📚 Book Review 📚

This story starts off from the pov of Diana, a woman married to Oliver living the life of a suburban woman with a young daughter and career. Ultimately, Diana is no longer interested in the bedroom, although her husband is, and finds herself fantasising of when she was younger and worked as an artist. During this time, she listened to and taped the intimate confessions and tales of the women she sketched whilst having a passionate relationship with a photographer with whom she develops an intense love.

In a nutshell, this is the story of a marriage unravelling but unfortunately for me, it just didn’t hold my interest or keep me engaged. I didn’t dislike the characters, but I didn’t love them and found them pretty one dimensional. The sexual encounters are steamy and if you love a bit of spicy smut, then this would be worth a read but bear in mind that there isn’t much of a story.

I’d like to thank Random House, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 21st November 2024

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🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste

Dirty Diana is a provocative and deeply engaging novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, desire, and self-discovery. Authored by lifelong friends Jen Besser and Shana Feste, this debut work is based on their acclaimed podcast and serves as the first installment in a compelling trilogy.

The narrative centers on Diana Wood, a woman who outwardly appears to have it all—a stable career, a loving husband, and a cherished daughter. However, beneath this veneer of perfection lies a growing sense of restlessness and a yearning to reconnect with her former, more passionate self. A visit to an old friend in Santa Fe rekindles memories of her artistic ambitions and a fervent affair with a charismatic photographer, prompting Diana to embark on a journey of personal and sensual rediscovery.

Besser and Feste masterfully explore themes of intimacy, identity, and the often unspoken challenges within long-term relationships. Their portrayal of Diana’s internal struggles is both authentic and relatable, capturing the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and familial responsibilities. The inclusion of Diana’s project—interviewing women about their deepest desires—adds a rich layer to the narrative, offering diverse perspectives on female sexuality and empowerment.

The writing is both evocative and accessible, with dialogues that resonate and scenes that vividly depict the emotional landscape of the characters. The authors’ ability to seamlessly blend humor with poignant moments makes for a reading experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

Dirty Diana is a bold and refreshing exploration of womanhood, challenging societal norms and encouraging readers to reflect on their own desires and life choices. It’s a must-read for those seeking a story that is both sensual and profoundly human.

As the first book in the trilogy, it sets a high bar, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapters in Diana’s journey.

Dirty Diana is an engrossing book that delves into a woman’s life, and the journey to find and represent passion.
The story journeys back and forth into Diana’s life, from her days as a struggling artist who falls for and begins an intense and passionate love affair with Jasper, an arty photographer she meets waitressing at his exhibition.
Fuelled by each other’s passion in each other, Diana starts her own art project involving interviewing women about their sex lives and fantasies and translates them into art.
After an abrupt end to their love affair, Diana leaves her life behind to start anew.
Cut to her current life, she is married to Oliver, with their daughter, living a comfortable life. She’s at the point of where her marriage has lost its spark and passion and quite possibly so has Diana. But when it looks like her marriage might be in trouble, they turn to counselling. We as the reader feel truly invested and feel the full emotions of their journey.

Not your typical rom-com style book, Dirty Diana is a must-read for romance fans who also enjoy stories which delve deeper into relationships and desire.
With enough spice for those who enjoy a little erotica thrown in with their romance.

Reading this book, I managed to miss seeing that it is the 1st in a trilogy. So imagine my surprise and full on punch to the gut, when left on a cliffhanger. I NEED the 2nd instalment now!!

What a book! Completely drawn into the lives of the characters. I felt for Diana in unexplainable ways. A solid 5/5.

A short book that is the first in a series. A young woman exploring her sexuality in her 20's.
Then trying to reignite her marriage a decade later. Same person different times and circumstances..
Art through the medium of audio essays about sexual experiences.

Length, voice and pacing wise, pretty good, we hear Diana’s desires, fantasies and her life, especially the sexual aspects of it with rawness, authenticity - bonus: never with a crude and crass narrative.

Yet, I believe, I might have liked the podcast more.
I expected more plot, more complications and more dimensional characterisation.

Certainly 4-5 stars for the spicy literature target audiences.
Not for me. Lacking the larger story and more subplots that connect to it for my tastes,

Dirty Diana is a beautifully introspective and raw character-driven narrative that delves deeply into self-awareness, exploring the complexities of emotions and relationships in an unflinchingly honest way. The main character's journey feels so authentic that it draws you in completely, fostering a sense of connection that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. The blend of vulnerability and insight is what truly sets this story apart—it never feels forced or overworked but remains believable and heartfelt throughout.

That said, there were moments where the pacing faltered. Early on, the narrative introduces a handful of characters who vanish for much of the book, only to resurface near the end. While I understand this story is rooted in the narrator's perspective, this felt disjointed, and it pulled me out of the otherwise immersive experience.

Still, for readers who love stories that prioritize character introspection over fast-moving plots, Dirty Diana offers something special. It’s not perfect, but it’s a deeply human story that stays with you—a book I’d recommend to those who enjoy emotionally raw and thought-provoking reads.

I'll be honest, I was being a bit of a literary snob before I read this and decided that because it was erotica the plot wouldn't be up to much - but I loved it! Very hooky and all the characters (although not always likeable) are very individual. I read it in about two days - damn family interrupting me! - and would read more.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I didn’t realise this was part of a series. I can only presume you learned more about Diana in the previous books. There was a fair bit of history anyway, but I just didn’t really get this book. It was, to me the story of a vaguely troubled marriage, where Diana and her husband, Oliver still love each other deeply but Diana has gone off sex but Oliver hasn’t and the path they take to mend their marriage, whilst Diana goes back to thinking off the wonderful sex she had in her younger days - a not uncommon occurrence in long, steady relationships. The book then ends suddenly with the marriage still not repaired and, in my opinion, because of the ending likely to fall into further disrepair. Having said all that, I kept reading but I’ve honestly never had a book end so suddenly and so incompletely. That might be a ploy to get you to read the next one but I found it simply irritating, I actually went back to see if I had somehow missed something! if a book is good enough I’ll read the next in series anyway, but let’s have a bit of an ending and because of that and because Diana is not really dirty, she just collects erotic tales from other women in order to paint a picture apparently inspired by their erotic tales, I doubt I’ll venture any further into Diana’s story. I did, however, think the erotic tales were well written.

Dirty Diana by Jen Basser and Shana Feste

This is the first book in a planned trilogy, based on a podcast which is largely about women's sexual fantasies. The podcast came first, like a lot of the characters in both of them!

It works quite well as a novel. Diana is married to Oliver and lives comfortably in Dallas with her child but it is fair to say that their mutual passion has diminished over time as Diana thinks back to a torrid relationship with Jasper, an arty photographer when she was a young, struggling artist in Santa Fe. Her own art, based on the sexual fantasies of women she records provides a link to the podcast but the book stands independently and can be enjoyed on its own.

The way the book is structured means that there can be tempestuous sex scenes with Jasper, rather more mundane attempts to get it off with Oliver and quite a few fantasies relayed by other women in between. There's quite a bit of variety!

Of course, you shouldn't think about this as porn. The podcast and the series are about encouraging women to understand themselves, to find out what they like and, therefore and incidentally, to benefit the male population as well. As to whether it turns you on, is an entirely personal matter but it's probably rather better than classic British porn where the women involved typically meet up with minor nobility and millionaires. Americans do not have the same hang-ups about social class as the British!

Presumably there will be a film somewhere down the line and, probably, a range of associated products so, for the moment, it's best to enjoy the book as a cheery romp with a neat plot which moves easily between past and present and is generally well written without being over-the-top - as it were.

I spent my whole time reading this book like a nosy neighbour with a glass pressed against the wall trying to get all the details.

Being in a loving but unfulfilling marriage Diana takes us back to her 20's when she's living her life as an artist who interviews woman and paints visions of their sexual awakenings.

She falls in love with Jasper and these flashbacks give us a very spicy insight of how they spend their time together 😏. The relationship seems to end abruptly leaving you with the ache of something unfinished and never spoken about again.

I loved the time lapses between then and now and the depth into Diana's life. I was fully thrown into her life not only as an artist but a sex positive one at that. Yet as time progresses not only does she no longer do the thing she loves, she seems to have lost herself in the process as well.

Her marriage to Oliver left me feeling very confused to the point where I wanted to scream at them both for being so out of sync with eachother. What started as a great relationship lost it's way a bit and although you can still feel the love they have for eachother the spark has gone.

Finding out who they are again brings out so many emotions for their relationship. With that though Diana starts a new direction for her artistic passion and paves a way for women's to explore there wildest fantasies.

I need the second book immediately so I know how everything unfolds. I was buttered up nicely and hopeful for what was to come until bam!! Plot twist...The end 😫😅.

Thank you so much for the ARC 💕

This isn't my usual genre - but I'm glad I gave it a go.
As others have said, it's pretty 'spicy' in places - but it's also more than that, and touches on friendship, female desire (which is often overlooked!), and identity. I really enjoyed it.

This book was certainly dirty! There was a huge amount of erotica, and I felt it lacked 'plot' though the idea of rekindling a sex life within a marriage is probably something a lot of people can relate to!

This is the story of Diana, who starts off as an aspiring artist working as an intern for Justine, and a waitress for Barry's catering company - I loved Barry. The start of the book tells of her exciting youth, and her passionate affair with Jasper.
The book then moves on to an older Diana who is now a wife and mother, but she is bored with her life and goes back to working on her art, and rediscovering herself.
I really enjoyed this book, Diana is a great character, impetuous, and honest, and the sex scenes and the interviews are very erotic.
The ending is a real cliffhanger because it is the first in a series. I went straight to Amazon and added these to my wish list.
I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forwards to the sequels.

I liked that this had a decent story to follow. The use of interviews was a clever device of introducing different women’s sexual fantasies. Very readable.

In this deeply introspective novel, Diana Wood seemingly has it all: a stable job, a loving husband, Oliver, and their adored daughter. She and Oliver are the epitome of a functional marriage—they even carpool to the same office. Yet beneath the surface of their "married love," something vital feels missing. The spark of passion, once integral to their relationship, has long since faded, and Diana finds herself wondering if “fine” is truly enough.

The story takes a transformative turn when Diana visits an old friend in Santa Fe. Immersed in the artistic and carefree atmosphere of her past, she recalls the woman she used to be—an aspiring artist full of creativity, sensuality, and spontaneity. Memories of her romance with Jasper, a dashing photographer, further ignite her longing for the vibrant, passionate version of herself she left behind.

Upon returning to Dallas, Diana embarks on a personal journey to rediscover the woman she once was. Through painting portraits of other women and listening to their confessions of hidden desires, she begins to reconnect with her own. These raw and vulnerable sessions allow Diana to explore what it means to feel truly alive again. However, this path of self-discovery brings difficult questions: can she embrace her awakened desires without sacrificing her marriage? Is it possible to honour her own needs without unravelling the safe, structured life she has carefully built?

This novel is a beautifully written exploration of identity, desire, and the complexities of love in its many forms. Diana’s journey feels raw and authentic, with each step forward met by emotional highs and heart-wrenching dilemmas. The supporting characters, particularly the women whose stories Diana paints, add richness and nuance to the narrative, offering diverse perspectives on intimacy, longing, and the sacrifices women often make.

What makes this story particularly compelling is its refusal to provide easy answers. Diana’s search for fulfilment doesn’t fit neatly into a box, and the novel’s strength lies in its honest depiction of her struggle to balance passion and responsibility.

Poignant, sensual, and thought-provoking, this is a novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. A must-read for anyone who has ever questioned the roles we play in life, love, and our happiness.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I really wanted to love this book. I love the concept and the writing was excellent but I found the pacing really frustrating. It’s the first book in a trilogy, and so I knew that everything may not be resolved, but I felt very unsatisfied by the ending. I think this would be one to re-read when all the books are available!

I enjoyed Diana journey and those closest to her. Good paced book of Diana's of friendship made, catering events to recording and painting sex stories some of which are erotic and well written. The story of a broken heart and a marriage that was always a struggle and the one true love that broke her heart.

Dirty Diana by Jen Besser is a fascinating and intense look at one woman’s journey to find passion, connection, and a sense of herself in a marriage that’s grown comfortable but stale. Reading it feels like listening in on someone’s private conversations, hearing all their secrets and desires, making the story feel forbidden and incredibly engaging.

Diana’s journey back to her sense of desire begins when she discovers a painting by Jasper, an old flame, at a swap meet. Seeing his work brings back strong memories and emotions, leaving her questioning whether she should stick with the stability of her marriage or risk it all for a chance at reigniting her passion with Jasper. Adding to her self-reflection, Diana’s art project involves interviewing women about their sex lives, through which she gains insight into her own needs and the different ways women find happiness and satisfaction.

Jen Besser’s writing and inspiration from Shana Feste’s Dirty Diana podcast make for a story that jumps between Diana’s present life and flashbacks from her past. These shifts help show readers how her marriage has changed and give a sense of the intense love that once held it together. The book doesn’t hold back on exploring adult themes around sexuality and desire, and it raises real questions about what people need to feel connected and satisfied in a relationship.

One of the most powerful parts of the story is how it portrays Diana’s counselling sessions with Oliver and her interviews with other women. The book feels like a peek behind closed doors, revealing truths about marriage, desire, and what we share (and hide) in our relationships.

This isn’t just a love story; it’s an honest look at the struggles and choices in long-term relationships. Diana’s character is easy to connect with as she tries to decide whether to stay with the safe, predictable love she knows or take a chance on something more thrilling. The ending doesn’t offer full closure, leaving readers eager to see what happens next.

Dirty Diana is a must-read for romance fans and anyone who enjoys stories that dive deep into relationships and desire. It’s an exciting, honest, and bold book that isn’t just a story—it’s an experience that sticks with you. Jen Besser has created a book that feels real and makes you root for Diana, leaving you waiting to see where her journey will go next.

Besser's writing style is very captivating and you feel as if you are truly with Diana Wood and her college friends as they peruse the market for goods and sip on bubbly. Perhaps it is because I don't follow the podcast, but this story felt as if it did not live up to the title? And the gorgeous cover definitely deserves more too. With the promise of her sultry look and premise, it was consequently difficult to connect with the slightly unlikeable character and her partner. Thank you for the NetGalley book access and to the authors Jen Besser and Shana Feste and their respective teams.