The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ROMANCE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
O
M
A
N
C
E
More clues leading to the result ROMANCE
- Churches in schism in medieval narrative?
- Love affair as African politicians enter European capital
- Love languages derived from Latin
- An opening for Cardinal in his head office makes for a good story
- An introduction to Casanova in capital tale
- Love Italian cafe surroundings
- “Julius Caesar” perhaps once missing on book
- . . . . love not working for Italian church
- Novel Italian church
- Affair is an African party in a European city
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Novel" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case novel = romance.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ROMANCE mean?
ROMANCE noun- A story relating to chivalry; a story involving knights, heroes, adventures, quests, etc.
- An intimate relationship between two people; a love affair.
- A strong obsession or attachment for something or someone.
- Idealized love which is pure or beautiful.
- A mysterious, exciting, or fascinating quality.
- A story or novel dealing with idealized love.
- An embellished account of something; an idealized lie.
- An adventure, or series of extraordinary events, resembling those narrated in romances.
- A dreamy, imaginative habit of mind; a disposition to ignore what is real.
- A romanza, or sentimental ballad.
- To woo; to court.
- To write or tell romantic stories, poetry, letters, etc.
- To talk extravagantly and imaginatively; to build castles in the air.