Romance
Read Romance Classics in English
2,361 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.
- 2,361
- books
Level C1RomanceMiss Hildreth: A Novel, Volume 1A broken engagement leads a woman to seek the comfort of an old love, stirring memories of youth, passion, and regret.
Level C1RomanceMiss Fairfax of Virginia: A Romance of Love and Adventure Under the PalmettosIn the shadowed streets of Dublin, a skilled American diplomat encounters a mysterious woman disguised as a nun, who warns him of a deadly plot—sparking a tense game of intrigue an…
Level C1RomanceMiss Dividends: A NovelA determined Western adventurer arrives in New York to negotiate the sale of a silver mine, captivated by a mysterious beauty and drawn into high-stakes financial dealings amid the…
Level B2RomanceMiss DexieAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, a New England family grapples with divided loyalties as a man must confront his Southern-born mother's opposition to his Union enlistment, while…
Level C1RomanceMiss Devereux, spinsterSybella Devereux faces life alone for the first time, a sheltered woman whose gentle nature has been shaped by years of protection and indecision.
Level C1RomanceMiss CrespignyLisbeth Crespigny is a bold, enigmatic young woman restless to escape her quiet village life and the stifling attention of three devoted spinster aunts.
Level C1RomanceMiss Cheyne of Essilmont, Volume 2 (of 3)Haunted by love and secrets, Alison Cheyne embarks on a voyage along the French coast, caught between hope and despair as she contemplates her future with Bevil Goring amidst subtl…
Level C1RomanceMiss Cheyne of Essilmont, Volume 1 (of 3)A chance meeting between Alison Cheyne, the last of her line, and Captain Goring, a soldier bound by loss and duty, sparks a connection amid the thrill of a royal hunt and the shad…
Level B2RomanceMiss CapriceIn the vibrant setting of Malta's fortified city of Valetta, a spirited Englishwoman and her eclectic companions find their unexpected stopover stirring passions and rivalries.
Level C1RomanceMiss Billy's DecisionIn Paris, a witty friendship unfolds between Calderwell and the enigmatic M.
Level B2RomanceMiss Billy — MarriedA whirlwind romance defies family expectations as Billy and Bertram marry in a quiet, sunlit ceremony, their love triumphing over misunderstandings, broken engagements, and a drama…
Level B2RomanceMischievous Maid FaynieIn a snowbound New York, two handsome cousins lead starkly different lives—one a struggling cashier with a heart of gold, the other a charming actor desperate for money.
Level B2RomanceMilly: At Love's Extremes; A Romance of the SouthlandIn the rugged Alabama mountains, an Englishman overseeing family mines seeks solace in the wild landscape, where nature’s beauty and a sudden storm mirror the complexities of his n…
Level C1RomanceMiles Tremenhere: A Novel. Vol. 2 of 2A husband’s deep love spirals into dark jealousy as he battles haunting fears of losing his wife’s affection, revealing a fragile heart caught between passion and despair in their…
Level C1RomanceMiles Tremenhere: A Novel. Vol. 1 of 2Seventeen years old and orphaned, Minnie yearns for the elusive love she’s only just beginning to imagine, caught between the watchful eyes of her aunts, uncle, and a trio of suito…
Level C1RomanceMildred Arkell: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)A young college boy, forbidden from entering the exclusive Bishop’s Garden, finds a golden locket belonging to the spirited Georgina Beauclerc and dares to deliver it himself, spar…![Cover of Michel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — Complete by Gilbert Parker](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da63fmi7a4gs73ek2680.webp)
Level C1RomanceMichel and Angele [A Ladder of Swords] — CompleteAmidst the turmoil of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, a tender romance unfolds between Michel de la Foret and Angele Aubert, whose love story is pieced together from faded letters and chu…
Level C1Science FictionMercia, the astronomer royal: A romanceIn a future where peace is enforced by the terrifying power of science, women rise to claim their rightful place alongside men, challenging centuries of inequality and forging a ne…
Level C1RomanceMemoirs of Emma CourtneyA passionate woman wrestles with the clash between virtue and desire, revealing the fragile nature of the human heart.
Level B2RomanceMeg of the heatherCaught between the wild beauty of the heath and a brewing storm, Meg finds a moment of freedom shattered by harsh realities.
Level B2RomanceMay Iverson's CareerA young woman fresh from graduation shocks her family by deciding to become a nun, but her father persuades her to try a career as a newspaper reporter in New York first—setting th…
Level C1RomanceMaxA young man travels through the wintry night on the north express, clutching a secret treasure as memories of cold landscapes and distant cities flood his dreams—setting the stage…
Level C1RomanceMaurice GuestIn the vibrant heart of Leipzig's musical world, a young man named Maurice Guest is swept into a passionate journey of art, ambition, and longing, where the promise of spring mirro…
Level C1RomanceMaster of the VineyardAmid the tranquil beauty of a vineyard valley, Rosemary clings to a secret ritual—a scarlet ribbon signal—to summon a mysterious visitor who brings the promise of love and escape f…
Level C1RomanceMaster and MaidAs the new term begins at Hamchester College, the arrival of Lallie, a charming and spirited young woman with a mysterious connection to the students, stirs the quiet housemaster a…
Level C1RomanceMassimilla DoniAmid the faded grandeur of Venice’s noble families, a young patrician clings to his ancestral palace and the delicate beauty of a duchess, weaving a tale of love and loss where ari…
Level B2RomanceMason of Bar X RanchA wealthy young man in New York faces his father’s ultimatum: spend a year proving himself on a rugged Nevada ranch or be disinherited.
Level C1RomanceMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 3 of 3A chance encounter in Edinburgh reignites the complicated romance between Mary and Eugene, whose love is tested by distance, doubt, and the pressures of society.
Level C1RomanceMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 2 of 3A young woman’s heart is caught between devotion and scrutiny as her brother evaluates her suitor with keen eyes, while love and jealousy quietly weave through their intertwined li…
Level C1RomanceMary BartonIn the shadow of Manchester’s factories and rural fields, the lives of struggling workers intertwine with love and hardship, revealing deep social divides and the yearning for just…
Level C1RomanceMarujaIn the sunlit valleys near San Jose, a wandering wayfarer drifts past opulent estates and sleepy servants, hinting at a collision between untamed freedom and refined society—where…
Level C1RomanceMartin ValliantIn the shadowed halls of a moonlit priory, Brother Geraint prowls with a sly grin and simmering hatred, plotting against the young, golden-haired novice whose bold piety threatens…
Level C1RomanceMartha By-the-DayCaught in a stormy New York rush-hour, vulnerable Claire Lang finds unexpected protection from a towering, motherly stranger who commands respect and kindness in the chaos of the c…
Level C1RomanceMarried or single?, Vol. 2 (of 3)A young heiress is thrust into London society under the strict guidance of her sister-in-law, who has grand designs for her future—especially a marriage to her own brother, the elu…
Level C1RomanceMarriageA young woman journeys through the English countryside, caught between social expectations and personal dreams, while navigating the complexities of love, family, and the invisible…
Level C1RomanceMarriageAmid Edinburgh’s high society, sharp wit and keen satire expose the foibles of love and marriage, painting unforgettable portraits of human nature with humor and moral insight.
Level C1RomanceMarmadukeA returning captain reunites with the spirited granddaughter of his family's piper, their childhood bond reigniting amid class divides and unspoken tensions.
Level B2RomanceMarjorie Dean, Post-GraduateUnder a moonlit sky at Severn Beach, youthful friendships spark with playful challenges and unspoken feelings.
Level C1RomanceMarjorie Dean's RomanceIn a sunlit study filled with secrets and laughter, Marjorie Dean navigates college life, friendship, and mysterious plans for a daring party at Wayland Hall, where unexpected adve…
Level C1RomanceMarjorie Dean Macy's Hamilton ColonyIn a quiet town awaiting change, Marjorie Dean Macy senses something extraordinary is about to happen as old friends and secrets stir beneath the surface.
Level B2RomanceMarjorie Dean MacyIn sunlit Southern California, Marjorie Dean, poised between youthful charm and newfound love, reunites with her dear friend Ronny amidst the romantic beauty of the Manaña ranch—wh…
Level C1RomanceMarjorie DawA restless young man, confined by a broken leg and haunted by his own dark moods, finds solace only through the letters of a devoted friend who paints vivid scenes of seaside life…
Level B2RomanceMarjorieA young man raised by cautious, well-meaning parents dreams of adventure beyond his quiet mercer's shop in Sussex, drawn irresistibly to the sea by tales of Arabian Nights and exot…
Level C1RomanceMarion Fay: A NovelA young Radical Marquis defies family tradition and political expectations, forging a controversial friendship and romance that challenge the rigid social order.
Level B2RomanceMarion Arleigh's Penance: Everyday Life Library No. 5On a scorching June afternoon, a mysterious veiled woman boards a train bound for Crewe, her silent despair and secretive demeanor hinting at a haunting past.
Level C1RomanceMarietta: A Maid of VeniceIn the secretive glass workshops of Murano, a fiery master keeps a watchful eye on his talented daughter Marietta and the mysterious Dalmatian servant Zorzi, whose growing skills a…
Level C1RomanceMarie; a story of Russian loveAmidst the vast Russian steppes, a young sergeant reflects on his unconventional upbringing and the loyal bonds that shape his life, setting the stage for a poignant tale of love a…
Level C1RomanceMarie Gourdon: A Romance of the Lower St. LawrenceIn 1745 Scotland, amidst fierce storms and family strife within a Norman castle, the legacy of displaced Scottish soldiers unfolds as they blend into the rugged landscapes and cult…