Rating: 
Summary: Good Story - But Incomplete
Review: I found this book to be very entertaining. It is romance and science fiction - a unique read among the many other formuala romances that are available. However, several items in the story seem to be underdeveloped. In the beginning of the book Jorlan, the male main character, is a rebel and there are many references made to him being a "sensitive" and that this is very significant. Even though you find out what a "sensitive" is the significance to their world is not shown, only alluded to. Additionally, at the end of the novel you are told about a great female warrior who is only a myth - or is she? Why is this thrown in at the end? Why was it not mentioned before? There is a lot of other foreshadowing in this story that is not developed as well. All of the above being said, I enjoyed this story. It was unique and different from all the other recycled novels that are out there. Hopefully this is the first in a series about this planet and all of the mysteries left in this story will be resolved. If so I will have to come back and change my review to a 5.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: RITUAL OF PROOF wasn't nearly as good as Dara Joy's "Matrix of Destiny" series, but it has its moments. What the Ritual of Proof is all about, for instance, is amusing. Jorlan Reynard is a desirable character, but I wasn't as enamored with the heroine of the story, Green Tamryn. She's ok, but not much more. Jorlan seeks equality in a world where males are more like property and their value is in their bedding price. Men are expected not to engage in "unseemly" behavior and should never be aggressive. But Jorlan wants his freedom, unaware that Claudine D'Anbere, Green's enemy, isn't going to allow that, under any circumstances. Therefore, Green is forced to make Jorlan her name-bearer or lose him. Jorlan is not happy with these circumstances, but he is unaware of Claudine's actions. Green wants Jorlan to be happy and to accept his role in her life, but Jorlan refuses to give up his desire for male equality. Claudine makes life difficult for both of them. You'll have to read RITUAL OF PROOF to find out how it all plays out.
Rating: 
Summary: It's about time
Review: I have read all of Ms. Joy's novels so I expected that this novel would be a sensation also, but this book exceeded my expectations. All of the novels that I have read constantly deal with women in the same way: she is forced to marry when she doesn't want to; she is considered the weaker sex; and she must be a virgin when she goes to her marriage bed. Well, Ms. Joy has turned the tables. It was wonderful to read a book in which a man is the weaker sex and needs to be protected, and is also the one to be bid upon for marriage by women. And how about this, he has to be the virgin! Now I like that! I have read this book three times within the last week, and I am going to read it for a fourth time. To all the women out there who want to see a man having to keep his virtue before he is married, read this book. Ya'll are going to love it!
Rating:
Summary: What a Book
Review: I never thought a writer would/could produce such a book. I did not think there was a writer with the ability, creativity, and simply put the strength to write a book as Ritual of Proof is. But I see once again Dara Joy has surprised the hell out of me. Got to love this book, and hope many more to come after this. A must buy. No other writer of today holds a candle to what Dara Joy has given us.
Rating:
Summary: A Keeper for Me!!
Review: I really enjoy Dara Joy's books and this one was NOT a disappointment for me. I found it a fascinating read and even though I didn't discover the glossary at the back of the book until I was over half-way done reading it, the new words and phrases in the book didn't slow me down a bit. I enjoyed the sci-fi/fantasy angle and really LIKED both the hero and heroine, which is not the case with many books I've read over the years. While this type of story is not for everyone, I wish I could give Dara 10 stars for this book, it's a masterpiece in my opinion. Hope to see more books about this new world from Dara!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: This is such a delicious book! I love romance and sci-fi, but I've never encountered such an amazing blend of the two. I had thought that there was nothing new that could be written in the way of the loss of innocence, but Male Virgins? What a treat! A lot of sci-fi falters on the introduction of new words (too many or inappropriate use), but Ms. Joy does a wonderful job. And the glossary in the back is a nice touch- great definitions with their own touch of humor. A must buy!
Rating:
Summary: Great Fun Read
Review: This is a sizzling, erotic story that's a wonderful parody of every regency romance "bodice-ripper" you've every read. Women dominate in this world, while upper class men are sheltered, protected virgins. The male lead is beautiful, head-strong and rebellious. The woman is older (for a change!), sexually experienced, and quite capable of handling her younger mate. Yes, there are some inconsistencies in the characters and sometimes the new terms the author has created for her alternate universe slow the reader down. Just overlook those weak points. You'll love the humor and sly puns. Here's hoping we see more books featuring some of the secondary characters.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fun Summer Read
Review: I love this world turned upside down. Women dominate, men are subservient. Virginity is still prized, but it is the man who must prove himself "pure and untouched". The male lead is young, rebellious and fights against the unfair system. The female is older, wiser and ... experienced. Their relationship sets off sparks, you wouldn't believe. Yes, at times I found some of the made-up words of this alternate universe to be frustrating. But I also loved the puns and humor. Yes, there are inconsistencies in some of the characters' behavior that are adequately explained. But overall, you'll truly enjoy the parody of regency romances and the sizzling sexy story. Great fun and I hope that there are more stories about the secondary characters in the works.
Rating:
Summary: Another World to imagine and dream about!
Review: Without giving to much away here this book was wonderful to read and discover! Joy has given fans a whole new world to dream about. the main characters and the premise behind this world may not be comfortable but the it is a joy to watch this story unfold and all this with a new language that will take us fan months to debate about and all this with hot steamy romance! who could ask for me. seriously, fantasy romance fans of dara joy will love this story. green is a heroine to look up to and jorlan is a hero to dream about. their conflict and resounding love will be talked about for years. i salute joy for doing what other romance authors are scared to do, use her imagination and stir ours!
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST A STORYTELLER COULD EVER TELL
Review: This book evolves like the best of tales, but with more thought, creativity, and strong sensual appeal. No one else, except Dara Joy, could have pulled this book off and she has done it so well. She leaves you guessing, but the few answers in the book are profound indeed. Of the numerous books I have read of the past 5 or so years, there has not been an author that can equate to Ms. Joy's caliber.
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