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The UnBRCAble Women Series #1
Ready for Whatever
"Don’t think for one minute that this book is full of heavy, tearful drama. The author approaches Millie’s dilemma with humor, including some moments of madcap hilarity. This book is an inspirational tribute to the brave women who have taken control of their own destiny by taking a preemptive strike against cancer." -InD'tale Magazine
From Book 1: In a heartwarming and humor-filled tale, Millie Dwyer finds herself facing a destiny shadowed by a family history of cancer. But sometimes, fate has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and Millie's journey is about to take a surprising turn.
From a young age, Millie was resigned to her genetic destiny, believing that cancer would inevitably claim her, just as it had her grandmother and mother. She thought she had life all figured out, with her genetic mutation serving as an ominous reminder. Little did she know, scientific advances now offer the promise of detection and preventative surgeries, giving her a chance at a different path.
With newfound hope, Millie must navigate a life she never anticipated. Her dating life, once treacherous, takes on a new significance. Now, at 29, she's not just looking for love; she's in the market for a life partner. But with a body marked by scars from her surgeries, she wonders who would be willing to embrace her imperfections.
As Millie embarks on this journey to find love, she discovers that the first step is learning to love herself. Along the way, she encounters madcap hilarity and heartwarming moments that redefine her understanding of destiny, love, and self-acceptance.
Ready for Whatever is a poignant and inspiring tribute to the courageous women who have taken control of their destinies by facing their fears head-on. Join Millie on her transformative quest to not only defy her genetic legacy but to embrace the possibility of a love that celebrates her scars, inside and out.
From Book 1: In a heartwarming and humor-filled tale, Millie Dwyer finds herself facing a destiny shadowed by a family history of cancer. But sometimes, fate has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and Millie's journey is about to take a surprising turn.
From a young age, Millie was resigned to her genetic destiny, believing that cancer would inevitably claim her, just as it had her grandmother and mother. She thought she had life all figured out, with her genetic mutation serving as an ominous reminder. Little did she know, scientific advances now offer the promise of detection and preventative surgeries, giving her a chance at a different path.
With newfound hope, Millie must navigate a life she never anticipated. Her dating life, once treacherous, takes on a new significance. Now, at 29, she's not just looking for love; she's in the market for a life partner. But with a body marked by scars from her surgeries, she wonders who would be willing to embrace her imperfections.
As Millie embarks on this journey to find love, she discovers that the first step is learning to love herself. Along the way, she encounters madcap hilarity and heartwarming moments that redefine her understanding of destiny, love, and self-acceptance.
Ready for Whatever is a poignant and inspiring tribute to the courageous women who have taken control of their destinies by facing their fears head-on. Join Millie on her transformative quest to not only defy her genetic legacy but to embrace the possibility of a love that celebrates her scars, inside and out.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2019
203 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn R. Biel
27 books374 followersKathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 31, 2019
Assigned- Even if you don't enjoy women's fiction or contemporary romance- this book is one everyone should read. Realistic, but not heavy or depressing. Humor and laughter are the best medicine and the lovely romance is as inspirational as Millie!!
Cheers to all the previvors and survivors out there!!
5 stars
Cheers to all the previvors and survivors out there!!
5 stars
October 7, 2019
Overall, the author has done an amazing job of approaching uncomfortable topics with grace and respect while still giving readers a sweet, sigh-worthy romance!
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 23, 2020
Fun read
Not sure what I expected from this book, but I really enjoyed this read. Truth is medical stuff does mess with our emotions in all areas. This was a very real book that feels so relatable. I enjoyed it.
Not sure what I expected from this book, but I really enjoyed this read. Truth is medical stuff does mess with our emotions in all areas. This was a very real book that feels so relatable. I enjoyed it.
April 10, 2019
4.5 stars Millie is a charming, funny schoolteacher with "you'll probably die young of cancer, like your mom and grandmother," coded into her genes. It changes a LOT of how you look at life, and the decisions you make. Because you KNOW you'll die young, you might settle for crappy boyfriends, or make other life-changing decisions, some good, some not so good.
Ask me how I know (I'm a breast cancer orphan, AND a breast cancer sur-thriver). I'm also acquainted with the author via social media and received a free copy of this work through Netgalley.
The book deftly thread the needle between honesty about the complications, physical and emotional, from reproductive cancer treatment, while managing to be funny AND to have a realistic romantic element with a hot guy in it, too. So, fun, heartfelt, and informative, all in one.
If you're a breast cancer sur-thriver, or previvor, or love someone who is, you may enjoy this book.
Ask me how I know (I'm a breast cancer orphan, AND a breast cancer sur-thriver). I'm also acquainted with the author via social media and received a free copy of this work through Netgalley.
The book deftly thread the needle between honesty about the complications, physical and emotional, from reproductive cancer treatment, while managing to be funny AND to have a realistic romantic element with a hot guy in it, too. So, fun, heartfelt, and informative, all in one.
If you're a breast cancer sur-thriver, or previvor, or love someone who is, you may enjoy this book.
December 19, 2020
Nice read
This is not really the story I expected from the front cover. I expected an easy modern women's fiction novel so was surprised to find that the story centres around the main character having a high risk of getting cancer.
The story was informative and raised my awareness so I am appreciative of that. I think the story was well paced and well set out, but I didn't really feel that the main character was believable.
I think the author attempted to be peppy and funny but it was a bit too much. I don't think she acted like a teacher and found her extreme behaviour difficult to understand and empathise with.
I wouldn't rush to read another Biel. It is however original. I also noted 3-4 mistakes in the first 3 chapters. After that the quality of writing did improve.
A middle of the road 3 out of 5 for me.
This is not really the story I expected from the front cover. I expected an easy modern women's fiction novel so was surprised to find that the story centres around the main character having a high risk of getting cancer.
The story was informative and raised my awareness so I am appreciative of that. I think the story was well paced and well set out, but I didn't really feel that the main character was believable.
I think the author attempted to be peppy and funny but it was a bit too much. I don't think she acted like a teacher and found her extreme behaviour difficult to understand and empathise with.
I wouldn't rush to read another Biel. It is however original. I also noted 3-4 mistakes in the first 3 chapters. After that the quality of writing did improve.
A middle of the road 3 out of 5 for me.
July 29, 2019
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy Kathryn Biel’s other books. The main character, Millie, faced serious situation with a mix of realism and humor. I couldn’t wait for what she would say or do next. The other reason for a rare 5 star review was that this book made me think...about how would I react if this happened to me and how somewhat innocuous conversations with someone in Millie’s shoes are heard.
April 17, 2019
I can't say enough about this wonderful book. I laughed, i cried. Seriously, i totally peed my pants laughing and cried my eyes out. Whoda thunk a book about the breast cancer gene could be so entertaining, educational, and heart warming. Thank you for writing this book and educating us. I'm scheduling a mammogram right now.
January 13, 2020
Equally heartbreaking and hilarious, this story made me fall in love with Millie, Sterling, and Piper in a heartbeat. No one is perfect in Kathryn R. Biel's stories, the characters feel all too real with their hang-ups and struggles, and I found it easy to root for them - including Millie's Dad and her best friend Lisa.
Looking forward to reading Erin's story! :)
Looking forward to reading Erin's story! :)
August 23, 2021
I really loved this book, it was funny but realistic and eye opening at the same time. There was parts which made me cringe a bit, with over the top romance, but nevertheless I loved it! :)
May 17, 2019
She gets it!
Kathryn Biel gets all of the emotions & turmoil & insanity that comes with a BRCA mutation diagnosis. While my journey included a cancer diagnosis first, I found myself nodding my head & mentally shouting "Yes! Exactly!" as I read! This is also a sweet romance. Read it for the romance! And, if you know someone going through a medical diagnosis, read it to help understand what might be going on in their head.
Kathryn Biel gets all of the emotions & turmoil & insanity that comes with a BRCA mutation diagnosis. While my journey included a cancer diagnosis first, I found myself nodding my head & mentally shouting "Yes! Exactly!" as I read! This is also a sweet romance. Read it for the romance! And, if you know someone going through a medical diagnosis, read it to help understand what might be going on in their head.
July 7, 2019
Excellent Read
Biel does it again with humor, tears, and swoons. Well researched, great characters, a laugh-out-loud and heartbreaking journey.
If you’re looking for a book to dive into so deep you forget to eat dinner, look no more!
Biel does it again with humor, tears, and swoons. Well researched, great characters, a laugh-out-loud and heartbreaking journey.
If you’re looking for a book to dive into so deep you forget to eat dinner, look no more!
January 4, 2021
POWERFUL but accessible book about cancer survival and the toll and misconceptions of young adult cancer and BRCA+ cancer.
February 20, 2021
Great storyline, heartbraking at times , as I have had breast cancer myself I really felt for her, glad at the result in the end.
September 22, 2021
Love Millie and Sterling
Millie is a teacher and gas Piper in her class and her dad is Sterling. Millie is dating Johnny but when she has to have a preventative mastectomy Johnny dumps her right after her surgery. While she is recuperating during the summer her and Sterling get close. Can they be together when Millie is sabotaging all her relationships? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing Book This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
Millie is a teacher and gas Piper in her class and her dad is Sterling. Millie is dating Johnny but when she has to have a preventative mastectomy Johnny dumps her right after her surgery. While she is recuperating during the summer her and Sterling get close. Can they be together when Millie is sabotaging all her relationships? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing Book This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
June 18, 2019
What a powerful story
This book was so informative and I laughed and I cried. You did an amazing job explaining everything about BRCA and all the emotions that Millie went through. Thank you.
This book was so informative and I laughed and I cried. You did an amazing job explaining everything about BRCA and all the emotions that Millie went through. Thank you.
June 3, 2021
Enthralling
I would like to see everyone read a book of this quality it is juxtaposition of comic and tragedy and totally a Prime novel.
I would like to see everyone read a book of this quality it is juxtaposition of comic and tragedy and totally a Prime novel.
October 13, 2019
Millie is pretty sure she has the gene mutation that greatly increases her chance of breast or ovarian cancer, so when she gets the test results she is not shocked, but it is an extremely unpleasant wake-up call. The thing she has been dreading for most of her life is true, and now it is very real. “Ready for Whatever” is the story of Millie’s recovery from the surgeries she chooses to have to save her life, with a focus on her personal and romantic life after surgery, with not too much medical jargon in the mix.
You would think a book about this topic of “previving cancer” would be uber serious, or a downer, or a transformational book where the lead character becomes a hero after looking death in the eye. But it isn’t, and that is actually what makes this book so great. After a couple chapters it became one of the funniest books I have ever read. I kept laughing out loud while I was reading, because Millie is so funny and this book is so well done. This book was a wonderful balance of funny, serious, sweet, romance, and a difficult situation. The author did an amazing job of balancing the heaviness of Millie’s diagnosis and recovery with laughs and love.
Millie is totally normal - she has a job she loves, she is kind, she dates losers, and she thinks she will die young. Ok, so not totally normal, but you catch my drift. After the surgeries, she remains “normal”, and by that I mean she wallows a little and tries to get back to her old life that she wants so much. She doesn’t move across the country, run marathons, or start a foundation for cancer research. Not that any of those things are wrong, just sometimes hard to relate to. Millie is completely relatable.
I LOVE Millie. She is so real, and I followed her train of thought so easily. If a man wants to understand how complicated a woman’s thoughts are, have him read this book. 😆 Sterling was the perfect man, a little too perfect in my opinion, but it is a romance so I understand. In fact, if Sterling hadn’t been so perfect, I think it would have taken the focus away from Millie and her journey. I also love that Millie leans on others including her support group, friends and family, and community to get her through this tough time. The author managed to convey how hard it is to accept help when you need it most, how asking for it seems impossible, but how good it is to have it. A little extra praise to Kathryn R. Biel for mentioning that Millie went to therapy! I love when authors mention therapy in a healthy way.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You would think a book about this topic of “previving cancer” would be uber serious, or a downer, or a transformational book where the lead character becomes a hero after looking death in the eye. But it isn’t, and that is actually what makes this book so great. After a couple chapters it became one of the funniest books I have ever read. I kept laughing out loud while I was reading, because Millie is so funny and this book is so well done. This book was a wonderful balance of funny, serious, sweet, romance, and a difficult situation. The author did an amazing job of balancing the heaviness of Millie’s diagnosis and recovery with laughs and love.
Millie is totally normal - she has a job she loves, she is kind, she dates losers, and she thinks she will die young. Ok, so not totally normal, but you catch my drift. After the surgeries, she remains “normal”, and by that I mean she wallows a little and tries to get back to her old life that she wants so much. She doesn’t move across the country, run marathons, or start a foundation for cancer research. Not that any of those things are wrong, just sometimes hard to relate to. Millie is completely relatable.
I LOVE Millie. She is so real, and I followed her train of thought so easily. If a man wants to understand how complicated a woman’s thoughts are, have him read this book. 😆 Sterling was the perfect man, a little too perfect in my opinion, but it is a romance so I understand. In fact, if Sterling hadn’t been so perfect, I think it would have taken the focus away from Millie and her journey. I also love that Millie leans on others including her support group, friends and family, and community to get her through this tough time. The author managed to convey how hard it is to accept help when you need it most, how asking for it seems impossible, but how good it is to have it. A little extra praise to Kathryn R. Biel for mentioning that Millie went to therapy! I love when authors mention therapy in a healthy way.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2019
I finished reading this book a few days ago and it has stayed with me. I have been mulling over what Millie Dwyer went through since - as a young girl losing her mother to breast cancer, knowing her grandmother died of ovarian cancer, and then realizing that she too would suffer the same fate. How does a young woman come to terms with that? And then her death sentence was commuted after her genetic test came back positive that she had the BRCA gene and she elected to have a mastectomy and hysterectomy immediately to reduce her chances of developing cancer. Now she had to figure out how to live a life she never thought she would get to live.
I kept trying to think about what I would do in this situation. How would I act and react? Would I make the same choices Millie made? Would I have the love a support group like UnBRCAble to help me navigate possibly losing a nipple or dating on hormone replacement therapy? How would these surgeries change my sense of self?
Author Kathryn R Biel deftly addresses these and many other aspects of cancer. This is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and uplifting book all at the same time. It was also educational! I adored Millie and can't wait to read more in this series.
I kept trying to think about what I would do in this situation. How would I act and react? Would I make the same choices Millie made? Would I have the love a support group like UnBRCAble to help me navigate possibly losing a nipple or dating on hormone replacement therapy? How would these surgeries change my sense of self?
Author Kathryn R Biel deftly addresses these and many other aspects of cancer. This is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and uplifting book all at the same time. It was also educational! I adored Millie and can't wait to read more in this series.
January 22, 2021
Very good!
Great characters with real life problems. Excellent humor and interesting subject. Never would have considered a rom-.com series dealing with BRCA gene. Very well done.
Great characters with real life problems. Excellent humor and interesting subject. Never would have considered a rom-.com series dealing with BRCA gene. Very well done.
April 19, 2021
Gripped
From time I started reading I was hooked. I love the storyline, and how despite up and downs of life, finally a happy ending.
From time I started reading I was hooked. I love the storyline, and how despite up and downs of life, finally a happy ending.
December 30, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my review.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, it is clear Kathryn Biel is experienced in the health field and did her research for the writing of this book. While a romantic comedy at times, Kathryn wove in the importance of women's health and the lengths one will go to live because of genetic predispositions.
At times this story had be chuckling, Biel certainly knows how to add some humor and wit to a story that is also emotionally charged. I whole-heatedly recommend this story to anybody as the issues brought up in this story-line have the potential and power to impact your life.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, it is clear Kathryn Biel is experienced in the health field and did her research for the writing of this book. While a romantic comedy at times, Kathryn wove in the importance of women's health and the lengths one will go to live because of genetic predispositions.
At times this story had be chuckling, Biel certainly knows how to add some humor and wit to a story that is also emotionally charged. I whole-heatedly recommend this story to anybody as the issues brought up in this story-line have the potential and power to impact your life.
January 19, 2021
Courageous.
This book is an eye opener to the struggles one must endure when you have to make a drastic decision about your life. Very insightful, must read.
This book is an eye opener to the struggles one must endure when you have to make a drastic decision about your life. Very insightful, must read.
December 2, 2020
I’m mixed on this one. I read it for the BRCA/breast cancer plot. Much I could absolutely relate to and she has nailed the trial of reconstructed breasts. I don’t think I could have understood the discomfort prior to my own mastectomy. But the book was fairly silly overall and she turned out not to be an entirely likable person. It felt like she was going too hard for the middle school boy level of humor and that’s not appealing to me.
October 14, 2023
I needed an easy romance novel to cleanse my palette. This did the job! I love Sterling. I can't even begin to imagine what Millie was going through. Even so, and I say this with utmost sensitivity, being in her head was kind of annoying.
May 2, 2019
Such a good book. Not only is the storyline so good but I learned a lot as well!
Love Millie and her resilience!
Love Millie and her resilience!
November 18, 2020
I loved this book, serious topic done in a non-profit serious manner, you will score Millie and Sterling. Want to read the series.
October 17, 2023
A sweet, funny story about a young woman’s struggle with finding out she has the BRCA (breast cancer) gene.
It’s her journey of navigating through this hard diagnosis, treatment that she chooses, love, finding herself, friendship and the trauma she has and needs to overcome.
There are lessons on mastectomies, the brca gene, cancer, etc throughout this book which, at times, felt weird to the storyline, but overall it didn’t distract too much and helped me understand more of what these women must go through.
*pretty mild language and closed door bedroom scenes
-there is a lot of talk about boobs and body parts, given the nature of the story, this felt appropriate and added to the humor.
It’s her journey of navigating through this hard diagnosis, treatment that she chooses, love, finding herself, friendship and the trauma she has and needs to overcome.
There are lessons on mastectomies, the brca gene, cancer, etc throughout this book which, at times, felt weird to the storyline, but overall it didn’t distract too much and helped me understand more of what these women must go through.
*pretty mild language and closed door bedroom scenes
-there is a lot of talk about boobs and body parts, given the nature of the story, this felt appropriate and added to the humor.
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed the story and characters. The point of view from Millie, the main character's POV, seemed to be well thought out and researched. One could imagine the emotional and physical changes and reactions she wrote about in the book through Millie.
I will continue to read more books in this series.
I will continue to read more books in this series.
November 29, 2020
Men and women need to read this book
I was a little nervous to read this book because I was afraid it would be a cry on every page. It isn’t, it is so much more. I learned a lot, it is very witty and very real. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was a little nervous to read this book because I was afraid it would be a cry on every page. It isn’t, it is so much more. I learned a lot, it is very witty and very real. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Read
January 6, 2021Great story and learned useful information about what someone goes through emotionally and physically when choosing to have breasts, uterus, etc removed as prevention. Also how well-meaning comments can actually be hurtful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews