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The Fairer Sex #5
Clara
A young novelist trapped in a bad relationship takes the first step toward true pleasure and tenderness…but does she have the courage to be swept off her feet?
It doesn’t matter how many people read and like her new book, there’s only one man’s opinion that matters to Clara…or at least that’s what she thinks. But when a chance encounter at a film premiere introduces her to someone new—someone who understands her in a way the first man can’t—Clara finally discovers the validation she really wants and needs.
Clara 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.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
231 people are currently reading
133 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 71 reviews
April 8, 2022
Clara is a novelist and is mystified why her father has not read her new release.
This entry in the collection was ok for me, I don't think its going to be very memorable long term.
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.
This entry in the collection was ok for me, I don't think its going to be very memorable long term.
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.
February 15, 2019
The writing was really good in this one, but the twist was confusing. Also the "romance" was a bit hard to follow because you don't know if the characters have a history, but it moves even faster than "instalove." I tried rereading this to see if I missed anything, but in the end the story isn't communicated the best.
March 4, 2022
Strange, light porn
February 15, 2019
Another well structured short story that reveals something about the mind and heart of women.
Filled with doubts and the need to be validated by those she loves and are closest to her. A lack of engagement after a book launch for her debut novel leaves her questioning if the man she gave a dedicated first edition has even read it yet. His acknowledgement and praise seem to me the most important critical review she seeks and needs.
Despite this major shift in her life he stays in his business head and ignores for the most part even when attending a film premier.
She seems easily led astray when someone shows interest in her book and by default craves her company. A romantic, passionate and carnal coupling mirrors the film being shown and Clara finds a new sense of purpose and success.
Then something happens that shows her that all men are perhaps the same. Indeed, all that has troubled her mind comes into focus that enables her to overcome her need for the platitudes of others, especially men. She realises her venture into writing is not based upon pleasing others but a deeper motivation she embraces and finds contentment.
Filled with doubts and the need to be validated by those she loves and are closest to her. A lack of engagement after a book launch for her debut novel leaves her questioning if the man she gave a dedicated first edition has even read it yet. His acknowledgement and praise seem to me the most important critical review she seeks and needs.
Despite this major shift in her life he stays in his business head and ignores for the most part even when attending a film premier.
She seems easily led astray when someone shows interest in her book and by default craves her company. A romantic, passionate and carnal coupling mirrors the film being shown and Clara finds a new sense of purpose and success.
Then something happens that shows her that all men are perhaps the same. Indeed, all that has troubled her mind comes into focus that enables her to overcome her need for the platitudes of others, especially men. She realises her venture into writing is not based upon pleasing others but a deeper motivation she embraces and finds contentment.
April 18, 2022
I'm not sure if I should give this story four stars for that little twist or give myself two stars for being called out for jumping to the age-old conclusions.
Either way, the ending was predictable (even without the twist), and the story was okay. The backdrop was lovely.
Either way, the ending was predictable (even without the twist), and the story was okay. The backdrop was lovely.
July 21, 2022
i had high hopes for this one but it fell flat
April 18, 2019
I did finish this and I hated it more than meredith. It doesn't answer a lot of questions and ends on a ? Also the hookup was... never something that should be done. Just not for me and would not have finished if it was longer
March 2, 2019
Clara by Michelle Miller can be found as one of the Amazon Original Stories (AOS) in a collection titled The Fairer Sex. Clara is Book Five 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.” Clara, the fifth story in the series is only twenty-four pages. Grab a cup of your favorite cha. Or whatever people call tea in your language.
Clara is a writer with a successfully published book. Although not trained in finance, her debut novel was about finance. Readers had been impressed enough to invite her to conferences at which she sat on panels which discussed financial issues. She may not have been trained in finance, but it occupied a central role in her family. That is how the breadwinner of the house made the real money. All she wanted was his approval and an acknowledgment of her success. But he had never read the book and showed no interest in doing so. She even wrote a special dedication to him in a signed edition she gave him as a gift. Even that didn’t motivate him to read her work. All he did was read his Blackberry and financial newspapers.
And he was rude in a way that only the truly wealthy can display in public with impunity. They had prepared to go to dinner at one of the finest restaurants followed by a film premiere of a French film that would be attended by stars and the director of the film. But in the restaurant, he had left her alone for almost an hour. She had had to put up with the comments of the old ladies around her smiling and commenting on her several-years-older partner. When he finally rejoined her, the meal was rushed so that they could be on time for the film.
At the theater, Clara almost had time to meet the director before the film. She did not meet him but when the two made eye contact, Lawrence seemed to recognize her. She and Michael went to their seats before the film started but by the time it began, Michael was in the lobby with his Blackberry. And the film director, Lawrence, was not watching the film. Instead, he was reading her book. After texting a few comments, Lawrence invited her backstage where he presented elements of his film from a very different perspective. The language is a bit sexual during this part of the story, but it is not offensive.
The film comes to an end and Clara must get back to the lobby to meet the car on time. She is thrilled to have met a man who appreciated her book. She is not so thrilled to be with a man who has not even read it. Clara and the two men meet in the lobby. She makes an interesting comparison. And in this surprise ending, she decides on the market or niche for her next book. There is an ending worth reading for in this five-star Amazon read.
Clara is a writer with a successfully published book. Although not trained in finance, her debut novel was about finance. Readers had been impressed enough to invite her to conferences at which she sat on panels which discussed financial issues. She may not have been trained in finance, but it occupied a central role in her family. That is how the breadwinner of the house made the real money. All she wanted was his approval and an acknowledgment of her success. But he had never read the book and showed no interest in doing so. She even wrote a special dedication to him in a signed edition she gave him as a gift. Even that didn’t motivate him to read her work. All he did was read his Blackberry and financial newspapers.
And he was rude in a way that only the truly wealthy can display in public with impunity. They had prepared to go to dinner at one of the finest restaurants followed by a film premiere of a French film that would be attended by stars and the director of the film. But in the restaurant, he had left her alone for almost an hour. She had had to put up with the comments of the old ladies around her smiling and commenting on her several-years-older partner. When he finally rejoined her, the meal was rushed so that they could be on time for the film.
At the theater, Clara almost had time to meet the director before the film. She did not meet him but when the two made eye contact, Lawrence seemed to recognize her. She and Michael went to their seats before the film started but by the time it began, Michael was in the lobby with his Blackberry. And the film director, Lawrence, was not watching the film. Instead, he was reading her book. After texting a few comments, Lawrence invited her backstage where he presented elements of his film from a very different perspective. The language is a bit sexual during this part of the story, but it is not offensive.
The film comes to an end and Clara must get back to the lobby to meet the car on time. She is thrilled to have met a man who appreciated her book. She is not so thrilled to be with a man who has not even read it. Clara and the two men meet in the lobby. She makes an interesting comparison. And in this surprise ending, she decides on the market or niche for her next book. There is an ending worth reading for in this five-star Amazon read.
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.
This one was a bit strange, and I did love the twist at the end, how the whole way through you're assuming that the first man must be her husband, but whom turns out to be only her father (which makes since in retrospect why this story doesn't involve the words cheating, etc). The sex scene was color if a little garishly boring at the point of being 3-4 stories into trying to finish this series, and it's reminding me quite a bit about why I wandered off from this set early March, not as entertained in this Prime Originals set as the horror stories of last year.
I liked the ending, though I feel it skipped several steps in getting there, and really only gives you a minute and half to see how she gets from her joy at her public escapade on stage, to walking away from both men into the freedom of the night, and her own personhood. I really want to like this ending more, but mostly I feel disjointed by its suddenness after so much focus was paid to her being ignored (and unseen/unappreciated), then her being seen (and her joy/being seen and/or worshipped), and then like a whipcrack she walks away.
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.
This one was a bit strange, and I did love the twist at the end, how the whole way through you're assuming that the first man must be her husband, but whom turns out to be only her father (which makes since in retrospect why this story doesn't involve the words cheating, etc). The sex scene was color if a little garishly boring at the point of being 3-4 stories into trying to finish this series, and it's reminding me quite a bit about why I wandered off from this set early March, not as entertained in this Prime Originals set as the horror stories of last year.
I liked the ending, though I feel it skipped several steps in getting there, and really only gives you a minute and half to see how she gets from her joy at her public escapade on stage, to walking away from both men into the freedom of the night, and her own personhood. I really want to like this ending more, but mostly I feel disjointed by its suddenness after so much focus was paid to her being ignored (and unseen/unappreciated), then her being seen (and her joy/being seen and/or worshipped), and then like a whipcrack she walks away.
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.
August 17, 2019
Sigh.
I wish I could like this story but I can’t. I think I get the theme of The Fairer Sex collection, seems to be about unhappy women attached to mostly older rich toxic men who either work or are intertwined in the financing world, the women are looking to break free or to take chances. It’s fine to tell a story about a woman who realizes she has to do better and be true to herself, but I can’t feel it with this story. I’m actually angry after reading this, mainly for that stupid plot twist. Being in a bad relationship and jumping head first without thinking into another bad decision is a well versed storyline, but the situations in this particular story I found wholly unbelievable. I feel like it was all a set up for that twist rather than a true awakening for Clara.
I wish I could like this story but I can’t. I think I get the theme of The Fairer Sex collection, seems to be about unhappy women attached to mostly older rich toxic men who either work or are intertwined in the financing world, the women are looking to break free or to take chances. It’s fine to tell a story about a woman who realizes she has to do better and be true to herself, but I can’t feel it with this story. I’m actually angry after reading this, mainly for that stupid plot twist. Being in a bad relationship and jumping head first without thinking into another bad decision is a well versed storyline, but the situations in this particular story I found wholly unbelievable. I feel like it was all a set up for that twist rather than a true awakening for Clara.
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.
We now have Clara. She is a young novelist trapped in a bad relationship. She has a chance to get away and stand on her own...will she find the courage to do so?
I had NO idea what was going on with Clara. Every two seconds something crazy was happening and a new reveal happening. The smexy scene in the back of the theater threw me for a loop. This was all so unrealistic though.
And then that ending. Woah. Good for you Clara. I'm glad you got the courage. I was hoping she would.
I'll give this 4 stars.
We now have Clara. She is a young novelist trapped in a bad relationship. She has a chance to get away and stand on her own...will she find the courage to do so?
I had NO idea what was going on with Clara. Every two seconds something crazy was happening and a new reveal happening. The smexy scene in the back of the theater threw me for a loop. This was all so unrealistic though.
And then that ending. Woah. Good for you Clara. I'm glad you got the courage. I was hoping she would.
I'll give this 4 stars.
March 8, 2019
Unexpected.
I didn't see that coming, at all.
This story was short, but it managed to grip my attention relentlessly till the very end.
I was frustrated for poor Clara, but then, I always enjoy that moment when a woman realizes her worth. When she understands that she is capable, that she must -for the love of everything that should be right in this world- do things for herself, because she wants to. To please herself, to love herself, to challenge herself and to prove herself.
We've been submitted for way too long. We have put our priorities, strength and desires at last. I think it's enough. Let's go out, and just be!
I didn't see that coming, at all.
This story was short, but it managed to grip my attention relentlessly till the very end.
I was frustrated for poor Clara, but then, I always enjoy that moment when a woman realizes her worth. When she understands that she is capable, that she must -for the love of everything that should be right in this world- do things for herself, because she wants to. To please herself, to love herself, to challenge herself and to prove herself.
We've been submitted for way too long. We have put our priorities, strength and desires at last. I think it's enough. Let's go out, and just be!
July 24, 2019
Borrowed for free via Amazon Prime membership. At 42 minutes long (including intro & credits) this is a fairly quick listen.
Clara is a writer on the high of her new release. She’s feeling ignored by the man in her life and this short story is set in a single few hours as she responds to how he treats her. They head to a film premiere where she meets the director of that film.
I can’t share much more or it will ruin the unique twist. Didn’t see it coming, but loved it.
I can’t imagine spending money on these shorts or ever listening to them again. Though it was well written, an intriguing concept & perspective, and the narrator was great.
Clara is a writer on the high of her new release. She’s feeling ignored by the man in her life and this short story is set in a single few hours as she responds to how he treats her. They head to a film premiere where she meets the director of that film.
I can’t share much more or it will ruin the unique twist. Didn’t see it coming, but loved it.
I can’t imagine spending money on these shorts or ever listening to them again. Though it was well written, an intriguing concept & perspective, and the narrator was great.
March 1, 2023
Clara arrived back in New York City today; she took a red-eye flight from Los Angeles this morning.
Clara has just written her first book. She was actually in LA to attend promotional signings as well as speaking engagements and discussion panels. She proudly gave Michael a copy of her novel two months ago. But today she realizes that he hasn’t even cracked it open.
Clara is an attractive young woman; Michael is a wealthy older man. They share a penthouse on Park Avenue.
Michael isn’t crazy about it, but Clara essentially drags him to the premier of a film at Radio City Music Hall. There, she meets the film’s director, Lawrence Faber. She and Lawrence are immediately enchanted with one another.
Adept sleight of hand towards the end. Good reflection. Solid conclusion.
Clara has just written her first book. She was actually in LA to attend promotional signings as well as speaking engagements and discussion panels. She proudly gave Michael a copy of her novel two months ago. But today she realizes that he hasn’t even cracked it open.
Clara is an attractive young woman; Michael is a wealthy older man. They share a penthouse on Park Avenue.
Michael isn’t crazy about it, but Clara essentially drags him to the premier of a film at Radio City Music Hall. There, she meets the film’s director, Lawrence Faber. She and Lawrence are immediately enchanted with one another.
Adept sleight of hand towards the end. Good reflection. Solid conclusion.
February 18, 2019
TWIST!
I uh, hmmm.
This wasnt a bad story.
It was an okay listen.
I think like most people, I assumed she was also, not a gold digger, but with an older man for a lavish lifestyle (I dont say gold digger because she has written her own book and published it. Yes with his help.....but....whatevers. you know what I'm trying to say.)
Anyway, that twist at the end was AWESOME!
Nothing like a good old wake up call!
I think that's what made this book pretty good overall.
Probably the best twist so far in the 3 I have read. Still pending 3 more.
I uh, hmmm.
This wasnt a bad story.
It was an okay listen.
I think like most people, I assumed she was also, not a gold digger, but with an older man for a lavish lifestyle (I dont say gold digger because she has written her own book and published it. Yes with his help.....but....whatevers. you know what I'm trying to say.)
Anyway, that twist at the end was AWESOME!
Nothing like a good old wake up call!
I think that's what made this book pretty good overall.
Probably the best twist so far in the 3 I have read. Still pending 3 more.
August 6, 2020
Clara Discovers What is Important in Her Life
Clara had her heart and career broken by the Film Producer but she was able to snag a very wealthy man in marriage. Her husband is very self absorbed in making deals and money but his wealth allows her to write a novel that the Film Producer wants for his next movie. At the end both men meet and each one calls for her to come with them but she has decided they are only men she doesn’t need or want either one.
The description of Clara’s and the Film Producer’s love making was erotic and I found it very arousing.
Clara had her heart and career broken by the Film Producer but she was able to snag a very wealthy man in marriage. Her husband is very self absorbed in making deals and money but his wealth allows her to write a novel that the Film Producer wants for his next movie. At the end both men meet and each one calls for her to come with them but she has decided they are only men she doesn’t need or want either one.
The description of Clara’s and the Film Producer’s love making was erotic and I found it very arousing.
March 1, 2019
Did they say how old Clara was? If so, I didn't catch it. But I remember having a similar "epiphany" as she did in my early 20s (I, too, got caught up with older men for a bit). Because of the relate-ability, I really quite liked the twist. Miller obviously has a talent for story telling, and I'd be interested to read a longer story by her to see the characters a little more fleshed out. But for a short story, I think she did very well.
December 24, 2025
I can't take it anymore! I thought that I could be able to finish this darn series but I ran out of bleach to clean my eyes after each book. I thought when it said" Strong Women getting what they want", meant something like Women empowerment. Instead, we get a dusting of that idea, and a lot of people who are definitely not having a silent night. I wish the author foucesd more in that women empowerment idea, and this series did not help me get into the Christmas spirit.
February 18, 2019
Book 5 of The Fairer Sex collection, Clara, is more about girl power. Clara finally finds her voice after the premier of her "book gone movie" when her father and backstage hookup meet afterwards and she realizes that they are both the same in so many ways and yet different; Clara must claim herself and what she wants.
March 15, 2019
Clara Review: Similiar to Michelle Miller’s other short stories.
Very interesting story about Clara as an author and her personal journey to be discovered. Enjoyed but the common themes in Miller’s books is for the protagonist to be desired by men who will undo her. But this ending had a nice surprising twist.
Very interesting story about Clara as an author and her personal journey to be discovered. Enjoyed but the common themes in Miller’s books is for the protagonist to be desired by men who will undo her. But this ending had a nice surprising twist.
April 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this one - it was, as the kids say, "so pure." The best ones in this collection by Miller are the ones where the ending is surprising and hopeful and sweet, and this one definitely fit the bill. The writing here is among my favorite in the collection. A delightful New York quasi-fairy tale.
November 1, 2024
So, I guess if you ever write about don't do it to impress a man, probably he won't even read it or care at all about it.
Clara's way to forget about it or realize she should write another book, it's best to do it for herself. Apparently having public sex was her way to think about the whole situation and realize what was the obvious answer.
Clara's way to forget about it or realize she should write another book, it's best to do it for herself. Apparently having public sex was her way to think about the whole situation and realize what was the obvious answer.
March 20, 2019
This is my second favorite in the series. I think the author did a great job and shining a light into the hearts of a lot of woman and what they expect in life, while portraying the growth that we go through. I really loved it.
May 24, 2019
This would have been a really good short story if not for the porn-y sex scene, which to me just did not seem to fit the theme of the story at all.
I've read two of these now and am done. The weird juxtaposition of highbrow short story and explicit sex is not working for me.
I've read two of these now and am done. The weird juxtaposition of highbrow short story and explicit sex is not working for me.
January 14, 2021
Loved this book. Excited to see what is in the next one.
Wonderful story. Enjoyed every moment some fully expected as well as an ending that I did not fully expect. Excited to read more other work.
Wonderful story. Enjoyed every moment some fully expected as well as an ending that I did not fully expect. Excited to read more other work.
May 7, 2023
Clara by Michelle Miller is one of the Amazon Original Stories in a collection called The Fairer Sex. Clara is Book Five of an eight-book series. It was a brief romantic encounter involving a young writer looking for validation. It had a twist that I didn't quite grasp but the writing was good.
September 25, 2025
For all the stories in this series, am I the only one concerned that there was no mention of birth control or condoms prior to engaging in sex? This one was an odd story and I’m conflicted on whether or not I liked it. I guess, it means that I didn’t 😏
Part of the Kindle Unlimited catalog.
Part of the Kindle Unlimited catalog.
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed this one better than the few before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews