Best Romance Fiction Writing Reference Books of 2025

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic novel set in the Jazz Age on Long Island. Narrator Nick Carraway's encounters with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with reuniting with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan, form the plot. Fitzgerald's youthful romance with socialite Ginevra King and the lively parties he attended on Long Island's North Shore in 1922 motivated the novel. The Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel. A Best Seller Classic that belongs on everyone's library shelf.

Fleabag: The Scriptures is a must-have for any fan of the critically acclaimed series. The book includes the full scripts of both seasons, along with Phoebe Waller-Bridge's exclusive commentary on her creative process and the making of the series. Waller-Bridge's insights into the now-iconic protagonist, Fleabag, are powerful and offer a deeper understanding of the character. The book has been praised for its completeness and for being a "completist's dream." Overall, this book is a fantastic companion to a groundbreaking series that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The memoir "My Name Is Barbra" by Barbra Streisand is a captivating account of the legendary entertainer's life and career. From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her rise to stardom in every medium, Streisand shares her experiences with honesty, humor, and charm. The book covers her struggles to become an actress, her transition to singing, the making of her acclaimed albums, and her directorial achievements. Streisand also delves into her personal life, including her marriage to James Brolin and her political advocacy. This memoir is a must-read for Streisand's millions of fans and anyone interested in the entertainment industry.

The Schocken Kafka Library's "Letters to Milena" is a remarkable work that reveals Franz Kafka's most intimate self through his epistolary love affair with his Czech translator, Milena Jesenská. This work is not only a testament to their passionate but doomed relationship but also a significant key to understanding Kafka's novels and short stories. The letters are touching, horrifying, brilliant, sickly, heartbreaking, and infinitely convoluted, and the most personal, pure, and painful testimony to human existence. This new edition is a marvelous documentation of Kafka's complex genius and character and is a must-read for Kafka enthusiasts and literary lovers alike.

100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World is a beautifully illustrated treasury that features 100 beloved and little-known Disney adventures from around the world. From dining with your favorite characters to a tour of the Galapagos Islands, the book offers a lifetime of magical, memorable experiences. The book also includes insider stories, pilgrimages to historic Disney sites, and inspiration for planning your next Disney vacation. Overall, this book is a must-have for any Disney enthusiast looking to explore new adventures and make unforgettable memories.

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron is a witty and candid collection of essays that offers an honest and hilarious perspective on the challenges women face as they age. With her trademark humor, Ephron discusses topics such as maintenance, menopause, and the empty nest. Her writing style is disarming, intimate, and accessible, making this book an enjoyable read for women of all ages. The book offers a fresh and unique take on the challenges women face as they age, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a good laugh and some honest advice.

The book "Secret Knowledge (New and Expanded Edition): Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters" by David Hockney explores the painting techniques of the Old Masters such as Caravaggio, Velázquez, and da Vinci. Hockney's research led him to conclude that these artists used optics and lenses to create their masterpieces. The book includes hundreds of well-known paintings and Hockney's analysis, along with his own photographs and drawings to illustrate the techniques used to capture accurate likenesses. This thought-provoking book will forever change how one perceives art and how we choose to represent the world.

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry is a contemporary YA high school romance about a list-making protagonist who is blackmailed into facing her worst fears. Joya Goffney's debut novel is a hilarious and swoonworthy story that will resonate with fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and I Wanna Be Where You Are. The book is a perfect mix of humor and romance that inspires readers to be brave and embrace authenticity. Overall, it's a fun, emotionally rich romance with a sweet, imperfect character who will win your heart.

The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs is a must-read for any fiction writer seeking to master character creation. This book offers valuable insights into what makes characters memorable and how to make them compelling. The author shares ten simple tricks to add excitement to your plot without deviating from the main story, and explains how to take advantage of plot and structure to develop your protagonist's journey. The book also covers the worst thing a writer can do for their character and how to make readers relate to unlikable characters. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for writers who want to create unforgettable characters that will keep readers engaged long after they've finished the book.

Out of Africa, selected as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time by the Modern Library, is a true account of Karen Blixen's life on her plantation in Kenya. She describes the beauty of the country and its people, the wild animals that were her neighbors, and the primitive festivals she witnessed. This edition, set from the first American edition of 1937, commemorates the seventy-fifth anniversary of Random House. The book is a classic and a must-read for anyone interested in African history and culture.