This book was not at all what I was expecting! It’s so, so good!

Diana is struggling with her now self and her former self. Her marriage is in a rut and she’s searching for something new, although she isn’t quite sure what that new thing is or might be.

There are parts that are VERY sexually explicit so if that bothers you, be forewarned. I found it to actually enhance the story and it fit in well.

I cannot wait for part 2! Usually I am annoyed with cliffhangers but this one was so well done.

Huge thank you to the publisher, Random House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Deeply sensual, tantalizing, and absolute delight! I want to SCREAM about how great this book was. If this book isn't on your radar yet, it definitely should be. This was one of those reads that had me going "I support womens' rights AND women's wrongs" 🫣 Diana is a 41 year old mom, wife, and artist (exactly in that order). Anyone who has been in a long-term intimate relationship can attest to when things start fizzling out ESPECIALLY after giving birth to a child(ren). It's rough to go through, and I'm learning also to read through. I felt so, so deeply for Diana (and Oliver and Jasper..? possibly? tbd). I think I fell in love with Jen & Shana's writing. I really enjoyed the "Dirty Diana" excerpts inspired by its eponymous podcast. I loved the conversations around sex and intimacy. I could not for the life of me put this one down. I'm a romance reader to my CORE so to read something and feel so many conflicting things and not reach any kind of solace or resolution by the end is so jarring. But damn if I'm not invested in what happens next.

Many thanks to Dial press for the eARC!

If the Netflix series SexLife was a book it would be Dirty Diana
Super sexy but also with characters that have real depth
Cliffhanger has me already counting days until book 2…. Might need to check out the fiction podcast this was based on!

This novel has its moments, but overall, it left me feeling underwhelmed. The premise of a woman stuck in a routine marriage who rediscovers her passions is familiar, and while it had potential, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth I was hoping for. Diana's journey from being disconnected from her desires to awakening her sensuality happens too quickly, and it doesn’t feel fully developed. The book touches on interesting themes, like the struggle between personal fulfillment and the sacrifices of long-term commitment, but it doesn’t go far enough to explore them in a meaningful way.

The story leans heavily on well-worn tropes—such as the conveniently timed trip and the reappearance of an old flame—without adding anything new or insightful. Jasper, the "dashing" ex-lover, feels more like a plot device than a real character, and his involvement in the story lacks depth. The supporting characters, especially the women Diana interviews, come across as one-dimensional, and their stories feel a bit repetitive.

While I appreciated the artistic elements, like the portrait-painting sessions, the concept never quite took off. The conversations between Diana and the women she paints don’t have the emotional weight they need, making the book feel more superficial than profound. By the time the novel reaches its conclusion, it’s hard to stay invested in Diana’s choices or her marriage.

Overall, this wasn’t a terrible read, but it didn’t stand out either. It’s a passable story about self-discovery and marital strain, but it lacks the complexity or originality to leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something light and predictable, you might enjoy it but don’t expect to be blown away.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free e-arc through Netgalley.
Okay, first of all this book is spicy and NSFW. There are very graphic sexual descriptions throughout. I didn't identify with Diana, the main character who seems to not want to have sex with her husband, but instead she dreams of a former boyfriend and her earlier artist lifestyle. It seems a bit like she's the one in the midlife crisis as she pushes her husband away for months, but then wants to join him at a strip club. Better communication would have helped this couple a lot earlier.

Diana is a 41 year old mother and has reached a point in her life where she feels lost. She and her husband are drifting apart, she is unsatisfied in her job, and is missing her creative side.

I really felt this book. I connected with Diana's struggles. I could understand her feelings of discontent and losing herself. Diana's book and her new project were intriguing. I really felt her heartbreak in trying to find her way back to Oliver.. I think that the authors did an amazing job of making you understand and feel Diana's hurt. I love how loyal L'Wren is to her. I was also very glad that she had Alicia even if she was in Santa Fe and not Rockgate/Dallas.

While I enjoyed this book and really connected with Diana, I have to say the ending left me wanting more. I don't think that is a bad thing, I just really wanted to know "now what".

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story hooked me from the beginning but seemed to lose me about halfway through due to a lack of plot, substance, and character development. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters and lost interest in the direction of the story.. I made it to 80% and didn’t want to finish it.

Diana Wood has the life every woman wants. Her husband, Oliver, is handsome, a wonderful partner, and a loving father. They have great jobs, a nice house, they look like the total package. What are they missing? Chemisty. Their home in Dallas may be beautiful, but the insides of her marriage are crumbling.

When an old friend dies, Diana returns to her old town, Santa Fe, and her visit rekindles the woman she used to be. She wants that spark back creatively and sexually. She uses her art skills and the transcripts of women describing their desires to work on a project until her last subject completely upends her world.

When the book ended I was frantically searching for me. These ladies left me on a cliffhanger and I'm dying to get my hands on book #2. This is a must-read for any middle-aged woman stuck in a rut!

This is a nice mid life come of life type of story - Diana is an artist that somehow fell into a classic type of life and lost her soul. As she attempts to save her marriage she realizes she misses a lot of what she used to be before - including the reason that led her to get the nickname Dirty Diana. Overall, I think it is a nice story about finding yourself even when you’re part of a family.

Highly Recommend!!!

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Dirty Diana!

Thank you Jen Bessel and Shana Feste for this Brilliant Book that I highly recommend!

I can say this is a must read!

This is book one of a three book series. I enjoyed this first book! Diana and Oliver’s story is brilliant! I enjoyed the witty banter, raw feelings and heat! Chefs kiss 😘

This book has the perfect amount of spice, humor and romance! I could not put this book down!

I love the way this story was written and this book holds you from page one!

This book is just what the doctor ordered! Can’t wait for book two!

Well done!

No spoilers with my review. You will not be disappointed! Overall I give this book 5 golden stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

I can’t believe I have to wait for book 2! Diana a woman who is figuring out her wants and needs which is so relatable as a mom.

Dirty Diana was a surprisingly refreshing and empowering read. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found myself captivated by Diana's journey of self-discovery and sexual exploration. Besser's writing is honest and raw, capturing the complexities of female desire and the challenges of breaking free from societal expectations.

I loved the way the story tackled themes of body positivity, female friendship, and the importance of owning your sexuality. Diana's vulnerability and determination were truly inspiring.

However, there were moments where the plot felt a bit predictable, and some of the secondary characters could have been developed further. Overall, though, Dirty Dian is a bold and empowering read that celebrates female sexuality and challenges societal norms.

Whoa. I mean that ending… I’m not sure how to review when the story is not over. I need book 2 ASAP! This was my first book by both authors! I really enjoyed this story at some points couldn’t see where it was going and it definitely ended on a HUGE cliff hanger. Thank you Penguin Random House for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

Overall, I found this book incredibly engaging and interesting. While there are similarities to the Netflix show "Sex/Life," it doesn't feel redundant. The core issue in Diana and Oliver's seemingly perfect marriage is their lack of communication and honesty, particularly about Diana's lack of desire.

Diana's memories of her passionate past with Jasper create a stark contrast with her present. The depiction of their intense, if doomed, connection was vivid and captivating.

However, Diana's actions after the strip club incident were frustrating. Her lack of honesty and games with Oliver ultimately backfired, leading to a difficult situation.

While the focus on the feminine perspective is appreciated, Oliver's sudden actions at the end felt out of character. A chapter from his POV could have provided clarity and made his motivations more understandable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher! I loved this intimate book and I'm excited for the rest of the series. I enjoyed the characters, the flashbacks, and the story that made me wonder what would happen next!

Diana is a married woman who has grown away from her husband, to the point that she no longer wants to have sex with him. She appears to be bored with her life. She keeps comparing married life to her excitement when she was young and single.

Diana is now 40, with a daughter and her husband Oliver. It seems that her husband is aware of her drawing away from him and doesn't understand why or what to do about it. What Diana perceives as an "existential crisis" is, in fact, common to most marriages at different times.

I found it very hard to relate to Diana. She seems quite self-centered, much more interested in her own satisfaction than in saving her marriage. I didn't finish this book because I lost interest in Diana's issues fairly quickly.

The story wasn't too bad. It really wasn't my type of book, but it seemed to not have a lot of sustenance. I really didn't connect with the characters which is important to me when reading a book. I really couldn't figure out what was going on with Diana's husband. His character wasn't really developed as well, in my opinion. I am sure there are others who read this genre will really enjoy this.

Dirty Diana is a raw, honest exploration of a woman at a crossroads, torn between the safety of the known and the thrill of the unknown. Jen Besser and Shana Feste deliver a story that’s as much about reclaiming one’s identity as it is about the complexities of love, marriage, and desire. This novel will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the life they’ve built and wondered what might lie on the other side of contentment.

If you're a fan of stories that delve deep into the intricacies of relationships and the often messy pursuit of personal fulfillment, Dirty Diana is a must-read.

This book reminded me of Sex/Life from Netflix. I think this topic is one many can relate to in someway, perhaps just not to the extremes of this book. Once you are married, have a child, etc. things just often naturally change, and it is easy to miss the free, carefree version of yourself. I enjoyed the back and forth timelines, but I would have appreciated seeing how Diana got from the past timeline to her current timeline. Additionally, Oliver’s actions at the end of the book really don’t seem to line up with the type of person he is or personality he has so that kind of threw me off. The book definitely ended on a cliffhanger! I look forward to the next one being released (even though this one won’t officially be released til November!) Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This book is absolute bananas. Really not very good writing and a plot that had me rolling my eyes. It maybe should have just stuck to being a podcast? I guessed everything coming from a mile away.