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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FASHION JUNGLE is daring and different. This is not your every day novel, and one not to be missed. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
I honestly am at a loss for words for this review. I don’t even know where to really start.
This is a MUST read!
When the book first started, I was confused. It was a good confusion though.
The prologue has you wondering who was with Danica. Was it her friends? Was it other models that were jealous? Or was it someone else?
It sets the book up perfectly. But, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Rachel Van Dyken.
I love how we get chapters from each of the main characters. Dane, Zoe, Brittany, and Everlee. They each have their secrets and the secrets all do come out.
Dane is the keeper of all secrets. He knows all about everyone. He also is the protector of the girls. He does run the underground. He’s on a mission to get the truth behind his sister’s death.
But, is he evil? Is it evil if you do bad things to get the bad guys caught?
Dane is completely in the gray area between good and bad, hero or villain.
I love the mystery and suspense. I loved not being able to figure it all out before it was fully revealed.
Reading this book was like putting a puzzle together and you don’t know exactly what the picture is until those final pieces come together.
Now I’m curious about what parts are true and based on true events…
I received an advanced copy via Netgalley.
It’s actually a 3 1/2 rating!
Rachel Van Dyken is an author I really love. I’ve enjoyed all her books so far. This one was written in collaboration with super model Kathy Ireland. Now I do t know how much input Mrs Ireland had in writing this book because it was very different than what Rachel would have written. I honestly almost gave up at the 20% mark because it was confusing. At the beginning of every chapter was a different POV. All 4 of the girls get to say their story. I had to reread the beginning of the chapter to figure out who’s POV it was. Distracting.
I forged through and I actually enjoyed the book after. You really have to read passed 30% for it to start getting interesting.
The characters were fun. 4 gorgeous women all with their secrets. All having one common denominator. The death of their best friend.
I was intrigued by this book being based on similar life stories.
Yes I would recommend this book just wait and don’t give up on it. It gets better.
Wow! This book grabbed me from the start and I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. This is the story of four friends and their journey in the fashion industry. There is a lot of darkness but also a lot of friendship and intrigue. This is not the typical Rachel Van Dyken type of romance book, but is a fantastic change. Definitely a book to read!
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
When I started high school I also started modeling. I never did try my hand at moving to NYC or any other major markets to become a high fashion model like these women. As I was reading this book I would find myself nodding my head to things that were mentioned about the industry or just the job in general.
It’s hard work to make that job look easy. It’s tiresome. It’s highly stressful especially if you’re vying for the top dog position – think Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Kate Upton, or Gisele Bundchen. They’re the highest in demand and make the most money for each job they do.
In Fashion Jungle we have three women who’ve proven themselves in the industry but are now moving to a different side of the business. They came together as friends when they were first starting their modeling careers and are now a tight circle of friends.
Events in this book will play out in this story that will have you rooting for each of the women and their happiness. What that might be is different for each of them but don’t get up on ’em. They’re tough cookies to break. All in all their stories are ones of courage and perseverance.
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s different from what you expect from Rachel Van Dyken but everything you think you’d find from Kathy Ireland.
Pretty girls don’t always have pretty lives, especially when they are forced to survive rather than live. This book is a very different look at the modelling world!
Three smart, beautiful women, Brittany, Everlee, Zoe…all with secrets, living various lies. Sometimes the people with the biggest smiles are struggling the most…appearances are just that, appearances. “It’s the Instagram effect. Perfect pictures on the outside, total mess on the inside.”
Then there’s the men in their lives, many of them are dangerous, powerful and often cruel.
There’s a lot of back story to digest, and a mystery that needed to be solved. Based on some true events in Kathy Ireland’s life spun into a captivating and intriguing story that had me madly flipping pages!
What a book, whatever you thought you would be getting from this book, just forget it. It is so much more than any of the hype, so much more than the blurb and a complete masterpiece in my honest opinion.
Now don’t get me wrong it’s not a straight out of the box winner. It slowly builds and at about 25% you realize this book is a game-changer and you can’t put it down, you know that things are a miss and you know that people aren’t at all what they seem but what you really don’t know is who.
It would be hard to break the characters down individually and I won’t be doing that in this review. As all characters are major players. Especially Zoe, Brittany, Everlee and even Danica who is dead but the character of this book for me is Dane. A character that has all the charm of the devil himself. But that just my opinion. I guess you’ll make up yours.
This book is a total recommendation from me. I may even jump the gun and say this could be a contender for my read if the year. Yep I know it’s only January but the book is just that good. So I’ll take that gamble.
Reviewer: Donna
Rachel Van Dyken + Kathy Ireland are a match made in heaven!!!
I have no idea how these beautiful, successful women connected. Whoever is responsible deserves an award yo! Brilliant collaboration!
I love Rachel’s writing. She is incredibly talented and has written several of my all time favorite books. This particular book is different and fresh because it reveals a side of an industry I don’t typically read about. This story is full of all the aspects of this author’s work I’ve come to adore and respect – kicked up a notch or ten with amazing characters and this beautifully complicated and suspenseful storyline. I was on the edge of my seat following the journey of each of these characters and how their relationships were interconnected. And the secrets! Whew some doozies! This is what I love about reading in general – picking up a book I expect to enjoy and being blown away by how consumed I became almost instantly. My mind was spinning and I didn’t want to put it down to adult. Sadly I eventually did and would glance at my kindle longingly during my workday. Once things really pick up and start unfolding – the villains are in the hot seat, the love connections are growing stronger, secrets are being revealed…gah I secluded myself in my room and savored every word! Really great read.
If you’re new to these two ladies work but are fascinated with the fashion industry – don’t hesitate just one click and dive in!
This is very different from others Rachel Van Dyken books I have read but I loved it. I love the four POV’s in this story and the way it was written, it was easy to tell who’s POV I was reading. While reading this book, I kept thinking, who could these characters were based off of. I have always liked Kathy Ireland, so I was very excited to be able to read this book by one of my favorite authors and her. This book had me hooked right away, and kept me there until the end. This is one of those books that is going to stay with me for quite awhile.
3. 75 stars—-FASHION JUNGLE by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken, is a contemporary, adult, stand alone story line focusing on four friends (Brittany, Zoe, Everlee and Dane) in the aftermath of Danica’s death, and the fall-out of years of secrets and lies.
Told from several third person perspectives (Brittany, Zoe, Everlee and Dane) FASHION JUNGLE follow the friendships, relationships and behind the scenes turmoil of the fashion industry as seen through the eyes of four friends -fashion journalist Brittany, models Zoe and Everlee, and ‘fixer’ Dane. Months earlier, Dane’s sister Danica took her own life but Dane was determined to prove the medical examiner wrong. As Danica’s friends slowly moved forward with their lives, Dane worked behind the scenes in an effort to reveal the secrets that are about to tear their lives apart.
From infidelity to miscarriages, drugs, teen aged mothers, political aspirations, child pornography and human trafficking, the world of fashion buries its’ secrets along with the dead. We are witness to the heart break of loss, infidelity, betrayal, vengeance and fear. From a young woman who is forced to give up everything she loves, to a wife whose marriage is nothing more than a smoke screen for the dirty and depraved, FASHION JUNGLE looks at the seedier side of the modelling and fashion industry, yet leaves the dirtiest details to the reader’s imagination.
Base on trues stories and events, FASHION JUNGLE is a slow building story line that will stoke your interest as to the who, how and when. As two women find love, another will say goodbye to what never was, and what will never be. The premise is engaging, entertaining but slightly predictable; the characters are broken, struggling, colorful and lost. FASHION JUNGLE is a heart breaking and and emotional look at an industry that has destroyed so many lives.
Overall Grade: 1/2
“Because that was the dream. Look past the face. See the woman beneath.”
There are very few romances that offer you so much in a simple read. Enter Kathy Ireland’s and Rachel Van Dyken’s newest book, Fashion Jungle. In its most basic form exists a story of four women and their successes in the world of fashion and beyond, complicated by the relationships that circle their lives. In this book, there is truly a trope or genre for anyone which makes it an easy read and one that readers cannot leave so easily.
Based on true stories, Fashion Jungle follows four models and one of the brothers of the models, Zoe, Brittany, Everlee, and Danica, along with Dane, Danica’s brother. Each of these women has achieved greatness as supermodels in the fashion industry. Yet, each of them struggles with the challenges of their present lives. Underpinning their story lies a story of suspense. Ireland and Van Dyken have woven into the tapestry of this book a seedy lining of human trafficking and its dangers. There is so much to embrace as you read Fashion Jungle that, at times, it can be overwhelming. However, it’s a reminder that money, power, and influence sometimes hide the darkest places of our world.
The female characters of Fashion Jungle are its power. Ireland and Van Dyken have crafted women who struggle yet exert their strength when it’s important to the story. As each of their stories offer struggle after struggle, in the end, each of them stands in their own power. Yes, Danica’s brother, Dane, acts to help each of them, but Zoe’s, Brittany’s, and Everlee’s tenacity breaks the bonds that bind them and allows them to choose their own paths in the end. Through their characterization, Ireland and Van Dyken challenge societal perceptions of beauty and intelligence in creating heroines who are more than their outer beauty. They are not only iconic former models; they are entrepreneurs, political minds, and women able to undermine the evil of their world. Ireland and Van Dyken give us examples of powerful women: intelligence and beauty combined.
One of the interesting aspects of Fashion Jungle is its storytelling. Each chapter offers the point of view of a different character. With that, the reader receives a different trope: second chance, secret baby, friends-to-lovers, etc. Even more, while this story offers insight into the past world of Ireland, it also tells a story of suspense and intrigue. Fashion Jungle isn’t a romance; it’s a compilation of fictionalized memoirs, hitting on a variety of tropes. Each story is brilliantly interwoven together, moving us forward into each character’s story, while telling a bigger story of the dangers of this world. There is literally something for everyone in this book, meaning that it has the ability to engage a broad audience of readers. That trait can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, it can confuse your reader (this was a challenge of mine in the earlier parts of the book), but it has a greater reach. Yes, Van Dyken is a romance writer, but the romance feels secondary to the true nature of this book, which feels more like Ireland’s memoirs. And I found that the most intriguing. My brain was awash with the want to find out the identities of women modeled after Ireland’s own experiences. It’s that want that draws you deeper into the story. And it’s the multiple points of view and variety of tropes that keep the reader there.
Beyond its heroines and the intricate storytelling, Fashion Jungle awards Van Dyken’s romance readers with couples whose chemistry is palpable, page after page. Dane and Zoe represent the passionate couple set for denial. Dane’s persona threatens Zoe, yet she finds herself tethered to him emotionally. The tension of their coupling pulls at the reader, one minute wanting their happy ending, but worried that Zoe might lose herself in the treachery of Dane’s work. Brittany and Oliver’s easiness and friendship stand in contrast to Zoe and Dane and Everlee and Frederick. These two represent two people who develop a friendship before they fall into a relationship. This is important as it affords an alternative to the man of Brittany’s past, Ronan, the man for whom she lost a piece of herself. That relationship shows the complication of loving a man who can only love himself, while Oliver loves Brittany simply and completely, allowing her to hold true to herself. On the other end of the relationship spectrum lies Everlee and her husband, Frederick, who is nothing more than a self-serving, dangerous snake. This relationship represents a relationship of abuse. In creating this variety, Ireland and Van Dyken are suggesting that the best relationships are the ones founded upon friendship and sacrificial love. Even Dane, who seems overbearing and manipulative, loves Zoe with every part of his being and is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for her. In reading Fashion Jungle, it’s clear that romance is secondary to the stories of our heroines, but it’s necessary for their heroic evolution.
There is something iconic about Kathy Ireland’s and Rachel Van Dyken’s Fashion Jungle. Pouring over its pages, you feel as though you have entered a secret world filled with intrigue and well-kept secrets. My mind could not stop in its conjuring of real-life people to match the fictionalized characters of its pages. And it’s that action that makes reading Fashion Jungle an interesting and important read. Above all of this is a warning, though. The gravity of this book is the dangers that women (and men) of this industry can find themselves in as they offer themselves up for consumption. There are ideas here about outer beauty as an ideal. If you read Fashion Jungle and come away never understanding that human trafficking is a real problem both in the fashion world and beyond, then you have missed the depth of Fashion Jungle’s story. Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken have created a world that both engages us and challenges us to do better for ourselves and others.
I had to think long and hard about how many stars I wanted to give this because the first half of the book made no sense and jumping around from character to character but as I read on the better it got! Once I got passed that point I couldn’t put it down and when I had to put it down I couldn’t stop thinking about what it was like or is like in a world I so very much wanted to be a part of growing up!
Brittany, Zoe,& Everlee are close and share a bond but even though they are close they all harbor there own secrets that are slowly making them sink.
Brittany made a horrible decision when she was first starting her career and to this day it haunts her. Zoe did something that haunts her to this day. Everlee is in a marriage that is made of lies and secrets. They all have one thing in common and that is there best friend Danica’s brother when she died he became there keeper of secrets and there protector. Dane is there keeper of secrets there protector but he’s also ben in love with Zoe sense she walked into his life all those years ago.
Dane is out to not only protect the girls but to find out what happened to his sister. As Dane gets closer to the answer the secrets that girls have kept finally come out.
It’s a crazy ride but so worth the read!
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.
Wowzer, this book was not at all what I was expecting and for that I kept putting off reading it. I have to say though that I am so glad that I did finally dive in because I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I will say that I did initially find it a little difficult to get into and as it’s told in multiple POV’s, it took me a couple of chapters to find the rhythm of the book (I personally prefer chapters to be headed by the POV whose chapter it is), however, once I got into it, then I was hooked. The mystery edge to the story was great and the relationship between the female leads is a real high point (best friends but still with secrets to unfold throughout).
I liked how this book didn’t glamorise the fashion world and there were some emotional areas dealt with really well. It was a dramatic and emotional read and it held my attention throughout. On a side note, I loved Dane’s character, he was dark and edgy but with a soft core for those he loves and I would love to read more from him.
Overall this was a cracking read and I would happily recommend it.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher; there was no inducement or obligation and I opted to leave a review.
Four women… Four very different paths. One incredibly cutthroat world.
Welcome to the Jungle.
Fashion
Jungle, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!
Strap on your stilettos, it’s about to get wild.
Based
on true stories.
Download
your copy today!
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I had no idea what to expect going into this. Both authors are new to me and I had heard amazing things so when I got the chance to read it, I took it and I was not disappointed. It’s definitely different from what I am used to.
This book had it all… It was held passion, lies, secrets, mystery and of course romance. It’s told in four different points of view, which is something I am not used to, and thought I would struggle with but the authors weaved their words together flawlessly, and it really did flow with ease and I found myself completely spellbound by this plot. It really was something different to me and I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did but as the story unfolded within these pages, I was completely fixated on finding out the truths to these lies and getting answers to these secrets.
At first, I struggled to understand what was going on, but before too long, everything started to piece together and formed an incredible, enticing, all-consuming read and I honestly couldn’t get enough. I loved each character for all different reasons. All unique in their own way.
I’m hoping the authors put together another book similar to this book.
Highly recommend giving this book a read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
5 Stars!
I devoured Fashion Jungle! Loved the characters and the writing and the fascinating world of high fashion – highly recommend!
Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken was an absolutely different and deeply moving reading experience for me. Emotions are riding high in me. From suspense to heartbreak to angst to naked reality. This story has hit me hard at all the right places and is definitely one of the most brilliant stories I ever read.
This story has a complex web of characters and incidents that you have to experience yourself. In short, this is the journey of four best friends where they navigate through and struggle for a place in the corrupt and deceptive fashion world. This is a road paved with misery, sacrifices, sufferings, trauma and loses. Do they really find fame, riches and glamorous life? What demons are lurking at shadows behind the bright light of fashion? Everlee. Danica. Zoe. Brittany. Four intertwined lives are explored in depth and details with raw precision. There is a long list of equally important supporting and facilitating characters. Danica’s brother and underworld boss Dane who wants justice for his sister and protection for his love. He is a brooding and dominating and intimidating man but his softness for Zoe is everything. Senator Ronan with a complicated and heartaching history with Brittany. Surgeon Oliver who wants nothing but peace and happiness for Brittany. Everlee’s husband and top photographer Frederick with secrets and lies. You would not know what will hit you in the next page. This whole story was a maze of conspiracies, corruption, betrayal, deceptions and danger. But the girls and their loyalty and support will bring light beautifully in this dark world.
I broke down too many times while reading this story. I shamelessly cried at the ending. These tears are for the pain and raw torture they endured. These tears are for the true happiness and closure they finally found and for the closure they deserved. I had way too many panic attacks and nail biting moments. My heart was literally lodged at my throat all the time. I was literally shaking from the effect of contradictory yet perfectly synchronized emotions. Love. Friendship. Failure. Success. Desperation. Regret. Guilt. Shame. Second chance. Redemption. Justice. Forgiveness. Healing. Tragedy. You name it and this story has it.
Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken is a stunning, honest and intense portrayal of the intricacies of highly competitive and demanding fashion world. My heart and soul is under the spell of the beautiful and captivating story telling.
Received ARC for Honest Review
This new dynamic duo of amazing woman writing together a story based on true events and told by four different characters perspective is a phenomenal one. While reading I had to try to fact checked some of the situations and try to figure out what where the real events based on. It was such an amazing read, it sorts of combines fashion industry with politics and much more. As Danica, Brittany, Zoe and Everlee’s story unfolds you will be exposed to drama, romance, secrets, lies, jealousy, tragedy and everything in between. Being a super model is not always what it seems from the outside and the inner circle gets even more complicated than you ever thought so. This very unique story is one you don’t want to miss, Kathy and Rachel has given us a must read 5 star book, can’t wait to see how far this story will go, I foresee a TV show, movie or something alike and I would be totally rooting for it, as I believe this story should be shared on a wider audience.
Strap on your stilettos, it’s about to get wild.
This contemporary romance is based on true stories and I am in awe of how realistic and relatable it is! I love it!