Kent, England – 1250

Nicholas Grimshaw is the shire-reeve of Kent. He is the lawman of Kent, the executioner, hangman, torturer, the man who is feared and despised by all. If that isn't enough, he's also the King's tax collector, and we know how popular they are, right? The night before he hangs an old man, Hubert Kabayan, for murder, he promises him he will look after his granddaughter. Nicholas is really a pussycat in a lion's costume; he believes in getting information without torture, but he uses his size, reputation, and satchel of unusual torture devices to keep the populace scared of him. How else could he keep the peace if people didn't fear him? But his fearsome reputation also has a down side, what woman would want to be with him, and people keep their heads down and cringe when he walks by. His only friend is his cat Azrael and his ale every night after work.

Desiree was sold to Hubert many years ago, and he taught her to be a thief and pickpocket, and cheat at all types of games of chance. But in Kent, Hubert's luck ran out when he was caught stealing from Torteval Hall, home of Lady Philomena, and a murder occurred. Little does Desiree know that Hubert is dying from the wasting disease, and a quick death rather than lingering for months causes him not to fight the charges. But no way does she need this, this...executioner, to take her into his home. If only all her money hadn't gone to feed Hubert in prison, she could take care of herself. But the thought of some sort of food every day is appealing, and with thoughts of the trouble she can cause in Nicholas's...no, it must be Nicky's house, is appealing. But intentionally burning food soon loses its fun, and after years of traveling from town to town, keeping a clean house at least fills the interminable hours, especially since she soon loses the urge to fleece people of their money. She's becoming soft, when what she really wants to do is clear Hubert's name and solve the Torteval Hall murder.

It is so much fun to watch Desiree try to work her wiles on Nicholas, and yet still try to fight her past history. And when she bribes Nicholas to help her find the murderer, it's assured she will get into plenty of dilemmas. Nicholas is living in a bubble of dreams with a beautiful woman living with him and cooking for him. He is like a kid in a candy shop and is constantly scared he will say or do the wrong thing and cause Desiree to leave. He dares not believe she could come to love him; he has tight control of his mind and body, hoping she'll stay awhile and bring some warmth into his life.

Ms. McKerrigan has certainly caught the flavor of medieval times with its people, living conditions, and the day-to-day life. While not necessarily my favorite period of history, this era is brought to vivid life and was very interesting. Told from Desiree's and Nicholas's points of view, we laugh along with Desiree as she tries to come to terms with a totally different lifestyle. And Nicholas fights with his longing to have warmth in his life, but can't believe a woman with Desiree's history would stay with an executioner, hated by everyone in town.

Secondary characters are Lady Philomena, a woman, perhaps crazy, who will do anything to keep her servants afraid of her and to inherit her husband's estate. Lady Philomena has several bumbling servants, and the constable of Kent plays a part in Nicholas and Desiree's future.

DANGER'S KISS is full of the life of medieval England and has a story that may cause you to pause at the beginning – an executioner? But Nicholas's personality and Desiree's quick, devious mind make for a memorable romance with a touch of sweetness. A different historical period can be just the ticket for an enthralling read this month.

Carolyn Crisher