Rich boys don’t fraternize with the help.They don’t torture the help.They don’t crave the help.For as long as I can remember, my mom and I have lived on the edge of ruin, so when she finally gets a decent job offer, she moves us cross-country to take it.Who cares if it means working as a live-in housekeeper for a man wealthier than God? The paycheck is good, and it comes with a roof over our … good, and it comes with a roof over our heads.
She even manages to get me enrolled in the fancy prep academy his son goes to—the kind that spits out future CEOs and politicians like a vending machine.
But this new town has a few things my old one didn’t…
Like secrets that could get a person killed, and four of the hottest, meanest guys I’ve ever met.
I might live in their world now, but I am not a part of it, and they’ll do whatever it takes to remind me of that.
We go to school together, live together, and share a dangerous secret, but as far as Lincoln, River, Dax, and Chase are concerned…
I’m just the help.
***AUTHOR’S NOTE: The Help is a reverse harem high school bully romance, the first book in the Kings of Linwood Academy trilogy. It contains cursing and sexual situations.
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This was a good high school story filled with jealousy, fights, threats, murder, steamy scenes, drama and more. I absolutely loved Harlow’s mom Penelope, but I get a feeling that there’s some well kept secret between her and Samuel. I also think that even though Audrey makes an appearance here and there, there’s more to her than what she’s showing. Now let’s get to the main characters Harlow, Lincoln, River, Dax and Chase. I enjoyed Harlow but I think that she forgives the boys too fast even though I’m truly enjoying their relationships. Lincoln, River, Dax and Chase are jerks when they want to be and caring when you least expect it. River’s secret is revealed and it makes me love him a little more. This story ends with a huge cliffhanger regarding Harlow’s mom Penelope. It’s not surprising how the boys betrayed Harlow, especially when they told her that she had to keep what happened with Iris a secret until they figure everything out. In a town full of people with money and power, you never know who the key players are and the secrets their keeping but I’m looking forward to finding out.
I am relatively knew to the whole reverse harem bully romance genre but I absolutely eat this stuff up.
– new girl moves into a rich people’s home who have a son her age – check
– there are boys who rule the school and everyone is afraid of them – check
– the new girl is instantly disliked by the boys that rule the school but eventually she wins them over – check
I am not in the slightest embarrassed to say that I live for that shit and I absolutely devoured this book within a day.
I absolutely LOVED The Help by Callie Rose. It had everything I crave. I loved the four boys, Lincoln, Chase, River and Dax. While they were large dicks to Harlow, it did not make them any less charming and delicious. I also enjoyed the fact that River had a disability because you do not see that very often these days in romance books. Most of the time the hero is this perfect specimen with galloping abs. So having River with a disability really appealed to me and it made me like him a lot more.
I seriously love the shit out of Harlow. She never backs down and always holds her head high even when she’s being bullied by everyone at school. She is quite sensible and protective of the people she cares about. She can be a bit impulsive but she always has the best intentions and she has good head on her shoulders. I also really adore Hunter, Harlow’s best friend, and I hope she will make more appearance in future books.
The chemistry between Harlow and the boys is off the charts, especially with Lincoln. Maybe it’s because they live together with her mother being his family’s live-in maid. But phew, the tension between them burns hot. They say that they hate her, but we all know that the line between love and hate is a thin one. And it could not be more of a case than here.
The Help ends on one hell of a cliffhanger and there is still so much left unanswered. Who really killed Iris because I am sure as hell it was not Harlow’s mother. Why does Savannah hate Harlow so much because there must be a reason. And what on earth possessed the boys to do what they did? I cannot wait to read The Lie to see what explanation the boys will come up with. I totally recommend everyone to read this!
I read this series for the first time almost a year ago and I always say it’s a good starter RH, but after another reread and listening to the audiobook, I’m not sure I stand by that. It was one of my first RH series, so I’ve read some that are more tame and some that are way more steamy. I would definitely say that this is in the middle.
“It’s not a sweet kiss. It’s not even a hot kiss. It’s more like a natural disaster, a tornado tearing through the landscape, destroying everything in its path and leaving the world as it once existed in ruins. It’s fire. It’s pain. It’s need.”
— The Help: A High School Bully Romance (Kings of Linwood Academy Book 1) by Callie Rose
There are some series that we read and forget, but I can honestly say that I’ve never forgotten Harlow and the guys.
It’s definitely a rough start for “Pool Girl” at her new home and school. I had absolute disgust for Lincoln and his friends for quite a while, but as with most bully books, you learn to love them.
This is a good first book in a series that I will go back to.
3.5 stars
I was loving this book until the end. The ending sucked but the rest of the book is good.
I have been in the mood for a bully romance. Instead of one bully, I got four. I wonder how this next book will play out. But I have a feeling shit is about to hit.
I don’t know how to feel about the heroine. But out of the four guys, I don’t know if I like any of them yet. I guess we will see.
Harlow has beat cancer. Her mom is still working to pay off the medical bills and just wants the best for her. When her mom lands an amazing job, with Harlow as her assistant, things start to look up. But the employers son, Lincoln has other plans. Harlow is able to go to an exclusive school, but the kids are not as accepting of her. This is an enemies to lovers romance, but the route to get there is not a straight line. Harlow is tortured by the mean girls and she stands strong, until a nightmare begins. This is when the story changes from just a highschool romance to one suspenseful story of heros and a heroine. The drama is just as intense. I binged this series because each had a cliffhanger, but it was so good, I could not stop.
Amanda Stirling brought this story to life. I felt as if I was living the story through her narration. Harlow is one strong girl and Stirling brings that out. Stirling has an easy to listen to voice. Her male characters are smooth and realistic sounding. I hope to hear more from Amanda Stirling.
She is the new girl navigating through a new life, new home, new school, bullies, and her Mom’s new job, but life gets complicated for Harlow and gets out of her control as she watches the patrol car drive away and her Mom is in the back seat.
This is the first book in The Kings of Linwood series.
Amanda did a wonderful job narrating this story.
Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession
I fell in love with Callie’s stories with the Oak Prep boys and Talia and I just might love this world/series as much!! I don’t think I can say even more before of how awesome and epic the other series was, but they can definitely be tied haha. I think I fell in love with Harlow a lot faster than Talia because of how relatable she was and just her personality in general. Also I think because the bully level on here from the love interests was waaaay turned down compared to Oak Prep I was able to get into the story faster.
So my thoughts on the story without giving too much away. Again love Harlow and am rooting for her every step of the way. The guys in here are mostly scrumptious. I think Lincoln needs a good reality check, River is an adorable enigma, and I think the twins are so similar I kinda miss them being 2 separate people. That is my only real critique of the guys. I like how the bullying was a limited time and that the major bullying was from others (not that I condone bullying, but its sometimes hard for me to fathom the main characters falling in love with their horrible, horrible attackers/bullies. I really like Harlow’s mom and the aristocratic atmosphere is done if a good way. I want to bash in Savannah’s face (I already listened to book 2, but more in that review hahaha). The cliffhanger on this one made me want to throw my phone and I am glad I waited to listen to this series until all the books were out because I would have been so greedy for more/would have had such a bad book hangover I would have been down and out for awhile haha.
For the narration, I thought Amanda Stribling did a great job! I thought sometimes she was a little too whiny when Harlow was upset, but overall I am adding her to my good narrators list. I think that is the only reason I couldn’t give her a 5 star, a close 4.5 for sure. I thought she did a good job with the guys, and even the older gentlemen in the story, like Mr. Black. I loved how she changed her voice for Harlow’s mom and Hunter haha. Amanda definitely add the flavor needed to the story to bring it to life and I think she did it justice!
I would definitely recommend this series and especially the audiobooks. I am already on book 3, it is that good! You will be sucked into this story and you will fall for Harlow preeeetty fast
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
The Help
5 stars for The Help by Callie Rose. This is book one in The Kings of Linwood Academy. This is my first book from this author and I loved it. Not only is this book a reverse harem it is also a romantic suspense. The Help is everything we love in a dark bully romance. Harlow is awesome, not only has she has a rough life she still holds her head up high. I loved how strong she was even in the face of danger. Lincoln, River, Dax and Chase are great characters. They each bring something different to the story. I am telling you if you love dark bully romance then this is a book for you.
Yep, has it all. Girl you fall for and wants as your best friend, panty dropping boys, and a GREAT plot. Then you guessed it Callie’s all to famous makes you want to love and hate her cliffhanger. This one can write and if her name is on it you NEED to read it. You will thank me later.
Harlow, Being a daughter of a maid, she doesn’t fit the mold of the rich, privileged students at the elite Linwood Academy. 4 gorgeous guys, known as The King s of Linwood, taunt, love , protect her. Or is it just a game to them? When she needed them the most, they betray her! This story will have you on the edge of seat, cheering for Harlow, while she is being taunted, trashed and left behind. A story of lies, mystery, murder, lust, and who to trust. And what a devastating cliffhanger! Very good story by Callie Rose. The narration by Amanda Stribling is full of emotions that are portrayed throughout the story. The story flowed flawlessly between characters, giving each one their own personality and voice!
audiobookobsessionreview
You may think this is your typical Bully to lover romance, but you are totally wrong. So much happens in this book that I can’t say anything without giving a spoiler and yet I want to tell you everything to get me over this book hangover. Gah! I need the next book now.
Wow that was not what I expected at all!!
The Help is a definite page turner. It sucks you into the story of The kings of Linwood, and their lives within an Elite society.
Harlow and her mom move across country and become live in maids for the Black family. It isn’t long before Harlow starts to realise that Lincoln, son of the Black family and his friends Dax, Chase and Rivers are living a life full of intrigue.
The boys each have their own stand out personalities but Linc…. Yum! That broody, passionate, sexy boy made my heart race. He was definitely my favourite out of the four.
The secrets, the intrigue, the violent threats lurking on the horizon.
That line perfectly sums up this book.
Secrets.
Lies.
Intrigue.
Suspense
Dysfunctional families.
High stakes
Intense moments.
This whole book is shrouded in mystery that kept me up reading until I finished. I just had to keep reading one more chapter to get my answers. And guess what… THERE IS THE MOTHER OF ALL CLIFFHANGERS!!!
And I have to wait until August to find out what happens!
This is a reverse harem, light bully romance that will have your mind chasing answers, and leave you wanting more!
I think I found a new favorite author. There isn’t a book by this author that I haven’t enjoyed. My emotions are put through the ringer. With books like this, in each new series, you’d almost expect them to have some of the same storylines but that’s not the case with this author. Callie Rose takes each book, each series, and creates these complex and intricate worlds and characters. And the books are definitely their own stories. Each series has it’s own world, it’s own characters, and it’s own stories. They are completely unique and amazing, and you definitely don’t feel like you’re reading the same recycled story with different characters. I cannot wait for the next one!
The Help: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance is the first book in the Kings of Linwood Academy series by Callie Rose. I enjoyed this novel which had a bit of everything- romance, bullying, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies and a cliff hanger ending you would not see coming. It was fast-paced and steamy with some twists that will all have you hooked until the end. I liked the characters and the storyline and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this novel to all lovers of Bully romances.
The audiobook was narrated by Amanda Stribling. She did a fantastic job with these characters and brought the story to life. I enjoyed listening to her narration of this novel.
When Marlow’s (the MFC) mum gets the job of a lifetime as an executive housekeeper they think their problems are over. Well at least their money problems will be. Fitting into a new life with people that only care about money & status will be harder to get used to especially Marlow who has to go to school with them. They are hardly welcoming. Top of that list are the so called Kings of Linwood – Lincoln (the son of her boss) River, Dax & Chase. Four over-privileged, elitist, entitled guys who believe they run the school & everyone in it. Including her. This book is about Marlow finding her way in this new life plus the lies & the secrets of those around her. So many plot twists & turns in this book i couldnt keep track. Omg that ending blew me away! Good flaming grief this book is amazing. Absolutely loved it
The kings of Lynwood rule the academy even though its divided into three. Them, the jocks, and the cheerleaders.
He is one of the four kings, controlling the student body.
She doesn’t belong in any of the social classes. Shes not rich, shes not got the social class of the others, shes just the hired help forced upon him.
She has a target on her back thanks to them, bullied from every angle.
What was their reason, will she ever know?
Oh wowsers what a fantastic collision of the rich and poor, the powerful and the insubstantial.
They are everything whilst she is nothing, I freaking loved the power battles between them. The fire and ice. Hot and cold.
Delicious and daunting are they. Four following one, one trying to escape four. Run girl run!!
Having never read Callie before I wasn’t sure what to expect though obviously I knew the subject matter.
Her words curl around your heart and mind bringing nothing but pure delight and an insatiable need for more more more!
If you are obsessed with bully or academy reads like I am, then you NEED this soooooo much!!
Bully Romance
I’m still trying to figure out the buys end game and who did It! It keeps you guess and has the right amount or high school drama. Left with so many unanswered questions but in a good way! Makes me want to keep going !
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! what a whirlwind!! So many twists and turns!! Flat out stunned!! Freaking awesome!!
Y’all. Y’ALL. Y’AAAAALLLLLLL.
Like a leaf in a hurricane, this book blew me away. No lie, I was excited for my newborn to wake up in the middle of the night to eat so I could have a reason to be up at 3 A.M. reading.
In “The Help: Kings of Linwood Academy #1,” Callie Rose introduces the reader to Harlow and her mom, Penelope Thomas. The two make a cross country move in order for Harlow’s mom to take high paying position as an Executive Housekeeper in a prestigious neighborhood in Connecticut. Harlow, a teenager who lives her life to the fullest and does what she can to help her mom, is thrust into a world that she knows nothing about when she meets the Kings of Linwood Academy who can make or break her.
Harlow moves across country, to a new school, in a world she doesn’t understand…but she is still pretty kickass. She has survived far more than anyone understands and while she doesn’t aggressively fight back, she also doesn’t back down. The girl has snark and a backbone, but it isn’t super off-putting or aggressive, which is something that can be really appreciated. In some bully romances, the protagonist is boring and one-dimensional or just way too wishy-washy. The author has left room for more character development to occur and I can’t wait to see what she does with Harlow. The relationship between Harlow and her mom was very interesting. The bond that they share played out well and I hope that continues to develop as the series moves forward. And of course, we can’t forget the guys in the book. Lincoln, River, Chase, and Dax. Each one brought something unique to the group and had their own flaws that made them way more relatable. Thank you for that.
With this being the first in a RH high school bully romance, Rose has done a great job setting the stage. The rich have their secrets and they will do anything to protect them and she has thrown our protagonist, Harlow, right in the middle of it. The characters are all upper-level students, which makes their behavior much easier to believe even if it is outlandish at times (but I mean, that’s what we expect in fiction, right?). Rose never threw me out of the story, which sometimes can happen when it comes to a bully romance when it isn’t handled with care. She maintained the suspension of disbelief. The editing was carefully and professionally done.
I sat down and read this in one sitting, and then went back and read parts of it again. I am stupid excited for the next book in the series because the ending on this one has me seriously ready for more. ***It does end on a cliffhanger, but do NOT let that stop you from reading it.***
I did receive an ARC of this book for my honest and fair opinion