Romance
Read Romance Classics in English
1,280 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.
- 1,280
- books
Level C1MysteryDevil's DiceA restless Londoner drifts into a chance encounter with a mysterious English woman while seeking escape in the Pyrenees, sparking a bittersweet tale of secret sorrows, fleeting rom…
Level C1RomanceDesperate RemediesIn 1835 London, a young architect falls deeply for the captivating Cytherea, whose elusive affections and hidden secrets spark a tangled tale of love, mystery, and moral complexity…
Level C1RomanceDeserted: 1898Two travelers share a train journey across Nevada’s stark desert, discovering a surprising beauty in its desolation while engaging in witty, intimate conversations that hint at dee…
Level C1RomanceDesert LoveAmid the sunbaked desert and bustling Egyptian stations, a golden-haired woman stands apart from the crowd, drawn into a world of camels, Bedouins, and hidden passions where East m…
Level C1RomanceDerelictsA fallen gentleman, freshly released from prison, wanders aimlessly through a once-familiar neighborhood, haunted by lost wealth and shattered relationships.
Level C1RomanceDenounced: A RomanceCaught in a fierce storm, a young noblewoman journeys across treacherous seas with mysterious companions, her sharp gaze and defiant spirit hinting at secrets and dangers that thre…
Level C1RomanceDenis Dent: A NovelA determined young officer with a complex heritage faces uncertain tides aboard a ship and in his heart, as he navigates duty, identity, and the possibility of love with the captai…
Level C1MysteryDecember LoveIn autumn London, a Foreign Office man learns of Lady Sellingworth, a once-glorious beauty who mysteriously vanished from society after her priceless jewels were stolen in Paris—an…
Level C1RomanceDeath to the Inquisitive! A story of sinful loveIn the grimy shadows of London's Whitechapel, Queen Liz's mysterious ties to a wealthy Chinese man and a secretive gentleman from high society spark tension and danger amidst the a…
Level C1RomanceDead-sea fruit, Vol. 3 (of 3)Haunted by love and betrayal, a man searches desperately for Medora, who has vanished after witnessing his secret meetings with another woman.
Level C1RomanceDead-sea fruit, Vol. 2 (of 3)A weary aristocrat returns to his childhood estate, seeking solace and rekindled friendships amidst memories and faded dreams.
Level C1RomanceDe L'Orme.: The Works of G. P. R. James, Esq., Vol. XVI.A young man’s thirst for adventure draws him into perilous errors and bitter regrets in a tale that explores honor, virtue, and the harsh consequences of reckless ambition.
Level C1FantasyDaybreak: A Romance of an Old WorldAs a couple returns home after years apart, a tender yet distant love faces a test: can passion and warmth be awakened in a relationship long defined by quiet affection and unspoke…
Level C1RomanceDaughters of DestinyA determined prince returns from exile in London to reclaim his usurped throne in Baluchistan, seeking the aid of a shrewd English financier to convert ancient treasures into an ar…
Level C1RomanceDaughters of Belgravia; vol. 3 of 3Passion and betrayal collide in a world of high society as Gabrielle, fiercely in love with the elusive Lord Delaval, confronts the heartbreak of his faithlessness and her own fier…
Level C1RomanceDaughters of Belgravia; vol. 2 of 3Torn between scorn and secret longing, Zai navigates a treacherous social web where appearances deceive and hearts are broken.
Level C1RomanceDaughters of Belgravia; vol. 1 of 3In the glittering world of London’s elite, Lady Beranger’s lavish parties mask a family tangled in ambition, rivalry, and hidden resentments.
Level C1RomanceDarnley; or, The Field of the Cloth of GoldAmid the winding roads of 16th-century Kent, a stalwart knight embarks on a journey filled with adventure and historical intrigue, set against the vibrant backdrop of King Henry VI…
Level C1RomanceDariel: A Romance of SurreyA young man struggles to revive his family's fortunes by farming the Surrey countryside, facing skepticism and hardship despite his dedication and hard work.
Level C1RomanceDamon and Delia: A TaleAt the heart of Southampton's dazzling races, the enchanting Delia captivates a host of admirers with her beauty and grace, yet her heart remains untouched—until fate stirs passion…
Level C1RomanceDaisy's AuntAt a London zoo, spirited Daisy embraces the wild and untamed, delighting in fierce creatures and defying convention, while her gentle cousin Gladys navigates the delicate social e…
Level C1RomanceDaisy in the FieldTorn between duty and heartbreak, a young woman struggles to focus on her studies as the harsh realities of war and love collide around her.
Level C1RomanceDaisy Brooks; Or, A Perilous LoveOn a sultry West Virginia night, a young master returns to his plantation with a new bride, igniting fierce jealousy and dark tensions within the household—especially from his pass…
Level C1RomanceDaireen. CompleteA proud but impoverished Irish family clings to their ancient royal heritage as a young man grapples with love and duty, torn between the weight of history and his passion for the…
Level C1RomanceCynthia: With an Introduction by Maurice HewlettA young novelist, newly successful yet struggling to balance love, family, and financial pressures, faces the challenges of artistic ambition and personal responsibility.
Level C1RomanceCynthia's ChauffeurOn a bright Derby Day in London, a young lord's plans unravel when his companion falls ill, leading him to embrace unexpected adventures and mingle with the lively crowd at the ico…
Level C1RomanceCupid's Almanac and Guide to Hearticulture for This Year and NextNavigate the whimsical science of Hearticulture, where love blooms like a garden filled with Proposal Plants, Valentine Flowers, and tricky weeds to beware.
Level C1RomanceCruel as the graveA newlywed couple arrives at a quaint inn, their love intense but shadowed by an unshakable sense of impending doom.
Level C1RomanceCruel Barbara Allen: From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)A gifted but misunderstood fiddler struggles against a dull town’s indifference while his heart is captivated by the charming Barbara, whose own spirit shines bright despite uncert…
Level C1RomanceCrittenden: A Kentucky Story of Love and WarAmid the dawn of a new war, Clay Crittenden returns to Kentucky, where family legacies and divided loyalties echo through the Bluegrass hills.
Level C1RomanceCowardice CourtTwo rival landowners—a proud American heiress and a defiant young gentleman—battle over a coveted wilderness estate in the Adirondacks, where nature’s beauty contrasts sharply with…
Level C1RomanceCountry LodgingsA young widow seeking solace from city loneliness takes lodgings in a grand but faded manor, where the echoes of history and rustic charm set the stage for unexpected connections a…
Level C1MysteryCount Zarka: A RomanceA daring agent is tasked with unraveling the mysterious and politically charged disappearance of Prince Roel of Rapsberg, whose vast territory threatens a powerful empire’s ambitio…
Level C1RomanceCount Hannibal: A Romance of the Court of FranceAmid the dazzling fêtes at the Louvre, a young provincial girl finds herself trapped in the dangerous intrigues of the French court, caught between unwanted attentions and the vola…
Level C1RomanceCossack TalesAmidst the chaos of 13th-century Russia, a fierce brotherhood rises from abandoned villagers turned warriors seeking freedom and revenge against relentless invaders.
Level C1RomanceCorse de Leon; or, The Brigand: A Romance. Volume 1 (of 2)In the lush valleys of Savoy, a foreboding gloom shadows a life of brightness and hope, signaling trials ahead for a dauntless spirit.
Level C1RomanceCorduroyGrieving the loss of her brother and guardian, Virginia McVeagh takes charge of her vast California ranch, cloaked in black and solitude.
Level C1RomanceContrary MaryIn a grand, festively adorned mansion, a somber visitor seeks out the elusive Mary Ballard, whose tower rooms hold secrets amidst a shimmering world of elegance and intrigue.
Level C1RomanceContraband; Or, A Losing HazardA spirited widow finds new passion and freedom amidst the thrill of the hunt, where society’s admiration and secret desires collide in the English countryside.
Level C1RomanceContigo Pan y CebollaTwo lovers face the harsh realities of poverty and family expectations in this poignant Spanish comedy, where simple bread and onions become symbols of loyalty and sacrifice in eve…
Level C1RomanceConjuror's House: A Romance of the Free ForestIn a remote northern trading post surrounded by an untamed wilderness, a young woman stands on the brink of a vast forest, caught between the harsh cycles of nature and the vibrant…
Level C1RomanceConfidenceA contemplative young artist lingers in the enchanting city of Siena, capturing its medieval charm while wrestling with solitude and unexpected encounters.
Level C1RomanceComedies of CourtshipTwo young lovers, separated by distance yet bound by secret letters, wrestle with jealousy and temptation amid the comforts of wealth and society.
Level C1RomanceComedies and ErrorsStep into the lively world of Rome’s English expatriates, where the elegant Miss Belmont hosts vibrant Thursday gatherings filled with art, intrigue, and unexpected encounters—like…
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 3 (of 3)Rescued from peril and trapped aboard a fog-shrouded yacht, Ellinor confronts the sinister Sir Redmond Sleath and his dubious companions, igniting a tense struggle for survival ami…
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 1 (of 3)In a secluded Scottish home, two orphaned sisters navigate loss, love, and duty while managing their modest estate and caring for those around them.
Level C1RomanceCoelebs: The Love Story of a BachelorA fastidious bachelor hires a plain yet proud housemaid whose peculiar habits and staunch respectability challenge his orderly world, revealing unexpected insights into virtue, tem…
Level C1RomanceCoelebs In Search of a WifeA thoughtful gentleman embarks on a quiet journey to find a wife, engaging in sincere conversations about love, reason, and religion within the peaceful rhythms of country life.