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The Fairer Sex #4
Heidi
For an imaginative screenwriter, the best way to explain Wall Street is to strip the men of their suits in this flirty and provocative short story of sex, romance, and capitalism.
Heidi is writing a script to explain the financial industry, based on how the men within it approach romance. Her clueless heroine is looking for a Wall Street husband, but who’s the best option? The Trader? The Investment Banker? The Venture Capitalist? Scene by sizzling scene, Heidi considers their assets. What she wants for certain is a happy ending—but when she hits a dead end, it might take a real-life finance guy to show her what a long-term investment really looks like.
Heidi is part of The Fairer Sex, a collection of sexy, satirical, and sometimes harrowing short stories that explore the question: “What do women want?” The answer is different for every woman, but each can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2019
291 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Miller
24 books97 followersMichelle Miller wrote pseudonymously until the publication of her debut novel, The Underwriting, which she initially released as an online serial before publishing with Penguin in 2015. It was subsequently translated into 16 languages and developed for television with Fox. Her short story collection The Fairer Sex was an Amazon bestseller, whose TV adaptation she’s currently writing with Amazon Studios.
She holds a BA and MBA from Stanford University and, in a past life, worked at JP Morgan, Bain & Co. and dabbled in the start-up scene.
Michelle lives between London and Asheville, North Carolina, where she was born and raised.
She holds a BA and MBA from Stanford University and, in a past life, worked at JP Morgan, Bain & Co. and dabbled in the start-up scene.
Michelle lives between London and Asheville, North Carolina, where she was born and raised.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 21, 2022
I loved this short story!
Heidi is writing a screen play for a porno which is based totally on finance. It had me howling with laughter how all the sex scenes had the traits of different financial sectors. Hilarious.
This short story is part of The Fairer Sex, a collection of sexy, satirical, and sometimes harrowing short stories that explore the question: “What do women want?” The answer is different for every woman, but each can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
At time of posting this collection is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Heidi is writing a screen play for a porno which is based totally on finance. It had me howling with laughter how all the sex scenes had the traits of different financial sectors. Hilarious.
This short story is part of The Fairer Sex, a collection of sexy, satirical, and sometimes harrowing short stories that explore the question: “What do women want?” The answer is different for every woman, but each can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
At time of posting this collection is available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 5, 2022
2 stars
Heidi is a screenwriter writing a porno about a woman trying to find a husband in finance. Yet she is struggling to find any type of happy ending for her fmc as every single man she encounters in the different departments within finance are all manwhores. Until Heidi consults with her private equity husband where she mimics her own love story with her fmc.
This honestly just didn't interest me while reading. It only got better near the end. This was just meh.
Heidi is a screenwriter writing a porno about a woman trying to find a husband in finance. Yet she is struggling to find any type of happy ending for her fmc as every single man she encounters in the different departments within finance are all manwhores. Until Heidi consults with her private equity husband where she mimics her own love story with her fmc.
This honestly just didn't interest me while reading. It only got better near the end. This was just meh.
February 12, 2019
What a fun little collection. As with all short story anthologies, some hit the mark and some don't. Even the ones that didn't quite work for me were still fun little reads. I especially loved these three: Candace - because of the Animaniacs reference (I loved this show) and her love for spreadsheets YES! Alicia because I loved that unexpected ending and girl.... I feel youuuuuuuu! And Eleanor - oh you devious woman you! And then I have to mention Heidi for writing a porno about finance guys - HAHA.
This is one that you'll probably find humorous - it's definitely for adults and it's somewhat relatable - somewhat out there but ALL FUN.
This is one that you'll probably find humorous - it's definitely for adults and it's somewhat relatable - somewhat out there but ALL FUN.
March 9, 2019
2.5 stars. Strange format but still appreciated what Heidi was trying to do with Paige's story.
February 17, 2019
A really clever idea. Part of Michelle Miller’s ‘The Fairer Sex’ collection. This short story uses a screenplay to try to convey the world of male dominated finance. Heidi is tapping out this story about Paige and her sexual encounters with the high powered suits from trader to investment banker.
The men’s sexual prowess reflects their one dimensional approach to making money.
Heidi knows she has a creative piece full of humour and ironic comment but struggles to find the means to end this allegorical account without Paige being abused and debased. She needs something to give the female response more balance and hope.
Joined by her partner in bed they talk through her project which provides a means to an end.
Keen and sharp wit makes for laugh out loud sexual interaction. The male characters are so much up themselves and an extension of their job descriptions. The key to the story is it is penned by Heidi who demonstrates in her own sex life the sexual gap has been crossed and is mutually beneficial. Sex can be more fun than making money but get both right.
The men’s sexual prowess reflects their one dimensional approach to making money.
Heidi knows she has a creative piece full of humour and ironic comment but struggles to find the means to end this allegorical account without Paige being abused and debased. She needs something to give the female response more balance and hope.
Joined by her partner in bed they talk through her project which provides a means to an end.
Keen and sharp wit makes for laugh out loud sexual interaction. The male characters are so much up themselves and an extension of their job descriptions. The key to the story is it is penned by Heidi who demonstrates in her own sex life the sexual gap has been crossed and is mutually beneficial. Sex can be more fun than making money but get both right.
April 25, 2019
Maybe on a print format, this story works. As an audiobook, it was torture. I could not finish it.
July 21, 2022
this was only 40 pages, but still felt too long. i was actually bored. i guess i should never go into finance.
April 17, 2022
- So, never heard of a Quant before.
- The analyst cracked me up, but poor Paige.
- The "Narrator" was spot on and hilarious! Possibly the best part of the entire story.
Educational, Humorous, & Fun with a "Happy Ever After" to boot! I loved it.
- The analyst cracked me up, but poor Paige.
- The "Narrator" was spot on and hilarious! Possibly the best part of the entire story.
Educational, Humorous, & Fun with a "Happy Ever After" to boot! I loved it.
March 8, 2022
2.75 stars
March 2, 2019
Heidi by Michelle Miller can be found as one of the Amazon Original Stories (AOS) in a collection titled The Fairer Sex. Heidi is Book Four of an eight-book series. All can be read one at a time for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription or the collection can be purchased as a set (not for free). All the short stories emphasize “short.” Heidi, the third story in the series is only forty pages. Grab a cup of your favorite tea. This story is longer than others in the series. You may need a refill.
With the premise that Heidi is going to write a porno film to explain the hierarchy present in the world of finance, a reader might expect that trigger warnings should be triggered right away. How can one write porn fiction without being uber-offensive? (Apologies to the ride-sharing App). In this short story, Miller writes something that is clever, amusing, and informative. Readers will find perspectives on how each layer of financial management is seen by potential clients who also may have unattractive titles such as suckers, marks, and chumps. One reason this short story is longer than others is that about 87% of it is written as a screenplay complete with directions characters must follow. At that point, Heidi’s husband comes home, and she explains to Paul what she is doing and what problems she is having completing the play. Her final character is Private Equity Guy and she doesn’t like where the story is going. Readers should note Paul’s occupation.
Heidi writes about Paige, a 23-year-old who meets a Trader, described as the most primitive of men in the financial hierarchy. He has sexual appetites that mirror his primitive tendencies. She goes on to meet the Investment Banker, the Private Wealth Manager, the Hedge Fund Manager, the Stock Analyst, the Quant, the Real Estate Developer, the Venture Capitalist, and finally the Private Equity Guy. Paige meets all these men over a long period of time. By the time she gets to Private Equity Guy she is in her early thirties (probably the same age as author Heidi). Each of these tropes has its own unique form of sexual behavior. I had no idea what a Quant was in the field of finance.
Given the topic, it is amazing that this story is written with minimal sexual language. I would say that is quite a trick, but the Pun Police would fine me. This five-star Amazon read is informative and entertaining. There is even a moral lesson that readers may discover at the end. Starting with porn and ending with morality deserves five stars.
With the premise that Heidi is going to write a porno film to explain the hierarchy present in the world of finance, a reader might expect that trigger warnings should be triggered right away. How can one write porn fiction without being uber-offensive? (Apologies to the ride-sharing App). In this short story, Miller writes something that is clever, amusing, and informative. Readers will find perspectives on how each layer of financial management is seen by potential clients who also may have unattractive titles such as suckers, marks, and chumps. One reason this short story is longer than others is that about 87% of it is written as a screenplay complete with directions characters must follow. At that point, Heidi’s husband comes home, and she explains to Paul what she is doing and what problems she is having completing the play. Her final character is Private Equity Guy and she doesn’t like where the story is going. Readers should note Paul’s occupation.
Heidi writes about Paige, a 23-year-old who meets a Trader, described as the most primitive of men in the financial hierarchy. He has sexual appetites that mirror his primitive tendencies. She goes on to meet the Investment Banker, the Private Wealth Manager, the Hedge Fund Manager, the Stock Analyst, the Quant, the Real Estate Developer, the Venture Capitalist, and finally the Private Equity Guy. Paige meets all these men over a long period of time. By the time she gets to Private Equity Guy she is in her early thirties (probably the same age as author Heidi). Each of these tropes has its own unique form of sexual behavior. I had no idea what a Quant was in the field of finance.
Given the topic, it is amazing that this story is written with minimal sexual language. I would say that is quite a trick, but the Pun Police would fine me. This five-star Amazon read is informative and entertaining. There is even a moral lesson that readers may discover at the end. Starting with porn and ending with morality deserves five stars.
June 2, 2019
Summer 2019 - audiobook; Finishing out 'The Fairer Sex' set because I lost my way from them a few months ago, feel into Star Wars books, and then out of my audible and back into my Spotify, and have come full circle.
Surprise, surprise. This is, apparently, one I already did listen to but thought was my last one (so, apparently, the one before was). I did deeply appreciate the format of this one. The break down by the type of men, and how there was a four-wall narrator, even if the breakdowns of dates, sex, and eventual dissolution for which reasons and why simultaneously intriguing and boring. There's much more I was hoping for from this one, but given it is all pretty much a series done as one it ended up leaving me with the same twist of not feeling quite satisfied by my experience with it or the ending/non-ending it left me with, sufficiently set in thinking it left a point and myself standing quizzically on the sidewalk watching it go like we broke off in the center of a conversation unfinished.
Surprise, surprise. This is, apparently, one I already did listen to but thought was my last one (so, apparently, the one before was). I did deeply appreciate the format of this one. The break down by the type of men, and how there was a four-wall narrator, even if the breakdowns of dates, sex, and eventual dissolution for which reasons and why simultaneously intriguing and boring. There's much more I was hoping for from this one, but given it is all pretty much a series done as one it ended up leaving me with the same twist of not feeling quite satisfied by my experience with it or the ending/non-ending it left me with, sufficiently set in thinking it left a point and myself standing quizzically on the sidewalk watching it go like we broke off in the center of a conversation unfinished.
March 7, 2019
I enjoy listening to these while I’m working. I think this one made me laugh the most
February 19, 2019
No thanks
I honestly had no idea wtf was going on until I re-read they synopsis. And I didnt even fully understand the what was happening til Heidi's husband comes in the picture and then basically trashes what shes trying to say.
Not trashes in a bad way but just shows her the good side of the bad shes trying to show in a sweet honest way. Probably the worst of the series.
Maybe not worst hut definitely my leaaaaasssttt liked.
I honestly had no idea wtf was going on until I re-read they synopsis. And I didnt even fully understand the what was happening til Heidi's husband comes in the picture and then basically trashes what shes trying to say.
Not trashes in a bad way but just shows her the good side of the bad shes trying to show in a sweet honest way. Probably the worst of the series.
Maybe not worst hut definitely my leaaaaasssttt liked.
February 20, 2023
Overall, the collection of short stories in The Fairer Sex by Michelle Miller are either amazing or not worth the time. I like that the cover has each woman's name in a different font. As for reading a novel by Michelle, I think I'd pass as she has some toxic blind spots that I don't want to endure.
Candace: A strong start to the series. If I wasn't married and dating, I'd create my own list. 5 stars
Meredith: I was initially laughing, imagining myself in the Whole Foods with Meredith. Then it took a turn that I couldn't decide if it was real or fantasy, which took me out of the story as it was so unrealistic. 2 stars.
Alicia: I hate-listened to this story and enjoyed it. The whole time I kept thinking, "Karma...". The end was really good, I just personally don't think it's fair, for a multitude of reasons. 4 stars.
Heidi: The beginning is hilarious. However, I found it boring (this coming from someone with a degree in accounting; different from finance, but not by much.) I did like when Heidi stopped writing her story and it became about her and Paul. 2 stars.
Clara: I really enjoyed this book. Clara's relationship with Michael, Lawrence, the intimacy, the twist...a lot was packed into this story. 5 stars.
Lauren: I was immediately put off by Lauren, describing her growing up in wealth and in the next breath taking about living in a cutting-edge place that was "far enough from Chinatown that [visitors] weren't put off by the stench." So unnecessarily offensive and filled with privilege, making it hard for me to have any sympathy for her.
I was intensely physically triggered with the description of her bulimia episode, which I hated. If you've never had an ED, then it will definitely give readers/listeners insight as to what it's like. However, I lived it and didn't need to live it again in such detail. 1 star.
Eleanor: this was as good as Clara. I loved how Eleanor dealt with her husband, except for the "we just did" line. 5 stars.
Keridee: I didn't see the point of this book and couldn't get into it. I understand she's pretty, but having other characters in the book who are only described as fat and their occupation is ridiculous. 1 star.
Samara Naeymi was a good narrator, embodying each woman and her story.
Candace: A strong start to the series. If I wasn't married and dating, I'd create my own list. 5 stars
Meredith: I was initially laughing, imagining myself in the Whole Foods with Meredith. Then it took a turn that I couldn't decide if it was real or fantasy, which took me out of the story as it was so unrealistic. 2 stars.
Alicia: I hate-listened to this story and enjoyed it. The whole time I kept thinking, "Karma...". The end was really good, I just personally don't think it's fair, for a multitude of reasons. 4 stars.
Heidi: The beginning is hilarious. However, I found it boring (this coming from someone with a degree in accounting; different from finance, but not by much.) I did like when Heidi stopped writing her story and it became about her and Paul. 2 stars.
Clara: I really enjoyed this book. Clara's relationship with Michael, Lawrence, the intimacy, the twist...a lot was packed into this story. 5 stars.
Lauren: I was immediately put off by Lauren, describing her growing up in wealth and in the next breath taking about living in a cutting-edge place that was "far enough from Chinatown that [visitors] weren't put off by the stench." So unnecessarily offensive and filled with privilege, making it hard for me to have any sympathy for her.
I was intensely physically triggered with the description of her bulimia episode, which I hated. If you've never had an ED, then it will definitely give readers/listeners insight as to what it's like. However, I lived it and didn't need to live it again in such detail. 1 star.
Eleanor: this was as good as Clara. I loved how Eleanor dealt with her husband, except for the "we just did" line. 5 stars.
Keridee: I didn't see the point of this book and couldn't get into it. I understand she's pretty, but having other characters in the book who are only described as fat and their occupation is ridiculous. 1 star.
Samara Naeymi was a good narrator, embodying each woman and her story.
September 5, 2021
Stumbled upon this short story series while I was prepping to get my butt outside to start staining our deck. I downloaded all 8 of these short stories from Audible. What is fun about these is that you can read or listen to them all out of order. They don't tie into each other. These are about 8 different women.
We have Heidi now. She is writing a script that explains the financial industry based on how the men within it approach to romance. Her poor clueless heroine is looking for a Wall Street husband...but who is the best option? Scene by scene, Heidi and her heroine consider their assets and their flaws. Heidi hits a roadblock though...how can she make this a happily ever after for her character.
I think I was most excited about this one. What a weird and different way to tell a story.
I felt like Heidi got the short stick. This should've been named after Heidi's heroine instead because we got to see Heidi only for like 5% of the story. I would've loved to have some glimpses of Heidi as she is typing the story or something.
But yes - I did enjoy this and it had me laughing...but I really felt like Heidi's heroine took center stage too much. I'll give this 3 stars though.
We have Heidi now. She is writing a script that explains the financial industry based on how the men within it approach to romance. Her poor clueless heroine is looking for a Wall Street husband...but who is the best option? Scene by scene, Heidi and her heroine consider their assets and their flaws. Heidi hits a roadblock though...how can she make this a happily ever after for her character.
I think I was most excited about this one. What a weird and different way to tell a story.
I felt like Heidi got the short stick. This should've been named after Heidi's heroine instead because we got to see Heidi only for like 5% of the story. I would've loved to have some glimpses of Heidi as she is typing the story or something.
But yes - I did enjoy this and it had me laughing...but I really felt like Heidi's heroine took center stage too much. I'll give this 3 stars though.
March 5, 2019
Of this series, this one is my favorite so far. The stylistic choice of writing it in the form of a screenplay was jarring at first, but I found myself enjoying it (I had the same reaction to Death of a Salesman the first time I read it, too).
The story is about Heidi, who is writing a screenplay in the form of a porno to serve as a metaphor for the financial world. Her depictions of both men and men employed in the financial field are cynical and bitter. However, the ending reminds the reader that there are good men in the world (although, I guess they're British? Or maybe simply not American?). The billionaire we were introduced to in "Keridee" also makes a brief appearance.
Seems to me that the author is trying to say something about toxic masculinity and, more broadly, American culture. And, for such a short story, I think she did just great.
The story is about Heidi, who is writing a screenplay in the form of a porno to serve as a metaphor for the financial world. Her depictions of both men and men employed in the financial field are cynical and bitter. However, the ending reminds the reader that there are good men in the world (although, I guess they're British? Or maybe simply not American?). The billionaire we were introduced to in "Keridee" also makes a brief appearance.
Seems to me that the author is trying to say something about toxic masculinity and, more broadly, American culture. And, for such a short story, I think she did just great.
July 23, 2019
Borrowed for free via Amazon Prime membership. At 48 minutes long (including intro & credits) this is a fairly quick listen.
Heidi is writing a porno starring Paige who dates her way through various men having jobs “in finance”. The point was to use each of the interactions (not always ending in sex) into metaphors for the kinds of jobs each man has. I liked it, but struggled to keep up with the scenes as they sometimes jumped around in time. A flashback kind of thing, but by minutes or hours.
I can’t imagine spending money on this or ever listening to it again. Though it was well written, an intriguing concept & perspective, and the narrators were great. I did find it odd that the recording only credits Samara Naeymi as narrator when Alexander Cendese & Simon Mattacks appear as well.
Heidi is writing a porno starring Paige who dates her way through various men having jobs “in finance”. The point was to use each of the interactions (not always ending in sex) into metaphors for the kinds of jobs each man has. I liked it, but struggled to keep up with the scenes as they sometimes jumped around in time. A flashback kind of thing, but by minutes or hours.
I can’t imagine spending money on this or ever listening to it again. Though it was well written, an intriguing concept & perspective, and the narrators were great. I did find it odd that the recording only credits Samara Naeymi as narrator when Alexander Cendese & Simon Mattacks appear as well.
February 20, 2019
I think my fave 2 are Heidi and Clara ... they others not that i did enjoy them but i prefer those others more??! interesting take, i guess for me i wonder why in 2019 we are still saying FAIRER sex? i mean ... we are ladies, hear us ROAR ... not saying beat all men down. so not the case. just change the wording. I love finding these collections by Amazon ... this one is all by Michelle Miller ... i thought they usually were different authors not the same? I am still trying to figure how they are related - usually it is just the lady part? newbie to Michelle's writing??! was curious. they are easily listened to. not long at all.
August 2, 2020
Heidi Finally Finds Her Prince Finance
In a somewhat serious but also in a funny sarcastic manner, the author reveals what the various professions within the Finance Industry are like both professionally and sexually. I found it entertaining but somewhat overly negative to the Finance Industry. It is definitely soft pornography as it doesn’t delve into great detail in the sexual area. A funny quick read.
In a somewhat serious but also in a funny sarcastic manner, the author reveals what the various professions within the Finance Industry are like both professionally and sexually. I found it entertaining but somewhat overly negative to the Finance Industry. It is definitely soft pornography as it doesn’t delve into great detail in the sexual area. A funny quick read.
May 17, 2021
This entry features an atypical screenplay format which takes a little getting used to, but allows for the coverage of a lot of different characters and spans of time in an easily digestible way. There is enough realism in the caricatures and exaggerated personalities for honest laughs. I was let down by the ending slightly where the author felt the need to explain the jest--although admittedly it was a unique solution to writing herself into a corner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
I'm looking for a man in finance
Trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes
Finance, trust fund, 6'5"
I'm looking for a man in finance
Trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes
Finance, trust fund, 6'5"
Imagine a porn about finance, I couldn't stop laughing but also felt bad with how they kept treating Paige. The author covers different financial sectors, and their sex scenes were hilarious, and their attitudes accurate.
Trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes
Finance, trust fund, 6'5"
I'm looking for a man in finance
Trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes
Finance, trust fund, 6'5"
Imagine a porn about finance, I couldn't stop laughing but also felt bad with how they kept treating Paige. The author covers different financial sectors, and their sex scenes were hilarious, and their attitudes accurate.
February 18, 2019
This short story in the "Fairer Sex" collection is a story within a story. Heidi is using her finance knowledge to try and write a porn script. Each character acts like his job title. Descriptions are funny when you think about finance job descriptions and characters having those descriptions meet their personalities.
August 16, 2019
I laughed at some of it.
Heidi has written a very boring porno. A good chunk of this short story is the script for her porno, which did have funny elements to it, I’ll give it that. At least her husband was supportive in her endeavor. I get the point of the story that Heidi is trying to tell for her character Paige, but it just wasn’t for me at the end of the day.
Heidi has written a very boring porno. A good chunk of this short story is the script for her porno, which did have funny elements to it, I’ll give it that. At least her husband was supportive in her endeavor. I get the point of the story that Heidi is trying to tell for her character Paige, but it just wasn’t for me at the end of the day.
December 6, 2023
I don’t know if the author intended the screenplay-within-a-short-story to be as hilarious as it was, but I chuckled all of the way through. Every single one of the financial industry dudes was a total d-bag; satire at its finest. The ending with Paul I found charming, almost heartwarming. I think this is my favorite so far, after Alicia.
July 28, 2024
Definitely not my favorite in this series. Heidi is writing about Paige who lives in New York and is looking for a husband in finance. But Heidi is struggling to find an ending she loves. I really really bored with this book. I found myself trying to read it quickly so I could get it over with. The ending was really cute and definitely saved me from not rating this book at all.
February 28, 2019
Happy ever after
Most of this sort story is taken up with script of a porno set in the world of finance that's every bit as odd as the premise sounds. This style failed to connect with me on any level
Most of this sort story is taken up with script of a porno set in the world of finance that's every bit as odd as the premise sounds. This style failed to connect with me on any level
March 2, 2019
Really fun!
It’s very funny. The metaphors that she used to connect the financial business with relationships is very creative. I think that this kind of mixed worlds are something like insights of the common life.
It’s very funny. The metaphors that she used to connect the financial business with relationships is very creative. I think that this kind of mixed worlds are something like insights of the common life.
May 24, 2019
As a screenwriter, I appreciated this story - format and all.
I can, however, definitely understand how it was difficult to follow in audiobook form. If you can get past listening to the screenplay format, I think the story is worth it.
I really enjoyed it and laughed a lot.
I can, however, definitely understand how it was difficult to follow in audiobook form. If you can get past listening to the screenplay format, I think the story is worth it.
I really enjoyed it and laughed a lot.
July 1, 2019
A roller coaster ride of characters
A funny take on relationships to find the one whom you are meant to be with and share your life. That proverbial kissing so many frogs until you find your Prince.
A funny take on relationships to find the one whom you are meant to be with and share your life. That proverbial kissing so many frogs until you find your Prince.
January 21, 2020
A serial satire of all the finance types: traders, investment bankers, quants, venture capitalists, private equity, and more. And like most of this collection, a twist that leaves the title character wondering and growing in the process.
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