Audiobook Review of Fairer Sex Collection by Michelle Miller (part 2)

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. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Clara

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

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.

Review:

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. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Lauren

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

The dysfunctional relationship between a rising Manhattan gallery owner and her mother spirals out of control in a harrowing and unflinchingly honest short story of inheritance, sabotage, and the pressure to excel.

Lauren is angry enough that her mother couldn’t find time to show up to the opening of her new art gallery. But when she gets home and discovers the gift her mother has sent instead, Lauren comes undone in the face of a temptation that will push her to the edge, closer to her demons and the bitter taste of a mother’s love.

Review:

Lauren is a rising Manhattan gallery owner who has a very dysfunctional relationship with her mother. Her mother couldn't be bothered to show up the opening and sends her a gift instead. Lauren comes undone and goes toe-to-toe with her inner demons

This was sad. Horribly sad. I hated how it ended. Lauren deserves to lover herself, but we were left with Lauren harming herself and then just hiding behind her mask again. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe she is done with her mother now???? I hope so. 

2 stars from me. 

 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Eleanor

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

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.

Review:

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. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Keridee

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

A small-town waitress, awestruck by dreams of a bigger world, looks forward to the biggest break of a budding career in this darkly comic short tale of what happens when innocence collides with cynicism.

Eighteen-year-old Keridee is done with high school, her cheating boyfriend, her jealous friends, and Nowhere, Florida. She’s determined to do something with her life, and her small-time modeling agent has already scored her a gig. She’s working an event for a billionaire real estate mogul who happens to own a huge modeling agency. What if he’s dazzled by her smile and makes her a star? What if the impossible actually happens?

Review:

This is the last one! Last, but not least, is Keridee. She has just finished High school. Everything seems to be falling apart until she gets a really good modeling gig. She's working an event for a billionaire real estate mogul who happens to also own a huge modeling agency. What if she can dazzle him and make a name for herself?

I had high hopes for this one. I really wanted Keridee to succeed and thumb her nose at her lame ex and shitty friends...but alas...this did not end great. I won't spoil it, but I was bummed. I needed more story. What did she do next? What happened? Too open-ended. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #56, 57, 58, & 59 for Audiobook challenge

 

Audiobook Review of Fairer Sex Collection by Michelle Miller (part 1)

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. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Candace

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

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.

Review:

The first story is about Candace. She has been on more blind dates than one can count over the years so she has been having a hard time believing that Patrick is so perfect AND then the check arrives. 

This was fun. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when that check arrived and Patrick opened his mouth. Kuddos to Candace! That was certainly clever. 5 stars.

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Meredith

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

A frustrated lawyer finds release where she least expects it—and where she needs it most—in this exhilarating, sexy romp through the finest gluten-free indulgences in a New York City grocery store. After another long workday, the only thing Meredith wants is a nice big bowl of paleo maple-pecan coconola. But the hour-long checkout line at 7:00 p.m. at an all-organic supermarket stands between her and satisfaction, and the yupster mob is working her last nerve. Then, out of nowhere, a spontaneous flirtation with a stranger shows her there’s a lot more than coconola waiting for her in the bulk-food aisle.

Review:

This one follows Meredith. She is a frustrated lawyer looking for release and finds it where she least expects it....at the gluten-free indulgences in a New York City grocery store. 

This one took a huge turn and that escalated quickly. I was just waiting for the cops or security guard to be called over on her and that guy. Like WOWZERS.

Honestly - I think I wanted more of this...I would've liked to see what happened next. It sort of just...ended. Yes, yes, it's a short story but still. It felt....*thinks of word*....incomplete. 3 stars overall from me. 

 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Alicia

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

An aspiring artist gets a seven-figure offer that could change her life forever in this provocative and surprising short story of a woman torn between saying yes and saying no.

Alicia could do a lot with a million dollars. But what’s she willing to do for it? Her top client, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has made a very intimate business proposal. In the world of finance, it’s just another transaction, right? An efficient supply-demand exchange. At least that’s what Alicia tries to tell herself. But as the deadline for her decision closes in, it becomes clear that things are a lot more complicated than that.

Review:

Now we have Alicia. She is an aspiring artist who is given a seven-figure offer that could change her life and let her dreams come true. However....can she get herself to do it? Her top client, a good-looking billionaire hedge manager, has offered to pay for sex one time. 

We mainly get to see Alicia struggling with this decision and waiting at the hotel. 

I found this one really intriguing. Easy answer....heck yes. BUT the ramifications can be bad. And that guy doesn't seem bad...even though what a creepy offer. 

This short really showed that people and situations are never black and white. I'll give this one a 5 as well. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Meredith

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

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.

Review:

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.

Challenge(s):
- #52, 53, 54, & 55 for Audiobook challenge