Tag Archives: classic romance

top ten classics

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Best Classic Romances of All Time

We’re listing our ten best classic romances for our first Top Ten Tuesday post.

ten best classic romances

Top Ten Tuesday: Genre Freebie Week

We’re dipping our toes into something new here—Top Ten Tuesdays—and if you like it, let us know, and we’ll keep this going as a regular or semi-regular segment.

“Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”

Each week has a new bookish theme. We figured today was a perfect day to start as the theme for February 28 is “Genre Freebie.” For this week, we decided to choose the 10 Best Classic Romances. As far as we’re concerned, “classic” means at least a century old–when it comes to books, anyway.

Romance Novels Have Must Have Happy Endings, Even the Classics

Happy endings are essential for us to consider a love story a romance. Let’s look at some classic works of literature and see if they qualify.

  • Romeo and Juliet: No, they die by suicide!
  • Jane Eyre: Yes. Mr. Rochester is blind, but he and Jane get married.
  • Wuthering Heights: No, Cathy dies, and Heathcliff mourns her for decades before dying.
  • Anna Karenina: Oddly, this can go either way. Despite the title, Anna Karenina tells two parallel love stories, not just one. After Anna throws herself on the train tracks and dies, Vronsky goes off to war as a suicide measure. However, Levin and Kitty survive and thrive. They live HEA with their family in the countryside, and he finds God.
  • Dr. Zhivago: No. Yuri and Lara are separated and die apart from one another.
  • Nicholas Sparks: Get out of here!

Our List of 10 Best Classic Romances (With Happy Endings)

We’re looking back 100 years and more to pick ten classic romances that we consider some of the best love stories ever written! Because a romance is not a romance unless it has a happy ending!

This list of 10 classic romances is in chronological order, not order of preference.

Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve

This legendary story is our favorite romantic fairy tale because the lovers actually have to fall in love. Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve’s Beauty and the Beast explores the love story between a beautiful young woman named Beauty and a frightening beast. The Beast, despite his fearsome appearance, possesses an unexpected inner beauty.

Through their time together, the two discover that although some may judge outward appearance, true beauty lies within.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

The Taming of the Shrew is a battle of wills between the two sexes and a romance that will have you laughing. This comedy by William Shakespeare still resonates with audiences today. It follows the story of Katharina, a “shrewish” woman, and her eventual conquest by the loveable Petruchio. We see how two strong-willed people can find common ground and true love through great wit and clever dialogue.

With many memorable moments, there’s no other play that captures the joys and frustrations of romance quite like this one.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

top ten romance classice pride and prejudice

How could this Jane Austen classic not be on our top ten list? Pride and Prejudice follows the Bennets, a family living in early 19th-century England. Daughter Elizabeth must navigate many feelings: love, hate, pride, and prejudice.

The stubborn and sharp-tongued Elizabeth clashes with the elitist and uptight Mr. Darcy in this timeless romance. Along the way, readers see her story of self-discovery and growth as she and her family face complicated issues surrounding marriage, class, social status, money, and family obligations.

Jane Austen’s wit and humor make this an enjoyable reading experience.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

ten romance classics

Jane Austen’s timeless classic, Persuasion, is a stirring romance that follows the fortunes of Anne Elliot, a young woman whose family pressures her to reject her true love, Captain Wentworth. As both characters struggle with their time’s moral and social conventions, they are eventually drawn together in a tale of love overcoming adversity.

A romance with an enduring message about the power of true love and following one’s heart, Persuasion is in some ways better than Pride and Prejudice.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

10 top classic romance noevls

Jane Eyre is not the first Gothic (Castle of Otranto is), but it is the first Gothic romance. Charlotte Bronte’s novel is a haunting masterpiece that should be included in any list of the best classic romances. The story follows Jane as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting and overcoming the many obstacles in her path. Jane is a wonderful heroine, and Mr. Rochester is a bad man we love!

With its powerful themes of female independence and social norms, Bronte’s work is one of the greatest classic love stories ever written that deserves to be on this list.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

10 classic romance stories

Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is a classic romance that is sure to make you sigh in delight! Margaret Hale moves from the south of England to the industrial North. There, she meets Mr. Thornton, a powerful mill owner who challenges all her preconceived ideas. As a clash of cultures and values ensue, Margaret and Thornton’s relationship grows in intensity until they are hopelessly in love with one another.

With its captivating characters, engaging plot, and realistic depiction of 19th-century England, this work of literature has earned its place as one of the best classic romances of all time.

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

10 best classic romances

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy makes our list because of the wonderful relationship between the independent heroine Bathsheba Everdene and the man she ends up with, her neighbor Gabriel Oak. This Victorian novel presents a heartwarming story with strong undertones of love, loss, and redemption. The plot follows Bathsheba Everdene as she navigates a web of relationships with Gabriel Oak, Sergeant Troy, and William Boldwood, who battle for her affection.

With its vivid descriptions of rural England, Far From the Madding Crowd is filled with unforgettable characters and timeless romance that will remain etched in readers’ hearts. It’s a rare Thomas Hardy book with a happy ending,

A Room With a View by E.M. Forster

10 classic romances a room with a view

E. M. Forster’s A Room With a View is an Edwardian-era romance. Beginning in Florence, Italy, in the early 1900s and follows Lucy Honeychurch as she visits the Italian city, where she learns to embrace life and love. She resists societal stiff-upper-lip expectations and instead seeks a life of empathy and passion with the free-spirited George Emerson. Through her blossoming relationship with the unconventional George and other characters, Lucy discovers a newfound freedom and courage to follow her heart against all odds.

The Sheik by Edith Maude Hull

the sheik

We will never stop shouting our praise for this wonderful desert romance. The Sheik by Edith Maude Hull is a classic romance novel first published in 1919. The story follows Lady Diana Mayo, an Englishwoman who is kidnapped in North Africa, where she encounters the mysterious Sheikh Ahmed Ben Hassan. With both of them determined to resist their feelings for one another, they fight against their growing love while struggling with cultural clashes.

Rich in exotic detail and filled with adventure and excitement, The Sheik is an absolute must-read for all fans of classic romance novels.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence

10 best classic romances

Although banned in many nations upon publication and excoriated as pornographic filth, Lady Chatterley’s Lover is actually a beautiful romance classic. D.H. Lawrence’s novel is set in 1920s Britain and follows the bold and beautiful Lady Constance Chatterley. After her husband returns home from the war paralyzed, Connie forms a bond with their gamekeeper, Mr. Mellors. Then they embark on a passionate and forbidden affair.

The novel deals with class and sexual politics. Its stirring portrayal of true love amidst impossible odds, combined with erotic imagery, places it among our top classic romances.

(Okay, so, we broke our rule or this one. Lady Chatterly’s Lover is 95 years old. But in five years [hopefully, we’ll still be around!] if/ when someone comes upon this article, it will be accurate then.)

Your Opinion

These classic romantic stories all feature happy endings, which makes them essential reading for any romance fan. What do you think of our picks for the top ten classic romances? What are your choices?

As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance!

amazon free books

Free Vintage & Old School Romance Books on Amazon #3

amazon free books

Vintage Books on Kindle

You can find great deals for vintage books on Kindle at Amazon. If you have a Prime account, you can borrow up to 10 books at a time for no extra cost.

Additionally, there are many books available on the Kindle Unlimited program, where you pay a monthly or annual fee for borrowing as many books as you want.

Free For a Limited Time On Kindle

THE SPANISH ROSE by SHIRLEE BUSBEE

the spanish rose
The Spanish Rose, Shirlee Busbee, Avon, 1985, Elaine Duillo cover art

A HEART FOR THE TAKING by SHIRLEE BUSBEE

A Heart For the Taking, Shirlee Busbee, Warner Books, 1997

Borrrow For Free On Amazon Prime

If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can borrow these romances for free. The lending library is limited to just 1,000 books, so check often to see what is available as the status of e-books changes. Currently, these romance novels published from the 1970s to 2000 are free to borrow:

SOMEDAY SOON by DEBBIE MACOMBER

Someday Soon, Debbie Macomber, Avon, 1995

DIANA PALMER by UNLIKELY LOVER

Unlikely Lover, Diana Palmer, Silhouette, 1986, cover artist unknown

Read With Kindle Unlimited

If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, no doubt you already take advantage of the many books you can read for a fixed monthly fee. These old school romances are available to read on KU:

TENDER BETRAYAL by JENNIFER BLAKE

Tender Betrayal, Jennifer Blake, Popular Library, 1979, Sanjulian cover art

SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL by JENNIFER BLAKE

Silver-Tongued Devil, Jennifer Blake, Fawcett, 1995, cover artist TBD

WINTER’S HEAT by DENISE DOMNING

winter's heat
Winter’s Heat, Denise Domning, Topaz, 1994, Pino cover art

SUMMER’S STORM by DENISE DOMNING

Summer’s Storm, Denise Domning, Topaz, 1994, Pino cover art

SPRING’S FURY by DENISE DOMNING

springs fury
Spring’s Fury, Denise Domning, Topaz, 1995, Pino cover art

AUTUMN’s FLAME by DENISE DOMNING

Autumn’s Flame, Denise Domning, Topaz, 1995, Pino cover art

A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS by DENISE DOMNING

More Free Books

Every month we’ll check for the latest available free vintage romances on Amazon. Amazon changes its prices and collections often, so check back with us in the future. We’ll be updating what freebies you can get for your Kindle!

mansfield park

Free Vintage or Old School Romance Books on Amazon #2

Amazon Prime

There are so many books listed on Amazon for free to read, that we had to post some more freebies!

If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can borrow up to 10 books for free at a time. The lending library is limited to just 1,000 books, so check often to see what is available as the status of e-books changes. Currently, these romance novels published from the 1970s to 2000 are free to borrow (original cover edition followed by Amazon image/link):

Classic Romance

MANSFIELD PARK by JANE AUSTEN

mansfield park

Contemporary Romance

FOR ALL THEIR LIVES by FERN MICHAELS

SERENDIPITY by FERN MICHAELS

Gothic Romance

THE INDIA FAN by VICTORIA HOLT

THE SECRET WOMAN by VICTORIA HOLT

the secret woman

THE SHIVERING SANDS by VICTORIA HOLT

THE TIME OF THE HUNTER’S MOON by VICTORIA HOLT

Historical Romance

OUTLAW HEARTS by ROSANNE BITTNER

RAPTURE’S GOLD by ROSANNE BITTNER

WHISPER TO ME OF LOVE by SHIRLEE BUSBEE

DEVIL’S DESIRE by LAURIE MCBAIN

DEVIL'S DESIRE

MOONSTRUCK MADNESS by LAURIE MCBAIN

Moonstruck madness

LIONS AND LACE by MEAGHAN MCKINNEY

WILD ANGEL by MIRIAM MINGER

DEARLY BELOVED by MARY JO PUTNEY

SAVAGE ECSTASY by JANELLE TAYLOR

Savage Ecstasy

Kindle Unlimited

If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, no doubt you already take advantage of the many books you can read for a fixed monthly fee. These old school romances are available to read on KU (original cover edition followed by Amazon image/link):

Classic Romance

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE AUSTEN

VILLETTE by CHARLOTTE BRONTE

Historical Romance

CAPTIVE ROSE by MIRIAM MINGER

THE PAGAN’S PRIZE by MIRIAM MINGER

TWIN PASSSIONS by MIRIAM MINGER