James Allen News Center

The Bachelor's Ben Flajnik and a houseful of very jealous women got the shock of a season when former contestant Shawntel Newton crashed last week's rose ceremony.

Newton, who dated Brad Womack in the Bachelor season 15, opened up about her recent return to the reality show.

“I knew I was walking into a lion's den. I expected going in to have the girls a little confused and upset with me. ... Insecurities came out and nothing could have prepared me [for] the reaction [I got],” she told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.

The funeral director also spoke about her brief history with winemaker Flajnik.

“I made it very clear on Twitter I had a crush on him and wanted to get to know him [during] Ashley's season. He sent me a private message and we exchanged numbers. We [said] we should meet in person but he couldn't be seen in public…. This was the only chance I had. [He could] be engaged in a couple of months. It was worth trying.”

Bullying, of course, was an issue the minute Newton stepped into the house.

“Hearing girls saying I'm uglier in person and have big thighs and calling me dumpster trash and a b---- – was intense. I was hurt,” she admitted.

Despite what her critics say, Newton believes that when it comes to reality T.V, love and engagement, there are no rules!

“The whole situation is unfair. You're competing for a guy. What's one more girl? This is someone you are potentially going to marry. Fair doesn't come into play,” she said.

Newton did not get a rose from Ben, but who’s to say she won’t be the Bachelorette sometime soon?!