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Everything Tasty #2
Tasty Pickle
Surely nobody has ever met their great love while using duct tape to pull cactus needles out of their girl parts on a mountain trail.
Except I just did.
Let me tell you about Axel Pickle.
He’s a bronzed god.
Totally outdoorsy.
Worth half a billion after selling his nature app.
And he hikes naked.
He showed up in nothing but his hiking boots when I ran shrieking onto his private property after peeing on a prickly pear and being unable to put my pants back on.
We’ve been staring at each other’s private parts from the moment we first laid eyes on each other.
But I can’t date him.
I shouldn’t even talk to him.
And why he’s showing up at the hotel deli where I work, volunteering to slice the salami is a mystery to me.
I’m running from a terrible situation, and I need to keep my head down and avoid the world.
But something about the way Axel looks at me gets under my skin.
And this time, no duct tape in the world can yank the hooks he’s set in my wary, introverted soul.
__
Tasty Pickle is a full-length standalone rom com about the most charming, witty, completely useless hunk of man-meat ever to nature walk au naturel, a skeptical, purposefully underachieving deli worker, and the ghost pepper pickle relish that brings them together with a kiss so fiery that it ends up requiring medicated lip gloss.
It is part of the bestselling Pickleverse, but you do not need to read any other books before this one. You can start your outrageous adventure into the world of the Pickles right here.
Except I just did.
Let me tell you about Axel Pickle.
He’s a bronzed god.
Totally outdoorsy.
Worth half a billion after selling his nature app.
And he hikes naked.
He showed up in nothing but his hiking boots when I ran shrieking onto his private property after peeing on a prickly pear and being unable to put my pants back on.
We’ve been staring at each other’s private parts from the moment we first laid eyes on each other.
But I can’t date him.
I shouldn’t even talk to him.
And why he’s showing up at the hotel deli where I work, volunteering to slice the salami is a mystery to me.
I’m running from a terrible situation, and I need to keep my head down and avoid the world.
But something about the way Axel looks at me gets under my skin.
And this time, no duct tape in the world can yank the hooks he’s set in my wary, introverted soul.
__
Tasty Pickle is a full-length standalone rom com about the most charming, witty, completely useless hunk of man-meat ever to nature walk au naturel, a skeptical, purposefully underachieving deli worker, and the ghost pepper pickle relish that brings them together with a kiss so fiery that it ends up requiring medicated lip gloss.
It is part of the bestselling Pickleverse, but you do not need to read any other books before this one. You can start your outrageous adventure into the world of the Pickles right here.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
538 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Knight
62 books1,374 followersJJ Knight is the Kindle All-Star and USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedies and sports romance. She’s a fierce mama bear for all the humans under her care: biological, adopted, and those in need of mom hugs. Her books portray characters who learn to push through hardship to find love and belly laughs. For more information visit www.jjknight.com.
THE PICKLEVERSE OF BESTSELLING ROMANTIC COMEDIES:
- Big Pickle: Secret Boss
- Hot Pickle: Brother's Best Friend
- Spicy Pickle: Fake Engagement
- Second Chance Santa: Pickled Holiday Rom Com
- Royal Pickle: Marry a Prince in 7 Days
- Royal Rebel: Princess and Guard Secret Love
- Royal Escape: Secret Identity Princess
- Tasty Mango: Billionaire and Single Mom
- Tasty Pickle: Billionaire Opposites Attract
- Tasty Cherry: Boss and Intern
- Juicy Pickle: Stranded on an Island
- Salty Pickle: Surprise Baby
- Hold the Pickle: Unexpected Roommates
- Wicked Pickle: Bad Boy Biker Bar
- Tricky Pickle: MC Club
ROM COM DUETS:
- The Wedding Confession
- The Wedding Shake-up
- Single Dad on Top: Billionaire Surprise Dad
- Single Dad Plus One: Billionaire Secret Baby
ROM COM STANDALONE:
Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance: Sunshine-Sunshine Work Besties to Lovers
- The Accidental Harem: Yup, what it says. It's...a lot. I went nuts.
SPORTS ROMANCE SERIALS:
Grab individually or in boxed sets.
COLT AND JO
- Uncaged Love 1
- Uncaged Love 2
- Uncaged Love 3
- Uncaged Love 4
- Uncaged Love 5
- Uncaged Love 6
COLT'S FRIEND PARKER AND MADDIE
USA Today bestselling series
- Fight for Her 1
- Fight for Her 2
- Fight for Her 3
- Fight for Her 4
JO'S BROTHER HUDSON
- Reckless Attraction 1
- Reckless Attraction 2
- Reckless Attraction 3
THE PICKLEVERSE OF BESTSELLING ROMANTIC COMEDIES:
- Big Pickle: Secret Boss
- Hot Pickle: Brother's Best Friend
- Spicy Pickle: Fake Engagement
- Second Chance Santa: Pickled Holiday Rom Com
- Royal Pickle: Marry a Prince in 7 Days
- Royal Rebel: Princess and Guard Secret Love
- Royal Escape: Secret Identity Princess
- Tasty Mango: Billionaire and Single Mom
- Tasty Pickle: Billionaire Opposites Attract
- Tasty Cherry: Boss and Intern
- Juicy Pickle: Stranded on an Island
- Salty Pickle: Surprise Baby
- Hold the Pickle: Unexpected Roommates
- Wicked Pickle: Bad Boy Biker Bar
- Tricky Pickle: MC Club
ROM COM DUETS:
- The Wedding Confession
- The Wedding Shake-up
- Single Dad on Top: Billionaire Surprise Dad
- Single Dad Plus One: Billionaire Secret Baby
ROM COM STANDALONE:
Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance: Sunshine-Sunshine Work Besties to Lovers
- The Accidental Harem: Yup, what it says. It's...a lot. I went nuts.
SPORTS ROMANCE SERIALS:
Grab individually or in boxed sets.
COLT AND JO
- Uncaged Love 1
- Uncaged Love 2
- Uncaged Love 3
- Uncaged Love 4
- Uncaged Love 5
- Uncaged Love 6
COLT'S FRIEND PARKER AND MADDIE
USA Today bestselling series
- Fight for Her 1
- Fight for Her 2
- Fight for Her 3
- Fight for Her 4
JO'S BROTHER HUDSON
- Reckless Attraction 1
- Reckless Attraction 2
- Reckless Attraction 3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 16, 2023
When Calypso Ash runs into Axel Pickle on a hiking trail in the Colorado mountains, she gets an eyeful of his…pickle, since he likes to stroll through nature au naturale. And he gets a gander at her…pickle pocket, since she lost her yoga pants when she had the misfortune of getting too up close and personal to the cactus she chose for an outdoor port-a-john after getting separated from her employee team-building group. Ouch.
We're back at Havannah Boudreaux-McDonald's magnificent castle in Colorado, where Calypso has been hired as a general-purpose employee. Despite her engineering degree, she's willing to do any job asked of her, because Calypso is really hiding. Hiding from the job, the family, and the life she managed to escape. She couldn’t have chosen a better place to find support and sanctuary than with part of the Pickle family.
Axel has recently gained unexpected fortune after selling a successful hiking app. Of course his family is just as outrageous and reliable as before, but he never knows if someone likes him for himself or his assets. The only thing better than his attraction to Calypso is the fact that he’s a blank slate to her. Sure, she knows he's part of the Pickle empire, and she's well aware of the generous endowment of his own full-frontal pickle, but she has no idea about the size of his bank account.
This zany, madcap, heartwarming Pickle world is one of my top favorites in rom-com romance. It’s one I wish would never end, so it was a no-brainer for me to pick this one up. From outrageous shenanigans and slapstick comedy to finding home with a found family, Axel and Calypso's lighthearted, humorous, heartfelt story has all of the perfect elements masterfully blended together to make this the most fun, emotional, phenomenal story! Run, don’t walk, and get this tasty pickle in your hands and start reading right away. You'll startle those around you with your barks of laughter, your face will hurt from smiling, and your romantic heart will be blissfully, ecstatically happy. You'll relish every second you spend in this wild, wonderful, wacky world!
We're back at Havannah Boudreaux-McDonald's magnificent castle in Colorado, where Calypso has been hired as a general-purpose employee. Despite her engineering degree, she's willing to do any job asked of her, because Calypso is really hiding. Hiding from the job, the family, and the life she managed to escape. She couldn’t have chosen a better place to find support and sanctuary than with part of the Pickle family.
Axel has recently gained unexpected fortune after selling a successful hiking app. Of course his family is just as outrageous and reliable as before, but he never knows if someone likes him for himself or his assets. The only thing better than his attraction to Calypso is the fact that he’s a blank slate to her. Sure, she knows he's part of the Pickle empire, and she's well aware of the generous endowment of his own full-frontal pickle, but she has no idea about the size of his bank account.
This zany, madcap, heartwarming Pickle world is one of my top favorites in rom-com romance. It’s one I wish would never end, so it was a no-brainer for me to pick this one up. From outrageous shenanigans and slapstick comedy to finding home with a found family, Axel and Calypso's lighthearted, humorous, heartfelt story has all of the perfect elements masterfully blended together to make this the most fun, emotional, phenomenal story! Run, don’t walk, and get this tasty pickle in your hands and start reading right away. You'll startle those around you with your barks of laughter, your face will hurt from smiling, and your romantic heart will be blissfully, ecstatically happy. You'll relish every second you spend in this wild, wonderful, wacky world!
February 8, 2023
Starting with a meet cute (naked!), Calypso is running from her former life and literally smacks into Axel mid-stride.
Our couple then dances around, getting to know each other without revealing too much information about their lives. It's cute.
Our couple then dances around, getting to know each other without revealing too much information about their lives. It's cute.
January 12, 2024
It was free and looked like a ridiculous smut filled romp, so, why not give the lady porn genre a go & have a laugh? No. Marketed as smut but only minimal sexy time, it was a full and predictable rom-com without the com. Boring and unoriginal with bland spicy scenes and the character names were so dumb that they made Colleen Hoover look like Shakespeare. Do not recommend.
January 22, 2023
With a book title like "Tasty Pickle", can you expect anything else but a romcom? This book delivered so many laughs. From the hysterical meet cute to castle hijinks and misunderstandings. The spicy spice was unexpected though! Axel delivers on the heat like it is his mission in life!🥵
The meet cute in this book just sent me! I was gasping for hair from laughing so hard. I mean, Axel is hiking in the nude, on his property mind you. Along comes Calypso, half nude, with cactus spines in her nether regions😱 Chaos ensues and it is absolutely cringe-inducing but 🤣🤣🤣.
Calypso is kind of on the run. She pulled a disappearing act from California, her family and her (now ex) boyfriend. Just pulled up stakes after the creeper Jeremy proposed and fled to Colorado via New Mexico. Now she's hiding in a castle in the mountains.
Axel is a self-made billionaire. He's also a member of the Pickle family, by marriage of course. Axel is fully invested in getting to know Calypso and he will do anything that he can to be close to her, even if it includes getting a part in the castle's haunted play.
I'm going to definitely go back and read the other Pickle series books. I know that Tasty Mango is the first book in this particular series, but the interconnected series beyond this one is The Pickle Family series and Royally Pickled series. You'll hear about and see characters from both series in this book.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Romcom 💥Many pickle jokes
💥Mild stalking (not by MCs)
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 3🌶🌶🌶
HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The meet cute in this book just sent me! I was gasping for hair from laughing so hard. I mean, Axel is hiking in the nude, on his property mind you. Along comes Calypso, half nude, with cactus spines in her nether regions😱 Chaos ensues and it is absolutely cringe-inducing but 🤣🤣🤣.
Calypso is kind of on the run. She pulled a disappearing act from California, her family and her (now ex) boyfriend. Just pulled up stakes after the creeper Jeremy proposed and fled to Colorado via New Mexico. Now she's hiding in a castle in the mountains.
Axel is a self-made billionaire. He's also a member of the Pickle family, by marriage of course. Axel is fully invested in getting to know Calypso and he will do anything that he can to be close to her, even if it includes getting a part in the castle's haunted play.
I'm going to definitely go back and read the other Pickle series books. I know that Tasty Mango is the first book in this particular series, but the interconnected series beyond this one is The Pickle Family series and Royally Pickled series. You'll hear about and see characters from both series in this book.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Romcom 💥Many pickle jokes
💥Mild stalking (not by MCs)
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 3🌶🌶🌶
HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2023
Listen, I might not finish this, but I think it could be good for the right reader. I’d say someone who wants a light, kind of funny and silly romp who doesn’t mind fluffy nonsense. It is rated absurdly high on this app, though.
The writing is pretty good overall, from a quality perspective. The characters are kind of interesting. The storytelling is okay, though it’s a little jerky. From a plausibility perspective, it’s a two. I love universe building. This is conveniently making shit up as you go.
English good. Flow bad. Ties to reality, even altered reality, awful.
2.5, will round up to 3 if I do eventually finish it.
The writing is pretty good overall, from a quality perspective. The characters are kind of interesting. The storytelling is okay, though it’s a little jerky. From a plausibility perspective, it’s a two. I love universe building. This is conveniently making shit up as you go.
English good. Flow bad. Ties to reality, even altered reality, awful.
2.5, will round up to 3 if I do eventually finish it.
January 29, 2023
A year or so ago when I began reading JJ Knight’s Pickleverse series if someone had told me I’d ever give a book with pickle in the title a 5 star review I would have laughed at them. But here I am after reading the 10th book in this series more than happy to give this book Goodreads highest rating. Yes, these stories certainly have the prerequisite amount of silliness you’d expect in books with pickle in the title. But they also have an unexpected heart and depth as the extended members of the Pickle family find their true loves. And they have as much heat as a ghost pepper.
In this story we have Calypso Ash who at 25 has left her job as a civil engineer in San Diego and run away from the life her ridiculously controlling socialite parents and wannabe fiancée are trying to force her to live. Calypso has always felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole by her family. When her long time boyfriend whom she’s only with because it was what her parents expected proposes, its enough to send her running to a fairytale castle outside of Boulder Colorado. The same castle that if you’ve been following this series, Havannah and her billionaire husband Don built as a resort getaway.
Axel Rose Armstrong is a cousin of the Pickle deli family his mother being the sister of the late wife of Sherman Pickle founder of the Pickle Deli dynasty and mother of the Pickle brothers featured in the first three books in the series. While still in his early twenties Axel created a highly popular nature app, which he then sold for half a billion dollars. Since then he’s spent his days hiking on his vast property that borders Havannah’s wearing nothing but hiking boots and researching worthy charities to support with his vast fortune.
As the blurb says one day Axle is out hiking in his preferred form of undress when he hears a woman shrieking and then running towards him bottomless with her panties down around her ankles. Seems Calypso was out on some sort of new employee team building nature walk when she got separated from the rest of her group. She squatted down to take a pee right on a cactus getting painful barbs in her nether region so she couldn’t pull her pants back up. Then some territorial squirrels began peppering her with nuts. Being a city girl lost in the wilderness her imagination runs wild, which is how she ended up running up a mountain trail with her panties around her ankles. She slips on her backside and in one of the funniest and most embarrassing meet-cutes in contemporary romance history there she is laying on her back with her legs spread, her girlie parts exposed to the world when a naked Axel with his junk equally exposed comes upon her. Axel being the caring gentleman he is gets them through this awkward situation helping Calypso remove the painful barbs and then escorts her back to where her group is looking for her.
Since becoming a half-billionaire Axel has had a troubled social life. He never knows if people want to be his friend or lover for who he is or because of his money. But he feels an immediate connection with Calypso he’s never experienced before and seeks her out at the castle where she’s working multiple times. Calypso is a hot mess and she knows it. She has a whole life she left behind her in San Diego she needs to deal with if she can only find the courage to overcome a lifetime of bowing to her parents demands to conform to who they want her to be. She’s not even sure how long she’ll work at the castle. So she’s slow to let her guard down and let Axel in. But thanks to their mutual attraction and Axel’s gentle persistence they eventually begin a relationship. Both have been guarded about their backgrounds which causes some bumps along the way. Then there’s the dark cloud of the inevitable confrontation between Calypso and her family hanging over them.
This was just a great fairly quick read with all the feels you could ask for from a contemporary rom.-com.
In this story we have Calypso Ash who at 25 has left her job as a civil engineer in San Diego and run away from the life her ridiculously controlling socialite parents and wannabe fiancée are trying to force her to live. Calypso has always felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole by her family. When her long time boyfriend whom she’s only with because it was what her parents expected proposes, its enough to send her running to a fairytale castle outside of Boulder Colorado. The same castle that if you’ve been following this series, Havannah and her billionaire husband Don built as a resort getaway.
Axel Rose Armstrong is a cousin of the Pickle deli family his mother being the sister of the late wife of Sherman Pickle founder of the Pickle Deli dynasty and mother of the Pickle brothers featured in the first three books in the series. While still in his early twenties Axel created a highly popular nature app, which he then sold for half a billion dollars. Since then he’s spent his days hiking on his vast property that borders Havannah’s wearing nothing but hiking boots and researching worthy charities to support with his vast fortune.
As the blurb says one day Axle is out hiking in his preferred form of undress when he hears a woman shrieking and then running towards him bottomless with her panties down around her ankles. Seems Calypso was out on some sort of new employee team building nature walk when she got separated from the rest of her group. She squatted down to take a pee right on a cactus getting painful barbs in her nether region so she couldn’t pull her pants back up. Then some territorial squirrels began peppering her with nuts. Being a city girl lost in the wilderness her imagination runs wild, which is how she ended up running up a mountain trail with her panties around her ankles. She slips on her backside and in one of the funniest and most embarrassing meet-cutes in contemporary romance history there she is laying on her back with her legs spread, her girlie parts exposed to the world when a naked Axel with his junk equally exposed comes upon her. Axel being the caring gentleman he is gets them through this awkward situation helping Calypso remove the painful barbs and then escorts her back to where her group is looking for her.
Since becoming a half-billionaire Axel has had a troubled social life. He never knows if people want to be his friend or lover for who he is or because of his money. But he feels an immediate connection with Calypso he’s never experienced before and seeks her out at the castle where she’s working multiple times. Calypso is a hot mess and she knows it. She has a whole life she left behind her in San Diego she needs to deal with if she can only find the courage to overcome a lifetime of bowing to her parents demands to conform to who they want her to be. She’s not even sure how long she’ll work at the castle. So she’s slow to let her guard down and let Axel in. But thanks to their mutual attraction and Axel’s gentle persistence they eventually begin a relationship. Both have been guarded about their backgrounds which causes some bumps along the way. Then there’s the dark cloud of the inevitable confrontation between Calypso and her family hanging over them.
This was just a great fairly quick read with all the feels you could ask for from a contemporary rom.-com.
January 10, 2024
Once again, this proves I should have read the other books leading up to this one. Past books and relationships are mentioned several times in this story and I didn’t know anything about them. It would have made me get a bigger picture on the family and how they came to be. I don’t like when the authors make it seem like I don’t need to read the other books, but yet I do. Regardless, this one was better than the last one, even if only by one star. You get the meet cute with Axel and Calypso in the most awkward and adorable way. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the hero and heroine meet this way so it was refreshing and a little bit funny. Throughout the story you notice how Calypso and Axel’s intrigue with each other turns into more. It starts off as just wanting to get to know each other and neither of them have sexual desires for each other, just a friendship. It’s a slow burn in this aspect but when you get towards the middle of the book, that’s when desire starts making an appearance. Normally I don’t like when books do this, part of the allure of romance for me is reading the carnal thoughts between the hero and heroine and how it makes your body hum and spring to life. This held off a little bit longer in the story but I still found myself hooked and unable to put the book down. I didn’t even realize I read this in a day. I was wrapped up in Axel and Calypso’s world. I loved reading how Calypso was finding herself on this new journey and Axel was trying to embrace his current journey and enjoy the money he earned in selling his application. The way both Calypso and Axel fall for each other was quick, despite Calypso fighting it in the beginning. Both of them allowed their feelings to cook and explore with each other. Neither of them ran from it or ignored it but just let it be. It was nice to read about a casual take on starting a relationship and not having the hero and heroine fight it from every turn. The tender and sweet moments that swiftly turns intense and emotional was wonderful to read about. I can only hope the other books I will read within this series will follow in this one’s footsteps and do the same thing. This was much deserving of 5 stars.
October 31, 2024
Definitely in my top five of the entire Pickleverse!
What can I say? I love a great rom-com with the right touch of intimacy, appropriate sex scenes loaded with intimate moments that are the hardest to write. I only wish we could have had a little more live involvement with Calypso's dysfunctional family, more live involvement of Axel kicking their asses. Gah!! I have in-laws just like that. Really. But I did get my chance to kick their asses without any hesitation or regrets...
Great characters. Man! The description of the locale was fantastic! I wanna live there!!! I was inspired to check out Mediterranean miniature donkeys. Waaaa!!! I wished I had known about these lovable creatures when I had the farm in Michigan! That's what I really enjoy about this book. It inspired me to check out so many new things, play around with new ideas (like the Secret Suite!), and that castle! Something I've always dreamed about as a young child. I was so pleased that the author let Havannah build this beautiful fairytale monstrosity to be "lived in" in another book.
Any person involved in the "Pickleverse" MUST read this book. Hell, just buy it because you'll come back to your favorite sections time and time again just like I will be doing so.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (I can know these characters in a dark room!)
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎 (My dream real estates, for sure!)
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (I LOVE Axel's hiking gear!)
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣💣💣
Dark: 💀💀 (based on C's mother and her ex-boyfriend)
Triggers: Controlling relations and boyfriends, inability to stand on one's own and allowing others to control you, nekkid hiking strangers
POV: 2
Ending: Should had included the "first look" wedding bonus epilogue. That was a powerful piece. If I had been JJ's editor, I would have insisted on it as this EXTREMELY powerful and a great moment of hard-to-accomplice-on-paper intimacy.
Length: 318 pages
Recommend: See the above? My recommendation hasn't changed? WHAT ARE YOU DOING! DID I NOT SAY TO BUY THIS BOOK? THE ENTIRE PICKLEVERSE???
What can I say? I love a great rom-com with the right touch of intimacy, appropriate sex scenes loaded with intimate moments that are the hardest to write. I only wish we could have had a little more live involvement with Calypso's dysfunctional family, more live involvement of Axel kicking their asses. Gah!! I have in-laws just like that. Really. But I did get my chance to kick their asses without any hesitation or regrets...
Great characters. Man! The description of the locale was fantastic! I wanna live there!!! I was inspired to check out Mediterranean miniature donkeys. Waaaa!!! I wished I had known about these lovable creatures when I had the farm in Michigan! That's what I really enjoy about this book. It inspired me to check out so many new things, play around with new ideas (like the Secret Suite!), and that castle! Something I've always dreamed about as a young child. I was so pleased that the author let Havannah build this beautiful fairytale monstrosity to be "lived in" in another book.
Any person involved in the "Pickleverse" MUST read this book. Hell, just buy it because you'll come back to your favorite sections time and time again just like I will be doing so.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (I can know these characters in a dark room!)
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎 (My dream real estates, for sure!)
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (I LOVE Axel's hiking gear!)
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣💣💣
Dark: 💀💀 (based on C's mother and her ex-boyfriend)
Triggers: Controlling relations and boyfriends, inability to stand on one's own and allowing others to control you, nekkid hiking strangers
POV: 2
Ending: Should had included the "first look" wedding bonus epilogue. That was a powerful piece. If I had been JJ's editor, I would have insisted on it as this EXTREMELY powerful and a great moment of hard-to-accomplice-on-paper intimacy.
Length: 318 pages
Recommend: See the above? My recommendation hasn't changed? WHAT ARE YOU DOING! DID I NOT SAY TO BUY THIS BOOK? THE ENTIRE PICKLEVERSE???
January 7, 2023
When a rom-com starts with a scene with a hiking naked man and a woman with cactus needles in a very sensitive place- you just know that it's a good one.
4.5 ⭐
Tasty Pickle is another addition to the quirky yet hilarious "Pickleverse" created by J.J. Knight. This book brings together characters from pretty much all of the other Pickle books while introducing the line of single cousins- starting with Axel. And while Axel and Calypso's story is a complete stand alone- this series is just so fun and entertaining that you won't be disappointed in reading more of them.
Axel Armstrong is a pretty perfect hero. He is SO sweet, silly. He says and does all the right things, is down to earth despite being an almost billionaire that enjoys naked hiking. I think I'd even go as far as to say his biggest flaw might be his enjoyment of the "crunchy" health type foods- but that can be overlooked when paired with his obsession with laffy taffy. Calypso Ash was harder to get a read on for quite a bit- there is some alluding to a past that she's running/hiding from but we don't get the full scope of that until closer to the third act. Because of this, Calypso is a bit skittish in her interactions with Axel at first- prefering to keep distance and not become friendly- despite the instant attraction and connection that gripped both of them from their horrifying first meet. This book is more of a slow burn- but the tension and flirt game is on point and when they finally cross that line, let's just say that it might not be ghost pepper pickle heat but there is some fire! The banter and interactions between Calypso and Axel kept me smiling and giggling throughout the story and of course all the cameos from the various other Pickles just added to the hilarity.
Love it J.J.! Another fantastic and fun book for a little brain get away!
4.5 ⭐
Tasty Pickle is another addition to the quirky yet hilarious "Pickleverse" created by J.J. Knight. This book brings together characters from pretty much all of the other Pickle books while introducing the line of single cousins- starting with Axel. And while Axel and Calypso's story is a complete stand alone- this series is just so fun and entertaining that you won't be disappointed in reading more of them.
Axel Armstrong is a pretty perfect hero. He is SO sweet, silly. He says and does all the right things, is down to earth despite being an almost billionaire that enjoys naked hiking. I think I'd even go as far as to say his biggest flaw might be his enjoyment of the "crunchy" health type foods- but that can be overlooked when paired with his obsession with laffy taffy. Calypso Ash was harder to get a read on for quite a bit- there is some alluding to a past that she's running/hiding from but we don't get the full scope of that until closer to the third act. Because of this, Calypso is a bit skittish in her interactions with Axel at first- prefering to keep distance and not become friendly- despite the instant attraction and connection that gripped both of them from their horrifying first meet. This book is more of a slow burn- but the tension and flirt game is on point and when they finally cross that line, let's just say that it might not be ghost pepper pickle heat but there is some fire! The banter and interactions between Calypso and Axel kept me smiling and giggling throughout the story and of course all the cameos from the various other Pickles just added to the hilarity.
Love it J.J.! Another fantastic and fun book for a little brain get away!
April 25, 2024
Another satisfying read from JJ.Knight and the Pickle series.
The Pickles are a complicated bunch their family tree is vast and I don't really know all the characters because I haven't read all of the books in this series...It doesn't matter though as these are stand alone books,but characters from previous books ar mentioned or appear in these stories.
Tasty Pickle is funny,sweet and endearing,it was really good and I enjoyed reading it.
Calypso and Axel's love story is a slowish burn and begins with an hilarious meeting of nudity,hiking,missing pants and cactus needles...They get the opportunity to see eachother's private parts before they even know eachother.
Axel helps Calypso with her cactus situation and here begins a friendship,thats turns into something much more.
Calypso is running from her former life and hiding from her overbearing parents and ex boyfriend..she can't keep up with their expectations.What better way to hide than is to hide in a castle in Colarado.
Axel is a shrewd buisnessman becoming a self made billionaire when he sells an app he created and instantly becoming very,very wealthy.
Becoming friends Calypso and Axel try to ignore the true feelings they have for one another,but it is useless.It is only a matter of time before their passion explodes.
This is a very cute,steamy opposites attract romance with two people with flaws and issues who work through their stuff and support eachother.I am glad Calypso finally discovers who she is without her families interference with help from Axel and she starts to live her life for herself,instead of for others.
I adored Axel and Calypso and their unusual relationship they really are perfect together.
I was thoroughly amused and entertained reading this book and it kept my interest from the beginning to the end.
A wonderful romcom full of laughs,swoons and emotion.
5 Stars
The Pickles are a complicated bunch their family tree is vast and I don't really know all the characters because I haven't read all of the books in this series...It doesn't matter though as these are stand alone books,but characters from previous books ar mentioned or appear in these stories.
Tasty Pickle is funny,sweet and endearing,it was really good and I enjoyed reading it.
Calypso and Axel's love story is a slowish burn and begins with an hilarious meeting of nudity,hiking,missing pants and cactus needles...They get the opportunity to see eachother's private parts before they even know eachother.
Axel helps Calypso with her cactus situation and here begins a friendship,thats turns into something much more.
Calypso is running from her former life and hiding from her overbearing parents and ex boyfriend..she can't keep up with their expectations.What better way to hide than is to hide in a castle in Colarado.
Axel is a shrewd buisnessman becoming a self made billionaire when he sells an app he created and instantly becoming very,very wealthy.
Becoming friends Calypso and Axel try to ignore the true feelings they have for one another,but it is useless.It is only a matter of time before their passion explodes.
This is a very cute,steamy opposites attract romance with two people with flaws and issues who work through their stuff and support eachother.I am glad Calypso finally discovers who she is without her families interference with help from Axel and she starts to live her life for herself,instead of for others.
I adored Axel and Calypso and their unusual relationship they really are perfect together.
I was thoroughly amused and entertained reading this book and it kept my interest from the beginning to the end.
A wonderful romcom full of laughs,swoons and emotion.
5 Stars
April 25, 2024
Another satisfying read from JJ Knight and the Pickle series. The Pickles are a complicated bunch, their family tree is vast and I don't really know all the characters because I haven't read all of the books in this series...It doesn't matter though as these are stand alone books, but characters from previous books are mentioned or appear in these stories. Tasty Pickle is funny, sweet, and endearing. It was really good and I enjoyed reading it. Calypso and Axel's love story is a slowish burn and begins with a hilarious meeting of nudity, hiking, missing pants and cactus needles...They get the opportunity to see each other's private parts before they even know each other. Axel helps Calypso with her cactus situation and here begins a friendship, that turns into something much more. Calypso is running from her former life and hiding from her overbearing parents and ex boyfriend... she can't keep up with their expectations. What better way to hide than to hide in a castle in Colorado. Axel is a shrewd businessman becoming a self made billionaire when he sells an app he created and instantly becoming very, very wealthy. Becoming friends Calypso and Axel try to ignore the true feelings they have for one another, but it is useless. It is only a matter of time before their passion explodes. This is a very cute, steamy opposites attract romance with two people with flaws and issues who work through their stuff and support each other. I am glad Calypso finally discovers who she is without her families interference with help from Axel and she starts to live her life for herself, instead of for others. I adored Axel and Calypso and their unusual relationship they really are perfect together. I was thoroughly amused and entertained reading this book and it kept my interest from the beginning to the end. A wonderful romcom full of laughs, swoons and emotion. 5 Stars!- Cat W.
August 21, 2025
This review was originally posted at http://bit.ly/3Vb9YjY.
Calypso is running from her family and their expectations. The best place to do that is in some Podunk town in a castle. Except no one told her that she would need to go hiking. In the woods. When she got separated from her group and decided to go pee the last thing she expected was to get stung by nettles. Or to have her humiliation witnessed by a naked, albeit sexy, hiker. Now Axel keeps showing up everywhere and it is extremely awkward and she has definitively sworn off men. And money. Hard no.
While this is book 2 in a series and you do get some minor spoilers from background characters I had not read book one in the series and didn't feel like I was missing integral plot points in order to enjoy this book. It seems that while Axel may have been in book 1 Calypso wasn't.
I absolutely love Calypso's name. Greek mythos and all that. Then there is who she is as a person. She is trying to figure that out for the most part. What she knows is she doesn't want to be some rich man's arm candy. In fact, she has sworn off anyone with excessive money, like her parents and ex boyfriend. Better to stay to herself. And maybe enjoy a naked hiker.
Axel is a reclusive billionaire after building an app and cashing in on it. It was a way to use his love of hiking and translate it into money, but that money changed those around him. He couldn't trust who his friends were, for the most part. But, when he meets an obviously lost girl walking on his property and pulling cactus thorns from her nether regions he is intrigued and intent on getting to know her more.
This book is adorable and so funny. Absolutely loved it and I do have more of the Everything Tasty series in my TBR. Great introduction to an obviously great author.
Calypso is running from her family and their expectations. The best place to do that is in some Podunk town in a castle. Except no one told her that she would need to go hiking. In the woods. When she got separated from her group and decided to go pee the last thing she expected was to get stung by nettles. Or to have her humiliation witnessed by a naked, albeit sexy, hiker. Now Axel keeps showing up everywhere and it is extremely awkward and she has definitively sworn off men. And money. Hard no.
While this is book 2 in a series and you do get some minor spoilers from background characters I had not read book one in the series and didn't feel like I was missing integral plot points in order to enjoy this book. It seems that while Axel may have been in book 1 Calypso wasn't.
I absolutely love Calypso's name. Greek mythos and all that. Then there is who she is as a person. She is trying to figure that out for the most part. What she knows is she doesn't want to be some rich man's arm candy. In fact, she has sworn off anyone with excessive money, like her parents and ex boyfriend. Better to stay to herself. And maybe enjoy a naked hiker.
Axel is a reclusive billionaire after building an app and cashing in on it. It was a way to use his love of hiking and translate it into money, but that money changed those around him. He couldn't trust who his friends were, for the most part. But, when he meets an obviously lost girl walking on his property and pulling cactus thorns from her nether regions he is intrigued and intent on getting to know her more.
This book is adorable and so funny. Absolutely loved it and I do have more of the Everything Tasty series in my TBR. Great introduction to an obviously great author.
January 22, 2023
I have loved the Pickle family right from the beginning, and I'm so glad that JJ Knight has found ways to continue telling stories with the extended family members. Now we have Axel Montgomery, who is a first cousin of OG Pickle Anthony.
The meet-cute between Axel and Calypso Ash is while he's hiking -- naked -- and she's just fallen on a cactus, getting needles in her hoo-ha. Yep. It's hilarious and awkward, yet these two somehow manage to move past all that and develop a sweet friendship as she's working at Havannah's castle hotel opening a Tasty Pickle deli. But Calypso is a former debutante running from her oppressive past, and when she finds out that Axel is a self-made (half) billionaire, she freaks out because of how wealth has controlled her life in the past.
Axel is so sweet in his dedication to not giving up on Calypso. While Calypso hates how restrictive her old life was because of her family's societal status, Axel can never trust if someone likes him for him or for his money. Their very vulnerable first encounter kind of put them on a level playing field, and they got to know each other for who they are, not the money in their bank account.
This sweet story is infused with all the zaniness that comes with the Pickle family, and I loved seeing Uncle Sherman and John Boudreaux and the rest of the bunch when it came to getting Tasty Pickle up and running. There are a few cameos from Indigo (aka Lilli from Royal Escape), as part of this story overlaps a bit with hers.
Tasty Pickle delivers a sweet bite of romance, steam, and family drama, and I loved how Axel supported Calypso and gave her the confidence to stand up for what she wanted -- and didn't want -- from her past.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
The meet-cute between Axel and Calypso Ash is while he's hiking -- naked -- and she's just fallen on a cactus, getting needles in her hoo-ha. Yep. It's hilarious and awkward, yet these two somehow manage to move past all that and develop a sweet friendship as she's working at Havannah's castle hotel opening a Tasty Pickle deli. But Calypso is a former debutante running from her oppressive past, and when she finds out that Axel is a self-made (half) billionaire, she freaks out because of how wealth has controlled her life in the past.
Axel is so sweet in his dedication to not giving up on Calypso. While Calypso hates how restrictive her old life was because of her family's societal status, Axel can never trust if someone likes him for him or for his money. Their very vulnerable first encounter kind of put them on a level playing field, and they got to know each other for who they are, not the money in their bank account.
This sweet story is infused with all the zaniness that comes with the Pickle family, and I loved seeing Uncle Sherman and John Boudreaux and the rest of the bunch when it came to getting Tasty Pickle up and running. There are a few cameos from Indigo (aka Lilli from Royal Escape), as part of this story overlaps a bit with hers.
Tasty Pickle delivers a sweet bite of romance, steam, and family drama, and I loved how Axel supported Calypso and gave her the confidence to stand up for what she wanted -- and didn't want -- from her past.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
January 26, 2023
All swoons, all the laughter, and all the love
I loved, loved Axel and Calypso’s opposites attract, hiding from the past with a side of the best most awkward meet cute ever. This is a heartwarming, hilarious and steamy romance full of lovable characters with a small touch of angst. Axel and Calypso are real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy humans. Axel is a self-made multi-millionaire who lives a simple life volunteering and hiking on his property. Calypso is hiding from the life she did not fit into and that she left completely behind. As part of her reinvention, she is working at the local castle resort that is situated adjacent to Axel’s property. A team building exercise is how they end up having their awkward naked meet cute. From the instant they meet, they are drawn to each other and despite Calypso’s misgivings, feelings start to develop. But the past rarely stays where you try to bury it and to get to their HEA, Axel and Calypso will need to deal with it. The story was well written with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. It will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering through the sweet moments, steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, healing, and all the heart squeezing love. I love the Pickle family and am excited to read the next story. 4.5 stars.
I loved, loved Axel and Calypso’s opposites attract, hiding from the past with a side of the best most awkward meet cute ever. This is a heartwarming, hilarious and steamy romance full of lovable characters with a small touch of angst. Axel and Calypso are real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best as messy humans. Axel is a self-made multi-millionaire who lives a simple life volunteering and hiking on his property. Calypso is hiding from the life she did not fit into and that she left completely behind. As part of her reinvention, she is working at the local castle resort that is situated adjacent to Axel’s property. A team building exercise is how they end up having their awkward naked meet cute. From the instant they meet, they are drawn to each other and despite Calypso’s misgivings, feelings start to develop. But the past rarely stays where you try to bury it and to get to their HEA, Axel and Calypso will need to deal with it. The story was well written with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. It will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering through the sweet moments, steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, healing, and all the heart squeezing love. I love the Pickle family and am excited to read the next story. 4.5 stars.
January 23, 2023
A funny, fast paced delight - read on KU
This book was wonderful. As the title of my review indicates, it had good humor, it moved well, and the characters and story were delightful. I've read all the Picklebooks roughly as they've been released. This may be the best one. I read about a book a day and mostly give 3 star reviews. I only give about one 5 🌟 review a month. (Although, this is my second this month.)
While there is humor, some people may find it juvenile as most of it is along the lines of the play on words in the title. I have no problem laughing at juvenile humor. A well-timed "that's what she said," line can be hilarious.
As I said, I've been following the "Pickle" empire of books for a while and I think it shows a real development in JJ Knight as an author.
You don't need to read all the others, but it would help in places. This is a new branch of the family that isn't strictly related. Axel Armstrong's mom is the sister of the mom to the 3 men in the original series. Havannah from Tasty Mango is a major character in this book. Her sister married one of the original 3 brothers. So she is also not a true "Pickle." Although, as stated in this book, the dad of the 3 Brothers, who is the head of the Pickle franchise at the beginning of book 1, likes to consider all family through marriage to be Pickles.
I highly recommend the book and the related series.
This book was wonderful. As the title of my review indicates, it had good humor, it moved well, and the characters and story were delightful. I've read all the Picklebooks roughly as they've been released. This may be the best one. I read about a book a day and mostly give 3 star reviews. I only give about one 5 🌟 review a month. (Although, this is my second this month.)
While there is humor, some people may find it juvenile as most of it is along the lines of the play on words in the title. I have no problem laughing at juvenile humor. A well-timed "that's what she said," line can be hilarious.
As I said, I've been following the "Pickle" empire of books for a while and I think it shows a real development in JJ Knight as an author.
You don't need to read all the others, but it would help in places. This is a new branch of the family that isn't strictly related. Axel Armstrong's mom is the sister of the mom to the 3 men in the original series. Havannah from Tasty Mango is a major character in this book. Her sister married one of the original 3 brothers. So she is also not a true "Pickle." Although, as stated in this book, the dad of the 3 Brothers, who is the head of the Pickle franchise at the beginning of book 1, likes to consider all family through marriage to be Pickles.
I highly recommend the book and the related series.
January 25, 2023
Tasty Pickle by JJ Knight is an opposite attract romantic comedy. It's the second book from the Everything Tasty series.
This one is about Axel Armstrong, who was a member of the extended Pickle family, and Calypso Ash. They met by accident on his property's trail. Their first meeting was quite awkward, especially for Calypso who was raised by prim and proper parents. Axel for some reason was enthralled by her, even though she was the complete opposite of the usual women he dated. From the
beginning, he asked around about her and tried to get her to date him. Their relationship turned out to be anything but normal since they did things the opposite way. For the first time in her life, Calypso felt that she was living her life the way she wanted and it made her happy.
It's such a marvelous story. It's funny, romantic and so steamy. The plot is simple and entertaining. The characters are incredible and have great chemistry. They are definitely coupled goals for me. It felt like two soulmates found each other. I loved the fact that the whole crew was like a family. My favorite parts were their meeting on the trail and the conga dance.
If you love romantic comedies then you should read this one. I will rate it with 5 stars.
This one is about Axel Armstrong, who was a member of the extended Pickle family, and Calypso Ash. They met by accident on his property's trail. Their first meeting was quite awkward, especially for Calypso who was raised by prim and proper parents. Axel for some reason was enthralled by her, even though she was the complete opposite of the usual women he dated. From the
beginning, he asked around about her and tried to get her to date him. Their relationship turned out to be anything but normal since they did things the opposite way. For the first time in her life, Calypso felt that she was living her life the way she wanted and it made her happy.
It's such a marvelous story. It's funny, romantic and so steamy. The plot is simple and entertaining. The characters are incredible and have great chemistry. They are definitely coupled goals for me. It felt like two soulmates found each other. I loved the fact that the whole crew was like a family. My favorite parts were their meeting on the trail and the conga dance.
If you love romantic comedies then you should read this one. I will rate it with 5 stars.
January 19, 2023
Calypso moves from California to Colorado. To get away from her controlling parents and boyfriend. She starts working at castle. On an employee hike she gets lost from the group and runs into Axel. He helps get her back to the car returning to the castle. He is completely intrigued by her. He decides to make every excuse he can, to be at the castle. He wants to just be around her. Calypso is embarrassed by how she met Axel and tries to avoid him at first. But he is very persistent.
I loved their meet cute! It was hilarious! Calypso is trying to find herself. After being controlled by her family and boyfriend. For most of her life. She doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. But she knows there is an instant attraction to Axel. She has never felt before. Axel just won’t give up. He is used to woman knowing who he is and trying to get in his pocket book. Calypso is just a breath of fresh air for him. There are a ton of hilarious scenes in this book. So, if you like Rom-coms. You will love this book! This is my favorite so far from this series. Can’t wait to see what else the Pickle family gets into.
I loved their meet cute! It was hilarious! Calypso is trying to find herself. After being controlled by her family and boyfriend. For most of her life. She doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. But she knows there is an instant attraction to Axel. She has never felt before. Axel just won’t give up. He is used to woman knowing who he is and trying to get in his pocket book. Calypso is just a breath of fresh air for him. There are a ton of hilarious scenes in this book. So, if you like Rom-coms. You will love this book! This is my favorite so far from this series. Can’t wait to see what else the Pickle family gets into.
January 20, 2023
I swear I'm still laughing my behind off from the first meet up between Axel & Calypso, and that situation alone was worth more than a mere 5 stars but it's just the first taste of another hilarious & fantastic story. Calypso is trying to get away from the people in her life which is why she's in Axel's neck of the woods, and she has no desire to form any sort of attachment to any man. Axel has made himself a fortune, but he's never sure if a woman wants him or his money so he's gun shy as well, however, fate has a different plan for them. Axel hikes naked (I can't stop laughing about that situation because seriously what would you do if you came across a man hiking naked?), and he's hiking naked when he comes upon Calypso with some issues on her private parts, so they got the mystery out of the way from the jump LOL! She's attracted to him so she's going to avoid him but it's hard with her new job, and Axel is definitely determined but will he succeed?! I'm telling you this story was another hilarious read by this uber talented author that will leave you with a smile on your face! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 20, 2023
J.J. Knight is a genius! This book will have you in stitches! When Calypso Ash left her controlling family behind in California to work at a castle in Colorado, she never would've expected to come face to...pickle with Axel Armstrong. Calypso isn't exactly a nature buff, and she proves that when she gets lost on an employee hike and chose to pop a squat on cacti and injures her lady bits! When Axel hears a scream on his personal property in the mountains, he doesn't think about the fact that he's hiking completely au naturel and just runs to help. How could you meet someone that way and ever recover?
The chemistry between Calypso and Ash is intense, but Calypso didn't come to CO to fall in love. She's built her walls up to protect herself so Axel will have his work cut out for him if he wants to get to know her better.
Axel is such a sweet, funny and loveable character that you can't help but fall for him. Calypso really made him work to get to know her, but she was such a sweetheart once you got to know her. This book had so much humor and sass that you just couldn't put it down! You will be wiping the tears from your eyes from laughing so hard.
The chemistry between Calypso and Ash is intense, but Calypso didn't come to CO to fall in love. She's built her walls up to protect herself so Axel will have his work cut out for him if he wants to get to know her better.
Axel is such a sweet, funny and loveable character that you can't help but fall for him. Calypso really made him work to get to know her, but she was such a sweetheart once you got to know her. This book had so much humor and sass that you just couldn't put it down! You will be wiping the tears from your eyes from laughing so hard.
January 9, 2023
Tasty Pickle was sweetly adorable with lots of laugh out loud moments. A standalone within the pickleverse, and a total hoot to read!
Axel Armstrong is a total cinnamon roll of a naked hero...that's right you read that right. Na-ked. Okay, he's only naked for hiking and well, nakey times, but beginning this book with not only Axel naked, but also Calypso is just downright hilarious and it's totally not what you think when you think when you think of the two main characters being naked. Also, I don't think I've used the word naked this much in one paragraph ever. LOL.
I won't spoil the hilarity of this book, or why characters are unclothed...ha! take that naked...oops, oh well, but if you are familiar with the pickleverse this book is clever and just plain fun. If you are not, then welcome to the big, crazy family that runs a deli with the last name of Pickle. Tasty Pickle includes lots of cameos from other Pickle family members, a big hearted hero, and a heroine that is escaping from her own crazy family.
While there is a slow burn between Axel and Calypso, their flirt game is strong and so freaking adorable, especially once Calypso lets her walls drop a bit. I honestly loved how they basically reverted to teenagers, making out everywhere, and just getting to know one another before jumping into more nakey times. Let's face it, they'd already seen the goods, but not what made them uniquely each other. So I liked that they worked backwards in a way. Tasty Pickle was a great, feel-good, kind of book and I'm still smiling as I'm thinking about it today.
Axel Armstrong is a total cinnamon roll of a naked hero...that's right you read that right. Na-ked. Okay, he's only naked for hiking and well, nakey times, but beginning this book with not only Axel naked, but also Calypso is just downright hilarious and it's totally not what you think when you think when you think of the two main characters being naked. Also, I don't think I've used the word naked this much in one paragraph ever. LOL.
I won't spoil the hilarity of this book, or why characters are unclothed...ha! take that naked...oops, oh well, but if you are familiar with the pickleverse this book is clever and just plain fun. If you are not, then welcome to the big, crazy family that runs a deli with the last name of Pickle. Tasty Pickle includes lots of cameos from other Pickle family members, a big hearted hero, and a heroine that is escaping from her own crazy family.
While there is a slow burn between Axel and Calypso, their flirt game is strong and so freaking adorable, especially once Calypso lets her walls drop a bit. I honestly loved how they basically reverted to teenagers, making out everywhere, and just getting to know one another before jumping into more nakey times. Let's face it, they'd already seen the goods, but not what made them uniquely each other. So I liked that they worked backwards in a way. Tasty Pickle was a great, feel-good, kind of book and I'm still smiling as I'm thinking about it today.
January 17, 2023
This is my very first read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last!! This RomCom had captured me from the beginning knowing that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down until I was turning that very last page!
When this little gem starts off with a naked hiker running to the aid of a damsel in distress with her bits covered in cacti needles 😱 you know it will continue to have you in hysterics. JJ Knight, you are the QUEEN!!!!
Axel, an accidental self made billionaire and Calypso, a debutant that wants to get as far away from money as she can make for an interesting pair. Calypso feeling extremely overwhelmed and overpowered by her controlling parents and boyfriend, needed an escape and wound up here in Colorado.
When Axel and Calypso meet in such an unexpected way, these two quirky characters seem to be pulled together at every corner. Does fate have a plan? Will Calypso’s be able to keep her secrets or will her past catch up with her? You want to read this!!! I promise it will have you chuckling!!
When this little gem starts off with a naked hiker running to the aid of a damsel in distress with her bits covered in cacti needles 😱 you know it will continue to have you in hysterics. JJ Knight, you are the QUEEN!!!!
Axel, an accidental self made billionaire and Calypso, a debutant that wants to get as far away from money as she can make for an interesting pair. Calypso feeling extremely overwhelmed and overpowered by her controlling parents and boyfriend, needed an escape and wound up here in Colorado.
When Axel and Calypso meet in such an unexpected way, these two quirky characters seem to be pulled together at every corner. Does fate have a plan? Will Calypso’s be able to keep her secrets or will her past catch up with her? You want to read this!!! I promise it will have you chuckling!!
January 10, 2023
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was absolutely phenomenal! I haven’t read a Romcom in a while since I mostly prefer dark reads, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this. I was hooked after reading the blurb. It was incredibly easy to devour the story extremely fast. From start to finish I was constantly laughing, the characters easily tugged on my heart, and I was rooting for their HEA.
I really like how this author writes. She doesn’t overdo it with to many unnecessary details, or over explains situations. The story was light, and even when there was drama, there was a comedic relief. I fell in love with every character too. I now must go back and read every single story in this series now. I don’t know if the other FMC and MMC can top Calypso and Axel though. The chemistry between them was on fire. They had a connection and understanding free of judgement.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was absolutely phenomenal! I haven’t read a Romcom in a while since I mostly prefer dark reads, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this. I was hooked after reading the blurb. It was incredibly easy to devour the story extremely fast. From start to finish I was constantly laughing, the characters easily tugged on my heart, and I was rooting for their HEA.
I really like how this author writes. She doesn’t overdo it with to many unnecessary details, or over explains situations. The story was light, and even when there was drama, there was a comedic relief. I fell in love with every character too. I now must go back and read every single story in this series now. I don’t know if the other FMC and MMC can top Calypso and Axel though. The chemistry between them was on fire. They had a connection and understanding free of judgement.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
January 20, 2023
Feeling stifled by the life she was expected to life Calypso finds herself trying to discover what will truly make her happy and where better than a castle in Colorado. A scenic hike takes a turn when she gets to see Axel in all his glory, and he gets an eyeful in return. Due to the situation her life is in she is uncertain about letting anyone too close but Axel doesn’t have the same feelings.
The first meeting between Axel and Calypso is an image he can’t get out of his mind and he isn’t about to let it end there. The feelings he has for her are unexpected and he believes that after their first meeting that he sees the man and not the money which only makes him more determined.
Humorous and hot Calypso and Axel were so much fun together. It all begins with a hiking adventure no one could see coming and only gets better from there especially when you add in the hijinks you can always expect from the rest of his family.
The first meeting between Axel and Calypso is an image he can’t get out of his mind and he isn’t about to let it end there. The feelings he has for her are unexpected and he believes that after their first meeting that he sees the man and not the money which only makes him more determined.
Humorous and hot Calypso and Axel were so much fun together. It all begins with a hiking adventure no one could see coming and only gets better from there especially when you add in the hijinks you can always expect from the rest of his family.
January 23, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters. (Tasty Mango and the Pickle-verse series)
Possible Triggers
Toxic relationship with family
Controlling relationship with ex
Axel bought land to be able to hike in the buff, one of his favorite activities.
Calypso is in hiding, taking a job at the nearby hotel, while she has a degree in engineering.
They meet while he is out on his land she inadvertently crosses onto after accidentally squatting on a cati to pee. They keep running into each other, sometimes awkward sometimes funny. He is obsessed with her, but she's hiding from her ex and can't get involved. Once her past come for her, can he find her in time? Will his money that she hates be able to save her from the past?
This book fits with the Pickle-verse with lots of cameo appearances, but also can stand alone. The content is for readers over 18 in age.
Standalone, interconnected characters. (Tasty Mango and the Pickle-verse series)
Possible Triggers
Toxic relationship with family
Controlling relationship with ex
Axel bought land to be able to hike in the buff, one of his favorite activities.
Calypso is in hiding, taking a job at the nearby hotel, while she has a degree in engineering.
They meet while he is out on his land she inadvertently crosses onto after accidentally squatting on a cati to pee. They keep running into each other, sometimes awkward sometimes funny. He is obsessed with her, but she's hiding from her ex and can't get involved. Once her past come for her, can he find her in time? Will his money that she hates be able to save her from the past?
This book fits with the Pickle-verse with lots of cameo appearances, but also can stand alone. The content is for readers over 18 in age.
January 25, 2023
When her new job suggests a hiking adventure Calypso goes. Shes not the outdoors type but being new she wants to fit in and yet stay under the radar. While hiking she gets seperated from the group. Has to pee, gets attacked by squirrels and falls on a cactus ummm in a place you dont want those needles...But what happens when sexy man comes to rescue you and hes.. well hello naked. You get more that you bargain for and a man you will never forget. If running into a sexy naked Axel is what hiking is about sign me up. Hes alpha, hes funny and oh so swooney. One of the best books I have read. This really does add to the whole pickle series. I laughed so much and swooned even more. These two are amazing together. JJ Knight has done it again.
I am leaving my honest voluntary review for a copy I recieved.
I am leaving my honest voluntary review for a copy I recieved.
January 13, 2023
If you have read any of the Pickle books then you know they are funny, sweet, sexy, and wonderful. Well, this one is all that and more.
Axel and Calipso are so similar that they both want to live different lives. While Axel is living the life he wants, Calipso had to leave her life behind to get to where she wants to be. She didn't know it would start in the woods with her pants down and cactus needles stuck in her private parts and a naked man standing over her.
I fell in love with Axel and Calipso and their love story is one of my favorites in this series. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to, it is one of the best rom-com series out there. So sit back and enjoy the ride with the Pickles.
Copy provided By the author and this is my honest opinion**
Axel and Calipso are so similar that they both want to live different lives. While Axel is living the life he wants, Calipso had to leave her life behind to get to where she wants to be. She didn't know it would start in the woods with her pants down and cactus needles stuck in her private parts and a naked man standing over her.
I fell in love with Axel and Calipso and their love story is one of my favorites in this series. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to, it is one of the best rom-com series out there. So sit back and enjoy the ride with the Pickles.
Copy provided By the author and this is my honest opinion**
January 19, 2023
I am absolutely in love with Axel and Calypso! Their story is hilarious and full of sweet and steamy moments.
The opening scene in this book is pure comedy gold! Naked hiking, hidden identity, and opposites falling in love make this the perfect romcom. Axel is a laid back, caring man. When he helps Calypso out of a compromising position, he's instantly smitten. Calypso is hiding from her old life and trying to figure out who she really is. It takes her a little longer to give in to her feelings for Axel, but in her situation I don't blame her a bit. I love how protective he is and how he helps her to flourish. Calypso makes him happy and gives his life new purpose. Axel is a big teddy bear of a man and is so perfect for Calypso!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The opening scene in this book is pure comedy gold! Naked hiking, hidden identity, and opposites falling in love make this the perfect romcom. Axel is a laid back, caring man. When he helps Calypso out of a compromising position, he's instantly smitten. Calypso is hiding from her old life and trying to figure out who she really is. It takes her a little longer to give in to her feelings for Axel, but in her situation I don't blame her a bit. I love how protective he is and how he helps her to flourish. Calypso makes him happy and gives his life new purpose. Axel is a big teddy bear of a man and is so perfect for Calypso!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
New beginnings
Calypso has flown the coop and dictatorship family for the wide open sky's of Colorado, leaving behind a good career, controlling parents and fiance even though she didn't accept his proposal, getting lost on a mountain, cactus needles in her vajayjay, and meeting the HOTTEST guy she's ever seen, he's naked except for the hiking boots and backpack, Ohhhhh and hung like a horse, he's related to the Pickle empire, saving each other, him more, secrets hidden by both, finding a common ground, friends, a new family that you choose, absolutely beautiful, hilarious, tearful, if this is the last one in the series it's a great way to go, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
Calypso has flown the coop and dictatorship family for the wide open sky's of Colorado, leaving behind a good career, controlling parents and fiance even though she didn't accept his proposal, getting lost on a mountain, cactus needles in her vajayjay, and meeting the HOTTEST guy she's ever seen, he's naked except for the hiking boots and backpack, Ohhhhh and hung like a horse, he's related to the Pickle empire, saving each other, him more, secrets hidden by both, finding a common ground, friends, a new family that you choose, absolutely beautiful, hilarious, tearful, if this is the last one in the series it's a great way to go, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
January 22, 2023
Calypso grew up with money. Her parents bullied her to act perfect, but when they pressured her into dating a man they deemed suitable and he proposed, she had enough and ran. She ran to Colorado, where Havannah and Donovan built their castle hotel. She gets a job there and gets roped into a hike to bond with other staff. Axel likes to hike in the nude, so he purchases a lot of land. He developed a nature app and sold it for half a billion dollars. He runs into Calypso on the trail when she has an embarrassing encounter with a cactus. Calypso earns her promotion to assistant manager of the Tasty Pickle franchise in the castle, and finally feels like she found her true self. But will she stay strong when her family tracks her down?
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
January 19, 2023
I absolutely adore this series. I had no idea naked hiking was a thing until I read this book! This book was so much fun to read! Axel and Calypso were a fun HEA!
What did I like? Humorous book and a naked hiker with a swinging D. What’s not to like? Each of these books have a great cast of characters and are just fun. I love the covers and will definitely be adding this to my pickleverse shelf. Five huge stars!
Would I recommend or buy? YES! A fun romcom with very little angst, no cheating, and lots of humor! If you like to laugh with your romance then the Pickleverse series is for you!
I won an ARC in a giveaway and this is my opinion! I loved it!
What did I like? Humorous book and a naked hiker with a swinging D. What’s not to like? Each of these books have a great cast of characters and are just fun. I love the covers and will definitely be adding this to my pickleverse shelf. Five huge stars!
Would I recommend or buy? YES! A fun romcom with very little angst, no cheating, and lots of humor! If you like to laugh with your romance then the Pickleverse series is for you!
I won an ARC in a giveaway and this is my opinion! I loved it!
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