On the best of 2012 list: Diane Amos, Virginia Kantra

Here are more of your favorite romance authors' favorite books of 2012. And if you missed the first best-of-2012 posts, you'll find links at the bottom.

HEA will be posting authors' picks for 2012 a couple more times this year — and look for HEA's 2012 favorites on Monday. (At times, authors are going to gush about a book that might not have come out in 2012, and I've made the executive decision that that's OK.)

(Authors are listed with the title of their recent or upcoming book.)

Susan Vaughan, Once Burned

• Promise Me Forever by Diane Amos. Clever, funny, and great characters.
• Against the Night by Kat Martin. Sexy and suspenseful, an awesomely sexy hero. And did I say sexy?
• A Soldier's Secret by Linda Style. Powerful portrayal of PTSD, emotional romance.

Laura Florand, The Chocolate Kiss

• Carolina Home by Virginia Kantra. The truth and strength of these characters and their world just sucked me in.
• Babycakes by Donna Kauffman. Like good cupcakes, a deceptive impression of lightness pulls you into something rich and sweet and warm.
• The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville. Utterly lovable and unique characters, a sweet and deeply satisfying romance.
• Natural Evil by Thea Harrison. The heroine in this one really won me over, as did the younger hero's reaction to her.

Glynnis Campbell, My Champion

• A Most Discreet Inquiry by Cheryl Bolen. I like clever Regencies where they do more than dance.
• Night Forbidden (Envy Chronicles Book 5) by Joss Ware. Only Joss could make the Apocalypse sexy.
• Cloaked in Malice by Annette Blair. Magic. Mystery. Vintage clothing.
• The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood. I'd probably buy Ms. Garwood's shopping list ... and enjoy every word.

Rionna Morgan, Love's Justice

• Smitten Image by Pam B. Morris. Smart, witty urban fantasy/paranormal with engaging characters and beautiful writing.
• California Sunset by Casey Dawes. Contemporary with depth and strength. Beautiful message.
• Curse of the Wolf by Danica Winters. Intense romance, danger and magic!

Check back in again for more romance authors' Best of 2012 picks! And feel free to share your favorites in the comments ...

Don't miss these earlier posts of 2012 favorites: