This is a really fun read about three strong-willed FMCs who knew what they wanted and would not take no for an answer. They all had things in their past that they would rather not remember, which made them that much more interested in succeeding. I was so impressed with Beanie; when it seemed like she couldn't get herself out of a difficult situation, she somehow came up with something. She was determined to be something great and nothing was going to stop her.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the eARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC~

Beanie Rosen, Ella Gaddy, and Millicent Baxter all had varying upbringings. They found that they needed to work hard and continue to reinvent themselves to get ahead in life. They all ended up working at the Sylvan Light Agency in Los Angeles which was a film agency.

Beanie changed her name and moved to California to try and make a name for herself in the world.

Ella Gaddy was a rebel with red hair who lived to buck the rules.

Millicent Baxter was brought up thinking that her actual mother was her sister. After the woman met a rich man and moved on, Millicent managed to find ways to make her keep on supporting her.

Oh for goodness sakes. This book was all over the place and even though we are at first concentrating on teenage girls, I know girls did not act like these girls did during that time frame. I cannot say that this book was enjoyable for me so, I’m afraid that I cannot give it a good rating. Sorry.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I liked the premise of Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, but I had trouble wading through the completed book. Three women working in low-level jobs at a talent agency during the 80s who are determined to rise to power despite the challenges. I was not a fan of the characters. They were not likeable or relatable (at least to me). I would never do the things these women did to get ahead. I felt that the characters lacked depth. We learn superficially what the women do at work, but we are not told what they do daily. On the flip side, there are graphic details regarding intimate relations (I am phrasing it nicely) and long-winded descriptions about room details as well as the character’s outfits. The story is told from the three main characters’ point of view, and it jumped from one to another. I did not like how things just happened (no rhyme or reason). The story became slow in the middle which had me skimming to reach the end. If I had known that the story contained extensive foul language, intimate relations, and drugs, I never would have chosen to read Climbing in Heels. I found the shenanigans that went on between men and women to be scandalous (I know they go on, but I do not wish to read about it). I thought that Climbing in Heels lacked depth, flow, and heart. It felt more like a first draft instead of a finished novel. Climbing in Heels didn’t tickle my fancy.

I enjoyed reading Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my #gifted copy of Climbing in Heels! #ElaineGoldsmithThomas #stmartinspress #ClimbingInHeels

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐄𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡-𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Climbing in Heels is an entertaining debut by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas that follows three secretaries as they shatter glass ceilings trying to make their way to the top of the hottest agency in Hollywood in the 80s. I love books that focus on strong female characters, and I enjoyed watching Beanie, Mercedes, and Ella as they climbed their way to the top. This book had a lot of sex, drugs, and drama. It was an entertaining read. I did find that there were a lot of side characters. Many were introduced once and never again and I’m not sure how much they added to the overall plot. I feel like many could have been removed because it felt like there were just too many secondary characters involved and at one point I was trying to keep track of them but they were never introduced again.

I would certainly read the next novel by this author as I love historical fiction and I loved the premise of this one. Overall, I loved cheering for these women!

Posted on Goodreads on April 29, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 29, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 29, 2025
**-will post on designated date

Climbing in Heels should have pulled me into the story a bit more than it did. I wanted to feel more for the characters. Telling the stories about their lives was ok but slow and as I was reading, I got confused and had to stop and reread a few pages. I wanted to read a book that made me cheer for them as they made their way thru the “mans world” of LA.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas for the ARC of the book Climbing in Heels.
This is my personal review.

"Climbing In Heels" by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is an absolute gem that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The use of multiple narrators adds a dynamic layer to the storytelling, providing unique perspectives that intertwine seamlessly to create a rich, engaging narrative. Each narrator brings depth and authenticity, making the characters feel vivid and relatable.

The character development is truly exceptional. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas crafts individuals who are not only memorable but also resonate with real emotions and experiences. Their journeys are compelling, filled with moments of triumph, vulnerability, and personal growth that kept me invested throughout.

The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of drama, wit, and heartfelt moments. It’s a book that’s hard to put down, and even harder to forget.

I highly recommend "Climbing In Heels" to anyone looking for an inspiring, entertaining read with excellent character work and a fresh narrative structure. Five stars well deserved!

This story of three women fighting to make it in a man’s world is definitely inspiring—but Climbing in Heels isn’t really a happily-ever-after kind of story. Readers will fall in love with these flawed characters—and hope they find some kind of happiness in the end.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is a fictional book about three secretaries at the hottest Hollywood agency who all have greater ambition than to be a secretary. It was interesting to see these women try to fight their way through the old boy's network and what 1980s Hollywood was like behind the scenes. While I enjoyed this, it took a while for me to really get into the story and keep everyone straight - there were lots of ancillary characters. Ultimately this was a story about ambition, friendship, and betrayal. I liked that the author was an agent in the 1980s and would love to know what elements of the book were based on real events.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my advanced copy.

𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 is the story of three secretaries working at a Hollywood talent agency in the 1980s as they try to prove they're just as talented - if not more - than the old boys club they work for.

I love a book set in the entertainment industry and this one is written by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, first-time author but longtime Hollywood insider. Like the characters in the book, Goldsmith-Thomas worked her way up to become a talent agent in the 80s working with Julia Roberts, Nicholas Cage, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna, and as a studio executive and producer, she's responsible for some of my favorite movies like 13 𝘎𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 30, and is also adapting @emilyhenrywrites' 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦. With a pedigree like that, you know this is going to be an entertaining book.

It's like 9 𝘵𝘰 5 and 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 crossed with some of my favorite Jackie Collins books (if you haven't seen the 80s classic film or read the soapy 80s books, you are missing out!) with a dash of 𝘔𝘢𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘯. The story is juicy and glamorous, and I'm not surprised it's already been optioned for a TV series. The 80s hair, makeup and clothing alone will make it a must-watch but the girl power theme is as timely as ever. As the author says of the women at the heart of the novel "...their passion to be heard was as fierce as their rage at being silenced." It may 40 years later but we're still fighting the same battles today.

3.75 rounded up

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the copy to review.

Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was juicy, gossipy, and salacious - I couldn’t force myself to turn away. But at the same time, it got bogged down with so many characters, side tangents, and over explaining that I couldn’t wait for it to move on (especially near the middle). I loved Beanie as a character, but I never fully felt like I knew her - the whole book I was hoping to finally connect. I never did.

I struggled with the set up of the other two girls, Ella & Mercedes. They were super detailed in the beginning but fell by the wayside and Beanie was the only thread that connected them. Also, a plethora of other side characters existed, and many were descriptively explained and given a lot of devotion to, but I never really understood the point of them.

While I never wanted to completely give up on this one, I did pause several times and ask what the point was to all the descriptions. My feelings and thoughts on this one made it hard to rate. With more focus on Beanie and less fluff, this could’ve been a knock out for me, but with everything I’ve mentioned, 3.5 stars feels fair.

Fans of books with female-centered narratives, Mad Men-esque work environments, and books that are character driven may enjoy this one.

Where to even start? LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. While I know Elaine's work as a producer and development exec, I had no idea she was such a talented writer. What a treat this book was! I was expecting a frothy beach read and I got a coming of age story with so much heart, so much attention to detail, so much wisdom. I absolutely loved the characters that she has created and the relationships that felt personal and real. I loved that she didnt shy away from real sexuality and flaws. This was a ride and wow, I am just floored.

I cannot stop thinking and gushing about this book. I rarely give a book 5 stars but Climbing in Heels was that good. Goldsmith-Thomas crafted a dazzling and compelling narrative that kept me engaged from the first chapter. I had such a fun time reading this book and enjoyed all three women’s stories especially Beanie. They were all funny, brilliant and flawed in their own ways but I loved watching their journeys play out in 1980s Hollywood. One of my favorite reads of the year and the perfect book for the summer!

“They were just two sides of the same coin, women trying to rewrite a rulebook for a place that didn’t recognize them as players.”

Climbing in Heels tells the fictional account of three young women’s experiences attempting to navigate the shark infested waters of working for in Hollywood in the 1980s.

But before their paths cross at the agency they all end up working for, we get to learn where each of them came from. First there’s Beanie Rosen, a self described self starter whose scrappy tenacity and quick thinking have always served her well. Then there’s Mercedes Baxter, a woman who came from an upbringing based on a lie, she learns the only person she can truly rely upon is herself. Finally, there’s Ella Gaddy, a sassy debutante who is often underestimated, until it’s too late.

While the trio briefly live together for a period of time, it’s Beanie and Ella who forge a friendship, both personal and professional, that will help them defy the odds. Still, we get to see the intricate behind the scenes moves of all three women, as well as a plethora of supporting players, that help to flesh out the cutthroat culture of a male dominated Hollywood.

Interestingly enough, first time writer Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas knows of what she speaks, carving out a successful career working for the William Morris Talent Agency. In fact, learning this made me wonder why she decided to write a fictional novel rather than the juicy tell all she could surely produce. After all, the story itself is oddly interspersed with real A-list stars amongst make believe stars and star makers. If I had to venture a guess I’d assume there is still a level of discretion those on the inside choose to apply, despite the general public’s desire for the real dirt.

Regardless, Climbing In Heels is a fast paced story of strong females that is already being turned into a soapy series by Darren Star. It will, no doubt, resonate with readers who love getting a glimpse of old school Hollywood long before the likes of influencer or cancel culture.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I am not sure why but this book did not work for me. However, as I always say when I don't like a book, just because I did not like the book, it doesn't mean that someone else won't like it. It also doesn't necessarily mean that I may not like another book by the same author. Or even that I may not like the book if I try it again in the future...

I’m so torn about this book! The first half really grabbed me, learning the story of three women, all who want more than the male dominate world says they should have. Each woman has a story of making their way and what they had to do to get there. At about half way though I started having trouble following all the names and lost interest in the sorry until the very end.
Overall I loved reading about Beanie but just not enough to give this book more than 3 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

First thank you to st martins press and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars

Synopsis: three women in 1980s Los Angeles trying to break through the glass ceiling in the entertainment business. Beanie is the California girl that might not look like all the other woman but is smarter and sharper than most everyone. Ella a debutant from the south who moves to California and definitely makes an impression and finally Mercedes who grew up wealthy and leverage that to get what she wanted.

What I liked: this book is great. I love Hollywood back story books and this book delivered. Beanie was my favorite because she is so likable. She works so hard too and if she was a guy she would have been an agent so fast. I loved how she could solve almost any problem and worked so well with others. Ella i liked as well but she could hold a grudge. Mercedes used my least favorite tactic to success by leveraging her looks and female wilds. I did love how the author show you all of the different ways the woman survive, move up and bond together in the boys club. The gossip was great and had enough real life and made up to make you wonder what was real or not. This is a debut and can’t wait to read more.

Climbing in Heels is a smart, fierce, and empowering read that offers an inside look into the world of Hollywood through the lens of strong, ambitious women. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the sharp writing, witty dialogue, and unapologetic portrayal of female strength in a notoriously tough industry.

What stood out most to me was the cast of complex, driven women navigating fame, friendship, and power in a male-dominated world. The characters are refreshingly real—flawed, funny, bold—and they never shrink themselves to make others comfortable. It’s a celebration of women who know their worth and aren’t afraid to demand space.

Beyond the glitz and glam, Climbing in Heels delivers insightful commentary on what it means to rise, to fail, and to persist. It’s not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about doing it in heels, with style and substance.

If you’re looking for a story that’s both entertaining and empowering, this one is absolutely worth the read.

This might be most appreciated by those who would like a peek behind the curtain of Hollywood deal making. At the start, it feels very much like a Rona Jaffe novel-three women whose very different backgrounds are detailed become room mates when they find themselves working together at a talent agency. Turns out that Beanie, Ella, and Mercedes have different goals and that Mercedes is a rat. Most of the novel follows Beanie as she winds her way through different departments, always finding a way to advance others and, in some ways, herself. Ella is very much in the background until late and her character feels very different in the midsection from where she started. There's a lot of bad behavior, some spice, and much, perhaps too much maneuvering. You might root for Beanie at the start but eventually like me wondering why no one fired her. This bogs down terribly in the middle unless you care about all the back and forth of the politics of the agency, even after a new female character is introduced. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An interesting read.

I wanted to love this book. Women in Hollywood in the 1980's is definitely a fun topic... but I did not find that I loved it. There were too many characters, which made it hard to connect to any of the characters and even their stories. I did not find that there was a ton of character growth or even that I truly got to connect and know the characters. I think fewer characters would have allowed there to be more of an emotional connection. I also found that the book overall did not portray women during that time well - there was too much sex and drugs and not enough of the positive, in my opinion. The book dragged on in the middle because of these things. I wish that there was more of the humanness to the book, since I think this is a great period to discuss women, especially working women. 
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy