Coming into this book, I was worried I would be lost in the characters and storyline since this is Book 2 of the author's One Night Stand series. It's safe to say that even if it's a series, this book stands well alone with new and exciting characters that are complex and cute at the same time.

What do an author (Carlie) and a gym trainer (Adam) have in common? A scarred past and an exclusive/secretive invite to Club Nocté's Upper Tier event. This one-night rendezvous was supposed to be one time, but somehow Fate has these two MCs bound tightly after their first meet, with Carlie having Adam as her assigned trainer! What happens next isn't a full-blown recognition of who the other person is, but a connection that is shown through their unexplainable instinct and association by working through how to boost Carlie's confidence, get her out of her writing slump, and gain back her confidence to start looking forward and not be stuck with her cheating ex-boyfriend. On the other end of the story, Adam has to thread through his ex-girlfriend, who dumped him out of nowhere and yet has work in the same place as she is while trying to start his own business at the same time.

My first thought was that the book is lengthy for a contemporary romance. Not to say that the length could have been better, but I thought it would be a simple romance, one-night stand, some misunderstandings, and then HEA. It is almost double what I was used to, but my reader's advice is to keep going! Surprisingly, there was more to the story - character development and plot that intrigued me. Not only was there a viral scandal in the mix of a writer and gym trainer, but also a lot of internal conflict within Carlie (FMC) and Adam (MMC) that needed to be addressed and later evolve with the help of each of their friends. I find books that take care of building characters and a loving, supportive environment a real gem!

The slow-burn pace did not help ease the full-on angst for any reader since both MCs had suspicions about the other but could only confirm something far beyond the chapters! I initially dismissed the story as "easy to solve attraction," without realizing how impossible it was to rush the "healing" both characters were going through individually. Note that both were so badly scarred from their past relationships that it would have been a disservice to have them both jump into each other impulsively and assume it all. I appreciate the author's decision to give long enough time for both characters to connect and discover each other while helping Carlie feel empowered again.

I liked how the author chose an author (pun intended) to be her FMC, which is perfect since she can write from experience regarding the book industry and how anonymity is essential, yet sometimes, a problem with later finding out one's self. Carlie has to step out of her "author hat" to heal and find the happiness she deserves. It took her some time and time with the people around her to learn how to stand up for herself, but she eventually did so because social media pushed her to do that. (No spoilers from me!)

I enjoyed Carlie's grandma, who injected so much humor into the scenes, and Carlie's internal comedy skits playing off embarrassing moments in the book. The Dirty B's were a great supporting cast that brought so much color and charisma to the story. Their help and shared outlook brought Carlie back to the empowered woman she writes about in her book! (Note: semi-spoiler alert...the Dirty B's will have their books/stories to share in this series!)

Overall, Dirty Books is an interesting and angsty (positive) read. The book will take readers on unexpected hurt, healing, and later empowerment journeys, with its deep dive into meaningful relationships and internal struggles for two very impressionable characters. Expect a lot of seduction, attraction, angst, and the need to start working out or going to a gym, or if not, to meet or have someone like Adam.