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The Saint Series #8
Cruz Control: In Bad Company
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ! This book was previously released in an anthology entitled, "The Company." This story is now being offered as a standalone in eBook and paperback. If you've read the story, "Cruz Control - In Bad Company" previously, please note that the premise of the story is the same. The differences are many minor changes regarding word usage, dialogue etc. and one added scene that the original book did not have. There has also been a cover change to more properly match the author's vision.
This book is for mature adults only. It contains graphic language, violence, and sexual interactions. Reader discretion is advised.
BLURB:
Cruz Black is an enigma. Born in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, he spent most of his life attempting to escape the stifling, horrifying bonds of his bloodline. Part Angel Child, part Demon Child, his upbringing was built on the opposite side of ‘normal’. But, things change when the notorious King Angel Child of New York, Dr. Saint Aknaten, takes him under his wing. During an investigation into a Los Angeles hate crime case assigned to him by Saint, Cruz finds much more than he bargained for...
Erika Goodwin is the girl next door with a twist. Sassy and confident, she has culinary talent to sell. Her skills are praised, but her luck doesn’t extend to the romance department. She has big dreams, and not just career-wise. If only love were as easy to create as a mouthwatering dish…
When the two cross paths, sparks fly in an inferno of attraction. Like brimstone bricks, the pair fall for each other fast and hard, and the chemistry is unmistakable. Cruz has found his mate, but will Erika stick around once he reveals the true nature of a beast?
This book is for mature adults only. It contains graphic language, violence, and sexual interactions. Reader discretion is advised.
BLURB:
Cruz Black is an enigma. Born in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, he spent most of his life attempting to escape the stifling, horrifying bonds of his bloodline. Part Angel Child, part Demon Child, his upbringing was built on the opposite side of ‘normal’. But, things change when the notorious King Angel Child of New York, Dr. Saint Aknaten, takes him under his wing. During an investigation into a Los Angeles hate crime case assigned to him by Saint, Cruz finds much more than he bargained for...
Erika Goodwin is the girl next door with a twist. Sassy and confident, she has culinary talent to sell. Her skills are praised, but her luck doesn’t extend to the romance department. She has big dreams, and not just career-wise. If only love were as easy to create as a mouthwatering dish…
When the two cross paths, sparks fly in an inferno of attraction. Like brimstone bricks, the pair fall for each other fast and hard, and the chemistry is unmistakable. Cruz has found his mate, but will Erika stick around once he reveals the true nature of a beast?
- GenresParanormal
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2017
29 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Tiana Laveen
98 books508 followersTiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 27, 2017
CRUZ CONTROL: IN BAD COMPANY (THE SAINT SERIES BOOK 6) - TIANA LAVEEN
MAGNIFIQUE!
The definition of my header means glorious, excellent, splendid and wonderful. Tiana's latest offering is all of those things. Saint being one of, if not the best, of the series in my library of books to be read over and over again, I was elated to see another book added to his very exciting montage of electrifying reads. This from a person who has a serious dislike for series; but Ms. Tiana Laveen can turn that negative into a positive via the exhilaration she initiates each time she brings forth one of her intoxicatingly great reads.
Tiana has once again created a storyline which will put your heart muscle through numerous paces. Her astute attention of adding Instinctual details to the story setting gives a clear vision of the surroundings our characters are in. I, as a reader, appreciate a visual of different settings; adding to my enjoyment of the telling of the tale. As in all of her books, Tiana's prose puts your emotions in a peaceful state, her words just brings such beauty to your soul that you seem to fall into a state of nirvana. Her extraordinary writing lands you amidst the peace which paradise would deem you to feel.
Ms. Laveen has the power to have you on the edge of your seat for indefinite periods of times; heart racing, toes curling, mouth gaping, nerves tingling, foot tapping, mind blowing helter skelter emotional draining periods whereby you lose your natural born sense. Her superb writing puts you into an entirely new surrounding then the one you currently reside in. This ability is innate, not to be learned, but divinely attributed to her creativity. I know that each time she puts pen to paper, I will be treated to the very best she has, because the best is all she has to give. And her best is always liberally given!
The introduction of Cruz into the world of Saint Aknaten is so well told that you can actually feel the pain he is feeling due to his dual Angel/Demonic personage. The love that he wants so badly in his life tugs against and fights what he truly feels will be his saving grace. I loved the way Tiana led me down the path to his redemption via the entrance of the fiery Erika; his soulmate. Also, true to form Tiana added her unique and inimitable ability to write the most erotic and drama filled sequences leading to a block buster conclusion. No one, and I do mean no one, can do that thang better than her. She is unsurpassable in the arena of erotica. I have read many authors in this interracial genre and have yet to find her match; and that's with well over 50 years of reading!
For those of us who are sick and tired of the heroine's being tall, willowy, with bone straight hair, well Tiana has deviated from that somewhat norm and given us a thick "sista" to fall in love with! Way to go, Tiana! Tiana, thank you for another blockbuster read. You still remain my favorite and I look forward to reading more and more of these astounding creations you produce so effortlessly. I am so very proud to be a member of your fan base.
MAGNIFIQUE!
The definition of my header means glorious, excellent, splendid and wonderful. Tiana's latest offering is all of those things. Saint being one of, if not the best, of the series in my library of books to be read over and over again, I was elated to see another book added to his very exciting montage of electrifying reads. This from a person who has a serious dislike for series; but Ms. Tiana Laveen can turn that negative into a positive via the exhilaration she initiates each time she brings forth one of her intoxicatingly great reads.
Tiana has once again created a storyline which will put your heart muscle through numerous paces. Her astute attention of adding Instinctual details to the story setting gives a clear vision of the surroundings our characters are in. I, as a reader, appreciate a visual of different settings; adding to my enjoyment of the telling of the tale. As in all of her books, Tiana's prose puts your emotions in a peaceful state, her words just brings such beauty to your soul that you seem to fall into a state of nirvana. Her extraordinary writing lands you amidst the peace which paradise would deem you to feel.
Ms. Laveen has the power to have you on the edge of your seat for indefinite periods of times; heart racing, toes curling, mouth gaping, nerves tingling, foot tapping, mind blowing helter skelter emotional draining periods whereby you lose your natural born sense. Her superb writing puts you into an entirely new surrounding then the one you currently reside in. This ability is innate, not to be learned, but divinely attributed to her creativity. I know that each time she puts pen to paper, I will be treated to the very best she has, because the best is all she has to give. And her best is always liberally given!
The introduction of Cruz into the world of Saint Aknaten is so well told that you can actually feel the pain he is feeling due to his dual Angel/Demonic personage. The love that he wants so badly in his life tugs against and fights what he truly feels will be his saving grace. I loved the way Tiana led me down the path to his redemption via the entrance of the fiery Erika; his soulmate. Also, true to form Tiana added her unique and inimitable ability to write the most erotic and drama filled sequences leading to a block buster conclusion. No one, and I do mean no one, can do that thang better than her. She is unsurpassable in the arena of erotica. I have read many authors in this interracial genre and have yet to find her match; and that's with well over 50 years of reading!
For those of us who are sick and tired of the heroine's being tall, willowy, with bone straight hair, well Tiana has deviated from that somewhat norm and given us a thick "sista" to fall in love with! Way to go, Tiana! Tiana, thank you for another blockbuster read. You still remain my favorite and I look forward to reading more and more of these astounding creations you produce so effortlessly. I am so very proud to be a member of your fan base.
May 27, 2017
** A gem, a treasure to share a lasting expression ***
I'm about to devour a Tiana Laveen book like a five course meal. I always go in with high hopes and she always exceeds all my expectations. There's nothing that says page turner, like another book release by Tiana Laveen.
Outstanding. I’ve officially run out of words in my vocabulary, and one word that swishes around my contented brain, and the best adjective to give this book is outstanding, although phenomenal is a close runner up.
From the very commencement of the book I knew I was by far a world of trouble. One that I couldn't refrain from. The book was thrilling, it was charming, it was almost entrancing.
The intro of the book started off calm, and then OMG it happened, my gluttonous reading appetite was rewarded with a huge meal. A Saint sighting. The first enjoyable part of the book. Saint hasn't changed one bit and seeing his interaction with Cruz had me fangirling, like a dog leaping on his hind legs happy to see his owner coming home. Saint's cameo had me feeling happy all through my numbing bones, and that’s always welcome.
The narrative is fairly typical one. It's about a half demon half angel child trying to blend in with humans and the likes of his kind. This supernatural creature risked it all to save saint and the other angel children and will have to once again spare other angel children and the world from another attack. This is why it's crucial that you read the other books from the Saint Series to generate the back story. This book, however did a swell job of offering details and other important aspect so that you're abreast of the characters we all loved and met in the previous books.
The characters are considerably well written, some of them likable, some of them plain evil. Ms. Laveen however writes all the characters so easily that you can connect to all of them. I loved both Cruz and Erika, such prominent characters. They were oh-so-funny and substantial. I alternated between wanting to laugh out loud, needing to cheer, cry or shout out.
The plot was constantly going forward and I personally did not endure through any slow drags. The chemistry and love scenes will have you crushing your knees together praying something will help out the fire from those scorching hot sex scenes. She cannot be duplicated she does it like none other. Gets. You. Hot. All. The time.
Instantly.
This is a character driven story, and as such, the dialogues are all significant. The dialogue is the absolute best part of this book. It is agile and witty, and just the right amount of cinematographic equivalent to even out the superb writing. There was so much tension that at times I didn’t know if I could manage it. I didn’t know if I should close the book and take a breather for a while or keep reading and risking a breakdown.
This is one of her best book yet, there is this haunting feeling of urgency, like something horrible is about to happen and you don’t know when or how; you cannot obviate it. You just have to brace yourself for the upcoming situations and hope for the best.
Each word reads like the sound of a raindrop, a light drizzle at first, and then downpours as it the turns into puddle. The words beats at you harder and louder. It will sustain you on the edge of your bed, gripping the sheet, while you reach its peak.
The music, perfectly selected builds up the tension. It helped you through your emotional moments. I felt like my feelings were on a roller coaster the way it jerked me roughly and left me scared by the some of the eerie discoveries made by the lineaments. This is a tale that lets your brain do most of the handiwork. It’s will put you in a conflicted state. You'll crave for something to occur, while at the same time, you'll be turning the page in hastily trying to get answers for your maddening questions.
The book was not excessively long and continuously engaging. I didn’t feel like there was a page wasted. It felt like there were a pile of little plots mixed in with the main plot, which I thought was a good thing because it kept things interesting, kept them from getting boring, it has been just one right after the other.
Another touchdown for the queen of literature, Ms Tiana Laveen. "Cruz" was like an added bonus field goal in the end zone. This writer always brings a reader to their knees as they drown in her stupendous writings.
I'm worn, full beyond a reader's appetite. I've now climaxed through the long dry spell of finding a truly good book. I'm left awaiting once again for another page turner to create fireworks like the ones lit on the Fourth of July. But it's hard, to muster that spark, set forth by this book. Tiana have the exceptional skills to light up and ignites her pages and have them smelling like myrrh.
If anyone have any questions that this author isn't the best there is, this book demonstrate in lengths, details, facts and extreme character development what a book should be all about.
I will recommend this book to anyone that can differentiate real from fake. Get this book you'll be so glad you did.
May 22, 2017
All he ever wanted was to love and be loved
Cruz, coming close to his Angel Child age of maturity of 35 years, felt a growing need to find what was missing in his life. After Saint helped him refind his soul, he had a rough adjustment period where he felt incomplete. Saint, being his mentor, he explained to Cruz that he would not find his complete power until he found his soulmate. Cruz, upon meeting Erika, knew that she was the one, he just had to convince her. Although reluctant and scared at first, she came to the realization that he was the one too. Finally, Cruz came into total control of his life with Erika by his side.
I just love the way that Tiana writes, but I just love anything that has to do with Saint and his army of Angel Children. I am praying she will continue the series. Well done Tiana.
Cruz, coming close to his Angel Child age of maturity of 35 years, felt a growing need to find what was missing in his life. After Saint helped him refind his soul, he had a rough adjustment period where he felt incomplete. Saint, being his mentor, he explained to Cruz that he would not find his complete power until he found his soulmate. Cruz, upon meeting Erika, knew that she was the one, he just had to convince her. Although reluctant and scared at first, she came to the realization that he was the one too. Finally, Cruz came into total control of his life with Erika by his side.
I just love the way that Tiana writes, but I just love anything that has to do with Saint and his army of Angel Children. I am praying she will continue the series. Well done Tiana.
January 6, 2018
We meet Cruz in a previous title in the Saint Series, during this time you expected him to be completely evil being a product of king demon child and Angel child, raised and molded in satanic teachings/rituals.
This was a Beautiful HEARTWARMING story of how he battles the good and evil of his DNA. When he becomes a target of the demon child community, Saint brings Cruz under his wing and nurtures Angel child side and sends him into the direct path of Erika. Unaware at the time, this sexy mysterious man that Erika is drawn to is exactly who she prayed for.
When Cruz is certain that this is his soulmate, he decides to come clean about his true self, but Erika almost missed her blessing because it didn't come in a packaging of her liking. Something we should all take note of, when we pray for something be open to receiving it.
Absolutely love this one.
This was a Beautiful HEARTWARMING story of how he battles the good and evil of his DNA. When he becomes a target of the demon child community, Saint brings Cruz under his wing and nurtures Angel child side and sends him into the direct path of Erika. Unaware at the time, this sexy mysterious man that Erika is drawn to is exactly who she prayed for.
When Cruz is certain that this is his soulmate, he decides to come clean about his true self, but Erika almost missed her blessing because it didn't come in a packaging of her liking. Something we should all take note of, when we pray for something be open to receiving it.
Absolutely love this one.
June 6, 2017
I'm on Cruz Control
OMG this new installment to the Saint Series is everything and then some. Ok so we have Cruz who was introduced in the last book. He finds his soul mate Erica and the battle is on. Man oh man I just know it has to be a few more books after this. No wonder my sister can't move on from this story. Tiana cracks me up at her choice of song (playlist) for this series. I see Saint has not loose his sense of humor and filthy mouth. The crew is back together again and it was great getting caught up with everyone. This makes me want to go back and read the series all over again.
OMG this new installment to the Saint Series is everything and then some. Ok so we have Cruz who was introduced in the last book. He finds his soul mate Erica and the battle is on. Man oh man I just know it has to be a few more books after this. No wonder my sister can't move on from this story. Tiana cracks me up at her choice of song (playlist) for this series. I see Saint has not loose his sense of humor and filthy mouth. The crew is back together again and it was great getting caught up with everyone. This makes me want to go back and read the series all over again.
October 22, 2017
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Paranormal Romance
Cruz Control: In Bad Company (The Saint Series Book 6) is a very good and sensual interracial paranormal romance that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Saint Series and this episode did not disappoint. It has the same excitement and humor as the other installments. I am looking forward to this author's other imaginative installments in the future as Saint, Lawrence, Jagger and Cruz fight for the good in New York. I enjoyed reading this novella and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic thrillers.
Cruz Control: In Bad Company (The Saint Series Book 6) is a very good and sensual interracial paranormal romance that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Saint Series and this episode did not disappoint. It has the same excitement and humor as the other installments. I am looking forward to this author's other imaginative installments in the future as Saint, Lawrence, Jagger and Cruz fight for the good in New York. I enjoyed reading this novella and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic thrillers.
May 22, 2017
Pure awesomeness!
Cruz grabbed me by the heartstrings in the last Saint book; he truly just wants to be loved.
Cruz wants to meet someone who sees the real him...and not be afraid of him. Erin's made her wishes known to the universe; send me a loving man, a supportive man and no matter how outlandish his story May be, I'll listen with an open heart. Boy, did she get what she wished for!
Great dialogue with lots of LOL moments cause Saint's still as irreverent as ever! Cruz Control is a good addition to the Saint series.
Cruz grabbed me by the heartstrings in the last Saint book; he truly just wants to be loved.
Cruz wants to meet someone who sees the real him...and not be afraid of him. Erin's made her wishes known to the universe; send me a loving man, a supportive man and no matter how outlandish his story May be, I'll listen with an open heart. Boy, did she get what she wished for!
Great dialogue with lots of LOL moments cause Saint's still as irreverent as ever! Cruz Control is a good addition to the Saint series.
June 29, 2017
Loved this book
Loved this book. It did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the Cruz series. I have all of the Saint books and I'm waiting on more. Ms. Laveen never disappoints. I have read almost all of her books. I buy and consume them like candy. She always delivers. I will not give anything away. All I will say is, this book is shorter than her others, but still good. I will also add, if like the Saint sereis, you will like this book as well. Cruz is awesome. Great read.
Loved this book. It did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the Cruz series. I have all of the Saint books and I'm waiting on more. Ms. Laveen never disappoints. I have read almost all of her books. I buy and consume them like candy. She always delivers. I will not give anything away. All I will say is, this book is shorter than her others, but still good. I will also add, if like the Saint sereis, you will like this book as well. Cruz is awesome. Great read.
May 31, 2017
Queens United👑👑👑👑
Every time I read a book from the Saint series....I want to scream from the highest mountain" I am the true Queen..the Black Queen...the backbone of our society ...hear me Roar"...Cruz found his Queen....Ericka knew her King....she just had to make sure to have all her i's dotted and t's crossed...can't wait for sequels....all hail to Queen Tiana!!!
Every time I read a book from the Saint series....I want to scream from the highest mountain" I am the true Queen..the Black Queen...the backbone of our society ...hear me Roar"...Cruz found his Queen....Ericka knew her King....she just had to make sure to have all her i's dotted and t's crossed...can't wait for sequels....all hail to Queen Tiana!!!
October 24, 2021
Cuz Control, YUM!
I loved the story about Cruz and Erika! I did not think that Ms. Laveen would do a story about him, but I'm glad she did! And what a story! Cruz was caught between two worlds, and because of Saint and his love for Erika, he chose the right side! I really enjoyed this book and if you purchase it, I'm sure you would too!
I loved the story about Cruz and Erika! I did not think that Ms. Laveen would do a story about him, but I'm glad she did! And what a story! Cruz was caught between two worlds, and because of Saint and his love for Erika, he chose the right side! I really enjoyed this book and if you purchase it, I'm sure you would too!
May 26, 2017
Everyone Deserves Someone to Love
Ms.Laveen has done it again. She pulls you into the world of realistic possibilities. In this story she has you pulling for Cruz to find his Queen. There are many twists and turns but in the end love conquers all.
Ms.Laveen has done it again. She pulls you into the world of realistic possibilities. In this story she has you pulling for Cruz to find his Queen. There are many twists and turns but in the end love conquers all.
May 28, 2017
Cruz had it under control, indeed!
What can I say, Tiana did her thing again! Loved this book! Cruz, with Erika by his side is unstoppable! Plus he had my baby, Saint, in his corner too! Great book!
What can I say, Tiana did her thing again! Loved this book! Cruz, with Erika by his side is unstoppable! Plus he had my baby, Saint, in his corner too! Great book!
May 26, 2017
As always!!
As always Tiana you do an amazing job. No matter what series of yours I read the Saint series will always be my favorite. Thanks again!
As always Tiana you do an amazing job. No matter what series of yours I read the Saint series will always be my favorite. Thanks again!
May 29, 2017
Need more please!
These men are dreams. The story needs to continue, the readers crave it so please continue on. Thanks for such intriguing reading.
These men are dreams. The story needs to continue, the readers crave it so please continue on. Thanks for such intriguing reading.
June 13, 2017
Cruz Control
Love love love it. I want more of the Angel children. That Saint is a hoot. Don't wait so long for a sequel
Love love love it. I want more of the Angel children. That Saint is a hoot. Don't wait so long for a sequel
February 2, 2018
Just 1question????
If Erika had some gifts, where did they come from and why wasn't that explained? Otherwise this was a pretty good story
If Erika had some gifts, where did they come from and why wasn't that explained? Otherwise this was a pretty good story
May 13, 2018
I loved this book.
I didn’t know this book had been released before, but I’m glad I found it now. Cruz found his queen and I couldn’t be happier.
I didn’t know this book had been released before, but I’m glad I found it now. Cruz found his queen and I couldn’t be happier.
May 25, 2017
Leap of Faith!!!
Cruz is a man who knows true darkness and as such can truly appreciate the light. Erika's prayers are answered for the a man made just for her. However, everything comes with a price. She has to learn to give the acceptance and love she craves. They both have to take a leap of faith. Their story is filled with, intrigue, romance, passion and a heavy dose of what can only be referred to as Saintism. This all unfolds with a mystery playing in the background.
Even if you have read Cruz and Erika's story in The Company anthology, read it again. I promise it's so much better than you remember. The added scenes enhance the an already rich story.
Cruz is a man who knows true darkness and as such can truly appreciate the light. Erika's prayers are answered for the a man made just for her. However, everything comes with a price. She has to learn to give the acceptance and love she craves. They both have to take a leap of faith. Their story is filled with, intrigue, romance, passion and a heavy dose of what can only be referred to as Saintism. This all unfolds with a mystery playing in the background.
Even if you have read Cruz and Erika's story in The Company anthology, read it again. I promise it's so much better than you remember. The added scenes enhance the an already rich story.
August 5, 2017
Very good 👍
Glad to get this story after reading about him in Saint story. Today couples seem to have sex as soon as they met. I personally prefer the man chasing after the woman before she takes off her clothes and spread her legs. Ladies should slow down and get to know the man first. Ericka was what Cruz needed to complete him. I wish she didn't have such a potty mouth. It was good to see the other couples in the story. I do hope over the years you will continue with Saint, Lawrence, Jaggar, and now Cruz stories. Very good story!!
Glad to get this story after reading about him in Saint story. Today couples seem to have sex as soon as they met. I personally prefer the man chasing after the woman before she takes off her clothes and spread her legs. Ladies should slow down and get to know the man first. Ericka was what Cruz needed to complete him. I wish she didn't have such a potty mouth. It was good to see the other couples in the story. I do hope over the years you will continue with Saint, Lawrence, Jaggar, and now Cruz stories. Very good story!!
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