There is nothing wrong with a fun, sometimes trashy, romance novel. For those who spend all this time reading, however, now and again, it’s worth picking up a classic to make yourself more well-read. These literary picks keep the sexy romance going, even with old-timey sensibilities, and even set a cozy vibe perfect for the chill in the air.
The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.
Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice, may be the most basic pick for classic romance, but that’s because it has the broadest pop culture appeal. The enemies-to-lovers arch is classic yet timely, and what more could you want in a love interest than a brooding Mr Darcy?
Austen’s stories could dominate this whole list. Her legacy puts her at the front of mind when you think of Elizabethan literature and female romance writers. She even had her own parade in Bath to celebrate her 250th birthday and embody her aesthetic.
Her other books, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and even more, are great romance picks for the average reader. This one, however, is already known for all of its adaptations, including a 20th anniversary rerelease of the 2005 film (the best adaptation) in theaters.
Jane Eyre
The magnum opus of older sister Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre’s life is told in this classic Victorian novel. It’s a tragic, dark, and layered romance. The novel has also been iterated many times, and praised for marking milestones in classic literature from women.
This novel is special because of its immense layers within. Not only does it explore the intricacies of the protagonist’s romance with her employer Mr Rochester, but also broader gender and class struggles through her life. The Brontës wrote excellent novels for reader girlies who get called opinionated, maybe even crazy, but just don’t care.
Maurice
For those looking for LGBTQ+ representation, classic literature can still provide in E.M. Forster’s novel Maurice. It explores the life of the titular character as he explores and grapples with his sexuality— with several tragic situationships.
Many people’s exposure to this story is the 1987 film starring a dreamy Hugh Grant. It’s a classic pick for the dark academia girls, and the perfect cult classic for fall. This novel is a great example of understanding that not all love from the old days was straight and cookie-cutter, while also being an epic tale.
Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë lives up to her older sister’s shadow with her dark romantic novel Wuthering Heights. It follows the protagonist Cathy’s love affair with the iconic tall, dark, and handsome Heathcliff, and her subsequent descent into madness. The psychological thriller aspect makes it a great spooky pick for October.
Fans are anxiously awaiting the Valentine’s Day 2026 release of a new film adaptation from Saltburn director Emerald Fennell. There has been lots of controversy over Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the main couple, especially because book-accurate Heathcliff is implied not to be white. However, fans have faith that Fennell’s unhinged style will be able to capture the wild spirit of the Victorian novel.
No matter what you choose, the world of classic literature is a well that never dries. You should always feel free to read what you’d like, but branching out sometimes is good for the soul. Besides, there are always more niche picks if this list doesn’t tickle your fancy.
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