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Redemption Tour
Hockey bad boy Deckard McGrady had been a rising star known more for his looks and his shenanigans off the ice. After winning the championship and being named co-captain of the Olympic team, it seemed like he'd achieved his dreams. Until one bad night brought his entire world crashing down.
Katarina Vogelsberg had dreamt of being an Olympian since she could stand in front of the TV. Before she was old enough to compete at the games, she'd spawned an "Ice Princess" TV and movie empire. After her skating partner gets injured, it looks like tragedy will derail her gold medal dream a third time.
Besides their Olympic hopes, the only thing these polar opposites have in common is the grumpy Irish coach who took them in as kids. Can Coach Dugan's wild idea to unite his pop culture darling skater and his misfit hockey star be the solution to bring them the Olympic glory that has evaded this trio?
Joined on this journey by Patches the cat, Lucky the dog, and a few other friends, we’ll see if they have the luck of the Irish to get their pot of gold. Will this pairing result in a happy ending, or will their hate for each other outweigh their golden desires? Could they find the greatest prize is discovering where they belong, or is more heartbreak and shattered dreams all that awaits them?
Katarina Vogelsberg had dreamt of being an Olympian since she could stand in front of the TV. Before she was old enough to compete at the games, she'd spawned an "Ice Princess" TV and movie empire. After her skating partner gets injured, it looks like tragedy will derail her gold medal dream a third time.
Besides their Olympic hopes, the only thing these polar opposites have in common is the grumpy Irish coach who took them in as kids. Can Coach Dugan's wild idea to unite his pop culture darling skater and his misfit hockey star be the solution to bring them the Olympic glory that has evaded this trio?
Joined on this journey by Patches the cat, Lucky the dog, and a few other friends, we’ll see if they have the luck of the Irish to get their pot of gold. Will this pairing result in a happy ending, or will their hate for each other outweigh their golden desires? Could they find the greatest prize is discovering where they belong, or is more heartbreak and shattered dreams all that awaits them?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 5, 2026
A Very Enjoyable Sports Romance Story
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
This is a very enjoyable sports romance novel. Kat is a professional skater who has had one dream her entire life: winning a gold medal at the Olympics. However, circumstances in her life have denied her that dream, and now that she is getting older, it is in danger, especially since her partner has been injured. Deckard is an NHL bad boy who has had problems with one of his teammates and is now suspended. Their journeys come together, and Deckard, who did skating in his younger years, becomes Kat’s new partner to help her pursue her Olympic dream.
Both characters are extremely lovable. You get hooked on both of their stories within a couple of episodes, and the more you read, the more you want to know what happens next. The character development is sweet from the beginning to the very end, and all the drama around the couple is perfectly matched and balanced to be interesting and entertaining. The author has done a great job with the representation of sports action scenes and technical terms, and the episode introductions told from the point of view of the press or radio presenters were very fun to read. The spiciness of the story is very low to none, so expect romance, drama, and sports rather than explicit content.
I enjoyed every single episode of the story, and I hope the author keeps giving us amazing stories like this one and the rest of his published works.
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
This is a very enjoyable sports romance novel. Kat is a professional skater who has had one dream her entire life: winning a gold medal at the Olympics. However, circumstances in her life have denied her that dream, and now that she is getting older, it is in danger, especially since her partner has been injured. Deckard is an NHL bad boy who has had problems with one of his teammates and is now suspended. Their journeys come together, and Deckard, who did skating in his younger years, becomes Kat’s new partner to help her pursue her Olympic dream.
Both characters are extremely lovable. You get hooked on both of their stories within a couple of episodes, and the more you read, the more you want to know what happens next. The character development is sweet from the beginning to the very end, and all the drama around the couple is perfectly matched and balanced to be interesting and entertaining. The author has done a great job with the representation of sports action scenes and technical terms, and the episode introductions told from the point of view of the press or radio presenters were very fun to read. The spiciness of the story is very low to none, so expect romance, drama, and sports rather than explicit content.
I enjoyed every single episode of the story, and I hope the author keeps giving us amazing stories like this one and the rest of his published works.
December 3, 2025
I was so excited for this book to release and it did not disappoint! There's so much to enjoy in this one: romantic build up, character growth, realistic dialogue, heartfelt emotions, wonderful animal characters, a winter vibe, and sports romance drama and fun.
It doesn't cut corners in giving the characters their full journey either and while Deckard comes across as a problematic bad boy at first, you'll soon be rooting so hard for him and Kat. One of my favorite lines:
"The idea of having to be apart from you one extra day a year makes my heart ache."
I love when a romance gives you all the feels!
It doesn't cut corners in giving the characters their full journey either and while Deckard comes across as a problematic bad boy at first, you'll soon be rooting so hard for him and Kat. One of my favorite lines:
"The idea of having to be apart from you one extra day a year makes my heart ache."
I love when a romance gives you all the feels!
December 22, 2025
This book does a wonderful job of addressing some tough but incredibly important issues, will still being lighthearted. I was delighted to see Shays saying that there's hopes to make it a movie. Because reading that I kept thinking this would be a wonderful movie. It's made me want to watch figure skating!
I appreciated all the cats, and the side characters especially Mateo I was found of, and would love to hear more of his story!
I appreciated all the cats, and the side characters especially Mateo I was found of, and would love to hear more of his story!
February 16, 2026
This was such a fun read. I loved the dynamic between Deckard and Katarina—the classic opposites-attract tension made their slow-burn romance both entertaining and heartfelt. Their chemistry felt authentic, especially as their rivalry slowly softened into something deeper.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the animals—Patches the cat and Lucky the dog absolutely stole scenes and added warmth and charm at just the right moments. They brought a sweetness that balanced the high-stakes Olympic pressure and emotional backstories.
Overall, this was an engaging sports romance about redemption, belonging, and finding love where you least expect it. A great pick for readers who enjoy emotional tension, strong character growth, and a satisfying romantic payoff.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the animals—Patches the cat and Lucky the dog absolutely stole scenes and added warmth and charm at just the right moments. They brought a sweetness that balanced the high-stakes Olympic pressure and emotional backstories.
Overall, this was an engaging sports romance about redemption, belonging, and finding love where you least expect it. A great pick for readers who enjoy emotional tension, strong character growth, and a satisfying romantic payoff.
January 27, 2026
“I’m sorry, Coach, that your swimmers were spinners. Any son you would’ve had would’ve been lucky to have you. I know I sure was and still am.” “It all worked the way the good Lord intended, I’m sure. It turns out Maria had some heavy scarring in her lady organs, they had some big word endo something or other name they called it.” “Endometriosis.” “That sounds right. Whatever it was it caused her a lot of pain and discomfort for years. It took us a good dozen years before we found a doctor who knew what it was. One of her lady friends told her about a doc who was able to help. They told us it’s more common than people know. Being a woman is hard stuff. We’re lucky to be men. Turns out girls have a hard time finding docs who take their concerns serious.”
Deckard and Kat were such a vibe, the tension between the two and the massive walls they both had to break through to get to the point of being able to love each other were so real and believable. I saw myself in Kat throughout the book especially with all the issues mentioned about the big E and fertility struggles and all that, it really hit close to home and I loved seeing that representation!
Poor Deckard seemed to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time and only one person ever really believed him! I am so happy he had Coach in his corner if he didn’t I could totally see how this whole story would have played out differently.
This was my first book by M. Shay’s but I can say with certainty it will not be my last!
Deckard and Kat were such a vibe, the tension between the two and the massive walls they both had to break through to get to the point of being able to love each other were so real and believable. I saw myself in Kat throughout the book especially with all the issues mentioned about the big E and fertility struggles and all that, it really hit close to home and I loved seeing that representation!
Poor Deckard seemed to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time and only one person ever really believed him! I am so happy he had Coach in his corner if he didn’t I could totally see how this whole story would have played out differently.
This was my first book by M. Shay’s but I can say with certainty it will not be my last!
February 16, 2026
A very sweet story of two people following their dreams! I fell in love with Katarina and Deckard as they learn to work with one another despite their opinions of each other. The progression of the characters is nice and you can see how they help the other become a better version of themselves. It is a cute read! Definitely add this book to your tbr and follow Deckard and Katarina's journey to the Olympics!
December 9, 2025
Sports romance
Enemies to lovers
Slow-burn
Closed door
Cat and dog as main characters!
Protective MMC with the reputation of a bad boy but he's a secret softy.
Ice skating FMC
Chronic illness-endometriosis rep
where to start there's so much to love in this story
endometriosis rep
'It's impacted her more than you can imagine. She's just one tough cookie that shields the world from knowing her battle'
The CI rep was very relatable its obvious the author had the input of own voices to write this. I really related to the way Kat always suffers more than what she wants people to see. But also the storyline never gives Kat the power to push through and be unaffected by the endometriosis. Its a true portrayal that doesn't slow the story down it adds depth.
I absolutely loved reading Kats journey as she is told and shown she is not a burden to those who love her she's an amazing woman for who she is not just what she can do.
childless rep
firstly Coach Dugan, his wife Maria and a lovable neighbour really warm hearts- because despite not having children of their own they mother and care for their community and the love interests in this story simply because their good, kindhearted people who want for nothing in return.
I was expecting a love story but I didn't expect to see love in so many forms -
Lucky and Patches-
The pets really are main characters in this and their antic are so bloody adorable.
Mrs Applegate - 'Because Deckard , the world needs those who aren't afraid to do the right thing when it benefits them to walk away'
Coach Dugan-
'well as sure as sh*t i aint the bloody tooth fairy' is one of many lines I could of chosen to show how although rough around the edges coach Dugan instantly became a lovable character for me. He's soft in the middle when it counts and he makes me laugh.
Secondly - love interests who love each other regardless of if children will or wont be possible for them. I shouldn't have been surprised because I know how caring the author of this book is theres always a theme of making the world a better more caring place in his stories. Yet I was still tearing up at Deckard's caring decisions to Kat throughout this story. From the way he treats her to the way him and Kat love and are loyal to the found family around them.
This book is so cosy and sweet.
TW- mention of miscarriage.
Enemies to lovers
Slow-burn
Closed door
Cat and dog as main characters!
Protective MMC with the reputation of a bad boy but he's a secret softy.
Ice skating FMC
Chronic illness-endometriosis rep
where to start there's so much to love in this story
endometriosis rep
'It's impacted her more than you can imagine. She's just one tough cookie that shields the world from knowing her battle'
The CI rep was very relatable its obvious the author had the input of own voices to write this. I really related to the way Kat always suffers more than what she wants people to see. But also the storyline never gives Kat the power to push through and be unaffected by the endometriosis. Its a true portrayal that doesn't slow the story down it adds depth.
I absolutely loved reading Kats journey as she is told and shown she is not a burden to those who love her she's an amazing woman for who she is not just what she can do.
childless rep
firstly Coach Dugan, his wife Maria and a lovable neighbour really warm hearts- because despite not having children of their own they mother and care for their community and the love interests in this story simply because their good, kindhearted people who want for nothing in return.
I was expecting a love story but I didn't expect to see love in so many forms -
Lucky and Patches-
The pets really are main characters in this and their antic are so bloody adorable.
Mrs Applegate - 'Because Deckard , the world needs those who aren't afraid to do the right thing when it benefits them to walk away'
Coach Dugan-
'well as sure as sh*t i aint the bloody tooth fairy' is one of many lines I could of chosen to show how although rough around the edges coach Dugan instantly became a lovable character for me. He's soft in the middle when it counts and he makes me laugh.
Secondly - love interests who love each other regardless of if children will or wont be possible for them. I shouldn't have been surprised because I know how caring the author of this book is theres always a theme of making the world a better more caring place in his stories. Yet I was still tearing up at Deckard's caring decisions to Kat throughout this story. From the way he treats her to the way him and Kat love and are loyal to the found family around them.
This book is so cosy and sweet.
TW- mention of miscarriage.
March 26, 2026
An engaging contemporary sports romance with intense competitive vibes and high-heat chemistry!
After two Olympic hopefuls are sidelined due to unforeseen circumstances, they must push past their mutual hatred for each other and join together as partners if they want any shot of competing for the gold.
Katarina Vogelsberg, figure skating champion and former child star, is ready to compete in the pairs competition when her partner suffers an injury. Deckard McGrady is a hockey player who’s kicked off the Olympic team following a very public, scandalous fall from grace. These two complete opposites are brought together by their coach and father figure who sees something special in them beyond their lack of training and personal connection. Eventually, they bond over their tragic histories and a lust for the gold. But is the bond strong enough to achieve their dreams of Olympic glory, or will their personal differences destroy their chances before getting a chance to succeed on the ice?
Slow burn romances are my favourite. And with these two, if it wasn’t one thing, it was another keeping them at arms length. So much romantic tension, a flurry of believable emotions amidst miscommunication, mistrust, and misunderstandings. What ultimately brings them together is a shared tragic background, loss of loved ones, and the found family that builds them back up and gives them a place where they truly belong. Great character development, with multilayered personalities who show personal growth and healing, learning who they are after overcoming tragedy.
I’m giving extra props for shedding light on a little known illness that affects so many women, including myself. Endometriosis. The author uses a tactful, informative, and realistic approach as we watch Katarina’s regular struggle with the disease. It’s obvious Shays did his research.
And lastly, what’s better than a few furry sidekicks to sweeten the plot? Deckard’s dog, Lucky, and cat, Patches, show the warm, sensitive side of the hockey player in a sweet and unexpected way. I always have a soft spot for animal characters and these ones are adorable.
Overall, this book is an entertaining read that I could easily see adapted for the big screen. Recommended for readers who enjoy slow burn sports romances.
After two Olympic hopefuls are sidelined due to unforeseen circumstances, they must push past their mutual hatred for each other and join together as partners if they want any shot of competing for the gold.
Katarina Vogelsberg, figure skating champion and former child star, is ready to compete in the pairs competition when her partner suffers an injury. Deckard McGrady is a hockey player who’s kicked off the Olympic team following a very public, scandalous fall from grace. These two complete opposites are brought together by their coach and father figure who sees something special in them beyond their lack of training and personal connection. Eventually, they bond over their tragic histories and a lust for the gold. But is the bond strong enough to achieve their dreams of Olympic glory, or will their personal differences destroy their chances before getting a chance to succeed on the ice?
Slow burn romances are my favourite. And with these two, if it wasn’t one thing, it was another keeping them at arms length. So much romantic tension, a flurry of believable emotions amidst miscommunication, mistrust, and misunderstandings. What ultimately brings them together is a shared tragic background, loss of loved ones, and the found family that builds them back up and gives them a place where they truly belong. Great character development, with multilayered personalities who show personal growth and healing, learning who they are after overcoming tragedy.
I’m giving extra props for shedding light on a little known illness that affects so many women, including myself. Endometriosis. The author uses a tactful, informative, and realistic approach as we watch Katarina’s regular struggle with the disease. It’s obvious Shays did his research.
And lastly, what’s better than a few furry sidekicks to sweeten the plot? Deckard’s dog, Lucky, and cat, Patches, show the warm, sensitive side of the hockey player in a sweet and unexpected way. I always have a soft spot for animal characters and these ones are adorable.
Overall, this book is an entertaining read that I could easily see adapted for the big screen. Recommended for readers who enjoy slow burn sports romances.
September 10, 2026
Dreams and drama colorfully collide in this ice rink romance
Book Title: Redemption Tour
Author: M. Shays
Synopsis: Two celebrity athletes have to overcome their differences and personal demons in order to win Olympic gold. But can the pair find true love on the ice rink as well?
Thoughts: While genre fiction (fantasy, horror, sci-fi) is my usual reading wheelhouse, I’ll occasionally peruse something different to broaden my horizons. And so it was that I gave Redemption Tour a shot.
Doing so was definitely a new experience for me. As an ice skating romance (a sub-genre I didn’t even know existed before starting Redemption Tour), this story is indeed as far from my normal reading preferences as a tale can get. And, I admit, reading this work hasn’t changed that. However, this is due more to my personal tastes than any defect on Redemption Tour’s part.
With protagonists to root for, villains to despise, and adorable pets to add some levity, this book was very effective at getting me invested in its plot. It also displayed a technical knowledge of ice skating that (at least from this ignorant layman’s perspective) seemed impressive without being confusing or distracting.
So, if you want a slow burn romance between two emotionally damaged athletes working together to pursue their Olympic dreams, Redemption Tour may be just what you’re looking for.
Reader Advisory: In exploring the protagonists backstories (and those of various side characters), potentially sensitive topics such as domestic abuse are sometimes touched on. While not depicted in the most graphic fashion here, reader’s mileage may vary.
Also, the dialogue can be a bit spicy (sometimes outright crude depending on the bluntness of particular characters). However, Redemption Tour’s slow burn romance overall is likely tame enough for a broad range of readers.
Recommendations: As I’ve said before, I have no familiarity with the ice skating romance sub-genre in particular or the sports romance genre in general. So, I can’t make specific comparisons between this book and others of its kind. That said, if you like stories belonging to either of those previously mentioned categories, you may enjoy reading Redemption Tour.
Book Title: Redemption Tour
Author: M. Shays
Synopsis: Two celebrity athletes have to overcome their differences and personal demons in order to win Olympic gold. But can the pair find true love on the ice rink as well?
Thoughts: While genre fiction (fantasy, horror, sci-fi) is my usual reading wheelhouse, I’ll occasionally peruse something different to broaden my horizons. And so it was that I gave Redemption Tour a shot.
Doing so was definitely a new experience for me. As an ice skating romance (a sub-genre I didn’t even know existed before starting Redemption Tour), this story is indeed as far from my normal reading preferences as a tale can get. And, I admit, reading this work hasn’t changed that. However, this is due more to my personal tastes than any defect on Redemption Tour’s part.
With protagonists to root for, villains to despise, and adorable pets to add some levity, this book was very effective at getting me invested in its plot. It also displayed a technical knowledge of ice skating that (at least from this ignorant layman’s perspective) seemed impressive without being confusing or distracting.
So, if you want a slow burn romance between two emotionally damaged athletes working together to pursue their Olympic dreams, Redemption Tour may be just what you’re looking for.
Reader Advisory: In exploring the protagonists backstories (and those of various side characters), potentially sensitive topics such as domestic abuse are sometimes touched on. While not depicted in the most graphic fashion here, reader’s mileage may vary.
Also, the dialogue can be a bit spicy (sometimes outright crude depending on the bluntness of particular characters). However, Redemption Tour’s slow burn romance overall is likely tame enough for a broad range of readers.
Recommendations: As I’ve said before, I have no familiarity with the ice skating romance sub-genre in particular or the sports romance genre in general. So, I can’t make specific comparisons between this book and others of its kind. That said, if you like stories belonging to either of those previously mentioned categories, you may enjoy reading Redemption Tour.
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