Review: The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden Mills
If you’re looking for a charming, feel-good Valentine’s Day read, The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills is an absolute delight! This novella delivers a heartwarming second-chance love story set in a quirky small town, packed with humor, chemistry, and a touch of mystery.
Everly Davis left Rose, Tennessee, a decade ago, determined never to return. But when she receives a mysterious valentine inviting her to the town’s annual Kiss Lottery—a beloved tradition—she finds herself back where it all started. Newly single and in need of a distraction, Everly sees this as the perfect opportunity to uncover the sender’s identity while also gathering material for her travel podcast.
What she doesn’t expect? Running into Beckett Whitfield—the boy who broke her heart. Their past is messy, complicated by an old mistake and years of silence. To make matters worse, Beckett has turned her into the villain of his latest book, which only fuels Everly’s determination to ruffle his feathers. But fate (and the Kiss Lottery) have other plans when they’re unexpectedly paired together. As old wounds reopen and long-buried emotions surface, Everly and Beckett must navigate lingering resentment, unresolved feelings, and the undeniable connection that never truly faded.
This novella is packed with all the elements I love in a small-town romance—endearing side characters (Everly’s aunt and friends are fantastic), a town full of charm, witty banter, and moments that had me grinning from ear to ear. It’s funny, heartfelt, and has just the right amount of angst to keep you hooked. Plus, for a novella, it doesn’t feel rushed or too short—there’s plenty of depth and development.
For audiobook lovers, The Kiss Lottery is a treat! Narrators Savannah Peachwood and Sebastian York do an exceptional job bringing Everly and Beckett’s story to life. Their performances add warmth, emotion, and just the right amount of spark to make the characters feel even more real.
If you love second-chance romance, small-town settings, and stories filled with spark, secrets, and swoon-worthy moments, The Kiss Lottery is a must-read (or must-listen!). Go grab it—you won’t regret it!
