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 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 B2RomanceAn Imperial MarriageWhen a royal marriage is threatened by an unexpected romance between the Emperor’s favorite prince and a captivating brunette, loyalties and secrets intertwine in a high-stakes gam…
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 B2RomanceAmazing Grace, Who Proves That Virtue Has Its Silver LiningBorn into a family tangled in bitter grudges and high expectations, Grace must navigate the sharp judgments of relatives who doubt her worth and destiny.
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 B2RomanceAlton of Somasco: A Romance of the Great NorthwestIn snowbound British Columbia, Henry Alton wrestles a wild Cayuse pony amid rugged settlers and ambitious rivals.
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 B2RomanceAll for a Scrap of Paper: A Romance of the Present WarAs war erupts, a young Cornishman faces the call to defend his country while grappling with his unspoken love for Nancy, a spirited and enigmatic woman whose heart seems just out o…
Level B2RomanceAll for Love; or, Her Heart's SacrificeA village beauty’s chance encounter with a dashing stranger sparks a tender, romantic longing that promises to change her life forever.
Level B2RomanceAll along the River: A NovelSeparated by distance and duty, a young wife waits anxiously for her husband’s return from Burma, struggling with loneliness in their cozy Cornish home while clinging to memories o…
Level B2RomanceAll But Lost: A Novel. Vol. 2 of 3Amidst the fiery forges of Staffordshire, an Englishman returns to rural life just in time for a lively country wedding filled with family, flirtations, and unexpected excitement.
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 B2RomanceAlice Wilde: The Raftsman's Daughter. A Forest RomanceIn the heart of the forest, the raftsman’s spirited daughter, Alice, navigates river adventures and unexpected encounters that stir both nature and romance.
Level B2RomanceAlec Lloyd, CowpuncherIn a dusty Oklahoma town, Alec Lloyd plays matchmaker, stirring up love and trouble as he tries to unite two hearts kept apart by family and fate.
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.
Level C1RomanceAiry Fairy LilianIn the shadow of her father's death and the loss of her childhood home, young Lilian clings to the fading joys of summer and memories of a lonely past.
Level C1RomanceAgatha's Husband: A NovelAgatha Bowen, spirited and strong-willed, navigates the pressures of society and marriage proposals with laughter and defiance.
Level C1RomanceAgatha's AuntIn a shabby yet spirited boarding house, a vivid red-haired girl faces the disappointment of a lost tenant who finds their humble home less charming than promised.
Level C1RomanceAftermath: Part second of "A Kentucky Cardinal"Amid tender exchanges over butterbeans and secret notes slipped through a goldfinch’s nest, a young couple navigates the sweet, delicate growth of their romance in the quiet charm…
Level C1RomanceAfter the StormAs a fierce storm batters the Hudson Highlands, a young couple faces nature’s wrath and the tempest within their hearts, testing love and courage amid thunder and lightning’s wild…
Level C1RomanceAfter the PardonA woman’s quiet evening in Rome turns tense as love and longing stir beneath the moonlit piazza.
Level C1RomanceAfter the Divorce: A RomanceIn a dim room heavy with despair, Giovanna weeps over her husband's looming thirty-year sentence, fearing their family’s future will shatter forever.
Level C1RomanceAdventures of an Aide-de-Camp; or, A Campaign in Calabria, Volume 1 (of 3)An aide-de-camp embarks on a daring campaign through the turbulent Calabrias, navigating fierce battles, political intrigue, and romantic entanglements amidst the backdrop of Briti…
Level B2RomanceAdrienneIn a snow-covered Devon manor, spirited Adrienne navigates family bonds and unexpected letters, as her lively uncles’ contrasting temperaments fill their cozy home with warmth and…
Level C1RomanceAdrien LeroyIn the heart of London’s elite, Adrien Leroy navigates high society’s glittering facades, tangled loyalties, and the mysterious influence of Jasper Vermont, whose shadow looms over…
Level C1RomanceAddie's Husband; or, Through clouds to sunshineIn a fading Tudor manor surrounded by wild gardens, Adelaide Lefroy muses over her uncertain future and the mysterious promise of marrying a gentleman.
Level C1RomanceAdam Johnstone's SonAmid the faded glamour of Florentine society, Clare Bowring navigates the shadows left by her soldier father's death and her mother's quiet grief, uncovering the tangled legacy of…
Level C1RomanceAdam BedeIn a bustling 18th-century workshop, strong-willed Adam Bede and his gentle brother Seth navigate the challenges of craft, faith, and friendship, setting the stage for a stirring t…
Level B2MysteryAda, the Betrayed; Or, The Murder at the Old Smithy. A Romance of PassionA murder at the old smithy sets off a tangled web of passion, betrayal, and dark secrets spanning years.
Level C1RomanceAcross the Salt Seas: A Romance of the War of SuccessionA mysterious, dying Englishman aboard a ship bound for Cadiz haunts the crew with wild tales and haunting visions, setting the stage for a gripping tale of sea-bound adventure and…
Level B2RomanceA woman's trust; or, Lady Elaine's martyrdomIn a world of high society and hidden passions, Lady Elaine Seabright grapples with love, loyalty, and the expectations that bind her as she encounters the intense devotion of Sir…
Level C1RomanceA woman's soulA young woman with captivating beauty rehearses alone, caught between wistful dreams and the harsh reality of her modest surroundings.
Level C1MysteryA woman's debtIn the glittering world of London high society, a trusted secretary navigates ambition, loyalty, and hidden tensions within the powerful Morrice household, where fortune and favor…
Level C1RomanceA vagrant wifeIn a quiet country town, young women face the solemn rite of confirmation, each wrestling with faith, duty, and personal doubt.
Level B2MysteryA tragedy of love and hateIn the serene Holme Woods, a chilling discovery shatters the summer calm: Lady Clarice Alden lies drowned in the river, her life cut short beneath the bright sun while the world ca…