What do Taylor Swift and a twisted thriller have in common? A lot, apparently

Taylor Swift's lyrics have been the backdrop to countless love stories, breakups, and late-night cries, but for author Megan Collins, they became something even more profound-a creative spark. The thriller author, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, took inspiration from Taylor's music to craft her latest novel, Cross My Heart, hitting shelves January 14. Spoiler alert: this isn't your typical love story.

So, how does one go from jamming out to "You Belong With Me" to writing a twisted psychological thriller? Let's back up. Collins shared her Swiftie origin story in a People exclusive, recounting how she discovered Taylor's music during a rough patch in her mid-twenties. "Dear John" was her anthem, a track she played on repeat to process heartbreak. Fast-forward over a decade, and that same ability Taylor has to capture raw emotions helped Collins dive into the darker, messier sides of love in her novel.

Now, about Cross My Heart. The story follows Rosie, a heart transplant recipient who becomes obsessed with her donor's widower, Morgan. She's convinced they're meant to be because, well, she literally has the heart he once loved. If that premise doesn't already have you hooked, wait until you hear how Taylor's songs wove their way into Rosie's obsessive journey.

It all started with "You Belong With Me." Most of us know it as the ultimate unrequited love anthem, but Collins caught onto a subtler, more unsettling layer. That lyric-"Think I know where you belong, think I know it's with me"-sparked the idea of delusion disguised as destiny. For Rosie, that belief becomes her driving force, leading her down a path where boundaries and reality blur.

From sweet serenades to spine-chilling scenes: How Taylor Swift's lyrics shaped a thriller

But it didn't stop there. Songs like "Labyrinth" and "Treacherous" added even more depth to the story. "Labyrinth," with its blend of falling in love and fearing the consequences, became a blueprint for Rosie's inner turmoil. And "Treacherous"? Let's just say Rosie's willingness to risk everything for love aligns a little too well with the line, "Nothing safe is worth the drive."

Collins even took a page-or maybe a verse-from Taylor's "Mastermind" to develop one of the book's key moments. In the song, Taylor confesses to orchestrating the perfect meet-cute, singing, "None of it was accidental." Inspired by this, Collins wrote a scene where Rosie plans her "accidental" encounter with Morgan. It's charming in Taylor's world, but in Rosie's? More like spine-chilling.

The result is a thriller that dives deep into obsession, delusion, and the lengths we'll go for love-even when it's one-sided. Collins credits Taylor's music for helping her explore love's shadowy corners. "Without Taylor's songs, this would've been a very different book," she admitted.

So, whether you're a die-hard Swiftie or just love a good thriller, Cross My Heart promises to be a rollercoaster of emotion, obsession, and just the right amount of creepy. And honestly, isn't that exactly what we want from a Taylor-inspired tale?