Picture a Serbian-born storyteller who weaves queer witchy romances that sparkle with magic—meet Lana Harper! This New York Times bestselling author burst onto the paranormal romance scene with her enchanting debut, Payback’s a Witch, in 2021, captivating readers with her inclusive, spellbinding tales set in the magical town of Thistle Grove. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and supernatural sass, Harper has become a beloved voice in contemporary romantasy.
From her diverse upbringing across Eastern Europe to her academic adventures at Yale and Boston University, Harper’s journey is as vibrant as her stories. Her Witches of Thistle Grove series, brimming with queer relationships and cozy autumnal vibes, has earned praise for its fresh take on paranormal romance, making her a must-read for fans craving magic with a modern twist.
The Making of Lana Harper
Born in Serbia, Lana Harper grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before settling in the United States. Her multicultural background infuses her storytelling with a rich tapestry of perspectives. A scholar at heart, she studied psychology and literature at Yale University, earned a law degree from Boston University, and later pursued a master’s in publishing at Emerson College. Before becoming an author, Harper honed her skills as a literary agent at agencies like Zachary Shuster Harmsworth and Chalberg & Sussman, giving her a keen eye for crafting compelling narratives. Her pivot to writing under the pen name Lana Harper (she also writes YA novels as Lana Popović) marked the start of a magical new chapter.
Lana Harper’s Unforgettable Stories
Harper’s Witches of Thistle Grove series is a love letter to queer romance and paranormal intrigue, set in a charming magical town. Her debut, Payback’s a Witch (2021), follows Emmy Harlow, a witch returning to Thistle Grove to arbitrate a spellcasting tournament, only to team up with two scorned witches for revenge against a heartbreaker. Critics hailed it as “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word,” praising its witty dialogue and sapphic romance.
The series continues with From Bad to Cursed (2022), where wild child Isidora Avramov investigates dark magic sabotaging a festival, sparking an enemies-to-lovers romance with Rowan Thorn. Back in a Spell (2023) explores Nineve Blackmoore’s magical mishaps and a budding connection with a nonbinary newcomer, while In Charm’s Way (2023) delves into Delilah Harlow’s dangerous spell to reclaim her memory, drawing supernatural threats. Harper’s style blends humor, steamy romance, and intricate world-building, creating stories that feel both mystical and relatable.
Writing as Lana Popović, she also penned YA novels like Wicked Like a Wildfire and Blood Countess, showcasing her versatility. Her paranormal romances stand out for their inclusive representation, particularly of LGBTQ+ characters, and their ability to balance magical stakes with emotional depth.
Why Lana Harper Matters
Lana Harper has carved a unique niche in paranormal romance, offering readers a fresh, queer perspective in a genre often dominated by traditional narratives. Her Witches of Thistle Grove series has been celebrated for its diverse characters and vibrant settings, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and BookPage. By centering sapphic and nonbinary romances, Harper fosters inclusivity, resonating with readers who see themselves in her stories. Her ability to weave humor, magic, and heart has made Thistle Grove a beloved literary escape, inspiring fans to crave more witchy adventures.
- Birthplace: Serbia
- Key Works: Payback’s a Witch, From Bad to Cursed, Back in a Spell, In Charm’s Way
- Fun Fact: Harper also writes YA novels as Lana Popović.
Snag Payback’s a Witch and dive into Lana Harper’s enchanting world of queer witches and magical revenge!