Cruz Dohlavi has issues from his past to go along with his badge and white Stetson. A self-proclaimed loner who wasn’t looking for love and didn’t think a family was in his future, he’s getting his first taste of a normal life in Bendover, Arizona after years spent serving and protecting his country.
And then Blaze Glory sashays into the sherrif’s life. She’s a former military pilot with deep connections to Bendover. She’s funny, feisty, and not at all impressed by the collection of alpha warriors inhabiting the quirky town.
But she has issues, too. Like that she’s a single mom with a seven-year-old kid.
With so much on the line, can these two find a future without dragging the past along for the ride?
Bendover, Arizona Come for the adventure – stay for the happily ever after.
USA Today Bestselling Author of military romance and contemporary fiction
I'm a lifelong reader of romance, and a busy storyteller with more than 2 million words in print. If you're looking for a new book boyfriend or a good time with laughter and sizzle, check out my catalog of books.
Warning: HAPPILY EVER AFTER GUARANTEED
You can find me all over social media as @suzannehalliday
Currently enjoying desert life in southern Nevada #VegasStrong
PROUD mother of USA Today Bestselling Author, Ella Fox.
Cruz Control Book 1 Justice Chronicles Suzanne Halliday All I can say is WOW! Ever read a story where you just want to be a ladybug on the wall and listen to what is happening with the characters? Well this is one of those!!!This is another glimpse into life being lived in Bendover, AZ home of Family Justice! Its snarky, colorful, masculine, alpha males interacting with equally snarky, colorful, alpha females who give as good as they get! Bendover is growing from a red light into a community. In order to do this they need law and order. Sheriff Cruz Dohlavi is the law and he brings the order!. Always a loner, former Justice Agency soldier in a past life, is settling down to a simpler life. He's building a house, getting a dog named Jeremiah, one of Brody’s Justice canines, even joined in a baseball game! Captain Blaze Glory, former military pilot turned executive director of Knight Phoenix, has to get ready for work. Her BFF Remy Bissett, also a director and the reason for Blaze being in Bendover, is her cosmic soul sister. They had been apart far too long. Blaze needed a change of scenery, being close to Remy again, offered that. She and Beck her 8 yr old son would get a house instead of being cooped up in an apartment like they were in New York. What happens when Desert Thunder, the Justice guys band, wipes out the Dixie Chicks in a local band battle? Why they settle it by going to Round two, a baseball game of course! Let me set the scene here. Justice wives and girl friends decide to become a cheer squad for the guys. This is sheer crazyness. Blaze, Remy and the Justice ladies bring a new level of shenanigans to cheerleading! Cruz gets a look at Blaze and his loner status becomes a moot point! Add in all sorts of twists, turns and sizzles and bang it’s a fun read! Especially with Alex, Meaghan and the rest of Justice get involved! When Suzanne writes a Bendover book, it’s a glimpse into the full Justice universe. You will meet new characters but get insights into old ones as well. To get the full effect, I always suggest starting with Justice Brothers series then follow with Family Justice. You will never be sorry you did! I was given an ARC but the review is all mine and freely given!
Oh wow what can I say! This book was so much fun. It had everything including the humour from the Justice family and everyone else. Underneath it tho is a story with heartbreaking memories and two souls who need each other more than anything. The connection between Cruz and Glory was so profound it was beautiful. The build up of their love story whilst catching up with everything Justice made for a perfect story. It wasn’t rushed or trivialised. There was a definite slow burn going on which added to the anticipation. Their issues were real, and I thought, dealt with perfectly. As this isn’t technically a family Justice book there was lots of hints as to what’s to come for Justice and the town of Bendover in the future. The glimpses were tantalising and I’m hoping for good things for a few couples ahead in the next book. Wonderful story I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for the next instalment from Family Justice.
Another great addition to the Justice Universe! Blaze and Cruz are new addition to Justice and fit in almost instantly. He's the new sheriff in town and she is an executive director at Knight Phoenix (think a transportation company on steroids). Both bring baggage from the past (who doesn't?) and once they decide they are ready for a relationship fireworks and hijinks ensure. Of course the Justice ladies and all those alpha men have a hand in making sure these two people see what's right in front of them! Read this book!!
You know that feeling when you’ve been away from home and you walk in and whew! This incredible feeling hits you?That’s how I felt when I started Cruz Control, a feeling of being home.Back in Bendover! It was good to get to know Blaze and. Cruz and catch up with our Justice family. Blaze Glory-so much beneath the red lip stick wearing tough pilot.Cruz Dohlavi- straight up white hat wearing good guy.What is not to love?It was so good watching them work through their past to find their way to each other.As all of Suzanne Halliday’s books,Cruz Control brings it all!
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation Received rom Prolific
Cruz Control is book 1 in the Justice Chronicles by Suzanne Halliday and what a great start to more in the town of Bendover and the Justice Compound.
What happens when the new sheriff for Bendover meets the Knight Phoenix transportation director? Read on to find out!! Both have relationship issues, baggage galore, sparks abound, laughter, seeing old friends, meeting new friends and setting the stage for future books.
Cruz Control is the first book in the Justice Chronicles, and it is a fabulous addition to the Justice world. You can count on Suzanne Halliday to weave together lovely words and imagery that come together to make a captivating story. Cruz has just become the sheriff of Bendover, and his life is turned upside down when he meets Blaze Glory. Blaze is partners with Remy at the aviation company, and she is a strong, independent single mother. Blaze and Cruz’s dialogue is delightful as they get to know each other. As they learn to trust each other, a sweet romance begins. The buildup of the steaminess is downright combustible in this friend to lovers story . You end up with an awesome happily ever after. Plus you get the usual whit and snarky humor that you can depend on from a Suzanne Halliday story. When you get the meaning of the title it will leave you giggling. All of the Justice characters are around to contribute to the fun and leave a smile on your face. Bendover is a great place to be in a time of weddings and babies galore. Visiting family makes for a crazy atmosphere. I love visiting Bendover in each book. There is something magical about it. Don’t miss this awesome story. The only thing that I didn’t like was that the book ended. Fortunately a new one has been promised in the future.
I love that the Justice universe expands with all these other characters. Often times we get to see the core group in a different perspective, that happened with Cruz and Alex. I loved the stories that Cruz shared about Alex. Much the same could be said about Blaze and Remy.
Now with this book, you knew there would be lots of Justice high jinx and it was there. The feud with the Chixie Dicks, the wedding of Sophie and Jace, along with all the family arriving. Nothing is ever done on a normal level, when it can be over done for the entertainment of all.
I liked seeing Cruz's perspective on knowing the guys before they met the women and after and how he agrees that the Justice women really run things. I especially liked seeing Cruz face Meghan in what was a cozy dinner at home with the kids and realize how much he had been played and worked over at the same time. He left a big gob smacked.
Cruz and Blaze were an interesting couple. Their attraction was there from day one, the flirting on boil, but once both of them shared secrets things went into high drive. I loved how Cruz played to win with Blaze, that he went into things knowing he wanted forever and wasn't about to let Blaze know otherwise, which shocked her.
Loved seeing how this one ended and look forward to reading more about this crazy desert bunch!
We fully get to meet Cruz,a justice wolf pack and new sheriff in Bendover. Painful past makes him nearly 40,former army ranger and still single,always having avoided relationships.
Blaze Glory is former military pilot and now working with Remy to head the justice new flight division, a single mother and her only baggage that comes from bad relationships.
There's definitely something in the water in the Ariziona desert!
2 broken souls = hot justice fire and shenanigans!!!
Every time I read one of Suzanne’s books I swear it is my new favorite. This book is so fun. I literally got the the last chapter and put the book down because I couldn’t stand the fact that it was over. I finished reading the next day and to make it all better, I just started over. Love this book. Thank you Suzanne for Bendover and all the people who show up there to heal their hearts and souls
Suzanne Halliday just keeps on bringing the fans of Family Justice back for more with each of her amazing books. Cruz Control is no exception. It's the first in the Justice Chronicles books, which are Family Justice adjacent. If you love the gang from the quirky town of Bendover, AZ, you will not be disappointed. You will be visited by many of the members throughout Cruz Control.
Cruz Dohlavi and Blaze Glory are amazing! He's the new sheriff of Bendover who doesn't think he's marriage and family material. She's a former military pilot, single mom and general badass, doing everything it take to het s*#! done and create an amazing new life for her and her son in the Arizona desert.
All it takes is some well fitted baseball pants and a cute cheerleader uniform (complete with white Keds) to catch each other's eye. The flirting is off the charts with these two, but they're pasts make them both hesitant to make a move. After a heart-to-heart with their closest family and friends, they come to realize that happiness is just down the road for each of them.
I loved this book so much! It's a perfect addition to the Justice world. I can't wait to see how their lives keep growing in the next Justice books.
I always love visiting Bendover, AZ so when Suzanne Halliday releases a new book set there it's a one click for sure without even reading the blurb. Anything Justice or Justice adjacent is a must read.
Cruz is Bendover's brand new sheriff, white Stetson included.(swoon) Blaze is a pilot and executive of a new transportation business with their west coast headquarters in Bendover who has a love of red lipstick. Both have their reasons for not looking for a relationship but you know what they say about best laid plans. Ms Halliday's characters seem so real that I feel like I want to be BFF with them. As always with this author, the word play is outstanding, so funny and witty. And OMG does this heat up and I'm not talking about the temperature. I've already gone back for a reread. Don't miss out on a brilliant 5 star read!!
Merged review:
I always love visiting Bendover, AZ so when Suzanne Halliday releases a new book set there it's a one click for sure without even reading the blurb. Anything Justice or Justice adjacent is a must read.
Cruz is Bendover's brand new sheriff, white Stetson included.(swoon) Blaze is a pilot and executive of a new transportation business with their west coast headquarters in Bendover who has a love of red lipstick. Both have their reasons for not looking for a relationship but you know what they say about best laid plans. Ms Halliday's characters seem so real that I feel like I want to be BFF with them. As always with this author, the word play is outstanding, so funny and witty. And OMG does this heat up and I'm not talking about the temperature. I've already gone back for a reread. Don't miss out on a brilliant 5 star read!!
What can I say about a author who just keeps expanding a series and doesn't miss a beat? You have to come to Bendover!!! Suzanne has once again added more characters to the colorful cast. Blaze and Cruz are two people each with their own inner demons. In this book you can follow their path as they find their way. This book will make you smile at times and other times reaching for a fan. If you want a great book you can't put down this is it!!!
I absolutely adored Cruz and Blaze's book! Along with the normal Justice ( well I'll let you infer here, hint: begins with f ends in y), another of the Wolf Pack, bites the dust, the Sheriff. And, of course, I cannot resist, but he goes down in a Blaze of Glory. Blaze pretty much has no use for men, except for her seven going on 30 yr old son, they have shown her they pretty much are useless except for procreation. Then along comes Cruz, who gets her attention. He also gets her curiosity, but poor thing, he's a man. However, Cruz isn't blind to the Knight Phoenix Captain and executive. But the day he sees her in a red, white, and blue cheerleader outfit, he knows he's hooked! Add in the Queens of Justice and their famous matchmaking, plus "confession" with her bestie Remy, and Blaze's single days are numbered. Best moment for, "omg stop Suzanne {actual thoughts during} it hurts" because I was laughing so hard my tummy was in knots and my brain couldn't read. Each additional sentence was increased hilarity! The baseball game literally had me falling over in laughter and pain. It was so Justice, I thought I would die! It also was the real moment Cruz knew somehow Blaze was his, little did he know... Suzanne Halliday, The Justice novels make my day, or even week! There is something special about Bendover, AZ, that brings people together for real lasting love, and complete hijinks! I love these people, there is no getting enough of their f*****y. The chaos in a beautiful setting, with a group of characters that simply get better cannot be beat. The realistic problems individual characters deal with, you describe with empathy in your writing, makes me so much a part of every moment you give us in Bendover! This was hysterically funny, and amazingly beautiful, a book needed to be read. It will lighten your day or week, and simply make you wish for the next! And if this is your first Justice novel, STOP 🛑, go back to the beginning and miss nothing of the craziness! You are missing out! Best line from this book, (had to add this addendum), Lacy saying I'm pregnant {like no one could tell}, and hilarious feuding between Draegyn and Jason, along with all watching comes to a standstill, at which point she states, " now that I have your attention..." Epic!
Every single time I read a Justice connected story I KNOW I am in for a treat. Thank you for the early birthday gift (LOL!) because I just love love love the relationship of Blaze and Remy. To have a military female connected team was genius and is appreciated by this veteran. Very seldom do I ever come across this type of story. Ok now the story! This story was a lesson in seduction, gratitude and appreciation of YOURSELF. To find that perfect place that will give you release and euphoria with your partner and you. It was beautifully written as Cruz the newly appointed Sheriff of Bendover, Arizona is knocked off his game by none other than single-mom Blaze Glory, a Knight Phoenix Co-Executive. It also gives us some exciting news for another series connection (Family Justice) to include the antics and humor of Finn, Drae, Cam and even Rafe. As usual Alex is in the mix and never disappoints. I thoroughly enjoyed Megan's involvement with this story and she just gave me the tummy giggles if that is a thing. As time progresses between all the events and happenings around Bendover and in their own lives this new couple comes together and learn intimacy with trust will lead them to a solid foundation. Side note: Beck loves Cruz (her son) all I want to add is "choo choo!" Nice job Suzanne and I am excited for the weddings, babies and so much more!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cruz Control. This was a beautifully textured love story about two of Bendover’s newest denizens. The author included fascinating details about both Cruz and Blaze, explaining things mentioned, but not explained in other books in the Family Justice world. I’m not quite sure how she did it, but the author wove many of my favorite characters from other books, without retelling other stories. If you’ve read her other books, then you know the details behind the references, but if you haven’t, there aren’t any spoilers. It all flows together so perfectly, it feels like you’re right there.
Cruz and Blaze felt like three dimensional characters, they weren’t perfect, and they were self aware of their own issues and what they needed to work through to reach their HEA. I loved the hilarious dialog between all the various people you encounter in the book. I also had fun hearing Cruz’ and Blaze’s perspectives about things they are seeing in Bendover as the town grows. So fun! The book is pretty long, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. The pacing is great, and I was kinda sad to get to the end of the book. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, and it’s not a “happy for now”, it’s more like the end of a chapter in the Family Justice saga that can stand on its own. I’m looking forward to her next book!
Visiting this wonderful little town is like returning home for a vacation. Catching up with beloved family and dear friends is always exciting. Watching the desert magic working its healing charm on another unsuspecting couple always a joy. And the long anticipated baseball grudge game is fall down laughing hilarious as only Justice can be. Suzanne has taken us on another great visit to the most wonderful little town ever. And, as always, left us anxiously waiting for our next chance to go.
Suzanne Halliday has put out yet another great story about my favorite place, Bendover, Arizona and some of its newest residents. Cruz Dohlavi and Blaze Glory are two people who feel life doesn't really have a plan for them to find relationship happiness. They meet and notice each other, but it's a slow burn that, when it ignites, it fires thru the insecurities of Blaze, and Cruz has vowed to make her see her worth. Swoony stuff. Also, the author masterfully has her "Character Cameos" that truly brings so much fun and shenanigans. The Justice Chronicles is masterful addition to this wonderful Justice world.
This book does not disappoint. With it being part of the Justice Chronicles we get to see some of our favorite Justice people while finding new characters to fall deep in love with. Cruz and Blaze’s story will give you all the feels as the navigate some scars to find a place for a love that fate designed. Not only will you fall in love with Cruz and Blaze but you will also love her son and the sheriffs goofy puppy.
This is one hell of a book. Blaze and Cruz story, I think everyone can resonate with it on some level, i diffently did!!! I loved loved loved this book, and couldn't put it down. Without giving the game away Blaze and Cruz both have issues, but they work together. This is a beautiful read that you want to read again and again. I'm useless at reviews so just read the book, you won't be disappointed.
Another wonderful glimpse into what goes on in Bendover outside of Family Justice. I love learning more about characters that are Justice-adjacent. Cruz and his lady love are an amazing pairing, just what each other needs but never knew they could have. There are just enough mainstream Justice cameos to keep the series faithful excited and hanging onto every word! Brava, Suzanne! Loved it, first word to last word.
Wow what a great book - this author is always a one click for me as she really can make you feel the story she’s telling, another thing I loved about this book is we get to see glimpses of the characters that we love in some part of this book. You’ll fall in love with how the love between Cruz and Blaze develop over the entire book.
I received this book from Booksprout as an arc copy for a voluntary review. OMG what a fantastic book. Another visit to Bendover and being introduced to new residents Cruz and Blaze. This book is as usual full of steam, laughter but be warned you need to read the previous books and you’ll be addicted .
Loved this book and being in Bendover. While this Cruz and Blaze's story, it was great to have some of the Justice crew make appearance. Loved learning about Blaze and Cruz. My only complaint was when the ending came, I wasn't expecting and wanted more. Can't wait to read more from Bendover!
Are there more Cruz's in the world? I need a Cruz. A joy of a book. A continuing saga, but a different branch of the Bendover tree. Looking forward to watching it begin to leaf out.
If this is your first Suzanne Halliday book, it would be in your best interest to start at the beginning and get to know the complete cast of characters. And I do mean characters. 😁
Cruz learning that his life wasn't defined by a person but an horrific event with his sister. Blaze learning to trust and love a person that would take care of her. It was a interesting book and perspective on families and the different roles of each family plays apart in life. Beck teaching kids that you don't need to follow your environment to be a better person.
I love these two together. I knew they were special, exciting, explosive people. It was so great to be part of their discovery of each other. I was holding my breathing that Cruz would screw it up, but happily he sought professional "help". I repeat. I love this couple and can't wait for the Justice high jinx to continue FOREVER.
This stand alone has a great thread and tie in of our beloved Justice characters. Cruz Control is a wonderful read with all the feels. Another fantastic story from my favorite author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves anything that's a series to read. Love the Justice family and always, always look forward for books coming out from this author.