ARC Review: The Kiss Lottery – A Feel-Good Small-Town Romance

The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills

The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a quick yet beautiful read that's all about second chances, nostalgia, and rekindled love. Set in a small town, the story follows Everly Davis as she returns to Rose a decade after she swore never to set foot there again. The reason? Beckett Whitfield, the boy who once meant everything to her but turned her into the villain of his book. Though he never stopped wanting her, his choices pushed her away. Now, with a mysterious invite to the town’s tradition, The Kiss Lottery, Everly finds herself back where it all began. Will she finally get the answers she’s been seeking for ten years? And will Beckett finally open up about his true feelings?

Everly and Beckett were best friends growing up but, drift apart when Everly gets into a relationship with Carson, Beckett’s best friend. Things spiralled when Everly’s private journal, filled with confessions of her feelings for Beckett, was leaked to their entire high school. Overnight, she lost both her boyfriend and her best friend, leaving her heartbroken and humiliated. Now, a decade later, a nameless note lures her back to Rose, a town she swore she would never return to. Will she and Beckett pick up where they left off?

At its core, The Kiss Lottery is a journey of self-discovery. Everly’s return to Rose forces her to confront the past and realize that home is not just a place—it’s the people who make you feel like you belong. Meanwhile, Beckett struggles to come to terms with his father’s flaws and the effect they have had on his own choices, particularly his relationship with Everly. Watching these two characters navigate their emotions and find their way back to each other is both heartwarming and satisfying.

One of the highlights of the book is the friendship dynamics between Everly, Tabby, Fritz, and Troy. Their interactions bring warmth and humor to the story, making them stand out as more than just background characters and how the author avoids unnecessary drama between Everly, Carson, and Beckett. Instead of dragging out conflicts, the story focuses on healing and second chances, which makes for an engaging and emotionally satisfying read. I also loved the Lily and Quincy scenes in the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. It was a light, feel-good read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I would recommend it to readers who are looking for a sweet, easy-to-read romance without heavy angst or slow-burning tension. While I personally prefer stories with deeper emotional turmoil, tension, and slow-burn romance, I still found this book delightful.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I’m keeping the one-star because quick reads aren’t my cup of tea. I crave more angst, drama, and slow-burn tension, which this book didn’t have much of. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that The Kiss Lottery is a beautifully written, heartwarming story that will leave you smiling. If you’re in the mood for a short, uplifting romance with a touch of nostalgia and second chances, this book is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you Love Notes PR and Ilsa Madden-Mills for the opportunity