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The Fairer Sex #7
Eleanor
Dinner is served—with a little something on the side. A Brooklyn wife is too sharp to allow her husband’s wandering eye to get the best of her in this witty short story of a dinner party with a delicious comeuppance.
Eleanor and Jonathan have joined a few of their most irritating best friends for an intimate catered gathering. Through all the intellectual chatter, Eleanor’s on watch. Jonathan has already confessed to wanting an open marriage, and tonight, Eleanor has decided to accommodate him. Just not quite the way he expects.
Eleanor 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.
19 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
235 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Miller
20 books103 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 96 reviews
April 13, 2019
Silly and boring short story about a husband who tells his wife that he wants an open marriage. Later, at a dinner party, the wife gets even by having sex with the chef.
With a cast of unlikable characters, gross behavior and sex scenes, I didn't like this book at all.
With a cast of unlikable characters, gross behavior and sex scenes, I didn't like this book at all.
March 31, 2022
After 8 years of marriage, Jonathan asks Eleanor for an open marriage as being a man in his position, its becoming tiring for him to turn down the ladies throwing themselves at his feet.
I laughed out loud in this short story, absolutely loved it. Both Eleanor and Jonathan felt very real.
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.
I laughed out loud in this short story, absolutely loved it. Both Eleanor and Jonathan felt very real.
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.
July 25, 2021
Entertainingly dark. This is a short story from Amazon Originals’ THE FAIRER SEX collection. It was quick and engaging.
February 17, 2019
Another short story from the the busy fingers of Michelle Miller, part of her ‘The Fairer Sex’ collection.
This starts as an intellectual, point scoring, peacock parading dinner party.
Among the guests are Eleanor and hubby Jonathan. Eleanor can’t relax as in the process of getting ready her husband has spoken about the necessity for him to be the being his IQ and the success it provides. That they should practice an open relationship, so he can reach his potential.
All this is the male ego, justifying a need to explore his true nature with other sexual partners attracted to him. Eleanor wastes no words and getting to the nub of his inflated talk challenges him over who he wants to bed. She isn’t surprised that conscious thought has not gone before other than he fancies the pants off Aida. That she is at the dinner party too and both are embarrassing her to the point of humiliation makes her become more withdrawn.
Then they are introduced to the guest chief who wants to know their dietary needs and preferences. Eleanor says she doesn’t like vegetables to be different.
Thereafter, she finds the pressure too much to pretend and short of breaking down in floods of tears go off in search of the bathroom.
Her awkwardness increases when she bumps into the chief who wants to understand her no vegetable diet. Chatting in the kitchen seems easy and after a certain time a sense of peace overtakes her that might still rescue this drab party.
I loved the setting the overplay of language and point scoring, against the pain Eleanor feels by a verbal disclosure that leaves her betrayed and redundant. That Eleanor feels so humiliated and unable to counter her husband’s desire to have sex with other women, even someone she knows is brutal and often the inherent weakness historically of women. That the author then allows for a solution without planning or deep conversation, champions actions above words and gives Eleanor a new sense of power and worth.
This starts as an intellectual, point scoring, peacock parading dinner party.
Among the guests are Eleanor and hubby Jonathan. Eleanor can’t relax as in the process of getting ready her husband has spoken about the necessity for him to be the being his IQ and the success it provides. That they should practice an open relationship, so he can reach his potential.
All this is the male ego, justifying a need to explore his true nature with other sexual partners attracted to him. Eleanor wastes no words and getting to the nub of his inflated talk challenges him over who he wants to bed. She isn’t surprised that conscious thought has not gone before other than he fancies the pants off Aida. That she is at the dinner party too and both are embarrassing her to the point of humiliation makes her become more withdrawn.
Then they are introduced to the guest chief who wants to know their dietary needs and preferences. Eleanor says she doesn’t like vegetables to be different.
Thereafter, she finds the pressure too much to pretend and short of breaking down in floods of tears go off in search of the bathroom.
Her awkwardness increases when she bumps into the chief who wants to understand her no vegetable diet. Chatting in the kitchen seems easy and after a certain time a sense of peace overtakes her that might still rescue this drab party.
I loved the setting the overplay of language and point scoring, against the pain Eleanor feels by a verbal disclosure that leaves her betrayed and redundant. That Eleanor feels so humiliated and unable to counter her husband’s desire to have sex with other women, even someone she knows is brutal and often the inherent weakness historically of women. That the author then allows for a solution without planning or deep conversation, champions actions above words and gives Eleanor a new sense of power and worth.
March 4, 2022
strange.....porn
March 9, 2022
2.5 stars
March 13, 2019
2.25 stars.. creative, I guess. (one scene in particular is what I mean) Some of the characters talk went over my head and took me out of the story some. Overall, just okay... the kind of bored me.
the end though had me laughing a bit while grossing me out with the main girl's actions that led to it.
*Read for free, part of my Amazon Prime Reading*
the end though had me laughing a bit while grossing me out with the main girl's actions that led to it.
*Read for free, part of my Amazon Prime Reading*
December 15, 2025
2⭐️
....truly, wtf did I just read
....truly, wtf did I just read
April 26, 2019
Gross. Meh.
September 9, 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.
Next is Eleanor. She is a Brooklyn wife who's husband wants to have an open marriage because of his success in life. The two go to an intimate gathering with some of their "best friends" for dinner and conversation. Something happens and Eleanor is about to accommodate him....but not in the way he expects.
This was great. Probably my favorite of the collection.
You GO GIRL! I hope she divorces him and takes all his money. What an asshat....he only wants an open marriage because others in his field are all single and they are getting all the ladies. HOW on FAIR that he is STUCK with his wife. Grrr.
Sighs. One has to love a good revenge tale ;)
5 stars of course.
Next is Eleanor. She is a Brooklyn wife who's husband wants to have an open marriage because of his success in life. The two go to an intimate gathering with some of their "best friends" for dinner and conversation. Something happens and Eleanor is about to accommodate him....but not in the way he expects.
This was great. Probably my favorite of the collection.
You GO GIRL! I hope she divorces him and takes all his money. What an asshat....he only wants an open marriage because others in his field are all single and they are getting all the ladies. HOW on FAIR that he is STUCK with his wife. Grrr.
Sighs. One has to love a good revenge tale ;)
5 stars of course.
March 6, 2023
I should have known better than to expect something good for free from Audible.
done-not-finishing
February 22, 2019No stars. Just porn for lonely people.
April 5, 2019
This one was just trite and gross. Glad these books were free to read because the series is pretty much a wash. Not at all interested in reading anything else by this author.
March 4, 2019
Let's just start out by saying: I will never see a carrot the same.
I sure hope this one is purely fictional and not at all inspired by true life events. But, it does remind me of an incident in the news in 2011 regarding a yogurt sample at Sunflower Market. And if you don't know. . .then don't Google it. Oh...oh wait...you just did? My bad.
Anyway, I guess this is a twist on "just desserts" but really, I don't condone the protagonist's action. Eleanor's husband has just told her that he is entitled to basically fuck around simply because of his success and status right before a dinner party. Eleanor is distracted as she watches him and the others engage in peacocking "intellectual" debate, all while painfully aware that her husband is eyeing another one of the attendees of the dinner party. Then she meets the "ruggedly" handsome chef who will be preparing their dinner and...well...I guess she channeled her hurt in a little hypocritical vengeance.
Okay...fine. This one is OK from the Fairer Sex collection and, fortunately, quite short. But the women aren't really sympathetic characters and it's starting to annoy me how petty and immature Miller's women are. When I saw that these were supposedly about women "getting what they want" I had truly hoped that it would be empowering. Instead, I just find each women's actions more along the line of a bitter "let's just be like the shitty men we date" perspective. Miller's a great writer, but terrible with characters. At least, sympathetic characters.
I sure hope this one is purely fictional and not at all inspired by true life events. But, it does remind me of an incident in the news in 2011 regarding a yogurt sample at Sunflower Market. And if you don't know. . .then don't Google it. Oh...oh wait...you just did? My bad.
Anyway, I guess this is a twist on "just desserts" but really, I don't condone the protagonist's action. Eleanor's husband has just told her that he is entitled to basically fuck around simply because of his success and status right before a dinner party. Eleanor is distracted as she watches him and the others engage in peacocking "intellectual" debate, all while painfully aware that her husband is eyeing another one of the attendees of the dinner party. Then she meets the "ruggedly" handsome chef who will be preparing their dinner and...well...I guess she channeled her hurt in a little hypocritical vengeance.
Okay...fine. This one is OK from the Fairer Sex collection and, fortunately, quite short. But the women aren't really sympathetic characters and it's starting to annoy me how petty and immature Miller's women are. When I saw that these were supposedly about women "getting what they want" I had truly hoped that it would be empowering. Instead, I just find each women's actions more along the line of a bitter "let's just be like the shitty men we date" perspective. Miller's a great writer, but terrible with characters. At least, sympathetic characters.
February 20, 2019
oh this one fired me up for sure ... wandering eyes not cool. Look but don't touch. i feel u r committed to one ... have the decency to walk away ... cheating NOT COOL! 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.
September 2, 2022
Wtf did I just read 🤢
February 28, 2019
Salting the soup
A racy tale of a toxic hipsters at the world's worst dinner party into which a handsome chef is stirred to gIve a saucy blend. The characters are all pretty unsympathetic and hateful - either narcissists or weak fools. The ultimate pay off was kinda cheesy too.
A racy tale of a toxic hipsters at the world's worst dinner party into which a handsome chef is stirred to gIve a saucy blend. The characters are all pretty unsympathetic and hateful - either narcissists or weak fools. The ultimate pay off was kinda cheesy too.
March 15, 2019
Not my favorite in this series by Miller. (Soup scene)...
March 13, 2019
Uuuuugh. Shout out for Brooklyn, but much less for hipster disdain and unrelatable characters for the most part. Horrible people doing horrible things, and I cannot look at the cover of this particular story without
February 18, 2019
UGH
I felt for Eleanor at the beginning when Jonathan was trying to justify why it was that he wanted an open marriage.
But then she goes and does the things that she does and, even though I KNOW IT'S just a story, it just was fucking wrong.
I couldn't believe it.
And the entire time as it was starting all I could think of was....1000 ways to die! bitch, leave that carrot alone!!!!!
And OMG!
O
M
G
!!!
I felt for Eleanor at the beginning when Jonathan was trying to justify why it was that he wanted an open marriage.
But then she goes and does the things that she does and, even though I KNOW IT'S just a story, it just was fucking wrong.
I couldn't believe it.
And the entire time as it was starting all I could think of was....1000 ways to die! bitch, leave that carrot alone!!!!!
And OMG!
O
M
G
!!!
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.
March 4, 2023
The story opens at a dinner party in Brooklyn. A group of snobby, elite know-it-alls debate the finer points of the Amazon series Transparent.
Eleanor is our narrative MC. She quickly realizes what a foolish hypocrite Aida is; she’s also painfully aware that her husband, Jonathan, is hopelessly drawn to Aida.
Very much drunk on his own success and perceptions of power, Jonathan is the top investigative journalist for the New York Times and a social commentator at large. Flashing back to Thursday, we find the roots of Eleanor’s discontent—a revolting proposition from Jonathan. And his question is not rhetorical.
Back in the present, Annabelle interrupts the riveting discussion of artificial intelligence to introduce Maz, the private chef she has hired to cook their meal for the evening. Maz is hot. Hot without trying. Effortlessly hot…unlike the stifling twerp that is Jonathan.
Things with Maz get steamy. This would benefit from a stronger ending—one where we have more of an idea of how Eleanor will move forward.
Eleanor is our narrative MC. She quickly realizes what a foolish hypocrite Aida is; she’s also painfully aware that her husband, Jonathan, is hopelessly drawn to Aida.
Very much drunk on his own success and perceptions of power, Jonathan is the top investigative journalist for the New York Times and a social commentator at large. Flashing back to Thursday, we find the roots of Eleanor’s discontent—a revolting proposition from Jonathan. And his question is not rhetorical.
Back in the present, Annabelle interrupts the riveting discussion of artificial intelligence to introduce Maz, the private chef she has hired to cook their meal for the evening. Maz is hot. Hot without trying. Effortlessly hot…unlike the stifling twerp that is Jonathan.
Things with Maz get steamy. This would benefit from a stronger ending—one where we have more of an idea of how Eleanor will move forward.
March 16, 2019
This was Crazy!!!
I'm used to reading filthy things, but somehow I was scandalized while reading this short story. I'm a book away to finish this series and I'm a woman myself, but I havent gotten to answer the main question: what do women want?
It's such a complicated matter... there are so many factors to take into consideration. Things change so much according to different circumstances. I'm even more lost than before I started reading all this.
One thing I can tell for sure: this writer is something else. And Eleanor was not playing around. You definitely should be careful around women, since we can be crazy dangerous sometimes... the best part is they never really know what hit them.
I'm used to reading filthy things, but somehow I was scandalized while reading this short story. I'm a book away to finish this series and I'm a woman myself, but I havent gotten to answer the main question: what do women want?
It's such a complicated matter... there are so many factors to take into consideration. Things change so much according to different circumstances. I'm even more lost than before I started reading all this.
One thing I can tell for sure: this writer is something else. And Eleanor was not playing around. You definitely should be careful around women, since we can be crazy dangerous sometimes... the best part is they never really know what hit them.
May 29, 2019
Not my bowl of soup
I like the genre but not this story. The carrot and soup bit grossed me out. I found the dialogue between the dinner guests to be redundant after the first exchange as far as the story line goes. I am not into mean-spirited, pretentious people. Good thing it was free and short otherwise it would have been in the dnf pile. Won't read the rest of the series despite it being free. But other may find it to their taste so if you are a Prime member, you lose nothing by giving it a quick whirl.
I like the genre but not this story. The carrot and soup bit grossed me out. I found the dialogue between the dinner guests to be redundant after the first exchange as far as the story line goes. I am not into mean-spirited, pretentious people. Good thing it was free and short otherwise it would have been in the dnf pile. Won't read the rest of the series despite it being free. But other may find it to their taste so if you are a Prime member, you lose nothing by giving it a quick whirl.
August 22, 2019
That poor carrot & pumpkin soup.
I knew I was gonna have mixed feelings with all the pretentious talk about tv shows and useless stuff at the dinner party. That’s the point, these folks are rich and pretentious. Self absorbed idiots, including Eleanor. You feel for Eleanor as her husband drops the bomb that he wants an open marriage. I was with Eleanor until the carrot incident. The pumpkin soup incident had me blinking my eyes and mumbling “damn Eleanor”. It’s a very adult tale of revenge, I just don’t know if I needed to actually read it.
I knew I was gonna have mixed feelings with all the pretentious talk about tv shows and useless stuff at the dinner party. That’s the point, these folks are rich and pretentious. Self absorbed idiots, including Eleanor. You feel for Eleanor as her husband drops the bomb that he wants an open marriage. I was with Eleanor until the carrot incident. The pumpkin soup incident had me blinking my eyes and mumbling “damn Eleanor”. It’s a very adult tale of revenge, I just don’t know if I needed to actually read it.
November 1, 2024
You know what, I would never mess with Eleanor. I think it's better to ALWAYS be on her good side, even if she says jump down the cliff... just do it, don't question it.
She is married to Jonathan who very blatantly told her he wants to have sex with one of her friends. During a dinner party Eleanor decides to have some 'fun' and make sure her husband knows to not fuck with her anymore... I'll just say next time, I won't eat ANYTHING that gets served.
Jonathan, you should had asked for a divorce.
She is married to Jonathan who very blatantly told her he wants to have sex with one of her friends. During a dinner party Eleanor decides to have some 'fun' and make sure her husband knows to not fuck with her anymore... I'll just say next time, I won't eat ANYTHING that gets served.
Jonathan, you should had asked for a divorce.
May 19, 2021
The setup seems an interesting mix of pseudo and actual intellectual commentary. Anyone who is familiar with the rest of the series, easily sees the twist coming and realizes none of these earlier ideas will be resolved. I wasn't drawn in by the characters. If I could have decided if it was intentionally offensive or accidentally so I might have raised my opinion slightly. But as is, I'm left wondering, "So the point was?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
Spring 2019
Amazon's Fairer Sex Collection:
What a crazy twist and definitely there were a true number of cringe-worthy moments in this one. I understand how and why what happens happens (except for that one truly disgusting part), but really don't personally agree with much of it. I was hoping for a little more to come out of this one.
Amazon's Fairer Sex Collection:
What a crazy twist and definitely there were a true number of cringe-worthy moments in this one. I understand how and why what happens happens (except for that one truly disgusting part), but really don't personally agree with much of it. I was hoping for a little more to come out of this one.
May 17, 2021
Imagine que você é casada com um homem que enriqueceu muito depois da união de vocês, e que decide, de repente, que quer um casamento aberto porque este seria um direito inerente a homens ricos, mas não sugere que seria aberto também para você, o que você faria? Adorei a reação da protagonista, mas claro que não vou contar aqui. Um dos melhores livrinhos desta série, da qual não gostei muito.
April 20, 2022
*SNORT* Eww! Alrighty then! Yeah, all sorts of emotions are going on here.
If you're starting your sentence with "I'm not trying to be a d!@#.." too late, you already are!
I was so prepared to shake Eleanor, but never mind! Still ... eww. And poor Maz, his reputation could have been ruined!
If you're starting your sentence with "I'm not trying to be a d!@#.." too late, you already are!
I was so prepared to shake Eleanor, but never mind! Still ... eww. And poor Maz, his reputation could have been ruined!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews