Gage: A Curvy Woman Romance

by C.L. Cruz

When the storm surges, will two old friends find more than shelter?

One click this short, sweet, & steamy friends-to-lovers romance!

Josephine
As Haven Falls' meteorologist, I pride myself on prediction and foresight—
But I never saw this coming with Gage, my childhood friend.
When a storm I failed to forecast traps us, our worlds intertwine in unexpected ways.
Gage, with his bulging muscles and lighthearted humor, becomes my anchor in the storm.
But as the winds roar outside, can our friendship blossom into something deeper within?

The heroes of Haven Falls are strong, protective, and undeniably alluring. Watch as they confront their pasts and build futures with the women that capture their hearts. Dive into their stories now and get swept away.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2023

About the author

C.L. Cruz writes short, steamy romance with curvy girls and the men who love them. She is a single mom of two kids currently seeking her own happily ever after.

Reviews

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a GREAT book to read if you want something short, sweet, steamy, funny, low-drama, and has a happy ending. 4 star read!!

Below are a bunch of SPOILERS!! Includes summary of story and personal thoughts regarding specific situations that occurred during the book. Please proceed with caution.. because everything will be spoiled. And there's a lot. Lol.

~

Main Characters:

Josephine (Jo), Haven Falls' lead meteorologist, made a prediction that the oncoming storm would pass right by the town and leave them unaffected. She soon realized just how wrong she was and made the haste decision to drive from her home to the office to try and correct her mistake.. during a hurricane. On the way, her car hydroplaned and she crashed into a tree where she was then saved by her childhood friend and crush.

Gage, a former marine, now a part of the EmergenSEA company in his hometown, witnessed the car in front of him crash into a tree. When he went to go save the person who hydroplaned and crashed, him and Jo were reunited after years of no communication.

~

Long story short..

The two went back to Gage's childhood home, where he currently lived, to make sure she was okay and unharmed after she insisted on not going to the hospital because she had to get to work. After a tree branch shatters a window and the power goes out, Gage and Jo settle down to play a game of Truth or Dare with only candles as their lighting.

They quickly fall back into their friendship as if no time had passed. Memories were shared, small secrets revealed, and a kiss ended the game. Gage took Jo back to his room where they had another steamy encounter before being interrupted by one of Gage's coworkers after not responding to any calls.

Gage leaves with his coworker after claiming nothing happened with Jo and what he'd interrupted wasn't important. Jo stays at his house overnight with nowhere else to go. The next day it's revealed by a neighbor that Gage has a tendency to push people away because of an incident that happened while he was in the Marines.

Jo understands and eventually goes to work to talk about the hurricane with the people of Haven Falls over a live. Gage feels immense guilt for having treated Jo the way he did and also went to her workplace to give a public apology. All was forgiven and went back to his house where they officially had sex in his childhood kitchen.

In the Epilogue, after about a year of being together, Gage proposes to Jo and she says yes.

~

My personal thoughts.. this might seem a little messy. I know this might seem really negative but it for the most part has absolutely nothing to do with my overall thoughts on the book itself. Just my opinions on the characters and their choices.

Jo: I like her. In the beginning it was a little irritating how she seemed to have a very high sense of importance. She was a weatherwoman. Yes, she studies, predicts, and forecasts the weather, but it is a very popular running joke to never trust or believe the weatherman because he always lies. Anyone with a lick of common sense would have know not to go outside when it was storming as bad as it was.

I understand she is very good at her job and she's never made a mistake like that before, but as previously stated.. nobody would just go outside during a hurricane. She, however, felt it was necessary to not only go outside, but put herself in danger by trying to get to the office to warn people of what they would obviously be able to see if they just looked outside.

Now.. I know the reason for her going out during the hurricane was so Gage could save her after she crashes and they could finally reconnect after so much lost time. It was just a personal irk of mine.

But what I REALLY didn't understand was why was getting to work no longer important after reuniting with Gage? And why was his first thought to take her to his home to make sure she's okay when it was mentioned that he had a first aid kit in his truck? Especially if her injuries were minor and she insisted on not going to the hospital because she had to get to work.

I know all of this happened for the progression of the story and their relationship. But I also know that if getting to work was so important that Jo had to put herself on dangerous roads like that.. then taking a trip down memory lane shouldn't have been her first priority.

Now onto Gage. I honestly really liked him. I didn't understand the reasoning for taking Jo to his house and I also didn't appreciate him belittling the moments they shared in his house that night but overall, he really was a likable character.

The only thing that was an absolute turn off for ME were the two public shows of affection. First, the apology. He could have done that in private. He could have pulled her off to side and did everything there but no, he needed an audience. And the secondly, that proposal. It was so cute, so intimate, and then their friends bursts from their hiding spots, taking away from such a private moment. Clearly she was into both of those public displays of affection, but I know I wouldn't have been so it irked me.

Lastly, the minor details that stuck out were a small list of things..

1. Jo was a "curvy" girl
2. The topic of Ryan was cut short
3. Jo completely forgot about her job and Dave (her coworker) completely forgot about her

Number one: When I think of curvy girl, I think of the typical "undesirable" curvy girl, like how I view myself. Rolls, stretch marks, cellulite, double chin, the whole deal. But in books, they have none of that. It's not even worth a mention. So my instant thought goes to someone who is thick in all the "right places". No rolls. No stretch marks. Defiantly not a double chin. And cellulite just isn't even a factor. I could care less of the size of girl in general or when reading a book, but if they're advertised as curvy, I want the deets. Is it her butt? Her boobs? Does she have a muffin top? Do her arms jiggle a little when she moves them? I love those minor details so I know exactly what to picture because "curvy" can mean literally anything.

Number two: During Truth or Dare, Gage confessed that Ryan's death and his failure to protect him had stuck with him since it happened. Instead of the gradual progression of where that could lead into the dare to kiss him, it cut straight to that. I can see how and why the topic would get cut so short. It's realistic the way it happened. But because it is a story, I felt like there was a smoother transition that could have been used.

Number three: Jo legit just said "screw my job" and "screw the people I was gonna a warn". Jo went out into the hurricane with a purpose and it was just completely forgotten the moment Gage took her to his house. A lot of the things that happened at the house could have happened in the truck and/or at her workplace. They could have even gone back to his house afterwards. That was the only plot hole I came across.

~

Overall review: Great book! This book is a solid 4 stars. It was short, steamy, comedic, and very little drama. Gage was a cozy romantic second chance that definitely made me smile and giddy during certain scenes as well as have a good laugh!.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage and Josephine grew up together and were friends until he joined the marines and they drifted apart. Now he is back in town and working at Emergency SEA rescue. When Josephine is in an accident during a storm Gage rescues her. He knows his feeling for her are more than just a friend. As they are trapped together, things heat up. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a little misunderstanding, true love and a wonderful HEA.

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

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the “Heroes And Heartthrobs Series.” I missed the 1st book in the series “Bane”. This is an entertaining short fast-paced easy quick read. Josephine and Gage grew up together and are childhood friends. Jo is Haven Falls lead meteorologist. Gage is a former Marine who is now part of the EmergenSEA Team in his hometown. Jo made a predication about an impending storm that would pass right by the town. When Jo heads from her home to her office she realizes just how wrong she was when a hurricane hits as she is making her way to her office. As Gage is heading home he sees a car hydroplaning and crashes into a tree. When Gage goes to make sure the passenger is ok he and Jo come face to face after not seeing each for years. Gage rescues Jo and gets her to his home to safety. As the two are riding out the storm their feelings get in the way.

Is there an HEA in store for Gage and Jo, will the two survive the storm and have relationship?

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage is a short and steamy, instalove, friends-to-lovers, second-chance, curvy girl gets her hunky guy romance. Josephine(Jo) is a young, smart, and curvy meteorologist. Gage is a hunky, ex-military man , turned emergency worker (works for EmergenSEA). When Jo is caught in a horrible storm, trying to get back to the station, she ends up crashing. Gage witnesses the crash and knows he needs to save Jo. They were childhood friends who grew apart in high school due to different circles. He was the popular jock and she was the curvy nerd. But both had feelings they never acted on. When Jo goes back to Gage's house, old feelings surface, and things get steamy. When Gage is called into work, though, Jo is worried the moment is gone. Will the two take this second chance on love? The story is low angst, the chemistry is hot, and the witty banter is an added bonus. We also get a great HEA. Loved it!.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dance like a jellybean on a hot day."

Gage is the second book in the Heroes & Heartthrobs series. Josephine Reyes is the local meteorologist for the seaside town of Haven Falls. She loves what she does and has been predicting storms since she was a young child. Gage works for EmergenSEA and when a big storm is hitting the area he is one his way into base to help out. But when he sees the taillights of the car in front of him veer off and end up hitting a tree his plans for not only immediately but also the rest of his life end up changing. Josephine and Gage had grown up as best friends, even as they were opposites. She was a book and school geek and he was a popular sports player. They ended up growing apart but get a second chance at friendship and a whole lot more. But things may end up as emotionally stormy as the big storm hitting the town for these two when Gage makes a big mistake.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and steamy friends to lovers romance. Gage and Josephine were friends all their lives until high school, Marines, and life caused them to drift apart. Being back in town, and an unexpected storm bring these two back together and gives them time to explore their attraction. I liked Gage and Jo together. There is a little drama when it seems like Jo is pushed to the side but it’s explained well and thoughtful groveling happens. There is plenty of spice in this book as well with several high heat scenes. There is of course a happy for now ending but I have no doubt a happily ever after is in the cards but with more books coming up in this series, the author can’t jump too far into the future. I loved where it left Gage and Jo and can’t wait for what comes next.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage and Josephine (Jo) grew up in Haven Falls as neighbors and best friends. Jo was the quiet, shy and studious girl next door and Gage was your typical jock but they were always there for one another. After high school, Gage joined the Marines and left town. He’s returned to make a life in his hometown but he and Jo have grown apart. Can they weather the storm?

I love this story of childhood friends finding their footing after life has shaken things ups a bit. Gage has walled himself off from everyone and Jo seems to be the only one who can break through. Another great book by Cruz with some amazing characters.

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

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine/ Jo and Gage grew up together but drifted apart before he enlisted in the marines. Since returning home Gage has built wall around his heart to keep from getting involved with others. Rescuing Jo from a car accident and spending time with her, has him feeling lighter and happier then he’s felt in a while. They reconnect and the simmering chemistry that has always been between them finally comes to a head. This was a sweet but steamy story. Gage and Jo are perfect for each other as they listen to each other’s insecurities while building up their confidence and standing beside each other while weathering any atoms that may come their way. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I was not disappointed. Gage and Josephine grew up together. After high school, Gage joined the Marines and has been away for years. Now he is back and part of the EmergenSEA team.. Josephine is the meterologist and misreads a bad storm. When she tries to get to the office to get information out she ends up in a wreck. Gage comes upon the wreck and realizes who it is. They end up hanging at his house and reminiscing about their childhood days. The more they talk the more they realize there are underlying feelings. Can these childhood crushes turn into more?.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

All it took was a powerful storm! This is about Gage and Josephine. They were friends since childhood, but during high school, they grew apart because one was a science lover and the other a jock! Now, years have passed by, he has returned from the service and is working to help others, and she is a meteorologist. Of course, she made a mistake while giving out the report that the storm would not hit them, and it was coming down fiercely, and she ended up in an accident. He saves her but then ruins it by being the jock once more! I love the ending – the best way to make a mends!.

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

[NurseyByNature · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this short, steamy, instalove, curvy girl romance quite a bit. I thought both Josephine and Gage were good characters, the attraction to each other was undeniable and there were moments of humor, intimacy and affection.

I had a slight problem with how everything was forgotten once they were together as it lacked any kind of realism for me, but then again, this is meant to be an OTT instalove story, so it can be forgiven.

An overall entertaining read, recommended if you want something low drama and quick, with a HEA.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine was always the nerd in high school and friend with Gage, the football player. He went into the military, she went on to college and is Haven Falls' meteorologist. The pair have not seen each since Gage has returned until the fateful night of a storm she did not see coming. She tries to get to the station but gets into a wreck. Gage takes her back to his house to wait out the storm.

The chemistry between Gage and Jo is more than ever. Will it become something more?.

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

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and quirky short story. We get to see how to friends drifted apart and found their way back again after years of not seeing each other. Jo and Gage both have some things that they should work on. Like, girl, there's hurricane going on, don't nobody want to go outside. And, Gage, buddy, don't play with people's feelings.
Overall, it's a good novella with some plot and spicy scenes. I would totally recommend to readers who like the friends to lovers and second chance tropes.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage and Josephine went to school together. He went to the military while she went on to college and became a meteorologist. When she misreads a storm, she tries to get to the office to get the information on the storm out but has an accident while trying. Gage comes upon it and helps her get to shelter in his home. It stirs feelings between them, but will they lead them to happiness. This heartfelt story kept me glued to the pages and in Gage and Josephine's corner to get their chance for happiness.

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

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Heroes & Heartthrobs series by C.L. Cruz and this is Gage and Josephine's story. Friends since childhood but grew apart during high school. He has returned home from the marines and is working as a EmergenSEA, she is a meteorologist. They reconnect when he rescues her from an accident where she hit a tree, all this happened during a massive storm. Can they really re connect or will they continue to hide their real feelings toward each other?.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second chance at first love romance for Gage and Josephine. These two haven't seen each other in years but end up coming together during a hurricane. The more time they have together, the more they chat, reminisce and open up to each other...until the sparks fly ;P However, it's not all that simple and Gage causes some drama that he has to fix. I found this an entertaining read and love that they did find their HEA together :D

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but sweet story. Gage and Jo grew up together but drifted as they got older. They end up back together during a storm. Their feelings for each other are still there but stronger. Will they get their HEA or let people dictate their lives and worry about what they think? Cute, instant love, and a second chance.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage and Josephine/Jo were friends growing up but lost contact when he joined the military. Now she's a meteorologist and he's an emergency rescue worker and they reunite in an interesting way. This is a sweet, short, and steamy, friends to lovers romance with likable characters, fun banter, no drama, and a happily ever after. Gage is book two in the Heroes & Heartthrobs series and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant friends to lovers read.
Jo and Gage were childhood friends but they drifted apart as he was a jock with lots of friends and she was a nerd.
Years later and both are back in town when a bad storm hits.
They end up stuck at his home together. Will they admit their feelings for each other especially after a game of truth or dare.
Loved the ending.

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

[Felicia Whited · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Gage was just living his life and trying to move forward after the service
Josephine was the weather lady has lived the weather history of how it works since she was a kid
Gage and jo were friends since they were kids until he went to the service since he had been home he keeps to him self
Jo was in a car accident and Gage saved her and they fell back in love and got their happy ever after

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written short story with strong characters in Josephine and Gage. It's an entertaining story with childhood best friends meeting again years later during a hurricane. The story moves quickly and smoothly and is a fun quickie romance I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I enjoyed Jo and Gage together with their second chance at first love. These were once friends and when Gage saves Jo these two can't help but fall hard and fast for each other even if Gage tries to push Jo away. These two great a sweet HEA. I am looking forward to the next story in the series.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by C.L. Cruz; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Heroes & Hearthrobs Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Josephine & Gage.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet story, but I was a bit disappointed in the MMC. For all the build up, he was a lot softer than I anticipated and it didn't really fit the initial description of him. Overall, it was a quick, easy read with a nice HEA.

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

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the newest book by the amazing C.L. Cruz. Her characters and stories are some of my absolute favorites. Josephine, the town meterologist, is found on the side of the road after an accident. Gage is an old friend, and the two quickly rekindle much more. I loved their perfect story and always want more from this incredible author.

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple and sweet childhood friends romance. Emotional storyline with past traumas, insecurities, doubts, danger, rescue, undeniable chemistry, mistakes, memories, humor, banter, comfort, hurt, and love. At times I wished for a bit more depth but overall a fun quick read. Epilogue of happiness.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the Heroes and Heartthrobs Series by C.L. Cruz! Gage, book 2 is another quick and steamy read. Perfect afternoon read. Josephine, a meteorologist is rescued during a storm by Gage, her best friend from childhood. A game of truth or dare leads to more than either expected. Looking forward to the next book.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage was such a good book! It was exciting, suspenseful, romantic, sweet, and a bit spicy, just the way I like it! Gage and Jo were great characters, and made a fun couple. The perfect story for a short read, although I could definitely enjoy more.

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

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

Jo and Gage were good friends at school even though they were complete opposites, sports star and nerdy science girl now Gage is back from the military and working for EmergenSEA and Jo is the local storm tracker. He recues Jo after she crashes her car during and emergency and they reconnect. Good Story

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how when Gage rescues Josephine that it allows the attraction they held for years to bloom to love. I liked the paper fortune tellers.