By the Assassin's Side - Katherine Hastings

By the Assassin’s Side is the third book in the Daggers of Desire Series by Katherine Hastings. Simon Blackmore was introduced to us earlier in the series and, now as Captain of the Dark Shark¸ he is the perfect guy to lead us through this journey.

While he and his crew are docked, Vivian Bellarose approaches his Quartermaster Sully and requests to see Viktor. Not pleased he is no longer the captain of this ship, and not a fan of Simon in general, she’s hesitant to reveal the trouble that has befallen her. They kindly lead her to him and she finds he has started a new life of his own as a husband and father. He’s able to convince her that Simon’s abilities to protect and serve her are equal to his own and they begin their quest to recover Captain Avery’s hidden treasure.

Hastings gives Simon the necessary skills for battle – muscles, daggers and wit – and Vivian has assets of her own that have proven to be very persuasive. She’s made her life pleasing men and raising girls in a whorehouse. Their combination of their talents, and one half of the map already in possession, securing the notorious treasure should be no trouble at all.

But this is no easy treasure hunt! While the physical, sexual tension between Simon and Vivian is an obstacle itself, Hastings doesn’t stop there. Just when they can taste their riches and the key to a new life of comfort for both of them, they’re knocked off their feet. Time after time after time.  

The blossoming romance between the two of them is just as exciting as the adventure they are on. Simon wants her. Vivian wants him. But knocking down the walls she’s built around herself isn’t something he can do with muscles and daggers. And she won’t give in easily no matter how much charm he tosses her way. Simon has proven his loyalty to the people he cares about in the past, and to the reader, his intentions are pure. But he needs to earn Vivian’s trust with patience and understanding.

This ride with Simon and Vivian is a true roller coaster of emotion. They’re truly lovable characters and we want them to live their dream life and we want them to do it together. But they need to be willing to take the ride together and never give up – on their dreams or each other.

This is a great book and is probably my favorite in the series. I really like Vivian and no one is more deserving of a fresh start than she is.

You can without a doubt enjoy this book on its own, but reading the first two provides a history of how Vivian and Simon are connected to each other through the adventures of John, Charlie, Viktor and Nora.