A Venture of the Heart is a very sweet debut novel by Ms. Judd. It's a friends to lovers/second chance story about two people who finally take a chance of life outside of their comfort zone. Paxton has made life in Costa Rica running a resort and wants to buy it from his business partner. Sage has been a family friend for years. She has to go down to check out the resort for her boss to see if it is worth the bank extending a loan. Both find out the chemistry is still there, but can they fight it?

I really enjoyed the story Really, my only complaint was that I felt like the story was a little too short. I wanted more of the story and of Paxton and Sage. I loved watching Sage come out of her safe rigid self and discover the adventurous side of herself. I also loved watching Pax realize that ti was OK to take a chance on love.

The other characters really added a lot of flavor to the story. I loved Pax's little family that he surrounded himself with at La Vida. I know the next book, Crashing Together features Logan and Kat (Pax's sister). I hope Brick gets a story in the future as well! I definitely recommend this debut, I see a bright future for this author.

An enjoyable romance dealing with the attraction of opposites, set amongst the lush backdrop of a tropical country. Having just come back from a holiday in Costa Rica, it was interesting to read a novel set in that country, though I would never have stayed at Pax's resort (too hot for me to not have air conditioning!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Total Opposite personality, rule follower and great adventurer...
Pax lives in Costa Rica and in charge of La Vida boutique hotel. When he was visiting his home in Silver Bay in Wisconsin, he reunites with his sister's best friend Sage. They were really into each other but Logan rejects at the last minute.
Many years past, both grew up since their last encounter. Sage is working as loan officer, steady and safe job and Pax is in Costa Rica trying to buy his boutique hotel. He applied for a loan where Sage worked. When Pax and Kat's mom requests Sage to check on her son and plus his application, she reluctantly agrees to go.
After all those years, Sage still thinks about Logan's rejection and she is afraid she will fall again.
Pax is ready to face loan officer but when he finds out Sage is in charge of approval of his loan, He will do everything in his power to impress Sage and anything else will be plus.
Sage is trying hard to safeguard her heart but it is not as easy. Every time she goes out an excursion with Logan, old feelings are coming back. So fears for the worst and she calls for back up her best friend, Pax's sister "Kat" and more are on their way.
Sage is worried he will deny her again and Pax can't express his feeling before his loan is approved.. Both are worried about same thing but they won't tell each other... Will it back fire on both?? Be safe or be adventurous??

It was delightful read and I did enjoy reading all the characters. I can't wait to dive into the next book about Kat and Australian hottie Logan.

From broken hearts to brand new starts ...

A Venture of the Heart is about following your dreams despite the obstacles thrown in the way. Pax and Sage have history. Family connections brought them together, emotional ones tore them apart. She needs stability. He has the heart of a dreamer and the soul of a nurturer. What looked like a chance at forever wasn't strong enough to keep them together. When fate sends them an olive branch, will they use it to build a second chance? This is my first Amelia Judd read and I loved it. She tells captivating stories full optimism, heartache and healing that are a joy to behold.

A great novel. I loved this book's storyline and characters. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

A Venture of the Heart is the first book I have read by Amelia Judd but it won’t be the last. This is a light hearted, funny romance. Sage and Pax are well developed characters and I really enjoyed the storyline. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.