This book was fun! I live near Silicon Valley so I'm very familiar with the "tech culture" of these companies and the area that the book takes place. It was fun to read about Zoe, a fashion-forward girl from New York take on a new place for the first time. The storyline is very mirroring Legally Blonde, a little too much so, because once I realized that, it made the book slightly predictable. While I enjoyed the story and the characters, I found myself rushing to the end because a lot of it was lost on me. Still a fun read that I got through fairly easily.

This coming of age story was really sweet and fun. I liked that it wasn’t about the romance (although that was there) but really focused on the main character coming into herself. There were some nice humor moments especially with the supporting cast of characters. Zoe Zeng seems to have her dream - she writes articles for a fashion outlet in New York City, but she isn’t able to spend as much of her time writing about what she wants and she wonders if this is really the life for her. When she gets an offer to be the VP of marketing fo ran up and coming app related to the world of fashion she takes the leap to try something different. But when she gets there she misses her friends and doesn’t feel like she fits into the tech focused Silicone Valley group. When I started this book I wasn’t sure I would love it because I don’t particularly care about the tech or the fashion worlds, but the characters were so well written I cared very much what happened to them and that drew me into the story.

I enjoyed parts of this book and even laughed out loud a few times, but other parts had me rolling my eyes in disbelief. I enjoyed the banter between Zoe's co-workers and her friends, and the relationships built. The tech start-up industry was interesting, along with how quickly people can rise and fall in today's fickle social media world. My issues with the story include how unbelievably naive Zoe is, the never-ending liberal talking points ad nauseum, and the fact that the book is classified as a romance when there is very little of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for access to this arc.

Although I’m not the target audience for this book, I did enjoy it. Zoe Zeng is a few years out of college and is working for a fashion magazine in New York City as the book opens. She’s a lower level editorial employee and feels stuck, with most of her story ideas being dismissed by her boss. At an industry event, she meets Bill Lawrence, who is in town to hype his startup fashion app, FitPick, and he offers her a job doing marketing for his app. After some consideration (she knows zero about tech!), she decides to jump at the opportunity and moves to California. The rest of the book follows Zoe as she figures out her place in the (very small) company and comes up with some inventive marketing strategies for the app.

The plot was fairly predictable. Although this is not a romance book, there was a bit of romance and you could tell immediately who the love interest was going to wind up being. Also, Zoe started off pretty immature and naive, even though she’d been working in the fashion industry in NYC for a few years, so that wasn’t particularly believable.

Most of the story is about Zoe and her coming into herself, gaining confidence after making such a gigantic leap/stepping out of her comfort zone. She overcomes her imposter syndrome and finds her niche.

There’s a whole sub-plot that centers on “tech bros” and the dark side of such a male-dominated industry. There’s a large theme of female empowerment along the way.

A pleasant read, but nothing very special.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Kyla Zhao's VALLEY VERIFIED is a fun and fresh novel about women in tech in today's day and age. We may not all know a fashionista like Zoe Zeng, but I certainly do, which made reading this book feel like a long FaceTime call with a friend filling me in on their new workplace gossip and relocating adventures. It's also easy to tell that this author truly understands social media, which was refreshing.

The only issue I had with this book, has nothing to do with the writing. Valley Verified is marketed and categorized as a romance novel. While yes there is romance featured in it, it's certainly not the focal point. There is no hint of a love interest even mentioned in the book's description. The book was a delight, don't let that be mistaken, but that genre label caused me to go into this book with different expectations that this book did not meet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a review copy.

Fashion and tech don't necessarily feel like they go together, but this story brings them together in an entertaining story that does deal with issues like sexism in the tech field. I really did enjoy the descriptions of fashion, and the app that they are working on absolutely sounds realistic, as do the struggles and successes Zoe experiences.

I don’t think I’ve ever related more to a main character in her career and some of the frustrations of being a communications professional and working with people who just don’t get what you do. There were so many moments where I just truly understood what the main character was going through.

The protagonist in this novel is Zoey and she leaves her job as a writer for a fashion magazine in New York City and relocates to work at a fashion app start-up in Silicon Valley. Not only is Zoey the only person on the team who knows anything about marketing and fashion, an extreme pressure for her barely funded marketing efforts to succeed so they can woo a major investor. And on top of all that, someone on her t am turns out to be a sexist pig who is willing to throw everyone else under the bus for anything that goes wrong at the start up. Somehow Zoey gets dragged through the mud on the Silicon Valley gossip site, Valley Verified and it’s a true nightmare. Fortunately, Zoey finds out who her true friends are and repairs her reputation.

Overall, this book was a great read to start out the year and one I’d highly recommend to those interested in fashion or those who work in communications related fields.

In theory, Zoe Zheng has stylized a successful career in fashion- working as a columnist for New York based imprint, Chic. But after downing copious amounts of overpriced lattes and sharing postage sized apartments, Zoe can’t help but wonder if there’s more to life than being a slave to fashion.

Then a chance meeting with the head of a Silicon Valley startup offers the promise of something different. The company, Fitpick, has a unique idea, and a sweet starting salary. Sure, it’s technology based and Zoe, tech challenged. But who says fashionistas can’t try something new on for size?

But soon after Zoe arrives on the West Coast she begins to miss the creature comforts of home. Although a new concept, Fitpick’s staff already seems to be a well oiled machine, Zoe the unwelcome third wheel. Determined to make her mark, Zoe fights to have her voice, and her ideas, be heard. After all, she’s managed to survive the world of cutthroat couture. How hard can pivoting to the province of programming really be?

Before long FitPick gets picked as the startup du jour. But just like in the world of fashion, trends come and go. Suddenly Zoe finds herself at the heart of the story, and the mercy of critique in the form of Valley Verified, the unofficial Lady Whistledown of tech world whistleblowers.

Valley Verified is a timely novel in an age where everyone and their mother is trying to be the next big thing alongside a slippery slope of trigger finger cancel culture. Author @kylajzhao cleverly captures this unnerving era, all while incorporating workplace dynamics and even a dash of romance. Readers who are looking for a refreshing take on the modern day woman should know that Valley Verified is the real deal.

I love a work place drama! Was immediately sucked in by the fashion and tech worlds as they hit close to my professional home. I really liked following Zoe's journey and watching how she grew through some of her imposter syndrome issues. I feel like the romance was a little bit of an after thought, though I did enjoy the little spark moments we got. It just wasn't the main focus which is why I wouldn't classify this as a "romance." Can't wait to read more from Kyla, going to pick up her previous book. Also this cover is STUNNING!!! Can't wait to have a physical copy on my shelf!

Diving into Valley Verified is like getting a combo of fashion, tech, a mystery twist, and a heavy dose of drama. I was totally hooked on this one, and surprisingly, it didn't take me long to breeze through. Even though I was in a bit of a funky mood, once I started, I just couldn't bring myself to put it down.

Sure, there's a touch of romance, but the real deal is Zoe's journey. From the fashion world to being the marketing brain at a Silicon Valley tech startup, she's in for a wild ride. No spoilers, but let's just say Zoe doesn't quite vibe with the tech scene, and the struggle is real. Oh, and there's this shady character you'll side-eye from the get-go, and it turns out your instincts are on point.

Kyla Zhao nails the portrayal of the male-dominated industry vibes and how women can feel boxed in. Props to her for giving us a peek into the behind-the-scenes of fashion journalism, and that app concept in the book? Genius.

Zoe, our main gal, is all heart, a tad too trusting sometimes, and a hardcore believer in making fashion for everyone. She's got big ideas, messes up a bit (who doesn't?), but that just makes her a legit, well-rounded character in my book. 📖💄💻

I absolutely adored this book. This book was fun but also explored such important topics such as sexism in the workplace, specifically in the tech industry, as well as imposter syndrome, body positivity and the importance of being inclusive in the fashion world. I absolutely adored Zoe’s journey to find her passion and her own confidence. Also her friends in this book were such a great addition, shoutout to Bjorn, Cassie, Austin and Bram. I so enjoyed some of the references and little scenes in this book as well, such as when they were playing Catan in a board game bar or when she makes a small reference to her first book, The Fraud Squad. I also loved the way there was a little romance thrown in, but was done so in a way that just made me love the book even more. This was Zoe’s story and the bonus of her getting some romance didn’t take away from the larger story of her stepping into her own confidence. I will now be screaming to the world about how much I adore this book.

I really love a good silicon valley or corporate setting book with a funny, female main character. None of the characters were insufferable, so that’s a good thing, and the story was engaging enough to keep my attention will definitely recommend.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of VALLEY VERIFIED by Kyla Zhao from Berkley Publishing and an audiobook copy from PRH Audio.

VALLEY VERIFIED follows Zoe Zeng, a fashion columnist in New York… or at least she was. Tired of having to write exactly what her bosses tell her, Zoe takes a leap into a new opportunity. FitPick is an app startup in Silicon Valley. Technology isn’t her area of expertise, but the app is all about fashion and becoming the new VP of marketing comes with a lot of perks… if it works out. She makes the move to California and finds an even bigger challenge than she anticipated trying to get FitPick on the map and convince her tech-minded colleagues how to help the company thrive.

I found the book to be an interesting look at the intersection of technology and fashion and I enjoyed my time with it. I really enjoyed Zoe and her brave step into a new field. There are a lot of interesting conversations about different jobs and how they are perceived by different people. Serious subjects like sexual harassment in the workplace were also handled, with some good discussions for how women are treated in a male dominated field. There’s also some discussions about the dangers of technology and the potential to replace human connection and productivity.

I did think that the story took on a lot and there were a few times where I wondered if it was taking on a bit too much to cover everything in detail and there were a few side stories or characters that I thought could have been cut out. Still, I overall really enjoyed this story and that it was different to most of my regular reads.

A light hearted look at life in an app start up. Zoe meets Bill by chance at a fashion event in NYC and, after yet another frustrating meeting with the editor of the on line fashion magazine where she works impulsively takes the job as Vice President of Marketing for FitPick. A whole different world- better pay but she's a bit at sea in the tech environment-and the woman she thought would be an ally, the only other woman at the company, isn't. Zoe is undaunted, however, and she comes up with a plan to get the app out in the world via influencers. Zoe is remarkably naive (really really naive) but she's a good character, as is her friend Bernadine and the coders Adam and Bram. Then there's Damien. I was amused by the gentle skewering of the Silicon Valley culture (the vests, the exercise machines, the diets, the hero worship). There's a bit of romance (no steam), some fashion, some food and some fun. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A romp.

This was my first book by the author but it definitely will not be my last! Valley Verified was a great coming of age story that is also filled with female empowerment. I always love a workplace setting and this combined both fashion and tech and at points felt like some of the movies I loved as a teen like The Devil Wears Prada.

This was the first book I read in 2024 and I loved it! This is a story of a woman taking a chance in order to do what she believes in and I was there for it.

Zoe works for a fashion magazine in New York City and is trying to make it. But fashion magazines don't pay well, New York City is expensive, and the magazine will not let her write what she really wants to write. A chance encounter at a fashion party leads to an offer for a new job and a new start but it is nothing that she's ever done before. It combines fashion with technology in a new way and seems to be a way to live her values. But Silicon Valley is different than New York City and Zoe feels like an outsider and an imposter. Will she find her way to make it work and share fashion the way she wants to?

Valley Verified combines fashion and tech with a splash of mystery and a whole lotta drama. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was a decently quick read for me. Once I got into the story, I didn't want to put it down, despite being in a weird mood at the time.

There was a slight romance element to the story, but it is primarily about Zoe's journey from working in fashion publishing before working as the marketing director for a fashion-based software startup company in Silicon Valley. Without giving too much away, Zoe finds herself not fitting in with her new tech company and feeling isolated because fashion is so important to her. There's a character who you're almost immediately suspicious of, and for good reason. I feel that Kyla Zhao does an incredible job of portraying the inherent misogyny in male dominated industries, and showing how a woman fighting against these systems can feel like there aren't a lot of options for them. I also enjoyed the peek behind the curtain of fashion journalism and absolutely loved the concept of the app portrayed in the book.

Zoe has a good heart, is sometimes too naive for her own good, and really believes fashion should be inclusive. She has incredible ideas and thinks she can truly make a difference. She makes mistakes along the way, but that makes her a well-rounded character IMO.

Valley Verified gets my seal of approval with 4.5. stars (I wish more places would let you choose half-stars). So why not five stars? I'm not sure how much staying power this will have with me, and even a few days after reading it, I had to look up some details and character names. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a female-centric story where any hint of a romance is far down the list of attributes. Sometimes, you just want a feel-good "girl power" story, and this is a realistic version of that.

Zoe is a young fashion columnist in New York who’s unhappy with her lack of progress in progressing to editor, so she’s elated when she networks her way into a job offer to become CMO for FitPick, a fashion-focused startup in Silicon Valley. Most of the plot is career-focused, and sheds some interesting light on startup culture, but there is a side plot about romance that was fun and not too distracting. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and read it all in one night, but Zoe’s character was rather annoying in her immaturity and naivete, and I found that incredibly off-putting. (And frankly unbelievable that she could get a CMO gig with no real marketing / analytics experience… it reminded me of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde being hailed as a star lawyer for a few lucky insights.) Still a fun read though!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Valley Verified by Kyla Zhao is a rom=c0m that also speaks to darker issues in the workplace. The story revolves around Zoe, who works as a columnist at a prestigious fashion magazine. Unfortunately, her dream job isn't the dream that she thought it would be. During a chance encounter, she meets Bill, the founder of a fashion app that has the potential to revolutionize the industry. She decides to fly across the country and work for his Silicon Valley startup. Will Zoe be able to switch careers and go from high fashion to high tech?

Here is an expensive excerpt from Chapter 1, which takes place in NYC:

"ZOE ZENG WAS having an absolute blast.
It was a balmy summer evening—the kind that showed Manhattan at its best. A slight breeze whipped around the rooftop terrace, but her braided updo didn’t budge an inch thanks to extra-strong Alterna hairspray. In her Paco Rabanne dress and Charlotte Olympia wedges, she fit right in with the other guests at this party—a launch event for a.I.r, the hottest sustainable fashion brand as of late whose claim to fame was turning mushrooms into leather.
The thumping electronic music—played by a DJ who was apparently “the next Diplo”—and the party chatter faded as Zoe walked closer to the railing and gazed out at the city. New York City was always prettiest at night, its blemishes disguised by the bright lights and flashing billboards. She took a deep breath of the calm evening air, her spirits lifting further as some other guest’s sparkling perfume hitting her nostrils. It was a welcome change from the rubbish stench that she still hadn’t gotten used to after moving into an apartment right next to an alley that held a nice selection of dumpsters."

Overall, Valley Verified is a rom-com that blends fashion with Silicon Valley. One highlight of this book is that it is an #ownvoices book by an author of Asian descent. I am a huge supporter of Asian voices in the rom-com space, and I am so happy to be able to support this book. Another highlight of this book is the unique premise. There are plenty of rom-coms about the fashion industry, but not many about the tech industry.

One final highlight of this book is how the tension picks up and plot moves quickly in the last 1/3 of the book. It also gets substantially darker during that part, so make sure you read the content warnings. I literally could not put this book down during the last 1/3 If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in January!

I adored the Fraud Squad, and was very excited about Kyla Zhao’s latest (which, I believe, may be inspired by her own life experience). Valley Verified was a really compelling story, which I read in one day. I was engaged with the plot, and time slipped by so fast as I read. I liked our main character Zoe, and was drawn to the prospect of a Legally Blonde style story, set in the world of Silicone Valley. I really like Kyla Zhao’s writing style, but felt this book missed some of the character and relationship development that I especially liked in Fraud Squad. I wish the book had been a bit longer to give time to the romantic and platonic relationships, and actually take us through their development. The romance felt rushed, and although we all saw it coming, I was surprised by how it escalated into a relationship so quickly, and from out of almost nowhere.

Either way, this book was fun, and unputdownable, and I really really hope for more from Zhao!