Behind the Scenes of The One We Know: Love and Rock Crawling

One of my favorite parts of writing is finding inspiration from the world around me. It’s no surprise that the characters I create and the worlds they inhabit are often influenced by the people I love and the things I’ve experienced. With The One We Know—Book 4 in the Grand Mesa Men series—I found myself drawing from something very close to home: my husband and his passion for rock crawling.

Brooks: Loosely Inspired by My Husband

When creating Brooks Allen, I knew I wanted him to embody a quiet strength, an unwavering loyalty, and a deep connection to the land he calls home. In many ways, Brooks is loosely based on my husband. Like Brooks, my husband is a rock crawler, and through him, I’ve had the chance to witness a sport that most people outside the community don’t even know exists. Watching him navigate obstacles and push through challenges has always been inspiring, and I wanted to capture some of that determination and grit in Brooks.

Rock Crawling: A Sport That Deserves the Spotlight

If you’ve never heard of rock crawling, let me introduce you to this incredible sport. Rock crawling involves highly modified vehicles navigating treacherous courses of boulders, cliffs, and other obstacles. It’s about precision, patience, and a little bit of daring. The sport isn’t as mainstream as others, but for those in the community, it’s a way of life. It’s exciting, nail-biting, and demands every ounce of focus and teamwork.

I wanted to shine a light on this world in The One We Know. Clara’s return to Brooks’s life comes at the same time they both find themselves at a rock crawling competition—something Clara never wanted to happen. It’s the perfect setting for the high-stakes emotions and rekindled love that define their story.

If you’re curious about the sport, I highly recommend checking out WE Rock to learn more about the events and the incredible athletes involved.

Childhood Friends to Lovers: A Timeless Trope

The heart of Brooks and Clara’s story is the childhood friends-to-lovers trope, which I absolutely adore. There’s something so special about the idea that two people can grow up, drift apart, and still find their way back to each other. It’s not just about rekindling old feelings; it’s about learning who you are as adults and deciding if love can still fit into your lives after all the changes.

For Brooks and Clara, their love faces a monumental challenge. Clara left Brooks behind, keeping a big, life-altering secret. Now, years later, she’s back, and Brooks has to decide if he can forgive her and trust her again. It’s a story of growth, resilience, and the extraordinary strength of love.

Exploring Love That Survives the Extraordinary

A big part of my writing is exploring the idea that love can survive even the most extraordinary circumstances. Whether it’s overcoming grief (The Man Before You), addiction (The Wild We Embrace), or secrets and time (The One We Know), I’m fascinated by the ways love can endure, evolve, and thrive. Brooks and Clara’s story embodies this theme perfectly. They prove that even when life throws its hardest challenges, love can remain a constant—if you’re willing to fight for it.

Get Ready to Meet Brooks and Clara

I can’t wait to share The One We Know with you. Brooks and Clara’s journey is emotional, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of love that withstands time and trials. If you’re a fan of second chances, childhood friends-to-lovers, and a unique backdrop like rock crawling, this book is for you.

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