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Dirty Diana #1
Dirty Diana
Naisille, jotka tietävät, mitä haluavat.
Rehellinen, suora ja tyylikäs Dirty Diana on naisten kirjoittamaa, kipinöivän kuumaa kirjallisuutta.
Dianalla on työ, josta hän pitää, aviomies Oliver, jonka hän tuntee perin pohjin, ja kuusivuotias tytär. Diana on ihan tyytyväinen avioliittoonsa, vaikka intohimo makuuhuoneessa on enää vain muisto. Kun Diana vierailee vanhan ystävänsä luona, jokin hänessä uinuva herää. Palattuaan takaisin kotiin hän ryhtyy maalaamaan muotokuvia tuntemistaan naisista samalla kun nämä kertovat hänelle salaisimmista fantasioistaan. Vähitellen Diana alkaa saada kiinni myös omasta naiseudestaan, mutta löytöretkellä on toinen puoli: pitääkö jonkin loppua ennen kuin mitään uutta voi alkaa?
Jen Besser– kustantaja – ja Shana Feste – elokuvaohjaaja – ovat parhaita ystäviä, jotka muuttivat perheineen yhteiseen asuntoon koronapandemian ajaksi. He halusivat kuvata naisten seksuaalisuutta aidosti, hauskasti ja nautittavasti: näin syntyi Demi Mooren kertoma Dirty Diana -podcast, joka saavutti USA:ssa huiman suosion. Kirjaksi puettu teos aloittaa kolmen romaanin sarjan, joka on myyty kymmeniin maihin ja josta on tekeillä myös televisiosarja.
Rehellinen, suora ja tyylikäs Dirty Diana on naisten kirjoittamaa, kipinöivän kuumaa kirjallisuutta.
Dianalla on työ, josta hän pitää, aviomies Oliver, jonka hän tuntee perin pohjin, ja kuusivuotias tytär. Diana on ihan tyytyväinen avioliittoonsa, vaikka intohimo makuuhuoneessa on enää vain muisto. Kun Diana vierailee vanhan ystävänsä luona, jokin hänessä uinuva herää. Palattuaan takaisin kotiin hän ryhtyy maalaamaan muotokuvia tuntemistaan naisista samalla kun nämä kertovat hänelle salaisimmista fantasioistaan. Vähitellen Diana alkaa saada kiinni myös omasta naiseudestaan, mutta löytöretkellä on toinen puoli: pitääkö jonkin loppua ennen kuin mitään uutta voi alkaa?
Jen Besser– kustantaja – ja Shana Feste – elokuvaohjaaja – ovat parhaita ystäviä, jotka muuttivat perheineen yhteiseen asuntoon koronapandemian ajaksi. He halusivat kuvata naisten seksuaalisuutta aidosti, hauskasti ja nautittavasti: näin syntyi Demi Mooren kertoma Dirty Diana -podcast, joka saavutti USA:ssa huiman suosion. Kirjaksi puettu teos aloittaa kolmen romaanin sarjan, joka on myyty kymmeniin maihin ja josta on tekeillä myös televisiosarja.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2025
388 people are currently reading
30185 people want to read
About the author
Jen Besser
9 books159 followersHello! Thanks so much for visiting our GoodReads page. You can also find us on Instagram @jenandshana
Happy reading! Jen & Shana
Lifelong best friends Jen Besser and Shana Feste met as eleven-year-olds in California and have been collaborating ever since, beginning with writing, directing, producing and starring in many regrettable middle-school talent shows. Dirty Diana first launched as a podcast starring Demi Moore, debuted at #1 on Apple, was nominated for Podcast of the Year and won the Ambie for Best Fiction, Screenwriting. Shana is the award-winning screenwriter and director of several feature films, including Country Strong and Run Sweetheart Run. Jen is a fiction editor and publisher. They now live thousands of miles apart and talk every day. Dirty Diana is their debut novel.
Instagram: @jenandshana
linktr.ee/jenandshana
Happy reading! Jen & Shana
Lifelong best friends Jen Besser and Shana Feste met as eleven-year-olds in California and have been collaborating ever since, beginning with writing, directing, producing and starring in many regrettable middle-school talent shows. Dirty Diana first launched as a podcast starring Demi Moore, debuted at #1 on Apple, was nominated for Podcast of the Year and won the Ambie for Best Fiction, Screenwriting. Shana is the award-winning screenwriter and director of several feature films, including Country Strong and Run Sweetheart Run. Jen is a fiction editor and publisher. They now live thousands of miles apart and talk every day. Dirty Diana is their debut novel.
Instagram: @jenandshana
linktr.ee/jenandshana
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,276 reviews
November 17, 2024
i’m sick. sick to my goddamn stomach. i’m a well of never-ending tears. who the fuck decided it was okay to write this and what sick twist of fate decided it needed to end up in my hands. fuck you hoe. i’m broken.
marriage in crisis doesn’t even begin to encapsulate this. i thought i was getting myself into a juicy lil mess of a book with a sex/life vibe. instead i got a million reasons why i despise men and haven’t entered a serious relationship in my 20s! 😍
tears are still currently streaming down my face and snot is the gift that keeps on giving (down my shirt, mind you). do with all this what you will but this evoked feelings in myself mankind has never known, dare i say at a level that rivals magnolia parks
marriage in crisis doesn’t even begin to encapsulate this. i thought i was getting myself into a juicy lil mess of a book with a sex/life vibe. instead i got a million reasons why i despise men and haven’t entered a serious relationship in my 20s! 😍
tears are still currently streaming down my face and snot is the gift that keeps on giving (down my shirt, mind you). do with all this what you will but this evoked feelings in myself mankind has never known, dare i say at a level that rivals magnolia parks
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October 31, 2024Why I Love It
By Suzannah Bentley
I’ve always thought invisibility would be the best superpower to have, purely for the eavesdropping potential. Reading Dirty Diana feels like standing with your ear pressed up against the door while people on the other side spill their secrets and fantasies: a little unsettling, definitely forbidden, and very addictive.
Dirty Diana is, at its core, a story about the age-old dilemma: play it safe or risk it all? Diana is stuck in a comfortable but sexless marriage with Oliver. On paper they are the perfect couple, but the spark is long gone. Enter Jasper, Diana’s old flame, who reminds her of what her marriage is lacking. As she tries to untangle where her true desire lies, Diana seeks answers through her art. As part of her painting project, she interviews other women about their sex lives, trying to find inspiration and learn from the experiences of the women around her.
As a fan of TV’s Couples Therapy, and a snoop in general, I loved being a fly on the wall of Diana and Oliver’s counseling sessions and the secret interview sessions between Diana and her subjects. Dirty Diana raises questions about desire, the private vs. public selves, and what it means to seek the spark even if it means jeopardizing the everyday fabric of your world. Spicy, deep, and challenging, Dirty Diana left me wanting more in the best possible way.
By Suzannah Bentley
I’ve always thought invisibility would be the best superpower to have, purely for the eavesdropping potential. Reading Dirty Diana feels like standing with your ear pressed up against the door while people on the other side spill their secrets and fantasies: a little unsettling, definitely forbidden, and very addictive.
Dirty Diana is, at its core, a story about the age-old dilemma: play it safe or risk it all? Diana is stuck in a comfortable but sexless marriage with Oliver. On paper they are the perfect couple, but the spark is long gone. Enter Jasper, Diana’s old flame, who reminds her of what her marriage is lacking. As she tries to untangle where her true desire lies, Diana seeks answers through her art. As part of her painting project, she interviews other women about their sex lives, trying to find inspiration and learn from the experiences of the women around her.
As a fan of TV’s Couples Therapy, and a snoop in general, I loved being a fly on the wall of Diana and Oliver’s counseling sessions and the secret interview sessions between Diana and her subjects. Dirty Diana raises questions about desire, the private vs. public selves, and what it means to seek the spark even if it means jeopardizing the everyday fabric of your world. Spicy, deep, and challenging, Dirty Diana left me wanting more in the best possible way.
October 2, 2024
This book was inspired by a podcast with actress Demi Moore. The story focuses on the marital crisis of Diana and Oliver as she suddenly finds herself reluctant in the bedroom, while he's still interested. Then it reaches back in time before Diana's marriage when she was interning in the art field and developing her own art projects involving sketching/painting nude women while also taping their intimate confessions. At this time she had also experienced an intense attraction and brief relationship with a handsome and charismatic photographer.
This book was a lightweight experience for me; heavy on the random sexual encounters but weak on keeping me mentally engaged. Even though this was a book about a couple with a young daughter whose marriage is unravelling, it lacked depth, had no very likeable characters, and I won't be thinking about this one as the days go by.
Thank you to the publisher Random House / Dial Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
This book was a lightweight experience for me; heavy on the random sexual encounters but weak on keeping me mentally engaged. Even though this was a book about a couple with a young daughter whose marriage is unravelling, it lacked depth, had no very likeable characters, and I won't be thinking about this one as the days go by.
Thank you to the publisher Random House / Dial Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
June 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste is the first in a trilogy inspired by the fiction podcast of the same name starring Demi Moore. While the book delves into women’s sexuality and follows one woman’s journey of self-discovery, it’s just as much about her husband, Oliver. Watching their marriage unravel was genuinely heartbreaking because you get to see it from both sides. While I see a lot of reviews place blame on Oliver, Diana definitely played a huge part with her failure to communicate her needs and also what I felt was her lack of trying.
Diana feels stuck—caught between a career she doesn’t enjoy, a marriage to a man she loves but no longer feels physically attracted to, and the demands of motherhood. After a visit to an old friend in Santa Fe, Diana begins to feel nostalgic for the aspiring artist she once was. Her thoughts drift back to Jasper, the photographer with whom she shared a passionate, unforgettable love affair. In an effort to reconnect with herself, Diana begins interviewing women about their desires, capturing their stories while painting their portraits.
The story toggles between the past and present, but I found the past timeline less engaging than the present, and I lost some interest during those sections. I really liked the themes this book explored, but I struggled to connect with Diana—I just didn’t find her all that likable. For such a short book, the cliffhanger ending felt unnecessary. It might have worked better as a complete, standalone story rather than being stretched into a trilogy, but that’s just my opinion. Will I continue on with book 2 —possibly because I am somewhat curious to see what happens next.
Dirty Diana by Jen Besser and Shana Feste is the first in a trilogy inspired by the fiction podcast of the same name starring Demi Moore. While the book delves into women’s sexuality and follows one woman’s journey of self-discovery, it’s just as much about her husband, Oliver. Watching their marriage unravel was genuinely heartbreaking because you get to see it from both sides. While I see a lot of reviews place blame on Oliver, Diana definitely played a huge part with her failure to communicate her needs and also what I felt was her lack of trying.
Diana feels stuck—caught between a career she doesn’t enjoy, a marriage to a man she loves but no longer feels physically attracted to, and the demands of motherhood. After a visit to an old friend in Santa Fe, Diana begins to feel nostalgic for the aspiring artist she once was. Her thoughts drift back to Jasper, the photographer with whom she shared a passionate, unforgettable love affair. In an effort to reconnect with herself, Diana begins interviewing women about their desires, capturing their stories while painting their portraits.
The story toggles between the past and present, but I found the past timeline less engaging than the present, and I lost some interest during those sections. I really liked the themes this book explored, but I struggled to connect with Diana—I just didn’t find her all that likable. For such a short book, the cliffhanger ending felt unnecessary. It might have worked better as a complete, standalone story rather than being stretched into a trilogy, but that’s just my opinion. Will I continue on with book 2 —possibly because I am somewhat curious to see what happens next.
August 4, 2024
YOU LEFT ME HANGING!!!!!!!
The authors captivated me with their honest portrayal of marriage and its highs and lows. The protag takes a deep dive inside women's sexuality that read like a Penthouse Letters/Forum. The ending will keep readers wanting more. I know I do!
The authors captivated me with their honest portrayal of marriage and its highs and lows. The protag takes a deep dive inside women's sexuality that read like a Penthouse Letters/Forum. The ending will keep readers wanting more. I know I do!
February 10, 2025
2.5 Stars
This is a hard one to rate. On the one hand, there were lots of chapters that I really enjoyed and wanted to see more of (essentially a woman finding and losing then finding herself again all the while dealing with different types of love), but on the other hand, a lot of this felt unnecessarily risqué, and I wasn’t sure how it helped move the plot forward. It pulled me from what I felt was the heart of the story.
It ends on a slight cliffhanger but I’m not sure if it’s enough to keep me going to book two.
This is a hard one to rate. On the one hand, there were lots of chapters that I really enjoyed and wanted to see more of (essentially a woman finding and losing then finding herself again all the while dealing with different types of love), but on the other hand, a lot of this felt unnecessarily risqué, and I wasn’t sure how it helped move the plot forward. It pulled me from what I felt was the heart of the story.
It ends on a slight cliffhanger but I’m not sure if it’s enough to keep me going to book two.
June 26, 2024
Can’t wait for book two.
This book reminds me of Sex/Life on Netflix. Diana and her husband are in a rut. She’s trying to figure out what she wants. Her friend L’Wren is amazing and the ending with her is so good.
The ending of the book overall makes me wish book two was out right now.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC
This book reminds me of Sex/Life on Netflix. Diana and her husband are in a rut. She’s trying to figure out what she wants. Her friend L’Wren is amazing and the ending with her is so good.
The ending of the book overall makes me wish book two was out right now.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC
July 18, 2024
*Received this book as an ARC*
Wasn’t a fan of this. I was very intrigued by the plot but the whole thing felt like it was just running in place instead of to a destination. Oliver gave me the biggest ick and his whole wealthy southern family gave terrible vibes.
I didn’t mind the going back & forth as far as timeline went, but the problem was that the time jumping didn’t really provide any clarifying info. Never found out how any of the issues Diana was facing resolved & sometimes that’s okay based on the trajectory the character took throughout. But again this whole book felt like it was filler or something
Wasn’t a fan of this. I was very intrigued by the plot but the whole thing felt like it was just running in place instead of to a destination. Oliver gave me the biggest ick and his whole wealthy southern family gave terrible vibes.
I didn’t mind the going back & forth as far as timeline went, but the problem was that the time jumping didn’t really provide any clarifying info. Never found out how any of the issues Diana was facing resolved & sometimes that’s okay based on the trajectory the character took throughout. But again this whole book felt like it was filler or something
November 9, 2024
At its core this is about a woman struggling in not only her marriage, but her life overall and how she’s lost herself and her passion for things that used to matter. The whole thing feels like you’re a fly on the wall, you get to hear Diana and Oliver’s marriage issues during therapy and also in her interviews with woman about sexuality. The cliffhanger killed me, I NEED to know what happens next! All of the narrators were excellent, I love a multicast listen.
July 28, 2025
Джен Бессер, Шана Фесте — Хтива Даяна
Очікувалась історія по типу «Хороша погана дівчинка», а вийшло набагато глибше. Історія, яка змушуватиме кожен розділ по декілька разів казати в порожнечу «бааааляяяять О_о», де «балятькі» показуватимуть на реальні проблеми, з якими стикаються пари в наш час (та і взагалі в будь-який). Глибокий, інколи гарячий, драматичний роман про дорослі проблеми, змушуючий забитися серце трішки швидше, причому через безліч різнопланових сцен.
Історія нам розповідає про Даяну, яка начебто вже має все, чого бажає будь-яка людина: високооплачувану роботу в фінансовій сфері, чоловіка, на якого пускають слину всі мамочкі школи, улюблену доньку. Проте спогади про минуле не дають спокою, через що Даяна все частіше випадає з реальності, а це напряму має вплив на подружнє щастя. Чи зможе вона знайти цей баланс і повернутися до звичного життя?
Враження
Я офігєть який вражений! Я досі не розумію чому вона так довго стояла на поличці! ЧОМУ??? Дуже давно я так не кайфував від історії, яка б викликала так багато емоцій, що зі книжкою хотілося би спілкуватись. Так, в мене були спалахи гніву під час прочитання «Вавилону» та «Зайчика», коли я крив матом кожні 15 хвилин, але то всьо не то. От шоб від задоволення і враженнь говорити з книжкою і якимось чином звертатися до героїв. За останній рік таке було з «Випадкові Наречені», «Ніч, Коли Згасли Зорі», «Попіл Лине до Неба».
Останні дві книжки від видавництва «ТАК». Прочитавши «Даяну», дуже здивований, що вона знаходиться в портфоліо «Книголав», «ТАК» цей роман дуже пасував би.
Кожен персонаж має свою ізюмінку, через що складається повна картина існуючого світу, в якому перебувають герої, а разом і з ними — читач. Емоції прописані просто, але зрозуміло, їх читач відчуває легко за 0.0001 секунди. Особливо, коли є схожий досвід. А будь-який досвід в побудуванні стосунків з партнером — вже підходящий, щоби полюбити і відчувати на повну.
Проблеми реальні і дорослі. За що, до речі, я дуже люблю Емілі Генрі, яка надає нам історії ніби про реальних людей. Джен Бессер разом з Шана Фесті створили такий самий продукт. Даяна в якийсь момент розуміє чого саме їй не вистачало всі ці роки, згадує то щастя, яке вона відчувала, коли була мисткинею і створювала щось важливе — про що вона сама хоче сказати, а не робити того, чого від неї очікують.
Тут буде про що посумувати під балади Scorpions, а також буде на що подрочкать під Two Feet. Якщо колись хтось візьметься за екранізацію цієї книжки, я хочу бачити в головні ролі Ану де Армас. Думаю, вона впишеться на всі 100!
Коли купував книжку, звісно, що не читав анотацію. Мені просто спод��балась обкладинка та назва😄 Проте, коли почав читати, думав, що це буде історія по типу «Хороша Погана Дівчинка» (фільм): про жінку, яка трішки знудилась в подружньому житті, і тут в неї зʼявляється молодий коханець, а можливо і декілька, а можливо ще й її колишній. Щось по типу такого. Щось більш поверхневе, але на подумать, задаючи собі питання «а як би я поступив в такі ситуації?». По факту ми отримуємо більш цікаву історію, в якій структурно нам авторки розкладають життя Даяни на «зараз», «до» і «зараз», знайомлячи таким чином з різною ГГ, шоб читач міг зробити свої висновки та навіть перейняти досвід з її сімейного життя. І також собі задати те саме питання. Модель поведінки сімейної пари нас може навчити як саме не варто поводитись в стосунках.
Висновки
Це не буде спойлером, але закликаю вас до спілкування в парі. Що б не було: краще сказати і не мовчати, а все інше можна вирішити. Якщо це не ваша судьбіношка, то він сам відійде, натомість ви не витратите час на шось умовно комфортне, а зможете прожити щасливе життя з партнером, який на вас чекає. Так, десь там, але він обовʼязково є. Будьте чесними перед собою і партнером.
Офігєзна історія для книжкового клубу, тим паче це трилогія, а друга частина вже є в продажі) Обовʼязково на найближчих знижках у «Книголав» візьму собі. І вам також дуже раджу ознайомитися з історією. Воно вартує тих годин.
Очікувалась історія по типу «Хороша погана дівчинка», а вийшло набагато глибше. Історія, яка змушуватиме кожен розділ по декілька разів казати в порожнечу «бааааляяяять О_о», де «балятькі» показуватимуть на реальні проблеми, з якими стикаються пари в наш час (та і взагалі в будь-який). Глибокий, інколи гарячий, драматичний роман про дорослі проблеми, змушуючий забитися серце трішки швидше, причому через безліч різнопланових сцен.
Історія нам розповідає про Даяну, яка начебто вже має все, чого бажає будь-яка людина: високооплачувану роботу в фінансовій сфері, чоловіка, на якого пускають слину всі мамочкі школи, улюблену доньку. Проте спогади про минуле не дають спокою, через що Даяна все частіше випадає з реальності, а це напряму має вплив на подружнє щастя. Чи зможе вона знайти цей баланс і повернутися до звичного життя?
Враження
Я офігєть який вражений! Я досі не розумію чому вона так довго стояла на поличці! ЧОМУ??? Дуже давно я так не кайфував від історії, яка б викликала так багато емоцій, що зі книжкою хотілося би спілкуватись. Так, в мене були спалахи гніву під час прочитання «Вавилону» та «Зайчика», коли я крив матом кожні 15 хвилин, але то всьо не то. От шоб від задоволення і враженнь говорити з книжкою і якимось чином звертатися до героїв. За останній рік таке було з «Випадкові Наречені», «Ніч, Коли Згасли Зорі», «Попіл Лине до Неба».
Останні дві книжки від видавництва «ТАК». Прочитавши «Даяну», дуже здивований, що вона знаходиться в портфоліо «Книголав», «ТАК» цей роман дуже пасував би.
Кожен персонаж має свою ізюмінку, через що складається повна картина існуючого світу, в якому перебувають герої, а разом і з ними — читач. Емоції прописані просто, але зрозуміло, їх читач відчуває легко за 0.0001 секунди. Особливо, коли є схожий досвід. А будь-який досвід в побудуванні стосунків з партнером — вже підходящий, щоби полюбити і відчувати на повну.
Проблеми реальні і дорослі. За що, до речі, я дуже люблю Емілі Генрі, яка надає нам історії ніби про реальних людей. Джен Бессер разом з Шана Фесті створили такий самий продукт. Даяна в якийсь момент розуміє чого саме їй не вистачало всі ці роки, згадує то щастя, яке вона відчувала, коли була мисткинею і створювала щось важливе — про що вона сама хоче сказати, а не робити того, чого від неї очікують.
Тут буде про що посумувати під балади Scorpions, а також буде на що подрочкать під Two Feet. Якщо колись хтось візьметься за екранізацію цієї книжки, я хочу бачити в головні ролі Ану де Армас. Думаю, вона впишеться на всі 100!
Коли купував книжку, звісно, що не читав анотацію. Мені просто спод��балась обкладинка та назва😄 Проте, коли почав читати, думав, що це буде історія по типу «Хороша Погана Дівчинка» (фільм): про жінку, яка трішки знудилась в подружньому житті, і тут в неї зʼявляється молодий коханець, а можливо і декілька, а можливо ще й її колишній. Щось по типу такого. Щось більш поверхневе, але на подумать, задаючи собі питання «а як би я поступив в такі ситуації?». По факту ми отримуємо більш цікаву історію, в якій структурно нам авторки розкладають життя Даяни на «зараз», «до» і «зараз», знайомлячи таким чином з різною ГГ, шоб читач міг зробити свої висновки та навіть перейняти досвід з її сімейного життя. І також собі задати те саме питання. Модель поведінки сімейної пари нас може навчити як саме не варто поводитись в стосунках.
Висновки
Це не буде спойлером, але закликаю вас до спілкування в парі. Що б не було: краще сказати і не мовчати, а все інше можна вирішити. Якщо це не ваша судьбіношка, то він сам відійде, натомість ви не витратите час на шось умовно комфортне, а зможете прожити щасливе життя з партнером, який на вас чекає. Так, десь там, але він обовʼязково є. Будьте чесними перед собою і партнером.
Офігєзна історія для книжкового клубу, тим паче це трилогія, а друга частина вже є в продажі) Обовʼязково на найближчих знижках у «Книголав» візьму собі. І вам також дуже раджу ознайомитися з історією. Воно вартує тих годин.
October 2, 2024
First, let me start off by saying that I have read all kinds of dark, twisted, dirty romances—I am not a prude, no subject matter is off limits, and I have no triggers. That said, I’m going to take a hard pass on “Dirty Diana.” Not because of the subject matter, but because I felt emotionally disconnected to the characters. After many years of marriage, I can certainly relate to this couple’s situational feelings--after all, it is only natural to look back on your youth, your life, and wonder about the “what-might-have-beens.” But it’s the characters’ self-serving, narcissistic behavior and utter lack of understanding and compassion toward their partner that I struggle to relate to or empathize with. Hence, I found both Diana and Oliver to be both very unlikeable and unrelatable.
Right from the get-go, Diana and Oliver’s actions are purely self-motivated and deceitful; reckless, even. Oliver, in particular, displayed unconscionable behavior for which he felt no remorse. At the forefront of this couple’s issues is sex. Past behavior demonstrates that Diana once enjoyed an active and healthy sex life. So, what then, has changed? Clearly, something is broken in their marriage. In which case, you either work on fixing it or you call it quits. You don’t lie about playing poker and then head to a strip club. You don’t push away your wife in horror when she makes a desperate attempt to spice up your sex life, and, break or no break, you certainly don’t sleep with one of her friends and then lay the blame at her feet instead of taking ownership of your actions.
While I’m sure there are others who will find some merit in this 3-book series, I’m just not one of them. Knowing what is yet to come in the next book that follows, I just can’t walk down that particular road again.
Right from the get-go, Diana and Oliver’s actions are purely self-motivated and deceitful; reckless, even. Oliver, in particular, displayed unconscionable behavior for which he felt no remorse. At the forefront of this couple’s issues is sex. Past behavior demonstrates that Diana once enjoyed an active and healthy sex life. So, what then, has changed? Clearly, something is broken in their marriage. In which case, you either work on fixing it or you call it quits. You don’t lie about playing poker and then head to a strip club. You don’t push away your wife in horror when she makes a desperate attempt to spice up your sex life, and, break or no break, you certainly don’t sleep with one of her friends and then lay the blame at her feet instead of taking ownership of your actions.
While I’m sure there are others who will find some merit in this 3-book series, I’m just not one of them. Knowing what is yet to come in the next book that follows, I just can’t walk down that particular road again.
December 22, 2024
Δεν περίμενα να είναι τόσο συναισθηματικό.
November 6, 2024
I was really disappointed by the ending of this. And to end on a cliffhanger seems silly. I was intrigued by the premise of this book but it started to go downhill about halfway through and didn’t find its way again.
November 5, 2024
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.
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.
January 2, 2025
Whew, lots to unpack here.
This is definitely a NSFW book, and if you do not want to read graphic depictions of sex, you will not enjoy DIRTY DIANA.
However, DIANA is more than its various descriptions of sex, which come through flashbacks, fantasies, artistic discussions, and more. This is a heart wrenching book in many ways, an unflinching and emotional look at growing up, marriage, and how hard it all can be.
We see Diana in various phases of her life. She's in Dallas, TX, with her husband Oliver and young daughter, Emmy, but her marriage is falling apart (often graphically) and she's alone and scared. Other parts show a younger, Diana, maybe still scared, but also filled with passion for her art. She's in New Mexico, a struggling artist, and falling in love with a photographer who may or may not feel the same for her.
No matter where we find Diana, she's raw, real, and honest--presenting an open look at her life, including her sexuality. At times her story is hard to read, it's almost too real (and sexual), but the emotion is well-done. It's a lot to take in sometimes, but a different sort of read that pulled me in. The plot ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it looks like there will be more books, and I'd be intrigued to see where Diana's journey takes her next. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press in return for an unbiased review.
This is definitely a NSFW book, and if you do not want to read graphic depictions of sex, you will not enjoy DIRTY DIANA.
However, DIANA is more than its various descriptions of sex, which come through flashbacks, fantasies, artistic discussions, and more. This is a heart wrenching book in many ways, an unflinching and emotional look at growing up, marriage, and how hard it all can be.
We see Diana in various phases of her life. She's in Dallas, TX, with her husband Oliver and young daughter, Emmy, but her marriage is falling apart (often graphically) and she's alone and scared. Other parts show a younger, Diana, maybe still scared, but also filled with passion for her art. She's in New Mexico, a struggling artist, and falling in love with a photographer who may or may not feel the same for her.
No matter where we find Diana, she's raw, real, and honest--presenting an open look at her life, including her sexuality. At times her story is hard to read, it's almost too real (and sexual), but the emotion is well-done. It's a lot to take in sometimes, but a different sort of read that pulled me in. The plot ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it looks like there will be more books, and I'd be intrigued to see where Diana's journey takes her next. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press in return for an unbiased review.
November 8, 2024
I truly did not 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
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
December 13, 2024
This book had the SMUT🌶️ of my life,and I was here for it!
To start with,we follow Diana,a seemingly normal woman,she is married with a wonderful man since her late teens and has a little girl🩷.However,she is missing the woman she once was before the everyday routine got her.Our girl,had a non-stop fire burning in her,that unfortunately through the years shut down.
Through the book,we see a variety of emotion from her.She clearly missed the girl she once was and truly tries to regain her,yet the person that should support her the most,her husband has find such a comfort in this routine that feels like a loop for his wife-he is not that wonderful after all.Right?
In this one we have an open view of how s*x impacts a couples' life.In all our lives,we hear that s*x is not the MOST important!Eventhough,is that really the truth?What happens when a couple doesn't feel physical desire for each other.Besser and Feste gives all these answers to the reader.More,we have scenes packed with feelings,especially from Diana's point of view.Her thoughts are bright and loud,that means she surerly doesn't hide herself from the reader.
Added,I believe this particular one has a really big impact on the reader because,beside everything else,it shows the true affect of lacking sexual activity with your partner and what this can do to a woman's mentality,without taboos and hiding things of page.
To lighten things up,we have a lot of smut🌶️ going one here.I am talking about good,really descriptive and hardcore scenes,that personally made me reconsider the reasons I was reading,yet it was,fortunately,really well written so I was left really pleased.-our girl is definitely spicy🌶️
Lastly,I want to address in the plot.We have a fast paced book that gives a lot on empasis in the overall vibes.I will say that there is definitely the mysterious air blowing us with a big se*ual tention.The only negative thing I noticed,is that from around 40% until50%-55% I was actually a little bit bored.It weren't that the book was bad,just it didn't give me something in order to continue reading.Like I could put it down and don't question and want to know what will happen next,something that after 55% got fixed!
If you ask me,I do recommend this book because if you read it with the right intentions and maturity is GOOD read!However,check the trigger warnings and keep in mind that you will read something really deep that may confuse you or not!
4⭐
To start with,we follow Diana,a seemingly normal woman,she is married with a wonderful man since her late teens and has a little girl🩷.However,she is missing the woman she once was before the everyday routine got her.Our girl,had a non-stop fire burning in her,that unfortunately through the years shut down.
Through the book,we see a variety of emotion from her.She clearly missed the girl she once was and truly tries to regain her,yet the person that should support her the most,her husband has find such a comfort in this routine that feels like a loop for his wife-he is not that wonderful after all.Right?
In this one we have an open view of how s*x impacts a couples' life.In all our lives,we hear that s*x is not the MOST important!Eventhough,is that really the truth?What happens when a couple doesn't feel physical desire for each other.Besser and Feste gives all these answers to the reader.More,we have scenes packed with feelings,especially from Diana's point of view.Her thoughts are bright and loud,that means she surerly doesn't hide herself from the reader.
Added,I believe this particular one has a really big impact on the reader because,beside everything else,it shows the true affect of lacking sexual activity with your partner and what this can do to a woman's mentality,without taboos and hiding things of page.
To lighten things up,we have a lot of smut🌶️ going one here.I am talking about good,really descriptive and hardcore scenes,that personally made me reconsider the reasons I was reading,yet it was,fortunately,really well written so I was left really pleased.-our girl is definitely spicy🌶️
Lastly,I want to address in the plot.We have a fast paced book that gives a lot on empasis in the overall vibes.I will say that there is definitely the mysterious air blowing us with a big se*ual tention.The only negative thing I noticed,is that from around 40% until50%-55% I was actually a little bit bored.It weren't that the book was bad,just it didn't give me something in order to continue reading.Like I could put it down and don't question and want to know what will happen next,something that after 55% got fixed!
If you ask me,I do recommend this book because if you read it with the right intentions and maturity is GOOD read!However,check the trigger warnings and keep in mind that you will read something really deep that may confuse you or not!
4⭐
July 26, 2025
Dirty Diana es la primera entrega de una trilogía inspirada en el podcast de ficción homónimo, protagonizado por Demi Moore. Si bien el libro profundiza en la sexualidad femenina y sigue el viaje de autodescubrimiento de una mujer, también se centra en su esposo, Oliver.
.
Diana se siente atrapada entre una carrera que no disfruta, un matrimonio con un hombre al que ama, pero por el que ya no se siente físicamente atraída, y las exigencias de la maternidad. Tras visitar a una vieja amiga en Santa Fe, Diana empieza a sentir nostalgia por la aspirante a artista que fue. Sus pensamientos regresan a Jasper, el fotógrafo con quien compartió una apasionada e inolvidable historia de amor. En un esfuerzo por reconectar consigo misma, Diana comienza a entrevistar a mujeres sobre sus deseos, capturando sus historias mientras pinta sus retratos.
.
La historia alterna entre el pasado y el presente, pero la línea temporal del pasado me pareció menos interesante que la del presente, y perdí algo de interés en esas partes de la trama. Aún así , los temas que trata la novela me han parecido muy interesantes,por lo que aunque alguna cosa me ha fallado la sensación general ha sido bastante buena .
.
Diana se siente atrapada entre una carrera que no disfruta, un matrimonio con un hombre al que ama, pero por el que ya no se siente físicamente atraída, y las exigencias de la maternidad. Tras visitar a una vieja amiga en Santa Fe, Diana empieza a sentir nostalgia por la aspirante a artista que fue. Sus pensamientos regresan a Jasper, el fotógrafo con quien compartió una apasionada e inolvidable historia de amor. En un esfuerzo por reconectar consigo misma, Diana comienza a entrevistar a mujeres sobre sus deseos, capturando sus historias mientras pinta sus retratos.
.
La historia alterna entre el pasado y el presente, pero la línea temporal del pasado me pareció menos interesante que la del presente, y perdí algo de interés en esas partes de la trama. Aún así , los temas que trata la novela me han parecido muy interesantes,por lo que aunque alguna cosa me ha fallado la sensación general ha sido bastante buena .
December 3, 2024
"Diana Wood has a job she likes and a husband, Oliver, she loves. Together, they have a daughter they adore. She and Oliver spend so much time together, they even carpool to work in the same office. They’re in married love, which isn’t exactly the same as love love, but it’s fine.
Or is it? Is fine good enough?
Diana and Oliver haven’t had sex in months and their intimacy seems more like a memory than a reality. The cozy trappings of Diana’s life in Dallas, Texas have become ever-more confining. She is restless, growing more distant from Oliver by the day.
A trip to see an old friend in Santa Fe prompts Diana to remember the woman she used to an aspiring artist; someone devoted to creativity, spontaneity, sensuality. In her past—especially with Jasper, the dashing photographer with whom she once had an unforgettable love affair—Diana let herself fantasize, she let her body lead the way. She was wholly…alive."
i loved this book, exploring keeping desires alive in a marriage or long term relationship along with a woman's sexuality. i am impressed that it was a debut.
This story is broken up into three parts, which makes it easy to follow the timeline.
This book was sexy without being smutty. It kept my attention the whole time & i am excited for second book. 🖤
Thank you to Jen Besser, NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for my ARC.
Or is it? Is fine good enough?
Diana and Oliver haven’t had sex in months and their intimacy seems more like a memory than a reality. The cozy trappings of Diana’s life in Dallas, Texas have become ever-more confining. She is restless, growing more distant from Oliver by the day.
A trip to see an old friend in Santa Fe prompts Diana to remember the woman she used to an aspiring artist; someone devoted to creativity, spontaneity, sensuality. In her past—especially with Jasper, the dashing photographer with whom she once had an unforgettable love affair—Diana let herself fantasize, she let her body lead the way. She was wholly…alive."
i loved this book, exploring keeping desires alive in a marriage or long term relationship along with a woman's sexuality. i am impressed that it was a debut.
This story is broken up into three parts, which makes it easy to follow the timeline.
This book was sexy without being smutty. It kept my attention the whole time & i am excited for second book. 🖤
Thank you to Jen Besser, NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for my ARC.
September 27, 2024
Deeply sensual, tantalizing, and an 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. (my rating: 4.25 ⭐️)
Many thanks to Dial press for the eARC!
Many thanks to Dial press for the eARC!
November 22, 2024
2.5⭐️ I should have DNF’d this. It’s like that Netflix show Sex/Life and I also got bored and annoyed with that main character part way through the first season.
November 30, 2024
Se a série 'Sex Life' da Netflix fosse um livro seria este.
Se amei completamente tanto a série, como o livro? Não. Se vi/li ambos até ao fim, sim.
Se amei completamente tanto a série, como o livro? Não. Se vi/li ambos até ao fim, sim.
April 13, 2025
Not my style, didn’t enjoyed as much!
December 21, 2024
Altså. Nei.
December 25, 2024
Der Anfang gefiel mir tatsächlich ganz gut, allerdings lief es später Richtung Desperate Housewifes aus.
January 28, 2025
Spicy hags. So. You know.
December 26, 2024
If the TikTok trend of "we listen, and we don't judge" were to be represented as a book, it would undoubtedly be this one. The experience of reading it is absolutely enchanting, especially when you can set aside any preconceived notions and allow yourself to fully engage with the intimate and raw narrative presented. The book delves deeply into the essence of human experience, revealing the darker secrets we all harbor.
As you read, you are invited to immerse yourself in the complexities of the characters’ lives, particularly that of Diana. The unfolding of her journey is not just a simple plot; it is a captivating exploration of identity, struggle, and revelation. Each moment is richly detailed, drawing you into the emotional landscape and making you feel as though you are living through her experiences right alongside her. The climactic ending took me by surprise—my reaction was a gasp! It's a powerful moment that left me craving more. If we don’t receive a second book, I know I will be haunted by the multitude of possibilities for how the story could continue.
While the book does contain explicit content, it is much more than just smut. There is a significant backstory that enhances the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Every action they take is rooted in their experiences, and when motives are unclear, you can’t help but be on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth behind their decisions.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who approaches literature with an open mind and a willingness to understand. Remember, we read, but we don't judge. This is a journey worth taking for anyone willing to embrace a rich, thought-provoking narrative.
As you read, you are invited to immerse yourself in the complexities of the characters’ lives, particularly that of Diana. The unfolding of her journey is not just a simple plot; it is a captivating exploration of identity, struggle, and revelation. Each moment is richly detailed, drawing you into the emotional landscape and making you feel as though you are living through her experiences right alongside her. The climactic ending took me by surprise—my reaction was a gasp! It's a powerful moment that left me craving more. If we don’t receive a second book, I know I will be haunted by the multitude of possibilities for how the story could continue.
While the book does contain explicit content, it is much more than just smut. There is a significant backstory that enhances the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Every action they take is rooted in their experiences, and when motives are unclear, you can’t help but be on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth behind their decisions.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who approaches literature with an open mind and a willingness to understand. Remember, we read, but we don't judge. This is a journey worth taking for anyone willing to embrace a rich, thought-provoking narrative.
February 2, 2025
I picked this to add to my BOTM box. It seemed like a more unique book than I’ve read as of late. I wanted to try something different.
There were a lot of sex scenes in this one so if that’s not your vibe you might wanna skip. The thing is I struggled with the sex scenes because I was so caught up in the struggle of the MCs marital issues. It was so sad but also something that tends to happen in a lot of marriages.
None of the characters were very likable. Then the threesome to solve the marital issues….shew talk about awkward.
There were a lot of time jumps and sometimes read like random words on a page to me (it wasn’t but I was just so disconnected from the entire thing that’s what it felt like).
It didn’t work for me at all…gave me the ick which is a shame because there were so many parts the reeled me in and there were so many good raw realistic issues addressed.
I’m bummed that I disliked it so much. I thought for sure I’d like it so I got the follow up book too but I’m not sure if I’ll read it.
Don’t take my word for it. Not every book is for everybody. Happy Reading!
There were a lot of sex scenes in this one so if that’s not your vibe you might wanna skip. The thing is I struggled with the sex scenes because I was so caught up in the struggle of the MCs marital issues. It was so sad but also something that tends to happen in a lot of marriages.
None of the characters were very likable. Then the threesome to solve the marital issues….shew talk about awkward.
There were a lot of time jumps and sometimes read like random words on a page to me (it wasn’t but I was just so disconnected from the entire thing that’s what it felt like).
It didn’t work for me at all…gave me the ick which is a shame because there were so many parts the reeled me in and there were so many good raw realistic issues addressed.
I’m bummed that I disliked it so much. I thought for sure I’d like it so I got the follow up book too but I’m not sure if I’ll read it.
Don’t take my word for it. Not every book is for everybody. Happy Reading!
November 14, 2024
I don’t know what I was hoping for with this but I am so disappointed by what it turned out to be.
Also. Middle aged couples scare me. After reading All Fours (and hating it) I am now literally terrified of being a deranged middle aged woman (although I doubt I’ll be this bad).
P.s what the fuck was that strip club scene
Also. Middle aged couples scare me. After reading All Fours (and hating it) I am now literally terrified of being a deranged middle aged woman (although I doubt I’ll be this bad).
P.s what the fuck was that strip club scene
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