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Heartless Few #2

Cold, Hard, & Heartless

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An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

He vowed to protect the broken shards of his heart, until she etched herself on his soul.

Cold. Hard. Heartless.

If I don’t rise, I can’t fall. If I don’t give, I can’t take. If I don’t love, I can’t lose. If I don’t break, I can’t heal. If I don’t care, I can’t hurt.

And if I don’t expose my heart, it can’t get broken.


As a boy, Arlo Jones learned that hearts could literally be broken. His shattered into a thousand tiny pieces when his dad died, and he vowed to never let that happen again. He had to be cold, hard, and heartless.

As a man, he has his shtick with chicks. He's never been in love, or even in lust. He gets horny, fucks, and sends them on their way. Rinse. Repeat. It's not broken, so there's no need to fix it.

Until London. Meeting her is the start of something big, like the first bump of coke or hit of the pipe. From day one, the only way forward is deeper in, and there is no easy way out.

If this is love, he's never going to be the same again.

120 pages, ebook

First published August 18, 2018

20 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

M.V. Ellis

29 books829 followers
MV ELLIS knows what it’s like to fall head over heels in love with a badass musician. She moved from London to Sydney after a steamy holiday romance with a sexy bass player in sultry Brazil. Twelve years, two children and a dog later, and she’s still smitten. All this with a guy she sat next to on a bus for 36 hours!

Ellis’ love of romance began when she was 11 years old, after a summer spent secretly reading her auntie’s books. She’s been a sucker for an alpha hero and strong heroine ever since. Following a career spanning advertising, marketing, and social media, she finally wrote Catching London in 2017.

You can check out what she's up to here:

Website: www.mvellis.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/authormvellis/
Instagram: Instagram.com/arloandlondon/
Facebook: Facebook.com/authormvellis/
Twitter: Twitter.com/authormvellis
Pinterest Pinterest.com.au/authormvellis/

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5 stars
34 (35%)
4 stars
42 (43%)
3 stars
12 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Candace Tidwell.
326 reviews36 followers
August 31, 2018
Wow. I'm actually almost at a loss for words. How spectacularly disastrous can one guy be?! I've read my share of books, obviously, but Arlo has me banging my head against the wall and crossing my eyes.
This is the first book I've read by Ellis and I really could not stop reading. It was like watching a train wreck. Or maybe a better way to explain it is to compare it to a multi car pile up. One car starts it and others follow in it its tracks in a domino effect. I really cannot come up with a better analogy.
The book is in Arlo's perception and it was enlightening to say the least. I didnt know whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity. I give the book 3.5 stars. It has potential. Ellis breezed through this book quickly and I feel like she could have given the book more depth. Even though I felt like throat punching our lead douche I have to know what happens next. I look forward to reading the second book.
So if you're reading this review buy the book. It's a short easy read and you might like it.
556 reviews670 followers
September 15, 2019
This novel was just fantastic. Literally loveable and more than anything in the world.

This is after Catching London with Arlo's thoughts this time. Catching London revolves around London and her world solely.

Arlo and London have such chemistry, and there's no denial in it. At first glance Arlo knows that not just physically, there's more to London than what she looks like and he wants her enough to know her more. And knowing that they are meant to be together whether London believes it not is Arlo's mission.

Arlo and London are so suited for another despite their polar personalities such as Arlo being a no commited man in relationships and believing the worl is filled with crap. London, with her horrible singing (if you have read the novels, you know this is true) but ambitious, caring personality knows that there is some hope in the world.

Woah what polar opposities... and yet what a matching couple.

True to definition, even if London and Arlo (only in the beginning) ignore their chemistry, they know it's a thing which would either end up into flames or into a long-time bond.

In the novel, we meet Arlo as an exhausted, sarcastic, overworked member of the band Cold, Hard, Heartless who's just come back from a day of hard work and satisfying oneself (if you know what I mean).

And then suprisingly at the same time, meets London, um washing in his bathroom. Now, it is an interesting sight for Arlo as he confronts London who he has no idea, is his housekeeper.

Later on we get to meet Arlo's other relatives like his grandpa, his brother (his twin brother Luke (I think that's his name)) and others in the band.

He vows after a couple of meetings with London to convince her that they are meant to be together.

A very lovely read despite it being short but I am sure it will all conclude in Pushing Arlo.

Obstacles arise, pasts come to surface, and difficult feelings arise as both Arlo and London battle to keep their love alive in novels: Catching London (London's POV only), Cold, Hard, Heartless (Arlo's POV only) and Pushing Arlo (hopefully both London and Arlo's POV).

That said, this is an absolute recommendation if you love sarcastic, handsome rockstars or muscians, sassy but with horrible voices, positive heroines, and the comedic characters in the scenes behind the main characters.

It's a novel which you will not regret.

Enjoy! (If you do read it.)

-Javelyn Bond
Profile Image for Chelé-----4 The Love of Books .
1,083 reviews56 followers
August 18, 2018
I was so excited to read Cold, Hard & Heartless because after reading Catching London I really wanted to know more about Arlo and what he was thinking. Cold, Hard & Heartless is the story of Arlo and London, from Arlo's POV.  

Arlo hasn't had the best background and his past experiences definitely played a role in the way he reacted to London when they first met. I wanted to know his inner thoughts and feelings.

The story is a quick read and it was so fun experiencing being in Arlo's head and knowing exactly what and how he felt about London and how she affects him.

Can't wait for Pushing Arlo!
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
1,153 reviews395 followers
August 18, 2018
⭐️ 4 "Hostile Takeover" Stars ⭐️
Cold, Hard & Heartless was straight to the point and finally showed the thoughts of Arlo in the most pivotal scenes of Catching London and his subsequent actions and reactions. I already loved him so much, but reading his thoughts was so interesting and diverting. I understood better his actions and the reasons behind them. I enjoyed a lot witnessing his conversations with his twin Luke, bandmate Jake and his Gramps. They made me laugh a lot! This novella was the perfect complement to Catching London that needs to be read before. Now, I’m more than ready to read the conclusion to London and Arlo’s love story in Pushing Arlo!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,603 reviews13 followers
August 14, 2018
4.5 stars

This is short, messy and to the point. This is told from Arlo's point of view its funny seeing as he works through his feelings and how to overcome his man whoring ways. A guys point of view is always a great way and seeing inside his crazy mind was a ton of fun!!!
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,010 reviews46 followers
June 12, 2019
Ok

POV in Arlo’s. Interesting to see that he did make his mind up on the first day. Love his bumbling to try and make London his. Wish we could have seen his POV when they were shopping and how he managed being away from her. The night she got drunk would have been funny too.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,506 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2018
For anyone that has read Chasing London, this book is the perfect companion. Arlo Jones is every cliche there is about a rock star front man - wrapped up in a delicious package and for me, this is what made this book so much fun. It basically Arlo's POV which we didn't see in Chasing London and quite frankly I enjoyed it much more as it is told in the get-to-the-point style I truly favor over endless prose. Arlo is an egotistical, annoying, antagonistic, sexy mess of a man - and when he meets London, add confused to his list of shortcomings. Oh how the mighty have fallen - There's enough drama to make it a really delicious look into the mind of the quint-essential rockstar. While I do recommend reading the first book, this one can be read as a standalone but you will want to go back to the beginning.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
August 13, 2018
What a crazy ride into Arlo’s head. I loved Catching London and this was a chance to understand what Arlo was really thinking as he first meets London and then decides to pursue her. He has sworn off on relationships so when he is attracted to London and realizes he wants to know more about her, he really doesn’t know how to make that happen. It was fun experiencing how Arlo found a way to capture London. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Bibliophile  Chloe .
1,265 reviews106 followers
August 8, 2018
I am so glad that MV wrote this! 

Cold, Hard & Heartless is the story of Arlo and London, from Catching London But it's told from Arlo's POV.  

This is a fast paced read and I really enjoyed it! I love reading books from alternate POV's and I was so glad to see that we get the same story but from a different perspective! 

It made the story much richer, to see Arlo's view of how the relationship came to be, what it means to him and how is trying to become a better person, to deserve London.

I highly encourage readers to start with Catching London
You could read this story as a stand alone, but it wouldn't feel complete without reading both!

I cannot wait to read what's coming up next for Arlo and London! Well done Ms. Ellis!

Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,411 reviews19 followers
August 10, 2018
This is Arlo's POV since meeting London. After reading Catching London(London's POV) I really wanted to find out what's going on in Arlo's head. I really enjoyed reading his thoughts and views on how his life was changing after meeting London. He felt so different yet so calm around her especially in his chaotic life. He never does the girlfriend thing but he wanted so much with her. I love reading the guys POV and this didn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Ann.
247 reviews36 followers
September 1, 2018
I loved being inside of Arlo’s head! This novella is a retelling of certain scenes in Catching London from Arlo’ point of view. I just love how he feels for London and Gramp’s was hilarious! If you love rockstar romance I definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
23 reviews
October 30, 2018
When I began reading Cold, Hard & Heartless by M.V. Ellis I did not realize that it was the second book in a series. There were times where I felt like I was missing something because I had not read the first book. I will have to go back and read it.
This book was a story from Arlo Jones Point of view. He is a total train wreck, who has had many things happen in his life to make him the way that he is. The opening chapter was a chapter like no other I have ever read. It was hard, cruel and gut wrenching and had me hooked to see what the book would have in store for me.
Arlo goes through several stages in this book. He is a total douche bag, then he sleeps with everyone, and then he falls in love. Love changes him and he will do anything for the woman he loves, London.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
626 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2018
What to do when the person you want so desperately does not want you? That’s what we delve into with this book. Arlo and London are meant for each other. Or so That’s what he believes and he will stop at nothing to make her believe it too.
There were so many emotions to this book. Mostly of annoyance and swooning. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle to the wall. I felt the characters were meant to be together. But at every twist and turn something would go wrong. So many times I would yell at my book. I was a little disappointed by the length of the book. I felt as if there could have been more story told in this book. But all in all a pretty good read.
Profile Image for Kat J.
158 reviews20 followers
September 9, 2018
A POV from Arlo for a few scenes from Catching London. Definitely amp up the bad boy factor for me and I just love being in the other person's head to get a sense of what is going on too.

I had to reread a couple of the scenes from Catching London coz I actually forgot some of it... but all is good in the world to be in Arlo's head.
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,852 reviews58 followers
August 19, 2018
Cold, Hard & Heartless, M.V. Ellis

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance,

well, in book one it was London's looonng metal monologues that I found off-putting and now its Arlo's....that's just me though, its a niggle that I find irritating, but that others may be indifferent to or even enjoy. I do enjoy a bit of introspection, it lets me feel and understand a characters actions, work out why they do things a certain way. From the outside Arlo could look like a man-whore jerk, but from his thoughts I can see he's more. I loved him in book one, and I'm glad I read that first as he doesn't seem quite a likable here, somehow his actions come across as very selfish here, certainly his past with Marnie, even when Luke warns him he's being a jerk and unfair, whereas I don't remember feeling that way in book one.
This story really just covers the ground of book one, but from Arlo's POV, there's nothing I noticed that was new there, and I think if the two books had been combined into one it would have worked better for me. Maybe one of those alternating POV stories? So that though I'd be reading stuff I knew already it would still be fresh, and I could meld each POV and see the actions from both sides as it happens.
I love the way he realised he was in love with London, though somehow although the period was covering several weeks/months somehow that didn't translate as well as in book one. It felt they went from meeting and the chaos of that to a kiss, then nothing until suddenly its weeks later and he's planning how to continue with her in his life. It feels like there's a gap in the middle were she keeps house but they don't seem to interact much, and then he's In Love.....
Book three should be interesting, hopefully they'll be a bit more action as they're on tour. I hope ;-) I love Tour books, with all the mayhem, bustle, music, traveling, groupies and chaos they bring. It would be good to get to know the other band members too.

Stars: Three and a half, didn't quite like it as much as book one but it is a good read, though quite short. Melded together, so I got both sides at the same time they would have made a perfect five star, single book for me.

ARC supplied by Author
Profile Image for Cee Cee Houston.
1,341 reviews27 followers
August 17, 2018
3.5 stars

When I chose to read an ARC of Cold, Hard, & Heartless by MV Ellis, I was unaware of it being not just part of a series, but the second of at that.
The story is that of Arlo Jones, a hot rock star who finds a naked woman in his basement shower and is instantly attracted to her. He’s a guy, after all and she naked!
The naked woman is London Llewellyn, a ballerina recovering from a serious accident who now works as a part-time housecleaner. She has a past that Arlo doesn’t know about. She also doesn’t know who he is and is not impressed with his behaviour, at least to begin with.
I felt like I was reading this story from behind a cover, like I was missing part of the plot, but maybe that’s because I hadn’t read book 1 yet.
There wasn’t a lot of sizzle to the story, their chemistry was good but not great, and that wasn’t helped by a lot of their interaction and smexy times being glossed over, or just told rather than shown. Again, this was probably covered in book 1, so I could be correct in assuming that this is basically a rewrite of it but told in single POV from the Arlo’s perspective. He goes from basically being a douche and a manwh*re to all in love. He’ll do anything to win London over.
Will it work?
Well, I don’t know yet, you need to read part three to find out.
So, if you’re thinking of picking up Cold, Hard and Heartless, best to start with Catching London first, as I am going to do. This was a quick read which I enjoyed, but I wish I’d known there was a book before it.

Profile Image for Laura.
371 reviews67 followers
August 27, 2018
I loved this novella so much. I loved Catching London earlier this year and I've been excited about more Arlo and London ever since. This novella has served me very nicely until Pushing Arlo on 1st September. The thing I loved most of this? It was his POV. I have crazy amounts of love for the male POV it's been a long time favourite of mine. When I read a male POV and it's a retelling of a scene I've already read from a female POV? I'm a very, very happier reader!

The opening chapter of this novella just about broke my heart, Arlo's perspective of his and London's epic first meeting left me gobsmacked, smiling huge and hot under the collar all at the same time and Arlo's problem solving in the final chapters had me rubbing my hands together with glee. Arlo is gorgeous, talented and a little bit cunning. And I am completely in love with him. Sorry London.

I can't end this review without giving a shoutout to Gramps! I love him almost as much as Arlo. It's not hard to see where Arlo gets his charm. I can see myself reading this novella at least a couple more times before 1st September even.
Profile Image for Sandra.
329 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in this series Chasing London which was from her POV. This is the beginning of Arlo's story & how he came to be who he is. It was the tragic death of his dad that caused his downward spiral & all his issues. His gramps was a guiding light when he needed to get his head out of his a** & get on with his life.
London was his saviour & I liked how she reformed the one time bad boy. But it was definitely one very hard battle he was facing to get her to trust him & be more.
This all occurs while his band is in a hiatus due to one member going into rehab. This is a novella starting with his initial awkward meeting with London & then having her as his photographer for his coffee table book.
If you enjoyed the story from Londons perspective I'm sure you're keen to learn Arlo's.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
Profile Image for charly & raine.
53 reviews
August 31, 2018
My review for Catching London started with “you had me at Rock Star”. Well this little beauty is actually the Rock God himself, it is based on his POV and it doesn’t take long to see how his filthy little mind works. So hot, straight up front, had me questioning myself “So What’s a persons core temperature supposed to be?” (runs to open window)

We meet new characters that are so “real and down to earth” they bring a smile to your face. There is nothing like family to keep you grounded, no matter how famous or, how big a celebrity you think you are. They will call you out on your bullshit and tell you how it is! There are some great scenes from different people in this book but my favourite was “Gramps”.

This is Arlo’s story, seeing things from his perspective, learning what brought him to be Cold, Hard and Heartless. I gotta say at one point I wanted to slap him up the side of the head for being such an ass, but then there is also an insight into his vulnerability and his true heart, the love for the people that mean something to him and you can’t help but hope that he can redeem himself and get his HEA with London, the one who has his heart.

This novella is a wonderful story to read after Catching London or as a lead up to Pushing Arlo. Arlo has a twin brother named Luke, also a band member, who is featured in this story. He plays a pivotal role and I feel there is more coming from him in the next book too. The author does a great job of their love/hate relationship.

“I say a silent thank-you prayer to the gods of hostile takeovers for the gift of London’s surname, and promise them an offering in return. I’m thinking Luke would be the perfect sacrifice. In the meantime, I immediately google “London Llwellyn” and silently air punch when it yields numerous results.”

A really easy read from an author who speaks my language. I love the banter and the sarcasm, the heartache and loyalty that comes with friendships bonded over years. I’m counting down to Pushing Arlo.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,364 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2020
“So what’s the deal? Do you secretly think she’s too good for you, so you’re screwing it up before she gets the chance to reject you? Or are you scared you don’t know how to be in a proper adult relationship, given the fact that unlike the rest of us, you actually never have been?”

Cold, Hard & Heartless is a recap of Catching London from Arlo Jones POV. It guides us through his thought process or lack of at times. We are introduced to family, get a closer look at one of the band members and some insight into his relationship with his twin Luke. He really is clueless in understanding how women think. An eye opener hearing that cringe worthy moment in the kitchen from his POV. On the outside he is all bravado and confidence, but underneath he is insecure.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,525 reviews277 followers
September 7, 2018
What to do when the person you want so desperately does not want you? That’s what we delve into with this book. Arlo and London are meant for each other. Or so That’s what he believes and he will stop at nothing to make her believe it too.

There were so many emotions to this book. Mostly of annoyance and swooning. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle to the wall. I felt the characters were meant to be together. But at every twist and turn something would go wrong. So many times I would yell at my book. I was a little disappointed by the length of the book. I felt as if there could have been more story told in this book. But all in all a pretty good read. - By Vanessa
1,857 reviews38 followers
May 30, 2019
After reading Catching London, I looked forward to Arlo's point of view on their relationship. This story shows that while Arlo is depicted as a bit of an "over the top" alpha, he does have a heart and feelings and all that good stuff. It's just that being a Rockstar, you have to keep up a persona. While reading, you can feel his emotions and how he wants things to work out with London, but will she believe him? She knows only that he has been with tons of women. Why would she be any different? I enjoyed this book as it gives you a different viewpoint and background as to how Arlo came to be. Now I can't wait to read more about Arlo and London!
665 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2022
Read under newer title [perhaps?] but this was the second of three parts between Leo and Ireland [formerly London]. Gritty and heartbreaking, pulling out all the emotions. I was surprised there was more after the first story, for these two, and indeed there was more... yanking all the heartstrings. This is Leo's side, forward and back, up until the great break. Well done in terms of presenting the differing sides and thought processes of the events. One of my favorite series, although definitely heavy on the "language" and blunt nature of the story.
Profile Image for Ashley .
1,164 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2018
I give it about a 3.5. I wish that the sexy scenes had been shown in here. We were told a lot about their times together, but never shown anything. The main character Arlo also hasn't redeemed himself to me yet, so there's that. He doesn't really have a reason to change except that he wants to be with the girl. But what other motivation is there?

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
September 6, 2018
Cold, Hard & Heartless is Arlo's POV from the most important moments since meeting London. It explains where his head was with his actions & reactions, I understood things a bit better now, though I'm still a bit upset some of his questionable douchey decisions. However, it's a great companion to Catching London from the talented M.V. Ellis, as it's short & to the point. It's definitely a crazy ride inside of Arlo's head, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
20 reviews
October 29, 2018
Cold. Hard. Heartless by MV Ellis
A novella about rockstar Arlo Jones. He loses a parent to cancer at the age of 15, spirals out of control living in a rinse/repeat cycle of drugs/booze/girls.

I didn't realize this was an alternate point of view story of Catching London. It's probably best if you read Catching London first to get more details of the story as this is a novella and only in Arlo's POV.
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
410 reviews16 followers
August 19, 2018
I've always been fascinated by a male POV romance. I don't know what it gets different, but is something else. Plus it always helps to complete the "puzzle" of the story. It's great to find out what a man thought or felt about something or someone. Better when it envoles his girlfriend.

*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.5k reviews257 followers
January 6, 2019
This is the second book in this amazing series, and is a unique insight into Alro’s head and this is his POV which explain his subsequent actions and reactions, regarding London. This is well written and I was hooked and intrigued throughout. Looking forward to reading more in this series, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all.
3,202 reviews
January 21, 2019
The sweeter side of Arlo.

I enjoyed this perspective through Arlo’s eyes. I just fell in love with his character more and it brought out the sweetness that made him more likable. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,097 reviews57 followers
January 27, 2019
A great companion read to Catching London told entirely from Arlo's POV.
It's great to read Arlo's thoughts and feelings as he finds himself doing the one thing he definitely wasn't looking for, falling in love.

**Complimentary copy recieved for an honest review.**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews