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.

I can only say, this book was a page-turner, so so good to read and well written. I devoured it literally in 1 day, and I loved every single second of it.
At first, I´ve thought, what was wrong with all the people in Rose, but when you get deeper into the story, you will understand.
I loved both main characters, in the beginning, I wasn´t sure what to think about Beckett, but then his true colors were shining through his armor, and Everly, OMG, she was just so special.

I can only recommend this novel to everyone, who loves books with best friends to lovers.

A very cute and funny novella. The small town feel is perfect and the long standing friendships make Beckett and Everly’s story more real and endearing. You’ll laugh at the shenanigans they get into.

This was a cute HEA with a few fun twists. I liked the book and would be happy to read more about this quirky town and its residents.

This was a quick, cute read just in time for Valentine’s Day. Then tension was smoldering between Everly & Beckett. What a fun read.

I love this book! It was fun and had such a good pace. This is one of my favorite authors. Thanks for the ARC.

Everly Davis left Rose, TN ten years ago after some crazy things happened during her senior year of high school and the whole town was mad at her. She left behind her friends and the only guy she has really ever loved Beckett Whitfield. When Everly receives an invitation to the annual Kiss Lottery she is intrigued. This would make a great show for her podcast Travels with Everly and maybe she'd even get to see Beckett again. Everyone thinks she living a great life in New York City with her lawyer boyfriend, but that imploded

Back in Rose, Everly realizes that not everyone hates her anymore, well except for Beckett since he made her the villain in his latest novel. When Everly finally sees Beckett all those feelings come rushing back. What Everly doesn't realize is that they never went away for Beckett. The more time these two spend together, the more they talk about the past and realize a few things and before they know it, they are back where they were ten years ago. Now they finally have their happy ending.

I just adored this second chance at love story. Everly was a lost soul yearning for something. Beckett was just the person to give her what she longed for. I really enjoyed this fun read. I even liked the little mystery that was included. I hope a story of Tabby and Troy is written!

What a delightful story, that will make you want to run to Rose, Tennessee. What a lovely idea, the kiss lottery is, there are parts that are best glossed over, but overall, the whole story was just divine. Everly and Beckett have a history, and it’s a big deep nasty one, the type that makes you twice shy. But they have the history that makes them fight twice as hard to get back too. There are some great characters in this story, and so many that will make you smile, don’t miss this romantic story to while away your time.

4.5⭐
1🌶️

I had such a joy reading this sweet Valentine themes novella from Ilsa, and when the 'second chance romance' trope is thrown into the mix, I'm all over it!

It's been 10 long years since Everly has set foot in Rose, Tennessee but after receiving a mystery Valentine invitation, her interest is somewhat piqued.
She might also have a bone to pick with Beckett - her childhood friend she once crushed on, but ultimately crushed her feelings in return when he walked away from her - has used her as the inspiration for the villain in his latest novel.

However, Everly didn't account on the intense nostalgia she would be hit with, especially bumping into Beckett at every turn. Everly vows to get the bottom of the invite and it's mystery sender, but Beckett isn't going to let Everly go this time... And certainly without a fight.

Beckett and Everly were just the epitome of true love that only grew stronger with time. Despite the years apart, their feeling never truly wavered. Beckett's discovery on his dad's infidelity made him pull back from Everly, when all he wanted was to confess to her how he really felt. I loved their connection and friendship and how Beckett wanted to make things right between them. The heartfelt confessions, the lingering stares, the palpable tension.... Gahhh I was so made up for them and their long awaited HEA! 💖

Although it's a novella, don't let that fool you as the pacing of the story was on point and definitely makes a perfect read for this coming V-Day!

Thank you Ilsa, Montlake and NetGalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

A sweet read about first loves and second chances. Everly returns to her hometown of Rose after receiving a mysterious invitation to attend the annual kiss lottery. The kiss lottery didn't feature too heavily in the story to be honest, but it does provide reason for Everlys return.
Beckett you quickly find out sent the invite (no real mystery there) and wants to reconnect with Everly. There's a little side mystery that's fun, several secondary characters which could be developed more, a minute conflict and...happy every after.
Quick and easy read.

This is a fun, swoony novella.

Beckett Whitfield and Everly Davis were best friends growing up until an event their senior year of high school caused a rift between them and ended with him saying he never wanted to see her again. So she left town, but now, ten years later, she has returned to her hometown of Rose, Tennessee. She received an invitation to the town's annual Kiss Lottery.

Beckett has never stopped thinking of her in all these years and it's the same for Everly. But there are some secrets that Beckett has not shared with her.

This is a quick, fun read. A second chance, small town, dual POV, Valentines themed filled with quirky secondary characters and with just a small bit of spice.

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

<b>I remember every moment with him. Each one is written on my heart.</b>

Super sweet best friends—frenemies—to lovers romance novella. This is Valentine’s Day themed where the heroine returns to her small town to record a podcast about the towns holiday traditions. Rose, Tennessee has its own unique way to celebrate, they hold a kiss lottery with people who sign up and pair up couples to go on a date and then see where it goes by. No pressure. Just to see if magic happens. Everly hadn’t been to her hometown in years and the man who chased her out seems unhappy to see her once she’s back. Seems being the operative. I enjoyed this read because it was just easier than expected. When someone runs from their small town you expect a less than stellar welcome home, but Everly is loved and Beckett made sure their reunion was more than just apologies and confessions. If you’re looking for a sweet semi-second chance romance, then I highly recommend this read.

I enjoy a good small town romance, and I love the Hallmark Channel. This seemed like the perfect combination: a sweet mystery, an entertaining cast of supporting characters, and a mysterious hero. However, this missed the mark. My biggest issue was the pacing of the book. At first, it felt like it could have been a novel. The future conflict was teased, some troubled pasts were hinted at, and various side plots were introduced. However, as the book progressed, it became increasingly rushed. The future conflict that seemed like an enormous deal at the beginning took less than a chapter to resolve. The heroine found out about the secret, rushed off, and they'd made up by the end of the very next chapter. The sex scene had a higher word count. This book just did not appeal to me the way I thought it would, but if you're looking for an easy, super quick brain cleanser, you might consider picking this up.

For as long as I can remember, Ilsa's books has always worked for me! The Kiss Lottery was just the quick read I needed to help me along during this week. And I'm a bit of a sucker for second chance romances and second chances in love. And as someone that seemed to be averse to friends to lovers, this one worked for me. I tend to have an issue when there's several years of silence between friends when something happened in high school. I get that it's the teenage years and emotions are high, but I feel like during such a large gap of time, everyone should get over it. I don't know why I'm complaining, I loved this one!

Whether you're a fan or new to Ilsa, The Kiss Lottery is the perfect book to pick for your February reads!

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC.

4.25/5

The Kiss Lottery was a cut Valentine's themed novella. I love Ilsa Madden-Mills romances that are on the angsty side and this one was definitely more on the cute-sy side. It was straight forward and to the point, but I didn't get the character development that I wanted. Because it was a novella, I wasn't getting the chemistry between Everly and Beckett even though this was a second chance romance. Overall, it was a cute Valentine's day themed novella - a solid 3 stars.

I really, really wanted to love this one. But It was just okay I am a big fan of this author, but trully this book was short story and not really deep.
I was a little let down 3.5 stars