Top 10 Best Classic European Romance Novels of All Time: Immerse Yourself in the Royal World!

6

Lady to Queen (Nữ Hoàng Đổi Ngôi)

Details

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Royal, Drama, Revenge, Manhwa (Webtoon).
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+) to Young Adult (16+).
   
• Author: Lee Rin (author), Harara (illustrator).
   
• Number of chapters: 93 chapters (main part completed).
   
• Status: Completed.

Main character name:

• Cecile: The female lead, originally a commoner who was used to become the queen, later resurrected to take revenge and gain true happiness.
   
• Crown Prince Estian: The male lead, the crown prince of the Empire, who originally married Cecile for political gain.
   
• Freya (Freya Vantart): The female villain who manipulated Cecile and ruined her life in her previous life.
   
• Story: "Lady to Queen" tells the story of Cecile, a girl of low birth but possessing enchanting beauty and innocence. In her previous life, she was used by her close friend Freya Vantart to become the queen of Crown Prince Estian. Freya, with hidden ambitions, used Cecile as a pawn to gain her own status and power, while Cecile naively believed in false friendship and love. Cecile's life ended in tragedy and loneliness, being imprisoned and abandoned by the royal family. However, instead of dying, Cecile was given a second chance. She awakened at a time before everything went wrong, when she was still a young girl about to be caught up in Freya's plot. With memories of her previous life and the pain she experienced, Cecile vowed not to be deceived again. Her goal is not only to take revenge on those who harmed her, but also to reclaim her life, find true happiness, and protect herself from the traps of the royal palace.

This time, Cecile is no longer naive, but becomes stronger, smarter, and more cautious. She begins to actively change her fate, facing Freya and other enemies wisely. The relationship between her and Crown Prince Estian also begins to take a completely different direction. In the previous life, their relationship was cold and based on arrangements. In this life, when Cecile shows a completely new side, full of personality and intelligence, Estian is gradually attracted to her. He begins to realize the good and precious things in Cecile, which he missed in the previous life.

The story is not only about Cecile taking revenge and regaining power, but also about her journey of healing her emotional wounds, learning to trust and open up to love. "Lady to Queen" vividly depicts the royal world full of intrigue and power struggles, but also has romantic and touching moments. The series stands out with beautiful drawings, gorgeous costumes in classic European style and deep character development.

7

Who Made Me a Princess

Details

• Genre: Romance (side story), Fantasy, Time Travel, Regression, Royal, Slice of Life, Drama, Manhwa (Webtoon).
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+).
   
• Author: Plutus (author), Spoon (illustrator).
   
• Number of chapters: Completed with 125 main chapters + side stories.
   
• Status: Completed.

Main character name:

• Athanasia de Alger Obelia: The female protagonist, a modern girl who time travels into the abandoned princess Athanasia, daughter of Emperor Claude.
   
• Claude de Alger Obelia: The Emperor of the Obelia Empire, Athanasia's father, a cold and cruel person.
   
• Lucas: A great magician, Athanasia's friend and protector.
   
• Ijekiel Alpheus: The son of Duke Alpheus, a childhood friend of Athanasia.
   
• Jennette Margarita: The adopted daughter of Duke Alpheus, who is said to be the "real princess" in the original story.
   
• Story: "Who Made Me a Princess" begins when a modern Korean girl suddenly travels through time and reincarnates as Athanasia de Alger Obelia - an abandoned princess in a romance novel. What's more terrifying is that in the original story, Athanasia was killed by her own father, Emperor Claude de Alger Obelia, when she was 18, just because her brother (in the original story) tried to protect her.

With the memory of this tragic plot, little Athanasia decides to do everything she can to stay away from Emperor Claude and survive. She tries to save money to escape, avoid attention, and keep her distance from her cold, cruel father. However, fate turns sour when she accidentally runs into Claude when she is very young. Contrary to her expectations, Claude does not kill her but instead becomes a little curious and interested in this eccentric daughter.

Gradually, Athanasia, with her cuteness, intelligence and sometimes unexpected actions, gradually breaks down the icy wall in Claude's heart. From an indifferent and cruel father, Claude begins to show his care and affection for his daughter, something that Athanasia never dared to dream of. The main story revolves around Athanasia's efforts to change her fate, build a father-daughter relationship with Claude, and find happiness in the royal world full of intrigue.

Besides the touching father-daughter relationship, the series also intersperses romantic elements with the appearance of two potential male lead candidates: Lucas, a powerful and mysterious magician who is always by Athanasia's side to protect and tease her; and Ijekiel Alpheus, a young, polite and kind noble.

"Who Made Me a Princess" is famous for its sparkling, splendid drawings, especially the royal costumes and architecture with a strong European style. The story attracts readers not only by the time travel element, humorous plot but also by the psychological development of the characters, especially the journey from a cold Claude to a warm father, and the maturity of Athanasia from a scared girl to a beloved princess.

8

The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass

Details

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Revenge, Time Travel (Regression), Royal, Drama, Manhwa (Webtoon).
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+) to Young Adult (16+).
   
• Author: San.G (author), Antstudio (illustrator).
   
• Number of chapters: 105 main chapters + side stories.
   
• Status: Completed.

Main character name:

• Aria Roscent: The female lead, the daughter of a rich but evil countess, who was reborn after death and determined to take revenge.
   
• Asher: The Crown Prince of the Empire, who later became Aria's ally and lover.
   
• Mielle Roscent: The female villain, Aria's half-sister, who manipulated Aria and caused her death in her previous life.
   
• Story: "The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass" tells the story of Aria Roscent, an arrogant, cruel and greedy countess. In her first life, Aria was always jealous and tormented Mielle, her half-sister - who was loved by everyone for her kindness and false innocence. In the end, Aria was manipulated by Mielle herself, pushed to her death and publicly executed.

However, a miracle happened when Aria breathed her last. She was given a magical hourglass, allowing her to turn back time to the time when she was a 14-year-old girl, right before all the tragedies began. With clear memories of her previous life and extreme resentment towards Mielle, Aria vowed to no longer be the "foolish villain" who was taken advantage of. This time, she would use all her intelligence and cunning to take revenge on Mielle, reverse fate and gain the power she deserved.

Aria no longer relies on anger or violence, but instead uses her intelligence, social skills, and foresight to expose Mielle's true face and build her own power. She begins to learn about economics, politics, and how to subtly manipulate those around her. Aria transforms herself from a hated person into a charming, talented, and mysterious lady, gradually winning the admiration of the nobility and even the attention of Crown Prince Asher.

The relationship between Aria and Crown Prince Asher is one of the highlights of the story. Asher is initially quite wary of Aria because of her reputation, but is gradually attracted to her intelligence and uniqueness. He becomes an important ally, joining Aria in fighting against the conspiracies in the palace.

The series stands out with its dramatic revenge plot, Aria's strong character development, from a hateful villain to a strong and charming female lead. The art is beautiful, especially the costumes and the European aristocratic setting are shown in a luxurious and sophisticated way. "The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass" is a fascinating story of power, revenge and an unexpected love that blossoms between two people with different goals.

9

Duchess of the Glass House

Details

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Royal, Drama, Manhwa (Webtoon).
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+) to Young Adult (16+).
   
• Author: Ju Yu-jeong (author), Heo Min (illustrator).
   
• Number of chapters: 112 chapters (main part completed).
   
• Status: Completed.

Main character name:

• Elysia Rubel: The female lead, a countess/princess trapped in her "greenhouse" due to a mysterious illness, but has an innate talent for art and a sharp intellect.
   
• Ian Winter: The male lead, a cold and strong duke who is haunted by the curse and seeks the power to free himself.
   
• Crown Prince Cesare: The crown prince of the empire who has a complicated connection with Elysia.
   
• Story content: "Duchess of the Glass House" tells the story of Elysia Rubel, a beautiful and talented girl, but imprisoned in her own house. Since she was a child, Elysia suffered from a mysterious disease that prevented her from being exposed to direct sunlight or the outside world without being seriously injured. She had to live in a special room made of glass, isolated from the world, and was nicknamed "Duchess of the Glass House".

Although physically imprisoned, Elysia's soul is extremely rich. She spends her time reading books, learning and developing her innate artistic talent, especially in music and painting. Her intelligence and sophistication are expressed through her artwork and deep conversations.

One day, fate brings Elysia to meet Duke Ian Winter, a cold, strong and mysterious man. Ian is a great warrior, but also carries a dark curse. He comes to Elysia with a purpose, initially to find some power that he believes she possesses or is related to. However, when interacting with Elysia, Ian is gradually attracted by her beauty, intelligence and pure soul. He realizes that Elysia is not just a tool but an extraordinary woman.

The relationship between Elysia and Ian gradually develops from initial curiosity and exploitation into a deep and touching love. Ian becomes the only person who can protect Elysia from the outside world and help her discover the secret of her illness. Together, they face court intrigue, ancient curses and Elysia's health challenges.

The series is loved for its exquisite drawings, clearly showing the beauty of European architecture and aristocratic costumes. The story has a romantic, gentle color but is no less dramatic and meaningful, revolving around the theme of self-acceptance, overcoming adversity and finding true love.

10

Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayukihime)

Details

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Shoujo, Drama.
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+).
   
• Author: Sorata Akizuki.
   
• Chapter Number: Ongoing (as of July 2025, there are 27 tankōbon volumes).
   
• Status: Ongoing.

Main Character Name:

• Shirayuki: The female protagonist, a talented pharmacist with unique red hair, strong and independent.
   
• Zen Wistaria Clarines: The male protagonist, the second prince of the Clarines Kingdom, Shirayuki's lover.
   
• Mitsuhide Roumen: Zen's trusted bodyguard, a skilled swordsman.
   
• Kiki Seiran: Zen's female bodyguard, a calm and strong swordsman.
   
• Obi: An assassin/spy who becomes Shirayuki's bodyguard, skilled in stealth and very loyal.
   
• Story: "Snow White with the Red Hair" tells the story of Shirayuki, a beautiful young girl living in a small town, who stands out for her rare bright red hair. She is a talented pharmacist who loves to mix medicine and heal. Shirayuki's peaceful life is disturbed when Prince Raji of the kingdom where she lives suddenly wants her to be his concubine because of her unique hair. Not accepting her forced fate, Shirayuki cuts off her red hair, leaves it to Prince Raji as a refusal, and flees the kingdom.

During her journey, Shirayuki accidentally meets Zen Wistaria Clarines, a young man with an ordinary appearance but is actually the second prince of the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. Initially, Shirayuki does not know Zen's true identity, and Zen does not reveal it either. After a small incident, Zen saves Shirayuki from trouble. Impressed by Shirayuki's intelligence, independence, and kindness, Zen invites her to work at the Clarines Palace as the royal pharmacist.

At Clarines, Shirayuki begins her new life, working hard to prove her abilities and gain recognition from the royal court. She quickly becomes a trusted and beloved pharmacist. The relationship between Shirayuki and Zen deepens. Zen is attracted to Shirayuki's strength, determination, and kindness, and Shirayuki gradually develops feelings for Zen, who always supports and protects her.

The series focuses on the development of Shirayuki and Zen's relationship, from friendship to love, overcoming barriers of status, prejudice, and palace intrigue. Shirayuki is not a traditional "princess" waiting to be rescued, but a strong, independent girl who always tries her best to achieve her goals. Zen is not a perfect prince either, he also has his own worries and pressures and always tries to become a better leader.

"Snow White with the Red Hair" is loved for its beautiful, gentle, romantic drawings and a fantasy world imbued with medieval Europe. The story emphasizes love, friendship, effort and free will, bringing a warm and positive feeling to readers.

The ten manga series introduced above, although coming from different authors and countries, all converge on one thing: they invite readers to embark on romantic and dramatic journeys in a world imbued with the breath of ancient Europe. From magnificent castles to fairy-tale forests, each work paints a vivid picture of love, power and fate. The highlight of this collection is the diversity in storytelling. You will find unexpected time-travel stories, where modern female protagonists must use their intelligence to change history and love; spectacular reincarnations, allowing characters to correct mistakes and take revenge on those who have harmed them. Besides, there are indispensable magical fantasy worlds, where magic and mythical creatures coexist, creating love stories that surpass all conventional barriers. Whether it’s an abandoned princess who must find a way to survive, a mysterious mage with a painful past, or a strong girl who decides her own fate, the main characters all go through a strong process of growing up. They not only find true love but also discover their own values, learn to trust and fight for what they hold dear. With exquisite drawings, elaborate settings and compelling plots, these 10 series are sure to please those who are passionate about the romance genre mixed with elements of Western epics and fairy tales. They are a testament to the eternal appeal of timeless love stories, where past, present and magic blend into one endless song.