Fun and quirky story, second chance, small town, old lovers reuniting.
Loved the idea of a kiss lottery and that the town didn't take it too seriously (unless someone REALLY fancied the one the 'won').
A lot of back and forth, misunderstandings, lack of communication,
Good story for cosying up with in the warmth!

[updated with correct text and links, sorry]

I like the second chance story in this book. I like the little mystery type sub plot. The affair sub plot is a bit out of left field but it gives a reasonable explanation for the break between Everly and Beckett. The writing is very detailed. The writing is good. The town is interesting and the side characters are also interesting and they add depth to the story. Some parts including the booth are a bit immature but doesn't distract from the story. The main characters are good but I don't feel a lot of chemistry from them. 3.5 stars

What a cute, original book!
I’ve read very few novellas, but I don’t think I’ve ever been as pleasantly surprised as I was with this one. The idea of the kiss lottery was original, I haven’t read any other book with a similar plot. The quirkiness of the characters in her small hometown were all enjoyable, the banter was good, and I feel like it had the perfect amount of back story worked in to explain their current day situation without making it confusing. Definitely recommend this novella, it was a fun, easy read!

That was an amazing second chance romance novella, the spice was hot and at the end of the book, but the story was so amazingly adorable.

I loved it.

This was super cute. It’s not as engaging as the first in this series, but the couple is dynamic and the story flowed really nicely. Definitely recommend.

I enjoyed this novella but didn't really feel the romance, especially from the FMCs pov, I definitely felt it from the MMCs pov and could tell that he liked her but personally wasn't really feeling it from her side

There's a small mystery sub plot which I really enjoyed

- childhood friends (who had crushes on each other) to dislike to lovers
- small town romance
- valentine's day themed novella
- dual pov

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC - all opinions are my own

The Kiss Lottery is a sweet second-chance small town novella that hits the sweet spot for a Valentine's romance. Everly returns to her home in Rose, TN, after 10 years away for college and career. When she left, she left her best friend/crush/enemy Beckett behind. When she receives an anonymous invitation to Rose's Valentine's traditional Kiss Lottery, she decides to go home.

Ilsa Madden-Mills knocked it out of the park with this one. A great friend group, small town shenanigans, a kitten and a couple you want a happy ending for equals a novella that will bring a smile to your face.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an eARC. Opinions are my own.

This book wasn’t for me. I felt like the supporting characters were a bit cheesy & took away from the main story like. It was hard for me to get through this novella. This is not a reflection of the author. I have read other books by her & enjoyed. This was just a miss for me.

This was a fun little valentines novella! Did the story have its issues - for sure, but overall it was a fun, quick read.

There is a lot going on considering the length of this book and it felt like there were a few plot holes and devices that weren't necessary, but overall it was a fun quick read. I loved the side characters that were the FMCs friends and their neighbouring resident medium. The wild goose chase to discover what happened to this random ghost's long lost love was a fun little side quest.

I liked the FMC, but the choices she made in high school that led to her staying away for a decade had me scratching my head. Not to mention how much of her life is rooted in scandal. I liked the MMC, especially once we got to know him a bit better. I just found his character lacked some consistency.

Also, the actual Kiss Lottery was a bit of a joke? People who entered were randomly matched, but then didn't have to do anything about it. They could just decide, ew - no. I don't like that person, so I'm not going to talk to them. And it honestly had nothing to do with kissing at all. So I feel like the story could have had a few more points fleshed out.

*spoilery part of the review*

I was very much confused about how in the the first few chapters, it very much felt like the MMC was not a fan of the FMC. While I can understand having that perception when reading from the FMCs POV, I also felt it from the MMCs POV in the beginning. This was confusing to me, because he came across as put off by the fact she had returned to town, when in the end we find out he's the one who invited her back. His gifts to her as a "secret admirer" came across as stalker/serial killery to me, and it was a little disappointing when it turned out to be from him all along because she suspected it was him pretty early on making the reveal anti-climactic.

While I really enjoyed the ghost story component of this book, if you took that entire plot line out completely, it would have changed absolutely nothing about the story. I understand the intention of her discovering the dead man the ghost had been looking for was her ancestor was to establish she belongs in this small town, but it was weak. She grew up in this town and likely would have already known her family had been there for generations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

3.5 stars, rounded up. After a decade of barely setting foot in her tiny hometown, Everly feels adrift—like she no longer belongs there, or anywhere at all. But two things pull her back: (1) she discovers that Beckett, her former best friend from childhood and high school—the one she once dreamed of something more with before an unfortunate fallout—has cast her as the villain in his newest book, and (2) she receives an anonymous invitation to the town’s quirky Valentine’s Day tradition, the ‘kiss lottery,’ which randomly pairs up single participants. She figures it’s a great topic for her podcast while also giving her a mystery to solve—who sent the invite?

Throw in a lively cast of old friends, a town queen bee, some sleuthing, and unexpected revelations from the past, and you’ve got a fast-paced (maybe even slightly overstuffed) novella.

This second-chance romance is told through a dual perspective, which is particularly effective in revealing how the once-tight bond between the main characters unraveled.

While the shorter length meant I didn’t get to know the protagonists as deeply as I’d have liked, and at times it felt like the story was juggling a few too many elements, the writing was engaging, the dialogue sharp, and the emotional beats heartfelt. Plus, there’s a little spice! I enjoyed it and found the characters compelling—so much so that I’d love to see them in a full-length novel.

Many thanks to Grey’s Promotions and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

An extremely cute second chance short novella where Everly comes back home ten years after she left, when she receives a kiss lottery ticket, a famous even in her hometown. As soon as she arrives she runs into the boy she has always loved and who told her he didn't want to see her again.

Their banter, the chemistry, the kiss lottery set up was quite nice. Everthing in this book was reallt reallt nice.

I would have loved to see Becket to grovel a bit more than he did, but it was a nice read indeed.

Thank you for the arc opportunity. All opinions are my own

#arc #arcreader #arcreview #rcreviewer #thekisslottery #beckettandeverly #ilsamaddenmils #romcom #shortstory #hefallsfirst #childhoodcrush #closeproximity #contemporaryromance #doublepov #fiction #secretlove #spicy #smalltown#secondchance #newadult #netgalley2025 #readingchallenge2025

3 ⭐ 2 🌶️

This was a cute novella that at times made me wanna chuck my kindle across the room... The premise was so fun, but there were just a few moments that had me cringing and made dislike the characters a bit. That being said, it was a very quick read and if miscommunication and characters making dumb dumb decisions don't bother you, you may love this one.

I had three major head scratchers with this one, 2 being spoilers I won't discuss here... But possibly the biggest one was Troy going from annoying dude that hits on Everly to one of the gang without a transition. He's just suddenly solving ghost mysteries with them and I'm still unsure if I missed something or if it really happens that way.

I wonder if this was fleshed out into a full story of I would have enjoyed it more... But overall I just felt a little indifferent, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.

I thought this novella was such a delight. I really liked the characters, not only the heroine and hero, but the side characters as well. And there was a lightness to this story that I found so enjoyable - I think the playfulness of the premise is really what contributed to that feeling. Overall it was easy to root for Everly and Beckett and their semi-second chance romance.

This was very cute.

Everly gets a mysterious Valentine's invitation that leads her back to her hometown, and back to her old childhood best friend (and crush). Past drama is dug up, emotions are all over the place, and there's a cute lil mystery on the side as a treat.

Leave it to an author (Beckett) to be so diabolically romantic

The Kiss Lottery is such a fun read. I loved this so much. Everly and Beckett are everything. Childhood best friends, old neighbors Everly and Beckett have a past. Both have held back and wasted time. Beckett is ready to move forward and knows what he wants. Everly is back in her hometown to face the past and drawn into town traditions. You will love the banter as Beckett and Everly grow closer and rekindle their friendship. A little pushing brings everyone closer and secrets that were hidden come out. I love the antics Everly and her friends get into. I love how Beckett does not waiver when it comes to showing Everly how he feels. I fell hard for Beckett and Everly. You really need to meet them today. Go one click this now.

This is a fast-paced, small-town romance filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and an engaging enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The story follows a protagonist who returns to their hometown, stirring up past relationships and unresolved emotions. With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of drama—thanks to an “obsessed female” character—the novella keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Its shorter length ensures a tight, compelling narrative without unnecessary filler. Perfect for fans of steamy, small-town romances, this charming and entertaining read is both nostalgic and emotionally satisfying.

3.5 Stars!

I was very excited when I saw this novella pop up on Netgalley to read because I love Ilsa's books. This was a cute and quick story about a second chance romance. Everly gets a invitation for the Kiss Lottery and returns to her small town, where she runs into her high school love, Beckett. There were some parts of the story that didn't necessarily need to be added in to the storyline, but it didn't take away from the rekindling of love between our two. It is definitely a cute little novella to read this Valentine's Day!

2.5 ⭐️ The Kiss Lottery: how to get some after a decade of... pinning?*

Okay, let’s talk about The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills. I wanted to love this one—small-town romance, second-chance vibes, a quirky Kiss Lottery twist—it sounded like a fun read. But sadly, it fell flat for me in almost every way.

First, the writing. It felt underdeveloped, like a draft that needed a few more rounds of editing. The dialogue was often clunky, and the pacing dragged in places, making it hard to stay engaged. The small-town setting had potential, but it ended up feeling generic and forgettable, lacking the charm I was hoping for.

Now, the romance. The tension between the main characters was practically non-existent. What was supposed to be a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt more like two people stuck in a loop of petty arguments and miscommunication. And the grand romantic gestures? Let’s just say they missed the mark for me, coming off as more cringe than swoon-worthy.

The Kiss Lottery itself was a cute idea, but it wasn’t enough to carry the story. The lack of meaningful character development made it hard to root for the couple, and the closed-door romance didn’t help. For a book that needed some spark, it felt like the emotional and physical chemistry was left on the cutting room floor.

Overall, this one was a miss for me. If you’re into low-stakes, fluffy romances with minimal drama, you might enjoy it. But if you’re looking for depth, tension, or a fresh take on the genre, this probably isn’t it.

🌶🌶 - There's one single open-door scene, and although it was good and did help the overall lack of tension between both MCs... I just can't give this more than a 2.5 - SNS!

This was an ARC review! So thank you so much Net Galley from allowing me to read it early!!*

The Kiss Lottery was a fun and quick read. I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed it. It was sweet and sexy with a tidbit of mystery and secrets. The romance was believable despite its length. In ways it felt like a full length book because I got a good sense and grasp of the characters. It was evenly paced and just an all around awesome story with some smalltown hijinks. I definitely recommend it.

After reading My Darling Bride, I was up for another story of Ilsa Madden-Mills.

The Kiss Lottery is definitely in the same category: cute, funny and totally unbelievable But hey, it is a great read. Roses are Red, Violets are Blue and Beckett is the one for you.

The Kiss Lottery in Rose is a cute concept and Beckett and Everly are wonderful characters. So, a very relaxing read, four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Nergalley for providing the arc.