Books Like...
"Ritual of Proof" by Dara Joy is a futuristic romance novel set on a distant planet where women hold power and men are sold off in arranged marriages. The main characters, She Lord Marquelle Green Tamryn and Jorlan Reynard, challenge traditional gender roles as they navigate a romance that defies societal expectations. The author, Dara Joy, creates a unique world with gender-swapped dynamics, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and societal norms through a captivating plot filled with steamy moments and strong character development.
If you liked Ritual of Proof, here are the top 24 books to read next:
- #1
'The Battle Sylph' by L.J. McDonald is a fantasy novel that delves into themes of women's suffrage, slavery, racial inequality, and love. The plot follows a young woman named Solie who is intended as a sacrifice to lure a battle sylph to her world. However, fate intervenes, and the battle sylph becomes bound to Solie, helping her escape from danger. The story unfolds with harrowing adventures, intricate world-building, and a focus on the relationships between characters, both human and sylph.
The writing style of the book is engaging, with a mix of romance and fantasy elements. The world of the battle sylphs and their interactions with humans are intricately portrayed, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and creating a sense of tension and suspense. balances action-packed scenes with emotional depth, offering a unique blend of fantasy and romance that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Solie had an aunt named Masha, a woman who had never married and was known for her temper. She had refused to wed and lived on her own, running a bakery and working long hours every day. She’d forced ... - #2
'The Last Hawk' in the series 'Saga of the Skolian Empire' by Catherine Asaro tells the story of Kelric, the lost heir to the Empire, who crash lands on a proscribed planet ruled by a matriarchy through the medium of a complex game called Quis. The women in power help him heal but imprison him to protect their civilization. As Kelric navigates love and the universal game, readers are taken on a journey of intricate world-building and character development, with themes of loss, betrayal, and the cost of childbearing interwoven into the narrative.
The ship's controls wobbled in and out of focus. Kelric tried to rub his eyes, but his arm refused to respond. The exoskeleton on his pilot's seat had jammed around his body. When he fumbled for the c...
(Also, see 33 recommendations for the series Saga of the Skolian Empire ) - #3
In "The Snow Queen" by Elizabeth Gannon, the story revolves around a socially awkward male character who is passionate about archeology and history. The villagers sacrifice him to the Snow Queen, leading to a series of events involving philosophical elements, action-packed sequences, and unique character interactions. The book is described as a modern fairytale with elements of fantasy and romance, featuring a blend of humor, engaging plot twists, and colorful characters.
- #4
The Flower of Hades by Miko Sage is a gender-flipped retelling of the classic tale of Hades and Persephone. The story revolves around a female Hades seducing and dominating a male Persephone, offering a unique twist on the traditional myth. The book explores a romantic relationship between the characters, with elements of eroticism and mythology intertwined. The writing style is described as poetic at times, although some readers found it to be amateurish with awkwardly constructed sentences and lacking punctuation.
The plot of The Flower of Hades delves into a world where Greek gods and goddesses are gender-swapped, adding a fresh perspective to the familiar pantheon. The book presents a dominating female-led relationship, focusing on the dynamics between the characters and their unconventional romance. While some readers appreciated the heartwarming alternative retelling and the relationships portrayed, others found certain aspects, such as extreme sex scenes and peculiar elements like pomegranate breast milk, to be unsettling.
- #5
In a world where women greatly outnumber men, 'A Brother's Price' explores the dynamics of romance, gender roles, and societal structures. The story follows Jerin, a rare male in this female-dominated society, as he navigates relationships with multiple women and faces challenges unique to his gender. The book presents an interesting premise of gender reversal, with men being highly prized and protected, while also delving into themes of desire, romance, and the societal impact of such a skewed gender ratio. Readers found the world-building to be engaging, the plot to be intriguing, and the writing style to be enjoyable, offering a mix of romance, fantasy, and exploration of gender constructs.
There were a few advantages to being a boy in a society dominated by women. One, Jerin Whistler thought, was that you could throttle your older sister, and everyone would say, “She was one of twenty-e... - #6
'Ruth's Bonded' by V.C. Lancaster is an alien romance novel that explores the relationship between Ruth, a human, and Gron, an alien from a matriarchal society. The story revolves around the challenges they face due to the language barrier and cultural differences, as they navigate being captives together and developing a deep bond despite their inability to communicate effectively. The plot includes elements of survival, miscommunication, and the exploration of a unique alien society, creating a slow-burn romance that is both sweet and unconventional.
Ruth hit the floor with a bang. Judging by how quickly the floor had risen up to meet her now aching shoulder, she’d fallen a little less than a storey. The pain wasn’t sharp enough for a break, but s... - #7
'Sunrise at Sunset' in the 'Sunset Vampire' series by Jaz Primo is a unique twist on paranormal romance and alpha male romance genres. The story follows a human mate of a vampire alpha, exploring their relationship dynamics in a world filled with deadly enemies, hidden agendas, and real struggles. The book seamlessly blends mystery, romance, action, and comedy, keeping readers engaged with a solid plot and well-developed characters.
Katrina took a number of months to establish herself in the area around Atlanta, Georgia. She settled into an upscale, secluded neighborhood in nearby Mableton. As customizations were made to her larg... - #8
'Heart of Steel' in 'The Iron Seas' series by Meljean Brook follows the adventure of ruthless pirate queen Yasmeen and the zombie-killing adventurer Archimedes Fox. The plot involves evading assassins, fighting zombies, searching for treasure, hunting murderers, and sparking a city's rebellion. The writing style is described as having rolicking steampunk elements, with well-developed characters and intricate world-building. The story unfolds as the protagonists navigate through complex backgrounds and a slow-building heartwarming romance.
Yasmeen hadn’t had any reason to fly her airship into thesmall Danish township of Fladstrand before, but her reputation had obviously preceded her. All along the Scandinavian coast, rum dives served a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Iron Seas ) - #9
'The Werewolf Nanny' by Amanda Milo is a heartwarming and whimsical story about Susan, a divorced mother of two girls, who finds herself in need of a trustworthy babysitter. The book follows Susan's journey as she navigates the challenges of single motherhood while discovering unexpected love and support from Lucan, a sweet and goofy werewolf nanny, and Finn, her hot Irish boss. The story unfolds with humor, romance, and a unique dynamic between the characters, set in a world where werewolves and shifters coexist openly.
- #10
'The Sorceress and the Incubus' by Mallory Dunlin is a fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Rain, a powerful sorceress, who becomes bound to Saker, a gentle and adorable incubus sorcerer warrior. The plot revolves around their slow burn romance filled with scorching desire, emotional moments, and dangerous situations. is set in a well-constructed world with top-notch world-building, intriguing magic, and diverse characters. The story is immersive, detailed, and filled with themes of love, respect, consent, and overcoming past traumas.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Echoes of the Void )