Cruel North

The North Brothers #4

by J.B. Salsbury

Cruel North is an angsty second-chance, enemies to lovers romance where the most hated man in the North Brothers world finally gets brought to his knees.

A teenage girl with my eyes and a familiar glare, strolls into my life and she’s calling me Dad.

Vanessa was my high school girlfriend and the smartest person I knew. She had a plan, a future, and she swore nothing would get in the way. Until she became pregnant. I thought we agreed on our plan. I sent her the money. Then she disappeared.

Her parents told me she was in South America for a year. They told me she needed space. I never heard from her again.

Seventeen years later and she’s back. I’m staring into those green eyes that used to tempt and taunt me. But it’s not just about us anymore. We have a daughter.

Wanting to get to know her, I convince them to move in with me for one month. I’m so angry with Vanessa and she seems to be equally upset. Every insult from her smart mouth invites me to engage. The brutal chemistry between us ignites old embers. I wish I could hate her. Instead, I want her.

But too much time has passed, and I fear some hurts run too deep to heal.
At the end of thirty days, I’ll have to let them go.
Unless I figure out a way to keep them.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2022

About the author

J.B. Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.

She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.

Never miss a release:
http://jbsalsbury.com/newsletter-sign...

For more information on
her books, or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Web: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
T: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: second chance, secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

"𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭."
"𝘐 𝘥𝘰... 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦."

Everything I wanted Hayes’ book to be! Absolutely loved every part of it!! Hayes North has definitely the most anticipate North brother since we met our cold hearted hero back in book one. I knew his story was going to be a doozy because you aren't that big of an asshole for no reason, lol. And boy, JB Salsbury did not disappoint. In Cruel North, Hayes finds out that his first love, Vanessa, his high school girlfriend, kept her pregnancy from him when she ghosted him 17 years ago. And he finds out when said 17 year old daughter, Haven, tracks him down and nearly shocks him into a heart attack.

Sooo many things I love about this book. It was well written and there really were no lulls in the storyline. I just absolutely love all the women in this series and Vanessa is probably my favorite heroine yet. Super smart with a sassy mouth that keeps Hayes consistently off center. Empathetic and willing to do anything for her daughter. I really liked how Hayes slowly transformed from the person we met in the previous books to the man he was meant to be the entire time. Still a bit of a prick, but tempered by the woman who is not intimidated by him and can keep him in check. The banter between them was laugh out loud funny. I also liked the fact that he was the one that bent for her and not the other way around. Just an all around great read and fantastic conclusion to a wonderful series.

Cruel North is the 4th book in the North Brother's series by JB Salsbury. It can absolutely be read as a standalone, but is best enjoyed when read in series order. It is told in first person, from dual perspective.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers

[T'Odes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. For a kid raised by a single mum, this one is spoilt and entitled. Flipped chapters at a time.

[Amanda (Romance Reviewed) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ARC Review) 3 stars

This was a second chance romance between Hayes North, brother of the heroes in the rest of the series, and Vanessa, his high school love.

Brought together by the daughter Hayes didn’t know he had, their relationship sure was fiery as they became reacquainted eighteen years after their breakup. (To be clear, Hayes not knowing about their daughter was both of their faults- though technically this is a secret baby romance (or secret teenager), it’s not quite the normal set up).

The majority of the book was them fighting, then making up (with sex). It did get a little repetitive- Vanessa would pick a fight, Hayes would get defensive, and then they’d bang. Rinse and repeat. I could definitely see someone else enjoying this! The steam was great.

I’ve been wondering how Hayes could be redeemed after being a monumental a-hole during the whole series. He was mean, malicious, and an all around bully throughout the other books so I was kind of bummed that this book… he was kind of nice. Sure he was mean to his secretary but a total pussy cat to his heroine and kid. He was even nice-ish to his brothers. He was such a softy to his daughter and it was hard to reconcile with the Hayes of previous books.

Overall it was okay! I didn’t hate it, it just didn’t live up to me what I thought Hayes had the potential for. I enjoyed his interactions with his brothers more than his romantic relationship.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Word.

My heart was not prepared for Hayes North. I knew I was going to love this story. I knew I was powerless against a real grump with a heart of gold. Even still – there was no way to prepare for all the ways Hayes was going to wreck me.

I adored this man. I loved everything about him. I loved his cutting, spiky, outer shell and I loved the ooey gooey goodness it was hiding even more. But nothing, nothing was sexier than watch Hayes become a dad. And not in the usual way, where a man cuddles a baby and ovaries explode. This was man parents a young adult and the way he grew into it was just…guh. My ovaries did not escape unscathed. It completely stole my heart and I can’t remember the last time I loved a hero so fiercely.

I loved the sparky chemistry between him and Vanessa. I loved the way she called him on his nonsense, and he gave her a safe place to be vulnerable. I loved their whole dynamic. Vanessa, sometimes, really made me angry. There were moments where I nearly couldn’t stand the way she was treating my beloved Hayes. But in the end, I really loved the little family unit they formed and the way their story played out.

I have adored this series from the very first page of the very first book and I’m sad to leave the North brothers behind. J.B. Salsbury did a fantastic job of wrapping things up and showing how much they all grew and evolved over the course of the series. This was the perfect capstone, and my heart could not be happier with this finale! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars

[Betül · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**


Hayes story was one of my most anticipated ones the moment I met him Wild North. He is such an arrogant and horrible person in the previous books. So I couldn't wait to learn more about him and see him fall in love. I wanted to know more about his background and find out why he hates the world. The story starts off where it left off in the previous book with Haven, a teenage girl, claiming to be the daughter of Hayes. I couldn't wait to see how Hayes would handle this and I wanted to know what type of relationship he had with Haven's mother. Haven really was the perfect combination of Hayes and Vanessa. She is pretty sassy and speaks her mind.

"You've always been my ideal."

Hayes is like a fish out of water and I loved seeing a different side to his very confident and mean side. However, he never got over his first love Vanessa and seeing her again and finding out they share a daughter brings back all kinds of feelings. I loved seeing a softer side to Hayes and it was obvious he would do anything for his family. Vanessa made me mad a couple of times but I could understand her hesitation and be afraid of getting hurt. In most romance novels the heroine makes sacrifices but I was happy that Hayes made them as well. I really enjoyed this steamy second-chance contemporary romance. I am sad this is the last book in the series. I really hope Jamie will write a novella updating us on what all the North brothers and their partners are doing in the future.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars***


I gotta say. I freakin’ adored this book. I was a bit wary of it because it is Hayes’ book and he hasn’t been the easiest of the brothers to like, but from page one, I was all in and this book gave me everything I didn’t know I wanted when it came to Hayes and then some.

Ok. Is it absolutely horrible that part of my enjoyment of this was watching Hayes lose his ever loving mind as his world went sideways? Yes? No? Maybe?...I think most would say a big ole “Hell No” He hasn’t been my favorite, but he has been the most fascinating and FINALLY getting to see behind the asshat grumpy control freak exterior was absolutely satisfying in every way and I will say, in the end, I fell for the man hard. Vanessa is AMAZING. Determined, feisty, snarky, witty…she is simply impressive. And…well…Haven gives them both a run for their money.

As for their second chance…it was kind of everything. Frustrating, heart warming, heart breaking, hilarious and filled with all kinds of chemistry. Neither handled the “opps, I’m pregnant” thing and when they collide as adults, let's just say it’s not the happiest of reunions. But even as they stumble through their forced reunion, the chemistry between them burns bright and it’s easy to see how they could be more to each other if only they’d get out of their own ways. And while there was a good bit of eye rolling, there was also laughter and swoonyness and I love how everything worked out in the end.

While this is the last book for the North Brothers, I’m really hoping that it isn’t because I need more of all of them (sans August of course). I thoroughly enjoyed how they rallied around Hayes (even though it agitated him to no end) Vanessa and Haven and really want to see how their relationships evolved, especially as newer members are added to the family.

~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

The fourth and final book in the North Brothers series, J.B. Salsbury has delivered a wonderous feat… she made me fall in love with the bad guy! Snarky, misunderstood Hayes finally meets his match (actually, two of them), when his previously unknown 17-year-old daughter comes barging into his world, bringing with her a blast from his past. This is a gorgeously emotional second-chance-romance that is fun and feisty, with all the feels, and I loved it!

You don’t have to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but I would recommend it, because the build-up has been fantastic. The earlier books in this series left me hating Hayes so much, but it’s been a while since I read them, which means I had forgotten a lot of the specifics of his heinous behaviour before starting this one. Generally, the man is an a-hole. But seeing him here, in such a vulnerable position, learning more about him and watching him interact with Vanessa and Haven… bravo J.B. Salsbury, she made his snark almost endearing.

Hayes is a corporate lawyer whose work is his life. But his perfectly ordered world is thrown upside down with the arrival of a sassy 17 year old declaring that she is his daughter. Being a millionaire, he’s understandably sceptical, but when he learns that Haven’s mother is none other than his childhood sweetheart and first and only love, Vanessa, suddenly everything changes.

Vanessa is a fiercely proud single mother who bought Haven up all on her own after she and Hayes broke up and her family disowned her. She’s super protective and has put up huge walls to protect herself and her daughter, and when she learns that Haven has run off to New York City to meet her father, she immediately follows, bringing her face to face with the man that she feels let her down so long ago.

Hayes and Vanessa’s beginning was fun and sweetly romantic, but it ended in a heartbreaking mess. As teenagers, she was the only one that stood up to his arrogance, and he loved it. They had a feisty, argumentative dynamic, and they loved each other fiercely, passionately and intensely, and were completely devoted to each other and planning for a future. Their break up was a caused by a series of misunderstanding for which they were both at fault, and seeing each other again brings all of those feelings rushing back to the surface. And from the intensity between them, you know it’s going to be an epic ride, especially when Hayes convinces the girls to stay with him for a month so that he can get to know Haven better, and they move into his apartment.

Second-chance-romances are my favourite, and this book is an example of why. The attraction, the anger, the grief, the love, the pain, it’s all there, and I was feeling it right along with Hayes and Vanessa as they are confronted with the past, finally discover the truth of all that happened between them to tear them apart, and then are faced with the prospect of coming together again as adults, still with so much emotion between them. It’s epic!

Given the complexity of their circumstances, there is SO much hurt and anger there, and I completely understood what they were feeling. But underneath it all, their attraction is still very much alive, and they initially hate that they want each other so much, but as they start to spend time together and talk about the past, old emotion resurfaces, and they are able to start dealing with it and move forward.

“Is that what you remember about us? Pain?”
“Mostly, yes. Because I had to hold onto it to make me stronger. The angrier I was, the more I wanted to prove I could raise her on my own.”
“Jesus, Ness.” He runs both hands down his face … “I’m so fucking sorry you had to do this alone.”

Amidst all of the emotion, there’s lots of light and fun moments. Firstly from Haven, who is a perfect blend of both of her argumentative parents, and Hayes finds himself in the position of having two women in his life snarking back at him.

I shoot her a look and recoil when I come face to face with an even fiercer glare. Good god, I should’ve known Ness and I would make a fierce-as-fuck kid.

And then we get to see the playful side of Hayes come out when he and Vanessa fall into the familiar rhythm that was all theirs, and I loved seeing him tease and flirt!

“You’re wearing sweatpants.”
“Not what I was expecting.”
“And…” her gaze darts between my legs before jumping forward to the skyline. “I don’t know if dudes know what wearing sweatpants does to their…their…”
“Dicks.”
“Yeah.”
“We know.”
She jerks her heard around. “You do?”
I smirk.
Her eyes narrow. “That’s just mean.”
“Mean? Or effective?”

Despite their murky past, there’s so much chemistry between these two, and the sexual tension is fantastic! Their reunion quickly turns steamy, and with all of that passion, they find themselves falling for each other all over again… not that they never really stopped. It’s hot and steamy and full of emotion, and so much beautiful swoon!

I rest my forehead against hers. “Vanessa … I have always loved you … I will always love you.”

But their lives could not be more different. And with Vanessa and Haven in town for only one month, there’s a lot for the newly-formed family to figure out when it comes to their future.

I loved this book. It’s beautifully emotional and wonderfully romantic, with lots of light and funny moments that keep it all really entertaining. Hayes’ brothers and their girls are all a big part of the story, and I loved seeing all of their interactions. But the highlight of this book of me is seeing Hayes so easily brought to his knees by the women in his life. His growth as a character is really well written, and even though I may not have thought so earlier in the series, I loved seeing him get his HEA.

There is a wonderful epilogue that finishes off the series beautifully, but there is an opportunity there for more books, and I’d definitely love to read more. But I was completely satisfied with how this one ended, and loved this book, and the series, so much.

5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘Cruel North’ we read the story of Vanessa and Hayes. Vanessa and Hayes met in High School and fell madly in love with each other. Vanessa was the only one that never took any crap from Hayes. But when Vanessa gets pregnant, Hayes things he does the right thing for both of them by sending her on her way with some money. Now years later, a beautiful 17 year old girl stand in front of him. And he definitely can’t deny she looks a lot like him.

Even after so many years apart, the chemistry between Vanessa and Hayes is instant and hard to deny. But there is so much hurt between them, that it’s hard for them to even be in the same room for longer than a view minutes. But Hayes is determined to get to know the young woman that looks like him, even if that means he also has to spend time with her mom.

From the moment I started reading ‘Cruel North’ I was hooked. It has been the same way for me with every book in this series. I just love these grumpy, complicated North brothers so much. And Hayes was definitely the one I was curious about the most. And it didn’t disappoint one bit.

I loved getting to know Hayes better. But I especially loved getting to know Vanessa, the one woman who has always been able to put him in his place. Vanessa was one tough, hardworking woman. She was determined to be the best mom she could possible be at a very young age, without the help of anybody. And I loved how she stood up to every arrogant guy out there. Sure, there were moments that I wished she was a little more ‘open’. But I loved her.

The chemistry between Hayes and Vanessa was simple amazing, and something that was flying from these pages right from the start. Sure Hayes could be kind of a jerk, but he also had this charm about him that made me love him right from the start. And in the end we learn there is so much more about him than expected. This story definitely made me swoon a bit.

‘Cruel North’ was another fantastic read by J.D. Salsbury. I read this book in only a day, and I wished it was longer. It just wasn’t ready to stay goodbye to these characters. Definitely another favorite for me.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Looking at me repairs something in his soul. Brings healing to something broken.”

Holy wow! JB Salsbury saved the best book for last in the fiercest of series finales! Cruel North was an addiction I couldn’t put down! The heart-hitting, angst-bleeding writing sucked me in—my emotions raging with these characters—as I reveled in this roller coaster of a romance that’s pure pleasure.

The fourth and final installment of the North Brothers series features the brother that romance lovers been craving: Hayes, the broody twin and handsome hero with a hidden heart. Readers will bask in this redemption romance, finally seeing this surly hero in a different light, and his perfect gray sweatpants definitely help highlight part of the big picture. Hayes went from the smug jerk you want to smack the smug to the sweetest, smoldering snack … oh so yummy!

The heroine and their little lady made the hero the best version of himself. I loved seeing Hayes morph from mean to melt-worthy. Vanessa is strong and stunning, the only woman who can bring Hayes to his knees. Vanessa and Hayes were created for each other with combustible chemistry, an undeniable connection, dominating personas, an and magnetic pull that ensnares your in their spell.

Second-chance romance is my kryptonite and Cruel North didn’t disappoint. Mesmerizing.
Magical. Meaningful. This love story seduced me, casting a spell, as it wrapped me up in a heart-pounding hurricane. The best fusion of fire and ice that made me melt. Hypnotizing and heartfelt, this is the perfect second chance romance that sinks its teeth into your soul. I was so swept away by this love story!

Cruel North is another sparkling gem in the enamoring North world. Salsbury slays this story and series, delivering another all the feels masterpiece of a romance with a memorable family of characters that feel like home. I’m not ready to say goodbye to this epic series about family, friendship, and forever love.

💋💋💋💋💋 melt-worthy kisses

➡️ https://amzn.to/3URFNws

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh Hayes!!!

He's my most h@+ed North brother but he was also the one I'm most curious about... the question "Who hurt you?" was always floating in my mind whenever I come across him in the previous North brother books—so now, we know why.

My fave North brother was always Alex... but now, now it's Hayes! I always knew his story was going to be riveting. From the first page alone, I knew I couldn't put the book down—that it was going to be an all-nighter. I also never thought it was going to make me tear-up...

I wish there was more about them when they were younger... I would've wanted to read more about young Vanessa and young Hayes... like, does she watch his games, jealousy towards other girls or boys, go on dates...you know, high school stuff...

I totally recommend! Love, love, love Hayes!

And now I'm curious whether there will be a book about Haven and the bodyguard, James... Age-gap, forbidden romance type... like a spin-off---Forbidden North.... just throwing this idea out in the universe!haha

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa and Hayes' tension and angst between them are just unbelievable. I didn't like Hayes in the previous books and I had no expectations of his story but still, I was intrigued. And oh my, I was glad to have read it. It is long but I couldn't help but read it. Mainly because of Vanessa. I loved her and the way she is with their daughter, Haven. And I could see how in awe Hayes is with Vanessa at those moments too. I would've loved more flashbacks into their past though. I think that would give more backstory on how their relationship was then. But still, I enjoyed this ending to the series.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

JB Salsbury is back with a brand new book in her addicting North Brothers series and y'all this beauty right here was real good with one unforgettable couple. JB usually gives me an exhilarating ride in her books and this was no different.

Cruel North is Hayes and Vanessa's story and whoa. This book right here explains so much giving us a deeper glimpse into Hayes and his lost one in so many ways. Their story is twisty, intense, steamy, and packed with allllll of the feels in the best and worst ways. I didn't put this book down for a moment and gahhhhh, my heart.

This series has been suuuuper good so far and a little different for JB but y'all, in such a good way and if you haven't read it yet then you are missing out on these guys in a real way.

I can't recommend this author and series enough.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you JB Salsbury and Social Butterfly PR for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I will be the first to say that I could NOT stand Hayes throughout the first three North Borthers books. He was arrogant, callous, and just made everyone miserable when he was around. I wasn't sure how he would ever redeem himself, but I had faith that JB would make me change my mind... she did!

Even in this book, Hayes starts off as an unfeeling bastard, but boy does his past come back to haunt him. He's thrown into a situation that he never thought he'd find himself in, being a dad to a teenager and realizing that he made the biggest mistake of his life by walking away from his highschool sweetheart in her time of need. One thing I will say is admirable about Hayes is that he will not lie to people. He doesn't sugar coat the truth and he admits when he's made a mistake. This book was such a wonderful redemption of his character and in the end he became the biggest marshmallow of the bunch.

Vanessa is the spitfire that is the only person to ever tame Hayes North and it's obvious why. She stands her ground, puts her daughter's needs first and even though her heart is involved, she won't be blinded by lust. She's just like all of JB's other female characters in regards to how amazingly they are written. She was the reason that Hayes was finally able to embrace the good man hidden inside.

This was the perfect conclusion to this series and my only regret is that August didn't get knocked out completely, but hey maybe I'm a bit more violent than JB Salsbury. I've loved them all and would love to come back to this world in the future.

As with most books I loved, I found quotes that hit me on a different level and this book had some that made my insides mush and also had me chuckling while reading.

"It's fine, Ness.' Easier for me to keep an eye on him if he's under my roof. 'You're welcome to stay, Maggot." Vanessa's eyes grow big. 'It's Taggart.' 'Isn't that what I said?"

"I move my hand to her hip and feel the striations of pale stretchmarks. 'Your body is a fucking miracle machine, Ness, you grew a baby in here.' I press my forehead against her shoulder and mutter the words I want to so badly to say. 'Our baby."

"Let me be clear... I want to marry you, Ness. I want to make your morning tea and take out the garbage. I want to fight with you about what we have for dinner and kiss you when you're angry. I want to sit on a porch with you and... and,' his brows come together, 'I don't know, do what people do on porches."

"Real legacy isn't the mark you make in this world. Real legacy is the mark you leave on the hearts of those you love."

[Marta Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

North Brothers and JB Salsbury are coming back with the best conclusion ever in series. Hayes North got everything, what he'd deserved (plus tonsss of extras in the meantime 😜) - Karma is a bch, People! And those words couldn't be more accurate here, lol.

It's not a secret how much I loved this series, and how impatient I was, waiting for Hayes' story. For all books in this series this a-hole was literally begging to kick him hard in certain body parts and I couldn't wait for his downfall.

Today, knowing his story, I'm more than satisfied. JB Salsbury delivers exactly this kind of book, I was waiting! Cruel North was amazing from the very first pages. It's funny, emotional with one of the best banter, I've ever read. Hayes was really hard to handle, but he didn't expect, that his first love will come back in a mic dropping style. It was exactly that, what I was waiting for the whole series- Hayes North had been taken down by a fragile, beautiful girl!

I always thought that Alex is the biggest grizzly in this family, but You just wait to see how Hayes falls in his craziness because of... love. It was not only totally enjoyable but also adorable. I don't want to give any spoliers, but this girl, he loved for the whole time, is the most perfect rival for him. He needs to work hard and win her love back. I really, really cannot wait when You all find out how amazing this book is.

#DoNotWasteTime - GRAB CRUEL NORTH WHEN YOU ONLY CAN !!!!

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 Stars

This story really made me too anxious. I was just irritated the whole story through. I think the only one I actually liked was Hayes. And I definitely am reading the previous stories in this series. Not that I missed anything out, just that the other brothers made me want to read their stories 😊

Hayes and Vanessa fell in love when she was the only one who didn’t bow down before the big man on campus. They were inseparable after that one confrontation. But then something went wrong. Vanessa got pregnant and after she told him and he wasn’t too happy about it, she left. Now its 17years later and guess who went looking for her dad. Haven, his daughter.

The story was good, no doubt about it. The thing I was just irritated with was Haven. Man I really felt like she was a spoilt brat. And Vanessa I felt like she didn’t give Hayes a chance to be involved in his daughter’s life. Maybe it was too late for him to be a dad but at least he could be her friend. I think she let her emotions cloud her judgement. Hayes was arrogant and in the beginning just a terrible person. But the more time went by the more you see how he wanted to be involved with his daughter and maybe get back together with Vanessa. All in all I enjoyed the story. I loved the other characters in the story and definitely going back to read their stories. I haven’t read a JB Salsbury story in a while and definitely hit the mark for me 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grumpy North brother is ready to meet his match..in his long lost daughter and his lost love…the one who got away. Vanessa Osbourne was his everything until she disappeared. When a girl claiming to be his daughter shows up he is shocked and hurt by the betrayal he now must face. Can Hayes ever forgive his ex Vanessa for keeping such a secret from him? Maybe it’s time for this ruthless North brother to finally find happiness. This is told with glimpses of the past so you know their full story. I love this whole series and you’ll also finally understand why Hayes is the stern one. The love hate relationship these two have is brilliantly balanced with one feisty teen! Their banter is perfectly timed and the scenes with his brothers are hilarious. Hayes will have you swooning for his grumpy soul! Such a great romance for fans of enemies to lovers and second chances. Top Read of 2022! Told in dual POV.


📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Hayes and Vanessa. My emotions were truly all over the place while reading this story. There were times I was mad and upset with everyone and then other times I could totally understand where each person was coming from.

Once Hayes wrapped his head around the fact that he was a father, he definitely wanted to take the time to get to know Haven. I felt so bad for him because it felt like he was being punished so many times for not being there for Haven or Vanessa, but he had no idea Haven even existed. He missed so many years of her life because he was never told about her. His feelings for Vanessa were still there, he had just buried them all these years. But deep down, she was the missing piece of his life.

Vanessa bothered me more than I hoped she would. She was an amazing woman having to raise a child all on her own, but that was also a choice she made. She could have eventually gone to Hayes and let him know about Haven. She chose not to. My biggest issue with her was in the way that she dealt with Haven from time to time. This girl was only 17 but acted like she was completely grown and able to make all her own decisions. I can understand letting her make her own mistakes from time to time, but she also needed to be her mother and not her friend. She just gave her too much leeway for me.

I was glad when Hayes and Vanessa finally got their issues worked out and realized what they could have with each other. I have really enjoyed this series with the North brothers.

[Majan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series, it could be my favorite series this year, but I am not sure why in each successive book the Hs age a few years older than they were in the previous and yet there is no significant time jumps between the stories.

Also, there is some inconsistency in Hayes' hockey backstory in this than what was told in the previous book. Yes, these are the things, and not grammar issues, that irk me in books. But while the devil is in the details, I'm not one to get too caught up in the weeds in my reviews.

So anyway, I've been waiting to read this A-hole's story since the beginning. But this has some tropes that I don't particularly enjoy and one that I truly detest, namely secret baby, but we are talking about Hayes' story here. It cannot be missed!

It took a while to get there, but the love story eventually got to a place of deep development. The first half of the book I thought lacked depth, and it was really skimming the surface of superficiality. Once we cleared that hurdle, this love story really flourished!

We finally get the man behind the A-hole, and Vanessa could not have been a better match! Read this series! Each North brother is worth it.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel North by J.B. Salsbury is my introduction to this author's work, and I must say that I have already purchased Wild North and will be checking out the other North Brother books. It's that good!

Vanessa Osbourne, the daughter of Mayor Nicolas Osbourne, went to a private school where she met Hayes North. Hayes was a year ahead of her, but since Vanessa was an overachiever and a fabulous student, she took AP classes, and that is where they met. Hayes played hockey and was planning on going professional.

This story is about second chances and a secret child, and it has all the angst and sarcasm. Highly recommend reading this story.

[GeorgiaSweetest Peach · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I loved redeemable Hayes but Haven was an entitled brat and just a lil sh*t! Vanessa was bitter til the end and nothing kills it for me than overly feminist. Like dude… not everything has to offend your feminine wiles! Ugh… she was
She was so mean to Hayes and I get Hayes is a bully, he isn’t to her or Haven, ever soooo why the need to be such petty Betty’s.

But I read it because I wanted to know his story and I knew JB would do something and she did but personally, Ness needed a bigger slice of humble pie IMHO

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been 5 stars if Vanessa took more responsibility for her actions. I felt all the blame was put on Hayes when Vanessa should have shared that honor.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Hayes.....I have been waiting and waiting for your journey and it is very much everything I hoped it would be. My most favorite grouch finally finds his way down the path to love and I was 100% here for it! This was a second chance romance full of emotion, a secret baby and a sprinkling of angsty deliciousness. It takes a special kind of woman to capture the heart of our most crabby North brother. And I'll tell you, Vanessa does not put up with any of his attitude. Their dialogues were always so entertaining and Hayes' soft spot for Vanessa ( and his daughter) was downright swoony. Overcoming years of hurt and emotional pain? Not easy, but the journey to healing and reconnecting to their love for each other was believable and well-executed by the author. I have really loved all of the brothers North but I think no-longer-so-grumpy Hayes may be my new favorite.

~Jamie 💜

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The meanest North brother finally gets his long awaited romance! I devoured this as soon as it landed on my kindle. My jaw was still on the floor from the revelation from the previous book, so I couldn’t wait to read it. I loved everything about this, from the sassy daughter, to the romance, to all the moments with the rest of the North clan. I’m sad this series is over; it definitely was one of the best I’ve read in a long time!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHE DID IT AGAIN → #TopRead2022

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually hated Haven. She was so bratty and whiney. Just the worst characterisation of a 17 year old ever.

Really enjoyed this series though and the epilogue was fantastic. Kingston for the win!!!

[Drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

JB Salsbury definitely saved the best for last with this book. Cruel North is the 4th book in the North Brothers Series, and while it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the series in order.
I’ve been wanting Hayes’ story since we first met him in Wild North. He was such a jerk. He’s been a huge jerk in every book in this series, but I just KNEW there had to be a reason.This book was everything I hoped it would be and more!
Hayes’s world is changed forever when Haven, the teenage daughter he didn’t know he had tracked him down. Vanessa, his highschool girlfriend and love of his life, ghosted him 17 years ago and kept her pregnancy a secret. I couldn’t wait to see how Hayes would handle the news.
Hayes was everything I hoped he would be. He loved Vanessa fiercely, and I loved watching him transform from the grouchy jerk to the man he was always meant to be. I absolutely loved Vanessa! Truth be told I love all the women in the North brothers lives but Vanessa is my favorite. She is smart, sassy, and an amazing mother. She was perfect for Hayes. She challenged him and brought out the best in him. They were so great together, and Haven was the perfect combination of the two of them. There was so much love in this book! I loved the way Hayes loves Vanessa and Haven. I especially loved the relationships Haven built with her uncles and her “aunties.” This book was the perfect ending to an amazing series.

[Catgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, but my least favorite of the series. The daughter's attitude was a huge turnoff for me. I didn't think Haven's 17 year old character and the actions/dialogue between her and her mom were realistic.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo

Hayes workaholic life is upended when a sassy 17-year-old comes into his life and claims to be his daughter. There's no way it's true, but when she tells him her mom is his first (only) love, Vanessa, suddenly he's seeing things a whole lot clearer. But he's so angry that Vanessa kept his daughter from him that when he suggests they move in with him so he can get to know Haven, that anger just might be the biggest obstacle to the second chance his heart really wants. Can they both get past all the pain and anger and let love back into their lives?

Vanessa may have had to raise Haven all on her own, but now her only love is back in their lives, asking for a chance. Should she give it to him? She's unsure if her heart can take the pain it's endured for so long, but soon the close proximity is doing things to her and she's right back where she was when they were in the throes of first love. If she opens herself up she just might have the future she envisioned all those years ago.

I knew Hayes' backstory was going to be heartbreaking. His grumpy, OK, downright cruel, manner didn't come from nowhere, he had to have been hurt or experienced something terrible, to make him that way. And he definitely had experienced the thing we all dread - losing the love of his life. Reading as he fell in love with his daughter, and realized he had never fallen out of love with Vanessa was painful at times, but so satisfying. I love that all their snark at each other was magnified within their feisty, tell it like it is daughter, that they had never stopped loving each other, and I especially loved how Hayes changed, allowed himself to warm up to love and life again, and finally found the happiness they had been denied all those years ago. JB definitely saved the best North Brother for last.



ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

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[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars—CRUEL NORTH is the fourth instalment in JB Salsbury’s contemporary adult THE NORTH BROTHERS erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old attorney Hayes North, and thirty four year old single mother/app developer Vanessa Osbourne’s story line. CRUEL NORTH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Vanessa and Hayes) CRUEL NORTH focuses on the second chance romance and relationship between Vanessa Osbourne and Hayes North. Vanessa Osbourne and Hayes North were high school sweethearts. Hayes wanted to be a professional hockey player, and Vanessa wanted to delve into computer technology but a surprise pregnancy was something neither expected, and Hayes was in no position to become a young father. Fast forward to present day wherein, Hayes is blindsided with the appearance of Haven, a seventeen year old young woman claiming to be his daughter, a daughter he never knew existed. Vanessa Osbourne never told her daughter the truth about her father, but a box full of heart breaking memories becomes the catalyst to push Haven to go in search of the father she knew nothing about, a father who now lives and works in New York City. With her daughter searching for Hayes, Vanessa goes in search of the daughter whose heart she broke. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Hayes and Vanessa, and the potential fall out as Vanessa and Haven’s time in New York comes to an end, an end predicated upon perceived betrayal and misunderstanding.

Vanessa Osbourne’s hatred for Hayes North is powerful in the wake of Hayes pushing Vanessa out of his life. As a single mother Vanessa struggled with every aspect of their lives but not only did Hayes walk out of her life but so too did her parents who refuse to acknowledge their granddaughter’s existence. Hayes North had no idea that Vanessa kept the child he never wanted.Having watched his father’s life implode, Hayes refused to follow the same path, as he battled between head and heart in an effort to get to know the daughter he never knew.

The relationship between Vanessa and Hayes is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by immaturity, misunderstanding, heartbreak and dysfunctional family relationships. Hayes wants a chance to get to know the daughter he never knew but Vanessa struggles to get past the hurt of being abandoned by the man that she loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Hayes siblings: twin brother Hudson and Lillian, Alexander and Jordan, Kingston and Gabriella, as well as their father August; security specialist James, Hayes and Vanessa’s daughter Maven, Vanessa’s parent Nicholas and Annabella; Vanessa’s best friend Tag, and Hayes’ best friend Ellie.

CRUEL NORTH is a story of misunderstanding and mistakes, family and friendships, betrayal and forgiveness, love and acceptance. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are independent determined and charismatic.

Www.thereadingcafe.com

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

We finally learn what made Hayes such a bitter angry man and I’ve got to tell you, I don’t blame him. The North brother you love to hate is way more likeable than we ever realized before now. When circumstances ripped his first love from him, Hayes didn’t handle the loss very well and he’s never fully recovered. It was even tougher on Vanessa but she’s a superhero for building a life with her daughter against all odds. I loved Vanessa and the way she stood up to Hayes like nobody else.

There’s so much emotion between these two and it starts with a lot of anger but as they work out their differences, they begin to see the other’s point of view. They don’t like that POV, but they understand it and that changes things. The more they open up, the more those emotions evolve. Neither one of them knows what to expect but they mesh perfectly now, just like they did as teens. And no matter how tough it might be to accept each other’s choices, they’re ideally matched, balancing one another perfectly. Sure, acting on their attraction is probably a bad idea but they can’t just ignore it after all these years.

This was a fun story to read. I adored the characters (even Hayes!) and while I don’t yet have teens myself, I’m familiar with them and the author did a superb job of creating teenagers. I didn’t dislike Haven, but she was a realistic balance of wanting to play adult while being as immature and bratty as a toddler at times. Her character was very real to me. I enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions here and especially loved the interaction Hayes has with his sister-in-law Jordan. She’s witty and always has a great burn for him, like “Yeah, is it true you can’t be in the same room as a Bible or you’ll burst into flames?” and – when she catches him crying in a rare tender moment – “I wasn’t aware demons had tears”.

I’m sad to see this series end but I loved the way it ended. Hayes and Vanessa got a great HEA and so did the rest of the gang. There’s a great glimpse into the future that wraps it up nicely for everyone.