I wanted to love this book, and I did at parts, just not the book in its entirety. The premise of the book itself is dynamite: three young women in the early 80’s beginning their careers as young adults, hoping to break the barrier from secretary to talent agent in Los Angeles. The stage was set for what rising professional women were facing during this era: trying to climb the ranks in a sexist make-dominated profession. In this aspect of the novel, I was able to get a clear picture of how degrading it was to be a woman working in the industry well before the Me Too movement arose in modern society.

The beginning of the novel provided engaging hd ground for the three main characters: Beanie, Ella and Mercedes. Their early upbringings were interesting and kept me reading quickly as I devoted the first few chapters of the book. As the girls grew into women, and they entered the working world at the Light Agency, starting at the bottom ranks….the story stalled in those bottom ranks for a long time. This part of the story dragged for me, and had me believing this book had to be much longer on page length than it actually was. It was difficult to engage with the story at this point as I struggled to keep up with the many new characters and situations that were coming at rapid fire constantly.

By the end of the novel, Beanie, Ella and Mercedes had broken through the top steps of their climb and were becoming wildly successful, at a rapid speed. I was engaged again the last few chapters, and enjoyed the ending.

The book was highly detailed and had the potential to be an excellent story overall. The middle was just far too long and cumbersome for me.

I tried reading this book but found the writing choppy and the characters formulaic. Unfortunately, I could not finish it.

Nevertheless, than you for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Words fail to describe how disappointing I found this book to be...

I really thought I was going to enjoy this. I love books about Hollywood, particularly written by people with some connection to Hollywood. This was a mess though. The relationship of these three women felt flimsy. Beanie as a driving force didn't really do anything for me as a character. It felt like a lot of ideas but not a lot of execution. Now it's true that I read an ARC and maybe by the time a finished product comes out things will feel different.... not that I've seen that happen in the decade I've spent in the book community. This just felt like Goldsmith-Thomas is a well known person and was able to get a book deal about a life she had lived and new about, but completely failed when it came to writing a compelling piece of fiction worth anyone's time or attention.

Climbing in Heels, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas's debut novel, is a fictional tale of the rise of three secretaries at the hottest agency in 1980's Hollywood, giving you a glimpse into the boys-will-be-boys club and the women who wanted a seat at a table where they were expected to serve.
A story to remind about how to a woman with heels.

I loved this book! It reminded me of “Working Girl” with a dash of Jackie Collins. “Climbing in Heels” is the story of three, strong young women, with very different backgrounds, who must navigate a male-dominated field and fight for every inch of their successes. Set in the 80’s and 90’s, this novel focuses heavily on Beanie, who wants nothing more to be an agent. However, in an (at the time) male dominated field, Beanie has no obvious way into the job. Along with friends who boost each other along the way, the women must find ways to outwit and outplay their male coworkers to climb their way to the top.
The novel offered a peak behind the curtain at the world of entertainment management. The author was adept at portraying the struggle of women in a male dominated field, while keeping the tone relatively light and fun.

This book was a pretty wild ride. Although it felt a bit lengthy I was easily able to connect with each of the characters and their challenges. I basically read the story in one sitting and was surprised by how difficult it was to put down. Reading how difficult it was for women to prove themselves as more than just objects was frustrating and I couldn’t wait to see how it all ended. Definitely was an interesting read that I would tell others to check out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

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.

I gave this book a 3—to 4-star rating. I liked the storyline and the cast of engaging characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the rad 1980's vibes. I stayed engaged with all the characters and their intertwining plot lines. The only negative was that it was too long. I did enjoy the writing, and I would read another book by this author.

Climbing in Heels, by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is the story of three women trying to make it in Hollywood.

The plot follows three distinctly different women: Beanie Rosen, Mercedes Baxter and Ella Gaddy, as they struggle with power and problems in that venerated town. The events of their lives make them incredibly engaging figures in Hollywood.

This story was right up my alley with the discussion of the entertainment industry (where I was previously employed) and the different areas of Los Angeles. At one point the author talks about the San Fernando Valley town my grandparents lived in that I grew up visiting. My parents wedding venue is even name checked. Despite all of this, sometimes I found it a slog to get through. There were a ton of tiny details and often the minutia of the information became overwhelming and, unfortunately, boring. For this reason I marked it 3.25 stars. The premise was great, but the execution was just average.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Climbing in Heels is a delicious box of chocolates. It’s the story of three womens’ struggles to break the very low glass ceilings of the film industry in the 1980s. Beanie, Mercedes and Ella have very different beginnings but all come to the prestigious Sylvan Light Agency in Los Angeles. Their attempts to succeed are punctuated with ambition, betrayal, drugs and difficult relationships. Add designer clothes, celebrity style haircuts, fancy cars and glamorous parties to the mix and you have Climbing in Heels, a drama you’ll want to finish in one sitting.

In a style reminiscent of Jackie Collins, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas delivers a compulsively readable story of the prejudice against women in management and the sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace that makes you wish for the MeToo movement. Beanie Rosen and her dreams drive the plot. You’ll want her to win and you’ll celebrate each triumph, no matter how small. This is a beach read, a curl up on Sunday afternoon book and one to read at night. Wherever you are you’ll enjoy it…just like a box of chocolates. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. Easy reading and interesting. I think this would be a great vacation read. I could easily see enjoying this on a beach with an umbrellad drink!

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

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

This book sounded interesting, but I had trouble getting into this book. I just couldn't get into it. Maybe this book just wasn't for me, but others may enjoy it. I might try to read it again on another day.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
At the start of the book, I was quite interested, but as it went on it felt awfully long. I think it could have easily been shorter and still still make 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. 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 be an understatement.

This was a very interesting book about three women in the 80's trying to make their way up the corporate ladder. It reads almost like a memoir instead of a novel. The beginning and end of this book were absolutely great! I loved learning the backstory of the 3 main characters - Beanie, Ella, and Mercedes. I thought the end of the book wrapped everything up really nicely. However, the middle of the book dragged a bit for me and was pretty long. I also had a hard time keeping track of all of the characters. Overall, a solid book and I would recommend it to others!

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.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into the entertainment industry. It reminded me a little bit of Olivia Goldsmith’s books from the 90s. Recommended for readers of women’s fiction.

This book is the epitome of sexism in the 80's movie industry where when were categorized not for their intelligence but for their looks such as how short their skirt could be. Deemed sexetaries, they were simply not encouraged to embrace rising in any capacity with respect to their "career". They were meant to be seen not heard. Then enters Beanie. See it, believe it, be it, Beanie saw that she would be an agent and went through any channel she could find to be it. She created her own roles where she migrated amongst departments as a trainee. She read everything she could find and was set on promoting those with talent and found roles that were therefore a perfect fit. She was a loyal friend to Ella and a staunch supporter of Hawkeye. She believed in women and their talent. She refused to fall into a role such as Mercedes who sought those that would provide for her. Due to her ruthless quest for success, Beanie experienced a meteoric rise to fame. People both wanted to be her as well as affiliated with her. She was the powerhouse. Even her own mother was proud. Beanie was not about appearance but rather about ability. She certainly went in a way of which she continued to soar. This is an inspiring book for those who want to penetrate a career path most catered towards men.

This one did not really hook me, unfortunately. I was intrigued by the premise, but did not enjoy it altogether.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)