Fashion Jungle by Rachel Van Dyken and Kathy Ireland follows 4 models living their lives in New York City. Brittany, Everlee and Zoe with snippets of Danica. The cover is makes you think this is going to be a light story about four friends, however Ireland and Van Dyken went into the nitty gritty of the modeling world. As you read you wonder just who the other models were actually based off of.

All of the girls seem to have their life figured out, but in reality they are all struggling with something. I almost wish this would have been broken in to four books, a book for each girl. I felt we got just a glimpse into each of the girls and I wanted to feel more connected to them. What I did learn of each girl I liked. They all went through so much and were warriors for what they went through.

I thought the 3 person P.O.V worked for this story, however in the beginning it was hard to keep up with all the different characters that were being thrown at you. The side characters helped elevate this story. I loved this book showed so many trigger situations because they are true in today's society. Sorry I can't give too much away because you need to read it to understand. The way Ireland and Van Dyken portrayed these sensitive topics was well done.

Overall, this book is not just a romance, it's a darker look at a world many young girls are eager to get into without thinking of the consequences. It's dark, painful, happiness, love, sadness. This book captures many emotions and should be read, especially by anyone who only sees the beautiful facade of modeling.

“Life’s kind of like that, isn’t it? Depending on other people, letting go, allowing yourself to just… fly. It can be scary. Trusting people always is…”

This book has so many layers of depth, humor, heartache, struggles, regrets, hopes, fears, sacrifice, passion, loyalty, betrayal, loss, beginnings, manipulation, faith, friendship and secrets. Throughout all these heavy moments, serious struggles and dark times there are so many bits of wisdom and encouraging words woven it.

“On the outside, she was so perfect, wasn’t she? And on the inside… utterly broken.”

That was one of my favorite parts is knowing that no matter how deep someone’s darkness runs or how alone they may feel they should know everyone has some type of struggle and we all are doing the best we can and there is ALWAYS someone to lean on...it may be a stranger or someone who has always been in your life...you just need to reach out and keep reaching until you are heard.

“He was showing her his life. His spots. His routine. The barricade around her heart started to shake with the need to fall, to expose her entire self to him and see if he’d accept her just as she was. Flaws and all.”

These four women were so strong even when they didn’t recognize their own strength. They all had secrets and it may have been to protect someone else, but it was freeing when they let others in. Even if it didn’t always give them what they wanted it lifted an internal weight.

“...even in the darkest moments of a person’s life—there was a chance for peace, for the human soul to find rest, even in pain. There was always a way out. An opportunity. A window instead of a door.”

Not my first read by Rachel Van Dyken but my first read by Kathy Ireland. The contemporary romance part I know where it came form author wise because I am so familiar with RVD’s writing but unfortunately the other part which is Woman Fiction and Mystery without the full on romance, wasn’t for me. There was a lot of main characters involved which for this type of book, yes is perfect but for my taste of mixing all of these different types of tropes. The book is based upon a mystery of a death. I think what threw me off a lot for my style is that there were 4 POV narratives, therefore I hard a hard time connecting. I did connect to Brittany the most and I think the scenes in this book were fantastic, writing style. Lot’s of revenge, fashion and beautiful story of wonderful woman. #womanempower but I will say that if I was into the other trope types, this would have been a 5 plus for me!

Rating: ★★★★
Romance: ♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥
Type: Standalone
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

#FashionJungle #Review
Rachel Van Dyken teams up with model, actress Kathy Ireland to write this intriguing and very authentic novel which focuses on four friends and their experience in the fashion industry.

At fourteen years old, Danica, Brittany, Zoe and Everlee had stars in their eyes and dreams of becoming famous models. Two decades later, three of them know that success comes with a high price. They all have secrets, battle inner demons and now Brittany, Zoe and Everlee are left to mourn Danica’s suicide.

Their story begins with a compelling yet sad prologue from Danica’s brother’s point of view a year earlier and then goes on to relate the events revolving around the friends seventeen days before fashion week which sheds light on their hopes and problems and how the power of faith and friendship helps them overcome their past and look forward to a happy future.

The story was interesting, especially knowing we get a genuine inside look at the modeling world. And even though the ending fell on the predictable side all the girls’ accounts felt real and therefore more powerful.

Fashion Jungle is a standalone women’s fiction by Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken. Based on true events and stories, this standalone story is told from several points of view, with a happy ending.

This collaboration between bestselling author Van Dyken and model Ireland gives readers a look inside the modeling world. The book did feel a bit superficial at times, reminding me of shows like Sex in the City. There were a couple twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, though most were predictable. There are a number of characters, and not all as well developed as others. It would have been nice to have had a bit more attention given to each girl. The behind-the-scenes look into the industry were interesting. Brittany was my favorite character, and I did enjoy the ending.

*DNF*

ARC kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunatley not for me. I love RVD books normally, but this co-written one I just couldn't get into. I was intrigued by some of the characters and the storyline, but I'm just not invested enough or interested enough to want to continue the story.

I'm sure this will be an interesting look into the fashion world for many, its just not the right writing style for me.

The leader of the tribe and a model who's fought every battle and obstacle in the industry, Zoe, knows her worth.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken are magnifysent and amazing writers.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

When I read the blurb for Fashion Jungle I was obsessed! It reminded me of a combination of Sex In The City, Devil Wears Prada and Pretty Little Liars. An amazing story set in the fashion industry with a great cast of characters with their own drama and lives. I loved the secrets, lies and jealousy and the inner turmoil and triumphs between all the characters. This story was like a decadent soap opera I never wanted to end!

Without going into major details, this story is told from four different perspectives. You don't really know what is happening at first and then the breadcrumbs start to drop and the drama unfolds. This story had it all: passion, secrets, jealousy and lies and just when you think you know what's happening - jaw dropping revelations are exposed and then even more drama happens.

I enjoyed the writing duo of Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken and hope that there is more stories to tell in this world!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. 4 stars! ~Ratula

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.

3.5/ 5 stars

Fashion Jungle is sort of a combination between Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction and Mystery.

There are a bunch of 3rd person narrators: Zoe, Brittany, Everlee and Dane.

The book starts with an intriguing prologue. Someone dies. And figuring out what happened is the mystery part of the book.

The book is centered around the modeling world and New York Fashion Week. I love both of these things. So I was very excited to read this book (co-written by an actual model).

The prologue was good. But then I didn't find that the book really piqued my interest again until the last half. I thought that the last half of the book was much stronger (3 stars for the first half, 4 stars for the second half).

I preferred the parts of the book that focused on fashion. Yet a lot of the story focused on revenge.

My favorite narrator by far was Brittany. I absolutely loved her story. And I think that I would have loved this book if it was only from her POV. I found the Brittany/Ronan thing super fascinating. And I was obsessed with Doctor Oliver.

The ending was strong. And I liked the final reveal. However, there were some overly predictable other developments throughout the book. I think that I would have preferred to be shocked vs knowing exactly where the story was going.

As mentioned the last half of the book was really enjoyable. And I couldn't put the book down. There was lots of stuff happening leading up to a dramatic conclusion.

What do you do when the wolve's descend? You dig your heels in and you ride that sucker out. This book is RIVETING, INTENSE and CAPTIVATING. Each character's point of view brings out the underlying topics of what goes on in the fashion world. A hint of the truth and dose of reality. Unfortunately it's just the tip of the iceberg. In the Fashion Jungle, anything goes. Are you strong enough to handle it?

This book was NOTHING I expected and EVERYTHING that I needed. It actually read to me like a tv series. (It would be a great show) the fact that it is partially based on true events and not knowing what is or isn’t truth just added to the story in such an intriguing way. The idea that any of it could be based on real life is heartbreaking and shocking. Its the perfect time for a book like this to have been written.

Fashion Jungle was an incredible read and was so much more than I expected. I loved all the characters and could feel their struggles as they survived and overcame the obstacles in their lives. This story is an emotional ride and has it all - mystery, romance, suspense.
Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken are a fantastic pair as they weaved these true events into a fictional story. I appreciate the bravery and guts it took to tell such sensitive and emotional stories.

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.

Wow! Just Wow!. This is about 4 women and the ugly side of fashion and how they were able to overcome and succeed without losing their souls. It's from their POV and what had happened to each of them and how they were able to maintain their friendships and be successful. Each had secrets and struggles. All I can say, again, is WOW!. Rachel Van Dyken, you've done it again.

5 stars just isn’t enough for this book! I absolutely love how the storyline completely sucks you in and keeps you reading until the very end. Fashion Jungle is a one of a kind gem and a must read!!!

This book was amazing, insightful and kept me entranced throughout the whole story. Even with this being based on true stories and events, it's written in a way to entertain. It also proves not everything is as perfect as we see from the outside and when things get difficult don't give up.

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.

**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 inter-workings 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.

I found this book both intriguing and emotional! So many times I found my heart aching for the fierce woman of this absolute mad world! Reading each ones pain and feeling their struggles as I devoured each page had me reading from start to finish with almost no breaks because I the mystery laced with the dark secrets kept me sucked in!

Each character had a difficult story to tell and their pain lead them to fear what would happen when their darkest secrets came to light so they did all they could to support one another without prying! As the days get closer to one of the craziest times in the fashion world each woman finds that their battles are getting harder to fight alone and they must learn to lean on each other as they once did before!

the one underlying theme in all of this pain was that friendships and love of ourselves can keep you going even in the darkest of times! Loneliness is only something that can take you over if you let it and these women fought and clawed their way out of darkness with each other by their sides!

This was definitely different from what I expected but it was better than I could’ve imagined! Reading each story and experiencing this world with some “first hand” knowledge opened my eyes to the crazy around us and I now have a new appreciation for the beautiful faces that we see every day! I now know they are more than what is seen and they are extraordinary women and men that have a story to tell!

A definite must read for 2020! If there’s one book you read this year this needs to be the one!