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The Fairer Sex #1
Candace
Is there any chance of a second date? That all depends on what a woman and a man are willing to invest in the first, in this quick-witted short story of a perfectly equitable modern romance.
After ten years of bad blind dates, Candace is having a hard time believing Patrick is so spot-on. He’s sharp, handsome, and kind—her mind can’t help racing to where it all will lead. Then the check arrives. It’s time to get real.
Candace is part of The Fairer Sex, a collection of sexy, satirical, and sometimes harrowing short stories that explore the “What do women want?” The answer is different for every woman, but each can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
After ten years of bad blind dates, Candace is having a hard time believing Patrick is so spot-on. He’s sharp, handsome, and kind—her mind can’t help racing to where it all will lead. Then the check arrives. It’s time to get real.
Candace is part of The Fairer Sex, a collection of sexy, satirical, and sometimes harrowing short stories that explore the “What do women want?” The answer is different for every woman, but each can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
13 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2019
515 people are currently reading
318 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 204 reviews
March 8, 2019
This was a really short story that took place on a first date. Not all that much to it, but it did manage to amuse me.
November 9, 2022
Candace is on a blind date; her date has rescheduled twice but its finally going ahead.
Things get interesting when her date asks to split the bill as he is a feminist.
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.
Things get interesting when her date asks to split the bill as he is a feminist.
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.
June 26, 2024
What do women want? There are 7 short stories in the Fairer Sex collection by Amazon. A very bored woman stops by Whole Foods for Maple Pecan coconola. She has a passion for it. She is on edge looking at the long lines to check out. The guy in line with her comments on what she’s snacking on and from there is an interesting little banter. From there you’ll have to read this to find out. (I’m fanning myself.)
March 13, 2019
best of the bunch I read.. but also not great. One part was amusing but the two characters were meh for me.
*Read for free, part of my Amazon Prime Reading*
*Read for free, part of my Amazon Prime Reading*
August 3, 2019
This was very short. Took place on a first date, and I found myself amused at every word they said. This was a quick and fun. Would recommend for a quick smile.
February 10, 2024
Weird calculation going on there. A first date and a woman decides to let the guy know her worth and I don’t see this ending well.
I went back to some old Amazon original stories and think I may not finish this collection.
I went back to some old Amazon original stories and think I may not finish this collection.
May 27, 2021
* This audible original was 12-13 minutes long. My investment was minimal.
I have listened to a few short audibles, and didn't know what to do with them, because I didn't feel they should go into my "total". Figured I would add them at the end of the year, so my book tally was more true. But, its short stories month, so I am wincing, but adding them nonetheless to be in the spirit.
This was cute for 13 minutes. Not a not to be missed, but just fine.
I have listened to a few short audibles, and didn't know what to do with them, because I didn't feel they should go into my "total". Figured I would add them at the end of the year, so my book tally was more true. But, its short stories month, so I am wincing, but adding them nonetheless to be in the spirit.
This was cute for 13 minutes. Not a not to be missed, but just fine.
December 31, 2023
Ah, first dates! We’ve all had them. Some more successful than others. An enjoyable short read.
February 20, 2019
this one made me laugh but also made me a bit angry ... like come on ... i think u have do what makes you feel best when dating ... i know that everyone has their quirky moments ...but right up front even more u get to the restaurant ... depending on how you meet ... u need to be honest like ... i see this is a situation where we both pay or whatever u so desire ... this day and age things have changed and that is okay ... it doesn't matter what others think or do ... totally in what the 2 people in the date do think??! 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.
February 16, 2019
Another short story with the potential to annoy more than will warm quickly to the sentiments here.
A blind date and all that ensues on a first meeting is captured here in the meal at a respectable restaurant.
Candice is comfortable in the surroundings and the conversation that follows. Mind you she has been on the dating scene some ten years and Patrick unmarried at 42 gives off both positive and negative connotations depending on her willingness to be sweet.
The small talk has difficulties and his explanation of perfection could be a little taxing and overthought. Yet embarrassing he deems love as the one perfect thing.
All in all the date has gone well and as the server presents the bill Candice can see green lights all the way to the bedroom.
What happens next is a mixture of awkwardness and confusion around people making a point. It comes from the expected roles and the desire to be genuine. Should they spilt the bill.
What follows is a standoff between equality and transparency that leaves the chance of a second date unthinkable. Then Candice reaches into her purse, it can still be misunderstood but the author holds up a final chance for a perfect end to their first date. Unique writing with strong female characters and unexpected twists to make the writing though provoking and memorable.
A blind date and all that ensues on a first meeting is captured here in the meal at a respectable restaurant.
Candice is comfortable in the surroundings and the conversation that follows. Mind you she has been on the dating scene some ten years and Patrick unmarried at 42 gives off both positive and negative connotations depending on her willingness to be sweet.
The small talk has difficulties and his explanation of perfection could be a little taxing and overthought. Yet embarrassing he deems love as the one perfect thing.
All in all the date has gone well and as the server presents the bill Candice can see green lights all the way to the bedroom.
What happens next is a mixture of awkwardness and confusion around people making a point. It comes from the expected roles and the desire to be genuine. Should they spilt the bill.
What follows is a standoff between equality and transparency that leaves the chance of a second date unthinkable. Then Candice reaches into her purse, it can still be misunderstood but the author holds up a final chance for a perfect end to their first date. Unique writing with strong female characters and unexpected twists to make the writing though provoking and memorable.
February 11, 2023
Din păcate, n-a fost pentru mine, dar măcar s-a citit repede.
Nu-mi plac personajele. Nu au avut pic de profunzime, ba chiar mi s-au părut și tare enervante.
Povestioara a început în mijlocul unei prime întâlniri și a trecut direct la viitor și la gândit și făcut copii. Scuzați-mă, dar pentru mine e un mare 🚩.
De stilul de scriere nu pot să zic mare lucru dat fiind numărul mic de pagini. A fost simpluț și cam atât.
Cred că, cu un număr mult mai mare de pagini și cu o bună construcție a personajelor, ar fi putut ieși o poveste chiar drăguță.
Nu-mi plac personajele. Nu au avut pic de profunzime, ba chiar mi s-au părut și tare enervante.
Povestioara a început în mijlocul unei prime întâlniri și a trecut direct la viitor și la gândit și făcut copii. Scuzați-mă, dar pentru mine e un mare 🚩.
De stilul de scriere nu pot să zic mare lucru dat fiind numărul mic de pagini. A fost simpluț și cam atât.
Cred că, cu un număr mult mai mare de pagini și cu o bună construcție a personajelor, ar fi putut ieși o poveste chiar drăguță.
March 2, 2019
Candace by Michelle Miller can be found as one of the Amazon Original Stories (AOS) in a collection titled The Fairer Sex. This is Book One 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.” Candace, the first story in the series is only twelve pages. Grab a cup of coffee. You will finish the story before you finish the coffee.
Candace is a short examination of a search for equality between the sexes as it is played out in a restaurant between Candace and Patrick. They were on a blind date which Patrick had rescheduled twice but only out of consideration for Candace. This is explained in the longest sentence I have ever read in a short story:
“Because between the half bottle of wine and the way he was looking at her, and the surprise that still lingered from the moment she’d walked in, having made a more-than-lip-gloss-but-less-than-leg-shaving effort toward the blind date, which she’d agreed to, after he’d rescheduled twice, only because the restaurant he’d suggested had a salmon preparation she particularly liked, and found him reading the New Yorker, which was as contradictory to the expectations she’d set based on the sharp suit and look of disdain in his LinkedIn profile picture as the conversation he’d immediately begun—about the implications of want and need being the same word in Arabic, which he’d just read about in the magazine’s review of Lawrence Faber’s new film—she’d lost track of what she was going to say.” (Kindle locations 15-18).
The above quote is from Candace’s first serious examination of Patrick as a possibility for future, closer relationships. Patrick knows all the right things to say. He pushes all the emotional buttons. And then …
It is time to pay the bill. The results are surprising with a perfect twist at the end. This is good value as a five Amazon star Kindle Unlimited read. I would even pay to read this (if I had to).
Candace is a short examination of a search for equality between the sexes as it is played out in a restaurant between Candace and Patrick. They were on a blind date which Patrick had rescheduled twice but only out of consideration for Candace. This is explained in the longest sentence I have ever read in a short story:
“Because between the half bottle of wine and the way he was looking at her, and the surprise that still lingered from the moment she’d walked in, having made a more-than-lip-gloss-but-less-than-leg-shaving effort toward the blind date, which she’d agreed to, after he’d rescheduled twice, only because the restaurant he’d suggested had a salmon preparation she particularly liked, and found him reading the New Yorker, which was as contradictory to the expectations she’d set based on the sharp suit and look of disdain in his LinkedIn profile picture as the conversation he’d immediately begun—about the implications of want and need being the same word in Arabic, which he’d just read about in the magazine’s review of Lawrence Faber’s new film—she’d lost track of what she was going to say.” (Kindle locations 15-18).
The above quote is from Candace’s first serious examination of Patrick as a possibility for future, closer relationships. Patrick knows all the right things to say. He pushes all the emotional buttons. And then …
It is time to pay the bill. The results are surprising with a perfect twist at the end. This is good value as a five Amazon star Kindle Unlimited read. I would even pay to read this (if I had to).
March 5, 2019
Waste of time
This was really just not interesting at all. I've read a few of this collection now, and the only thing that I'm happy about is that I didn't spend any money on them.
This was really just not interesting at all. I've read a few of this collection now, and the only thing that I'm happy about is that I didn't spend any money on them.
January 3, 2021
All I can say about this is that it was a quick, cute and amusing story.
February 17, 2019
Ehh
I didn't love this short story. There is a huge run in sentence a paragraph long in the beginning that was so hard to follow. The ending, with the cost break down seemed a tad ridiculous and unrealistic to me.
I didn't love this short story. There is a huge run in sentence a paragraph long in the beginning that was so hard to follow. The ending, with the cost break down seemed a tad ridiculous and unrealistic to me.
July 3, 2023
Candace and Patrick are on a first date. This short intrigued me because of its name (mine is Candice). Its brevity is perfect because the reader hopes Candace finds a date after years of bad luck.
According to Candace, she believes he is damn near perfect--smart, kind, attractive, and amenable to her likes. What could go wrong, right? Then the check arrives and she is met with the ideals of a man that believes in the equality of the sexes. Patrick is a modern day feminist. He thinks they should split the check at dinner.
Will this feminist man make her feel like a real equal? It plays on the humor of dating and feminist ideals. However, Candace has her own sense of humor and pulls out a list that gives the reader an unexpected twist of events at the end.
This short is quite amusing and funny. It took all of 12-13 minutes for me to read this one and I enjoyed it.
According to Candace, she believes he is damn near perfect--smart, kind, attractive, and amenable to her likes. What could go wrong, right? Then the check arrives and she is met with the ideals of a man that believes in the equality of the sexes. Patrick is a modern day feminist. He thinks they should split the check at dinner.
Will this feminist man make her feel like a real equal? It plays on the humor of dating and feminist ideals. However, Candace has her own sense of humor and pulls out a list that gives the reader an unexpected twist of events at the end.
This short is quite amusing and funny. It took all of 12-13 minutes for me to read this one and I enjoyed it.
February 15, 2019
An interesting twist on a blind date. It was very realistic - even though I've been out of the dating game for a while, I would've balked at her date's actions too. But going through the main character's thoughts and weighing the pros and cons, I thought it was well done. (Though there is a picture on one page that is a chart, and it would not pull up nicely on my Kindle app - could not read it at all, so minus a star)
February 28, 2019
nah, not my kind of first date apparently if she going to flip out the list! Hope this is not made into some longer story I do not need to read.
March 2, 2019
GO READ THIS - it will take you no more than 15 minutes. It’s fun, jam-packed, and Candace might be your new hero 🦸♀️🙌🏻
March 7, 2019
Loved The Collection
I loved this collection! This might have been my favorite. Easy, short reads that will entertain you! Also, you can borrow on Amazon!
I loved this collection! This might have been my favorite. Easy, short reads that will entertain you! Also, you can borrow on Amazon!
January 8, 2025
It’s a little funny very very short story.. Really enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters in the book. Small amount of spice. I’m really enjoying the authors writing..
July 9, 2024
Super quick short story. One that did catch my attention and amuse me to some extent. There wasn’t enough to really go off of, however I did enjoy the exchange between Candace and her blind date. They seemed to get along really well. Candace is quick and super clever.
February 19, 2021
See my review for Women on Top by same author.
February 23, 2019
Not going to talk about the writing because that wasn't the point of this short story so it doesn't matter. Maybe it's because the story starts right in the middle of their date and we are left without a whole lot of context about both characters, but I don't understand why they've "clicked". Because that's the springboard for Candace to (literally) whip out the big reveal, the big "in-your-face" moment to Patrick's "fake feminism". And while this story seems like it's supposed to add to some bigger feminist message, it focused on the most insignificant part of it. Like cost differences on products? That issue is such low-hanging fruit and it doesn't address the real problem regarding money among genders. Also the list itself was annoying because if Candace was really THAT hung up over spending over $400 on makeup (yes FOUR HUNDRED), choose less expensive products!! Using drugstore stuff will not kill you, it's really not that deep. Also if she makes her own money and she ate that food, I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that she could pay for half of it or at least offer to.
Honestly, this story is not cute, not "quirky", not empowering. It's a headache and a half.
Honestly, this story is not cute, not "quirky", not empowering. It's a headache and a half.
April 15, 2020
My favorite of the collection!
(1) Candace: 5/5 stars
(2) Meredith: 3/5 stars (2 + 1 for shock value alone)
(3) Alicia: 5/5 stars
(4) Heidi: 4/5 stars (what a ride)
(5) Clara: 3/5 stars
(6) Lauren: 1/5 stars
(7) Eleanor: 4/5 stars (3 + 1 for shook value alone)
(8) Keridee: 2/5 stars
I wish I could review them all under one overarching collection title, because as a collection, this was great. The stories move so quickly you never get settled in your seat, but as I said above, what a ride! Not for everyone, and some of the stories are steamier than others. If you're looking for a fun ~3-hour read, I'd read them all, but Candace, Alicia, and Heidi stand out if you've got limited time or desire.
(1) Candace: 5/5 stars
(2) Meredith: 3/5 stars (2 + 1 for shock value alone)
(3) Alicia: 5/5 stars
(4) Heidi: 4/5 stars (what a ride)
(5) Clara: 3/5 stars
(6) Lauren: 1/5 stars
(7) Eleanor: 4/5 stars (3 + 1 for shook value alone)
(8) Keridee: 2/5 stars
I wish I could review them all under one overarching collection title, because as a collection, this was great. The stories move so quickly you never get settled in your seat, but as I said above, what a ride! Not for everyone, and some of the stories are steamier than others. If you're looking for a fun ~3-hour read, I'd read them all, but Candace, Alicia, and Heidi stand out if you've got limited time or desire.
March 4, 2019
Wow
Super quick read!! Absolutely loved the ending, Candace, made my eyes opens in shock and then I had a super good laugh. She made me do a cheer! The guy also hit me for six when the cheque came, but I guess that is how some men move now.
Now I can't wait to read the others in this series.
Super quick read!! Absolutely loved the ending, Candace, made my eyes opens in shock and then I had a super good laugh. She made me do a cheer! The guy also hit me for six when the cheque came, but I guess that is how some men move now.
Now I can't wait to read the others in this series.
January 10, 2024
I really don’t have much to say🫤
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews