Behind the Scenes of Savior Complex: The Story Behind the Story

When I first started writing Savior Complex, I had no idea how much this story would mean to me. It began as a spark—an idea inspired by a real-life essay I read on NPR about a woman who was saved by a stranger. That moment of unexpected connection made me wonder: What if the person saving you isn’t just a hero, but someone who completely changes your life? That question led me to Nina and Brayden, two people whose lives crash into each other in the most complicated, heart-wrenching way.

The Inspiration

At its core, Savior Complex is about how our past shapes us—how the way we were raised, the expectations placed on us, and the wounds we carry influence the choices we make. Nina grew up feeling like she had to prove her worth, especially after being ostracized by her family. Brayden, on the other hand, built his identity around being the one who fixes things, filling the void left by his sister’s death. The more I wrote, the more I realized how much I related to them—especially Nina’s struggles with body image and self-worth. Writing her journey felt personal, almost like therapy in some ways.

The Love Triangle & The Messy Middle

Brayden and Nina’s connection is undeniable, but there’s one massive roadblock—his fiancée, Jordy. Love triangles are tricky, and I knew I wanted this one to feel real. Jordy isn’t just an obstacle; she has her own struggles and insecurities. But let’s be honest—she also makes some very questionable choices (IYKYK). I wanted readers to feel torn, frustrated, and maybe even a little guilty for rooting for Nina and Brayden despite the mess. Because sometimes, life is messy.

The Easter Eggs & Fun Details

Here are a few behind-the-scenes tidbits you might not know:

📖 The Playlist: Every book I write has a soundtrack, and Savior Complex is no exception. The playlist is filled with country ballads, heartbreak anthems, and songs that capture the angst between Nina and Brayden. (You can listen to it here!)
🐴 The Ranch Life: I spent way too much time researching ranch work, cowboy culture, and—yes—horse names. Some of my favorite scenes take place on the ranch, and they wouldn’t have felt real without those details. Secret insider tidbit: I decided to name Brayden’s horse Sara as a tribute to my family’s old horse, and Nina’s horse Meredith is named after one of Taylor Swift’s cats, because TAYLOR SWIFT.
🔥 That One Scene: You know the one. The tension. The one bed. The moment when everything changed…. Let’s just say, I had to catch my breath after writing that scene because WHEW.

Your Turn!

Do you love behind-the-scenes looks at books? Have you ever read a love triangle that completely wrecked you? Let’s chat in the comments!