Peach Blossom Hollow

Hockey Sweethearts #2

by Jean Oram

Violet Granger believes she’s been cursed when it comes to love.

And crushing on the new recruit? A hunky, former bull-riding champion who’s joined the NHL hockey team she mascots for, surely won’t help. He’s kind, sweet, and doesn’t seem to be bothered by the way her tongue twists up and her brain freezes whenever he’s around.

Leo Pattra knows nothing about curses or the way men leave Violet. But he’s certainly charmed by her quiet wit and shy awkwardness. He even finds that he misses her when they aren’t hanging out.

Only problem? Dating the team’s mascot won’t help him achieve the goals he’s laid out for himself, now that he’s got his family’s ranch debt under control.

But what if there’s another path to his goals? One that includes love? One that skirts the curse that has Violet in its hold? Just as long as he doesn’t find himself traded to another team this season…

This charming fish-out-of-water, friends-to-lovers, small town romance has all the feels. Come fall in love with the characters of Sweetheart Creek in this new heartwarming sweet romance series, Hockey Sweethearts. The books in this series can be read as standalones as well as in any order.

Genres: Romance, Hockey, Contemporary, Sports, Chick Lit, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers

Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

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Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.

Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)

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Reviews

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. It was full of laughter, tears, romance, and lots of emotions. The characters were so real and while I love dragons not fond of hockey but enjoyed hearing about it in this book.

If you like romance Jean Oram has captured the emotions of 2 insecure people extremely well.

Never pass up this authors books they are always a delight to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell bad for all the bad luck Violet had with men. I couldn’t believe that she thought it was a curse in her family. Leo is one of the new hockey players that used to be on the rodeo circuit. It was funny how she met him. Leo had ideas about when he should marry and have children, but he didn’t really believe in love. For some reason Violet didn’t have problems talking to Leo and it was sweet how they became friends. Leo was interested in another woman, but she wasn’t reacting to anything he did. It was crazy that Violet was helping Leo to learn what women what and how to be romantic. Leo was a great guy who would do anything for Violet. This was such a sweet book that I strongly encourage you to read. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little hockey family is stealing my heart one story at a time. And this time it’s Violet and Leo in charge of the theft. Violet has had exactly zero luck in the relationship department. In fact, all the women in her family have had such terrible luck that she’s sure they’re all cursed. Leo’s looking for a partner to share his life with, but he’s not looking for romance. When these two unlikely allies strike up a friendship and vow to help each other achieve their romantic goals, it’s sure to be smooth sailing, right? Right? I was so easily charmed by this pair. Violet’s sweet shyness drew me in, while Leo’s steadfast dependability captivated me. On paper, these two don’t look like they should work, but watching them in action, I couldn’t understand why they couldn’t see how perfect they were together. Even though I’ve only just finished reading this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the beginning of this book. It captured my attention immediately. Violet longs for true love but thinks she is cursed. Leo doesn't believe in love but wants a wife. These two have a comical first meeting that leads to friendship with matchmaking benefits. We get to see both of their perspectives without any repetition in the story. Of course, there is angst but done so well and of course a really sweet ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Loved the characters!

The characters were so sweet and had a lot in common... and a huge, insurmountable difference.
Anyway, they work well as friends. She'd gonna help him become more appealing to the fancy girl he's got his sights on, and he'd gonna introduce her to the nice guys on the team.

You know how that goes. They spend time together and like each other... but “insurmountable difference.”

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Granger is Korean-American, and she’s convinced that a curse has been placed on her family that keeps all the women from finding love. She has a new job as the San Antonio Dragons’ hockey team’s mascot, Dezzie. What Violet really wants in life is love and all that brings with it, but she has a terrible record in that department.

Leo Pattra, a former rodeo champion, is new to the NHL and the Dragons. At twenty-seven, he’s a little long in the tooth for a rookie, but he’s determined to succeed in his newly chosen career. Leo doesn’t believe in love. He thinks marriage is little more than a business partnership, something you do to succeed in your career.

When Violet and Leo meet, neither gives a thought to a romantic relationship. They’re just friends from the very first time they set eyes on each other. Or are they?

This is such a sweet and charming friends-to-lovers story, a beautiful addition to the Hockey Sweet-Hearts series. I fell in love with both Violet and Leo. Each one was perfectly designed for this story. Both are kind and caring, wanting only to do what ‘s best for everyone around them. The only question is whether they can remove the blinders each one is wearing and see what’s right in front of them.

This was a lovely and engaging book. I highly recommend it.

I received an e-copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and Leo's story in Peach Blossom Hollow by Jean Oran, book two in The Hockey Sweethearts series, is a wonderful, enjoyable and beautiful friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions. Violet believes she is curse, like the women who came before her in her family, especially after being left at the altar. Violet is very shy, an introvert, and struggles to talk to people she doesn’t know. She decided to get out of her comfort zone by being the person inside the mascot for hockey team. Leo is new to the hockey team, after years of being on the rodeo circuit. Leo had goals for how he planned to live his life, when he should marry and have kids, but did not really believe in love. Their meet-cute was sweet yet humorous and for some reason Violet had no problems talking to Leo after they first met. From the beginning, Violet and Leo had a connection which is why they decide to become friends and help each other find their perfect partner. Violet would help Leo learn what a woman wants and how to be romantic to the socialite he had his sights on, while Leo would introduce her to the nice guys on the team. The only thing they found as their friendship developed was that they might just be perfect for each other. There were emotional times, and sweet times, but overall this was a sweet and endearing love story that should not be missed. I highly recommend Peach Blossom Hollow to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Hockey Sweethearts series and it is Violet and Leo's story and it is definitely a must read. Violet always seemed to have had luck when it comes to men and she thinks that it is a family curse even though she really believes and wants love. Leo doesn't believe in love but still wants a wife and children and now after being on the rodeo circuit he is part of the NHL hockey team. When Violet and Leo meet in a unexpected way and soon become best friend's and help each other in a lot of ways but as they get closer there connection turns to chemistry and they both want more but will they do anything about it especially as there friendship is so important to the both of them. Violet and Leo are so perfect for each other but will they realise this and take a chance before it is too late and they miss out on something special only time will tell what the outcome would be for them. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I absolutely loved this story and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and totally addictive. Jean Oram is an amazing author and writer and her book's are definitely worth reading.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet and her family have been cursed in matters of the heart. And she is dreadfully shy. She takes a job as the team mascot so she can express her inner self anonymously. She meets Leo when she's struggling in her costume.

Neither trusts love, but they both see marriage and families in their futures. They form a friendship and a plan to help the other find their future spouses.

They can be themselves together but see only the friendship.

Very cute story and the characters are such nice people. This book can be read by young adults and up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Izzybear · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Violet and Leo‘s story to be charming and cute. Violet is sweet and kind but down on her luck. She believes that the women in her family are cursed when it comes to love. A happy accident might actually be destiny stepping in to give Violet a shove in the right direction.
Leo and Violet are perfect for each other but they‘re blind to it.
What starts out as two friends trying to help each other starts to slowly blossom into something more. The question is will they take the leap and give each other a chance.
Their story has all the feels. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a feel good story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like clean HEA romances that have rugged, kindhearted men and heroines who are determined to overcome their insecurities and go after what they want, then you will love this book!
This is the second book in the Hockey Sweethearts series and don't worry, you don't have to be into sports to enjoy this book. This can be read as a standalone.
I haven't read the first in the series but am looking forward to reading the whole series.
Jean Oram has such a way of writing that you will laugh, cry, sputter, growl & sigh right along with the characters throughout her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A*R*C for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout, 4.5 stars

Peach Blossom Hollow is book 2 in the Hockey Sweethearts series by Jean Oram and while a standalone we get to see old friends. Up next is Violet and Leo’s story of looking for love in all the wrong places!

Will these two figure out that from the start fate has put them on the path to finding the HEA they are looking for or will they ignore those feeling and trade up? Read on to see where it all ends…

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! This story is humorous and a fun read. Violet believes she is cursed in love then meets Leo an ex rodeo champion who now plays major league hockey and they form a pact to help each other in love. This is a heartwarming emotional story with much humor and one you will enjoy reading. I could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. I loved Violet and Leo's story. He doesn't believe in love and she thinks she's cursed from the past. They agree to help each other with getting what they want. They become best friends which leads to more. A captivating read that I read straight through.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for Jean Oram! Violet literally falls at Leo's feet for a meet-cute. Violet agrees to help Leo get the perfect woman for a business arrangement-type marriage. Leo will help her find Mr. Right. While doing this, they become good friends. It takes them quite a while to realize they are meant to be together. Read this well-written, engaging story to find out how they attain their HEA.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. I liked that it was set in the small town of Sweetheart Creek. I enjoyed learning more about Violet and Leo. It was funny how they first met and how they agreed to help each other find their significant other. I liked the banter, the rules of dating, and how friendship and love were the basis for a great relationship and marriage. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance with all the feels. Violet is convinced her love life is cursed. Leo believes a great partnership is more important than love. Their meet cute leads to a remarkable friendship. Turns out they both might want more. Great characters with a storyline that will keep you turning the pages til the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet.

Aw. Violet is shy and so awkward. But brave enough to be the hockey team’s mascot (full gear). She believes that the women in her family are cursed (Korean superstition).

Leo is sweet and charming but has his own plans for partner. Though he thinks Violet is cute.

Recommend.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super sweet friends-to-lovers/small town romance.. I just loved it, and also fell head over heels for the characters! It's lovely and heartfelt, emotional and romantic...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this adorable friends to lovers story set among the employees of the hapless NHL Dragons hockey team. Team mascot, sweet shy Violet's been unlucky at love and hotshot rookie Leo doesn't believe it's necessary for a successful partnership – if it exists at all. When they agree to help each other find what they're looking for, the find out a great deal about themselves in the process.
This is the third story in the Dragons Hockey series and it's sweet and wholesome, funny, touching and fill of the hometown ambience that makes both the Dragons and the previous Sweetheart Creek series such a pleasure to read.

[Caitriona Riding · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This series and these characters are really cute. Didn’t adore this dynamic as much as the first one but still pretty dang cute, fun & easy read!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, funny and absolutely delightful friends to lovers romance. It was impossible not to love both Violet and Leo or not to want them to have a happily ever after. I could not put this book down and I finished it with a huge smile on my face.

Violet and Leo put each other firmly in the friend zone after their first meeting when she literally falls at his feet. They even agree to help each other in the dating arena, but neither expects that friendship will bring deeper feelings that both will try desperately to hide. Violet and Leo are different people around each other. They are more open, approachable and feel safe in each other’s company. Their encounters and conversations are often hilarious and always relatable.

Violet is afraid to keep looking for love after being disappointed, overlooked or dumped by men. She is afraid that she is cursed like her mother and grandmother who were also abandoned by men they loved. She is determined to put herself out there, to be noticed and hopefully attract men who want to date her. Being a dragon mascot brings her attention, but most people don’t know who is wearing the costume. Leo is a rodeo champ turned hockey player with a great big heart, a strong protective streak and the manners of a gentleman. He isn’t looking for love, but rather a partnership. He has his sights set on courting a PR executive who could help him in his career, but he isn’t adverse to being friends with the cute and shy woman who acts as the team’s mascot. They have fun together, help each other out and generally gravitate toward the other. Why then, does it surprise each of them when they realize that they want more than friendship? Now they just have to find the courage to reveal their feelings to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romantic comedy with charming characters. Believing herself to be cursed, Violet Granger decides to step out of her comfort zone and become the Dragon Hockey Team's mascot. Perhaps in her anonymity, she will feel less awkward and shy hiding behind the persona of the dragon. Crashing into Leo Pattra opens new doors for her, but unfortunately not the one to love that she was hoping for. Leo has his sights set on another goal and he believes that he has nothing further to add other than friendship and support to the team's mascot. Spending time with Violet as she coaches him in courting the icon of his dreams, he suddenly finds that the goals and plans he has set for himself no longer have the same level of importance. Unfortunately, switching from friends to lovers is not as easy as he thought it would be, due to Violet's insecurities and belief in the curse that has dogged the women in her family. As both Violet and Leo examine their feelings, a boldness creeps in and they are finally able to confront their feelings for one another. The novel ends on a happy note, bringing the book to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this romance through BookSprout as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kathy Coatney · Rating 5 out of 5]

PEACH BLOSSOM HOLLOW: A SWEET FRIENDS TO LOVERS ROMANCE, by Jean Oram is part of the Hockey Sweethearts series.

Violet Granger has had her heart broken so many times she's decided she’s been cursed when it comes to love. She's determined to break the curse until she meets Leo Pattra, former bull-riding champion turned NHL hockey player, which just happens to be the team Violet works as the team mascot. Leo is just what she's looking for in a man— kind, sweet, and isn't bothered when she gets tongue-tied whenever he’s around.

Leo Pattra knows nothing about long term relationships, but Violet may change all that with her quiet wit and shy awkwardness. And even more surprising, she's the first woman he's missed when he's not with her. The only hitch, he's looking for a woman to help him achieve his goals of financial security, and Violet isn't that woman...or so he thinks. 

I loved this fish-out-of-water, friends-to-lovers, small town romance. Such a nice change of pace to read a sweet romance with great characters. I was rooting for Leo and Violet all the way. PEACH BLOSSOM HOLLOW has it all and doesn't disappoint! I loved this heartwarming, happily-ever-after. 

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun addition to this clean series.
Violet is the Dragon’s mascot and is struggling with this new job. There seems to be an ancient curse on the women in her family, they are always left by the men in their lives. Violet plans to change things.
Leo was a professional bull rider and has now joined the Dragon NHL team. Leo is ready to settle down with a woman who can enhance his career. Violet tells him she just wants to have a little fun in the next months, while she really wants to settle down. They promise to help each other find “the one”.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet has been extremely unlucky in love. I don’t know if I’d have her courage to keep trying again especially after being left at the altar. I was surprised she would consider being a hockey mascot as a way to meet guys. I could see her handler friend getting attention, but the cumbersome dragon costume wasn’t sexy. Leo wasn’t a financially secure marriage of convenience. The woman he is fixated on never seemed to return his attentions. But his new friend Violet agrees to give him tips to him win her over. Until the lines between friendship and romantic feelings start to blur.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Violet as she starts her life as the Dragon Mascot for the local NHL Team. We are introduced to her opinion that the females in her family are unlucky in love, and so far she feels her own relationship history has followed this path. When she literally falls at the feet of Leo in the team changing rooms, a chemistry starts to build - as you read their story, you can watch their romance blossom, will they find a way to make this work?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Such Surprenant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a dragon, a pair of shoes, the NHL and an ex rodeo champion have in common? In this book 'Peach Blossom Hollow' it all comes together. Violet and Leo with two different ideas about life. They need each others help without knowing it will bring them together. Another great book that Jean Oram created. She more than writes. She describes so you feel you are actually in the story. I loved this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peach Blossom Hollow, Hockey Sweethearts, written by Jean Oram. Violet agrees to help Leo attract the girl of his dreams, while Leo agrees to help her get a date with a hockey player. They spend a lot of time getting to know each other and secretly start catching feelings. Leo is a sweet cowboy hockey player and Violet is the teams mascot... yes, along with the hairy suit and full head coverage. They are so cute as they try to help each other get what they "think" they each want. Its a really good friends to lovers story that I enjoyed reading from start to finish!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and Leo's story is a beautiful friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions. Violet believes she is cursed and has always been unlucky in the romance department. Leo thinks he wants a woman who can help him further his career and doesn't believe he can fall in love. These two agree to help each other find the perfect partner but what if they are perfect together? Lots of fun and a great addition to the series.