journey toward love and self-discovery.
Level B2RomanceThe Happy AverageA recent college graduate nervously visits the Carters' home, where playful banter and quiet tension hint at the complexities of young romance and social expectations on a warm Jul…
Level B2RomanceThe Grip of Honor: A Story of Paul Jones and the American RevolutionAmidst the stormy seas of the American Revolution, a daring captain and his loyal lieutenant chase a mysterious merchant ship near treacherous reefs, their pursuit fueled by honor,…
Level B2RomanceThe Grey CloakIn the shadowy streets of Paris, a masked man in a grey cloak embarks on a perilous quest to steal a secret paper that could save his life and fortune, weaving intrigue, danger, an…
Level B2RomanceThe Great AccidentIn the quiet town of Hardiston, where iron furnaces stand sentinel and apple blossoms hint at renewal, lives intertwine amid fading industries and enduring pride.
Level B2RomanceThe Golden SilenceAmid scandal and whispers, Stephen Knight faces the challenge of defending Margot Lorenzi, a woman whose mysterious past threatens his reputation and heart.
Level B2MysteryThe Golden Face: A Great 'Crook' RomanceAn ex-officer struggling to find his place after the war accepts a mysterious, high-paying job driving a Rolls for the enigmatic Rudolph Rayne.
Level B2RomanceThe God of Civilization: A RomanceYearning to escape her endless social routine, a young woman seizes the chance to embark on a months-long sailing voyage to Australia, seeking adventure and change.
Level B2RomanceThe Girls of St. Olave'sOn the eve of her engagement, Denys navigates the bittersweet shift from family life to new beginnings, caught between cherished memories and the promise of love.