Her windfall came last year when the 26-year-old was publicly dumped by The Bachelor Blake Garvey and he declared his love for another shortly after. Ever since, she has discussed the break up at any given opportunity, even dissecting it during The Bachelorette finale when she was loved up with another.

And now that Frost has found love and happiness with Sasha Mielczarek, 30, one of 14 men who competed for her heart on Network Ten, there is no reason for the public to feel sorry for her anymore - until now that is.

Just three weeks after Frost gave up the title of 'Garvey's pitiable ex-fiance' and took on the role of 'loved up former Bachelorette', one of Australia's most popular faces had to find a new way to grab the attention of others. Cue Maxim Australia.

Earlier this week the reality TV star turned radio presenter fired shots at Nuclear Publishing - the company behind Maxim Australia - for what she described as "exploiting" her and her image on their December front cover, using pictures that were taken last year for their February issue.

"They've actually photoshopped my hair dark because I was blonde then and now I am dark. They've enhanced my boobs, I am quite flat-chested and I am OK with that, and brought in my waist," she said on her new 2DayFM breakfast show alongside co-host Rove McManus.

She again reiterated her loss of Garvey, who is now loved-up with the show's second runner-up Louise Pillidge, explaining she "wasn't in a great frame of mind" when she posed for Maxim first because she was still going through the fallout from their highly-publicised breakup.

"I'm not proud of the fact that I did that shoot and I'm quite disappointed in myself," she said on the airwaves.

Indeed the recent cover - compared to one of last year's inside shots - shows Frost with a slimmer middle and heavier shadowing around her breasts. The editor of the publication also admitted to Daily Mail Australia that there had been amendments to the shot.

"The retouching is minimal, as it always is in Maxim," said Nuclear's Michael Downs. "She was thrilled with the shoot at the time, so her change of heart is strange and very unique. It's definitely a first for us to have regret from a cover model, and we have shot some of Australia's and the world's biggest names. I guess you can't please everybody."

But as recently as last year, Iggy Azalea, 25, who landed the top spot on Maxim's Hot 100 list, also took issue with the use of her image on the cover. The Australian rapper was not pleased that her record company sold a picture of her that was taken three years previous for another issue.

"I'm going to publicly say something to the Australian division of my record label right now because my message seems to be ignored privately," she wrote on her Twitter account. "Stop giving permission on my behalf for magazines to purchase images of me that have already been printed in major publications for covers.

"This is not the first time this has happened to Iggy," she noted. "Australian label, I love you guys but you allowed my image to be sold to Cosmo Aus when I told you I would prefer for that not to happen."

Frost, who posed on the February issue with one arm covering her modesty, says she is in a different head space now than she was 12 months previously and wants to be a "good role model" for young girls.

"I personally feel like it is a bit disappointing because I don't look like that. I'm a huge advocate for being a good role model for young girls and just embracing what you look like."

Tracey Spicer, broadcaster and feminist, told Fairfax she was standing alongside Frost for speaking up.

"It's time for photoshop laws in Australia, similar to those in France and Israel," Spicer said. "In those countries, magazines and websites must add a disclaimer that the images were 'manipulated' or 'altered'. Maxim has clearly altered and manipulated Frost's image, without her consent. Frankly, it's a gross violation. Good on her for speaking out."

On Twitter, Melinda Liszewski made the point that Frost's issue of unauthorised use of her pictures is one of "rape culture".

"She regretted the first shoot, didn't want this published, you did anyway,' she tweeted, later adding: "Woman regrets prior Maxim photoshoot so mag puts altered pics on cover a 2nd time #rapeculture #objectification."

While another user Grant Lee Stone wrote: "I think Sam Frost is upset about being photoshopped into a body she doesn't own. That's a legit beef.

The blurb alongside the new magazine explained why Frost's image had been chosen for the top spot in the magazine - a space that would be coveted by many.

"Ever since appearing on our cover earlier this year, we've had non-stop requests for more Sam Frost in Maxim. Well, readers, you've asked (see: hounded) and we've delivered. In this epically beautiful and special encore feature, Sam returns to Maxim for your viewing pleasure. Please sit back and enjoy one of our favourite women (and cover stars) of all-time. What's not to love?"

Frost was thrust into the spotlight because of the drama surrounding her short-lived reality TV show relationship. Ever since she has sold, and indeed has been sold as, a pitiful character that should be felt sorry for. Perhaps now that she has moved on in her life she is finding it difficult not to play the victim card any longer or maybe she needs to start reading the fine print.

Maxim Australia have been approached for comment.

Sam Frost refused to comment when contacted by Fairfax.