Lothar tells himself that he is entering the Bride Trials merely as a way to test his strength and skill against other orc warriors. But when he realizes the female he is given a chance to court is in love with another, he finally admits how much he longs for a mate of his own.

He does the honorable thing and withdraws from the Trials, retreating to the wilderness to lick his wounds - only to find a strange female desperately in need of his help.

Haunted by a troubled past, Jana lives as a virtual recluse, hiding away from everyone. Her one refuge is her beloved garden - until she suddenly finds herself in a strange new world.

The massive orc who finds her has a charming smile and a quick wit, but there is a loneliness in his eyes which matches her own. Can they find refuge in each other, or will they both end up alone again?