Title: Shame
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
First published October 4, 2014
244 pages
Rating: 4.2
Overview
In the shadows, our secrets are safe, but only for a while. I tried to run from my past, to create a new life with a new identity.
Yet, the scars of my past still lingered within me. I tried to be the life of the party, to exude confidence, but it was a facade.
The touch of a man only brought me pain, and their kisses made me feel numb. Deep down, every woman wants to be the heroine of their story, to find someone who will love them unconditionally.
But I was the villain of my own story, a beast with no hope of redemption. That was until I met him.
He was my professor, and I was his student. Falling for him was forbidden, but I couldn’t help it.
He was my peace, my security, and my salvation. I knew it was wrong, but I was powerless to resist him.
Fate had other plans for us, and the darkness that haunted me for so long caught up with me. But I am stronger than I ever thought possible.
My story is not what you think, and I am no longer afraid to share my truth. Everyone has their own shame, and this is mine.
Editoral Review
Shame by Rachel Van Dyken is a contemporary romance novel that was first published on October 4, 2014. The book revolves around the story of a young woman named Lisa, whose life is suddenly turned upside down when she is betrayed by the man she was supposed to marry.
The novel explores the themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and second chances, and is a perfect read for fans of the romance genre. Rachel Van Dyken is a bestselling author who is known for her romantic comedy novels.
She has penned down several books, including The Bet Series, The Seaside Series, and The Eagle Elite Series. In Shame, Rachel Van Dyken demonstrates her ability to write captivating love stories that resonate with readers.
The plot of Shame follows Lisa as she tries to make sense of her life after being left at the altar by the love of her life. She is devastated, heartbroken, and ashamed, and she decides to escape to a remote island to heal her broken heart.
There, she meets Cletus, a reclusive Islander who slowly helps her heal and move on from her heartbreak. But as Lisa starts to fall in love with Cletus, she realizes that her past mistakes are catching up to her, and she must confront them if she wants to move on.
The characters in Shame are well fleshed-out, and their emotions are relatable. Lisa is a character that readers will root for, and Cletus is a hero that will make readers swoon.
The setting is also well-crafted, and it creates a mood that is both comforting and eerie. The pacing of Shame is steady, and the plot twists keep the reader engaged until the very end.
Rachel Van Dyken’s writing style is smooth and natural, and the dialogue is witty and believable. One of the strengths of Shame is how it explores the complexities of human emotion.
Rachel Van Dyken delves into the depths of Lisa’s despair, and she portrays her emotions in a way that is both realistic and heart-wrenching. The novel also addresses the theme of self-forgiveness, which is an essential message that many readers will appreciate.
However, the novel has some weaknesses. Some of the plot twists are predictable, and some of the characters’ actions are unbelievable.
The book could have also benefited from more in-depth character development for some of its supporting characters. Overall, Shame by Rachel Van Dyken is a well-written contemporary romance novel that offers readers an escape into a heartwarming love story.
Although the book has its flaws, it is a must-read for fans of the romance genre. It offers an essential message about self-forgiveness that will resonate with many readers.
I would recommend Shame to readers who enjoy beautifully crafted romance novels that explore the complexities of human nature. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
