In the heart of Seattle, McKenna Martin has turned a pandemic-induced passion into a thriving business with the launch of ‘Lovestruck in Seattle,’ a pop-up bookstore dedicated entirely to romance novels.
Originally from Washington but working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, Martin found herself at a creative crossroads when the pandemic halted her work in TV production and photography.
In search of a new artistic outlet during lockdown, she purchased a Cricut cutting machine and began making stickers, ultimately leading to the creation of Palm Creative in 2020.
Focusing on book-themed designs, she sought to bring joy in a difficult time, and as her business flourished, Martin decided to relocate back to Washington in 2023.
Once settled in Seattle, she began selling her artwork at local markets, discovering a vibrant community of readers and book lovers.
“My business started thriving and growing in new ways I didn’t expect,” she shared.
Eager to further develop her entrepreneurial vision, Martin applied for Seattle Restored, a city-supported initiative that offers rent-free retail spaces to small businesses.
When she pitched her proposal for a romance-focused bookstore in January 2025, she was motivated by the recent rise in dedicated romance bookstores across the U.S., which had expanded from only two in 2022 to over twenty in 2024.
The surge in appetite for romance novels has been fueled by readers’ desire for inclusive narratives and emotionally resonant stories, providing a welcome escape from current global uncertainties.
“Romance has been a genre that’s oftentimes looked at as less than,” Martin noted, expressing her excitement over its resurgence.
Recognizing the lack of a romance bookstore in Seattle, she was determined to take the initiative and became the first to open such a shop.
She was assigned a storefront on Lake City Way and promptly, along with her husband, began a whirlwind transformation of the space with only two weeks to prepare for the launch.
“Everything was a DIY project,” Martin said.
Her vision was to create a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with color, perfect for celebrating the joy of romance literature.
The result was a charming, pink-hued enclave adorned with books, stickers, and gifts that reflect the playful spirit of the genre.
Upon its opening on July 13, ‘Lovestruck in Seattle’ was met with an overwhelming response, with lines wrapping around the block.
“Honestly, the line was a huge surprise,” Martin said.
She had anticipated a busy day but was taken aback by the outpouring of support, much of it amplified through social media.
The positive reception from customers, she noted, made her feel incredibly grateful to be embraced by the community.
In her Instagram post, Martin expressed her joy, calling it “the best day of my life” because of the enthusiastic support shown by visitors.
With the intention of making ‘Lovestruck in Seattle’ a gathering spot for readers, Martin aimed to design a space that is whimsical and welcoming, catering to both seasoned romance enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The bookstore’s offerings reflect her personal tastes, particularly her love for the ‘romantasy’ genre and classic tropes like enemies-to-lovers.
Though the pop-up is set to run until October 26, Martin is already planning for the future.
She intends to launch a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding for a permanent location that will be larger and designed to host events, readings, and marketplaces.
“We are actively looking for our permanent location that will hopefully be open right after the pop-up,” she added, with visions of including a coffee bar in the new space.
Located at 12315 Lake City Way NE, ‘Lovestruck in Seattle’ is currently open on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, inviting all to explore the magical world of romance literature.
image source from：seattlemag
