first lines of romance novels

In 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks, the first line 'I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten.' This humble start sets up a beautiful and poignant love story that shows how love can transform an ordinary life into something truly remarkable.

One common characteristic is that they often introduce the main character or characters. For example, 'She was the kind of girl who always had her nose in a book, until he walked into the library that day.' This immediately gives you a sense of who one of the protagonists is like. Another aspect could be setting a mood. 'The rain poured down as she stood at the train station, waiting for a new beginning.' It sets a rather melancholic or anticipatory mood which is typical in romance. Also, sometimes the first line hints at a conflict. 'He had sworn off love, but her smile made him question everything.' This shows there's an internal struggle right from the start.

They create intrigue. For example, if the first line is 'She found a letter in the attic, addressed to a stranger but filled with words of love.', it makes the reader wonder who the letter is from and who the stranger is. This mystery draws the reader in.

Often, the first lines of romance novels focus on love lost or unrequited. For instance, 'He had watched her walk away years ago, and still, her memory haunted him every day.' It can also be about the anticipation of a new relationship. 'She was starting a new job in a new city, not knowing that love was waiting just around the corner.' Some first lines may also introduce a conflict that will be resolved through love. 'The feud between their families had lasted for generations, but she didn't care when she saw him for the first time.'

By creating intrigue. For instance, 'The letter in her hand held a secret that could change her life and her relationship forever.' This makes the reader wonder what's in the letter and how it will impact her life. Simple as that.

One example could be 'It was a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' from Pride and Prejudice. This line sets the stage for the story's exploration of marriage and relationships in that era.

They also set the mood. If the first line has a dreamy or passionate tone, it gives the reader an idea of what kind of romance to expect. For example, a line like 'The first time he saw her, the world seemed to stop spinning.' immediately gives a sense of a powerful, instant attraction. This draws the reader in as they are eager to see how this intense feeling will develop. In addition, the first lines can introduce a conflict or an obstacle related to love right away. Such as 'She knew she could never love him, not with the secret she held in her heart.' This creates a sense of tension that makes the reader curious about how the characters will overcome this and find love.

They often create intrigue. For example, a first line that poses a question or presents a mystery makes the reader want to find out more. If it starts with something like 'She saw him across the crowded room, but she knew there was something different about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on...' It makes you wonder what that difference is and how it will play into the love story.

The first lines are quite important. They can grab the reader's attention right away. For example, if the first line is dull, the reader might not be interested in reading further.

The first lines of Hemingway novels are often very impactful. For example, in 'The Sun Also Rises', the opening sets a certain mood. It draws the reader into the post - World War I disillusioned world that Hemingway was so good at portraying. These first lines usually give a hint of the themes that will follow, like the lost generation's search for meaning and the complex relationships among the characters.