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Zoe Parks learned the hard way that nothing sticks the first time. Everybody is always looking for the next best thing. That's how Zoe knew minutes before she was supposed to be married that the first engagement was all wrong. If the first engagement isn't right, how can the first marriage, especially if it happens when you're on what was supposed to be your honeymoon?

Alex Pedroza knows that being the new guy on the team means putting up with whatever the guys dish out. That's why Alex can't go home without the wife he thought he was going to have when he returns from the offseason. Can he convince the woman he married while trying to forget the one he didn't to come home and play the part just until the divorce is final, of course?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2018

45 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Thompson

9 books149 followers
J.C. is a West Coast girl living in a Tennessee world, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and small zoo. She loves 90’s country, anything dogs, wine, and coffee. J.C. loves getting lost in books by her favorite authors, even when she’s supposed to be writing. She loves baking, quilting, gardening, Traveling, and hanging out with her family and her dogs.

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5 stars
38 (42%)
4 stars
32 (35%)
3 stars
12 (13%)
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5 (5%)
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3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
1,927 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2018
This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Sports romance novels are my favourite genre, so I knew I would love that part of the story. He romance side was great too.
I really loved the start of this book. I fell right into the story from the very beginning. Alex and Zoe are just trying to help each other out, and it looks like they achieve that goal fairly easily. But months pass, and Alex needs Zoe to help him once again.
This part of the story was funny, sexy and beautiful. These two have a true connection and it was wonderful to read how their relationship started to evolve. There is also some great secondary characters which I hope that they receive their own stories also.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
September 20, 2018
Bunt (Minnesota Moose #1)
By J C Thompson
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

I have read a few books by this author now and I absolutely love her! Her books have been some of my favourites to read so I was really looking forward to reading a new start to a new series and I loved every second of it! As always I was hooked into the story straight away and I loved Zoe and Alex. This author’s characters are always amazing and well thought out. I thought both Zoe and Alex were relatable and likeable. They had a good connection and I loved the way in which they interacted with each other. I was secretly rooting for them the whole way through the story. Interlaced with some beautiful romantic moments were some funny times, especially Zoe and Alex’s first meeting. The plot for the story was really good and kept me engaged all the way through. The pace and flow of the story was excellent as I knew it would be, this author really does write amazing stories and I definitely recommend Bunt. If you are a sports romance fan then this definitely needs to be on you TBR list!
I can’t wait for more from this series if book 1 is anything to go by it is going to be a brilliant one!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.5k reviews92 followers
September 21, 2018
Zoe is all set to get married, she has the groom and the ceremony ready to go when her fear that the marriage will fail have her escaping and going on the honeymoon alone.

Alex is a baseball player who finds himself without a fiancé and dreading going back and telling his teammates that his wedding was a bust.

A chance meeting has them married as he will have a temporary wife he needs and she can get her first marriage that she believes is destined to fail over with so that she can moved onto her second marriage. Fate seems to have a different plan and they must decide if their marriage will become a home run or a strikeout?

It starts out fun and flirty but as the story evolves the emotion and drama add an additional level to the story. I enjoyed the first book that I have read by this author.
Profile Image for Louise  O.
828 reviews12 followers
September 11, 2018
Bunt is the first book in the Minnesota Moose series, focusing on the life of a Baseballer and a runaway bride.

Everyone should have a best friend that you can signal and they will get you out of your wedding so fast the groom doesn’t know what hit him. When Zoe gave the ear tug she didn’t even subconsciously know what she was doing. Zoe decided going on her honeymoon solo was a brilliant idea and that is how she came to the conclusion that marrying the hot guy in the bar who had been dumped too was the best way to erase all those horrible first’s. Alex couldn’t get his new fake bride off his mind, 1 night together and he was ruined. When he begs for her to make it real for his team, lies are told and they are both left trying to hold the pieces together of their broken hearts.

I don’t even know where to start with these 2, they are both spontaneous and have hearts of gold leaving me swooning. Zoe and Alex have chemistry there is no doubting it, leaving their 1 night together a prominent memory for both of them. The sexual tension grew throughout the book and when it finally snapped they were explosive.

This was my first novel by Thompson and I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, with dual POV’s she gave us an insight into both characters emotions which lead to me not wanting to put this book down.

I personally loved this book, while this book is based on the life of a Baseball player the aspects of the sport does not overshadow the storyline which I loved. I cannot wait to get my hands on the 2nd book as the minor characters throughout have their own secrets and stories to tell.

**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**


Ratings;
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Profile Image for Dana.
655 reviews59 followers
September 17, 2018
I’ll start with saying this was my first book from Ms. Thompson and what a good first book!!

I’m not normally a sports romance girl, but I really enjoyed Zoe and Alex’s story and chemistry. Can I say, chapter 1 made me so angry!!!! I wanted to reach through the book and bitch slap a few people and fist pump Hayden!! The circumstances that lead Alex and Zoe to meet and were just kind of funny (I admit I did giggle during their first conversation).

I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Profile Image for Dani Israelsen .
105 reviews15 followers
September 20, 2018
Thank you Give Me Books Blog and author J.C. Thompson for giving me a copy of BUNT in exchange for my honest review.

~~~

The following review can be found on my website on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 9 am.

~~~

I don’t understand a lick about baseball, so when I received a copy of Bunt to review, I didn’t understand the title. Actually, I thought it was a typo. So for those of you out there who are like me and don’t know a thing about baseball, let me explain what a “bunt” is.

bunt - /bənt/ - verb

BASEBALL - (of a batter) gently tap (a pitched ball) without swinging in an attempt to make it more difficult to field.

- "the batter tried to bunt the ball down the first baseline"

Did that explain anything to you? No? Me either. And personally I still don’t understand how the title connects to the story, but maybe that’s because I REALLY have no clue when it comes to baseball. So, I’ll drop the title, leave it behind and just tell you my thoughts on the story.

Thankfully, for me at least, there isn’t a lot of baseball talk in this cute, new adult romance (that really could have been confusing for me!) While the story line seemed a little far fetched to me - who agrees to marry someone after knowing them for five minutes?! - I do have to think about how the world operates in this day and age (I feel so old when I say that! Old or old fashioned, one! 😞) I mean there are reality TV shows out there of people marrying complete strangers, never having met each other before meeting at the alter (WEIRD!). So, I guess the story line isn’t so far fetched that no one would believe it.

The story was super cute and sweet, with a little spice added in, but nothing to make you blush while reading in public (thank you JC Thompson for that!). It will make you swoon for Alex and wonder where you might find a guy like him for yourself, while simultaneously hating Zoe for finding him first, but secretly hoping things work out between them.

This fast-paced and sweet romance is for the true romantic at heart. One that is always hoping things workout for the couple in the end, no matter the hardships. This is totally a book that I would have read in my teens, and I recommend it to any teenager and up who believes in love at first sight, good guys getting the girl and true romance.



From one bookaholic to another, I hope I’ve helped you find your next fix.
—Dani

Dani's Score out of 5: 📚📚📚📚
Profile Image for Jennifer.
464 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2018
Wow. Different than what I expected. Bunt was a great story. It was different than what I expected. I kinda, sorta, really liked this story. It had romance and humor, but it also has some spontaneity. I really kind of like that about this book. I also hope that this is just the first story in this series.
The plot of this book was interesting. Think fake husband, but you actually married them. Add in a runaway bride scenario and well you have Bunt. This book explores how insecurities can hinder your life. What happens when you make a spontaneous decision that changes your life forever? Would you go with it or forget it ever happened?
Zoe is a great character. I liked how independent she is. She knows what she wants out of life and she goes for it. Her only problem? She has this superstition that has ruled her life. Then you have Alex. He is trying to adjust to his new team while also maintaining his life from before. When a wrench is thrown into his plans, will he live up to expectations? I loved how strong he is. He has a huge heart and really cares about others.
The heat in this book is amazing. These two characters have an immediate attraction. This only gets better as they get to know each other. Add in some unexpected feelings and things start melting. I really like the heat in this book. These two characters really know how to come together in an amazing way.
The writing style of this book is great. The pace is steady. I like all the spontaneity. I think the real hero in this book is Hayden. She is the perfect best friend. She is there for Zoe when she needs it the most. I liked the setting of the book. I also liked the plot twist. I didn’t expect that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Bunt is a good story with great characters. This really opened a new world. I am dying to know about Ainsley. I really hope the author writes her story next. I would recommend this book to others. It is a great book that will keep you entertained.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 6/5
Overall: 5/5

*Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews*
Profile Image for Krista.
1,085 reviews65 followers
September 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. This has all the elements you are looking for in a book, humor, sexiness, sadness, angst. The story flowed well with no hiccups.

Zoe is of the belief that nothing sticks the first time around. That the second time things are done is the correct ones. So when she is set to walk down the isle she has a moment of clarity and knows that it is all wrong. She becomes a run away bride and heads to her honeymoon alone.

Alex is supposed to be getting married but his fiancé left him. But because of all the harassment from his teammates he can't leave without actually being married.

He runs into Zoe at a hotel bar and concocts a crazy idea that they should get married and then have a quick divorce. This way it would help Zoe out with her "first marriage" so that the second one would be right, and he could save face with his teammates back home.

Only, neither of them bargained to become attracted and attached to the other. Will they keep up the pretense that this was just a deal and move on or will they make this quickie marriage a real one?

Definitely one click to find out.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,093 reviews268 followers
September 25, 2018
Bunt was a such a fun read for me. I was hooked as soon as I read the synopsis and was not disappointed. This book had a fun story line, great characters and amazing chemistry. Zoe and Alex meet each other when they are both trying to get over marriages that didn't happen. After a few too many drinks they decide that they may be able to help each other out by getting married to each other.


I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading. I made some guesses as to what I thought was going to happen and still ended up surprised in the end. There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake some sense into both Alex and Zoe so that they would just let the other person know how they were feeling. The two of them did have some pretty steamy moments together and had me rooting for them to be happy.


I also loved the other characters in the story and am really hoping that there will be another book dedicated to them.


This is a book you should be one clicking ASAP! - By Alisa
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews250 followers
September 20, 2018
This was an overall easy read. There wasn’t a ton of drama or time where the characters weren’t together. I enjoyed that Zoe and Alex were pretty laid back. It made for a cute enjoyable read that I found I couldn’t stop once I started. The secondary characters were awesome and I really look forward to seeing what’s going to come next. The ending was kinda rushed but I really look forward to seeing Zoe and Alex in the next book.

The baseball aspect was fun. I liked seeing Alex bring Zoe into his world. It brought a fun aspect to the story. I know this is a short review but there wasn’t really anything to complex about the story. It’s a marriage of convenience Story with a cute twist. If you want something laid back and just an overall easy read then pick this book. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for Gavinsmommaloves2read.
940 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2018

This was my first book by this author and it was a home run. Zoe believes her first marriage will fail no matter what so she runs and goes on her honeymoon alone. Alex is all set to go back to his new team for the new season but the wife he was supposed to have isn't coming with him. Knowing the new guy is always the hunt of jokes he can't go back without a wife. When these two meet they are the answers to the others problems. He gets the wife he needs and she has the first marriage that is destined to fail. But what they didn't count on was it being real. This was a fun and flirty book but it was real and emotional also. Can't wait for more in this series!
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews105 followers
September 17, 2018
I’ll start with saying this was my first book from Ms. Thompson and what a good first book!!

I’m not normally a sports romance girl, but I really enjoyed Zoe and Alex’s story and chemistry. Can I say, chapter 1 made me so angry!!!! I wanted to reach through the book and bitch slap a few people and fist pump Hayden!! The circumstances that lead Alex and Zoe to meet and were just kind of funny (I admit I did giggle during their first conversation).

I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.

Reviewed by: Dana D.
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 40 books391 followers
September 21, 2018
Bunt by J.C. Thompson is cute, quirky, and emotional with some heat thrown it. Zoe and Alex met, and it was only supposed to be a quick deal, but it didn't go quite according to plan. They are attracted to each other, but will they admit it or will they separate and give up on something real? You have to read to find out.

I liked the story. It was a fun and easy read with great characters and a fun plot. If you like sports romances, you'll like this one. The book moved quickly and I kept smiling when I read it. That said, it felt like some parts were rushed and I wish those parts had more meat or had slowed down some. 3.5 stars and I suggest you one click it today.
383 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2018
This story was just way too cute for words. I loved Zoe and Alex, they were so adorable in their quest for love. They meet by chance when life throws each one of them a curve ball. They pick the ball up and run with it. And that leads them to their faithful encounter. The characters were well developed and the story flew easily. It is a pretty short story though, so don’t think you’re getting a ton of it. But it was very cute and worth my time. My one complaint would be the ending. It didn’t feel like an ending. It left me with the feeling that I was missing pages. Other than that, thumbs up.
Profile Image for Jamie  Zishka.
803 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2018
Bunt is a quick fun read that I would recommend to others. I would give it a 3.5 stars. It was a bit of an insta-love type romance but it had sports in it so that was a bonus.

Zoe and Alex met at a bar and both had a disaster of an ending to a previous relationship, so they make a decision to get married so they can get a failed marriage out of the way because the first doesn't last right?

What will happen when one decides they want to stay in the farce of a marriage can they convince the other that they are each other's forever?

Get to one clicking to see what happens!
Profile Image for Heather Swan.
206 reviews14 followers
September 21, 2018
I really enjoyed Bunt by J.C. Thompson. Alex and Zoe didn't meet and come together in the conventional way, but that is what made their story interesting and fun. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen from page to page. Alex and Zoe had awesome chemistry from the beginning. I don't want to say too much and ruin the story for others. So I will just say I loved it. It kept me wanting more!
Profile Image for Sarah.
323 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2018
This book was an amazing romance story that had you rooting for the couple from the first few chapters.
Zoe and Alex had some steamy chemistry that kept you on the edge of the seat the whole way through the book.
This story had a twist that i didnt expect which was a refreshing change!
Hoping for another book for the side characters for their stories to be told!
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,524 reviews35 followers
September 15, 2018
This is a fun & unique read, with hottie baseball players & sassy women. Alex & Zoe have an immediate connection, but it takes them a while to figure out the span of that connection. I love their banter when they're together. They have a bit of steamy goodness, as well. And the ending is swoon worthy!! : )
Profile Image for Chasidy.
698 reviews20 followers
September 21, 2018
I enjoyed Bunt by J.C. Thompson. Both Zoe and Alex meet on a day when they both have bad news. The chemistry between the two is intense from the beginning. What can go wrong with getting your first marriage out of the way? What happens when they start to have deeper feelings for each other?

I enjoyed watching Alex and Zoe’s story unfold. This is a great read!
Profile Image for Booksobsessive .
736 reviews20 followers
September 22, 2018
I love a sports romance so was immediately drawn to this one, Jessica Cline is a new to me author and I really enjoyed my first read of hers!
From the first meet Alex and Zoe have this instant chemistry and your hooked with their story- it’s a fun, easy sexy read with some@steamy scenes!
Some of the secondary characters really caught my attention and I’m praying Jake’s story is next !
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews89 followers
Want to read
January 17, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/17/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,712 reviews97 followers
February 25, 2024
"This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Sports romance novels are my favourite genre, so I knew I would love that part of the story. He romance side was great too.
I really loved the start of this book. I fell right into the story from the very beginning. Alex and Zoe are just trying to help each other out, and it looks like they achieve that goal fairly easily. But months pass, and Alex needs Zoe to help him once again.
This part of the story was funny, sexy and beautiful. These two have a true connection and it was wonderful to read how their relationship started to evolve. There is also some great secondary characters which I hope that they receive their own stories also.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."

2/24
An unconventional love story that was right from the start. This couple even though started out oddly it worked out for both of them and I loved how the extended family all worked together to help them see it ~Jen
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,596 reviews42 followers
September 24, 2018
This is the first book I have read by J.C. Thompson. It is a baseball romance. Zoe is a runaway bride. She realized right before she was about to walk down the aisle that her fiancé wasn’t for her. Alex was dumped by his fiancé right before their wedding. At least he got more warning than Zoe’s ex. Zoe doesn’t believe that first times stick. She believes that had she married her ex it wouldn’t have stuck anyway but that still didn’t get her marry him. When she meets Alex and tells him her theory. He points out that she has already been engaged and got that out of the way but the next time it would still be her first wedding so that wouldn’t stick either. She agrees. Then Alex offers to marry and divorce her to help her out. They have an instant spark and connection. They go through with the wedding with the promise that they will divorce quickly. Only they both begin to have feelings for each other. Alex begins to want to see if they can work and maybe not divorce at all. Zoe is determined though. That things couldn’t work because it is her first marriage. Really the first wedding for both of them. I loved this book so much. Sure, they meet under unusual circumstances. But, sometimes you find the perfect thing when you least expect it. Of, course they hit some snags in their relationship but will they be able to work through them or will they just call it quits. The characters in this book are great and I can’t wait to read more about them. I look forward to reading the next book in this series also just more books by J.C. Thompson.
Profile Image for Nancy.
412 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2018
This was a BUNT to my heart!

Alex Pedroza... what a HOT name right?

Omg! Zoe and Alex just burned out my kindle. This is the type of book that I love to read, easy to fall in love with.

Everything about this story was perfect, from the failed wedding to the fake one.

One this that I’ll never forget about the story is how original were the characters. Easy to love, funny, kind and so romantic.

There’s no man like Alex, he was sooo romantic and I promise that if you read this book without the hot parts? You could still fall in love, well written, romantic, sexy, super hot and with an Amazing story.

I’m so happy to see this author growing so much, her writing and her fresh ideas are what we need in this book community. I’ve enjoyed so much, I took my time and I enjoyed this story so much. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Books 2 Blog.
1,494 reviews19 followers
October 26, 2018
After just getting off the back of a thriller/dark romance binge I needed a feel good light read. Bunt wasn’t without angst and you don’t know what obstacles the couple have to overcome, but it is exactly what I needed. The version I read was only slightly edited and had a few points that contradicted each other’s and I found myself struggling with confusion and not a little whiplash when it came to the couples dynamic. I almost put it down, a time or two, and didn’t plan on picking it back up.

That said, I had to know the end, the author is a great writer which kept me reading despite the above. Once final edits and corrections are done this could be a 5 star read that I would recommend to my friends. JC Thompson is now on my watch list.

B2B Ani
Profile Image for Dahlia (yadkny).
943 reviews140 followers
August 2, 2019
A meet-cute with a twist...

This story reads pretty much like watching a romantic comedy. It's always the rushed ending that kind of kills it for me though. I need the wrap-up - a little more meat on the back end shall we say. I digress, but the characters were likable and now I'm very interested in a certain (what seems to be) love triangle with a few secondary characters. Zoe and Alex definitely held their own in this story though and I'm glad they didn't really make me work for it either with a bunch of miscommunication nonsense or whatever just for the sake of dragging on a story. It was a simple read and just what I needed. They figured out their problems and I had fun reading while they did.
Profile Image for Bertie Welck.
813 reviews21 followers
October 11, 2021
fantastic read!

Zoe was getting ready to walk down the aisle, it was her wedding day. At the last minute she knows that she doesn’t even like the groom. So she runs with the help of her friend.
Alex was suppose to get married in one day but his fiancé called off the wedding. He was at his friends bar having a one man pity party, when Zoe walks in. She sits next to him and he spills water all over her.
They tell each other what is going on in their lives. One thing leads to another and the wind up married. They think it is only temporary, but things happen to make it real. I loved the story line, it was so different.

Since it says it is book #1, I would love to know if there is a book #2 and if it is about Jake and Ainsley.




Profile Image for Shannon.
206 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Good sports romance. Zoe and Alex get married hastily after their previous relationships end abruptly. Zoe was determined that they would divorce and her next would be the one and she never expected herself to fall for Alex. Starts off as a marriage of convenience into a relationship with passion and a happy ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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