Shame on Me

by Tonya Clark

He was her brother's best friend, completely off limits. But one night—one kiss—changed everything. And then he ran, literally left town... Ashlyn Murphy couldn't be more excited about her first day on the job, until the engine rolls in and the man that walked away from her three years ago jumps down, extinguishing her happiness. She thought she’d left Kayson in the past, but fate has other plans. Kayson Shaw can't believe his eyes when the woman who haunts his dreams stands before him, more beautiful than he remembers and not at all happy to see him. Walking out on Ash was the biggest mistake he’s ever made; getting her to forgive him will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. If that undeniable spark between them is enough to ignite a fire of passion, their second chance at romance might not go down in flames. Again. First time, shame on you. Second time... shame on me .

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2022

About the author

I live in California with my husband and two daughters. When I'm not putting my imagination down on paper I run my hair salon and photography business. On my off hours I coach both my daughter's soccer teams and referee.

Reviews

[Cassie Denton]

Overall the story is ok, but the inconsistencies and grammar are seriously hard to ignore. I wish this author had an editor. And if she did, she needs a new one.

[Juli]

This novella was a bit odd for me; also it’s more like 2 short stories in 1 novella.

Ashlyn and Kayson are part 1 and Jackson (Ashlyn’s older brother) and Hannah (Ashlyn’s best friend) are part 2.

I really wanted to like this novella, but everything moved at hyper speed I could keep up. Ashlyn fell in love Kayson, her brother’s best friend, as a young girl and now as a high school graduate, Kayson too has developed feelings for Ashlyn. This is where things got a bit weird for me because they describe this trio as super tight with no big secrets between them; Jackson and Kayson are 4 years older than Ashlyn and finished their time in the military and as is well… we’ll except for the fact that Kayson decided to become a firefighter in California without informing any of his loved ones about his decision. This news plus Kayson’s actions create a big problem between Kayson and Ashlyn and they don’t speak for 4/5 years.

Now this is where things hit hyper speed, Ashlyn decided to move to California and become a firefighter, but she swears her decision has nothing to do with Kayson, yet she never had a desire to move to California or be a firefighter before. And of course, after no contact for almost 5 years Ashlyn is assigned to Kayson’s firehouse and he instantly becomes the jealous boyfriend and doesn’t want any of the men talking/looking at her.

The whole fight that Ashlyn supposedly puts up lasts less than 24 hours before she’s making out with Kayson in the firehouse. Suddenly Kayson decides it’s time to tell her he’s in love with her, there are some slight hiccups but they are full couple within 2 days and the whole crew knows. Basically 2 months of them dating they are engaged and as is well.

Part 2 is a few chapters on Jackson and Hannah who kept their secret relationship from their best friends only to be caught when Kayson is injured on the job.

[Corinne Akers]

Shame On Me

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I really enjoyed this book. It comes to us in three parts. - shame on you, shame on me, shame on them. And tells you a story of Kayson and Ashlyn. And also Hannah and Jackson. Jackson and Kayson are best friends, Ashlyn is Jackson’s younger sister, and Hannah is her best friend. Ashlyn and Hannah as young teenagers fall in love with Kayson and Jackson, respectively. And after the men go off to the military for four years, when they come home, the girls are grown up and young women now. Kayson realizes he has feelings for Ashlyn, and decides to leave to go to California and become a firefighter. Because he’s afraid his best friend Jackson will not understand his feelings for Jackson’s sister. But when Ashlyn decides to become a firefighter as well and moves to California, she has no idea that she’s going to get assigned to the very same firehouse as Kayson. And that’s when all the fun begins. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads]

Brothers best friend love

I was engaged with the story from the beginning. Wanting your brothers best friend most of your life but get crushed when he pushes you away. Years later you end up at the same fire station as him and the walls you build up to forget him come down and he still has your heart. Kayson and Ashlyn story is a romantic cute quick read. I loved that it hits on relationship her brother has with her best friend too.

[Katherine Horvath]

Shame on Me: WOW! great story and amazing characters! She has always had a crush on her brothers best friend. They went off to the military. She knew they were going to miss her graduation but when she open her draw the day of graduation there were to big surprise on the other side. She was shock to see Jackson and Kayson home a week earlier then what they said they would. She was so happy. She hugged her brother and then jumped into Kayson's arms. it was a wonderful story!

[Mae]

This is a cute story about a woman who has always loved her brother's best friend and is suddenly all he wants.
I would describe this book as short and sweet read the whole thing in about 24 hours.

3 stars because there was a repetitive nature to this book that IMO has no business being in such a short novella. If I only have 179 pages I don't need you to tell me the same story twice. Not everyone takes issue with that and the story is still very sweet so there's plenty to live here.

[LA FITCH]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters come to life and draw the reader in to become engaged in the story. It goes from childhood drama, through settling for someone to finding true love. What is not to like especially when there is action for Nate when he saves Amelia? Highly recommend this book.

I received this book free via Booksprout and leave this review voluntarily

[Beth]

Firefighter…need I say more?

Ashlyn has always loved her brother’s best friend. So what if he broke her heart by leaving. She chased her dreams and became a damn good firefighter and her new job is in the same station where Kayson works…

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/12/2023)! 🎁

[Kristy Halley]

Must read

Tonya Clark does it again.... She just has a way of writing a story that pulls you in and makes you not want to put it down!!!! Absolutely loved this book!!!

[Erin Inman]

A dumpster fire that no firefighter can put out

[lizzy king]

Very well written. You quickly fall inlove with characters and are rooting for them to put the past behind them.

[June]

This book might be short but the story was great and it was full of goosebumps. Ashlyn falls for her older brother’s best friend, Kayson and they share a kiss before he moves away. Years later she trains to be a firefighter and ends up working in the same firehouse as him. There’s lots of chemistry between them but there’s also history and pain.

[Coco's choice]

If you’re looking for a quick, emotional read that packs a punch without wasting any time, this one delivers. It hits all those messy, intense tropes—brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and a second chance that’s loaded with history. Ashlyn and Kayson had one unforgettable moment years ago before he took off, but now they’re working side by side in the exact same firehouse. The tension and chemistry between them simmer from the start. It’s an easy, fiery bite of indie romance that pulls you right in.

[Virginia]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.