Nico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth. With a new season starting, he is … ready to play the game he can control. They’ll all be watching Nico, the goalie, but they’ll never know the man behind the mask who is just trying to breathe. He hasn’t ever wanted anyone close enough to him to see the truth, until Aviva rams herself into his ass. Literally.
Aviva Pearce’s life is a collection of bad days all wrapped up without a bow. If it can go wrong, it will. All she wants is to run her business, take care of her sister, and keep her head above water. But with a father who is out to ruin her like he has himself and debt trying to drown her, it’s hard to stay afloat. Aviva isn’t the type to waste time dwelling on her misfortunes or to give up, though. She’s got too much fight in her. And she definitely doesn’t have time to waste on the wildly sexy, rich, showboating goaltender everyone wants. She’s got goals.
What she doesn’t know is that Nico has goals of his own.
And she’s number one on his list.
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Read: 8/28/19
Wild Tendy was the second book in Toni Aleo’s IceCats series. It focused on Nico Merriweather, a star NHL goalie.
So, I can’t say too much in this review because in the introduction the author asked us not to reveal any spoilers so the the reader can watch the story develop. And I must say, she’s right. It was a better experience with a piece by piece reveal. This was a very unique perspective and I loved every moment of it. I totally understand Nico better and have fallen in love.
It was a realistic journey filled with fun, emotional moments, life lessons, education, and an abundance of humor. I loved Nico. I mostly loved Aviva but I had a hard time with some of her independent stubbornness. I can’t elaborate without spoilers but she frustrated me at times, but in the end, she was a great match for Nico and I loved them both.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Chandler (book one), Callie and Jaylin. Their interactions added depth and humor to the storyline. It looks like we’ll see them again – Callie in Bellevue Bullies and Jaylin in this current series. I totally can’t wait!
Overall I loved it so much that I could read more. Please have a part two, or at least a secondary focal point in other books.
There is so much more to say about Wild Tendy, but I won’t. Read it. You won’t be sorry.
All I can say is WOW! I this book gives you goosies from start to finish. Toni Aleo keeps getting better and better with every book she writes! I honestly wasn’t sure how I was going to like Nico based on past books. He managed to capture my heart!!! He is the epic description of don’t judge a book by its cover. The way Toni writes the real topics into her characters and builds their world you can’t help but feel every moment. Aviva has her own share of struggles and adulting too. She’s the kind of strong woman I want to be. I don’t want to give any secrets of the book away just know you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
Oh! My heart can’t take this!
There is so much to love about Nico and Aviva’s story!
Their story hits you with all the feels, from happy to sad to your heart stuck in your throat! And how can it not it’s Nico Merryweather’s story!
It’s so relevant for today that I can’t possibly mention things without giving anything away. Just know I was often torn between reading so fast to see how this played out and finishing this up too quick. I’m not ready to be done with Nico and Aviva and we haven’t even started with Callie. I definitely need more of her and her match making ways. *wink, wink please*
Ms Aleo is on her game with this one and Nico is my new favorite!
Book 2 in the IceCats Series and what a series this is turning into, if you love Hockey or sports romance in general this is a book you must read you will want to get to know Nico Merryweather.
Being a player is an easy reputation to hide behind it’s a way of keeping your secrets and reality hidden and that’s exactly what Nico does until he meets Aviva Pearce because up until now no one has got close enough to see the truth behind the front he wears so well.
Aviva has her own demons she is trying to keep hidden and that’s what make this couple so special, they each have a story to tell and they need each other to get the strength to open up and learn to trust and love. A couple overcoming their challenges and the hurt they have had in their pasts may seem like they are vulnerable but they both get their strengths from this vulnerability and they are perfect for each other. This love story captivated me and I could not put this book down, their story touched me on so many levels and this emotional read gave me all the feels I want and expect in a brilliant read. I can’t wait to see where this very talented author takes us next.
First, OH MY EVER LIVING GOD!!! Nico and Aviva’s story, freaking phenomenal!!!
I REALLY love a strong/weak woman. And, yes, in my opinion, a person can be strong and weak, well maybe “weak” is not the right word. Aviva Pearce’s life has not been easy thus far. Aviva has been running the family business since her mother got sick and passed away. Her father, has actually been a hinderance, running from everything and actually stealing money from the business, making it hard for Aviva to make ends meet and keep the sub shop afloat. Aviva has also been raising her younger sister, Callie, keeping her safe and sound. Leaving Aviva absolutely time to think about herself let alone meeting and dating anyone. Thinking about her father’s latest theft when her cell phone rings, she misses the stopped traffic, slamming into the car in front of her. Can her life get ANY worse?!?!
Nico Merryweather is stopped at a red light, talking to his mom thru his sports car’s Bluetooth, when, slam, he is rear ended. After telling his mom he is fine and ending the call, he gets out of his car to check on the other driver. She is crying and blood is running down the side of her face. He takes off his shirt to put over the cut, when the Aviva states: “Usually when you get rear-ended, you get pissed, not naked.” Nico and Aviva introduce themselves and shake hands. When their hands meet “heat from a thousand suns radiate up” Nico’s arm. He invites her to lunch.
And, so it begins.
I absolutely LOVED this story. Ms. Aleo touched on so many subjects, and she did it phenomenally. I’m sorry, I do not want to give any spoilers away, so I am not going to say what they are. I will say this, they gave me a LOT more respect for people facing these challenges. They also made me love Nico, Aviva, and Callie all the more. I cannot even imagine what they have all gone/going thru.
One reason I FLOVE book series, a lot of times we get to touch base with characters from previous books. The first Ice Cat’s book is this series was Juicy Rebound, and we get to see some of what Chandler, Amelia and their twins are up to. A BIG plus in my book!
I really thought Callie was a fabulous and strong character. I hope in the future that Callie will get her own story.
Lastly, Ms. Aleo, THANK YOU from my whole heart. You and this wonderful book helped me thru a very hard time. As I was reading this freaking fabulous book, I was able to get some extra time snuggling with my sick fur baby. She was laying on my chest as I was reading. Again, THANK YOU!!! <3
Thank you for reading my review. I can pretty much guarantee you will love this fabulous story as much as I have. So, what are you waiting for? Go hit that purchase button at your favorite retailer and start reading this wonderful book.
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my reading enjoyment and my opinions on this fabulous book.
Ms. Aleo, you have outdone yourself with this one!! You put the bar REALLY high for the next book. Sorry/not sorry, because I know after reading and/or listening to most of your other books, you CAN and WILL do it!!!
Wild Tendy is the second book in the ice cats series. This is Nico Merryweathers book and he has quickly stolen my heart! Aviva Pearce is a strong independent heroine who doesn’t have time for dating and is busy raising her little sister. When their woulds crash… literally… Nico know he has met his match. I loved how hard Nico worked for Aviva’s affection, he never gave up. Nico was so different than he appeared in the previous book, in the best way. I loved their story!
Wild Tendy
Hang on to your heart because Nico and Aviva are going to take you through an emotional roller coaster and you’re going to love every bit of the ride. Nico was totally redeemed with this book.
The story is deep but light with humor and snark mixed in. As Nico and Aviva’s struggles are revealed and you learn more about each character you can’t help but fall in love more with each turn of the page. How they deal with what life as thrown at them and their support for each other is a beautiful thing to see develop.
Nico is intense, passionate, and goes all in when he wants something or someone. The struggles that he had to face and is still facing make him keep part of himself closed off. Getting closer to Aviva and her sister he starts to wants to open up some but fear has him concerned about what they might think.
Aviva is his other half though and he will use any means to make her his and keep her.
He wears more than one mask but loves with his whole heart.
Aviva strong, courageous, snarky, and determined to do what she needs to survive and protect her sister. When a terrible day gets worse and she crashes in to Nico her world will never be the same. As much as she tries to fight the changes and her inner self, the powers that be ( Nico, Callie and Jaylin) are determined help her see that she does not have to do it on her own.
Callie is funny, speaks her mind and protects dearly who she cares about that brings a great balance to Nico and Aviva.
My heart took a beating with this book but I loved every word. Wild Tendy has become one of my favorite books.
This book has rooted itself in my heart. Nico….oh Nico….this boy is a little cocky, a little scared and a completely different book boyfriend then I was expecting in a great way. With that being said….he is perfect. He wants to protect Aviva, and help her. He goes out of his way and comfort zone to do it as well.
Aviva was like looking in the mirror for me. Shes broken and yet always tries to help everyone out. She’s raising her little sister, running a sub shop and absolutely hates anyone feeling sorry for her or trying to help her out.
Avivas little sister is a sassy, protective teenage sidekick. Her adorable friendship with Nico and her having no fear telling people when they are in the wrong was awesome. I really hope she eventually gets her own book.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers but if you love hockey romance, a quirky fun relationship between our hero and heroine and especially if you love this author you will LOVE this book!! I can’t recommend it enough!
Nico is golden boy hockey player. He is very sweet and protective. Aviva is fiercely independent and very protective of her little sister. Nico and Aviva literally crash into each other. Nico is totally taken with Aviva and her sister Callie. Nico wants to make her life easier. Aviva feels like her life is a mess. Aviva has doubt issues. Nico wants to make Aviva smile. Nico makes Aviva feel good and shows her that she can be happy. With Aviva and Callie, Nico has found what he needs and he just want to watch over them and protect them. Nico shows Aviva how to love herself and live her life. Aviva is supportive enough to make Nico feel he can do anything and she will be there for him if he falls. This is wonderful addition to this series. This book will totally pull at your heartstrings.
Read. This. Story! I mean it. Read it. I’m the first to say that I’m a huge fan of Toni Aleo and her writing. Her style, her characters, her world building and her honesty of storytelling. But when I say that Wild Tendy is special, I’m not even sure that’s adequate to explain. I’m not gonna reveal specifics about the characters because I don’t want to give things away about the story, so let me explain it the best way I can.
Even in the book other characters describe Nico Merryweather as having “extra-ness”. He’s so extra and so wonderful that he may have just become one of my absolute favorite Aleo characters ever. Let’s let that sink in for a minute because Toni has written some amazing af characters that I adore. But Nico is truly special. He’s funny, cocky, impulsive for sure; but he has the biggest heart and is so determined in so many ways. I didn’t know how much I’d love him after first meeting him in Juicy Rebound. For reals, then I wanted his story but he was so over the top extra I didn’t get it. Now I’m like whoa!
Then we have Aviva and her little sister Callie. The Pearce sisters are both a hot mess of awesomeness. Aviva is this badass, independent, totally hardworking woman; but life has not been kind. Every day is a struggle of some kind, but she’s making it. And then she literally crashes into Nico. From the start it’s like the chemistry jumps off the page at you, but Aviva is like “nope I don’t have time for that”. Watching these two stubborn women do their thing and then how they connect with Nico. Oh my cue the laughter and the feels.
Without giving things away, let me just saw that this story has everything. The way Toni deals with real life issues and makes them relatable and just tells them with so much heart and care. Well it was beautiful and is definitely one of my favorites of hers. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I sighed. All the feels!! And so many more than 5 stars!!!
I loved this book so much. It was literally hard to put down. I loved all the characters in this one. Nico and Aviva were so adorable together. Callie Aviva’s sister was a rocking character as well. I loved the relationship between her and Nico. There are so many heartwarming moments that just made you feel good. Even the epilogue. It had me squealing with happiness. Nico’s story is heartbreaking one, but also an inspiring one. Nico and Aviva have a ton of chemistry and they burn up the pages. One of my favorite parts of the book is the banter between them. It makes you laugh. This is a well rounded book that I would highly recommend to anyone!
4.5 Stars
Aviva and Callie have had a rough couple of years. Health issues with their mother, a dead beat father and running a business has put a lot of stress on Aviva. Add raising her teenage sister to the mix makes it hard to find time for herself. With the scars she holds she doesn’t believe that she is worthy of anyone’s love. Following a fender bender all that changes. Aviva smashes into Nico Merryweather’s life and he couldn’t be more excited. She is beautiful, strong and a little hard headed about letting anyone into her life. Nico is very up to the challenge of breaking down her walls. He realizes that if he breaks down her walls he is going to have to share his secrets as well. It is very overwhelming to share the thing he has not even told his best friend. If they can get past their own issues they could be perfect for each other and finally know what happiness is.
This is a great story line showing great strength with handling what you are dealt with in life. I enjoyed the characters personalities and their ability to overcome their scars.
Readers will find themselves drawn to this romance the moment they’re introduced to the unforgettable hero, a hero with a colorful past that’s made him the man he is today. Add in a strong-willed, and occasionally frustrating heroine, and you end up with a heartwarming and sizzling connection that balances out this hockey-fueled romance that deals with some heavy issues through humor, heart, and soul.
Nico Merryweather’s always been a bit odd, with quirks that have made his life a bit rocky at times when it comes to friends and lovers. Nico has no filter and often speaks before he thinks which led to a few chuckle-worthy exchanges. He’s also overly honest which I appreciated as it was refreshing to see it in a hero of wealth and fame. All these quirks are facets of himself though that he wants to keep private and it’s that privacy that tests his crackling connection to a hardworking woman with emotional baggage of her own. Nico’s a unique hero, one I’m thrilled Ms. Aleo has crafted as his struggles were eye-opening and deserve to be discussed. While his issues are dealt with realistically, time was also spent on his romantic side. It was a romantic side that warmed my heart through words and deeds that spoke volumes about how much love he had for the new woman in his life and all that he tried to change about himself to be more worthy of her. By the turn of the final page I had been completely claimed by this endearing and unforgettable hero and am hoping for more glimpses of him in the future as it’s hard to say goodbye to him.
Aviva Pearce has had her own difficult time growing up after her mother died of breast cancer and courtesy of a father who changed for the worse as his grief and addiction has him repeatedly stealing from her and her sister now. Through it all though she’s kept the family sub shop succeeding while being a pseudo mother to her sister Callie. When readers first meet her it’s clear that Aviva’s life revolves around others, every struggle is in the name of others and I liked her for her selflessness. I was also frustrated by that selflessness though as it gave her an excuse to hide from living her life to the fullest. She’s got her own baggage courtesy of a timely issue she’s dealing with, an issue that’s left her scarred inside and out and that’s left her self-esteem bruised. When she looks at herself she sees only imperfections and it adds a lot of heartache to her burgeoning relationship with Nico, has her assuming the worse when he’s given her nothing but the best. With Aviva she was constantly waiting for something bad to happen and it both angered and saddened me in a romance that was otherwise delightful. In many ways Aviva’s the kind of heroine I’d like all my heroines to be as she rises above everything that tries to drag her down, she’s tough and a strong support to those she claims as her own, and doesn’t accept lies. In other ways though I wanted to shake her as she let her worst instincts guide her in doubting Nico’s love and let her fears keep her from living or accepting help when it was offered with no strings. There’s being strong-willed and then there’s being obstinate…which is what she was when she was frustrating me the most. By the turn of the final page though Aviva was a heroine that I deeply appreciated and especially enjoyed in exchanges between her, her sister, and her friend Jaylin.
From the first page to the last I found myself fully immersed in this romance of two unique individuals battling issues that they both want to keep hidden but that can only be overcome when they deal with them head-on. For Nico, as a star hockey player, he must deal with stress on and off the ice and readers get to see that in realistically depicted scenes that had me aching for him. His issue greatly affects his romantic encounters too and his difficulties pulled at my heartstrings as he’s a loving man, a selfless one who gives oh so much, and who’s deserving of HEA. When the story starts Nico has only his friend Chandler to interact with and even he doesn’t know everything about Nico. Nico’s journey is ultimately an emotional one that I could relate to and that had me rooting for him every step of the way. Aviva too deserves HEA, but she’ll have to get out of her own way to keep the one man who accepts her wholeheartedly. As individuals they broke my heart, but as a couple they filled my heart to over-full in a crackling connection that was both sweet and sizzling. Surrounding this appealing main couple was a cast of equally memorable secondary characters that I hope to see more of in the future. Aviva’s sister Callie has her own fears of the future and is already doing something about those fears. She’s bold and loving and I enjoyed her snarky and sisterly banter. I also enjoyed the loving side she brings out in Nico that further shows how big of a heart he has. Aviva’s friend Jaylin was another delight as a strong-willed, outspoken woman who loudly shows her scars to the world. She’s casual when it comes to relationships but the spark seen between her and hockey player Kirby has me looking towards a future story featuring the two of them. I enjoyed seeing the continuing romance between Chandler and Amelia too and they set a romantic example for Nico and Aviva to follow. On a whole readers will find this a charming and sensual romance with exhilarating action on and off the ice in a tale full of heart and soul.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
This story of Nico and Aviva is one of the best that I have had the pleasure of reading. Nico is the PERFECT man, despite his medical diagnosis, and Aviva is the strongest woman that I’ve read about, too. Despite their struggles, they are able to find the love, support, and strength in each other and overcome some very difficult situations. Such a truly inspiring story that will surely touch the hearts of many.
I found myself looking towards Aviva as a role model for my real life the more I read. I don’t have the same ailments as her, but the strength and courage that she shows is awe inspiring. Not just in the fact that she made a very difficult decision at such a young age, but also in the way that she is with her sister. Losing her mother and effectively becoming a surrogate mother in her teens wasn’t easy in the slightest, but she took it and ran with it. And she did an amazing job if I do say so myself.
I know that I’ve said it before, but I just don’t understand how Toni does it! The way that she can make the reader believe the stories that she comes up with. It is a skill that one could only hope to have one day. With every new book that comes out, it makes me believe that she is writing from experience, but I find myself thinking this is impossible.
On the outside, Nico was one of those people you just wanted to smack LOL but man, on the inside … *swoon* which made me love the chase that much more in this story! Aviva was a stubborn one LOL (that’s the kindest I could come up with) There were times when I thought to myself … “girl, stop the madness already!” but overall, she was perfect for Nico. The characters played really well off each other and made the story captivating and oh so swoon-worthy!
This story was a lot more than just a sports romance with a cocky player chasing a girl. That would have been just fine by me, but this was waaaay more … it had depth and layers and surprises! The character growth thru this journey was outstanding. Everything about this was outstanding.
This book could be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t read the first book in the IceCats, and are planning on it, this story might spoil some things for you so …… do with that info what you will LOL
Sidenote: I just have to mention how ridiculously impressed I am at how far this author’s writing has come since I first read her years ago. I wasn’t a fan for quite some time because for me, her style didn’t click. Her stories were told inside the characters as opposed thru dialogue between the characters and because of this they tended to drone on and on, imo that is. But this last year or so has been impressive and now she’s an auto-click for me!
Go forth and enjoy!
Amazing! This story brought tears to my eyes and a sputter to my heart! The characters are so well written, even the secondaries. Aviva’s back story is something that is close to my heart, the steps that some take to prevent cancer are just so amazing. Totally love how Nico has to work hard to get Aviva to give him a chance, and when she does, it is all out wonderful!
This series is getting so good, didn’t think Toni Aleo could get any better, think again, she is off the charts with this one!
What a roller-coaster of emotions this story took me through.
It was by far one of my favorite reads.
Nico & Aviva are so awesome!
Aviva is such a spitfire and Nico is such an amazingly sweet person with such drive that you can’t help but cheer for them.
I love how the author wrote such complex and riveting characters for this book.
The story flowed very well and you were so hooked into the story from the start that there is no way you are putting it down until the very end.
To me no stone was left un-turned in the end and I highly recommend this book.
First let me say that I love Toni Aleo’s books. She’s always coming up with stories and characters that weave their way into your heart. The ones just as amazing, if not better, than the last. I never finish a book of hers and feel like it was lacking. EVER!
And then came Wild Tendy and Nico & Aviva. This book surpassed everything before it ten fold and it was all because of what most would consider a flawed hero when in reality he’s a better human than most because of them.
When the last page was turned this book and it’s characters have stayed with me and will for a long time to come.
This might be my favorite of all Toni Aleo’s books. Nico is such a captivating hero. His charm and humor is a front for the secrets about himself that he’s keeping. When he meets Aviva, it’s lust at first sight. However, as she resists his attempts at a relationship, their friendship grows and they learn to depend on and trust one another.
Aviva. I don’t have words for how much I love her. I personally relate so much to the fears in her life. My family history is similar to hers and I’ve considered the personal decision she made. This book touched me in very wounded places and made me hope for a brighter future.
Honestly, I want everyone to read Wild Tendy. Both Nico and Aviva are wounded deeply and they help each other heal and move towards a beautiful future. This book transcends a sports romance or a contemporary romance or any other descriptors and simple is a story of two wounded people healing and learning to love themselves and each other.
I have loved every one of Toni’s books but this is my absolute favorite! I think it may be my most favorite book of the last 2 years. It hits close to home for me and I loved everything was captured so perfectly. Nico and Aviva are amazing together! Please please please write more with them