(Not Your Usual) Conflict`

This list was started in 1997 when many romances then and more importantly the late 80’s early 90’s used the conflict of extreme emotions dealing with ‘I hate you! But I must have you!’ with wrapped up endings leaving a reader wondering how long the romance was destined to last. This list, in actuality two lists, was the most difficult list to create – it took roughly a year to put it together. We still may not have it exactly right, but we’re trying, and hope you will help.

(List begun 11/97, updated 04/13)

External Conflict Romances feature conflict outside the love relationship; the conflict is what brings the hero and heroine together (or keeps them together while they fall in love). For the sake of brevity, we also include in this list romances where the conflicts are either slight or non-existent. In Intra-Character Conflict Romances the hero and the heroine basically get along from the start of the story (or very early on). However, there is something internal to either one or both of these characters that prevents total commitment to the other until the epiphany.External Conflict

  • The Gladiator (2009) by Carla Capshaw (B+ at AAR)
  • The Bride (1989) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Honor’s Splendor (1987) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Saving Grace (1993) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • The Secret (1992) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Rivals for the Crown (2007) by Kathleen Givens (B at AAR)
  • Stealing Heaven (2002) by Madeline Hunter (B at AAR)
  • Shadowheart (2004) by Laura Kinsale (B- at AAR)
  • Scoundrel’s Kiss (2010) by Carrie Lofty (B at AAR)
  • Death Comes as Epiphany (1993) by Sharan Newman
  • A Bed of Spices (1993) by Barbara Samuel (A at AAR)
  • The Wolf and the Dove (1974) by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (A at AAR)

  • The Double Wager (1985) by Mary Balogh
  • An Intimate Deception (1983) by Catherine Coulter
  • Marrying the Royal Marine (2010) by Carla Kelly (A- at AAR)
  • The American Duchess (1982) by Joan Wolf (A at AAR)

  • First Comes Marriage (2009) by Mary Balogh (A- at AAR)
  • A Matter of Class (2009) by Mary Balogh (A- at AAR)
  • Passion Wears Pearls (2012) by Renee Bernard (B at AAR)
  • The Spymaster’s Lady (2008) by Joanna Bourne (A at AAR)
  • So Enchanting (2009) by Connie Brockway (B+ at AAR)
  • Wicked All Day (2009) by Liz Carlyle (A- at AAR)
  • Her Ladyship’s Companion (2009) by Evangeline Collins (B at AAR)
  • Lord Greville’s Captive (2006) by Nicola Cornick
  • Bound by Your Touch (2009) by Meredith Duran (A at AAR)
  • Forever and Ever (1996) by Patricia Gaffney (A at AAR)
  • To Love and To Cherish (1995) by Patricia Gaffney (A at AAR)
  • Lion’s Lady (1988) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Daughter of the Game (2002) by Tracy Grant (A- at AAR)
  • Secret Desires of a Gentleman (2008) by Laura Lee Guhrke (A- at AAR)
  • Scandalous Desires (2011) by Elizabeth Hoyt (C at AAR)
  • To Beguile a Beast (2009) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A at AAR)
  • To Taste Temptation (2008) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • The Raven Prince (2006) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • Thief of Shadows (2012) by Elizabeth Hoyt (B- at AAR)
  • The Rules of Seduction (2006) by Madeline Hunter (B at AAR)
  • The Emerald Garden (1996) by Andrea Kane
  • The Last Duke (1995) by Andrea Kane
  • The Surgeon’s Lady (2009) by Carla Kelly (A- at AAR)
  • Seduce Me at Sunrise (2008) by Lisa Kleypas (A- at AAR)
  • The Windflower (1984) by Laura London (Sharon and Tom Curtis) (A at AAR)
  • The Perils of Pleasure (2008) by Julie Anne Long (A- at AAR)
  • Bride of the Unicorn (1993) by Kasey Michaels
  • The Kiss (2008) by Sophia Nash (A- at AAR)
  • Follow My Lead (2011) by Kate Noble (B+ at AAR)
  • Angel Rogue (1995) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)
  • Shattered Rainbows (1996) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)
  • Deception (1993) by Amanda Quick
  • Mischief (1996) by Amanda Quick (B at AAR)
  • Splendid (1995) by Julia Quinn (A at AAR)
  • Laird of the Mist (2007) by Paula Quinn (A- at AAR)
  • The Dead Travel Fast (2010) by Deanna Raybourn (B+ at AAR)
  • The Devil Earl (1996) by Deborah Simmons – HH-317 (B/B+ at AAR)
  • The Vicar’s Daughter (1995) by Deborah Simmons – HH-258 (A at AAR)
  • Bed of Roses (1995) by Suzanne Simmons (B+ at AAR)
  • The Bronze Horseman (2001) by Paullina Simons (A- at AAR)
  • Tatiana and Alexander (2003) by Paullina Simons (A at AAR)

  • What a Pirate Desires (2008) by Michelle Beattie (B+ at AAR)
  • Irresistible (1994) by Catherine Hart
  • The Fulfillment (1979) by LaVyrle Spencer (C- at AAR)
  • Pieces of Sky (2010) by Kaki Warner (B+ at AAR)

  • This Time Forever (1992) by Kathleen Eagle (A at AAR)
  • What the Librarian Did (2010) by Karina Bliss (B+ at AAR)
  • Sunshine and Shadow (1986) by Sharon and Tom Curtis (A- at AAR)
  • The Testimony (1983) by Robin James (Sharon and Tom Curtis) (B+ at AAR)
  • Country of the Heart (12/1987) by Robyn Donald – HP-1040
  • Death Angel (2008) by Linda Howard (A at AAR)
  • Dream Man (1998) by Linda Howard (A/A+ at AAR)
  • Mommy Said Goodbye (4/2004) by Janice Kay Johnson (B/B- at AAR)
  • Dangerous Lies (2009) by Anna Louise Lucia (A at AAR)
  • The Living Stone (2000) by Jane Orcutt (B+ at AAR)
  • Freudian Slip (2009) by Erica Orloff (A- at AAR)
  • Julie and Romeo (2000) by Jeanne Ray (B+ at AAR)
  • Till the Stars Fall (1994) by Kathleen Gilles Seidel (A at AAR)
  • A Place to Call Home (1998) by Deborah Smith (B/B+ at AAR)
  • Spring Fancy (1984) by LaVyrle Spencer
  • Morning Glory (1989) by LaVyrle Spencer (A at AAR)
  • Catspaw (1/1985) by Anne Stuart – HI-9
  • Ice Storm (2007) by Anne Stuart (B+ at AAR)

  • A Spell for Chameleon (1977) by Piers Anthony
  • Passion Moon Rising (1988) by Rebecca Brandewyne
  • Outlander (1991) by Diana Gabaldon (A at AAR)
  • Voyager (1995) by Diana Gabaldon (A at AAR)
  • Dragonfly in Amber (1992) by Diana Gabaldon (A at AAR)
  • Drums of Autumn (1997) by Diana Gabaldon (A at AAR)
  • Till There Was You (2009) by Lynn Kurland (B at AAR)
  • In Death Series (1995 – ) by J.D. Robb
  • A Cottage by the Sea (1997) by Ciji Ware
  • Storm Prince (1997) by Terri Lynn Wilhelm

Intra-Character Conflict

  • Lord of Midnight (1998) by Jo Beverley (A/B+ at AAR)
  • A Knight to Remember (1997) by Christina Dodd
  • A Winter Ballad (1994) by Barbara Samuel

  • A Gift of Daises (1989) by Mary Balogh
  • Heartless (1995) by Mary Balogh (A at AAR)
  • The Ideal Wife (1991) by Mary Balogh (B at AAR)
  • Lord Carew’s Bride (1995) by Mary Balogh (A at AAR)
  • The Rival Heir (2002) by Laura Matthews
  • The Rake and the Reformer (1989) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)

  • The Marriage Wager (1996) by Jane Ashford (B at AAR)
  • The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (2009) by Jennifer Ashley (A- at AAR)
  • Devilish (2000) by Jo Beverley (C+ at AAR)
  • Something Wicked (1997) by Jo Beverley (B at AAR)
  • As You Desire (1997) by Connie Brockway (A at AAR)
  • Bride (1995) by Stella Cameron (B at AAR)
  • The Sea Wife (2003) by Holly Cook (A- at AAR)
  • Night Fire (1989) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • The Wild Baron (1997) by Catherine Coulter (B at AAR)
  • Castles (1993) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Guardian Angel (1990) by Julie Garwood (A- at AAR)
  • Rebellious Desire (1986) by Julie Garwood
  • If His Kiss Is Wicked (2007) by Jo Goodman
  • The Price of Desire (2008) by Jo Goodman
  • His Captive Lady (2008) by Anne Gracie
  • The Perfect Stranger (2006) by Anne Gracie
  • Scandalous Desires (2011) by Elizabeth Hoyt (C at AAR)
  • Thief of Shadows (2012) by Elizabeth Hoyt (B- at AAR)
  • Broken Wing (2008) by Judith James (A at AAR)
  • Scandal (2009) by Carolyn Jewel (B+ at AAR)
  • Legacy of the Diamond (1997) by Andrea Kane
  • Marrying the Captain (2009) by Carla Kelly (A- at AAR)
  • Flowers from the Storm (1992) by Laura Kinsale (A at AAR)
  • The Shadow and the Star (1991) by Laura Kinsale (A at AAR)
  • Dreaming of You (1994) by Lisa Kleypas (A at AAR)
  • Once and Always (1987) by Judith McNaught (A at AAR)
  • Daniel’s Bride (1992) by Linda Lael Miller
  • The Rake (1998) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)
  • Silk and Shadows (1991) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)
  • Veils of Silk (1992) by Mary Jo Putney
  • Mistress (1994) by Amanda Quick
  • Rendezvous (1991) by Amanda Quick (A at AAR)
  • Scandal (1991) by Amanda Quick
  • A Scotsman in Love (2009) by Karen Ranney (B+ at AAR)
  • Tapestry (1995) by Karen Ranney (A at AAR)
  • The Devil Wears Tartan (2008) by Karen Ranney (B at AAR)
  • The Second Chance (2006) by Jaclyn Reding
  • Not Quite a Husband (2009) by Sherry Thomas (set partially in India) (A at AAR)
  • Private Arrangements (2008) by Sherry Thomas (A- at AAR)

American Historical/Frontier Romances

  • The Portrait (1995) by Megan Chance (A at AAR)
  • Texas Destiny (1997) by Lorraine Heath (A at AAR)
  • Blue Waltz (1996) by Linda Francis Lee
  • Hummingbird (1982) by LaVyrle Spencer (A at AAR)
  • Vows (1988) by LaVyrle Spencer
  • Years (1986) by LaVyrle Spencer

  • Embraced by Love (1995) by Suzanne Brockmann
  • Informed Risk (4/1989) by Robyn Carr – SSE-517
  • The Wedding Party (2001) by Robyn Carr (B+ at AAR)
  • No Escape (3/1988) by Daphne Clair – HP-1056
  • A Ruling Passion (4/1984) by Daphne Clair – HP-679
  • Skin Deep (1999) by Kathleen Cross (A at AAR)
  • Anyone but You (9/1996) by Jennifer Crusie – HLL-4 (B+ at AAR)
  • Charlie All Night (10/1993) by Jennifer Crusie – HT-570 (A- at AAR)
  • Crazy for You (1999) by Jennifer Crusie (A/C at AAR)
  • Manhunting (10/1993) by Jennifer Crusie – HT-463 (A at AAR)
  • The Golden Touch (7/1982) by Robin James (Sharon and Tom Curtis) – SCH-58 (A at AAR)
  • Lightning That Lingers (12/1983) by Sharon and Tom Curtis – LS-25
  • Sunshine and Shadow (1986) by Sharon and Tom Curtis (A- at AAR)
  • This Lullaby (2002) by Sarah Dessen (B+ at AAR)
  • Murphy’s Child (8/1999) by Judith Duncan – SIM-946
  • Kiss Your Prince Charming (10/1999) by Jennifer Greene – SD-1245 (B+ at AAR)
  • The Next Best Thing (2010) by Kristan Higgins (B+ at AAR)
  • And Then You Die (1987) by Iris Johansen
  • Mommy Said Goodbye (4/2004) by Janice Kay Johnson – HSR-1197 (B+ at AAR)
  • What She Wants for Christmas (12/1996) by Janice Kay Johnson – HSR-720
  • High Energy (1996) by Dara Joy
  • Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1999) by Marian Keyes (A+ at AAR)
  • Rachel’s Holiday (2000) by Marian Keyes (A at AAR)
  • Blue-Eyed Devil (2008) by Lisa Kleypas (B+ at AAR)
  • Jake’s Way (1/1992) by Kathleen Korbel (Eileen Dreyer) – SIM-413
  • Absolutely, Positively (1996) by Jayne Ann Krentz (B at AAR)
  • Grand Passion (1994) by Jayne Ann Krentz (A-/C+ at AAR)
  • Lady’s Choice (10/1989) by Jayne Ann Krentz – HT-270 (C- at AAR)
  • Trust Me (1995) by Jayne Ann Krentz (A at AAR)
  • A Woman’s Work (7/1990) by Laura Leone – SSE-608
  • American Diva (2007) by Julia London (B- at AAR)
  • Still Mr. and Mrs. (2002) by Mary McBride (B at AAR)
  • Jackson Rule (1996) by Dinah McCall (A at AAR)
  • A Crime of the Heart (11/1988) by Cheryl Reavis – SSE-487 (B at AAR)
  • The Older Woman (1/2002) by Cheryl Reavis – SSE-1445 (B at AAR)
  • The Trouble with Joe (3/1994) by Emilie Richards – SSE-873 (B+ at AAR)
  • Born in Ice (1995) by Nora Roberts (A at AAR)
  • Captivated (9/1992) by Nora Roberts – SSE-768
  • Honest Illusions (1992) by Nora Roberts (A at AAR)
  • Sanctuary (1997) by Nora Roberts
  • Sweet Baby (1998) by Sharon Sala
  • Maybe This Time (1990) by Kathleen Gilles Seidel
  • Till the Stars Fall (1994) by Kathleen Gilles Seidel (A at AAR)
  • When Love Isn’t Enough (11/1984) by Kathleen Gilles Seidel – HAR-80
  • A Gentle Rain (2007) by Deborah Smith (B+ at AAR)
  • Losing It (1/1989) by Beverly Sommers – HAR-278 (A at AAR)
  • Reckless (7/1997) by Ruth Wind – SIM-796

  • Bitten (2001) by Kelley Armstrong (A- at AAR)
  • Firehawk (1997) by Justine Dare
  • In Death Series (1995-) by J.D. Robb