News Summary
Mystic Box Bookshop, a new physical store catering to adult romance literature enthusiasts, has opened in downtown Huntington Beach. Launched to much fanfare, the store serves fans who previously engaged with the popular subscription service since 2018. The grand opening featured a book-signing event with acclaimed authors, strengthening the community’s connection. With owners committed to fostering literary relationships, Mystic Box aims to be a welcoming hub for book lovers, complemented by its track record of successful events and in-person author interactions.
Huntington Beach – The community of adult romance literature enthusiasts has gained a new hub with the opening of Mystic Box Bookshop in downtown Huntington Beach. Officially launched on June 14, the store caters to fans who have followed the company since its inception in 2018, primarily as an online subscription service. The launch event featured a ticketed book-signing with popular authors, drawing a significant crowd eager to seek out their favorite titles.
At the launch, a long queue formed, stretching into the alleyway between Mystic Box and the International Surfing Museum. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to meet and get books signed by authors Santana Knox and C.E. Ricci. Knox showcased her book “Heartless Heathens,” while Ricci signed copies of “Iced Out,” both titles emblematic of the store’s focus on the adult romance genre.
Sisters Sydney and Genevieve Engeran, who traveled from Long Beach to attend, highlighted the well-established reputation of Mystic Box within the literary community. They expressed their excitement about connecting with fellow book lovers in person, as much of the community’s interaction tends to occur online. This highlights the importance of the new physical location in fostering relationships among readers and authors.
Mystic Box Bookshop is the brainchild of owners Kate and Phil Benito, who reside in Seal Beach. The couple recognized a growing demand for a physical outlet due to the overwhelming success of their subscription service, which features two hardcover books every two months that are dark, mafia-themed, or forbidden in nature. This service has garnered a long waiting list, indicating strong interest in the offerings. The Benitos noted that the business had outgrown its previous location in Los Alamitos, prompting the move to Huntington Beach.
The excitement for Mystic Box has been palpable. A previous event held at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort last year included seven authors and sold out quickly, further demonstrating the demand for in-person experiences in the book community. Kate Benito pointed out a noticeable trend toward increased paperback sales as readers seek something tangible to enjoy, especially as many look for ways to disconnect from technology.
Mystic Box Bookshop is committed to creating a welcoming environment for fans of the genre, and the atmosphere during the grand opening served as a testament to this commitment. Their next signing event is already on the calendar for August 2, set to feature author Katelyn Taylor, known for her engaging stories from the Pacific Northwest.
For those looking to visit, Mystic Box Bookshop is conveniently located at 221 Main St., Huntington Beach. The store operates from Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, the shop remains closed on Mondays. The opening of Mystic Box not only marks a new chapter for the business but also strengthens the local literary landscape, providing a space for fans to gather, share, and celebrate their love for adult romance literature.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: New Bookstore in Downtown Huntington Beach
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach, California
- Los Angeles Times: Mystic Box Bookshop Grand Opening
- Google Search: Mystic Box Bookshop
- Los Angeles Times: Mystic Box Signing Event with Katelyn Taylor
- Google Scholar: Adult Romance Literature
- Los Angeles Times: July Events in Huntington Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bookstores
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
