Back in a Spell

Nineve “Nina” Blackmoore has always kept her life crisp, polished, and under control—until her fiancée ends things a week before their winter wedding. Frozen in place and afraid to try again, Nina lets her best friend talk her into a no-stakes date with Morty, a witty, glitter-eyed bartender who’s absolutely not her type. Then the lake that fuels the magic of Thistle Grove blazes with impossible light, Nina dreams of a living goddess, and a golden coin appears in her hand. Overnight, Nina’s spells supercharge, ice storms erupt mid-joust, and Morty starts casting witchlight—because the two of them have become witchbound, a bond usually sealed by choice and ceremony. Their chemistry is real, their connection is unnervingly deep, and Nina’s new power feels like destiny—but power without consent comes with a cost. As family politics sharpen and ancient rules collide with modern ethics, Nina must decide who she is without the armor, who she loves without fear, and what kind of witch she wants to be. This is a romantic, high-stakes return to Thistle Grove—warm, funny, and full of blazing winter magic.

• Romantasy readers who crave heartfelt character growth with their magic
• Fans of queer, cozy small-town worlds with sharp ethics and big feelings
• Listeners who love consent-forward romance and found-family warmth

Lana Harper (also writing as Lana Popović) is a New York Times bestselling author of witchy rom-coms and YA dark delights. Born in the Balkans and raised across Eastern Europe, she studied psychology, literature, law, and publishing before making a home in Chicago. Her work blends magical worlds with modern heart, and often includes the sharp banter, fierce friendships, and romantic heat you’ll find in Thistle Grove.