Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas

Climbing in Heels Reviews

• 
  Bernadette

  "Climbing in Heels" by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is a dazzling gem of a book that sparkles with wit, humor, and energy from start to finish. Goldsmith-Thomas' electrifying prose immediately draws readers into a world of luxury, glamour, and indulgence that's impossible to resist.
  
  The characters are the true stars of the show, with the charming and unforgettable Beanie taking center stage. Every character, no matter how minor, is meticulously crafted with rich backstories that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Goldsmith-Thomas' attention to detail, particularly with regards to fashion, is impeccable—making the world feel both extravagant and authentic.
  
  The story is deliciously juicy and indulgent, reminiscent of an adult Gossip Girl, with the added bonus of real-life celebrity appearances that lend a clever, meta touch. And the ending ties everything together with a bow that's as satisfying as it is glamorous.
  
  If you're in the mood for a character-driven romp that's as witty as it is chic, "Climbing in Heels" is the perfect escape. Goldsmith-Thomas has created a world that's as irresistible as it is dazzling—and I can't recommend it highly enough!
  
  Thank you to Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, St. Martin’s Press, and Edelweiss for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Stephanie

  Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas had the premise that was so great in theory: pre- Weinstein, where men could slap a woman in the behind at work and it would be acceptable. Women in Hollywood would be taken advantage of (still happens!) thinking that they would be promoted in the rankings at their jobs, often didn’t happen and sometimes they were fired after they made accusations. This reminded me of one of my favorite 80s movies Working Girl with Melanie Griffith. I am an 80s girl through and through so when the initial premise of this book came out, I was excited to hear all of the names and faces, of this semi-autobiographical book by Goldsmith-Thomas, who is a seasoned Hollywood producer herself.
  
  While I loved Beanie - the main character , she worked hard, found holes where she could snake her way in to specific positions, I felt the characters and plotting was rushed. It was as if it lacked heart, and instead things just “happened”, because we need to see how the next scenes were going to play out. No true character development, no day to day job descriptions, no real connection with the audience and these people we are all supposed to root for.
  
  The beginning starts out with three different characters, all whom have grown up in different lifestyles who want to work for a talent agency. I found there was no rhyme or reason for any of them, that there was so much going on, I ended up being bored. I didn’t care about any of their characters or their reasonings as to why they want to work in this difficult industry. Things just happened, well just because!
  
  By midway through, I slogged through it to get to the end.
• 
  Jenny (Readingwhilemynailsdry)

  A debut novel that is smart, sassy and highly entertaining!! A great depiction of the grit and strength that was (and still is) required for a woman to get into the “boys club” of the entertainment industry. This is the story of three young women, who had set their sights on success and became powerhouses! Beginning in the ‘60’s continuing to the mid 90’s, regardless of what was said about them along the way, they’ve created opportunities for themselves, they played the system, hoping the system wouldn’t play them, and I loved every minute of it!
  
  Their journey was cutthroat. What a woman had to endure to attempt to climb a ladder that was predominately controlled by men was crushing, but these three women knew how to work it. They were a force to be reckoned with individually…and together, even stronger. Although this is fiction, it’s relatable – “sexitaries”?! …need I say more?! We’ve all heard the stories…
  
  When success becomes the only objective, everyone will do what they must. This means betrayal, lies and manipulation…do friendships and love mean anything? Do these strong willed women become the monsters they are trying to fight?!
  
  This was energetic, captivating, and spicy, I really enjoyed it! This is the first novel by film and TV producer, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and I hope it is not her last! Well done!!
  
  I won this in a Goodreads giveaway! Thank-you to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and to Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas for writing it!!
• 
  Teresa

  I was fortunate to win this ARC from Goodreads Giveaways. The subject matter was one that I had not known much about and this was an enlightening telling of the fast-paced lifestyle of agents in the 80’s.
• 
  Jenny

  Wow! I didn't expected to enjoyed this book so much! It is a dazzling dive into the glitzy, gritty world of 1980s Hollywood, following three ambitious secretaries as they hustle, scheme, and claw their way to the top of a male-dominated talent agency. This book is bold, exciting, and absolutely unforgettable!
  
  Beanie Rosen stole the show for me—this fast-talking Valley girl was unstoppable! She worked every angle, seized every opportunity, and proved she was just as sharp (if not sharper) than the men around her. Ella Gaddy was another standout—her transformation after escaping her toxic family was empowering and inspiring. And Mercedes Baxter? A powerhouse in her own right, using strategy and charm to forge her path.
  
  The setting was pure 1980s Hollywood magic—vivid, glamorous, and buzzing with drama. The author perfectly captured the high stakes and backroom deals of the era, making me feel like I was right there in the thick of it. It’s not just a story of ambition but also friendship, betrayal, and the cost of success in a world designed to keep women out.
  
  I couldn’t put this book down! It’s a thrilling, no-holds-barred tale of resilience and power that had me cheering for these women, flaws and all. Honestly, this needs to be made into a movie—it has all the makings of a blockbuster.
  
  If you love stories about fierce women breaking barriers and seizing what’s theirs, Climbing in Heels is the book for you! Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and completely hooked!
  
  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
• 
  Ali Bunke

  Three women rise through the ranks at Hollywood's hottest agency in the 1980s, despite the boys' club dominating the industry. These women are determined to succeed, no matter the pressure to keep them down. The story highlights the friendships, betrayals, survival, and defiance needed to rise above.
  
  Beanie Rosen, Mercedes Baxter, and Ella Gaddy seemingly have nothing in common except their determination to stand on their own and control their lives. The story pulls back the covers on the sex, drugs, and what it took to get ahead during this time. With cunning strategy and perseverance, these women find their way.
  
  The narrative is led by Beanie, who introduces us to the culture of the Sylvan Light Agency. The author effectively depicts the toxic environment many women endured during this period. Their perseverance and cunning made me cheer for each win they achieved. The characters are deftly created, each woman distinct in her approach to overcoming the culture they were fighting against. This is the author's debut novel and clearly has a bright future.
  
  Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
• 
  Kelly Rogers

  Empowering, Insightful, and Full of Heart!!
  Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas delivers an inspiring and authentic guide to navigating life and career with Climbing in Heels. With wit and wisdom, she shares her journey of perseverance, ambition, and self-discovery, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of working in high-pressure industries.
  
  What truly sets this book apart is Elaine's ability to connect on a deeply personal level, balancing humor and vulnerability. Her anecdotes are as relatable as they are empowering, reminding readers that success is not a straight line but a series of climbs—sometimes in heels!
  
  Whether you're looking for motivation, career advice, or just a good dose of encouragement, this book delivers. It's a must-read for anyone striving to overcome obstacles, embrace their authenticity, and chase their dreams unapologetically.
  
  Elaine's voice shines through every page, making you feel like you're having coffee with a trusted mentor. I walked away from this book inspired and ready to take on the world—heels optional!
  
  Highly recommend for anyone looking for a blend of humor, heart, and wisdom. 👠📚
  
• 
  Kwl

  This is a story about three women trying to make their way in the 80s, each hiding secrets but also so many hopes for the future. The women's stories revolve around Beanie. Think Peggy from Mad Men but it’s the 80s and she has to climb from limb to limb in a forest of trees, and she almost falls off many times. And each time she does the reader is so invested their heart aches for Beanie and wants to see her succeed.
  
  When I finished and read the author’s bio I understood immediately how the layers were so perfectly explored. Everyone will be talking about this book in Spring,2025!
  
  Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
• 
  Shannon

  Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the early glimpse of CLIMBING IN HEELS! I INHALED IT! I LOVED IT! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I found myself wanting a sequel and wondering what happened to them beyond the end. I wanted to watch them climb and fall and climb again. In the synopsis they sight Evelyn Hugo, and it's funny it reminded me of that book, but I liked Climbing in Heels better. Bravo to Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas who obviously knew these women, or saw these women, or maybe she was one of them, or all of them. Smart. Witty. Heartbreaking. Real. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
• 
  JANELLE

  Wow - this book was such an interesting story!
  
  It follows a 1980's Hollywood agency as they manage the movie stars and is set around the three upcoming secretaries that dream for more and won't settle for less. It's a fascinating storyline - the characters are incredibly detailed and interesting - the whole concept is entertaining. I enjoyed following the three ladies in their climbs to the top and all the adventures that got them there.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
• 
  Emily

  ***Goodreads Giveaway***
  
  This book is a bop. Even though it's not a crime novel, it gave the vibe of Leo DiCaprio move, "Catch Me if You Can" in that it had this face-moving, snazzy, wheeling and dealing kind of air. So fun. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas did this cool thing where she kept me questioning if I was reading a non-fiction account of the Hollywood agent culture. You can tell she knows of what she speaks. While I did have some issues with the repetition of rise and fall of the characters, I didn't care. It was fun and well-written.
  
• 
  Cindy

  This book was someone between a 3 and 4 star rating for me. I liked the storyline and the string of engaging characters. My issue was it was too long. I think 50-75 pages could be cut from the middle with no impact to the story. I did enjoy the writing and I would definitely read another book by this author.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
• 
  Hannelore Cheney

  Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
  At the start of the book it was interesting, but as it went on it felt awfully long. It could easily have been shorter and still made its points.
  I found it difficult to like any of the characters and the shenanigans that went on between the men and women was a bit shocking to me. I wouldn't have lasted in that business for more than a day; way too ruthless and clawing your way to the top would be an understatement.
• 
  Hannah MacLeod

  I won this book from the Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Goodreads for sending me the advance readers edition!
  
  This is pretty much a perfect book. Same vibe as Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but I liked it so much better, it was so much more interesting to me, and had better storytelling.
  
  I thought it was going on for too long when I had about 100 pages left, but the last 30 or so made up for it. Definitely would recommend!! Comes out in April 2025
• 
  Julie

  good story of what 3 women do to compete in Hollywood. There is Ella, beanie, and Mercedes. We see their journeys through the different time periods and some finding love or not. Interesting business of being an agent in Hollywood.
• 
  Chris O'neill

  Initially I was very engaged with this novel but as it went on it dragged quite a bit for me. There also were too many ancillary characters and less in depth about the main 3 women. I am glad I got to read it thru NetGalley
• 
  Alissa DeRogatis

  Sexy, sharp, and unapologetically bold, Climbing in Heels plunges you into the glamour and grit of Hollywood in the 80s. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas delivers an entertaining debut, pulling readers into the messy, electric lives of three women who refuse to be sidelined.
• 
  Kaitlyn Vaden

  LOVED it!!! I don't want to spoil so I won't say much but... The characters are true and beautiful and it was such a great read! I'll definitely be looking for more from this author coming out!!
• 
  Megan Harvell

  This book is INCREDIBLE! I could not put it down.
• 
  H Paige

  Why was it so hard to put this down?