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.

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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.

Diana Wood has a job she likes and a husband, Oliver, she loves. 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?

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s well written and has a genuine story running through it. The erotic parts are well suited to the storyline and it all flows well together. All in all a good read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this prior to publication.

I was aware of the audio-erotica podcast that this is based on previously but haven't listened to more than 1-2 episodes, so I would still say I went in with zero expectations.

This book is a really fun, engaging sexy, read. At the risk of sounding trite, it was incredibly "readable" and I whipped through it in a few days. I enjoyed the way that the main character's past memories contrast with her present frustrations. I would say that more could be made of this and it was somewhat jarring that large sections of the novel focused on her past for a long period of time before returning to the future, but that's a very subjective thing and maybe the extended flashbacks just didn't work for me.

This is the first volume of a planned trilogy which I wasn't initially aware of - it does end on a cliff-hanger which leads directly into the next book and I'd be interested to see where this goes next.

Love the writing style of this book, you get to know the story of Diana who interviews woman about their wants and desires then uses it to create art. I must admit it broke my heart when Diana's husband ends up getting with the school mum no one really likes, you go through the montions of the break up with her. Shocked at the ending with jasper tho, and hoping their is more to this story to come as I wanted to know more about him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book,
Diana is married to Oliver. They love each other but they've fallen into a rut where they're more like strangers who live in the same house. Diana decides to revisit her art work from her past, and in doing so opens up a new venture interviewing women about their sexual desires and fantasies which only highlights what is missing from her own life. I found her past interesting, as it really made me as a reader think about people giving up parts of themselves to please their partners.
I've discovered that this is part of a series which the ending of this book definitely lends itself to. I'll be sure to read the next book!

Absolutely loved this book. It focuses on the female desire, ambitions and needs and wants out of their lives. It looks at marriage and relationships from the point of view of a woman which I found to be a refreshing take.

The book looks at what the lead gives up after her marriage, her desire to be that person again and her current identity. I liked how the book portrays the contrasting personas of the lead in the past and now. Absolutely recommend this one! Want to definitely read the next part of the series!

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

Engaging novel - as long as you are up for the spice becuase this one is spicy beyond measure. Very quick breezy read.

I read this book in a day, I couldn’t put it down!

I would say this is perfect for a Holiday read. I loved the title and the cover and was really impressed when I started reading and loved the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Diana’s past and present and really got caught up in the story.
The interviews add an erotic side to the story and it’s interesting how much of herself Diana has left in the past in place for safety.

I had no idea that this book was part of a series until I googled it and when I finished the book it made perfect sense, I can’t wait for the next book!