Dirty Diana

A Novel

By: Jen Besser, Shana Feste

Narrated by: Austenne Grey, Jen Zhao, Dawn Harvey, Kimberly Alexis, Esme Ramos, Beth Hicks

A deliciously provocative novel about a woman caught between the comfortable stability of her marriage and her memories of a more sensual past—the first book in a three-part series based on the #1 fiction podcast

“Diana Wood’s quest to reignite her sensual past while navigating the confines of her current marriage is funny and sexy​. Dirty Diana is wildly seductive—​perfect for anyone who loved The Idea of You.”—Renée Carlino, bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers and This Used to Be Us

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 that 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 be: 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.

Returning to Dallas, Diana decides to rediscover the deeply feeling woman she once was. She begins interviewing other women, painting their portraits as they speak. She encourages them to give voice to their secret desires as she captures their deepest, innermost fantasies. But is it possible for Diana to reclaim her more sensual self and maintain the marriage she committed to? What if connecting to her own desires means dissolving the safe life she’s so carefully cultivated?

Critic reviews

“Too many women are made to feel that their sexuality is something dangerous, something that should be kept under wraps. Dirty Diana busts that myth wide open. Diana’s struggles will be relatable, and her awakening inspiring, to women everywhere. Dirty Diana is a deliciously entertaining, funny, tantalizing treat of a story.”—Demi Moore

“Diana Wood’s quest to reignite her sensual past while navigating the confines of her current marriage is funny and sexy​. Dirty Diana is a wildly entertaining novel—​perfect for anyone who loved The Idea of You.”—Renée Carlino, bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers and This Used to Be Us

“This engrossing first novel is sensuous, but it is also a raw account of how love, sometimes, is not enough. The cliff-hanger ending will leave readers eager for the next book.”—Booklist

“This raucous romp ends on a tantalizing cliff-hanger. Readers will have a tough time waiting for the next installment.”—Publishers Weekly

cliffhanger

I lovedbthe podcast and I knew I would enjoy the book as well. but PLEASE tell me there will be a second novel. I hate a cliffhanger!

Emotional, real, heavy, sexy, sad

From someone who has a Jasper and an Oliver, and feels my talents are dissolving as I make it through day-to-day life, I really felt Diana’s emotional turmoil. Great book, narrated very well. Really feeling my feelings.

This is a must read !!!

This one had me in a chokehold!! It’s so darn good and spicy . Everything about it it’s chefs kiss !!

Storyline that made me uncomfortable in a good way

Even though I found Diana frustrating and mostly unlikable, the story was very good. It almost felt like I was eavesdropping on their marital struggles. I think this book would be a good choice for a book club discussion if the book club can handle the erotic parts.

A great read!! Relatable and well read/performed

I loved this book and can't wait for the sequel! Many excellent stream of consciousness pieces throughout. So relatable and all of the characters reading brought it to life. Emotion was palpable while listening.