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 C1RomanceArtist and Model (The Divorced Princess)In 1860 St.
Level C1RomanceArthurian Chronicles: Roman de BrutDive into a vivid retelling of Arthurian legend where history and chivalric romance intertwine, revealing noble knights and courtly valor through poetic chronicles that shaped medi…
Level C1RomanceArthur: A Short Sketch of His Life and History in English Verse of the First Half of the Fifteenth CenturyWitness the rise of a noble king who forges the legendary Round Table, conquers distant lands, and faces betrayal in a tale woven from early English verse that unveils Arthur’s val…
Level C1RomanceArthur Blane; or, The Hundred CuirassiersIn 17th-century Paris, a young Scottish swordsman navigates dark alleys and deadly intrigues with only his wits, a keen blade, and a fierce determination to survive amidst duels, p…
Level C1RomanceArthurIn a kingdom stirred by rebellion and loyalty, a mysterious wounded knight arrives, his identity hidden but his valor undeniable.
Level C1MysteryArsène Lupin, super-sleuthIn the bustling streets of Paris, a mysterious Englishwoman with striking blue eyes captivates a watchful observer, while a spirited local girl with mesmerizing green eyes weaves t…
Level C1RomanceArrah Neil; or, Times of OldAmid the turmoil of the English Civil War, loyalties are tested as Sir John Hotham’s uncertain stance threatens the fate of Hull, while the brash Royalist soldier Barecolt stirs ad…
Level C1RomanceArms and the WomanA young reporter encounters a mysterious, captivating woman in a secluded garden, sparking a delicate romance that unfolds amid social divides and personal ambitions.
Level C1RomanceArmorel of Lyonesse: A Romance of To-dayA young girl lives surrounded by the ever-changing sea and rugged coastlines, her days filled with dreams and silent yearnings beneath the warm sunlight.
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 3A young lord returns home to confront hidden family secrets and a bitter struggle for justice, as whispers of murder and lost promises threaten to unravel lives in a close-knit vil…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 2In a grand but isolating household, two lonely souls—Giles Saltren and Arminell—forge a secret bond that breaks social barriers and awakens hidden desires for friendship and unders…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 1In a humble, rat-infested basement beneath a churchyard keeper’s lodge, a Sunday-school strives to teach sacred lessons amid grime and gossip, driven by Lady Lamerton’s fervent bel…
Level C1RomanceAriadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five ActsIn the grand Palace of Mantua, a clash unfolds between impulsive passion and cold civility, as noble traditions confront raw, unyielding love—setting the stage for a poignant drama…
Level C1RomanceArabella Stuart: A Romance from English HistoryIn a turbulent era marked by ruthless ambition and shifting power, the tragic story of Arabella Stuart unfolds, revealing the clash of passion, politics, and betrayal within the ha…
Level C1RomanceApril HopesAt a lively Class Day celebration filled with youthful charm and elegance, Elbridge Mavering reunites with an old friend, sparking unexpected encounters and stirring reflections on…
Level C1RomanceAntoniaIn 1785 Paris, young painter Julien Thierry, burdened by debts and the shadow of loss, seeks solace in his art and the steadfast love of his mother amid the fleeting beauty of spri…
Level C1RomanceAnthony the AbsoluteA restless traveler aboard a ship to Yokohama navigates a sea of eccentric passengers, including a pompous judge and a serene Japanese merchant, while wrestling with his own solitu…
Level C1RomanceAntar: A Bedoueen RomanceBorn into slavery yet rising through unmatched bravery and poetic genius, Antar navigates the fierce honor and passion of Bedouin life, weaving a tale of love and valor set against…
Level C1RomanceAnnie o' the Banks o' DeeIn the serene setting of Bilberry Hall by the Dee River, young Annie Lane navigates the tender complexities of youth and love, caught between the ardent affections of two suitors a…
Level C1RomanceAnn Veronica: A Modern Love StoryA young woman returns home determined to confront her father and break free from the constraints of her stifling suburban life, eager to embrace independence and new experiences in…
Level C1RomanceAnn Arbor TalesIn a softly lit college town, a captivating woman named Florence holds sway over a circle of young men whose lives brim with youthful passion and peril.
Level C1RomanceAndrew the GladIn a Southern town, wounded war hero Andrew Sevier becomes the center of attention for a circle of determined women, sparking rivalry and romance as they vie to care for him and wi…
Level C1RomanceAncestors: A NovelIn Edwardian England, a sharp-witted woman navigates the delicate social dance among aristocrats, rekindling a complex friendship with Lady Victoria Gwynne, whose mysterious change…
Level C1RomanceAn Unknown LoverIn a dim old house shadowed by loss, siblings Katrine and Martin navigate the lingering grief of a vanished bride whose memory haunts every room.
Level C1RomanceAn Uncrowned King: A Romance of High PoliticsIn the turbulent halls of power, Viscount Usk faces political betrayal and personal rebellion as he navigates the ruthless game of high-stakes government and society, caught betwee…
Level C1RomanceAn Original BelleAmid the glitter of high society and the turmoil of the Civil War, a young belle confronts the limits of her beauty and charm, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and moral aw…
Level C1RomanceAn Old Sailor's YarnsDive into the gripping tales of daring sailors, smuggling escapades, and fierce sea battles in the Pacific, where lawless traders face peril, rescue, and romance on the high seas.
Level C1RomanceAn Old Meerschaum: From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)In the vibrant market of Trieste, a chance reunion sparks a journey to Constantinople where unexpected encounters and subtle romantic tensions unfold.
Level C1RomanceAn Old Man's LoveA wealthy country gentleman wrestles with his conscience and society’s expectations as he contemplates offering shelter and a new future to Mary Lawrie, a young woman left alone af…
Level C1RomanceAn Old Man's DarlingA radiant young beauty’s carefree summer stroll turns ominous when a mysterious old fortune-teller warns her that her charm will invite both love and dark sorrow, foreshadowing a l…
Level C1RomanceAn Old MaidIn a provincial French town, the charming yet financially strained Chevalier de Valois navigates courtly society, gallantry, and fading nobility with wit and elegance, all while ha…
Level C1RomanceAn Iceland FishermanAmid the icy seas and rugged Breton coast, a fisherman’s life intertwines with love, hardship, and the haunting call of the ocean.
Level C1RomanceAn Engagement of Convenience: A NovelA humble admirer watches the brilliant artist Wyndham’s world crumble after a financial scandal, witnessing his fall from fame and fortune in the shadowed streets of Hampstead.
Level C1RomanceAn Enemy to the King: From the Recently Discovered Memoirs of the Sieur de la TournoireA young nobleman, newly freed from his sheltered life, rides to Paris seeking adventure, love, and the thrill of the unknown amid the intrigue and passion of the royal court.
Level C1RomanceAn EncoreA charming tale unfolds in Old Chester, where a spirited young Alfred Price, known for his elopement scandal, pursues the elegant Miss Letty Morris amidst society's watchful eyes a…
Level C1Science FictionAn Anglo-American Alliance: A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the FutureIn a future where nations claim civilization yet breed corruption, two powerful governments—America and Britain—face the challenge of forging a true alliance to awaken universal br…
Level C1RomanceAn Algonquin Maiden: A Romance of the Early Days of Upper CanadaIn the rugged wilderness of early Upper Canada, a devoted servant anxiously awaits the arrival of a distant ship, setting the stage for a tale of love and survival amid the clash o…
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 4In a world of chivalry and conflict, Amadis and his loyal knights embark on a daring rescue to protect Princess Oriana from powerful enemies, igniting a bold quest that tests their…
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 3Knights betrayed by their own king must choose between loyalty and rebellion as they face exile and mounting conflict.
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 2When Princess Oriana is kidnapped by the villainous Arcalaus, the valiant Amadis races against time, wielding the king’s sword, to rescue her from a cruel fate and confront treache…
Level C1GothicAlonzo and Melissa; Or, The Unfeeling Father: An American TaleTwo young Yale graduates forge an unbreakable friendship amid the turmoil of the American Revolution, but when Alonzo steps in to escort Edgar’s sister Melissa, their lives intertw…
Level C1RomanceAll-Hallow Eve; or, The Test of Futurity.In a remote Irish valley framed by mysterious mountains and a sparkling lake, the rustic Midge’s Bridge becomes the setting for a tale where romance intertwines with Celtic legends…
Level C1RomanceAll in the darkIn the quiet village of Saxton, a young man returns to Gilroyd Hall, where his whimsical aunt and spirited little cousin, Violet, turn a slow country holiday into a charming blend…
Level C1RomanceAlide: an episode of Goethe's life.A young theological student with a restless spirit arrives at a country parsonage, where the beauty of autumn and the promise of new connections stir his heart.
Level C1RomanceAlice, or the Mysteries — CompleteIn a tranquil Devonshire cottage, a young woman faces the weight of a late husband's wishes and the looming decision of marriage to a man of questionable character, while those aro…
Level C1RomanceAlice of Old VincennesIn the fading frontier town of Vincennes, a mysterious cherry tree and a lost estate ignite a tale woven from faded letters and historic whispers, blending romance with the turbule…
Level C1FantasyAlbrechtIn the shadowy depths of the Schwarzwald, mysterious and invisible forest beings weave enchanting melodies that lure mortals into their realm.
Level C1RomanceAladdin & Co.: A Romance of Yankee MagicA young political delegate, newly swept up in the glow of fresh love, finds himself torn between the fervor of public life and the tender enchantment of romance.