Taken by Touch and Torment

The story’s atmosphere is so intense, and I wonder whether the fantasy setting was developed first or if it grew alongside the romantic tension. Did this influence the tone of the book?

The emotional stakes felt real, but parts of the story were quite intense. How did readers connect emotionally without feeling overwhelmed?

The character’s struggles and flaws made her feel deeply human despite the fantastical setting. I’m curious about the creative process behind crafting such a layered hero/heroine.