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.
There are many beautiful sentences in web novels. Here are some examples:
His heart was beating faster with every breath, and she only needed to say a few words to make his entire world stop for her.
No one in this world could make him give up unless he gave up himself.
Love is like a war. Only the winner can have the fruits of victory in this war.
She liked to see him smile, as warm as the sun, making her whole world a better place.
Love needs courage, courage to face the unknown future, courage to accept all challenges.
Every time his heart beat faster, she knew that it was her chance to get closer to him.
Love is like a blooming flower that needs to be carefully cared for in order to let it bloom in the most beautiful colors.
His eyes were like a lamp in the darkness, guiding her forward.
He knew that he loved her as much as he loved her own life. No matter what happened, he would protect her.
Love requires trust. You need to trust the other person's character and ability. Only by believing can you have true love.
I love you for no particular reason.
Love is not a matter of one person, but two people's efforts, two people's struggles, two people's common understanding, two people's common maintenance.
You are my one and only, my one and only, I cannot be replaced.
There is no reason to love. Only mutual understanding, tolerance and mutual trust can last long.
Love is built on the basis of equality. One party can't always pay for the other party while doing nothing.
Love needs lies to modify, contradictions to set off, pain to season, separation to temper.
Love is like a pair of scissors that cuts the silk thread and the longing.
Love is like a game, some people only participate, some people like to quit, some people have unclear rules, and some people have been insisting.
Love needs lies to embellish, misunderstandings to intensify, contradictions to escalate, separation to temper.
Love is like a book, some people only see the cover, some people only see the back cover, some people turn a few pages and give up, some people keep reading.
Love is like a drink, some people like it, some people don't like it, some people will add more ice cubes, some people will add sugar and milk.
Love is like a journey. Some people just stay in the same place, some people go further, some people just sightsee, some people want to keep going.
Love is like a painting. Some people only see the picture, some people see the back of the picture, some people pay attention to the color of the picture, some people pay attention to the composition of the picture.
Love is like a dream. Some people wake up, some people dream, some people live forever in the dream.
Love is like a butterfly. Some people see its beauty, some people catch it, some people chase it, some people give up on it.
Love is like rain. Some people get wet, some people catch a cold, some people have a fever, and some people are reborn.
Love is like a song. Some people like its melody, some like its lyrics, and some like its voice.
Love is like a state of mind. Some people regard it as true love, some people regard it as fake love, and some people regard it as plain.
Love is like a mirror. Some people see themselves in the mirror, some people see themselves in reality, and some people see themselves distorted.
Love is like a river. Some people stand on the riverbank, some jump into the river, some swim in the river, and some sink at the bottom.