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Shame Me Not #1
Shame
Shame. Panic. Desire. Dominance. Disgust.
All feelings that I was familiar with from the age of sixteen. That's when I met Ana. The girl next door who became so much more. Until her, I was alone in the dark desires that I didn't understand, that I couldn't reconcile.
My best friend, she accepted me. Helped me see that there was no shame in the things that we both craved. Her submission was a drug, my dominance over her a high that I'd never experienced. When we were together, I was at peace for the first time in my life.
But it was too good to last. Our own guilt over our feelings, of our appetite for pain and pleasure, destroyed us.
I was convinced that all I needed was a chance, just one more chance to overcome my shame, and Ana would be able to trust me again.
If only it were that easy.
*WARNING: This book is an erotic romance and does contain consensual sexual situations between characters under eighteen that include submission and domination.
All feelings that I was familiar with from the age of sixteen. That's when I met Ana. The girl next door who became so much more. Until her, I was alone in the dark desires that I didn't understand, that I couldn't reconcile.
My best friend, she accepted me. Helped me see that there was no shame in the things that we both craved. Her submission was a drug, my dominance over her a high that I'd never experienced. When we were together, I was at peace for the first time in my life.
But it was too good to last. Our own guilt over our feelings, of our appetite for pain and pleasure, destroyed us.
I was convinced that all I needed was a chance, just one more chance to overcome my shame, and Ana would be able to trust me again.
If only it were that easy.
*WARNING: This book is an erotic romance and does contain consensual sexual situations between characters under eighteen that include submission and domination.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 26, 2017
983 people are currently reading
4800 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Cole
34 books4,461 followersFiona Cole is a military wife and a stay at home mom with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. As much as she loved science she decided to postpone her career to stay at home with her two little girls and immersed herself in the world of books until finally deciding to write her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
January 29, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Shame Me Not (stand-alone). They share the bond of craving rough sex & violent sex role play!
“It was just Kevin and that was what scared me. There was no just about him.”
Books should be read in order:
Book 1: Shame
Book 1.5: Make It To the Altar
Shame Me Not (stand-alone) is an against-all-odds love story spanning ten years.
Long before Fifty Shades teenage students and best friends Kevin Harding, Kev and Anabelle Montgomery, Ana both struggled with craving rough and violent sex. It was confusing, taboo and went against everything they had planned for in life.
That compounded by their growing sexual attraction to each other led to stolen kisses, heated moments, hot steamy sexual situations that ultimately forced them to make tough choices setting them on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Seven words to describe Kevin Harding, Kev: Noble, conflicted, commanding, intense, complex, secretive and dirty-talker.
Seven words to describe Anabelle Montgomery, Ana: Meek, stubborn, smart, relentless, feisty, confused and hard-headed.
Shame Me Not, told from dual POVs, is a beautifully written epic love saga with compelling characters and a multi-layered plot dealing with the stigma of sexuality, friendships, boundaries, lust and forbidden desires such as dirty-talking, sexual role-play and forceful sex on the verge of BDSM.
Thought-provoking! Emotional! A love so great it transcends time!
"I'm a man who knows what you need and would move heaven and earth to give it to you."
***
Hero: ★★★★1/2
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★1/2
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | HIGH FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
ARC provided to me by author Fiona Cole in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2018
Where did Fiona Cole come from. I'm completely blown away by Shame Me Not. What a beautiful and captivating story about friendship and acknowledging your true self. Kevin and Ana are just like any other 16 year olds except they hide who they truly are deep down. They both wear masks but not when they're around one another. Kevin and Ana are best friends and neighbors. Share everything with each other except their hidden desires and sexual preferences.
Kevin was amazing. I instantly liked him for who he was and how he cared for Ana. No matter what he was there for her. When he had sex it had to be rough, he had to be the one in control. To dominate his partner.
I enjoyed Ana as well. She moved to a new town and just wanted to fit in. Tried to please everyone but only Kevin's friendship mattered. All her life she's been the one in charge and making decisions especially when it came to her mother. Ana was sick of sweet and soft. She wanted to be dominated, to be cared for. When Ana and Kevin both revealed their true dark desires they finally let go. It was intense, hard and erotic. But still fears and insecurities hid beneath the surface throughout the years.
Shame Me Not spanned over ten years and no matter how strained their friendship or how intense and rough their sexual relationship became they could always rely on one another. Ana and Kevin's friendship was extraordinary. I loved witnessing how it evolved from neighbors to best friends. How important they were to each other. There were heartbreaking and enthralling scenes that definitely made an impact on me. Kevin thought himself as a monster when he was young and Ana looked at herself and saw a freak when she became an adult. She just wanted normal whereas Kevin just wanted her to embrace her dark needs.
Fiona Cole depicted their struggles, fears and insecurities beautifully. The incredibly intense and erotic scenes were mesmerizing. At no point did I dislike Kevin because of how rough he was towards Ana. They trusted each other explicitly.
Shame Me Not was a beautiful romance and love story. Fiona Cole shares a powerful message. To be honest, not hide yourself and communicate. Ana and Kevin made me smile, hurt, swoon and frustrated the hell out of me but their love and trust for one another was epic. Shame Me Not was a winner. Definitely a must read. Wow!
5 BadAssDirtyPinkieStars
Kevin was amazing. I instantly liked him for who he was and how he cared for Ana. No matter what he was there for her. When he had sex it had to be rough, he had to be the one in control. To dominate his partner.
I enjoyed Ana as well. She moved to a new town and just wanted to fit in. Tried to please everyone but only Kevin's friendship mattered. All her life she's been the one in charge and making decisions especially when it came to her mother. Ana was sick of sweet and soft. She wanted to be dominated, to be cared for. When Ana and Kevin both revealed their true dark desires they finally let go. It was intense, hard and erotic. But still fears and insecurities hid beneath the surface throughout the years.
Shame Me Not spanned over ten years and no matter how strained their friendship or how intense and rough their sexual relationship became they could always rely on one another. Ana and Kevin's friendship was extraordinary. I loved witnessing how it evolved from neighbors to best friends. How important they were to each other. There were heartbreaking and enthralling scenes that definitely made an impact on me. Kevin thought himself as a monster when he was young and Ana looked at herself and saw a freak when she became an adult. She just wanted normal whereas Kevin just wanted her to embrace her dark needs.
Fiona Cole depicted their struggles, fears and insecurities beautifully. The incredibly intense and erotic scenes were mesmerizing. At no point did I dislike Kevin because of how rough he was towards Ana. They trusted each other explicitly.
Shame Me Not was a beautiful romance and love story. Fiona Cole shares a powerful message. To be honest, not hide yourself and communicate. Ana and Kevin made me smile, hurt, swoon and frustrated the hell out of me but their love and trust for one another was epic. Shame Me Not was a winner. Definitely a must read. Wow!
5 BadAssDirtyPinkieStars
October 14, 2017
2 Stars
DNF @ 45%
The cover screams Adult Fiction/Erotica/BDSM but what I’ve read so far, both MCs were seventeen (at the first half I mean, I don’t know about the second half and I went into it blind without reading blurb) but it wasn’t my problem! They just think about sex and the thing that their taste in sex is different from others and they worried nobody found out about it. Albeit it has some hot scenes but I needed more. Somehow it fell flat for me, hope you enjoy it!
DNF @ 45%
The cover screams Adult Fiction/Erotica/BDSM but what I’ve read so far, both MCs were seventeen (at the first half I mean, I don’t know about the second half and I went into it blind without reading blurb) but it wasn’t my problem! They just think about sex and the thing that their taste in sex is different from others and they worried nobody found out about it. Albeit it has some hot scenes but I needed more. Somehow it fell flat for me, hope you enjoy it!
April 13, 2020
5 Rough Love Stars ⭐
Shame would have to be one of the best erotic coming of age love stories with a twist. Be prepared to be drawn in from the very first page and to be completely captivated by Kevin and Ana.
A love affair spanning 10 years, we first meet Kevin and Ana as sweet 16 year olds. Having moved to a new town when her parents split, Ana ends up being Kevin's neighbour. They become instant friends and the guardians of each other's secrets. A true friendship that has no boundaries.
"I don’t have to be anything other than myself around you."
As the years progress and they mature into young adults, the feelings that have simmered below the surface are allowed to make themselves known. But amidst this, both Kevin and Ana have held onto one truth that they've never revealed; their sexual preferences, or precisely what turns their crank. A secret filled with guilt and shame, one they mutually share.
"Relief.
Relief that we had found someone who understood the unnatural parts inside us.
Relief that we weren’t alone in our desires."
Yet here's the thing with young love, there is a fine line between maturity and immaturity. And the smallest thing can fracture the very thing you hold dear.
Kevin and Ana's story is complicated. There is never any doubt of their friendship and commitment, but the dark desires that drives them plays havoc with their emotions. It has them questioning who they are and what they are to each other. And in their case it will take years and many missteps to own their identity. Shame was an incredible journey of love and acceptance.
"I let my head fall back on the sheets and inhaled the smell of sex. The smell of submission and domination. The smell of Kevin. The smell of me. The smell of us."
Shame would have to be one of the best erotic coming of age love stories with a twist. Be prepared to be drawn in from the very first page and to be completely captivated by Kevin and Ana.
A love affair spanning 10 years, we first meet Kevin and Ana as sweet 16 year olds. Having moved to a new town when her parents split, Ana ends up being Kevin's neighbour. They become instant friends and the guardians of each other's secrets. A true friendship that has no boundaries.
"I don’t have to be anything other than myself around you."
As the years progress and they mature into young adults, the feelings that have simmered below the surface are allowed to make themselves known. But amidst this, both Kevin and Ana have held onto one truth that they've never revealed; their sexual preferences, or precisely what turns their crank. A secret filled with guilt and shame, one they mutually share.
"Relief.
Relief that we had found someone who understood the unnatural parts inside us.
Relief that we weren’t alone in our desires."
Yet here's the thing with young love, there is a fine line between maturity and immaturity. And the smallest thing can fracture the very thing you hold dear.
Kevin and Ana's story is complicated. There is never any doubt of their friendship and commitment, but the dark desires that drives them plays havoc with their emotions. It has them questioning who they are and what they are to each other. And in their case it will take years and many missteps to own their identity. Shame was an incredible journey of love and acceptance.
"I let my head fall back on the sheets and inhaled the smell of sex. The smell of submission and domination. The smell of Kevin. The smell of me. The smell of us."
July 26, 2017
4.5 hot stars ❤
I'm speechless,omg this story was fantastic.I loved every part of this story,Shame Me Not is an incredible mix of love,passion,tension,drama with two awesome characters.
I freaking loved Ana and Kevin's relationship, they have an amazing chemistry and you could feel the intensity,the sparkle and the fire between them.I loved that together they explored their dark desires.Omg there were some really hot,kinky sex scenes and Kevin has a dirty mouth to make you melt and swoon all the time.
I loved how the story developed ,it was fast paced and kept my interest till the end! I always love finding new authors, Fiona impressed me with this story and I can't wait to read more from her!
I'm speechless,omg this story was fantastic.I loved every part of this story,Shame Me Not is an incredible mix of love,passion,tension,drama with two awesome characters.
I freaking loved Ana and Kevin's relationship, they have an amazing chemistry and you could feel the intensity,the sparkle and the fire between them.I loved that together they explored their dark desires.Omg there were some really hot,kinky sex scenes and Kevin has a dirty mouth to make you melt and swoon all the time.
I loved how the story developed ,it was fast paced and kept my interest till the end! I always love finding new authors, Fiona impressed me with this story and I can't wait to read more from her!
March 29, 2022
3.5 stars! I liked it but idk why they couldn't just google things to learn more about their kinks lol
March 14, 2021
Wow! Just wow!
You know I was suppose to do my tax return this weekend. But listening to the first chapter of Shame, all my to do list go out of the window.
I was so hooked on Shame that I kept on listening.
Miss Cole brought a new definition of taboo and forbidden kinky sex. Even though Kevin have tendency to punish his partner, I do not feel he is anti hero. He is in fact the sweetest man I ever encountered. This is not a story of broken hero/ heroine. This is a story of being true to yourself.
I am so enamoured with Kevin and Ana. Their love story is so beautiful. Miss Cole make sure her readers feel all the respect and love between Kevin and Ana.
Now back to the tax return....sigh!
5 stars
You know I was suppose to do my tax return this weekend. But listening to the first chapter of Shame, all my to do list go out of the window.
I was so hooked on Shame that I kept on listening.
Miss Cole brought a new definition of taboo and forbidden kinky sex. Even though Kevin have tendency to punish his partner, I do not feel he is anti hero. He is in fact the sweetest man I ever encountered. This is not a story of broken hero/ heroine. This is a story of being true to yourself.
I am so enamoured with Kevin and Ana. Their love story is so beautiful. Miss Cole make sure her readers feel all the respect and love between Kevin and Ana.
Now back to the tax return....sigh!
5 stars
September 9, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This is such a phenomenal take on BDSM. I love that we get to experience this kinky coming of age between these two people.
But it’s been the most extreme rollercoaster. From the highest highs when they smolder for each other, when they realize how much they understand each other. To the lowest lows when mistakes are made, when he didn’t have her back when she needed him the most. When she wanted normal when it would never make her happy.
So many times I wanted to scream at them, to shake some sense into them. Don’t they see? Don’t they know that no one will ever love them the way they love each other. Even when it’s blaring right in their faces. When they purposely push each other away and wonder why they’re not happy. It kills me little by little inside until I have no choice but to cry for a love that’s wasted.
It was such a relief when he called her on her bullshit. Because while they’ve both been guilty of mistreating what they share, Ana bears the grunt of that guilt. Kevin proved over and over again that he would do anything for her and she needed to realize that.
If anything I just wish that Ana was more worthy of him.
This is such a phenomenal take on BDSM. I love that we get to experience this kinky coming of age between these two people.
But it’s been the most extreme rollercoaster. From the highest highs when they smolder for each other, when they realize how much they understand each other. To the lowest lows when mistakes are made, when he didn’t have her back when she needed him the most. When she wanted normal when it would never make her happy.
So many times I wanted to scream at them, to shake some sense into them. Don’t they see? Don’t they know that no one will ever love them the way they love each other. Even when it’s blaring right in their faces. When they purposely push each other away and wonder why they’re not happy. It kills me little by little inside until I have no choice but to cry for a love that’s wasted.
It was such a relief when he called her on her bullshit. Because while they’ve both been guilty of mistreating what they share, Ana bears the grunt of that guilt. Kevin proved over and over again that he would do anything for her and she needed to realize that.
If anything I just wish that Ana was more worthy of him.
May 8, 2020
Finally, a unique twist on a popular kink -BDSM, or aspects of it! Loved this book - enough to read portions to my boyfriend over the phone and make him think I'm crazy! I also loved that it started out with two underage kids discovering they fit each half of an equation and together they could be whole and not have their 'freak flags' hanging out in high school. What to say about Kevin? An absolute sweetheart of a dreamboat of a sadist and human being. He truly did make me redefine the word 'sadist' as I usually think of Ted Bundy or the Marquis de Sade when that word pops up to this degree, but hey, that's just me. It also really fascinated me to see what one would consider two very different sides of a human in one person. So loving and sweet mixed with so violent and rough. And I really ended up digging both, although I wouldn't quite be up to Kevin's physical 'activities' (so props to Ana being able to handle that). His thoughtfulness and love for Ana (Annabelle) is so consistent it is swoon worthy.
It was also interesting and somewhat organic to have the book take place over the span of ten years and their evolution fighting through fears, stigmas, misunderstandings with one another, separation, shame and the wish to be normal. Coming to grips with who they really are no matter how much they try not to be. Role reversal where Ana starts out accepting of her needs and Kevin is mortified by his and how some random incidents cause Ana to switch places with Kevin and be the one not accepting of her true self as a masochist and fighting to bury it. I read some reviews that say the middle is too long but I liked the angst ridden journey and the comings together and the bouts away from one another. It made it all the more of a question of how they would come together in the end and all the sweeter for me when they did. A really fresh take on an overused genre of sexuality well worth the read and one I won't forget easily. This one needled it's way in to my skewed, warped little heart!
5***** sadistic masochistic stars!!!
It was also interesting and somewhat organic to have the book take place over the span of ten years and their evolution fighting through fears, stigmas, misunderstandings with one another, separation, shame and the wish to be normal. Coming to grips with who they really are no matter how much they try not to be. Role reversal where Ana starts out accepting of her needs and Kevin is mortified by his and how some random incidents cause Ana to switch places with Kevin and be the one not accepting of her true self as a masochist and fighting to bury it. I read some reviews that say the middle is too long but I liked the angst ridden journey and the comings together and the bouts away from one another. It made it all the more of a question of how they would come together in the end and all the sweeter for me when they did. A really fresh take on an overused genre of sexuality well worth the read and one I won't forget easily. This one needled it's way in to my skewed, warped little heart!
5***** sadistic masochistic stars!!!
July 23, 2017
3.5 stars!
You submit so beautifully because you know I would always put you first. I know you trust me.”
Shame Me Not explores a familiar theme in erotic romance: dominance and submission. What makes this book unique and stand out to me was the age of the characters.
This book was divided into three parts. Part one starts when a new girl, Ana, moved next door to Kevin’s family. They became fast friends. There was an immediate attraction between them which remained unexplored for the most part until they finally revealed their kinks to each other.
Part 1 is probably my favorite part. The idea itself wasn’t unique in this genre but the author managed to give it her own twist to the story. Both Kevin and Ana are compelling characters. They’re very much flawed characters which made them all the more interesting.
As I mentioned above, kink exploration isn’t new to the genre. We see a lot of book explore the idea of two characters coming to terms with their sexuality all the time. What makes Shame Me Not unique is that both Kevin and Ana are very young. They didn’t quite understand what it meant. The only thing they knew was that it both made them feel very good and very ashamed, which added complexity to this story. You can sympathize with their fear and confusion as they tried to come to terms with what it might mean to them.
They explored and pushed their boundaries sometimes to the detriment of their relationship with each other and their relationship with other people. And it did finally come to head, and even though I was kind of expecting the “shit to hit the fan” it didn’t diminish the emotion it elicited.
Part 2 and 3 pickup years after the events in high school. Both are older but one of them is still carrying the same baggage and issues they had when they were younger. This is where the story fell apart for me. I was still invested in the characters. And I wanted them to find that place where they both can move on and accept who they are. And they did. It’s just that it took them a long, long time to get there. Too long for me. The pacing slowed down significantly without any changes to the characters. I don’t mind slow as long as I get to see that the characters made progress with their arc and that didn’t really happen to Ana or Kevin. They were still confronting the same issues that they had when they were younger and still doing the same thing they did in high school. It became tedious after a while.
There was also a strange gap between the events that happened in the second part and the third. It was like chunks of the story was missing. I needed that more than I needed the push and pull they had during their college years because I wanted to see how Ana came to terms with her kink. I wanted to her epiphany so to speak. And that was kind of glossed over. I did appreciate the epilogue which was fantastic.
Despite my issues with the pacing, I thoroughly enjoyed Shame Me Not. It explored something familiar in an unexpected way that I’ve never read before. Fiona Cole did an excellent job bringing Kevin and Ana to life. I was with these characters from the very beginning until the end. I felt their happiness, their pain, their doubts—everything, and that’s a testament to the skill of this author.
You shouldn't be anyone but you, because you're perfect.”
You submit so beautifully because you know I would always put you first. I know you trust me.”
Shame Me Not explores a familiar theme in erotic romance: dominance and submission. What makes this book unique and stand out to me was the age of the characters.
This book was divided into three parts. Part one starts when a new girl, Ana, moved next door to Kevin’s family. They became fast friends. There was an immediate attraction between them which remained unexplored for the most part until they finally revealed their kinks to each other.
Part 1 is probably my favorite part. The idea itself wasn’t unique in this genre but the author managed to give it her own twist to the story. Both Kevin and Ana are compelling characters. They’re very much flawed characters which made them all the more interesting.
As I mentioned above, kink exploration isn’t new to the genre. We see a lot of book explore the idea of two characters coming to terms with their sexuality all the time. What makes Shame Me Not unique is that both Kevin and Ana are very young. They didn’t quite understand what it meant. The only thing they knew was that it both made them feel very good and very ashamed, which added complexity to this story. You can sympathize with their fear and confusion as they tried to come to terms with what it might mean to them.
They explored and pushed their boundaries sometimes to the detriment of their relationship with each other and their relationship with other people. And it did finally come to head, and even though I was kind of expecting the “shit to hit the fan” it didn’t diminish the emotion it elicited.
Part 2 and 3 pickup years after the events in high school. Both are older but one of them is still carrying the same baggage and issues they had when they were younger. This is where the story fell apart for me. I was still invested in the characters. And I wanted them to find that place where they both can move on and accept who they are. And they did. It’s just that it took them a long, long time to get there. Too long for me. The pacing slowed down significantly without any changes to the characters. I don’t mind slow as long as I get to see that the characters made progress with their arc and that didn’t really happen to Ana or Kevin. They were still confronting the same issues that they had when they were younger and still doing the same thing they did in high school. It became tedious after a while.
There was also a strange gap between the events that happened in the second part and the third. It was like chunks of the story was missing. I needed that more than I needed the push and pull they had during their college years because I wanted to see how Ana came to terms with her kink. I wanted to her epiphany so to speak. And that was kind of glossed over. I did appreciate the epilogue which was fantastic.
Despite my issues with the pacing, I thoroughly enjoyed Shame Me Not. It explored something familiar in an unexpected way that I’ve never read before. Fiona Cole did an excellent job bringing Kevin and Ana to life. I was with these characters from the very beginning until the end. I felt their happiness, their pain, their doubts—everything, and that’s a testament to the skill of this author.
You shouldn't be anyone but you, because you're perfect.”
March 18, 2018
Title: Shame Me Not
Author: Fiona Cole
Category: Romance, BDSM
Series or Standalone: Standalone
POV: First Person, Dual PoV
Plot: 5
Characters: 5++
Scorching Level: 5++++
HEA: Um...hello. Not telling.
Amazing!!!! What a journey!!! A coming of age book combined with dominance and submission!
Kevin and Ana are best friends. Since the first moment they met they clicked. They became each other's home. What happens when you realize that your friend is the one who can fulfill your every fantasy and need? What happens when your best friend wants the same things you do? When this happens... things get complicated.
This is one of those books that suck you in right from the start! It is one of those books that bring back freshness to the BDSM genre. I applaud the author for creating such wonderful characters! Their friendship spoke to my heart ams I simply loved how she wrote Kevin. My new favorite book boyfriend.
The story spans over a decade and we see how our characters change and develop, how they come to realize what they need and who they want to be!
I highly recommend this book! I have a new favorite author!
July 28, 2017
Shame me not is the kind of epic love story that you can stay insensitive to. I read this in less than 24 hours because I was completely sucked in Kevin & Ana's story. The storyline is strong and unique. I've never ever read a book like that before and it was truly amazing.
As often I fell in love with the male characters. Kevin as a teenager or as a man is so strong. He know his sexual needs are peculiar but he still tries to not act on it. With he understand himself better and he grows to be a fantastic beautiful human being with so much care and love to give. He is most certainly the best part of the book. The way he evolves, the way he loves Ana, the way he acts are just larger than anything I've read for a long time.
Ana was more frustrating. There were many times I screamed at her. From confidence to doubts I had a hard time to get why she changed and why all of a sudden what others thoughts became so important to her. I didn't like a lot of her actions. I was mad at her for most of the second part of the book but by the end the author made it all ok and I got it - mainly.
Kevin & Ana have a connection not a lot of people have, it's based on trust. Together they are strong and their love was so wonderful. Shame me not is their journey to find themselves, to find their own happiness. It was quite a ride, it wasn't easy, there are lots of angst but eventually by the end you"ll all be okay as I'm.
As often I fell in love with the male characters. Kevin as a teenager or as a man is so strong. He know his sexual needs are peculiar but he still tries to not act on it. With he understand himself better and he grows to be a fantastic beautiful human being with so much care and love to give. He is most certainly the best part of the book. The way he evolves, the way he loves Ana, the way he acts are just larger than anything I've read for a long time.
Ana was more frustrating. There were many times I screamed at her. From confidence to doubts I had a hard time to get why she changed and why all of a sudden what others thoughts became so important to her. I didn't like a lot of her actions. I was mad at her for most of the second part of the book but by the end the author made it all ok and I got it - mainly.
Kevin & Ana have a connection not a lot of people have, it's based on trust. Together they are strong and their love was so wonderful. Shame me not is their journey to find themselves, to find their own happiness. It was quite a ride, it wasn't easy, there are lots of angst but eventually by the end you"ll all be okay as I'm.
June 30, 2021
"I'm a man who knows what you need and would move heaven and earth to give it to you."
I picked up Shame Me Not on a whim while scrolling through KU because the cover looked intriguing and I thought why the hell not.
I didn't even read the synopsis so I had no idea what I was in for. I just dived right into this one and eight hours later I was a total mess.
To be honest, I feel like BDSM has become so normalized in romance books that I'm not even surprised anymore when couples try to spice up their sexy time with a little bondage and such. I was lowkey getting tired of seeing this kink over and over again. But Fiona puts a refreshing twist on one of my favorite kinks and I felt like she truly captured what BDSM is all about.
Shame Me Not is a best-friends-to-lovers erotic romance that follows our main characters, Kevin Harding and Anabelle Montgomery. The two meet at the age sixteen when Ana and her mother move next door to Kevin's house and they quickly form a connection. While they find themselves both attracted to one another, their dark desires held them back from becoming something more...that is until the day they both confess those desires and end up crossing a line they might just regret.
While this is an erotic romance, this book actually started off very sweet. I enjoyed seeing Kevin and Ana become best friends and just be themselves when they are around each other. I was totally rooting for these two to get together, but I also didn't want their friendship to be ruined if things didn't work out.
I really liked how BDSM was portrayed in this book. Both Ana and Kevin come from small, conservative towns which is why they were ashamed about their desires. Once they confess to each other about their needs when it comes to sex, these two start exploring what exactly it means to be in a Dom/Sub relationship. They learn their likes and dislikes, they make mistakes, they try new things, but I think my favorite part has got to be the unwavering trust these two have for one another and no matter what, they always managed to find their way back to one another.
Kevin is such a freakin' sweetheart and I adore him so much. He took such good care of Ana and also made sure she was comfortable with everything that happened. I loved Ana as well, even when she was pissing me off. Ana goes through so much in this book and my heart broke for her. I just wanted my couple to be happy but shit kept getting in the way. 😭😭😫 I was living for the romance but THERE IS SO MUCH GODDAMN ANGST! This story takes place over a number of years so patience is a must when it comes getting to the HEA. I was literally screaming at my eReader for these two to stop fighting their feelings and just give their relationship a chance. Seriously, Fiona Cole knows how to drag out an HEA and while it was torturous to deal with such angst, the ending made up for all my suffering.
Shame Me Not was a surprising read and left me with an awful case of a book hangover. I kind of want to re-read this book again since I finished it so quickly the first time. I can't wait to check out Fiona Cole's other books and hopefully I love them as much as I loved this one.
July 27, 2017
5 I'LL BE YOUR NORMAL STARS!!!
I swear I died a thousand deaths while reading this book. But OH. GOD. I. LOVED. IT. OH. MY. HEART. This has to be one of THE BEST friends-to-lovers stories I have EVER read. Kevin and Ana’s love journey gave me all the FEELS and THEN SOME. I never wanted to see their story end, I could NOT get enough.
Shame Me not captivated me from the moment I started reading. Kevin’s love for Ana gripped my heart and soul from the pages. I am not kidding when I say, I could FEEL and SEE his love for Ana. My god. His thoughts about her, the way he treated her, the way he SAW her and cherished her. *clutches chest* Their beautiful and true friendship is heart stealing. It brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about it. I am SO ATTACHED to these characters, they have captured my heart and soul, and I never want it back.
The fun times, the sexy times, the heart warming and heart crushing times. I promise you, I felt them all. I could feel their desire and longing like I was experiencing it myself. I just wanted them to be together. GOD! There were moments I wanted to throw my kindle. There were many, many moments I am sure I was moaning out loud. And there were definitely moments I cried. And like I said before, I died too. This love story made me feel EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING.
My heart not only burst with mad love for these two, it also obliterated my heart inot a million pieces. Their love? It’s unlike anything I’ve seen. I could feel it blast me from the pages. So beautiful but so painful. My heart and soul ached for these two. The shame, the longing the heart ache. *sobs*
The sexy scenes are just...WOW. Ummm. Did I say wow? This story is filled with them. But not over done. They felt right. They felt real. They felt raw and stunning. My jaw may have hit the floor a few times. JESUS. So hot, so sexy and so intimate. I was engulfed within their flames, swept away in tidal waves of pleasure. So perfectly Kevin and Ana, the way they were meant to be.
Shame Me Not is one of the most painfully beautiful and eloquently written romances I have read this year. Their story definitely took me outside the “safe” romance box, and I loved every minute. It’s one of those stories that will stay with me for a long, long time.
SHAME ME NOT IS LIVE!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2uDz3ai
I swear I died a thousand deaths while reading this book. But OH. GOD. I. LOVED. IT. OH. MY. HEART. This has to be one of THE BEST friends-to-lovers stories I have EVER read. Kevin and Ana’s love journey gave me all the FEELS and THEN SOME. I never wanted to see their story end, I could NOT get enough.
Shame Me not captivated me from the moment I started reading. Kevin’s love for Ana gripped my heart and soul from the pages. I am not kidding when I say, I could FEEL and SEE his love for Ana. My god. His thoughts about her, the way he treated her, the way he SAW her and cherished her. *clutches chest* Their beautiful and true friendship is heart stealing. It brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about it. I am SO ATTACHED to these characters, they have captured my heart and soul, and I never want it back.
The fun times, the sexy times, the heart warming and heart crushing times. I promise you, I felt them all. I could feel their desire and longing like I was experiencing it myself. I just wanted them to be together. GOD! There were moments I wanted to throw my kindle. There were many, many moments I am sure I was moaning out loud. And there were definitely moments I cried. And like I said before, I died too. This love story made me feel EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING.
My heart not only burst with mad love for these two, it also obliterated my heart inot a million pieces. Their love? It’s unlike anything I’ve seen. I could feel it blast me from the pages. So beautiful but so painful. My heart and soul ached for these two. The shame, the longing the heart ache. *sobs*
The sexy scenes are just...WOW. Ummm. Did I say wow? This story is filled with them. But not over done. They felt right. They felt real. They felt raw and stunning. My jaw may have hit the floor a few times. JESUS. So hot, so sexy and so intimate. I was engulfed within their flames, swept away in tidal waves of pleasure. So perfectly Kevin and Ana, the way they were meant to be.
Shame Me Not is one of the most painfully beautiful and eloquently written romances I have read this year. Their story definitely took me outside the “safe” romance box, and I loved every minute. It’s one of those stories that will stay with me for a long, long time.
SHAME ME NOT IS LIVE!
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2uDz3ai
July 26, 2017
Shame Me Not by Fiona Cole
4 stars!!!
Sexual exploration and discovery is not a new trope, far from it, especially when it comes to exploring kink. However, what made this book stand out from the crowd was the age of our hero and heroine and this was something that I simply adored. When you are young, naïve and inexperienced wanting something different can be frightening. It makes you question who you are, if you are “normal” and undoubtedly, what the hell is going on. In Shame Me Not, Fiona Cole takes you on a long and often fraught road with two best friends and next-door neighbours who undoubtedly love each other and have done for a very long time, but each have very distinct, yet complementing needs. This is their voyage of discovery, from young kids, to teens to adults. Normal is different for everybody and this is theirs.
This best friend to lovers story spans ten years, ten years that had me glued to every single page. I adored this story, not only because of the age of the hero and heroine but because it was a complete journey, one that made the character connection that I crave all consuming. I became invested in this couple, and yes, at times, I could have bashed their heads together, but it was this that made their story all the more honest, real and somewhat relatable.
This book is divided into three parts, part one as kids, part two at college and part three as adults. I simply adored part one, this was by far my favourite part and to see how these two came to be best friends and their ensuing friendship had me in tears several times. It is unusual for best friends to be of the opposite sex, but these two were perfect for one and other. They brought out the best in each other, they understood each other, but more importantly, they loved one and other completely. As with any best friend’s story, there is always that push and pull as to whether to cross that line, that line that could mean having or losing everything. To take that relationship to the next level is always a risk and these two knew that and yet, eventually, even they had to succumb and I loved it.
Part two and part three were somewhat hard to read, of course the course of true love never runs smooth and you have to work at it. Part two was especially frustrating, yet understandable and when they hurt, I hurt too. When you connect with two characters as much as I did you become so entrenched in the story and their lives that life just blurs around you, and that is what happened with this book. The tears were plentiful, but the smiles, the laughs and the fit to bursting heart more than made up for the ride.
Kevin and Ana were simply adorable together, apart they were little shits, but hey, it is this that makes the book interesting. While I wanted to bash their heads together at times, I loved them more. Yes, what they needed was different, but they found it together. That kind of connection does not come easy, it doesn’t come often, so when you find it…you embrace it, you cherish it and most importantly you love it.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!!
“It was just Kevin and that was what scared me. There was no just about him.”
Sexual exploration and discovery is not a new trope, far from it, especially when it comes to exploring kink. However, what made this book stand out from the crowd was the age of our hero and heroine and this was something that I simply adored. When you are young, naïve and inexperienced wanting something different can be frightening. It makes you question who you are, if you are “normal” and undoubtedly, what the hell is going on. In Shame Me Not, Fiona Cole takes you on a long and often fraught road with two best friends and next-door neighbours who undoubtedly love each other and have done for a very long time, but each have very distinct, yet complementing needs. This is their voyage of discovery, from young kids, to teens to adults. Normal is different for everybody and this is theirs.
“It was everything I wanted and everything I was scared to have.”
This best friend to lovers story spans ten years, ten years that had me glued to every single page. I adored this story, not only because of the age of the hero and heroine but because it was a complete journey, one that made the character connection that I crave all consuming. I became invested in this couple, and yes, at times, I could have bashed their heads together, but it was this that made their story all the more honest, real and somewhat relatable.
This book is divided into three parts, part one as kids, part two at college and part three as adults. I simply adored part one, this was by far my favourite part and to see how these two came to be best friends and their ensuing friendship had me in tears several times. It is unusual for best friends to be of the opposite sex, but these two were perfect for one and other. They brought out the best in each other, they understood each other, but more importantly, they loved one and other completely. As with any best friend’s story, there is always that push and pull as to whether to cross that line, that line that could mean having or losing everything. To take that relationship to the next level is always a risk and these two knew that and yet, eventually, even they had to succumb and I loved it.
“I’m a man who knows what you need and would move heaven and earth to give it to you.”
Part two and part three were somewhat hard to read, of course the course of true love never runs smooth and you have to work at it. Part two was especially frustrating, yet understandable and when they hurt, I hurt too. When you connect with two characters as much as I did you become so entrenched in the story and their lives that life just blurs around you, and that is what happened with this book. The tears were plentiful, but the smiles, the laughs and the fit to bursting heart more than made up for the ride.
“But I couldn’t help but think that the more we tugged, the more likely we would snap back together.”
Kevin and Ana were simply adorable together, apart they were little shits, but hey, it is this that makes the book interesting. While I wanted to bash their heads together at times, I loved them more. Yes, what they needed was different, but they found it together. That kind of connection does not come easy, it doesn’t come often, so when you find it…you embrace it, you cherish it and most importantly you love it.
www.theromancecover.com
July 31, 2017
"Shame. Panic. Desire. Dominance. Disgust."
At sixteen, Kevin Harding knew something's different about him. While everyone his age were all about sweet, sweet sex, Kevin fantasized about something rougher and more intense. Something where he is in control. It's also something that could shame him if others find out. He always believed that he's a freak until he opened up to his best friend Ana Montgomery.
Ana Montgomery has always craved control, specially in bed. Rougher kisses, tighter holds, and her body marked. She understood that her need for dominance may freak other people out, so she tried to keep her sexual desires to herself. Until she found out that the one who could give her what she needed has been sitting next to her since she moved to Cincinnati.
Acceptance. Ana was able to show Kevin the acceptance he's been searching for. Together, they explored their sexual capabilities while trying to keep their friendship safe. What Kevin and Ana had was perfect until one realized that reputation is the most important of all.
Shame Me Not is my first ever Fiona Cole read and I have to say that all that submissive feels of the cover intrigued me. I never read the blurb before signing up, I wanted to read it because the cover was pretty hot! Anyhoo, I was really surprised when I read that the first part of it is best friends to lovers sexy YA. To be honest, it started a bit slow for me but 20% in, and I was SOLD! Cole was able to start to grab my attention and I couldn't stop.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is it's uniqueness. Readers get a front row experience to the H and h's self discovery as to why their sexual needs are different from others. This is not just about a dom and a sub, Shame Me Not is a story of the struggle of best friends and how their difference from the world can ruin the very thing they've been taking care of-- their friendship.
This is a very enjoyable and almost perfect read for me. The running theme of Kevin and Ana's story, the MCs... they're all SHINY 5 STARS for me. I just find some chapters specially the ones with their "so-called" friends unnecessary. I felt like they were just stalling the delicious parts.
Lovers of friends to lovers romance with an extra kink on the side, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to y'all!
At sixteen, Kevin Harding knew something's different about him. While everyone his age were all about sweet, sweet sex, Kevin fantasized about something rougher and more intense. Something where he is in control. It's also something that could shame him if others find out. He always believed that he's a freak until he opened up to his best friend Ana Montgomery.
Ana Montgomery has always craved control, specially in bed. Rougher kisses, tighter holds, and her body marked. She understood that her need for dominance may freak other people out, so she tried to keep her sexual desires to herself. Until she found out that the one who could give her what she needed has been sitting next to her since she moved to Cincinnati.
Acceptance. Ana was able to show Kevin the acceptance he's been searching for. Together, they explored their sexual capabilities while trying to keep their friendship safe. What Kevin and Ana had was perfect until one realized that reputation is the most important of all.
Shame Me Not is my first ever Fiona Cole read and I have to say that all that submissive feels of the cover intrigued me. I never read the blurb before signing up, I wanted to read it because the cover was pretty hot! Anyhoo, I was really surprised when I read that the first part of it is best friends to lovers sexy YA. To be honest, it started a bit slow for me but 20% in, and I was SOLD! Cole was able to start to grab my attention and I couldn't stop.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is it's uniqueness. Readers get a front row experience to the H and h's self discovery as to why their sexual needs are different from others. This is not just about a dom and a sub, Shame Me Not is a story of the struggle of best friends and how their difference from the world can ruin the very thing they've been taking care of-- their friendship.
This is a very enjoyable and almost perfect read for me. The running theme of Kevin and Ana's story, the MCs... they're all SHINY 5 STARS for me. I just find some chapters specially the ones with their "so-called" friends unnecessary. I felt like they were just stalling the delicious parts.
Lovers of friends to lovers romance with an extra kink on the side, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to y'all!
August 8, 2017
When I first saw this book cover, it made my blood boiling and I just can't wait to read it as soon as possible.
I mean, come on!!! Please just look at this amazing cover.
It's so fucking sexy! And after that I read the blurb, so when I start to read this book, I was expecting something really dark but unfortunately this book was too sweet for my expectations. :D But still I really liked the story and it was really good written. And I hope you give a chance this book. ;)
Ps. If my expectations weren't too high, I'm sure this book was easily went to my favorites shelf...
I mean, come on!!! Please just look at this amazing cover.
It's so fucking sexy! And after that I read the blurb, so when I start to read this book, I was expecting something really dark but unfortunately this book was too sweet for my expectations. :D But still I really liked the story and it was really good written. And I hope you give a chance this book. ;)
Ps. If my expectations weren't too high, I'm sure this book was easily went to my favorites shelf...
July 27, 2017
NOW LIVE! -> http://amzn.to/2v12ipM
I’m going to keep this short, and say I loved Shame Me Not. It was different from other books I’ve read in the past that involves a Sub/Dom relationship. The sexual self discovery from the young age of 16 between two best-friends was a breath of fresh air. It spans 10 years, so it was satisfying getting to know both Kevin and Anabelle from the very moment they met.
Shame Me Not was sweet yet surprisingly sexy. Young dominant Kevin had me saying… “Yassssssssssssssss” sooo many times through out the book. I mean, just read the quote below.
“Get on your knees,” he commanded.
“What?” I struggled to understand what he was saying in the haze of excitement and disappointment that he’d stopped kissing me.
“I said kneel,” he repeated. My heart kicked up at the deep commanding tone. A sound I’d dreamed of being used on me. Trying to control the breaths sawing through my parted lips, I knelt.
There were even moments where Kevin squeezed my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes. His love for Ana was evident through out the story.
“I’ll be your normal.” My eyes widened. “Let’s try something else. Dates. Normal, sweet, gentle sex. No control. No sadism. I’ll be your normal.” He punctuated his words by thumping his chest.
Now for Ana, I felt for her. Her daily struggle as she got older, for wanting what she enjoys yet wanting so bad to be different, to be normal, made my heart ache. I also loved how at different times in their lives, they each leaned on one another. Where they tried their hardest to help the other see that it was okay for liking the things they enjoyed behind closed doors.
Over all, I really enjoyed this story. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
If you’re an erotic romance lover, please add this book to your TBR.
July 11, 2021
This could've been so good. The whole idea that everyone has their own kinks and there's no shame in liking different things and finding that person you trust to experience your fantasies with made this a must read. But this book completely missed the mark!!
1. First half of the book is with the MC's as teenagers....WTF would a 16yr old know about this!? 🤦♀️
2. This book is broken into 3 parts....and it's literally the SAME repeated story in all 3 parts. Wash, rinse, repeat. Even the same sex scenes on repeat 😴
3. Kev and Ana were best friends, were into the same things...were literally perfect for eachother yet decided everytime not to be together to not ruin their friendship...and then at the end decide they should be together.....Literally like 12yrs of their life on and off spent not together for no reason. Which meant the story went on for no reason. No growth whatsoever
4. What irked me the most was the constant narrative from Kev and Ana of how disgusted others would be if they knew what they were into. How it wasn't normal. If y'all are into the same things sexually, then why the fuck does it matter what anyone else thinks!?? They're not in the bed with u!!
1. First half of the book is with the MC's as teenagers....WTF would a 16yr old know about this!? 🤦♀️
2. This book is broken into 3 parts....and it's literally the SAME repeated story in all 3 parts. Wash, rinse, repeat. Even the same sex scenes on repeat 😴
3. Kev and Ana were best friends, were into the same things...were literally perfect for eachother yet decided everytime not to be together to not ruin their friendship...and then at the end decide they should be together.....Literally like 12yrs of their life on and off spent not together for no reason. Which meant the story went on for no reason. No growth whatsoever
4. What irked me the most was the constant narrative from Kev and Ana of how disgusted others would be if they knew what they were into. How it wasn't normal. If y'all are into the same things sexually, then why the fuck does it matter what anyone else thinks!?? They're not in the bed with u!!
July 23, 2020
I really want to give this 5 stars because it emotionally destroyed me. However, these characters frustrated me to no end. I would recommend reading the synopsis before reading this book, so you know what you're getting into. It does start out with a little too much high school drama for me, but I loved seeing them throughout their lives and seeing them grow and change. This is an emotional rollercoaster.
TW: dom/sub, sexual violence (consensual, except for one instance that is just hinted at from the character's past)
TW: dom/sub, sexual violence (consensual, except for one instance that is just hinted at from the character's past)
July 27, 2017
Ok so I am going to preface my review by saying this book is probably not for everyone. If you like small town romance with an easy HEA this one's not for you. This book is definitely dark, definitely filthy and definitely amazing. My first read from Fiona Cole will not be my last.
Fiona's writing made me feel like I was experiencing everything right along with the characters. A voyeur of sorts. I felt like I grew up with them - experienced the trials of being a teenager, the heartbreak of first love, the experimentation of college, right through to the traumas life throws your way as an adult. This book packs a punch - straight to your heart.
This is the story of two best friends. Two like minded souls who can't help but love each other, but keep hurting each other. It's not an easy read. It's emotion packed, off the charts hot and beautifully raw. The sex scenes might shock some people, but they made me think of people who really live like this and respect them for being brave enough to own their darker desires and not settle for "normal". And while they may not be to everyone's liking in real life, you cannot deny that as a written fantasy they are seriously hot. Definitely one of my favourites dark reads of all time and for anyone looking for a different kind of love story please give it a chance.
I received an ARC of this book
Fiona's writing made me feel like I was experiencing everything right along with the characters. A voyeur of sorts. I felt like I grew up with them - experienced the trials of being a teenager, the heartbreak of first love, the experimentation of college, right through to the traumas life throws your way as an adult. This book packs a punch - straight to your heart.
This is the story of two best friends. Two like minded souls who can't help but love each other, but keep hurting each other. It's not an easy read. It's emotion packed, off the charts hot and beautifully raw. The sex scenes might shock some people, but they made me think of people who really live like this and respect them for being brave enough to own their darker desires and not settle for "normal". And while they may not be to everyone's liking in real life, you cannot deny that as a written fantasy they are seriously hot. Definitely one of my favourites dark reads of all time and for anyone looking for a different kind of love story please give it a chance.
I received an ARC of this book
October 6, 2022
all my frustration came from the typical new adult push-and pull
overall a solid read...
overall a solid read...
June 27, 2017
I was lucky enough to read this early, and this is Fiona Cole's best work to date.
She took a best friends to lovers story and made it completely different than anything I've ever read. Kevin and Ana find solace in each other's darkness, and you feel everything; the bewilderment, the shame, the anger. Her writing is flawless as she brings you into it all. Fiona is a fearless story teller and Shame Me Not will stay with you long after you finish.
She took a best friends to lovers story and made it completely different than anything I've ever read. Kevin and Ana find solace in each other's darkness, and you feel everything; the bewilderment, the shame, the anger. Her writing is flawless as she brings you into it all. Fiona is a fearless story teller and Shame Me Not will stay with you long after you finish.
Read
March 17, 2020Shame Me Not releases July 26th!! I can't wait to share it with you!
March 18, 2021
Shame
I loved this story. It’s told in dual points of view and tells the story of Kevin and Ana who met in high school at 16. This is a beautiful love story told over ten years as they fast become best friends then eventually lovers. Unbeknownst to each other they both love rough, dirty sex, one being the dominant and the other the submissive. They both struggle with immense shame with how each other and others would perceive or understand their darkest desires if their proclivity for rough sex ever got out. They struggle with the wrongness of it even though it’s right for them both.
I loved every part of this story, Kevin and Ana had fantastic chemistry from the get go and while they explored their feelings and what they liked in the bedroom they fell more in love with each other. I loved Kevin’s dirty mouth and those hot af sex scenes. There’s fire, love, passion, drama, angst, sadness and heartbreak and ultimately it’s shame that drives them apart.
The story’s fast paced and the secondary characters just right. This is a coming of age story with a difference and a damn good read. Will shame keep them apart or will they realise there’s nothing shameful in loving who you are and who you’re meant to be with?
I loved this story. It’s told in dual points of view and tells the story of Kevin and Ana who met in high school at 16. This is a beautiful love story told over ten years as they fast become best friends then eventually lovers. Unbeknownst to each other they both love rough, dirty sex, one being the dominant and the other the submissive. They both struggle with immense shame with how each other and others would perceive or understand their darkest desires if their proclivity for rough sex ever got out. They struggle with the wrongness of it even though it’s right for them both.
I loved every part of this story, Kevin and Ana had fantastic chemistry from the get go and while they explored their feelings and what they liked in the bedroom they fell more in love with each other. I loved Kevin’s dirty mouth and those hot af sex scenes. There’s fire, love, passion, drama, angst, sadness and heartbreak and ultimately it’s shame that drives them apart.
The story’s fast paced and the secondary characters just right. This is a coming of age story with a difference and a damn good read. Will shame keep them apart or will they realise there’s nothing shameful in loving who you are and who you’re meant to be with?
April 13, 2018
3.5 stars*
This book has three parts.
1.) I loved first part. I already thought this is it – adorable love story describing Ana and Kevin from age sixteen on. I loved their relationship from first meeting, becoming neighbours and friends to their first sexual encounter. I understood some struggling thay had, because of their youth, inexperience and desire to fit into the same community (and be left out of judging).
2.) I didn't get second part – it was totally unnecessary and a lot of acts should stayed in their teenage times.
3.) Third part was expected ending with some drama before HEA.
Overall I liked their chemistry, erotic scenes with light BDSM were also welcoming. What annoyed me, was repeating question about normalcy. I didn't understand their struggling with that question for the whole time. Someone could take conclusion that if your sex life is a little bit rougher you are not normal. No one should categorize people based on their sexual preferences, specially not treat yourself like that.
This book has three parts.
1.) I loved first part. I already thought this is it – adorable love story describing Ana and Kevin from age sixteen on. I loved their relationship from first meeting, becoming neighbours and friends to their first sexual encounter. I understood some struggling thay had, because of their youth, inexperience and desire to fit into the same community (and be left out of judging).
2.) I didn't get second part – it was totally unnecessary and a lot of acts should stayed in their teenage times.
3.) Third part was expected ending with some drama before HEA.
Overall I liked their chemistry, erotic scenes with light BDSM were also welcoming. What annoyed me, was repeating question about normalcy. I didn't understand their struggling with that question for the whole time. Someone could take conclusion that if your sex life is a little bit rougher you are not normal. No one should categorize people based on their sexual preferences, specially not treat yourself like that.
July 1, 2019
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride! It was so much more than I expected! I’ve never read something that left me gasping for air! This story was both heartbreaking and beautiful!
April 15, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
Shame started out with a bang:
I was captivated and I couldn’t stop reading.
I like bdsm books but often authors tend to write sex-fest with minimal plot and flat characters. Luckily Shame has a solid plot, complex characters and a real relationship's development.
Basically this book is divided into three parts :
Part one starts when the heroine, Ana, moved next door to Kevin’s family and they became friends.
There was an immediate attraction between them which remained unexplored for the most part until they finally revealed their common fascination with rough sex, dominance/submission, pain and humiliation. Part one was simply excellent: their friendship was beautiful and I loved how the book explores the idea of two teenagers characters coming to terms with an “atypical” sexuality.
Up to this point Shame was a solid 4/4.5 stars..then part 2 happened and ruined this beautiful story.
Why Fiona?!!! WHY?!!
Adult Ana was a wreck: selfish, coward and immature.
Please authors, stop making your character so unlikable!
Kevin was the only reason I kept reading: he knew exactly what he wanted and he was willing to fight for it.
My major issue in this part was the OM drama.
The first part also contains OW/OM dramas but they didn't bother me because Ana and Kev were just friends. In the second part I didn’t need a love triangle.. It was frustrating and totally unnecessary.
And I'm so sad because Shame has so many AMAZING elements:
✰ A perfect Hero (Yes, PERFECT I'm totally #teamKevin. You deserved a better heroine!)
✰ the kink exploration
✰ Panty melter sex scenes
✰ a fabulous friends to lovers trope
Yes, Adult Ana and OM dramas ruined this book.
Such a pity.
Luckily the third part was better: Ana was still annoying but she finally came to her senses.
Shame started out with a bang:
I was captivated and I couldn’t stop reading.
I like bdsm books but often authors tend to write sex-fest with minimal plot and flat characters. Luckily Shame has a solid plot, complex characters and a real relationship's development.
Basically this book is divided into three parts :
Part one starts when the heroine, Ana, moved next door to Kevin’s family and they became friends.
There was an immediate attraction between them which remained unexplored for the most part until they finally revealed their common fascination with rough sex, dominance/submission, pain and humiliation. Part one was simply excellent: their friendship was beautiful and I loved how the book explores the idea of two teenagers characters coming to terms with an “atypical” sexuality.
Up to this point Shame was a solid 4/4.5 stars..then part 2 happened and ruined this beautiful story.
Why Fiona?!!! WHY?!!
Adult Ana was a wreck: selfish, coward and immature.
Please authors, stop making your character so unlikable!
Kevin was the only reason I kept reading: he knew exactly what he wanted and he was willing to fight for it.
My major issue in this part was the OM drama.
The first part also contains OW/OM dramas but they didn't bother me because Ana and Kev were just friends. In the second part I didn’t need a love triangle.. It was frustrating and totally unnecessary.
And I'm so sad because Shame has so many AMAZING elements:
✰ A perfect Hero (Yes, PERFECT I'm totally #teamKevin. You deserved a better heroine!)
✰ the kink exploration
✰ Panty melter sex scenes
✰ a fabulous friends to lovers trope
Yes, Adult Ana and OM dramas ruined this book.
Such a pity.
Luckily the third part was better: Ana was still annoying but she finally came to her senses.
July 8, 2017
I come to you with an epic book hangover. I went into Shame Me Not completely in the dark, not knowing what to expect or where the story would go. I did not read a synopsis, I did not ask questions, and I did not wonder. I simply trusted.
Trust
Trust is the underlying emotion and theme of Shame Me Not and like all relationships, the singular most important factor in Kevin and Ana's relationship. We meet young Kevin and Ana as teenagers. On the surface, their lives are normal and ... well, suburban. Both are well off, neither wants for anything materialistic, and by all purposes have it all. But it isn't what you see on the surface that is their story. No, it is what lies beneath the surface, deep in their souls. It is what make each of them who they are and why they are the others soulmate. A true, to the core of who they are, soulmate. I must admit there were times I questioned my willingness to accept the lives of these children. How could I so easily I accept them and their desires? Quite simply put - Fiona Cole.
Fiona Cole is a true artist. Cole weaves a web of complexity through her words and with a level of emotion throughout the story that only the most talented successfully portray. Ms. Cole is that talent.
I found myself hurting for both Kevin and Ana as they grew up and came into their own. As each struggled with what they desired and what was expected, I became frustrated with how those in their lives treated them. The level of expectation put upon them at a young age both frustrated and inflicted unnecessary pain upon me, the reader. Their behavior and inability to embrace who they are hurt me on their behalf.
Shame Me Not is not a story for anyone looking for sunshine and roses. This is not a typical love story. It is not one without betrayals, pain, and anguish. It is, however, a story of love, respect, and trust.
Trust
Trust is the underlying emotion and theme of Shame Me Not and like all relationships, the singular most important factor in Kevin and Ana's relationship. We meet young Kevin and Ana as teenagers. On the surface, their lives are normal and ... well, suburban. Both are well off, neither wants for anything materialistic, and by all purposes have it all. But it isn't what you see on the surface that is their story. No, it is what lies beneath the surface, deep in their souls. It is what make each of them who they are and why they are the others soulmate. A true, to the core of who they are, soulmate. I must admit there were times I questioned my willingness to accept the lives of these children. How could I so easily I accept them and their desires? Quite simply put - Fiona Cole.
Fiona Cole is a true artist. Cole weaves a web of complexity through her words and with a level of emotion throughout the story that only the most talented successfully portray. Ms. Cole is that talent.
I found myself hurting for both Kevin and Ana as they grew up and came into their own. As each struggled with what they desired and what was expected, I became frustrated with how those in their lives treated them. The level of expectation put upon them at a young age both frustrated and inflicted unnecessary pain upon me, the reader. Their behavior and inability to embrace who they are hurt me on their behalf.
Shame Me Not is not a story for anyone looking for sunshine and roses. This is not a typical love story. It is not one without betrayals, pain, and anguish. It is, however, a story of love, respect, and trust.
July 24, 2017
Holy crap - this book had me captivated from the beginning!! Once I started, I couldn't stop!!
Love the time span covered in this book, love Kevin and Ana's sense of discovery.
Definitely HOT AF!
I want Kevin for myself!!
He's mine!
Bottom line: preorder now because it's only 99c!!!
Love the time span covered in this book, love Kevin and Ana's sense of discovery.
Definitely HOT AF!
I want Kevin for myself!!
He's mine!
Bottom line: preorder now because it's only 99c!!!
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