A great premise that could have been a fabulous novel but the writing was flat so it was a chore to finish.

Well. I was not familiar with the podcast and didn't know what to expect from this novel but I gotta admit I somehow missed that this is heavy on the steam. And to be honest, while this is an interesting look at marriage and so on, while I'm not a prude, I think the spice was more than I wanted. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

Wow! I went in blind to this story and came out with my eyes wide open. How many married women have felt like this? Where does taking a break leave you? So many questions for the next book!!

know what to expect from Dirty Diana, even though the concept sounded interesting, and since it is based on a successful podcast the novel has a built-in fan base. You can add my name to the list of Dirty Diana fans, I absolutely loved this book, even though it is quick but not an easy read, emotionally. I haven't listened to the podcast, but I will certainly try it out.

Diana is a character that I found very relatable, in what would be considered a good marriage even though she is not sure whether she is happy, and she fantasizes about her youth and what might have been. I think most married people have had tough stretches and will empathize with both Diana and Oliver as they navigate marriage in mid-life.

The excerpts from Diana's recorded interviews added a level of spice and fun to what is essentially the tale of a rocky marriage and the examination of how two people who love each other can grow apart. I am excited to see where Diana goes in book 2, as Dirty Diana left me eager to see what develops!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press for the digital ARC of Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste. The opinions in this review are my own

This book right here was WILD!!! Dirty Diana, did not know it was inspired by a podcast and I want to listen to it now, lol. Diana is married to an amazing man named Oliver, but she’s not happy and she can’t put her finger on why, she is just not connecting with her husband and all Oliver wants to do is connect with her. They work in it but in this book we get Diana’s story from before meeting Oliver, and being with this photographer named Jasper. Now I will say this, the spicy scenes were spicy and even how she goes about creating art. I loved her friends though they made me laugh so much, and they are so badass I loved it. This book is part of a series and I can’t wait to read more, because the way this book LEFT ME!!! THAT ENDING THOUGH!!!!

This book was inspired by a podcast featuring actress Demi Moore, and it centers on the marital struggles of Diana and Oliver. Diana, once passionate and engaged in her relationship, now finds herself withdrawing from intimacy, while Oliver is still eager to connect. The story also takes us back to Diana’s younger years, before her marriage, when she was an intern in the art world. At that time, she created a provocative art project focused on sketching and painting nude women while recording their intimate confessions. During this period, she also had a brief but intense affair with a charismatic photographer, adding layers of complexity to her present-day dilemmas.

As for my experience with this book—it was a bit of a mixed bag. While it was certainly sensual and full of steamy moments, I found it lacking in substance and emotional depth. The sexual encounters were frequent, but the story didn’t engage me on a deeper, more intellectual level. Though the plot revolves around a couple with a young daughter whose marriage is unraveling, the characters were hard to connect with, and I never found myself invested enough to keep thinking about it long after I finished.

That being said, there was something deeply intriguing about the book. It was undeniably tantalizing, with moments that made me want to shout about how great it was. If this book hasn’t made it onto your radar yet, it absolutely should. There’s something about the raw, unfiltered conversations around sex and intimacy that felt incredibly real. I couldn’t stop reading, especially the “Dirty Diana” excerpts inspired by the podcast. Those sections captured a gritty, unapologetic look at Diana’s world that felt refreshing and bold.

Diana, at 41, is juggling the roles of mother, wife, and artist, and anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship, especially after having children, will relate to the tension and struggles of keeping that spark alive. There’s a real emotional resonance in the way the book explores the complications of intimacy in long-term relationships. I felt for Diana—her confusion, her longing, her frustration—and I found myself completely immersed in her journey. I’m still processing all the conflicting emotions this book stirred up.

As a romance reader, I expected a resolution, but the ending left me feeling a bit unsettled—like there was no neat conclusion or finality. That ambiguity is jarring, but it also kept me thinking long after the last page.

Dirty Diana, based on the Podcast by the same name, is an exploration in a women's world, marriage and life of sex. We meet Diana who feels something is missing, and begins reminiscing about a time when she felt most desired and talented.

Diana's twenties were filled with art, Sante Fe and the desire of "Sante Fe's Next Art-Throb," Jasper. Now years later, married and a mother, she lost her ability to think creatively and lust after her husband. She longs to be that free-thinking, adventurous individual instead of stuck in this rut.

Dirty Diana's cliffhanger has me reeling! NEED BOOK #2, Diana in Love!

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback

I felt like I was having a long conversation with a best friend, I couldn’t get enough! Diana’s actions felt real, and nothing was shied away from. I also loved the commentary on creativity and witnessing Diana find herself in her art again.

Really enjoyed this book! I like the way the author portrayed the highs and lows of marriage it reminds me of Sex/life on Netflix and I loved that show! It’s also very steamy! Would definitely recommend!

It is easy to dismiss this book as "female erotica." It even fits the creative conflict in the book when one of the other female characters tells Diana she creates "pornography." While the novel does not lack sensual scenes, it is so much more than that. What matters in the relationship most? Safety and security, being good partners while taking on various domestic challenges, being good parents and upstanding citizens? Or is it passion and chemistry, palpable desire, and overarching inspiration that it can bring?

I think many women can relate to that feeling of being adrift and unsure of what they want (or why they suddenly stopped wanting something they used to love.) This is an excellent read, an interesting story, and a good setup for future installments.

A bit of critique - Alicia and L'Wren seem like the same character. They could just be one woman instead of two with very similar energy. Some of the love scenes (the bathtub one specifically) seem a bit far-fetched from the point of view of limbs and body parts contorting in the ways described.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing, for sharing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. The book is out on November 19.

Thank you to The Dial Press, NetGalley and the authors for my copy. This was an interesting read while I did not connect with the main character, Diana , I still found myself turning the pages to see what would happen next. I believe others will enjoy this one.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did…. I had also tried to listen to the podcast years ago but gave up after a few episodes. I think I had the same challenge with the novel - a disconnect with the main character. In order to commit to the book or podcast I need to like her more? Otherwise they both seem to drag and feel too much like navel gazing. There’s more to life than sex. No doubt this book will be well like by others. Thank you for the opportunity to read it and give it a try.

Dirty Diana, the first in a three part series will leave you anxiously waiting for book two! A lot of women will relate to this novel, a funny and sexy story of someone trying to remember the person they were before they married. Amazing storytelling that will leave you wanting more!

Another wild read in the series really enjoyed the latest story and the cliffhanger certainly left me hanging on.Well written characters ready for next book.#netgalley #dirtydiana

I knew this book was based on a podcast but have never really listened to it prior to requesting because of its intriguing premise and gorgeous cover.

I DNFed this early on since I wasn’t connecting with Diana. In the book’s defense, I think my headspace just wasn’t in the right place and this book became an unfortunate collateral damage.

Thank you to The Dial Press, NetGalley and the authors for my copy. All opinions are honest and my own.

thank you to Random House Publishing, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

I don’t have too many comments as I had to DNF this book at 60%. The amount of typos in this book made it so hard to get through and the plot seemed to be heavily influenced by the tv show Sex Life which made me uninterested in the characters and story overall.

I really enjoyed this story and characters. The writing was captivating and the story was never stagnant. My biggest complaint was the big cliff hanger at the end of the book.

This book was so good! My only issue is that it ended so fast and I want to know what happens next. Did they get divorced? Do they reconcile? Why is Jasper back in her life? I have to know! This book was nothing like what I expected in the best way possible. It was heartfelt and moving and bare. I loved this and I desperately want to see more from the authors, including a sequel!

This book was captivating and I loved the writing. I was very dissatisfied in the cliffhanger ending and prefer a happy ending.

Really liked a lot of this - loved the cliffhanger and I know it is a series but just felt unfinished. Like I think this should end on its own fully.