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Kiwi Guys #1

Winning Love's Lottery

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An average Kiwi guy, Jase MacKenzie wasn’t born rich, and winning the lottery at eighteen didn’t change the way he looked at the world. In fact, he never even told his family and friends he was a sudden millionaire.

When Kyle Foster moves to Auckland to head a new business venture for his father, he’s wary of love. His past is full of heartache thanks to a gold-digging, cheating ex. All he wants to do is make his family proud and forget about love.

Only, working with Jase makes that impossible. Kyle is immediately drawn to Jase, but they need boundaries. Can Kyle learn to trust again and how will he react when he finds out Jase has secrets? About a million of them.


** Author note **
This book is set in New Zealand and uses NZ spelling and grammar, except in the case of the Texan that's moved there.

Word count: 68,000 words

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

28 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Piper

11 books54 followers

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5 stars
54 (28%)
4 stars
86 (45%)
3 stars
39 (20%)
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4 (2%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,590 reviews1,133 followers
February 19, 2018
Winning Love's Lottery is Zoe Piper's first novel, and unfortunately, it isn't a very successful one.



I have to say that the premise of the story (guy wins the lottery and keeps it a secret for a dozen years because he doesn't want people to treat him differently) is an interesting one. I was also excited about the New Zealand setting. The author's bio states that she has lived in New Zealand for 30 years, so she is practically a native.

Alas, that didn't come through in the story. There is no sense of place at all. There are some generic description and mentions of Maori culture, but I could get the same information from Google.

Indeed, the entire story suffers from a sense of contrived awkwardness. The dialogue is artificial; everyone talks so politely and stiffly. People are referred to as "young lady" and "the Kiwi" and "the Texan."



We are told that Sarah is Jase's best friend like one hundred times, possibly more. A good author shouldn't have to tell the reader even once. We should be able to sense the friendship between them.

Sarah and Jase's relationship didn't strike me as believable. They are all over each other all the time, even though Jase is gay and Sarah is married to Mike, Jase's OTHER best friends.

All the weird jabs and forced banter between Jase and his group of friends gave me a headache. Stuart was constantly sexually harassing everybody, and there were constant innuendos and sexual jokes. Let's not forget that Kyle was Sarah's boss!

I started skimming the sex scenes because the connection between the MCs was all surface. The story is told in a dual POV, but I kept losing track of who was telling the story or talking; the MCs were utterly interchangeable.

Besides Kyle using the word "darling," the men talked exactly the same, even though one is American, the other a Kiwi.

At one point, Kyle is asked to make tea, and his thought process goes something like this: "Kyle didn't understand this custom of drinking hot tea." Well, OBVIOUSLY. Making tea is complicated. It takes brawn and brains to get out a tea bag and pour boiling water over it. Kyle has to ask Jase how much a "dash" of milk is even. It's fucking hard work, people.



The numerous grammatical and stylistic errors, including the wrong name used for a secondary character, were just the icing on this poorly executed cake.

It's a testament to my will power that I finished this book. Not even a kilt scene could save this one.
386 reviews23 followers
February 10, 2018
3.5 STARS rounded up to 4

This was a pretty angst free read, and I enjoyed it. There was one thing that drove me crazy, but it REALLY drove me crazy. The author kept calling Jase a kiwi every other sentence. I mean every other sentence. Also, I just assumed that meant someone from New Zealand because it's never explained. Please forgive my ignorance if that's info everybody on the face of the earth knows but me!?😢 However, it was a cute story, and I will definitely be on the lookout for other books in this series.
Profile Image for Jenni Lea.
801 reviews302 followers
Read
February 10, 2018

A hot Kiwi and sexy af Texan.
Instant attraction but not insta-love.
Cute banter.
Lots of tender moments.
Communication.

and...

smokin' hot, gotta-have-you-now, up-against-a-door, wearing-nothing-but-a-KILT sex.

Nuff said.
215 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2018
I hate to do this for what appears to be a first book, but I still am. Dear god, this was dull. There was zero chemistry between the MCs. The setup seemed interesting but the writing just did not deliver.

For example, In chapter 2 the reader meets Sarah who is Jase’s best friend. How do we know this? It’s mentioned in conversation a coupla-hundred times. It got to the point where I thought these two are protesting too much. If I were Sarah’s husband I’d think Jase’s claim to be gay was a front to cover for their affair.

In a short introductory conversation between Sarah, Kyle and Jase “best friend” is mentioned 11 times in semi-quick succession. The real problem here, pedantic editor in me aside, is it makes the conversation unnatural. People don’t talk like this, unless it’s something new and they’re excited (example, the woman who repeatedly mentions her fiancée so everyone knows she’s engaged).

Dialogue was the real problem with this book, it was gag worthy with everyone fight complimenting, or jibe complimenting each other constantly. This is where banter is trying to be sarcastic, but also ham fistedly reinforcing it’s all good natured.

Tell Sarah she has to get some rest.
Hey! I’m not telling her, she’s your ridiculously hot wife.
Says the guy beating runway models off with a stick.

(Not a real conversation, but this is what they were all like. Gag!)

After a while I started skipping whole pages to get to the good parts. I realised there were no good parts so had to DNF. As I said earlier, there was just no chemistry. The flirting was insipid, the tension created through obvious means (Jase bending over a desk or getting frisky with a rando whilst Kyle watched enviously).

I hope this author isn’t disheartened by this review. I don’t want to be mean, but I think there is room for improvement.
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,552 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2019
New to me author. This is a MM contemporary story set in New Zealand. Jase and Kyle are great together. Lots of secrets revealed but a HEA. I'll read more from this series and more from this author.
Profile Image for Jason Bradley.
1,099 reviews317 followers
November 8, 2018
The main premise of this was great and I immediately liked both the main characters. The story was sweet, although I had some problems with the side characters.
I think most of the problems I had with this could have been fixed with a good edit. That alone would have taken this story from a 3 star to 4.5 stars easily. But those problems continually pulled me out of the story.
Zoe is a talented author who can weave a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,691 reviews37 followers
May 6, 2021
This was just okay. The premise seemed fun, but once I got into the pages, it was more far-fetched than I expected. The writing was sophomoric, and it seemed like there was too much sex. I'll probably check out the next one, though, because I'm interested to see what's up with those rock-star guys.
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,304 reviews17 followers
February 1, 2018
This was a really sweet low angst romance. It had great characters and an engaging storyline. The chemistry between Jace and Kyle was🔥🔥🔥. I can already tell that I'm going to love the Kiwi Guys series, I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
September 11, 2018
Winning Love's Lottery is a fantastic m/m debut by Zoe Piper.

Jase and Kyle have an instant attraction that jumps off the page. As they are spend some time together, this attraction builds to more.


Jase is a compelling character, as he's smart, sensible and has been keeping a large secret from his friends and family. The story of his wealth is fun and enjoyable. And, of course, one cannot help but to love how humble he is about it all.


Kyle's new to the country and I love his story too. He is actually very rich also, but has been burned by someone wanting him just for his money. This, with Jase's secret, make for a wonderful storyline.

In the bedroom, the two connect perfectly. Kyle's always been expected to be in charge, so it is fun watching him give up control in the bedroom. Personally, I always enjoy this in a story, as one can only take so much of being control.

Outside of the bedroom, they are super compatible and lend so much joy and love to one another. They are sweet, tender and romantic.

The Auckland setting is refreshing and fun. As someone who has visited Auckland, I completely appreciated the great descriptions of the city.

One of the best parts of the story is the extended group of friends and family. They are a wonderful, supportive group, who have a great, witty and snarky banter with each other, which leads to some amusing humor. I always adore a story with an entertaining group of friends, and this group is fabulous! They are definitely a group I'd love to be friends with.


Winning Love's Lottery is well written, with a wonderful tone and pace. It contains a fun plot, some steamy scenes, and includes a lot of light hearted moments. I definitely recommend this Zoe Piper debut to anyone who enjoys a fun contemporary romance!
Profile Image for Ro.
3,124 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2018
3.5
This is a pretty easy, angst-free read about Jase, a lottery-winning millionaire. Jase didn’t actually tell anyone that he won so he gets grief from people like his brother, who believes he is working part time at a foundation and floundering. I have to put this out there right away, I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t have told at least his family, who he appears to be close with. “His brother and his family could be so infuriating at times but unfortunately, they didn’t know the real truth behind Jase’s job and he felt if they did, things could be even worse than they were now.” Like finding out your beloved son/brother has been lying to you for years? Especially since he won the money at 18 and he’s now nearing 30, a time when the trust he set up at the time will actually give him access to the money.

Jase set up the charitable foundation when he won the money and that’s where he works. When he meets Kyle, the Texan who’s moved to Auckland after a bad break up. Here I have to say, I just did something that was a huge peeve of mine throughout the story. “The Texan” and “The Kiwi”. Not Kyle and Jase. Especially the use of “the Kiwi” happened repeatedly throughout and it was finally enough to really be annoying.

The story is low angst and light, with the getting to know you of Jase and Kyle being the focal point, as a romance should be. You know at some point there is going to be some kind of show down because Jase is lying to Kyle also, albeit perhaps by omission. I actually thought it would be worse than it is because Kyle’s cheating ex was a liar and I didn’t think Kyle would handle yet another person lying to him, but it was pretty low key. It’s a pretty sweet story and I liked Kyle a lot.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,914 reviews26 followers
December 31, 2019
Love this series!

I started the series with book 3, not knowing it was part of a series when I got it. I enjoyed it so much I immediately downloaded this book, book 1, to see where it all began.

The MCs here are Jase and Kyle. Jase is, unbeknownst to anyone around him, a multi-millionaire who is working part time for a non-profit and offering his business smarts free to other small businesses. The whole idea of the secret lotto winner is a unique one and I loved the way the premise was explained and the rationale for it. It could have come off as a gimmick but the author does a great job with it. Kyle is an American who has come to New Zealand to run a part of his family business. He is also wealthy but doesn’t like to flaunt his wealth due to baggage from his past.

The story arc moves well and the build towards the crisis is well done. The tension ratchets slowly as the author lays out what is coming and you can anticipate there will be some sort of problem but can’t quite figure what. When it comes it not only is a bit of a surprise (you can kind of guess what is coming based on the background you get during the story but not necessarily be certain) but it is immediately infuriating! You will sympathize with the MCs and man did I want to throat punch someone. Frankly, when all is said and done I think the MCs were way too understanding and forgiving. I understand why but don’t think I could have been such a bigger person. Which of course makes me like the MCs even more.

The secondary characters are a big part of the story and there is a bit of foreshadowing to book two which I have downloaded and will be reading immediately!
Profile Image for Diane Dannenfeldt.
4,024 reviews78 followers
September 2, 2018
3.5 stars. Overall I liked the story. I can understand why Jase didn’t want anyone to know about his lottery winnings in the beginning, but 12 years have past. You don’t think you should have maybe mentioned something earlier? I liked that even though both Jase and Kyle are wealthy, they don’t act like it, well we know why Jase doesn’t as he is pretending not to be. I hate when wealthy people flaunt it and treat others as if they are nothing but servants. What drove me nuts was the constant use of Kiwi, it’s like when an older MC refers to the younger one as kid all the time. Or, referred to as the blond, etc. Also, if we hadn’t been told we were in a different country, the few times its mentioned, I would have never known. There really wasn’t much of a description of place. I would have also have liked seeing Kyle struggling a little like with driving on the wrong side of the road, yes I live in the states and y’all drive on the wrong side off the road ;). I loved the banter amungst his friends and how they accepted Kyle. I guess I just needed a little more. It was a very sweet relatively angst free read and I will most definitely be continuing on with this series, as soon as new books are released.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2018
Jase won the lottery at eighteen but that didn’t change the way he looked at the world. Not wanting to make it into a big deal, he never even told his family and friends he had enough money to last him a few lifetimes. When he meets Kyle, new to Auckland on a business venture for his family's company, the two men are immediately drawn together and soon find themselves in a relationship. But Kyle has a past full of heartache due to an ex's deception, how will he react when Jace's secrets come to light?

Winning  love's Lottery is the first book of Zoe Piper's Kiwi Guys Series.  It is about two hot guys who steam up the pages, surrounded by great supporting characters. This book has Humor sexy times, and characters who keep you interested.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2018
This is a delightful, fun and romantic book that I could not put down. I love the premise for this story and how well the author describes Auckland and the surrounding area throughout it. The characters are amazing and Jase is my favorite by far. He is humble, loving, affectionate, giving and a truly good person. Kyle is also a sweetheart and their chemistry together is combustible. They both have events in their pasts that they don't want to reveal right away but that doesn't stop them from developing a strong relationship. The secondary characters make this book even better and though there are some family issues they have the full support of their friends. I like the pace of this story and how cohesive it is. There are a few editing issues but the quality of the writing is excellent. I love the ending and I can’t wait to read the next book in this new series.
Profile Image for Beacullen.
519 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2018
When Jace and Kyle meet there is instant chemistry. Neither are looking for love but both recognize that what they have is special. They soon spend as much time as they can together and dread the times they're apart. Kyle is from Texas and his family has been hurt in the past so they're very guarded about him having a new relationship. While Kyle's friends and family welcome Kyle with open arms. They just want their son to be happy and they can very plainly see that Kyle makes Jace happy. When Kyle's family come to visit things are said, and accusations made that make both men stop and think about what they really want, and what they're willilng to do to for each other. This is a really fun story with hot guys who do stupid things sometimes, and there might be a kilt. Fun read.
Profile Image for Andrada Matei.
55 reviews25 followers
February 9, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about Jase, a normal guy who was lucky enough to win the lottery when he was 18, and Kyle his best friend's new boss. This book was very well written and the characters were soo sweet. I really liked that Kyle stood up to his parents when needed and didn't lose faith in his love. It's refreshing to see that not in all books one MC doubts the other and that some of them really understand that a relationship is built on trust and that you're not supposed to change your mind about it as the wind blows.
I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2018
Secret millionaire love story with a twist. We have all read the typical secret millionaire book but what happens when no one, not even the family know he's a millionaire?

Not wanting the spot light and to live a normal life, Jase never told his family or friends he won the lottery. Now approaching his 30th bday he needs to tell them because of the trust he set up himself 12 years ago.

What he never imagined was to meet and fall in love and have his parents force the truth before he was ready.

I had some laughs during this book from the banter not only between Jase and Kyle but also with their friends and family. I am jumping into book 2 right away and can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Light.
305 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2018
3.5 / 5 Stars

This is a light-hearted and quick read. I like the setting, it was a nice change from my usul reads.

The plot is easy to follow and low-angst, very little drama that comes near the end. The characters are likeable even if they coould have been developed a bit more. The chemistry between Jase and Kyle can be perceived from the moment they meet and they make a cute couple. However, the misunderstandings and lies get in the middle of their newly-found friendship and spice up the story.

Overall, it was a nice read. I will check book 2, I'm curious to know the next couple.
871 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
This is the first book in The Kiwi Guys Series. A diverting book the writing was okay. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Jase and Kyle are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, a PA, friends and family, a birthday, secrets, a gala, sex and more in this book. I enjoyed this book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne Barwell.
Author 23 books108 followers
April 20, 2020
This is my first read of this author, and it definitely won't be my last. I loved Jase and Kyle's story, and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I found this an easy fast read, and one I didn't want to put down. I soon got engrossed and needed to find out what happened next. It's not a high angst story, but I think that's one of its strengths, and I've added this author to one of my favourites for feel good mm romance.
Profile Image for Kevin .
115 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2018
What a thoroughly delightful story of two guys who through circumstance are almost thrown together, but have an instant attraction. The story is well told and flows quite nicely. There are the usual conflicts with quick resolutions, which is pretty well standing in romance stories. This one is well done, drawing you in and keeping your attention. I wonder if there is to be a sequel?
3,010 reviews46 followers
February 10, 2018
There is instant chemistry when Jace and Kyle meet. Jace is just your average guy, except he won the lottery at 18. Kyle is his best friends new boss.

I really enjoyed the flow of this story. This is a sweet, sexy romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm looking forward to more from Zoe Piper.
Profile Image for Jay Hogan.
Author 25 books922 followers
February 13, 2018
This was a great debut novel from a new author and it was such fun to have a story set in a different country. I loved the two MC's and their chemistry was hot. it was a sweet low angst storyline that I found easy to read with a satisfying conclusion and felt 'real'. I will be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Amy.
371 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2018
Really enjoyable

This was a really interesting read. I really enjoyed the plot, and how respectable everyone is in this world. The fact that he won the lottery a decade ago and he didn’t go off the rails is amazing. A really nice book, and I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,664 reviews
September 14, 2018
This is a nice, low-angst romance. Jase and Kyle were both very likeable characters, and they were funny and sexy together. I appreciated Kyle's reaction to Jase's secret. I enjoyed all the interaction between the guys and their friends as well. This sweet and very sexy romance was a great start to this new series.
Profile Image for Leci Forde.
376 reviews
November 3, 2018
Good start

This book was a good start to the series. I enjoyed the chemistry between Jase and Kyle. There was slow level of angst which is my preference. The issue was plausible and resolved without undue drama. No spoilers but there were a few frustrating moments when I wanted to ask Jase...wtf? Overall, a nice introduction to this author
Profile Image for Sali .
1,321 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2019
I like the set up. Like the story.
I was bored reading the sex scene and I don't like overbearing friend and the whole "I laugh at you but don't be upset, we are just teasing" got old fast. None of them know how to respect boundary. I really didn't like that group of friends and their dynamics.
Also it's was a bit preachy on how to spend your money if you have it.
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,265 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
New to me author, new backlist!

I sought this book out because I needed it for a challenge and it was fine. The relationship progressed pretty fast and sometimes I felt like things were forced. And I totally knew what Kyle was going to reveal about his past so when he told Jase, I was all, called it. LOL

Hope to read the other books in the series! :)
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
September 10, 2018
This is such a sweet and angst free story. I think this is such a good debut story for Zoe Piper. I love Jace and Kyle and I could get over how they are with each other. This is just a great feel good story and I love every minute of it. I can't wait for more!
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