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Chinooks Hockey Team #7
The Art of Running in Heels
Running in five-inch stilettos is an art form
Leaving your fiancé at the altar on live television is a disaster. Lexie Kowalsky thought she was ready to get married in front of millions of people, but at the last minute she fled the set of television’s hottest reality show, Gettin’ Hitched. Wearing a poofy white dress and a pair of five-inch sparkly shoes, Lexie hopped a float plane for Sandspit, Canada. She figured no one would find her there. But she was wrong.
Sharing her flight was the Seattle Chinooks biggest star, Sean Knox. Lexie wasn’t just a reality-show runaway, she was his pain in the butt coach’s daughter. She was chaos and temptation and definitely off limits, but getting her luscious body out of that wedding gown, he couldn’t resist getting her in his bed for one amazing night.
Then a photo of Sean and Lexi breaks the internet—and suddenly they’re both swept up in a crazy plan to spin the whole story. But you can’t run from love—
Leaving your fiancé at the altar on live television is a disaster. Lexie Kowalsky thought she was ready to get married in front of millions of people, but at the last minute she fled the set of television’s hottest reality show, Gettin’ Hitched. Wearing a poofy white dress and a pair of five-inch sparkly shoes, Lexie hopped a float plane for Sandspit, Canada. She figured no one would find her there. But she was wrong.
Sharing her flight was the Seattle Chinooks biggest star, Sean Knox. Lexie wasn’t just a reality-show runaway, she was his pain in the butt coach’s daughter. She was chaos and temptation and definitely off limits, but getting her luscious body out of that wedding gown, he couldn’t resist getting her in his bed for one amazing night.
Then a photo of Sean and Lexi breaks the internet—and suddenly they’re both swept up in a crazy plan to spin the whole story. But you can’t run from love—
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2017
626 people are currently reading
3113 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Gibson
68 books5,339 followersRachel Gibson is a New York times and USAToday bestselling author of 22 books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
January 16, 2018
Ohh, it pains me to say it, but I was disappointed in this one!
I was expecting so much more.
I've read every previous book in this series, and all were winners. But this one...*sigh*
It had a lot of promise, and touches of humor.
I liked the whole premise--but the execution was just...meh.
John Kowalsky and Georgie's daughter Lexie running from her wedding to a Bachelor-like reality star--at first this provided a lot of laughs.
While on the run she meets up with surly hockey star Sean Knox. Isn't this how her parents met?
Now you have to suspend disbelief here--because even though Lexie is a big hockey fan (her dad was a superstar and now coaches the Seattle Chinooks) she doesn't recognize Sean? Isn't he like the league scoring leader? Does she only know players who play for the Chinooks? (And while I'm talking hockey you don't win/lose by "points", you win/lose by goals. It's not, "they lost by two points"--this isn't football or basketball--it's "they lost by two goals"
Okay, that wouldn't bother me so much if the story was good...
I think my main problem with this story was Lexie and Sean. I didn't think they even LIKED each other. Forget love. They might have had a healthy case of lust, but love? I wasn't convinced at all. And neither were all that likable, I'm sorry to say. Lexie came off as a bit of a ditz, and Sean? He did nothing for me.
Kind of sad, because I think the story could've been fun. Lexie appears on a Bachelor-like TV series to promote her "brand" (she has an online doggie duds business), she gets caught up in "winning", and the next thing she knows she's about to marry a guy she hardly knows. Sean come into the picture, sort of "saves" her while dumping her on his hypochondriac mother, and thinks about how he can get in her pants. If only the author had shown Sean actually liking Lexie a bit more, than maybe it could've been believable when they suddenly fell in love. I just wasn't buying it.
3 stars for the laughs at least
I was expecting so much more.
I've read every previous book in this series, and all were winners. But this one...*sigh*
It had a lot of promise, and touches of humor.
I liked the whole premise--but the execution was just...meh.
John Kowalsky and Georgie's daughter Lexie running from her wedding to a Bachelor-like reality star--at first this provided a lot of laughs.
While on the run she meets up with surly hockey star Sean Knox. Isn't this how her parents met?
Now you have to suspend disbelief here--because even though Lexie is a big hockey fan (her dad was a superstar and now coaches the Seattle Chinooks) she doesn't recognize Sean? Isn't he like the league scoring leader? Does she only know players who play for the Chinooks? (And while I'm talking hockey you don't win/lose by "points", you win/lose by goals. It's not, "they lost by two points"--this isn't football or basketball--it's "they lost by two goals"
Okay, that wouldn't bother me so much if the story was good...
I think my main problem with this story was Lexie and Sean. I didn't think they even LIKED each other. Forget love. They might have had a healthy case of lust, but love? I wasn't convinced at all. And neither were all that likable, I'm sorry to say. Lexie came off as a bit of a ditz, and Sean? He did nothing for me.
Kind of sad, because I think the story could've been fun. Lexie appears on a Bachelor-like TV series to promote her "brand" (she has an online doggie duds business), she gets caught up in "winning", and the next thing she knows she's about to marry a guy she hardly knows. Sean come into the picture, sort of "saves" her while dumping her on his hypochondriac mother, and thinks about how he can get in her pants. If only the author had shown Sean actually liking Lexie a bit more, than maybe it could've been believable when they suddenly fell in love. I just wasn't buying it.
3 stars for the laughs at least
December 4, 2017
Full review...
3.5 Stars. Fast forward twenty-something years from the very first book in the "Chinooks Hockey Team" series; and we have John and Georgia Kowalski's daughter Lexi all grown up. Lexi decides to drum up business for her pet couture enterprise by appearing on a Bachelor style reality series. The reality part of the series has gotten away from her, and she suddenly finds herself at the altar as the 'winner' of the series; about to marry a man she barely knows. She runs away from the wedding to hide in a small town in Canada, where she meets up with hockey player Sean Knox. When her bolt from the wedding earns bad press for her business; she concocts a fake romance to bolster public opinion of her. That is, if she can convince Sean to go along with her plan...
Cute story, classic humorous RG. It's been a long time since she's put out a new book in this series. Gibson's writing style hasn't changed much over the years or really even evolved much; but that's okay, it worked for me. In a day when most love stories involve jumping into to bed within days (or less) of meeting for sweaty, slippery, overly erotic sex scenes; this was a breath of fresh air. The characters actually spent time together getting to know one another. Family is actually involved. Not many do that anymore. Many contemporary romances have lost sight of what romance really is. Now it's meet, have lots of sex, then they suddenly decide they are in love at the end of the book. To me that's not romantic; and I truly enjoyed reading this throwback romance.
3.5 Stars. Fast forward twenty-something years from the very first book in the "Chinooks Hockey Team" series; and we have John and Georgia Kowalski's daughter Lexi all grown up. Lexi decides to drum up business for her pet couture enterprise by appearing on a Bachelor style reality series. The reality part of the series has gotten away from her, and she suddenly finds herself at the altar as the 'winner' of the series; about to marry a man she barely knows. She runs away from the wedding to hide in a small town in Canada, where she meets up with hockey player Sean Knox. When her bolt from the wedding earns bad press for her business; she concocts a fake romance to bolster public opinion of her. That is, if she can convince Sean to go along with her plan...
Cute story, classic humorous RG. It's been a long time since she's put out a new book in this series. Gibson's writing style hasn't changed much over the years or really even evolved much; but that's okay, it worked for me. In a day when most love stories involve jumping into to bed within days (or less) of meeting for sweaty, slippery, overly erotic sex scenes; this was a breath of fresh air. The characters actually spent time together getting to know one another. Family is actually involved. Not many do that anymore. Many contemporary romances have lost sight of what romance really is. Now it's meet, have lots of sex, then they suddenly decide they are in love at the end of the book. To me that's not romantic; and I truly enjoyed reading this throwback romance.
January 25, 2018
3.75
I did really enjoy this one, but it was my least favorite of the series. I just didn't bond well with the characters. But it was a cute story.
I did really enjoy this one, but it was my least favorite of the series. I just didn't bond well with the characters. But it was a cute story.
June 4, 2019
This is seventh in a series, but it only really follows from the first. Simply Irresistible is Lexie's mother's story and features a seven year-old Lexie. I'd definitely recommend reading that one first, not least because this story has parallel elements.
I was delighted with the start of this and the deliberate parallels to Georgeanne's story from the first book. I liked Sean, though he was a little harsher than I like and Lexie was engaging. Unfortunately, as the story wore on I found myself less interested in the characters and less willing to go along with developments as they progressed.
Most of my friction was with Sean. I mean, he starts a bit harsh, but that's not unusual in a romance. The thing is, he doesn't really mellow at all. I expect the hero of a romance to at least start treating his partner with kindness or supporting her or something to indicate his growing concern and feeling for her. But Sean doesn't do this in any visible way. And bear in mind that we're in his viewpoint for half(ish) of the story, so it's not like he can change and the reader not know. I mean, yeah, he appreciates that Lexie runs interference with his mother, but that's just simple gratitude and it isn't like he reciprocates with anything more than the basics you'd give anyone who did something you liked.
And as I became less engaged with Sean, Lexie herself started to annoy me, too. I just don't find selling fru-fru dog accessories that great a life's ambition and the whole reality show thing she was running from in the beginning didn't reflect well on her at all and her excuse for why she did it and why she cared about winning felt really shallow. So the whole setup felt less and less interesting as it wore on and by the end I felt I was holding this huge bag of meh and wondering what to do with it.
So I started with a four star experience and fond memories of the first book and that dribbled gradually away to the 2½ I'm ending with. Only, I'm going to round down in acknowledgement of the steady progression downwards and the fact the final epiphany by Sean was particularly poorly-realized.
A note about Steamy: This has three explicit sex scenes putting it in the middle of my steam tolerance. Frankly, this was another element that was better in the beginning and felt exasperating by the end. Seriously, they had more intimacy when they still didn't know each other very well and the later sex scenes felt like so much window dressing, really.
I was delighted with the start of this and the deliberate parallels to Georgeanne's story from the first book. I liked Sean, though he was a little harsher than I like and Lexie was engaging. Unfortunately, as the story wore on I found myself less interested in the characters and less willing to go along with developments as they progressed.
Most of my friction was with Sean. I mean, he starts a bit harsh, but that's not unusual in a romance. The thing is, he doesn't really mellow at all. I expect the hero of a romance to at least start treating his partner with kindness or supporting her or something to indicate his growing concern and feeling for her. But Sean doesn't do this in any visible way. And bear in mind that we're in his viewpoint for half(ish) of the story, so it's not like he can change and the reader not know. I mean, yeah, he appreciates that Lexie runs interference with his mother, but that's just simple gratitude and it isn't like he reciprocates with anything more than the basics you'd give anyone who did something you liked.
And as I became less engaged with Sean, Lexie herself started to annoy me, too. I just don't find selling fru-fru dog accessories that great a life's ambition and the whole reality show thing she was running from in the beginning didn't reflect well on her at all and her excuse for why she did it and why she cared about winning felt really shallow. So the whole setup felt less and less interesting as it wore on and by the end I felt I was holding this huge bag of meh and wondering what to do with it.
So I started with a four star experience and fond memories of the first book and that dribbled gradually away to the 2½ I'm ending with. Only, I'm going to round down in acknowledgement of the steady progression downwards and the fact the final epiphany by Sean was particularly poorly-realized.
A note about Steamy: This has three explicit sex scenes putting it in the middle of my steam tolerance. Frankly, this was another element that was better in the beginning and felt exasperating by the end. Seriously, they had more intimacy when they still didn't know each other very well and the later sex scenes felt like so much window dressing, really.
December 26, 2017
I'm thinking Rachel Gibson is another author it's time to move on from. In the past, she was always my go to but as of late, I have not been enjoying her work.
Where the hell was the chemistry and connection between Sean and Lexie? At least 60% of the book was them spent apart, in their own worlds, unless sex was involved. No real progression. Heck, I didn't even feel the friends aspect. Not to mention, if I had to hear how hot Lexie and her chest was one more time...
Absolutely no depth or character to either of these protagonists. Which definitely left me feeling meh about The Art of Running in Heels.
I'd suggest skipping and trying one of Rachel's older books in this series, especially The Trouble With Valentine's Day. Rob and Kate are wicked fun and hot!!
Where the hell was the chemistry and connection between Sean and Lexie? At least 60% of the book was them spent apart, in their own worlds, unless sex was involved. No real progression. Heck, I didn't even feel the friends aspect. Not to mention, if I had to hear how hot Lexie and her chest was one more time...
Absolutely no depth or character to either of these protagonists. Which definitely left me feeling meh about The Art of Running in Heels.
I'd suggest skipping and trying one of Rachel's older books in this series, especially The Trouble With Valentine's Day. Rob and Kate are wicked fun and hot!!
March 29, 2019
2.75 stars
Well this book was a flop for me. I just couldn't get into it. And when I start skimming that is never a good sign. I didn't hate it otherwise I would have just set it aside. I guess you could say I just never became invested in their story.
Lexie was a nice enough girl. She was sweet. But Sean was kind of an asshole right to the end. Then there was Yum Yum. She is Lexie's hairless dog. I couldn't even warm up to her. I don't have a dog. I'm a cat lover myself. But if I decided to get a dog I would prefer one that has hair and lots of it.
I did enjoy the other books in this series so there is that.
Well this book was a flop for me. I just couldn't get into it. And when I start skimming that is never a good sign. I didn't hate it otherwise I would have just set it aside. I guess you could say I just never became invested in their story.
Lexie was a nice enough girl. She was sweet. But Sean was kind of an asshole right to the end. Then there was Yum Yum. She is Lexie's hairless dog. I couldn't even warm up to her. I don't have a dog. I'm a cat lover myself. But if I decided to get a dog I would prefer one that has hair and lots of it.
I did enjoy the other books in this series so there is that.
February 12, 2018
3 Stars
I was so excited when I realized this was Lexie's story, I just finished the first book in the series about her parents in which she had a huge part, I decided to jump right in to this one.
I was sadly quite a bit disappointed, mostly because of its similarity to her parents story, which was so notable because I just finished it, as well as something just plain missing here. I still really like Lexie and I enjoyed Sean, but didn't love this one...it was just ok.
I was so excited when I realized this was Lexie's story, I just finished the first book in the series about her parents in which she had a huge part, I decided to jump right in to this one.
I was sadly quite a bit disappointed, mostly because of its similarity to her parents story, which was so notable because I just finished it, as well as something just plain missing here. I still really like Lexie and I enjoyed Sean, but didn't love this one...it was just ok.
December 31, 2017
Well ... I won't drop down and sing: Hallelujah!!
December 27, 2017
3.5 stars
Lexie and Sean met under circumstances very similar to the way her parents, John and Georgeanne met in Simply Irresistible (a book I re-read as a refresher), which I found highly improbable, but I guess it worked for the story and some readers might appreciate the symmetry. I wasn't sure I was going to like Lexie (although she was adorable in Simply Irresistible). In fact, I kept going back and forth on this character. No sooner would I decide I liked her, than she would do something that was a complete turn off for me. such as allowing people to mistakenly believe Sean had forced her to have sex with him. I struggled to forgive her for this. Rape and/or sexual assault is too serious an issue to be treated in such an offhand manner. She did have her charms--she was dedicated to her business, her dog Yum Yum, and her animal rights advocacy. Some of the details of her life and her business didn't ring true, and issues disappeared into thin air, but overall she was an entertaining character. Sean was, by far, my favorite character. His childhood was so sad, it just broke my heart. The anxiety he experienced when his mother was around was very well-written. The distance he created between himself and others felt very authentic for someone who had grown up in the chaos of his early life. Sean's character had more depth than the other characters, and his wicked sense of humor had me laughing out loud several times. The Art of Running in Heels was a bit uneven. The story moved along well until the end, which felt forced and rushed. The sudden revelation of deeply held feelings just doesn't work for me, and I found it too predictable.
I can't say this is the best book in the series, but it is entertaining, as long as you don't look too closely at the details.
November 12, 2018
Lexi Kowalsky decides to participate in a reality show called "Gettin Hitched" hoping it will help her promote her business of couture clothing for pets. She didn't expect to win the competition and finds herself getting married to the bachelor. Knowing she can't go through with it, Lexi runs away from the wedding and hitches a ride on a plane bound for Canada. On the plane she meets Sean Knox. Since she has been busy with the reality show, she doesn't realize that Sean is the newest star of the Seattle Chinook's hockey team. But Sean recognizes her. Not only is she a reality show winner, she is also his coach's daughter.
I always enjoy a good hockey romance, but this one was just "meh". I remember Lexi as a six-year-old in her parent's book "Simply Irresistible". Actually, she was my favorite character in that book. In this one she is an okay heroine. She enjoys making mental lists which we were subjected to over and over again. I didn't find them funny at all. Sean wasn't a terrible hero. I just never figured out why he didn't tell Lexi that he worked for her father. The reality show was amusing though. I have to give it a thumbs up. My rating: 3 Stars.
I always enjoy a good hockey romance, but this one was just "meh". I remember Lexi as a six-year-old in her parent's book "Simply Irresistible". Actually, she was my favorite character in that book. In this one she is an okay heroine. She enjoys making mental lists which we were subjected to over and over again. I didn't find them funny at all. Sean wasn't a terrible hero. I just never figured out why he didn't tell Lexi that he worked for her father. The reality show was amusing though. I have to give it a thumbs up. My rating: 3 Stars.
January 1, 2018
Back in the days . . . well I read all Gibson's books and the Chinooks Hockey Team series was among my favorites. Especially Georgeanne and John Kolwaski, whose daughter Lexi is now all grown up and a runaway bride like her momma. And, of course, she meets her own Chinook player, Sean Knox, who is just as you would expect -- all male and a star player -- and gorgeous to boot!
Nothing much has changed -- Gibson still has wit and charm inside the pages of her books. It was quick and easy read with lots of laughs and fun. A nice little New Year's Eve treat to start off the New Year 2018 -- but definitely over-priced at $6.99.
Nothing much has changed -- Gibson still has wit and charm inside the pages of her books. It was quick and easy read with lots of laughs and fun. A nice little New Year's Eve treat to start off the New Year 2018 -- but definitely over-priced at $6.99.
March 5, 2018
Definitely disappointed with this one.
It started well enough but then suddenly everything felt rushed and a little all over the place.
Couldn't quite work out what Lexie and Sean's characteristics were supposed to be.
One minute she's "impulsive" the next she's making lists and spreadsheets - going on reality shows but supposed to smart? Too many opposing traits going on and neither was built on enough to make it justified.
It would have been nice to expand outside of the two of them because their journey was pretty predictable and ergo dull.
Such a shame because I loved the original Chinooks Hockey Team books.
It started well enough but then suddenly everything felt rushed and a little all over the place.
Couldn't quite work out what Lexie and Sean's characteristics were supposed to be.
One minute she's "impulsive" the next she's making lists and spreadsheets - going on reality shows but supposed to smart? Too many opposing traits going on and neither was built on enough to make it justified.
It would have been nice to expand outside of the two of them because their journey was pretty predictable and ergo dull.
Such a shame because I loved the original Chinooks Hockey Team books.
November 15, 2019
Well, what a pity this author lost her jam.
I've read the story of Heroine's parents and it was so cool!
In change, this story sometimes felt slow, plain, I skipped a lot.
Main characters were slow, without any colour, just weird.
I think author didn't know how to improve and develop this story. One more time, what a pity!
And it needs better editing. It was a freebie, I paid some damn euros for it. But sometimes it was s bit difficult to read because of bad editing.
I've read the story of Heroine's parents and it was so cool!
In change, this story sometimes felt slow, plain, I skipped a lot.
Main characters were slow, without any colour, just weird.
I think author didn't know how to improve and develop this story. One more time, what a pity!
And it needs better editing. It was a freebie, I paid some damn euros for it. But sometimes it was s bit difficult to read because of bad editing.
December 26, 2024
As the end of the series, I was a little disappointed in this book, although I can see the symmetry of ending the series in a similar fashion as it began. Runaway bride mother - runaway bride daughter; hockey players who scooped them up; falling in love. Kinda fitting. I enjoyed this book for what it was: a romance romp. I loved the plot stemming from a reality show. I've never watched any and, like a lot of people, just don't believe they are real. Lexie and Sean were a wonderful couple.
Lexie Kowalsky was looking for a way to promote her business and signed on to a television reality show "Gettin' Hitched". Her competitive nature kicked in and she ended up being the bride chosen, only to realize she didn't really know the guy and really, really didn't want to marry him. So, she does a runner and ends up at the feet of Seattle Chinooks hockey superstar, Sean Knox.
Sean is in a seaplane headed for Sandspit, Canada to visit his mother when Lexie lands at his feet in a dress that takes up the whole plane. Nothing for it but to help a beautiful woman with a big problem, even knowing that she is the daughter of his coach and hockey great John Kowalsky and there would be hell to pay if anyone ever found out.
Of course, the whole runaway bride bit is huge news and when a picture of Lexie and Sean hits, it darn near breaks the internet. So much for Lexie lying low. In order to save what is left of Lexie's reputation and save Sean from a vengeful dad and the whole hockey team, they concoct an elaborate love gone wrong scheme. No harm, no foul until someone falls in love.
Lexie Kowalsky was looking for a way to promote her business and signed on to a television reality show "Gettin' Hitched". Her competitive nature kicked in and she ended up being the bride chosen, only to realize she didn't really know the guy and really, really didn't want to marry him. So, she does a runner and ends up at the feet of Seattle Chinooks hockey superstar, Sean Knox.
Sean is in a seaplane headed for Sandspit, Canada to visit his mother when Lexie lands at his feet in a dress that takes up the whole plane. Nothing for it but to help a beautiful woman with a big problem, even knowing that she is the daughter of his coach and hockey great John Kowalsky and there would be hell to pay if anyone ever found out.
Of course, the whole runaway bride bit is huge news and when a picture of Lexie and Sean hits, it darn near breaks the internet. So much for Lexie lying low. In order to save what is left of Lexie's reputation and save Sean from a vengeful dad and the whole hockey team, they concoct an elaborate love gone wrong scheme. No harm, no foul until someone falls in love.
February 9, 2018
2,5 estrellas.
Toda la serie de los Chinooks me ha encantado, pero este fue un poco decepcionante, fue un poco aburrido y plano, fallo en emocionarme, aunque si logro hacerme sonreír en algunas partes y una que otra carcajada también me saco. Esperaba mucho mas de la hija de kowalsky y Georgie. Un final abrupto, anticlimatico, no solo le hace mucha falta un epilogo, es que ademas sentí que le falta un capitulo completo.
Toda la serie de los Chinooks me ha encantado, pero este fue un poco decepcionante, fue un poco aburrido y plano, fallo en emocionarme, aunque si logro hacerme sonreír en algunas partes y una que otra carcajada también me saco. Esperaba mucho mas de la hija de kowalsky y Georgie. Un final abrupto, anticlimatico, no solo le hace mucha falta un epilogo, es que ademas sentí que le falta un capitulo completo.
November 26, 2017
2.5 stars
I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, so I was pretty excited for this one.
Lexie and Sean are okay characters. I wanted to like them both so much, but she comes across as flighty and he’s really cocky {and not in a good way}. Sean’s inner monologue mainly alternated between thoughts of Lexie’s boobs and thinking about how there were several other women “out there”.
Plot wise, it was what I expected. There was a bit of drama, due to the reality show aspect, but my main complaint is that I just didn’t see the relationship progress between Lexie and Sean. Sure, she tried a little, yet he only wanted to hook up. The chemistry was there, but I didn’t see anything else.
Overall, it was a quick read with a lot of promise, but I just couldn’t connect to the MCs enough.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, so I was pretty excited for this one.
Lexie and Sean are okay characters. I wanted to like them both so much, but she comes across as flighty and he’s really cocky {and not in a good way}. Sean’s inner monologue mainly alternated between thoughts of Lexie’s boobs and thinking about how there were several other women “out there”.
Plot wise, it was what I expected. There was a bit of drama, due to the reality show aspect, but my main complaint is that I just didn’t see the relationship progress between Lexie and Sean. Sure, she tried a little, yet he only wanted to hook up. The chemistry was there, but I didn’t see anything else.
Overall, it was a quick read with a lot of promise, but I just couldn’t connect to the MCs enough.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
December 13, 2017
Reading a book by Rachel Gibson has been a long time coming and now after finishing The Art of Running in Heels, I feel like kicking myself for not trying her books sooner, as this book was such a delight to read. I’ve always been a fan of sports romances in books, but lately with books featuring hockey I’ve been devouring and I’ve kind of become hooked to these big hockey stars prowling around everywhere. And with The Art of Running in Heels, Gibson gives us an excellent mix of sports romance and fake relationship trope. It really was done well, as aspects of Lexie and Sean’s scenes I wasn’t sure if it was all an act or actual genuine emotions that the characters felt for each other. Yes, Lexie’s original plan of getting together was so that it would improve her reputation, but I loved the way that things actually played out. I also kept forgetting at times that both Sean and Lexie only really knew each other for such a short period of time, but Gibson really made their relationship believable and their feelings really realistic. What I liked the most about Lexie’s character was that a lot of people assumed what she was like, and their judgement couldn’t have been more wrong, Lexie really had a lot to deal with especially with the spur of the moment decision she made to leave Pete from reality show Gettin’ Hitched on their wedding day, of course this would bring about a lot of backlash for Lexie, but I admired her strength, to try and bring her reputation back any means necessary. Also, she had a business which was on the brink of success, which she couldn’t let it go down the toilet, with all her hard work. Lexie really made this story for me, her extensive lists and escapades had me totally eager for more and wanting to know how things would go down. Also with a super hot hockey player roped in her plans, I knew Lexie’s adventure would be a lot of fun! Gibson was also able to give us wonderful secondary characters in Sean’s mom and Lexie’s father who honestly had me laughing so much. Like Lexie’s whole situation was serious enough, who knew what repercussions she would have to deal with, but I enjoyed the humour that Gibson bought along the way. There was one thing later on which I wished hadn’t gone down, but I think it was completely necessary for a certain someone to realise that they were making one of the biggest mistakes ever. This is my first book in the Chinooks Hockey Team series, but after reading The Art of Running in Heels, it certainly won’t be my last! I need more hot hockey players and swoony romances in my life!
January 1, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via Pure Textuality PR***
2.5 Stars
I have read and enjoyed a lot of the titles by Rachel Gibson, so I was excited for this one. I liked the premise, the idea of a runaway bride and a hockey star escaping to a very small, oddly named, Canadian town.
All of the elements were present for me to really enjoy this story. A quirky heroine, a hockey player hero, the quirky settings.
But, it fell short for me. I think, at least for me, another book in the series felt forced. Yes, it has been years in the Chinooks, and the characters are new...but it felt like their stories would have worked better if they had been a part of another series, or even a new series.
As the story felt forced, a lot of the plot points also felt forced to me. And, the bottom line is I was not able to connect with the characters as I just didn't believe them or connect with them.
This title was disappointing for me and I was hoping for more. I am not really able to recommend this title.
2.5 Stars
I have read and enjoyed a lot of the titles by Rachel Gibson, so I was excited for this one. I liked the premise, the idea of a runaway bride and a hockey star escaping to a very small, oddly named, Canadian town.
All of the elements were present for me to really enjoy this story. A quirky heroine, a hockey player hero, the quirky settings.
But, it fell short for me. I think, at least for me, another book in the series felt forced. Yes, it has been years in the Chinooks, and the characters are new...but it felt like their stories would have worked better if they had been a part of another series, or even a new series.
As the story felt forced, a lot of the plot points also felt forced to me. And, the bottom line is I was not able to connect with the characters as I just didn't believe them or connect with them.
This title was disappointing for me and I was hoping for more. I am not really able to recommend this title.
May 11, 2019
The reality show angle spoilt it for me!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2018
I found this to be a fun, quick, light read. However, I do agree with some reviewers. The H/h were hard to connect with and spent most of their time apart. It was definitely a case of lust versus love. The romance felt superficial and neither characters (primary and secondary) were likable. Character development needed work. Unlike Simply Irresistible which was well flushed out and where you couldn't help but fall in love with the "Wall", Georgie, and Lexie. (Lexie was much cuter and entertaining, as a 7 year old.)
May 12, 2018
3.25 stars for me. This book was cute. Lexie took some time to grow on me. But I like this author and her stories. I have really enjoyed this series. The ending wasn’t great. Of course Sean came to his senses but I found the ending a bit abrupt and then the last line too corny. Had hoped for better. But a cute book overall.
July 20, 2018
2.5 to 3 stars. This one wasn't as good as I hoped. :( I have really liked some of the other Chinooks Hockey series so I wanted to read this newer one too. And it's not that long since I reread (and enjoyed) Simply Irresistible, which is about the romance of Lexie's parents. That one kinda had some of the same things I was wary about with this book, such as a seemingly air-headed h. But somehow in Simply Irresistible, Gibson made it work and you were kind of charmed by Georgeanne, just like John was.
But this one? Not so much. For starters, I'm not a fan of dating shows or reality TV shows such as The Bachelor. This book starts off with the h competing in such a show, but in spite of that the overall starting of the book still wasn't too bad and I was able to go along with it. In fact the first half was fine. Yeah there were some slightly silly scenes, but the chemistry between Lexie and Sean was there, and I was enjoying the read. Lexie didn't quite have her mother's charm, however.
But sadly the book deteriorated. The second half just didn't work as well as the first half. You didn't really get to know either Sean or Lexie any better, and there were very few actual romantic scenes between them. I expected further interesting plot developments, and an intensification of Sean and Lexie's relationship. But it didn't really happen. There was a bit more silly stuff involving the reality show, and also some stuff involving Sean's confusing and rather confused mother. I never really felt satisfied with the storyline involving his mother - it seemed to go nowhere and felt unresolved.
So overall, this was a book that I felt could have been much more enjoyable than it actually was. Instead, it was a bit lame and silly, a bit underdeveloped. But, it was fast-moving and I did read the whole thing in two days. So, not horrible. Just nowhere near as good as the earlier books in the series.
But this one? Not so much. For starters, I'm not a fan of dating shows or reality TV shows such as The Bachelor. This book starts off with the h competing in such a show, but in spite of that the overall starting of the book still wasn't too bad and I was able to go along with it. In fact the first half was fine. Yeah there were some slightly silly scenes, but the chemistry between Lexie and Sean was there, and I was enjoying the read. Lexie didn't quite have her mother's charm, however.
But sadly the book deteriorated. The second half just didn't work as well as the first half. You didn't really get to know either Sean or Lexie any better, and there were very few actual romantic scenes between them. I expected further interesting plot developments, and an intensification of Sean and Lexie's relationship. But it didn't really happen. There was a bit more silly stuff involving the reality show, and also some stuff involving Sean's confusing and rather confused mother. I never really felt satisfied with the storyline involving his mother - it seemed to go nowhere and felt unresolved.
So overall, this was a book that I felt could have been much more enjoyable than it actually was. Instead, it was a bit lame and silly, a bit underdeveloped. But, it was fast-moving and I did read the whole thing in two days. So, not horrible. Just nowhere near as good as the earlier books in the series.
September 9, 2017
How much do I like Rachel Gibson's books? So much that even though I have many, many, books to read that come out before this one, I bumped it up to the top of the list and I am so glad I did. The book opens with Georgeanne and John from the first Chinook book "Simply Irresistible". John is now the coach of the Chinooks and he's mouthing off about one of his new players, Sean Knox, and how much he dislikes him. They also wonder how their daughter Lexie is doing with starting her new business and surprise, she shows up on their TV in a reality wedding show with pigs. I knew then I was going to enjoy this book.
Needless to say, Lexie and Sean end up in a fake relationship after she bails on her TV fiancee, ends up in Canada with Sean, and then gets photographed in a compromising position. In order to save both of their careers, they agree to pretend to her parents and the public that they love each other and are together.
I loved that both of these people are so smart but screwed up on some level and that they center each other. Unfortunately, they don't realize that until it's almost too late. I got a kick out of the new secondary character of Sean's mother as well as seeing old favorites.
Long time Gibson readers will appreciate the deja vu all over again aspect of this story. (I went right to my bookcase and started reading "Simply Irresistible" as soon as I finished this book). That said, this book holds its own for a newbie reader. Very enjoyable addition to the Chinook series!
Needless to say, Lexie and Sean end up in a fake relationship after she bails on her TV fiancee, ends up in Canada with Sean, and then gets photographed in a compromising position. In order to save both of their careers, they agree to pretend to her parents and the public that they love each other and are together.
I loved that both of these people are so smart but screwed up on some level and that they center each other. Unfortunately, they don't realize that until it's almost too late. I got a kick out of the new secondary character of Sean's mother as well as seeing old favorites.
Long time Gibson readers will appreciate the deja vu all over again aspect of this story. (I went right to my bookcase and started reading "Simply Irresistible" as soon as I finished this book). That said, this book holds its own for a newbie reader. Very enjoyable addition to the Chinook series!
April 26, 2021
This time only 3.5 stars and I have to admit it was really hard for me to give such a low rating for this writer and her book. The story was good at the beginning and in the middle, but at the end, when you expect to feel a great connection and greater love between main characters, I felt plain and simple NOTHING. The love scenes were mild and with no sparks, a declaration of their GRAND LOVE is even more meek then I presumed its going to be by the end of the book. I'm just hoping that the next book written by RG is going to be much better than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2018
Rachel Gibson is one of the OG sports romance writers. I have been in love with her Chinooks Hockey Team from the moment I read See Jane Score and then I devoured the books int he series and all of Rachel's books that came before and after with a veracity that I'm quite proud of. When The Art of Running in Heels was announced, I bout near lost my mind. You see I'd become smitten with Lexie in Simply Irresistible and the fact she was now going to get her own book was just everything. I didn't even dare dream she'd fall in love with a hockey player, but my wildest dreams came true.
Reading this book brought back my love for the Chinooks Hockey Team and Rachel's writing. I got to laugh and giggle when Yum Yum stole the scene, and swoon at the heat that came off Lexie and Sean when they were together, and experience the roller coaster that was them.The story not only stirred my nostalgia, but also makes me yearn for more of Rachel's writing.
Reading this book brought back my love for the Chinooks Hockey Team and Rachel's writing. I got to laugh and giggle when Yum Yum stole the scene, and swoon at the heat that came off Lexie and Sean when they were together, and experience the roller coaster that was them.The story not only stirred my nostalgia, but also makes me yearn for more of Rachel's writing.
November 10, 2018
The Art of Running in Heels
2 Stars
Lexie Kowalsky follows in her mother's footsteps when she narrowly escapes marrying the wrong man, and hitches a ride on a chartered plane carrying non other than the Chinook hockey team's latest recruit, Sean Knox. Like Lexie's father before him, Sean has no intention of getting involved with the blond bombshell, but their undeniable attraction is impossible to resist.
A mediocre ending to a wonderful series as neither the hero nor heroine are particularly appealing, and their romance falls flat.
Lexie's reasons for participating in a Bachelor type reality show are completely illogical, and her frivolous behavior plays into the annoying "dumb blond" stereotype. Moreover, the secondary storyline revolving around Lexie's doggie couture business and her ridiculous Chinese Crested, Yum-Yum (stupid name for a dog), is idiotic and insulting to canines everywhere.
Sean, like most of Gibson's heroes, starts out as an obnoxious, self-absorbed jerk. While his backstory is interesting, there is virtually no growth in his character, and he is just as selfish at the end as in the beginning.
Overall, the impression one gets is that Gibson penned this travesty to appease fans' desire for Lexie's story. Not a good idea.
2 Stars
Lexie Kowalsky follows in her mother's footsteps when she narrowly escapes marrying the wrong man, and hitches a ride on a chartered plane carrying non other than the Chinook hockey team's latest recruit, Sean Knox. Like Lexie's father before him, Sean has no intention of getting involved with the blond bombshell, but their undeniable attraction is impossible to resist.
A mediocre ending to a wonderful series as neither the hero nor heroine are particularly appealing, and their romance falls flat.
Lexie's reasons for participating in a Bachelor type reality show are completely illogical, and her frivolous behavior plays into the annoying "dumb blond" stereotype. Moreover, the secondary storyline revolving around Lexie's doggie couture business and her ridiculous Chinese Crested, Yum-Yum (stupid name for a dog), is idiotic and insulting to canines everywhere.
Sean, like most of Gibson's heroes, starts out as an obnoxious, self-absorbed jerk. While his backstory is interesting, there is virtually no growth in his character, and he is just as selfish at the end as in the beginning.
Overall, the impression one gets is that Gibson penned this travesty to appease fans' desire for Lexie's story. Not a good idea.
March 1, 2018
I loved Lexie as a 6 year old in Simply Irresistible which is why I thought I'd give this book a try even though I haven't been reading Gibson for years. I shouldn't have bothered.
Grown-up Lexie is an utter twit and there was zero chemistry between her and Sean. The only parts that felt real to me were the hockey parts which make clear that Gibson remains a solid fan of the sport. Everything else from the romance to the friendships to family relationships to humor felt forced and forgettable.
I kept waiting for this book to get better but it never did and I should have left my funny memories of 6 year old Lexie alone. Sure my tastes have changed over the years but this sure didn't feel like Gibson of old.
Grown-up Lexie is an utter twit and there was zero chemistry between her and Sean. The only parts that felt real to me were the hockey parts which make clear that Gibson remains a solid fan of the sport. Everything else from the romance to the friendships to family relationships to humor felt forced and forgettable.
I kept waiting for this book to get better but it never did and I should have left my funny memories of 6 year old Lexie alone. Sure my tastes have changed over the years but this sure didn't feel like Gibson of old.
January 16, 2018
DNF
What a disappointment. I was looking forward to reading this book because it's a new addition to the Chinooks Hockey Team and there are a couple of books in the series I love, but I don't feel like reading more dialogues with guys using 'he plays like a girl' as an insult or calling women sluts.
ARC was provided via the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
What a disappointment. I was looking forward to reading this book because it's a new addition to the Chinooks Hockey Team and there are a couple of books in the series I love, but I don't feel like reading more dialogues with guys using 'he plays like a girl' as an insult or calling women sluts.
ARC was provided via the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2018
1.5 -- silly and disappointing -- stars
June 19, 2022
Del 6 al 7 de los Chinoooks Gibson tardó seis años, y yo uno más en leerlo, porque estaba caro. Tiene un planteamiento parecido a la primera, con la hija de los protagonistas de aquella. Para dar publicidad a su negocio, Lexie Kowalsky participa en un reality show; como es de las que no aguanta que le ganen ni a las chapas, acaba ganando el concurso. ¿El premio? Casarse en vivo y en directo. Saldrá corriendo, sí, novia a la fuga, como su madre. Y, como ella, en la huida se encuentra con un jugador de hockey, Sean Knox. Él la reconoce, ella a él no. Mientras todos la buscan en los EE. UU., Lexie está con Sean en Canadá. Sean es un goleador, un tipo tan frío como el hielo sobre el que patina. No necesita a una mujer tan anárquica e imprevisible como Lexie, que le lía en una cosa y en otra, sin que él quiera. Lexie es tirando a irritante. Ha sido una lectura con sus momentos de humor, y otros muy sexis, como cierta escena contra una puerta...
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
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