Whether duke, werewolf or software engineer, the heroes in these engaging romances have met their match.

★ Wolf Under Fire

In Wolf Under Fire, Paige Tyler introduces the Special Threat Assessment Team, an international group tasked with stopping threats by supernatural creatures. While tracking down a kidnapped child, alpha werewolf Jake Huang’s team, including FBI-trained Jestina Ridley, uncovers a possibly world-­destroying plot. Along the way, Jake and Jes struggle against physical temptation while bullets fly and creepy creatures do not die. Are they perhaps fated mates as spoken of in werewolf lore? And how can Jes trust a dangerous man who isn’t fully human? This well-balanced blend of sizzle, supernatural intrigue and suspense is also imaginative: One team member is a “technopath” who can communicate with electronics. Wolf Under Fire is superb, exciting and escapist fare.

ALSO IN BOOKPAGE: Paige Tyler explains why she plans out all her books at P.F. Chang’s.

Say Yes to the Duke

Eloisa James takes us back to Georgian times in Say Yes to the Duke. Viola Astley, step-member of the infamous Wilde clan, must make her debut before she can declare herself a spinster for life. But she soon encounters the enigmatic and autocratic Duke of Wynter, who’s in search of a wife and thinks a Wilde daughter would be perfect—which means he must overcome Viola’s innate shyness to persuade her to become his bride. The delightful Wildes light up the story with humor and energy. James’ vivid descriptions of fashion are a treat, allowing readers to immerse themselves in this very satisfying romance. A professor of English literature, James often freshens a plot with something unique; in this case, it’s the production of a medieval biblical play. This romance is enchanting in every respect.

The Boyfriend Project

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon is a thoroughly modern workplace romance with a bonus handful of scene-stealing friends. Successful software engineer Samiah Brooks goes viral when she confronts a cheating boyfriend, which leads her and the two other women he deceived to swear off dating for six months. Of course, this is exactly when Samiah meets new hire Daniel Collins. She resists her attraction as long as she can, but soon they’re both succumbing, even though Daniel has a secret that could spell disaster. Samiah’s struggles to balance work, dreams and love will resonate with readers of this clever, pleasurable read.

ALSO IN BOOKPAGE: Farrah Rochon on why romance should celebrate female friendship.