"Dirty Diana" by Jen Besser and Shana Feste is a provocative and introspective novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, personal growth, and the quest for self-discovery. The story follows Diana Wood, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads between the comfortable stability of her marriage to Oliver and a yearning for a more sensual and fulfilling life.

The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, offering readers an intimate look into Diana's internal struggles and desires. The authors' exploration of themes such as desire, personal awakening, and the balance between security and passion is both relatable and compelling. Diana's journey resonates with anyone who has grappled with the tension between the safety of the known and the allure of the unknown.

The novel's structure, alternating between past and present, effectively builds suspense and deepens character development. The dialogue is authentic, and the intimate scenes are handled with sensitivity and depth, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

As a reader, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and the universal quest for personal fulfillment. Diana's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the courage required to pursue one's desires, even when it means challenging the status quo.

"Dirty Diana" is a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on relationships and personal growth. It is a must-read for those interested in contemporary fiction that explores the intricacies of human desire and the complexities of marriage.

*Note: This review is based on an advanced reader's copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*

Very heavy on the sexual encounters, but the writing was well done and it was a light quick read from my usual genres. It did end on a cliffhanger so I will have to follow up with the next story.
Thank you to the publisher Random House- Dial Press for providing an E-arc
3 star

Interestingly, Jen Besser and Shana Feste's Dirty Diana is a book based upon a fictional podcast by the same name. It is an unusual reversal of the creative process, and although I have not listened to the podcast narrated by Demi Moore, I am curious as to how the two differ. Regardless, the Dirty Diana trilogy opens with the eponymous first novel, which showcases a dismal Diana Wood wavering in her feelings for her husband, while reminiscing about a lover from her past.

Diana once felt so full of passion. As a young maker living in Santa Fe, she ingrained herself in the artistic community, and began a creative project of her own - one in which she recorded intimate interviews of women spilling their deepest secrets - often relating to sex - and then creating paintings based upon their stories. Diana's vibrant and rewarding life was further painted in full color by her relationship with a handsome photographer, Jasper - a man she has never been able to forget, despite how their love affair ended.

Now Diana is in a marriage that has lost its spark. There's nothing inherently wrong with her husband Oliver - he is kind, attentive, and attractive - but they seem to have lost their way. When Diana makes a trip back out to Santa Fe to see an old friend, she remembers the woman she used to be - one who was fun and fiery, and who had purpose. Fueled by her trip, Diana returns home and reinvests herself in the creative project she once loved - interviewing women as they share their secrets. As Diana becomes more and more in tune with the woman she used to be, the divide between her and her husband grows until Diana finds herself standing on a steep precipice. Will she choose the woman she longs to be or the one that is comfortable and safe?

Dirty Diana is a revelatory novel of marriage and how romantic feelings grow and change over time. I have never seen the struggles of marriage written so starkly and honestly. This book reads as if written under a bare bulb, exposing everything that is unseemly and disagreeable about supposed wedded bliss. On the flip side, this is also a story about a middle-aged woman reclaiming her identity and purpose, all while standing in her own truth and rediscovering her passion.

This is a book that is a midlife crisis story of sorts that many women will find relatable, especially those prone to letting their minds wander to their youth and the women that they once were.

I admit to not knowing that Dirty Diana the book was based on Dirty Diana the podcast, which I have not listened to. I think maybe it’s the reverse engineering from podcast to novel that didn’t totally work for me. I appreciated that this book was a quick read, but there are a lot of time and location jumps with very little character development. I acknowledge that this might be an unfair critique of a book that certainly isn’t aiming to be a literary masterpiece. If I compare this to a movie like Magic Mike, my critique of that movie would be that it needed less plot and more stripping, so in that regard Dirty Diana delivers on exactly what I believe it’s supposed to be - fast-paced erotica that hooks you enough to read the second book. Onward to Diana in Love! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for my ARC.

Dirty Diana
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Pub date: 11/19/24

Diana and her husband Oliver have a daughter. Their marriage goes through ups and downs and so does the lack of intimacy. They have a comfortable marriage but Diana reflects on intimacy in the past. This book was definitely full of steam 🔥 It definitely had some unlikable characters but was thoroughly entertaining! I didn’t like the back and forth timeline as it was confusing but overall really enjoyed!! And that ending!!! I think I will have to pick up book 2!!!

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this eARC in exchange for my honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Bold, Gritty Exploration of Love and Desire

Dirty Diana is a raw, unfiltered dive into marriage, intimacy, and self-discovery. Jen Bessel doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love, infidelity, and longing, crafting a story that feels deeply personal and painfully real.

Diana is a flawed yet compelling protagonist—one you’ll empathize with even as she makes questionable choices. Her journey is filled with vulnerability, emotional weight, and an honest exploration of female desire that’s rarely depicted so openly. The writing is sharp and evocative, delivering gut-punch moments that make you pause and reflect.

While I loved the book’s brutal honesty and rich character depth, at times, the pacing felt uneven, and I wished for a bit more resolution in certain areas. That said, the emotional impact is undeniable.

If you enjoy stories that don’t hold back—ones that challenge and move you—this is definitely worth picking up. And with that ending, I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next part!

I’m not even sure why I requested this book, but I’m glad that I did. It was sexy as hell while realistically painful in regards to marriage. I honestly didn’t care so much about Diana, I was way more interested in her subjects that she would paint after interviewing them about their sexual past and/or fantasies. I think I’d like to read the next one in the series. It was a super fast read - done jn 1 day - and I’m invested enough to want to know what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

A highly sensual novel based on the hit podcast, Diry Diana. I listened to the podcast prior to reading the book. The podcast was definitely too short, so I'm glad these books were written to see where life takes these characters! Listening to the podcast isn't necessary to enjoy this book, as this first book in the series mirrors the podcast so you won't miss a thing.

The characters are so well written. Their mature decisions, thoughts, and feelings are very relatable. As a 47 year old woman, it was refreshing to read realistic erotica with well-developed, rational characters who are just good people.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Genre : Contemporary Fiction
Rating : 4.5/5

Just finished Dirty Diana, and WOW—this book is raw, bold, and so beautifully messy. It dives straight into the complexities of marriage, intimacy, and self-discovery in a way that feels so real and unfiltered.

Diana is such a flawed, layered character—you’ll probably want to hug her and shake her at the same time. Her journey is super vulnerable, and the way it tackles female desire and emotional baggage is just chef’s kiss. 💔✨

The writing is gorgeous, too. It’s the kind of book that punches you in the gut with a line and makes you sit there for a second, rethinking your life. That said, it’s not always a light read—this one will get under your skin in the best way.

If you’re into deeply emotional, no-holds-barred stories about love, lust, and figuring your shit out, definitely pick this up. It's a short story I flew by!
After finishing it, I realized it's a two part story. Eager for the next part!

And interesting look at marriage, sexuality through the perspective of a middle aged mother. I went back and forth on whether I liked Oliver or not... but it was binge-worthy enough to keep going. Had no idea it would be left on a cliffhanger- book 2 will be interesting!! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A provocative and thought provoking story that explores the complexities of marr, desire, and self discovery. Well written and compelling.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Diana Wood was an aspiring artist who was spontaneous and adventurous. That was before she married Oliver. Over time they bought a home, became a family and even worked together. Now the excitement has gone out of her life. They rarely have relations and the marriage seems to be dying. A trip to visit one of her friends makes Diana realize that the excitement has gone out of her life and she has to make changes if she is to feel alive again. Using flashbacks to a young Diana, you see her as a struggling artist and her affair with a photographer who left her behind to work in Europe. She was sensual and creative. Now she wants to get that old Diana back, but Oliver is less than cooperative, with his strip club visits and the influence of his divorced best fiend. It is a marriage on a path to destruction. This is the first book in a trilogy that is based on a podcast. Diana is a wonderful character. Her story is told with humor but you can also feel her frustration growing. The authors end with a cliffhanger that brings back someone from her past and will have you looking forward to Diana’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Dial Press for providing this book.

This normally isn't my type of book (and I was REALLY convinced of that for the first several pages), but I'm debating whether I'm going to pick up the follow-up because that was quite a cliffhanger. At its core, Diana is married to Oliver, and they like each other just fine. They are both doting parents, have a mutual respect for each other, but their sex life is practically nonexistent. We go back in time to Diana's more adventurous life and then to the present as she navigates her marriage.

While I wasn't enthused for the whole book, I did enjoy the ending and its "realness." I'm curious what Diana will get up to in book #2!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this e-ARC.

This was definitely worth reading. The idea and premise of Diana's chats with women truly spoke to me. In the present, the author flashes back to a younger Diana who is experiencing her first love and fulfilling her most intense dreams. This book's vulnerability drew me in from the beginning. We witness Diana struggle to achieve her goals because she frequently wants more out of life. to return to the period of her life when she felt fulfilled and, in numerous ways, open to possibilities. I can't wait to see how this story develops. I can't wait for the next one!

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC ebook.

Dirty Diana is a gripping work that tackles a lot of questions--love, self-discovery, desire, etc.. The novel centers on Diana Wood, a woman who seemingly has it all—an established career, a loving husband in Oliver, and a stable family life. Yet, beneath the surface, Diana's happiness has become fragile. She's long abandoned her passion for art, and despite her outward success, there's a profound sense of inner turmoil and emotional disconnect, and well, sexual disconnect too.

Diana's love for her husband, Oliver, is clear, but we keep getting flashbacks of her deep, undeniable connection with Jasper, a charming and romantic figure, that complicates things--and highlights her unhappiness. Jasper embodies everything that Diana feels she is missing—excitement, adventure, and the kind of emotional resonance/connection that she isn't finding in her marriage. This push and pull between her love for Oliver and her past attraction to Jasper creates an emotional tension that makes Diana very relatable in a way: she's flawed, she's lost, there are a lot of happy memories but she also isn't focused on the NOW.

What stands out in Dirty Diana is how effectively the author portrays Diana's internal struggle. Diana comes across, at least to me--as a passenger in her own life, caught between conflicting desires and unable (or unwilling) to take control of her own narrative. She's a needlessly complicated character who will evoke both empathy and frustration in readers. (Diana, my girl, no one asked you to give up your art, your career, etc. And you are the one who hid pieces of yourself away from both you and your partner)
Anyway--while it’s clear that Oliver is a loving and devoted partner, his frustration with Diana’s emotional distance is palpable. His attempts to understand and reach her are often met with resistance, making their relationship feel like it's sinking in quicksand.

One of the most powerful elements of the story is its emotional complexity. Diana’s love for Jasper feels raw and genuine, and it’s easy to sympathize with her moments of clarity when she’s looking back on her love with him. Yet, there’s also a deep sense of sadness, as Diana’s unspoken dissatisfaction also hurts Oliver, who, despite his own flaws, remains faithful and committed. The emotional tug-of-war between these characters can leave you feeling heartbroken, particularly as Diana seems unable to give Oliver the parts of herself that he longs for.

There are moments when you’ll want to grab the characters and shake them, urging them to communicate more openly and avoid some of the painful decisions they’re making. Diana keeps burying her own needs, leaving Oliver to shoulder the consequences. It’s clear that there marriage is in a web of miscommunication and emotional neglect, making their choices feel even more devastating. The ending with Jasper showing up after all this time, the same day that Oliver wants to get dinner---UGH, NO, I CANNOT.

Ultimately, Dirty Diana is a well-crafted exploration of human emotion and the complexities of relationships. The characters are flawed and frustrating, yet undeniably real, making it difficult to look away. I’m eager to read more of the series, despite the emotional rollercoaster it promises.

I just finished this and need the second one immediately!! It was so different than what I usually read but so captivating and fresh! I must know what happens next!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Diana loves her husband, but she isn’t in love anymore. She doesn’t think Oliver is either. They’re good partners and good parents to their daughter, but there’s just no spark.

After a long, uncomfortable therapy session, Diana is determined to conjure that spark or risk separation. She is desperate to get in touch with the sensual, artistic and free woman she used to be - to embody the version of herself that happily explored her own desires and fantasies rather than feeling so haunted by them.

But this proves easier said than done, and might require more personal sacrifice than she (or Oliver) is willing to make. In the midst of this somewhat forced personal transformation, everyday life gets in. Between the carpools and work schedules, how can Diana make time for her most sacred self? And who is she really doing this for? The deeper she dives into herself, the less Oliver is reflected. This is terrifying for Diana, but also freeing, and a little thrilling.

Provocative, honest, and extra spicy, Dirty Diana examines the ebb and flow of longing - and why our choices don’t always reflect what we long for / desire - especially when it comes to sex and relationships. What happens to the former versions of ourselves? Can we resurrect them at will or are these past selves inaccessible to us? Diana is finding out.

(Btw you definitely don’t have to be familiar with the original podcast format of this story in order to understand and enjoy the novel! I was not aware of the podcast before I started reading.)

I enjoyed this! I look forward to reading more. I need to add the podcast to my to listen list as well. Nothing I love more than a woman encountering her sexuality.

I didn’t love it, but I also didn’t hate it. I think this is teetering on a 2ish star, but the cliffhanger at the end does have me curious about book two, so I bumped it up to a 3 star. I didn’t like Diana or Oliver, so I wasn’t super excited about their story, but like I said, it also wasn’t completely uninteresting 🤷🏻‍♀️

Provocative and binge-worthy, I couldn't put this book down. It was so refreshing to read an exploration of marriage, sexuality and friendship through the lens of a middle age woman. The cliffhanger left me dying for more!

Thanks to Dial Press for the copy to review.