The Art of Running in Heels: A Chinooks Hockey Team Novel

Oh this was fun – and easy to wholly see Lexi’s impulsive choices leading to difficulties kind of like the first snowball that rolled down the mountain, unaware that it would grow in size and take out several trees and a small village in the valley! Lexi is the oldest daughter of the coach of the Chinooks, John “The Wall” Kowalsky, and has been slowly growing an online pet clothing business named after her latest pooch, a Chinese Crested named Yum Yum (or several variations and endearments of the same). She has signed a lease on a brick and mortar store, and in looking for more publicity and a jump-start to make a splash for her store, she decides to join a reality show “Gettin’ Hitched” a bachelor-style story with a decidedly low-brow country theme. Unfortunately, while her online store saw a large uptick in business, her competitive nature took over and she is the ‘lucky winner’ of a wedding to the bachelor chosen as the catch. Knowing she doesn’t love him, and finding that circumstances have snowballed beyond her control – she makes a plan with two childhood friends to escape – in a sea-plane decorated as a tree frog. Sean Knox has just been traded to the Chinooks, and another of his mother’s health emergencies has cropped up, forcing him to leave the team for a few days to head to the tiny British Colombia island where his mother lives. He’s hired Jimmy to fly him to Sandspit – a cooler of Grey Goose and tonic water and a small overnight bag his only companions. Until a woman runs down the dock in sparkly heels, veil, tiara and a wedding dress with poof and puff galore. And the story begins: Lexi becomes headline news on the morning shows with many offering trips and rewards for ‘spotting her’, with Sean’s interest (and moment of omission in not telling her who he is) increasing despite his better judgment. Of course, nothing in this story can go well, and after her return and struggle to appear sympathetic and not heartless in the press are shot to bits when a photo of she and Sean outside her motel door on Sandspit hit the tabloids. A fake romance plot takes over here – and while the chemistry between them is obvious to everyone BUT them, the story isn’t breaking new ground in any way. But, the moments with these characters, Lexi’s sharing of her father’s comments about Sean, unwittingly as he hasn’t told her his full name, are adorable – and the team’s obvious affection for Lexi and oddly sweet ‘protective’ statements made about her are sure to bring a laugh. While you see Lexi as a bit flighty – her purpose and intention, if full of stumbles is clear, and even as she frustrates Sean to no end – he can’t help but think of her. Always. Gibson’s way of making characters accessible and empathetic no matter how arrogant (Sean) or ditzy (Lexi) appear to be makes it evident, in neon lights evident, that these two are meant to be together. Lovely snips of moments with friends and family for Lexi, and her ability to understand and even redirect Sean’s mother’s attention-seeking behavior is lovely, and the story leaves everyone with a smile in the end. Perfect for those “escape the moment” reads to distract and entertain. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Ms. Gibson scores a victory with The Art of Running in Heels. Lexie and Sean make it easy not to take life to seriously. In a world of unnecessary reality shows, needless celebrity and heartbreaking current events, it's tales like Running in Heels that make you sit back and take notice. A flighty bride on the run finds her prince in the most unexpected of places. The first time I read a Rachel Gibson novel I fell in love. Through kooky characters and over the top situations, she provides wisdom. In this case she shows the benefit of loving yourself, despite what others believe. A lesson we're never to old to learn and share.

Loved it! Funny & exciting... Great to catch up with Georgie & John!