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The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream
This title is being re-released in 2013
An ancient Roma foretelling speaks of vampire kings one day dreaming of the women who could bear them children. These children would be powerful vampire warriors and treasures to their kingdoms. Their mothers would become queens. However, a thousand years have passed and not a single vampire has dreamt of anything at all, much less of salvation through companionship.
And then, in a massive master bedroom in a mansion upon sprawling estate grounds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the French vampire king awakens from a slumber ripe with visions of a young American beauty. Julian Adalard, the ruthless ruler of his people, has dreamt of his queen. At once, he sends his bounty hunter to retriever her.
However, the bounty hunter is not only a skilled hunter and an unwilling servant to the king – he is also Julian’s brother, Dorian Adalard, and the prince of his people.
And he, too, has dreamt of the young woman.
Emma Rose Nekoda doesn't know she's been ear-marked as America's French vampire queen. She's a free-lance photographer, traveling from South West to Deep South for a long-awaited photo shoot.
However, the bayou has more in store for Emma Rose than she’d anticipated. Amidst the marshy swampland and sticky heat of an old world steeped in magic, she will fight for her freedom from one gorgeous vampire brother to another – and in the process, kick off a world-wide war between vampire factions striving to become the first to develop an army of warrior offspring.
An ancient Roma foretelling speaks of vampire kings one day dreaming of the women who could bear them children. These children would be powerful vampire warriors and treasures to their kingdoms. Their mothers would become queens. However, a thousand years have passed and not a single vampire has dreamt of anything at all, much less of salvation through companionship.
And then, in a massive master bedroom in a mansion upon sprawling estate grounds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the French vampire king awakens from a slumber ripe with visions of a young American beauty. Julian Adalard, the ruthless ruler of his people, has dreamt of his queen. At once, he sends his bounty hunter to retriever her.
However, the bounty hunter is not only a skilled hunter and an unwilling servant to the king – he is also Julian’s brother, Dorian Adalard, and the prince of his people.
And he, too, has dreamt of the young woman.
Emma Rose Nekoda doesn't know she's been ear-marked as America's French vampire queen. She's a free-lance photographer, traveling from South West to Deep South for a long-awaited photo shoot.
However, the bayou has more in store for Emma Rose than she’d anticipated. Amidst the marshy swampland and sticky heat of an old world steeped in magic, she will fight for her freedom from one gorgeous vampire brother to another – and in the process, kick off a world-wide war between vampire factions striving to become the first to develop an army of warrior offspring.
Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2010
17 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Heather Killough-Walden
61 books2,186 followersHeather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 31, 2024
A really enjoyable, different take on a para-romance/vampire tale. I have read so many books in this genre that it's so hard to find one that you can't predict what's going to happen around every corner. This book is an exception.
Vampire Kings from all over the world have waited centuries to find their chosen Queen...a human woman who is able to give birth to Vampire offspring.In this world, the rare Half Vampires are actually considered much more powerful than full-blooded Vampires. Halflings are able to move around in the day time, and hold many of their human aspects, while still possessing the longevity, & heightened powers of a Vampire. Legend has it that the chosen woman will appear to the VK in a dream. This story revolves around what happens when French Vampire King Julien, and his brother Dorien both dream of the same woman. And both want her as their Queen.
The writing is beautifully done, and intelligent, and the characters are well developed.
The ending was a lot more suspenseful than expected, and I can't wait to read more by this author.
Vampire Kings from all over the world have waited centuries to find their chosen Queen...a human woman who is able to give birth to Vampire offspring.In this world, the rare Half Vampires are actually considered much more powerful than full-blooded Vampires. Halflings are able to move around in the day time, and hold many of their human aspects, while still possessing the longevity, & heightened powers of a Vampire. Legend has it that the chosen woman will appear to the VK in a dream. This story revolves around what happens when French Vampire King Julien, and his brother Dorien both dream of the same woman. And both want her as their Queen.
The writing is beautifully done, and intelligent, and the characters are well developed.
The ending was a lot more suspenseful than expected, and I can't wait to read more by this author.
April 7, 2010
Not a romance so much as a thriller with some romantic erotica mixed in, to keep your attention from lagging. Not much chance of that but the love story works as pillars, to anchor the rest of the story, keep you reading and make you want to see how it ends. It ends well!
I look forward to reading more from this author ~
I look forward to reading more from this author ~
February 11, 2011
There are few things in life I enjoy more than reading, and fewer still things I enjoy more than finding a book by a new (or new to me) author who can weave a truly compelling story. One of my ideas of Nirvana is a new (or new to me) author who can weave a truly compelling story that I can buy and read for a ridiculously low price. I have found my Nirvana in Heather Killough-Walden's gritty paranormal romance, The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream.
A dollar? Seriously?? Oh, happy day!
Two hundred years ago a gypsy woman sought out the Romanian vampire king to tell him of a future that would change the course of the lives of the vampire race. She foretold of dreams and the existence of a special few women who could carry the seed of a vampire king and give birth to a new race of half-human, half-vampire children who would bear all of their race's strengths and gifts and none of their weaknesses. She foretold the potential for new armies and an evolution to the immortals' existence. As the vampire kings spread across the globe to increase the likelihood of dreaming of, and then finding their queens, financial empires were amassed and kingdoms secured.
In Baton Rouge, two hundred years later, the prince of the French vampires and the only halfling vampire in existence, Dorian Adalard, is haunted by dreams of a woman with long blond hair and almond eyes. The vision of this captivating woman smiling, laughing, and then large with child - possibly Dorian's child - shakes Dorian to his knees. And then, as he haunted the streets of New Orleans an hour away, Dorian's path crosses with one Emma Rose Nekoda, the woman of his dream, and his body and mind are stirred in ways that he'd never experienced before. Before he even knows her name, he's drawn to her, follows her from the shadows of the Big Easy as she spends time with her art gallery owner brother and his life partner. He learns her by reading her mind and listening to her conversation, and finds out this captivating woman is a photographic artist in town for the art gallery showing her brother is sponsoring.
When he learns her name, Dorian's stomach drops, his heart nearly seizes, and he knows his life will never be the same, for his half-brother, the sadistic and powerful French vampire king Julian Adalard had also had his fated dream and the woman he has already commanded his day walking half-brother to retrieve...by kidnapping, if absolutely necessary...is one Emma Rose Nekoda of Lubbock, Texas, visiting New Orleans for an art gallery exhibition the next night.
His Emma!
While he can't ignore his attraction to the genuinely kindhearted Emma as he maneuvers his way into her company, he knows the lengths his half-brother will go to to amass the army of halfling nightmares so Dorian is left with no choice than to turn Emma over to the evil bastard and try to protect her as much as possible, even knowing Julian intends to strip Emma's humanity from her and give her the third kiss, turning her into a changling vampire and making her ultimately his queen for all time. Dorian's...and Emma's...feelings for each other be damned.
The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream is a dark, gritty, and totally compelling story with a wonderfully unique take on vampire political and sociological structure. I was thrilled to stumble across the book. It has a southern-smooth narrative with rich, flavored, and textured world building surrounding New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and enough character development to really breathe life into Dorian and Emma and bring into taut, stomach-clenching detail their fates and the threat the malicious king poses. Killough-Walden tightens the plot and slowly ratchets up the danger and the sense of impending doom as the story progresses, culminating in a stunning climax and a few events that took me by surprise. The concept and plot of this book is worthy of Machiavelli. I was totally engrossed and invested in the characters and their story throughout. What a find!!
It's not perfect, though. The world building was strong but there were some inconsistencies in the mythos and a few timeline discrepancies and continuity errors. There were a few unanswered questions and plot threads that went unexplained and unresolved - which would be less of a problem if this book is the start of a series, but I don't know that it is. A plot hole or two also could've been an issue if I'd focused too closely on them. I know from experience that there are readers out there who are sticklers for pinpoint accuracy in all of these areas. I wouldn't recommend this title for those for whom details like this ruin the enjoyment of the read. On a personal note, I noticed them but they didn't significantly draw my attention away from the emotional impact of the story.
On the other hand, and while I'm desperately trying to be comprehensive and informative without adding spoilers, I do have to say I can't fully understand why Dorian didn't deal with his evil brother long before suffering under his fangs to the point of death, considering the abilities Dorian had. A direct attack may have been fruitless, but you can't tell me that a bright man who was as adept at business as Dorian couldn't figure out some other way free of his half-brother's treacherous magical slavery, or that the idea of revolution had only occurred during the course of this book and even then only after someone mentioned it. That stretched my willing suspension of disbelief. So, too, did a couple of Emma's too-quick emotional turnarounds during the course of the story.
Still, The The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream is one of those books that impressed me beyond the issues I had with it, and it's a book that will stick with me for its originality and sense of uniqueness. I'm thrilled to have stumbled across Heather Killough-Walden's stories - this one in particular - and have purchased all her other titles currently available on Kindle. I'm very excited to see what other tales this strong storyteller has to tell.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
A dollar? Seriously?? Oh, happy day!
Two hundred years ago a gypsy woman sought out the Romanian vampire king to tell him of a future that would change the course of the lives of the vampire race. She foretold of dreams and the existence of a special few women who could carry the seed of a vampire king and give birth to a new race of half-human, half-vampire children who would bear all of their race's strengths and gifts and none of their weaknesses. She foretold the potential for new armies and an evolution to the immortals' existence. As the vampire kings spread across the globe to increase the likelihood of dreaming of, and then finding their queens, financial empires were amassed and kingdoms secured.
In Baton Rouge, two hundred years later, the prince of the French vampires and the only halfling vampire in existence, Dorian Adalard, is haunted by dreams of a woman with long blond hair and almond eyes. The vision of this captivating woman smiling, laughing, and then large with child - possibly Dorian's child - shakes Dorian to his knees. And then, as he haunted the streets of New Orleans an hour away, Dorian's path crosses with one Emma Rose Nekoda, the woman of his dream, and his body and mind are stirred in ways that he'd never experienced before. Before he even knows her name, he's drawn to her, follows her from the shadows of the Big Easy as she spends time with her art gallery owner brother and his life partner. He learns her by reading her mind and listening to her conversation, and finds out this captivating woman is a photographic artist in town for the art gallery showing her brother is sponsoring.
When he learns her name, Dorian's stomach drops, his heart nearly seizes, and he knows his life will never be the same, for his half-brother, the sadistic and powerful French vampire king Julian Adalard had also had his fated dream and the woman he has already commanded his day walking half-brother to retrieve...by kidnapping, if absolutely necessary...is one Emma Rose Nekoda of Lubbock, Texas, visiting New Orleans for an art gallery exhibition the next night.
His Emma!
While he can't ignore his attraction to the genuinely kindhearted Emma as he maneuvers his way into her company, he knows the lengths his half-brother will go to to amass the army of halfling nightmares so Dorian is left with no choice than to turn Emma over to the evil bastard and try to protect her as much as possible, even knowing Julian intends to strip Emma's humanity from her and give her the third kiss, turning her into a changling vampire and making her ultimately his queen for all time. Dorian's...and Emma's...feelings for each other be damned.
The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream is a dark, gritty, and totally compelling story with a wonderfully unique take on vampire political and sociological structure. I was thrilled to stumble across the book. It has a southern-smooth narrative with rich, flavored, and textured world building surrounding New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and enough character development to really breathe life into Dorian and Emma and bring into taut, stomach-clenching detail their fates and the threat the malicious king poses. Killough-Walden tightens the plot and slowly ratchets up the danger and the sense of impending doom as the story progresses, culminating in a stunning climax and a few events that took me by surprise. The concept and plot of this book is worthy of Machiavelli. I was totally engrossed and invested in the characters and their story throughout. What a find!!
It's not perfect, though. The world building was strong but there were some inconsistencies in the mythos and a few timeline discrepancies and continuity errors. There were a few unanswered questions and plot threads that went unexplained and unresolved - which would be less of a problem if this book is the start of a series, but I don't know that it is. A plot hole or two also could've been an issue if I'd focused too closely on them. I know from experience that there are readers out there who are sticklers for pinpoint accuracy in all of these areas. I wouldn't recommend this title for those for whom details like this ruin the enjoyment of the read. On a personal note, I noticed them but they didn't significantly draw my attention away from the emotional impact of the story.
On the other hand, and while I'm desperately trying to be comprehensive and informative without adding spoilers, I do have to say I can't fully understand why Dorian didn't deal with his evil brother long before suffering under his fangs to the point of death, considering the abilities Dorian had. A direct attack may have been fruitless, but you can't tell me that a bright man who was as adept at business as Dorian couldn't figure out some other way free of his half-brother's treacherous magical slavery, or that the idea of revolution had only occurred during the course of this book and even then only after someone mentioned it. That stretched my willing suspension of disbelief. So, too, did a couple of Emma's too-quick emotional turnarounds during the course of the story.
Still, The The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream is one of those books that impressed me beyond the issues I had with it, and it's a book that will stick with me for its originality and sense of uniqueness. I'm thrilled to have stumbled across Heather Killough-Walden's stories - this one in particular - and have purchased all her other titles currently available on Kindle. I'm very excited to see what other tales this strong storyteller has to tell.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
January 14, 2013
This book was the first I ever read of Heather Killough-Walden's. She is awesome. I will say that my favorite thing about her books is that she only writes about things I want to hear about. In my pnr, I want to hear about a delectable man all torn up inside fighting his inner demons. I want to hear about the independent and beautiful (whether on the inside, outside, or both) heroine he cannot resist. And I want there to be lots of men fighting each other trying to be the one to win her heart (or even just to get in her pants. I'll take what I can get!). I know that's probably unhealthy thinking and I probably have issues and blah blah blah... Hey, I'm entitled to my guilty pleasures. And man, she can write some guilty ones.
Another point in her favor is how she writes her villains. I love nothing more than a good villain. Not some gross looking simple minded moron doing the evil laugh with his pinky at the corner of his mouth. I mean some complex gorgeous eye candy, been immortal so long he finally cracked, you still want to like im' villain. That is sort of her signature move if you ask me. She makes these scrumptious villains that you just love to love. And their redeeming quality is that while they are truly evil, they still want to possess the girl and aren't seriously interested in hurting her. Maybe a little. But they still want her. (man I'm messed up) But Heather understands my need for some messed up unrealistic guilty pleasure.
I realize that is more a review of this author than of this book, but on that note, this book is awesome. I read it a long long time ago, so all I really remember is loving it and thinking the romance and action was all outstanding. This is more of an old fashioned vampire tale. Not dracula old, but more like Anne Rice old but with lots more romance. These vampires are cool. They are kick ass and hot. Nocturnal and rich. Distinguished and regal. And perhaps (gasp!) not too upset if they leave a bit of a body count behind. Just check it out if that's your thing. It's mine, and let me just say. Me likey
Another point in her favor is how she writes her villains. I love nothing more than a good villain. Not some gross looking simple minded moron doing the evil laugh with his pinky at the corner of his mouth. I mean some complex gorgeous eye candy, been immortal so long he finally cracked, you still want to like im' villain. That is sort of her signature move if you ask me. She makes these scrumptious villains that you just love to love. And their redeeming quality is that while they are truly evil, they still want to possess the girl and aren't seriously interested in hurting her. Maybe a little. But they still want her. (man I'm messed up) But Heather understands my need for some messed up unrealistic guilty pleasure.
I realize that is more a review of this author than of this book, but on that note, this book is awesome. I read it a long long time ago, so all I really remember is loving it and thinking the romance and action was all outstanding. This is more of an old fashioned vampire tale. Not dracula old, but more like Anne Rice old but with lots more romance. These vampires are cool. They are kick ass and hot. Nocturnal and rich. Distinguished and regal. And perhaps (gasp!) not too upset if they leave a bit of a body count behind. Just check it out if that's your thing. It's mine, and let me just say. Me likey
April 21, 2010
I found this book on Amazon.com as a recommendation for my Kindle. It is about a photographer named Emma who finds out on a trip to New Orleans to visit her brother and have a photography showing at his art gallery, that she is the predestined mate of a vampire king. The vampire kings dream of their mortal mates who will be able to produce children who will become armies - this was a prophecy by a gypsy. Dorian, a half-vampire/bastard of the French vampire king, and his brother, Julien, a full vampire dream of the same woman, Emma.
I found the writing interesting and I liked the twist on the vampire myth. There wasn't a lot of 'world building' that is often found in a first of a series, which in many ways, I liked because you got right to the action. The action was pretty fast paced so there wasn't as much character development as their could have been without making the story really long, but I liked the story line and am looking forward to the next book. I believe this is going to be a trilogy.
I found the writing interesting and I liked the twist on the vampire myth. There wasn't a lot of 'world building' that is often found in a first of a series, which in many ways, I liked because you got right to the action. The action was pretty fast paced so there wasn't as much character development as their could have been without making the story really long, but I liked the story line and am looking forward to the next book. I believe this is going to be a trilogy.
October 26, 2014
I never read the original release of this but the new one (2013) is fantastic! Possibly a little too good.... I get the feeling the kids were feeling a tad neglected today.... completely un-put-down able!!
June 19, 2011
I know this series has been put on hold but it was such a good first book, I really hope Killough-Walden writes more soon.
Read
October 21, 2020I recently stopped reading "The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream" [Third Kiss Series, Book 1] by Heather Killough-Walden, but technically I haven't finished reading it yet. It's a horror-romance type of book and it's a little to graphic on the horror side for me. Plus it has to many characters point-of-views that you read from that made it kind of boring and making the plot somewhat lost for me. *shrug* At someday I might finish the book but there are others I'll probably be reading first.
Read more of this review here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/04/www-wednesdays-april-21-2010.html
Review By: From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews
Read more of this review here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/04/www-wednesdays-april-21-2010.html
Review By: From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews
February 11, 2018
Excellent read
Couldn't put this book down. Once I began I had to know what the next paragraph would reveal. Twisting story lines lead you to a finally that was and wasn't you expect... Loved it.
Couldn't put this book down. Once I began I had to know what the next paragraph would reveal. Twisting story lines lead you to a finally that was and wasn't you expect... Loved it.
February 20, 2017
Awesome as always!
I find Heather's stand-alone books just as enjoyable and satisfying as her series books. She draws you into the story, you become invested in the characters. I find when I start reading any of her books, I have to finish it in one sitting.
The story builds around all the characters, while weaving in Emma's background and future. The climax is exciting and action packed! Anyone who is a fan will pick up on the references to Heather's life and background as well. Loved this book!
I find Heather's stand-alone books just as enjoyable and satisfying as her series books. She draws you into the story, you become invested in the characters. I find when I start reading any of her books, I have to finish it in one sitting.
The story builds around all the characters, while weaving in Emma's background and future. The climax is exciting and action packed! Anyone who is a fan will pick up on the references to Heather's life and background as well. Loved this book!
November 24, 2013
I actually loaned this book out before I read it myself. I was looking forward to reading it, but I was in the middle of another book so you will just have to deal with the lateness of this review from the release date. Also a word to the wise…another reviewer (either intentionally or unintentionally) had spoilers in their review and the Heather Killough-Walden fans on facebook had a crusade to “say that the review wasn’t helpful” on Amazon. Seems a bit harsh…so don’t make these ladies mad! They will come for you and your reviews! Anyway…
Dorian is the main character in this book. He is the half vampire/half human brother of the French Vampire King. These brothers do not get along well…beyond normal sibling rivalry. There was a prophecy that for the many vampire kings of the world that they would have a human queen who would be able to give them half vampire/half human children. This is desirable for many reasons of which we won’t get into here. So these kings have waited. Julien (French Vampire King) had a dream about a woman and many things are revealed to him, but he does know that Emma is his queen. So he sends Dorian after her. There is a whole lot more going on here that just two brothers fighting over a woman. There is dissention (other than Dorian’s) within the ranks. Other kings are aware of Emma and making their own plans. Friends are foes and foes are friends.
I really liked the storyline. Emma at times wasn’t very likeable and Dorian was just “blah” at times. Julien was an awesome bad guy. You will love hating this guy. And I actually can’t wait to read the next book…I don’t think I can say who the next vampire king will be to get his book without revealing something about the storyline so you will just have to read it! I was hoping the epilogue was going to be about him though. This author’s book are always such a good deal for the money you send. The editing is well done and the storyline is always interesting. I’m pretty sure I own all her books.
P.S. Heather: I am still waiting patiently for the next book in the Neverland series. I need some more Hook!
For more book recommendations, visit my blog at: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/
Dorian is the main character in this book. He is the half vampire/half human brother of the French Vampire King. These brothers do not get along well…beyond normal sibling rivalry. There was a prophecy that for the many vampire kings of the world that they would have a human queen who would be able to give them half vampire/half human children. This is desirable for many reasons of which we won’t get into here. So these kings have waited. Julien (French Vampire King) had a dream about a woman and many things are revealed to him, but he does know that Emma is his queen. So he sends Dorian after her. There is a whole lot more going on here that just two brothers fighting over a woman. There is dissention (other than Dorian’s) within the ranks. Other kings are aware of Emma and making their own plans. Friends are foes and foes are friends.
I really liked the storyline. Emma at times wasn’t very likeable and Dorian was just “blah” at times. Julien was an awesome bad guy. You will love hating this guy. And I actually can’t wait to read the next book…I don’t think I can say who the next vampire king will be to get his book without revealing something about the storyline so you will just have to read it! I was hoping the epilogue was going to be about him though. This author’s book are always such a good deal for the money you send. The editing is well done and the storyline is always interesting. I’m pretty sure I own all her books.
P.S. Heather: I am still waiting patiently for the next book in the Neverland series. I need some more Hook!
For more book recommendations, visit my blog at: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/
February 3, 2014
For centuries, the vampire kings have waited for their foretold, mortal brides. Women who will be able to produce offspring who are day-walkers, with abilities like their vampire fathers, but without their weaknesses. None have appeared.
When the unscrupulous warlock vampire, Julien Adelard dreams of his chosen bride, he will stop at nothing to get her. He sends his brother, the bastard prince/halfling vampire, Dorian off to fetch her. The problem is, Dorian has dreamt of her as well, and is unwilling to let her go without a fight, even though that could very well mean his own death sentence. The race is on to procure her: Whoever claims her, will become the most powerful vampire in the world, with an unstoppable army of powerful vampire children at his beck and call.
To keep her as his own, Dorian will have to overcome treacherous servants, rival kings, protective big brothers and human withes.
This was a well written, action packed paranormal romance. The bad guys were hot, the good guys even hotter lookin';-) Dorian's Dream is packed with plot twists, and to my surprise I didn’t always see them coming! (Let’s face it, hidden plots in PNR are often so painfully obvious!) There were steamy love scenes, kick-ass fight scenes, and a very satisfying ending. I will most definitely wait for the next story in this series, as it features a smexy king that really intrigued me in Dorian’s Dream.
Was it flawless? Certainly not! I found it a little hilarious that all the vampire kings of Europ seemingly have relocated to America, in able to find their brides. As if there are less women in Europe. And let’s face it, an American revolution would probably have taken place in the vamp world as well, so why is there no American vampire king? Hmm, hmm;-) The author didn’t seem to know the difference between Norwegian and Norse, either, but never mind. I’m actually getting used to the annoying inaccuracies now… The prophecy: Yeees, rather formulaic, I know, and the characters could have been given more depth. On the plus side, I think Julien Adelard was a believeable villain. 4.5 solid stars.
When the unscrupulous warlock vampire, Julien Adelard dreams of his chosen bride, he will stop at nothing to get her. He sends his brother, the bastard prince/halfling vampire, Dorian off to fetch her. The problem is, Dorian has dreamt of her as well, and is unwilling to let her go without a fight, even though that could very well mean his own death sentence. The race is on to procure her: Whoever claims her, will become the most powerful vampire in the world, with an unstoppable army of powerful vampire children at his beck and call.
To keep her as his own, Dorian will have to overcome treacherous servants, rival kings, protective big brothers and human withes.
This was a well written, action packed paranormal romance. The bad guys were hot, the good guys even hotter lookin';-) Dorian's Dream is packed with plot twists, and to my surprise I didn’t always see them coming! (Let’s face it, hidden plots in PNR are often so painfully obvious!) There were steamy love scenes, kick-ass fight scenes, and a very satisfying ending. I will most definitely wait for the next story in this series, as it features a smexy king that really intrigued me in Dorian’s Dream.
Was it flawless? Certainly not! I found it a little hilarious that all the vampire kings of Europ seemingly have relocated to America, in able to find their brides. As if there are less women in Europe. And let’s face it, an American revolution would probably have taken place in the vamp world as well, so why is there no American vampire king? Hmm, hmm;-) The author didn’t seem to know the difference between Norwegian and Norse, either, but never mind. I’m actually getting used to the annoying inaccuracies now… The prophecy: Yeees, rather formulaic, I know, and the characters could have been given more depth. On the plus side, I think Julien Adelard was a believeable villain. 4.5 solid stars.
January 8, 2014
I received The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When I first started reading The Third Kiss: Dorian’s Dream, I couldn’t help but compare some of the scenarios to previous books written by Heather Killough-Walden. I was kind of worried because I really like her writing style and her books and I didn’t want to be disappointed. It didn’t take long to realize that the minor similarities were nothing to worry about. Beyond a few details, this book definitely has its own story to tell and it does it with the grace and charm that I’ve come to depend on from this author.
The Third Kiss: Dorian’s Dream has a wealth of interesting characters, the least of which are the vampires. I loved Emma, obviously. She was strong, determined and she was fun… even amid all the drama. Her brother Patrick and his partner Sam were also a welcome addition. Dorian wasn’t as domineering a character as most of the alpha males that Heather Killough-Walden usually chooses for her main character. I liked the change of pace. That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t ruthless when he needed to be he just didn’t use his power to dominate Emma. Probably because all of the domination and violence came from Julian – more than enough violence and domination.
There were twists and turns and not only vampires but warlocks and wizards and gypsies and humans – which all worked together and provided the perfect set up for the next book in this series. This one pretty much had it all and I’m glad I finally got around to picking it up.
When I first started reading The Third Kiss: Dorian’s Dream, I couldn’t help but compare some of the scenarios to previous books written by Heather Killough-Walden. I was kind of worried because I really like her writing style and her books and I didn’t want to be disappointed. It didn’t take long to realize that the minor similarities were nothing to worry about. Beyond a few details, this book definitely has its own story to tell and it does it with the grace and charm that I’ve come to depend on from this author.
The Third Kiss: Dorian’s Dream has a wealth of interesting characters, the least of which are the vampires. I loved Emma, obviously. She was strong, determined and she was fun… even amid all the drama. Her brother Patrick and his partner Sam were also a welcome addition. Dorian wasn’t as domineering a character as most of the alpha males that Heather Killough-Walden usually chooses for her main character. I liked the change of pace. That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t ruthless when he needed to be he just didn’t use his power to dominate Emma. Probably because all of the domination and violence came from Julian – more than enough violence and domination.
There were twists and turns and not only vampires but warlocks and wizards and gypsies and humans – which all worked together and provided the perfect set up for the next book in this series. This one pretty much had it all and I’m glad I finally got around to picking it up.
January 29, 2015
This book was great! The story is about a vampire (Dorian ��������� the first Halfling) falling in love with a girl he has dreamed about and there���������s a race against time to beat his brother to her because he too dreamed about the same girl. Long ago a gypsy woman said that these vampire kings would dream of a mortal woman who could birth Halflings vampires that can walk in the day light or cross running water or go on hallowed ground for them to have an army of. Dorian���������s brother is an evil vampire who uses people to get what he wants and he doesn���������t care about Emma any more than a chair he sits on. He just wants to possess her no matter the pain it causes her. Dorian has fallen in love with her and wants to stop at nothing to protect. Through learning of the existence of vampires and trying to protect her brother while keeping herself as safe as possible Emma has to face many hardships and rises above them all even admitting that she herself is in love with a vampire.
With many plot twists and plenty of adventure and action and even some betrayals this book takes a great perspective on vampires and deviates from the typical vampire in love with a mortal woman storyline. You find yourself wrapped up in the world of New Orleans and Baton Rouge and the people in the book are very easy to know characters that leave you happy in the end.
With many plot twists and plenty of adventure and action and even some betrayals this book takes a great perspective on vampires and deviates from the typical vampire in love with a mortal woman storyline. You find yourself wrapped up in the world of New Orleans and Baton Rouge and the people in the book are very easy to know characters that leave you happy in the end.
December 9, 2013
Great start to this new series. It was easy to get into right off the bat.
Storyline is about a half vampire prince, Dorian, and his brother, Julien Adalard, who happens to be the king of the French faction of vampires.
According to a gypsy's previous prophecy, the vampire kings are to meet up with their vampire queens by dreaming of them beforehand.
Dorian dreams of Emma Rose Nekoda. He is also at his half brother Julien's beck and call because Julien carries a drop of his blood in a necklace. This enables him to order Dorian to do his bidding whenever he wants! How rude!
Julien uses Dorian, as he is the only one that can walk in daylight, relentlessly, violently feeding from him, painfully subduing his own will at a whim.
Emma is the catalyst for a lot of things that happen in the book. She is a courageous, selfless and creative soul and deals with everything quite well, thought.
The writing is, as usual, excellent and draws you into this new setting beautifully. You can feel the terror Emma feels or the lust from Dorian when he gets close to the heroine.
As I said before can't wait for the next one to come out. There are a few authors where I'll read anything of theirs and Heather Killough Walden is one of them.
Storyline is about a half vampire prince, Dorian, and his brother, Julien Adalard, who happens to be the king of the French faction of vampires.
According to a gypsy's previous prophecy, the vampire kings are to meet up with their vampire queens by dreaming of them beforehand.
Dorian dreams of Emma Rose Nekoda. He is also at his half brother Julien's beck and call because Julien carries a drop of his blood in a necklace. This enables him to order Dorian to do his bidding whenever he wants! How rude!
Julien uses Dorian, as he is the only one that can walk in daylight, relentlessly, violently feeding from him, painfully subduing his own will at a whim.
Emma is the catalyst for a lot of things that happen in the book. She is a courageous, selfless and creative soul and deals with everything quite well, thought.
The writing is, as usual, excellent and draws you into this new setting beautifully. You can feel the terror Emma feels or the lust from Dorian when he gets close to the heroine.
As I said before can't wait for the next one to come out. There are a few authors where I'll read anything of theirs and Heather Killough Walden is one of them.
November 10, 2013
Heather has once again taken us into an amazing paranormal world and a great romance!
Dorian is a half vampire Prince. He is a Bastard. Literally. His brother Julian is the King. He is very Cruel. Dorian only being a half Vampire can walk in the sun and do many other things that full Vampires cannot. Long ago a Gypsy woman prophesized that there will be certain women that will be able to give all of the Vampire Kings half vampire children even if they get turned into Vampires themselves. All of the kings want this to build Armies.
Dorian and Julian both dreamed of a future queen. Emma Rose. Dorian is unsure what the dream means at first. Julian on the other hand knows right away and will stop at nothing to get her. He makes Dorian go get her and bring her to him. But her affections do not lie with Julian. There is mystery, Suspense, Backstabbing, Battles, Romance and some steamy scenes.
This book was great! I honestly do not think that I will ever get tired of Heather's books. She is definitely one of the best Authors I have read. I definitely suggest reading this book... Even if you have never read a book of Heathers before this book would definitely draw you in and make you a fan!
Dorian is a half vampire Prince. He is a Bastard. Literally. His brother Julian is the King. He is very Cruel. Dorian only being a half Vampire can walk in the sun and do many other things that full Vampires cannot. Long ago a Gypsy woman prophesized that there will be certain women that will be able to give all of the Vampire Kings half vampire children even if they get turned into Vampires themselves. All of the kings want this to build Armies.
Dorian and Julian both dreamed of a future queen. Emma Rose. Dorian is unsure what the dream means at first. Julian on the other hand knows right away and will stop at nothing to get her. He makes Dorian go get her and bring her to him. But her affections do not lie with Julian. There is mystery, Suspense, Backstabbing, Battles, Romance and some steamy scenes.
This book was great! I honestly do not think that I will ever get tired of Heather's books. She is definitely one of the best Authors I have read. I definitely suggest reading this book... Even if you have never read a book of Heathers before this book would definitely draw you in and make you a fan!
February 8, 2014
Heather has once again taken us into an amazing paranormal world and a great romance!
Dorian is a half vampire Prince. He is a Bastard. Literally. His brother Julian is the King. He is very Cruel. Dorian only being a half Vampire can walk in the sun and do many other things that full Vampires cannot. Long ago a Gypsy woman prophesized that there will be certain women that will be able to give all of the Vampire Kings half vampire children even if they get turned into Vampires themselves. All of the kings want this to build Armies.
Dorian and Julian both dreamed of a future queen. Emma Rose. Dorian is unsure what the dream means at first. Julian on the other hand knows right away and will stop at nothing to get her. He makes Dorian go get her and bring her to him. But her affections do not lie with Julian. There is mystery, Suspense, Backstabbing, Battles, Romance and some steamy scenes.
This book was great! I honestly do not think that I will ever get tired of Heather's books. She is definitely one of the best Authors I have read. I definitely suggest reading this book... Even if you have never read a book of Heathers before this book would definitely draw you in and make you a fan!
Dorian is a half vampire Prince. He is a Bastard. Literally. His brother Julian is the King. He is very Cruel. Dorian only being a half Vampire can walk in the sun and do many other things that full Vampires cannot. Long ago a Gypsy woman prophesized that there will be certain women that will be able to give all of the Vampire Kings half vampire children even if they get turned into Vampires themselves. All of the kings want this to build Armies.
Dorian and Julian both dreamed of a future queen. Emma Rose. Dorian is unsure what the dream means at first. Julian on the other hand knows right away and will stop at nothing to get her. He makes Dorian go get her and bring her to him. But her affections do not lie with Julian. There is mystery, Suspense, Backstabbing, Battles, Romance and some steamy scenes.
This book was great! I honestly do not think that I will ever get tired of Heather's books. She is definitely one of the best Authors I have read. I definitely suggest reading this book... Even if you have never read a book of Heathers before this book would definitely draw you in and make you a fan!
November 4, 2013
The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to more in the series.
Daurian is a half vampire living in Baton Rouge. He is forced to work for his half-brother who is the French Vampire King.
Emma is a young photographer preparing for her first showing at her brother’s gallery in New Orleans. She has no idea that she has been marked as the Vampire Queen.
She meets Daurian in New Orleans and, he has been ordered to bring her to his brother Julian. He dose not want to do this, because he has fallen in love with her himself. He dosen’t know how to stop what is supposed to happen to her.
He soon discovers that there are other things at work here. Others working behind the scenes.
Come along on this ride, and discover what happens to Emma, Daurian, and all the other characters. I know that you will not be able to put it down. I sure couldn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to more in the series.
Daurian is a half vampire living in Baton Rouge. He is forced to work for his half-brother who is the French Vampire King.
Emma is a young photographer preparing for her first showing at her brother’s gallery in New Orleans. She has no idea that she has been marked as the Vampire Queen.
She meets Daurian in New Orleans and, he has been ordered to bring her to his brother Julian. He dose not want to do this, because he has fallen in love with her himself. He dosen’t know how to stop what is supposed to happen to her.
He soon discovers that there are other things at work here. Others working behind the scenes.
Come along on this ride, and discover what happens to Emma, Daurian, and all the other characters. I know that you will not be able to put it down. I sure couldn’t.
November 6, 2013
It was prophesied that each of the vampire kings would dream about their queens. Julien, the French vampire king now living in Baton Rouge, dreams about a woman and sends his half-brother off to find her. The problem is, his brother, Dorian, also dreamed about the same woman. He doesn't want to turn Emma Rose over to Julien, a sadistic vampire who practices black magic. But both Emma Rose and Dorian are forced into it. Once Julien gives Emma Rose the third vampire "kiss," she will become a vampire and his baby-making slave.
A third player comes into the game, and suddenly everyone is fighting over Emma.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream. Dorian, though he does Julien's bidding, is nonetheless a hero when it comes down to it. He's sexy as a biker, and cleans up real good too. Emma is a strong heroine and a vegetarian animal-lover with a big heart. I liked both characters. Julien was pure evil.
I can't wait for Aleksei's story!
A third player comes into the game, and suddenly everyone is fighting over Emma.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed The Third Kiss: Dorian's Dream. Dorian, though he does Julien's bidding, is nonetheless a hero when it comes down to it. He's sexy as a biker, and cleans up real good too. Emma is a strong heroine and a vegetarian animal-lover with a big heart. I liked both characters. Julien was pure evil.
I can't wait for Aleksei's story!
November 17, 2013
I have read almost all of Heather's books mostly because she create such brilliant characters and stories that just draw you in, leaving you begging for more.
And Dorian's Dream is no exception.
The characterization is amazing - you really feel for Dorian and everything he has had to endure throughout his long life. He is complex in that yes he is a killer and all that entails, but you can see that he is so much more than that. And wants to be so much more than that. Emma is soft yet strong, being the perfect partner for Dorian.
The story line moves fluidly always pushing forward, and I like the touch of keeping Emma's Brother involved. I have read so many books where the secondary characters are used to set up the main protagonists and then once the story moves on, they are forgotten about. This doesn't happen here and I think it really adds to the story.
The world is set up for future books(can't wait for Aleksei's story) which I am sure will be just as brilliant.
And Dorian's Dream is no exception.
The characterization is amazing - you really feel for Dorian and everything he has had to endure throughout his long life. He is complex in that yes he is a killer and all that entails, but you can see that he is so much more than that. And wants to be so much more than that. Emma is soft yet strong, being the perfect partner for Dorian.
The story line moves fluidly always pushing forward, and I like the touch of keeping Emma's Brother involved. I have read so many books where the secondary characters are used to set up the main protagonists and then once the story moves on, they are forgotten about. This doesn't happen here and I think it really adds to the story.
The world is set up for future books(can't wait for Aleksei's story) which I am sure will be just as brilliant.
December 26, 2013
This novel was a new spin for me from this author. I am soooo looking forward to book 2 in the series. Dorian is a half vampire Prince and a Bastard, Literally. His brother Julian is the King, who has been very cruel to Dorian all his life. Long ago a Gypsy woman prophesized that there will be certain women that will be able to give all of the Vampire Kings half vampire children even if they get turned into Vampires themselves. The upside? Half vamps have all of a full vampire strength and none of their weakness. All of the Vampire kings want to build Armies with half vamps. Dorian and Julian both dreamed of their future queen, in the form of one woman; Emma Rose
This is a novel you'll stay up all night, just to get to the end.
The way she delivers the story will leave you on the edge of your seat, cursing at characters, rearing up a little, and simply taking a moment to reflect on an image or patch of dialogue.
This is a novel you'll stay up all night, just to get to the end.
The way she delivers the story will leave you on the edge of your seat, cursing at characters, rearing up a little, and simply taking a moment to reflect on an image or patch of dialogue.
November 8, 2013
The Third Kiss: Dorian's Kiss by Heather Killough-Walden is an amazing love triangle story about a Vampire King (Julien), His Halfling brother (Dorian), and the mortal woman (Emma) who is destined to be a queen whose duty will be to procreate a new generation of vampires. The first thing that you will read is that Julien is the evil and despicable brother while Dorian, who is his brother's assistant, can kill but does seem to be a man who strives to be a decent person. Both brothers dream of Emma, who is a photographer, as their queen though Julien commands Dorian bring her to him. You will have to read this book to experience the adventure of Emma's capture and turmoil which pits brother against brother. Add secondary characters who definitely add depth and intrigue to this story and you have a book which is impossible to put down. Fortunately, this is the first book in a series!
November 1, 2013
Where to begin........this is the first book in a new series by the incredibly talented Heather Killough-Walden. I had a inkling it would be good, having read most of everything else written by this author, however I was not expecting to be so gripped from the first page and I literally couldn't put it down until I'd finished.
The main characters, Dorian and Emma were immediately likeable and I was rooting for Dorian all the way through even when the circumstances seemed impossible. He is everything the main hottie should be!! The rest of the characters are all engaging in their own way and I'm glad that we may be seeing more of them in the future.
Altogether this was a brilliant book that didn't end on an unbearable cliffhanger but left the way open for another unforgettable book in the future. Well done Heather, you rock!
The main characters, Dorian and Emma were immediately likeable and I was rooting for Dorian all the way through even when the circumstances seemed impossible. He is everything the main hottie should be!! The rest of the characters are all engaging in their own way and I'm glad that we may be seeing more of them in the future.
Altogether this was a brilliant book that didn't end on an unbearable cliffhanger but left the way open for another unforgettable book in the future. Well done Heather, you rock!
November 5, 2013
I love!! Heather's books and i've been waiting for this one for a while, and like always, I was rewarded with a great, exited story. this book is full of passion, action, and onces again Heather give us a strong brave heroine, that stand for herself and what she think is right. I love the main characters, Emma and Dorian. I could't put this book down until the end, can't wait for the next one, just hope that Mrs. Killough-Walden don't make me wait for too long. If you in need of a great book, that will take you in a wild ride, where always keep you guess and glue to the story till it's end this is a book for you and in a great price, what else can you ask. Go pick it up and enjoy it! HAPPY READINGS!
November 7, 2013
An interesting vampire story. I liked Emma at first, she is an independant amd very creative artist who suffered in her life. Now when she finally knows success, she get more trouble than ever.
As for Dorian, he is an interestingly complex half vampire. You would think he takes advantage of his nature but he is little more than a slave to his brother.
As I read this book, I regreted the lack of depth in the characters and their relationships and evolution. I was always expecting more, a surprising twist, something that would really make me jump out of my skin but it didn't happen to me. The plot was nice and a few surprises but I kind of expected more. And I would really have like for Emma to be more than a walking baby machine for vampire kings.
As for Dorian, he is an interestingly complex half vampire. You would think he takes advantage of his nature but he is little more than a slave to his brother.
As I read this book, I regreted the lack of depth in the characters and their relationships and evolution. I was always expecting more, a surprising twist, something that would really make me jump out of my skin but it didn't happen to me. The plot was nice and a few surprises but I kind of expected more. And I would really have like for Emma to be more than a walking baby machine for vampire kings.
April 7, 2011
I put off reading this 99 cent kindle buy for almost a year I kept thinking... another vampire story. I was in need of a quick read waiting for different book to be released, what a pleasant surprise. I was unaware how "romance" it would be, and it can definitely hold it's own in that category. I had never read a single romance novel prior to owning my kindle, but now they sneak up on me with out my knowledge. And I like them. This one was a good balance of para normal and hot and steamy. I kinda wish it had taken longer to read. I enjoyed it.
November 4, 2013
Once again I was blown away by the paranormal romance writing by Heather Killough-Walden. She has the ability to give so much emotion to each character in her novels. There are those you hate and those you love. This was definitely a book you don't want to put down. It flows from once scene to the next effortlessly. There are POV's from multiple characters which enable an overall understanding of the story.
I definitely give this book 5 stars and look forward to reading future books in The Third Kiss series.
I definitely give this book 5 stars and look forward to reading future books in The Third Kiss series.
November 4, 2013
From the first word to the last, it was a spell binding book. It is one of those books that you just cant put down no
matter how hard you try. If you want a book with action adventure love and lots of twists and turns then this is the
book for you. Not to mention the steam that comes (no pun intended) off of Dorian.
So if you are looking for all these things in a book well let me tell you this is the book for you !!!!
I cant wait for the next in the series.
As always Heather has done it again with her writting. Thank you Heather for keeping us in a world of wonder
matter how hard you try. If you want a book with action adventure love and lots of twists and turns then this is the
book for you. Not to mention the steam that comes (no pun intended) off of Dorian.
So if you are looking for all these things in a book well let me tell you this is the book for you !!!!
I cant wait for the next in the series.
As always Heather has done it again with her writting. Thank you Heather for keeping us in a world of wonder
December 16, 2013
Alternative title for this book: "The War Over One Woman's Uterus And All the Beautiful Men Who Want It."
I know there's a certain campiness and element of total suspension of disbelief that needs to come into play when you pick up a paranormal romance; this is not my first time at the rodeo. But come on, there are more vampire kings in this book than candy on halloween, and they. are. serious. about the quest to turn one woman with the divine gonads to withstand their pummeling sperm into a vampire broodmare. The premise does not get me tingly.
I know there's a certain campiness and element of total suspension of disbelief that needs to come into play when you pick up a paranormal romance; this is not my first time at the rodeo. But come on, there are more vampire kings in this book than candy on halloween, and they. are. serious. about the quest to turn one woman with the divine gonads to withstand their pummeling sperm into a vampire broodmare. The premise does not get me tingly.
December 19, 2013
Another page turner from Heather and I always enjoy a good vampire story with the inevitable bad guy, the gorgeous vampire brother and the love triangle that develops when they both meet the woman of their dreams. The author never scrimps on the action or romance so there is something here for everyone and I have really loved her other series. Dorian was a likeable character with his indecisiveness and reluctance to stand up for what he deserved and the ending was a surprise in some respects. A well thought out story with plenty of revelations that kept you interested and turning the pages.
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