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? Each book in the Five Kingdoms series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy romance is intended for mature readers.