Dirty Like Us

Dirty #0.5

by Jaine Diamond

What happens in Vegas… better stay in Vegas.

Maggie Omura has never been a gambling woman. As assistant manager of Dirty, the hottest rock band on the planet, she brings order to the lives of four crazy-ass rock stars.

But when the band lands in Vegas, a streak of bad luck lands Maggie in a bind--and in the penthouse suite, with the last man she'd ever want for a roommate.

Zane Traynor, lead singer of Dirty. Rock god. Sex god. Total nightmare for women.

And the only man who'd make Maggie a proposal so insane it just might work.

A night of chance.
An irresistible gamble...
It's time for Zane and Maggie to go all in.


Dirty Like Us is a prequel novella for the Dirty series—a rockstar romance series about the members of the rock band Dirty and the women and men who love them.

Novels in the Dirty series are interconnected standalones, each with an HEA; other books (novella/story collection) are not HEA, but are essential pieces of the overall story arcs. (There are ongoing storylines that develop throughout the series; reading them in order is not crucial but is HIGHLY recommended.)

Reading order:
Dirty Like Me (Dirty #1)
Dirty Like Us (Dirty #0.5) (novella)
Dirty Like Brody (Dirty #2)
A Dirty Wedding Night (Dirty #2.5)(story collection)
Dirty Like Seth (Dirty #3)
Dirty Like Dylan (Dirty #4)
Dirty Like Jude (Dirty #5)
Dirty Like Zane (Dirty #6)

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Music, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Musicians

Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2016

About the author

Get Jaine's free bonus content, release info, giveaways and insider updates in the Diamond Club newsletter HERE!

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Jaine Diamond is a Top 50 Amazon US and a Top 5 international bestselling author. She writes contemporary romance featuring badass, swoon-worthy heroes endowed with massive hearts, strong heroines armed with sweetness and sass, and explosive, page-turning chemistry.

She lives on the beautiful west coast of Canada with her real-life romantic hero and daughter, where she reads, writes and makes extensive playlists for her books while binge drinking tea.

Her books have been translated into French, German and Hebrew.

Reviews

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, this was so not my cup of tea 🍵 AT ALL.. but I knew that, going in cause Zane, he isn't the type of Hero that I want to really read about as a main character anyway.

And Maggie with her plight, was just really not all that interesting either. She definitely needs to just grow up and own her place. She is not the first woman who has had to deal with the fall out of having a crappy Father..
And the reason for them hooking up in Matrimony the way that they did?
🤦‍♀️ Ri-Damn-Diculous😟

The only thing good about this Prequel was the fact that it was a very quick read and the Epilogue of Jesse and his thoughts on Elle, that ultimately lead you to his book (book 1), which was phenomenal BTW.😍

So after I finish books 2 and 2.5, IF I decide to go further in this series, this Prequel has solidified that I definitely WILL NOT be reading Zane and Maggie's full book later in the series.

I would however, definitely recommend book 1(Dirty Like Me) and their Bonus Epilogue.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Like Us is a novella and a prequel to the Dirty series first book, Dirty Like Me.

Zane and Maggie started out as co-workers. He the drop dead gorgeous talent and Magie the manager’s assistant and family member to Dizzy, a rocker who want to rekindle his career. Zane comes up with the plan to help Maggie get Dizzy career back in the lime light and there blooms a beautiful friendship.

An unexpected one night stand and the friendship still stands but both see the potential for more but might be too afraid to shoot for it.

Written with both Zane and Maggie’s sides of the story, Diamond telling is masterfully conceived…not losing a beat in the flow or character connection. While Diamond also leaves us wanting more.

I received this copy of Dirty Like Us from Jaine Diamond. This is my honest and voluntary review.

If you like a hot and sultry rock romance, Dirty Like Us is the book for you.

[nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

GAHHHH!!

This naughty little novella gives us a sneak peak into Zane & Maggies story and it’s definitely left me wanting more - I can’t wait to read their full-length book later on in the series.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I Freaking loved this book so much so that I will go back to re read Dirty Like Me just to remember what more goes on between Maggie and Zane and get reacquainted with Jesse and Katie of course. The banter between Zane and Maggs have propelled them to my Top Couples List. Ms Diamond I do hope you write really fast.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dirty series about a rock band that will get you hooked in the first chapter. Even though this is the second book in the series it is a prequel to Dirty Like Me which was also a first rate rock book. In this prequel the lead singer for Dirty is Zane and he lives up to the band’s name. He is every girls dream and a nightmare for the band’s manager, Maggie. Maggie was the daughter of a rock legend but had steered clear from the father that hand nothing to do with her mother or her for a very long time. That was part of the reason Maggie had a rule of no messing around with the band which was not an easy task seeing that she secretly would have liked nothing more than to fall into Zane. Maggie wasn’t naive she had witnessed firsthand all the women that came and went in Zane’s crazy world which helped her keep her distance from him. Zane lived the life of a rock star with all the women and the booze that almost took him under but it was Maggie who was always the clear head and there to help Zane every step of the way…as she would for any of the band members she told herself.

Zane and Maggie’s banter was hilarious at times and the other extreme was their chemistry once they finally got between the sheets. This was a quick and fantastic read for any rock romance lover. It will surprise you, as it did Maggie, as the extent that Zane was willing to go to have his friend’s back. This is a definite rock romance series that I will follow anxiously waiting for the next book in this series. I have become a fan of Ms. Diamond’s and look forward to her third book with the guys and girls from Dirty.

I received this book as an ARC for a freely given honest review.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐.5🎧

Very cliché kind of book. I feel like this whole series is going to be very predictable, but I am okay with that. I mean, it was published in 2016, so a lot of books were like this.

I liked that Maggie didn't let Zane walk all over her. The fake relationship made me roll my eyes.
Let's get married, but don't tell anyone, and no one can tell all for whom? Her father? Why? Because so he would stop calling her a slut? It just doesn't make sense. And let's be real, her father is a dick, and he will totally want to brag about who is son in law is. Then, when they wake up the day after, she think it was all pretend... I just had to shake my head. lol

The narration is pretty great.
On to the next.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
2🌶

This is a short novella that takes place before the events of Dirty Like Me, though it should be read afterward. The book is told in short sweet chapters from the POVs of Maggie (Publicity Manager)and Zane (Lead Singer) from the band Dirty. They are getting married for all the wrong reasons.

Short and quick, goofy and fun. It draws you in with a hint of sugar. Unfortunately, the ending turns salty fast and leave you on the edge of a cliff, knowing full well their full-length feature is not next up to bat.

This short story is only available if you sign up for the authors email. A link will be sent for your reading privilege.

[Cyndi Marie ☆★Audiobook Addict★☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Author, Free Book in exchange for an honest review.This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Delight
Dirty Like Us takes a look at a couple who is keeping a secret. This is how it all started and I loved seeing it even it I saw it after I knew the secret. It's interesting to see a bad boy who has a heart of gold, but the heroine doesn't believe him at all. Vegas. Alcohol. Sleezy father. Joke or not?


Review
Through the stories we have found that Maggie and Zane have secretly gotten married and aren't telling anybody. Well few people .... just the ones we read about in the past books. It's hard to believe these two are really married as much as you figure Maggie hates Zane. Jumping into the beginning of what happen to them gave me a sense of what happened.

Remember this story takes place before Dirty Like Me where Jessie meets Katie after having broken up with Elle. For those not following my reviews....Jessie is a guitarist in the band Dirty. Elle is the bassist. Zane is the lead singer and Maggie is the assistant to Brody. This book starts with an argument between Elle and Jessie forcing Maggie to give up her room to keep them apart. The hotel her father owns. The one hit wonder of a father hasn't been much of a father, but he wants something. Something from Zane that Maggie won't help him get what he wants. Since there aren't anymore rooms and Zane has a suite, she takes a room with only one thought: to get laid. She has the guy picked out, and bought some sexy lingerie. And Zane shows up in the room with a bunch of bimbos, wrecks her sex adventure and does a turn around when he realized somethings up with Maggie. The Maggie he has been attracted to since the day he first met her. She just doesn't really like him so they have sparks flying.

The big thing to know about Zane is he is a recovering alcoholic. There are some issues that really test Maggie's confidence in herself, but also pushes her oh Hell no meter. Throw in a marriage proposal Maggie thinks is a joke to help her get back at her father, while Zane truly means ever word he says.

This is a short story with some very hot scenes, some unrequited feelings, full of misgivings and a lot of oh fuck what the Hell did we do? Now I can't wait to find out what happens to them.

Dirty Like Us is not a story you can get anywhere but signing up for the author's newsletter. I did for the book, but I can also say you aren't going to get spammed. Jaine Diamond has only sent me emails when she has news.

How to get a copy of this book: http://ebook.jainediamond.com/getdirty/

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story between Maggie and Zane, can't wait to read more about them. Their story-line is my favorite out of the series so far.

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of stumbled across this one while surfing around on GoodReads and following a friend's reviews (thank you Doris!!!!). I realized I already have book one waiting on my kindle, but figured out this one was one you could only get as a super secret freebie from the author (read the author's comments in the questions about the book) and decided I was beyond intrigued and since this is book/novella/short story 0.5 in the series, the prequel, I was going to read it first (even if the author suggested reading it after book 1- I tend to be weird about reading in order, blame it on my husband, it was his ocd thing long before it was mine.) I will be hopping into Dirty Like Me immediately after finishing this review, because I fell deeply in love with everything about this book. I'm a bit disappointed that we won't be getting more of Zane and Magg's story in it, but I am crossing everything that we do somewhere down the road. I want the conventional for this very unconventional couple in crazy kinds of ways.

Yeah, it's a short story, but I fell hard and fast. It's no secret that I am the biggest groupie of fictional rockstars (I'll stay firmly in fangirl territory with the real ones) and only slightly less known that I generally don't connect with the heroines. In my 40's I have more female friends than I have ever had in my life, but in general, I don't get along with many women, (and in an uncomfortable amount of honesty, my contact list isn't much longer than Maggie's, but thank God I have one girlfriend I probably don't deserve I can always call) so I don't find it unusual for me to connect more with the guys in books. But Maggie....she's different, in a very special way. Seems our hot rockstar hero of this tale, with his Viking good looks, feels like she is too. Too bad her washed up, has been, one hit wonder of days gone by, sperm donor doesn't see it. That is definitely his loss, but led to one hell of an enthralling story.

This review is really difficult to write without spoilers, because I am dying to share my thoughts on so many parts of this book that fall firmly in the spoiler territory. I love the dual POVs in this book, because it would fall rather flat, I am afraid, it wouldn't be as all consuming as it is this way. It would still be compelling, especially if from Zane's POV (not minimizing Maggie....but, like most of us, she has no clue how he really feels) but it is sheer perfection to see both. Jesse's epilogue is an intriguing set up for his book (Dirty #1 - Dirty Like Me) and has an interesting tidbit relating to Dirty Like US, but in all honesty, I want more Zane and Maggie! Much, much more - I hope to pickup at least a bit in the next 2 books that are currently available, but from friends' reviews, I am not holding my breath, which just makes me sad. I know both characters are involved in the books though, so I guess that will have to be enough to tide me over (and hopefully keep me from cyber stalking Ms. Diamond for more - lol. On the other hand, that isbasically how I have made some awesome author friends

I am so glad this lazy Sunday led me to GoodReads, where I rarely venture these days. I am also glad it led me to ignore the 100 + books waiting on my kindle (though, as I mentioned, Dirty Like Me is amongst those....and with that note, I will wrap up this babbling so I can delve into it.) Very highly recommended to my rockstar loving girls. Sexy as all get out, but so much more than that. Ms. Diamond was a new to me author when I opened this book, but I will be watching for her newsletter for news of more when I finish the two currently awaiting me. I am impressed all the way around, and as jaded as I have found myself getting, that is a huge recommendation in and of itself. Probably not the best place to mention it, but it is worth including that I found few to no editing/proofreading errors, and found the writing intellectual and prosaic at times. I fell hard, all the way around, and I think you will too. It's a quick and free read - take a chance on it!

[Marty Sandvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane has been interested in Maggie since she started working for the band six years ago. She's the only woman who has ever turned him down. Maggie has had a crush on Zane even before she started working for the band, but she made it a rule that she would never sleep with a rockstar back then. Especially since her absent father was a musician and she had a complicated unhealthy relationship with him.
Now six years later her father wants her to arrange a collaboration with the band and when she tells him that she can't do that he calls her a glorified groupie. Implying that she is just the band's personal slut. In order to make him eat his words Maggie agrees to Zanes plan to get married in Vegas and the two of them get married not planning on having sex. But their undeniably sexual chemistry and attraction to one another leads to a night of hot sex between them. Of course, after they hook up Maggie swears it will never happen again.
I really love Maggie and Zane in every book and even though this was short and sweet I give it five stars because of all the Maggie/Zane moments. I can't wait to get to the sixth book 'Dirty like Zane' because I will get to read about what happens between the two of them.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had my first experience with Jaine Diamond’s work when I read Dirty Like Me, book one in the Dirty series. This was when I met Maggie and Zane. I had many questions about their relationship. It was evident there was something going on between them, but the author did not elaborate. Therefore, when I discovered there was a prequel to the Dirty series which would provide me with the answers I sought, I jumped at the chance to claim a free copy of this novella.What the story is about.Maggie is the assistant manager for Dirty, the hottest rock band in the country. Zane is the lead singer. Maggie and Zane were attracted to each other, from the moment she started working with the group six years ago. Maggie, however, has rules, which she established for her life, one of which is not to sleep with her co-workers. A rule she has managed not to break in spite of her growing attraction to Zane.Zane would do anything to protect Maggie, especially from her father’s constant degrading comments and his attempts to use her connections to the group to help re-establish his career. His desire to protect her led to him making a proposal that will forever change their lives.The CharactersMaggie and Zane would be good together if only she believed he genuinely cared for her. I understood her doubts where that was concerned because he goes through women as often as he changes his clothing. However, what she did not know was, his love for her went deeper than the friendship they shared. She brought out the best in him.Maggie is a strong, smart and funny heroine. She is fiercely protective of the members of the band whom she considers her family. She takes crap from no one. I loved how she did not allow her father’s terrible treatment to define her. It hurt, but she did not allow it to keep her down. Zane is a fun, caring and lovable character. He too had his own issues, but he rose above them, which is a daily struggle for him. I admired his strength in dealing with these issues, which given the temptations he faces each day would not have been easy.The StoryI enjoyed the banter, which was funny and sexy. I laughed throughout most of the story. I should warn you though the dialogue was loaded with enough dirty talk to make one blush. There were a lot of swear words, which I found distracting. In spite of this, I thought the story was well written. Told from alternate first person POV the story gave insight into the emotional turmoil both characters faced. ConclusionThis being a novella, I only got a brief look into the lives of Zane and Maggie, but now I have a full understanding of the reasons for the tension that exists between them.RecommendationOverall, this was an enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to find out how things will end up for these two. If you are interested in getting a copy of this novella visit http://ebook.jainediamond.com/getdirty/

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel with Maggie and Zane! As part of the band management team, Maggie knows all the guys inside and out although never intimately. Now she is stuck sharing a suite with Zane which she affectionately calls a man-whore. True to form, Zane has no less than four women in the living area on their first night in Vegas. Although very annoying, nothing can prepare Maggie for what is about to happen!

[Heather Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

would give it a strong 3.5. A good story, but left me wanting more. I read the other two books first and then read this one and there was so much more I needed to know. The characters are well done, but again I didn't feel the connection between them. The plot was done in a way that I felt I got the middle of a book, no beginning and no true end. It was almost like a cliffhanger.

[Debbie Readsalotl Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Zane & Maggie's story. I popped into this series in book 1, read 2 and found out there was a 2.5, read that one before I discovered that there was a .5

I'm enjoying these Rock Star Romances a lot - but I do highly recommend that you start here, at the very beginning. I'll definitely re-read the series in the future and I'll do it without missing the order LOL

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

This book is about Zane and Maggie in Vegas. Depending on how you are reading this series saying any more could spoil the story so I’ll stop here.

[Izzy guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah they made me feel emotions no matter how stupid (lovingly) they are. can't believe they're gonna get the LAST book

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Zane🤭

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I surprisingly liked this glimpse into Maggie and Zane. I didn't think I'd care because Zane comes off like a jerk, but maybe I will like his story! Also, these covers are the worst. 😂

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yes, Zane Traynor was without a doubt the most frustrating, perplexing, and maddening person I’d ever known. He was also hilarious, patient, steadfast and smart, and he always had my back. He always nailed the one thing that truly mattered. Zane was always there for me. Always." Her

"I love everything about you, Maggs, even the stuff that annoys the shit out of me, and I’m never letting you go.” Him

"As soon as the guy said the word, I’d claimed Maggie’s sweet mouth with my own and thrust my tongue inside, making her mine. Officially. Mine. My wife. My Maggie. And that stuff about never letting her go? I’d meant it. No idea if she knew how much I meant it. Didn’t matter. With Maggie, I’d always played the long game." HIM 😍😍😍

Kindle unlimited read

[Nikolette Hathaway · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was preposterous.

[danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.5

[randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

so excited for their book, i love them already

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh zane is just 👩‍🍳 🤌

[Badass Bloggettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I begin?

First I’m going to yell a minute... Ms. Diamond what are you doing to me? I’m not so patiently waiting for the next Deep book, and now you have me on edge about Zane and Maggie. That is not right, and I don’t think I can forgive you. Well… maybe I’ll forgive you when I get a couple more books, but right now I’m not going to forgive you. :-)

Dirty Like Us is a novella, prequel to Dirty Like Me . We get a little tease and some history about this couples' relationship. For anyone who read Dirty Like Me , you know Zane Traynor and Maggie Omura already. Zane is the front man for Dirty. On stage, everyone woman in the audience thinks Zane is singing to her. Off stage, one smile from Zane and every woman he sees will jump in his bed.

Maggie is the manager’s assistant. Maggie is a family member of an old rocker, Dizzy, who wants to rekindle his career. She is good at her job and knows her father wants her to use her connections to help him. As much as she loves her father, she knows he is using her. The fact that her contacts are more important than her hurts deeply.

Like most women, Maggie’s heart flutters when Zane walks in the room. Unfortunately, Maggie has a rule, no fraternizing with the talent. However, Zane's need to help Maggie with her dad expands a beautiful friendship. It is Zane that comes up with a shocking plan to put Dizzy in his place.

I totally expected a one-night stand. I expected Maggie to start pining for Zane when he moves on. That isn’t their relationship; they have a unique friendship. Dirty Like Us is written in alternating points of view that give an insight into both characters. They both live with the hurt of the loss of loved ones and have a hard time getting past their trauma.

I love the way the story plays out. The snappy dialogue between the hero and heroine keeps the narrative moving at a good pace. Ms. Diamond has crafty a strong heroine who is smart and funny in Maggie. She pushes through the hurt her father throws at her and makes a success for herself. I instantly connect with Maggie.

Zane is an easy to love character. He has a big heart that he masks from most people except his best friends and Maggie. I love how Maggie brings out the best in Zane, and I can’t wait to see how their story is going to unfold in a full-length novel. All of Jaine’s characters have depth and emotion. I love good character driven stories when I’m reading.

Jaine Diamond is now on my must-read list. I highly recommend that you search for her books. Dirty Like Us is a good starting point to get hooked on her storytelling and do it as soon as possible.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella about Zane and Maggie and it is fun and sex and will leave you wanting more. Zane is the lead singer of the rock band Dirty and Maggie is the assistant manager of the band.
They are drawn to each other but Maggie has many rules and the main one is to not sleep with rock stars. So she tries to keep her distance from Zane.
While Zane wouldn't mind sharing a bed with Maggie, I think he would rather keep her friendship than loose her altogether. So when her Dad shows up and upsets her, Zane has a plan that just might get him off her back. But what Maggie thinks is a fake plan, Zane knows it's real.
I can't wait for more in this series and more from each band-mate and more on Zane and Maggie. If you like a good rock star story, start with Dirty Like Me or you can read this one first, either way is good. But this series is worth the read, I am enjoying it.
**A free copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**

[Tee Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5 stars****

Gah!! That can't be the end!! Such a great intro to Zane and Maggie's story and I can't wait for more! Full review to come!

[Amy Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved

I'm reading out of order but I can't wait to see the conclusion of this! I love Zane and Maggie. Great quick read. Great insight into the characters.