Skip to main content

Member Reviews

A well-written story that has lots of mystery, secrets, angst, romance, lost love and found love. This book will draw you in and keep you guessing what each of the main characters secrets are and how they all tie together while they all have their own love story unfolding at the same time. Overall, a highly entertaining read.

Was this review helpful?

Fashion Jungle is sort of a murder mystery sprinkled with some romantic elements. It is angsty, suspenseful, and intense. It’s based on true stories and events and is not for the faint of heart.

The plot is written in multiple points of view, which was a little confusing at times. The first half of the book felt a bit slow to me and didn’t always hold my attention. The second half, however, had me gripping the edge of my seat and reading into the wee hours of the morning.

The characters were interesting and diverse. I had a hard time relating to many of them. That being said, I adored Brittany and Oliver. They would have made a great romance novel all on their own.

While I’m a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken, this book had a much different feel than her other books, possibly due to its being co-authored. It wasn’t really my cup of tea but was well written nonetheless.

Was this review helpful?

Fashion Jungle was an interesting book. It deals with four models who got into the business at 14 and now, years later, are mourning the loss of one of their own. Each of them appear to have it all to the outside world, but each of them have their own private struggles. Their dynamics were interesting and each of them seemed to bring something different to their relationships. Zoe was definitely standoffish with Dane and seemed to hold him to a higher standard than he could meet. Everly seemed to be putting blinders on in her marriage to Frederick. Brittany seemed to be stuck in the past and unsure what to do with her personal life. I liked how each of them came to their own conclusions about what they needed to make themselves happy in the present. Each seemed to be stuck on some of the past and looking for a way forward. The plot was interesting and the book did deal with some pretty significant issues. It dealt with them in what I assume is a realistic way that models are treated and used,, especially when they are very young. The ending was satisfying and had me glad that I spent this afternoon reading this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Ladies and gents get ready for an ex-fashion model and a wild imaginative author come together in a way nobody thought was possible. We have a behind the scenes story telling from Kathy Ireland in a world that us girls dream of going through one day yet see a darker side to it. Every little girl in us one day imagines our face in Vogue or walking down the runway in the latest fashion but man Kathy Ireland just blew all that way in this book. Then we have Rachel Van Dyken bringing us her mafia world and the dirtiness with these four girls. Four girls who have seen the good, the bad, the dreams come true showing us through it all it is love and friendship that will make you shine in the runway. Of these four girls my favorite though is Brittany. Mixed with feelings of JFK Kennedy Jr and Caroline romance yet with hope of a second chance and seeing her see that she can have love and normalcy again in her life was beautiful. All in all this is one book, Fashion Jungle that will sweep you off your feet like the latest fashion clothes by two talented ladies, Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken an awesome duo.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Was this review helpful?

WOW! I loved how all of these lives are entwined and that Kathy and Rachel did an excellent job of weaving in the telling of the story as a whole. The book came together very well at how it was written. At the end I had to add "mystery, thriller, suspense" to my shelf for this book. I love that its unexpected and had so much more. I was glad I basically went in blind! I have to say Zoe and Dane story was my favorite couple to read about but also Everley's story was sad. Even though this is a standalone, I can't help but wanting more from these characters. It just felt so real, even though I believe these characters are loosely based on real people. I'm truly impressed!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Was this review helpful?

**Received an ARC for an honest review** I'm an avid reader of Rachel Van Dyken's books, her characters and stories just draw you in and they're filled with so much emotion and feeling. However, I have to admit, I was a little hesitant going in to this one when I heard the blurb. I'm not big into fashion. I don't follow it, I'm a comfort girl, hang out in leggings and over sized sweatshirts most of the time, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. Then I read the prologue, and oh Dane. His character alone just sucked me in and I was hooked. This wasn't just a story about the fashion industry, so it doesn't overpower the story. It was a story of a sisterhood brought together by the trials and tribulations and lessons from the fashion industry. It was a love story, it was story of heartbreak and rebirth, it was a murder mystery, it was a discovery of family, it was so much just wrapped up in one book. I was wonderfully surprised and read it in one sitting.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed most of the Rachel Van Dyken books I have read, but unfortunately really struggled to get into this one from the start. I found it confusing at times even trying to figure out which character was telling which part of the story as chapters were not labeled, but the story was told from various viewpoints. In addition, I felt like the story jumped around a lot, which in turn unfortunately caused me to not be as invested or engaged in the story. I think the writing style just wasn't one that works for me and unfortunately could not finish this story.

Was this review helpful?

Captivating and compelling from page 1. I was pulled into an amazing friendship with Zoe, Brittany, Everlee and Danica. These for amazing women met as teenagers when modeling was a dream but they really didn’t understand all the sacrifices that would be required to achieve their dreams. This story is beautifully told as each woman is working to build their place in this world, some with better success than others, but all the while, they remain steadfast in their love and support for each other. When Danica dies, it rattles their universe but Dane, Danica’s brother, is there to watch over them even as he works to find the answers to his sister’s death. There are so many layers to this story as we dive into the fashion world to reveal not only it’s shiny promises but also it’s darkest secrets. Truly an amazing journey for Zoe, Brittany, Everlee and Dane. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is filled with all the feels! It is a multiple POV of 3 friends going through life and how the lose of their on friend affects them all.

It is quick paced, reflecting from their pasts to their present and brings in friendship, drama, suspense and life in the modeling world. Zoe, Everlee and Brittany are left to deal with the lose of the friend. I loved their friendship and how they felt so connected with each other.

What drew me in was how sometimes how we show ourselves to others is not really how we feel about ourselves. How we need to learn to trust other and really ourselves.

Was this review helpful?

This was a different kind of read for me but I really loved it.

Three best friends clawing their way to the top. Plenty of action, some laughs and feels. I enjoyed the fast pace, although with so much going on I occasionally had to work out who was who. Plenty of jealousy and intrigue.

Overall I definitely enjoyed it and recommend if you enjoy a Devil Wears Pravda vibe of women.

Was this review helpful?

It’s not a Jungle, it’s a Zoo🌴🦋🐢

Wow, Fashion Jungle was one of my many anticipated reads for 2020 and when I read the blurb....I was intrigued enough to want to read it😍 That said, one of the very first pages I was struck by a single line......that this book is based on a true story and events.....and after just finishing it, I’ve got so many emotions going through me so will try my best not to fumble this review😇

Fashion Jungle focuses on the lives of three models in the fashion industry, which we all know is pretty cutthroat at the best of times, and Dane who is basically a protector of sorts for them as his sister was part of their group or cliche but is no longer here. This book is riveting, some parts are super funny but I also cried and I was also super anxious at times....so I feel like I’ve run the gamut on emotions, to be honest😁 This book will definitely be one I remember for years to come❣️

I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and I’d like to thank the authors and publisher for allowing me the chance to voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

Was this review helpful?

Talk about a wild and unpredictable ride. Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken tells the story of four friends in the fashion industry and how much their lives have changed since they were teenagers. Now they face lies, deception, secrets and so much more. They may be successful now but getting to where they are was not easy. Now one of them is dead and the stakes could not be any higher.

Though there was romance in this story, there was also intrigue and a bit of suspense. And for me, Dane stole the show. His character fascinated me. He was dark, determined and sexy. The friends, Brittany, Everlee and Zoe were amazing together. Their bond and friendship was strong and seeing the ins and out of the world they lived in will captivate you.

Was this review helpful?

Wow what a book!!!
Wasn't quite sure what to expect from this co write but it was epic.
I was enthralled from cover to cover and hope they decide to write more in the future.
The characters and plot is something that will stick with you for a long time, especially knowing it is based around a lot of true events.
The strength of the women is inspiring and something to aim for.
I'm a self confessed suspense junkie and I was continuously wondering what on earth could happen next.
Would give more stars if I could.

Was this review helpful?

Fashion Jungle is a book that will captivate you it will draw you in from the first page and there will no putting down until you have read the last line. It’s a roller coaster of a journey with characters who will intrigue you and I’m sure like me it’s a journey to are happy to ride along with.
This is a story about four friends who have grown up way to fast just to be involved in the Fashion Industry, they all have secrets and demons that are hiding or fighting but when one of them can no longer fight her demons the other 3 realise while mourning their 4th bestie they need to be strong together and fight the fight .......
This book has it all is emotional, it’s dangerous, it’s painful but it also has the perfect mix of love and humour. These girls will certainly make you smile with their snarky sarcastic wit but it’s the feelings behind the walls thay they all put up that made this the perfect read for me so I highly recommend you one click Fashion Jungle you won’t be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

What a dynamic writing duo!  

This story tells the tale of four best friends, fashion models who fight to make themselves stars and supermodels. This story tells of the highs and lows of being a part of the world of beautiful people and ugly secrets.  This story tells a tale of how each girl overcame their own individual hurdles and tragedies to become both beautiful and strong, inside and out.

This story is rich in visuals, I could "see" the streets of New York City, the runways of Fashion Week and the gritty apartments that housed the new girls. I could "see" the beauty in each character's face and the beautiful clothes that they wore. 

You are going to get all the feels with this story.  I was excited about the girls' successes, I was angry at the things and circumstances that were forced upon them at such young ages and I cried when I felt the loss, loss of their innocence, loss of their families and loss of the people they loved. I wept and I cheered.

The flow of this story and interweaving of all the main characters storylines was smooth and just beautifully done.  You can tell that both Ms. Ireland and Ms. Van Dyken worked together tirelessly to make this an amazing story.

If you are looking for a beautiful story of strength in faith, friendship and survival look no further than this!  So well done ladies, I tip my proverbial hat to you both!

Was this review helpful?

A good read. It took me over half of the book to really get into it. It’s written in each characters POV. Knowing that it was based on true events kept me flipping the pages. There were times it got a little wordy. A mystery ensues and the stories are told. I enjoyed the second half way more than the first.

I love RVD and it was pretty awesome to read Kathy Ireland for the first time.

Thank you to Net Galley for a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow!! Just wow. Fashion Jungle is not what I expected. It was so much more! If you follow my reviews then you know I don’t read the synopsis until I have to write the review. I don’t want to spoil anything! I was never a big fashion fan but I have always been of fan of celebrities. Even as a young child I was intrigued by them. The real them. The fake them. It could be because I grew up watching the soaps! Lol. With that being said...I was addicted from start to finish!!

Four young teens move to NYC to make it big in the world of modeling. And twenty years later they were still paving their paths through the jungle, except now there were only three. Danica was buried with her secrets. Everyone had secrets but hers could change the industry forever. And her brother, Dane wanted to know hers. He needed to know hers. It was almost one year ago, he lost his sister. One year ago he vowed to uncover everything. It was time.

That is only one of the stories. The one that starts the intrigue. There are three more badass woman to follow into the jungle of secrets, lies, love, loss, and friendship. In those stories you will read about their pasts and their presents. Their purposes. Their lives at the top and at the bottom.

I can’t really say anymore about the story but I will say I was so addicted! I had to know what was going to happen next. I was invested in Zoe, Brittany, and Everlee’s stories. I felt like I was right there along with them. I have been reading Rachel Van Dyken’s books for years and I definitely felt her presence in their stories, personalities and all. And one of the models definitely reminded me of Kathy. I know this book is based on real stories and that made it even better. Now I want to which parts. Lol and who were the players!

Overall...I loved every minute of it. I laughed. I cringed. I cried. I swooned. I got angry. I cried again. I smiled. It is definitely an emotional and wild ride. It’s full of suspense, love, friendship, loss, and darkness. I loved that it was like reading four books in one! It’s a story I will never forget and one of my faves of 2020! I know it’s only January but I know it will still be true by 2021.

Quotes:

A man wrought his revenge not in seconds, minutes, or even days. No, he found his revenge in years, by planning, building, brick by brick.

“You can wink all you want, smile, show me your six-pack, it’s not going to work, Dane.”
“Aw, you remember my six-pack. Am I blushing?”
“You’d have to have a soul to feel shame,” she fired back without hesitation.

“A model who eats donuts. They let you do that?”
“Shhh, don’t tell, they could write me up.” She winked.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

Feels 4
Storyline 4
Steam 2
Overall Rating 4

WOW! I for one am super glad I read this story. Definitely wasn't what I was expecting but in the best of ways. Super twisty. Just when I thought I had things figured out I was wrong. Definitely a book I recommend if you're wanting something not over the top hot and steamy but suspenseful and extremely well written. The characters were all strong fierce women. I admired their strength and courage. I never thought about the "modeling world" being so crazy. I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

I am a Rachel Van Dyken fan so of course I had to read her latest and I am so glad I did!! I loved this book!! The friendship between these women is so beautiful and the stories are heartbreaking and healing at the same time. The intrigue in the fashion industry is put front and center and makes for a phenomenal reading experience! As for my harem Dane earns a place easily!!

Was this review helpful?