Four women… Four very different paths. One incredibly cutthroat world. Welcome to the Jungle. As America’s sweetheart, Brittany is perceived as the “good girl.” The sort to bring her Bible to a photoshoot… only to garner the attention of a most unlikely suitor. Until one mistake irrevocably changes both of their lives forever. Fortunately, both now and then, Brittany has wonderful support … wonderful support systems, including her tribe.
The leader of the tribe and a model who’s fought every battle and obstacle in the industry, Zoe, knows her worth. Until a sex tape scandal rocks her world. She sees no choice but to put her trust in the one man she shouldn’t, to make it all go away and help her succeed. Unfortunately, not only is he mired in New York’s underbelly, he wants repayment… with interest. Namely, her hand in marriage.
Despite her seemingly perfect life, Everlee has problems of her own. Not only has her world-renowned photographer husband been cheating, but it’s actually much worse than that. The things surrounding what he’s done are so dark and dangerous, Everlee’s life may actually be in jeopardy.
And then there’s Danica, cold, dead in the ground Danica. Some secrets stay hidden while others are just waiting to be discovered- hers has the power to alter the industry forever.
In the world of the Fashion Jungle, it’s easily eat or be eaten… but, if you make it out alive, you just might have a story to tell – though it will likely be one of secrets, lies, deceit, and loss.
Strap on your stilettos, it’s about to get wild.
Based on true stories and events.
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I Absolutely love books like this, you know the ones that suck you right in I was living in that world with the characters and my god it was brilliant, I was hooked from the first page, every twist and turn had me excited and nervous and they are the best books.
I wasnt sure what to expect with this book, I knew it was going to be amazing but damn!! I wasnt ready for how amazing it was.
If you dont read anything else this year read this!!
This much anticipated book met all expectations written by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken it was a brilliant blend of both authors. Full disclosure I am a huge fan of RVD but this book had me captivated from the the first page. The characters and story lines…even though it is fiction it is based in truth and it makes you think back to whom each character may really be. The suspense, the twists and turns it has it all.
Fashion Jungle was a great read. Even though it’s a work of fiction it gives you a view of how things could be in the fashion industry. This story is about 4 girls who started in the industry at 14. You get to delve into their lives both present and past. We learn in the beginning that 1 has passed away. Her brother is an intricate part of all their lives. Even with Danica gone, Dane is very much present.
I love how this novel has mystery, romance, and just everyday issues that we all deal with. As usual Rachel Van Dyken killed it. Her and Kathy Ireland were an awesome team for this project. One thing I really appreciate about Rachel’s books is when she addresses hard issues like suicide or domestic abuse, she always adds the links at the end of her novels.
I can’t imagine two more compassionate people coming together to collaborate on this novel.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Fashion Jungle pairs supermodel Kathy Ireland with bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken to give us an intriguing and suspense-filled look inside the world of high fashion modeling.
Danica, Brittany, Zoe and Everlee became fast friends when they met as they tried to make it in the world of modeling. As teenagers following their dreams, they never imagined all of the things they would encounter and would have to sacrifice in order to make those dreams a reality.
We are taken into their lives and we see into their inner circle and all of the things they deal with day in and day out. The glitz, the glamour, the photo shoots, the galas and the not so nice side of the modeling industry is also showcased and it truly brings into focus how they could make it one day and the next everything they’ve worked for could be stripped away.
The connection and love between these four girls is evident from the very beginning of the book. You feel every emotion right along with them and I also enjoyed the parts that Dane, Roger, Oliver and Ronan played throughout the book.
I was very excited about reading this book and it definitely did not disappoint. It gives you a look into the interworkings of a lifestyle that many think is all glitz and glamour, when the truth is there is a lot more to it. Kudos to Ireland and Van Dyken for penning a tale that kept me intrigued from the outset.
“Life. There was no why in life, only free will, decisions built on other life-altering choices. And life.”
What a story! Fashion Jungle takes us into the gritty, ruthless world of modeling. The story is raw and hits you with many emotions.
“Funny how the safest place people always expected to find themselves in, was the most dangerous. And the most dangerous? Peaceful beyond reason.”
The things Zoe, Brittany, Everlee, and Danica have been through are grueling and brutal; and they are truly blessed to have such a wonderful guardian angel in Dane. As we move through the story of their lives, all you can hope for is the best outcome for everyone. There’s loss, rivalry, hurt, and pain, but there’s also so much love. The friendship and bonds are so heartwarming. Their pasts helping to shape them in to the strong, resilient women they are today.
“Life is life. Sometimes, things just happen. You can’t change the past. You can only make choices in the present that will affect your future.”
This gripping story will have you enthralled from start to finish. What a heartfelt, incredible journey this story is.
“Maybe it was possible to find redemption. You just had to look hard enough. And believe it could happen.”
Fashion Jungle is an amazing story written by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken. Zoe, Brittany, Everlee and Canoga were four teenage girls who created a lifelong friendship while trying to make it in the modeling world. A year after the tragic death of Danica, the three friends are still keeping her memory alive.
We’re introduced to a wide variety of characters, given a behind the scenes look at the modeling world and even given a glance at the seedier side of it. Throughout, my heart breaks for the characters as they try to survive.
This was such an amazing read that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Fashion Jungle is romantic suspense on steroids!!! I just couldn’t put it down. There are multiple points of view from the different characters tied together by secrets, love, friendships and family.
I’m honestly a little lost for words. I felt like I was watching a movie with mafia elements, the good and the bad characters and some great banter thrown in.
I genuinely loved the way the characters friendships were and how things in their past shaped who they were today.
There was one quote I truly thought could resonate with all of us. I think it spoke to me somehow:
“No regrets ,” “Life is life. Sometimes, things just happen. You can’t change the past. You can only make choices in the present that will affect your future.”
Yes your heart may beat fast and you might also be shocked in certain parts but all in all, I have to say it was a real pleasure to read. That’s the whole purpose of reading a book that is that enjoyable…am I right, or am I right?
You be the judge, go 1-click and read it for yourself, you won’t be sorry!!
The collaboration of the two authors really worked incredibly well. Well done ladies! What a ride!
I read and advanced copy for and honest review.
Welcome to the Jungle. Things are not as beautiful on the inside as they seem on the outside.
5 friends, who have been together for half their lives. One of them dies tragically and the others are left reeling.
Everlee is an “Older model” who is still trying to stay in the game. Her life seems perfect with her career and her huband. But she has secrets.
Brittany is considered Ameria’s sweetheart. She is trying to be taken seriously in the magazine industry. The past keeps hauting her. Will she ever be able to move on from it to have to future she desires?
Zoey is trying to become a successful fashion designer. She also has secrtes and the only on who can protect her is:
Dane. He knows everyone’s secrets and uses them like currency. He loves Zoey and is trying to solve the mystery of his sister’s death.
This cowritten story is a mystery that shows the the hidden grittiness that goes on in the fahion industry.
Everything is not as pretty as it seems. It was a page turning gripping story.
Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken a five-star chaotic masterpiece. This one had me stumped so many times, one moment I didn’t know if I could finish as it was just so confusing and then a few pages later I was hooked again. I personally found it confusing as there were four narrative threads but its never really clear who is telling the story until you get to know the characters and get to hearing their voices tell you the story. Once you get into the story and can tell who is telling the story, it will get its hooks in you, you will be enthralled and compelled to keep reading even when the subject matter gets darker and darker, you won’t be able to put it down. The chemistry between the four main characters is sublime, the friendship between the three girls and the friend who sadly passed is one that some can only dream about.
Four young teenage girls’ bond and make a commitment to each other as they try to “make it” as models in New York City. Danica, Brittany, Everlee, and Zoe didn’t realize what they would have to sacrifice to have the modeling career they wanted. Twenty years later the Fashion Jungle as taken the life of one of the girls and left the other three to pick up the pieces. Secrets, lies and revenge are just part of the fashion industry and not everyone survives. Someone is going to pay for the girl’s death it’s just a matter of time and patience and then the Fashion Jungle is going to come tumbling down.
Welcome to the Fashion Jungle by Rachel Van Dyken and Kathy Ireland. This book shows the tawdry, cutthroat world of modeling and how some of the girls and guys make it big. There is lots of drama, tears, revenge and true loyalty between friends and family. I enjoyed Fashion Jungle and couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. 4-stars for Fashion Jungle by Rachel Van Dyken and Kathy Ireland.
3.5 STARS!!!
Fashion Jungle is a book that gives readers a glimpse into the modeling world of four young women and their hardships, determination and sacrifices. It was easy to see the love and support these women had for each other but their success came at a price. I absolutely loved Dane, Roger and Oliver. Dane was the dark, dangerous and protective of his girls but he did it in a way that only he could. Roger was the loving father figure wanting all of his girls to be happy. Oliver was the light, charming, funny and sweet one. This story has heroes and villains, twists and turns, lies and truths, loss and love, and an ending that was both sweet and hard for the women but one that was deserved. It was a good suspense filled read.
Kathy Ireland teams up with Rachel Van Dyken to author Fashion Jungle, a story about four friends forced to grow up too fast in the intensely adult world that is the fashion industry. Brittany, Zoe, and Everlee all have their own personal demons and secrets. And they all mourn the sudden suicide of their friend, Danica. However, things aren’t always what they seem.
Fashion Jungle presents us with a lot of characters and a lot of ideas. There are lots of narrative threads (pun intended) to follow, some of which work better than others. Even amidst all of the different storylines, the plot ended up being mostly predictable. Of the few big plot “twists,” most I saw coming a mile away, which was kind of disappointing.
One of the most compelling elements of the book is all of the behind the scenes looks at the modeling/fashion industry. I almost wish that Ireland would have written a memoir instead. I feel that a memoir would also better contextualize Ireland’s faith in a way that didn’t feel as abrupt as Brittany’s in the novel. But I admire the fact that Ireland and Van Dyken take a risk and present differing characterizations of model life, rather than indulging in archetypes. Though I still wanted each character to have more depth. I almost wish that each friend would have gotten her own novel, or, at the very least, their own fourth of the book.
Despite some of its narrative flaws, Fashion Jungle provides a unique look into the fashion industry and has some interesting narrative elements.
**ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
Fashion Jungle is Rachel’s most epically written book yet and she co-wrote it with Kathy Ireland, so I knew some spectacular story telling was about to take place, and let me tell you calling this book astounding doesn’t even come close! This story explodes off the pages from the first few paragraphs and I knew I was in for a wild ride. My emotions were all over the map and I don’t know how many times I yelled, cried or cussed. The love and friendship between these girlfriends is magnetic and I am a firm believer everyone needs a Roger and Dane in their life for completely different reasons. The heartbreak and pain in this story almost crushes you and really makes you appreciate all the good in your own life.
Can we talk about the list? You need to read this book for the list alone. Love is such a powerful emotion, but so is hate and this story is laced with so much of both. The twist and turns are out of this world and when you think you can’t take anymore, your mind will be blown. Rachel and Kathy this story is exceptionally written and must be read by everyone! Fashion Jungle is in a league all its own and I would give it a million stars if I could.
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog