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The UnBRCAble Women Series #2
Seize the Day
Current Freaking Out.
Erin McAvoy is living her best life. A lover of tacos, witty T-shirts, and Pinterest, Erin is always ready to tell you about her favorite thing—the animals she tends to at one of the nation's best zoos. But then there's that other thing she doesn't like to talk how a supposedly-for-fun DNA test revealed that Erin has a strong genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. She'd like to conveniently ignore that elephant in the room, except for the fact that unless she does something soon, Erin will miss out on her only chance to have a baby.
Up to this point, the only guy she's needed in her life was a sloth—the animal kind, not the lazy kind—named Barry. Turns out, if you want to have a baby, a sloth is not the right man for the job. Growing up in a conservative family, Erin's never even considered any other options, until now. She doesn't have a lot of time to wait, and online dating isn't for the faint heart.
When co-worker Xander Barnes—foe—or friend?—or maybe even more?—comes up with a plausible solution to give her the baby she wants, Erin realizes this may be her last chance to grab the tiger by the tail. Her family may not agree with her choices, but Erin knows that if one leopard can change his spots, then she can too. And maybe, just maybe, this will be everything she's ever wanted. Plus tacos.
Erin McAvoy is living her best life. A lover of tacos, witty T-shirts, and Pinterest, Erin is always ready to tell you about her favorite thing—the animals she tends to at one of the nation's best zoos. But then there's that other thing she doesn't like to talk how a supposedly-for-fun DNA test revealed that Erin has a strong genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. She'd like to conveniently ignore that elephant in the room, except for the fact that unless she does something soon, Erin will miss out on her only chance to have a baby.
Up to this point, the only guy she's needed in her life was a sloth—the animal kind, not the lazy kind—named Barry. Turns out, if you want to have a baby, a sloth is not the right man for the job. Growing up in a conservative family, Erin's never even considered any other options, until now. She doesn't have a lot of time to wait, and online dating isn't for the faint heart.
When co-worker Xander Barnes—foe—or friend?—or maybe even more?—comes up with a plausible solution to give her the baby she wants, Erin realizes this may be her last chance to grab the tiger by the tail. Her family may not agree with her choices, but Erin knows that if one leopard can change his spots, then she can too. And maybe, just maybe, this will be everything she's ever wanted. Plus tacos.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2019
16 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn R. Biel
27 books373 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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January 30, 2020"This book should be a movie or TV series! This is an amazing romantic comedy that also touches on deeper issues."
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
February 6, 2020
Plus, who doesn’t love animals? This book is absolutely perfect for romance and animal lovers alike!
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 27, 2020
Read this book (#2 in series) and Ready for Whatever (#1 in series) and enjoyed both. Took myself back to a 20-30 yr old mindset like the characters. What a difficult topic for young women to deal with now that more is known about the BRCA gene. Through humor and real-life situations, Erin has self-doubts and self-esteem issues when dealing with the opposite sex. But it’s pleasing to see her mature and find her place. Plus if you’re a zoo animal lover, you’ll relish the setting as well as the beloved sloth.
March 23, 2020
What can I say other than Kathryn R. Biel does it again and delights readers with another story of a resilient woman navigating the ups and downs of womanhood and all that it entails. And for our plucky, sloth-loving protagonist, that means her BRCA-1 mutation and her race against her biological clock to have a child and have surgery before cancer develops.
I want to be friends with Erin. I love a good factoid and she has plenty. Her punny t-shirt collection would always keep me entertained. Like me, she loves tacos and nachos. And she is a caring, nurturing soul. Total best friend material. And you can't help but root for her, one of the few (if not the only) UnBRCable women (so far that we have met at the Wednesday night meetings) to bide her time in hopes of having it all - a child she birthed and fed with her own body and keeping cancer at bay by having a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy before developing cancer.
And did I mention she works at a zoo? How cool is that! Her co-worker, Xander Barnes, is an added bonus. He's got that rugged, chiseled look to him and he is gentle and caring with their animal charges. What's there not to love?
Ask Erin. She seems to not like him very much when we first meet her at the beginning of Seize the Day....
I want to be friends with Erin. I love a good factoid and she has plenty. Her punny t-shirt collection would always keep me entertained. Like me, she loves tacos and nachos. And she is a caring, nurturing soul. Total best friend material. And you can't help but root for her, one of the few (if not the only) UnBRCable women (so far that we have met at the Wednesday night meetings) to bide her time in hopes of having it all - a child she birthed and fed with her own body and keeping cancer at bay by having a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy before developing cancer.
And did I mention she works at a zoo? How cool is that! Her co-worker, Xander Barnes, is an added bonus. He's got that rugged, chiseled look to him and he is gentle and caring with their animal charges. What's there not to love?
Ask Erin. She seems to not like him very much when we first meet her at the beginning of Seize the Day....
November 2, 2019
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Erin McAvoy is a woman on the horns of a dilemma. In Seize The Day (The UnBRCAble Women Series Book 2) by Kathryn R Biel, Erin has some difficult choices to make. In her early thirties, Erin is a zoo worker who loves her job and her animals more than anything, perhaps even more than people but she knows she is in a race against time to achieve all she wants to achieve in life. Erin is the recipient of the BRCA variant gene that massively increases her chances of breast and ovarian cancer. As with many BRCA afflicted women in her support group, Erin knows she needs to have a mastectomy and a hysterectomy, as a preventative measure before any signs of cancer appear. The problem – Erin is desperate to have a child, before her chance disappears. Her conservative parents believe strongly in dating – love – marriage and THEN children but Erin may not have that luxury. All of the men she meets on her dating app. are wholly not what she is looking for and she truly despairs of ever making her dreams come true.
Writing a novel with humour, wit, and grace that deals with such a difficult and sensitive topic is an art in itself and in Seize The Day (The UnBRCAble Women Series Book 2), author Kathryn R Biel has achieved that perfectly. Her lead character Erin McAvoy is perfectly drawn as a woman full of self-doubt, who lacks self-esteem and belief yet is prepared to overcome her shortfalls and stand up for herself and fight for what she believes in and desperately wants. The mixture of doubt and daring that the author wove into this character goes straight to the readers’ empathetic bones and although at times you almost want to shake her and tell her to wake up to the reality, you also know she eventually will see the obvious and grasp the opportunities. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Erin and her mother, one that was typified by that eternal problem of over-protection and parent-projection and the child that just wants to break free and do her own thing. The love interest in the story was the central theme, of course and this was beautifully built up to a crescendo that I really appreciated. This book is slated as “women’s lit” however I would suggest it is a fantastic read for anyone who needs a lift in their morale and an object lesson in “when life throws lemons at you – make lemonade”. Funny, witty, sad, moving, this story has it all. It’s a winner and highly recommended by this reviewer.
Erin McAvoy is a woman on the horns of a dilemma. In Seize The Day (The UnBRCAble Women Series Book 2) by Kathryn R Biel, Erin has some difficult choices to make. In her early thirties, Erin is a zoo worker who loves her job and her animals more than anything, perhaps even more than people but she knows she is in a race against time to achieve all she wants to achieve in life. Erin is the recipient of the BRCA variant gene that massively increases her chances of breast and ovarian cancer. As with many BRCA afflicted women in her support group, Erin knows she needs to have a mastectomy and a hysterectomy, as a preventative measure before any signs of cancer appear. The problem – Erin is desperate to have a child, before her chance disappears. Her conservative parents believe strongly in dating – love – marriage and THEN children but Erin may not have that luxury. All of the men she meets on her dating app. are wholly not what she is looking for and she truly despairs of ever making her dreams come true.
Writing a novel with humour, wit, and grace that deals with such a difficult and sensitive topic is an art in itself and in Seize The Day (The UnBRCAble Women Series Book 2), author Kathryn R Biel has achieved that perfectly. Her lead character Erin McAvoy is perfectly drawn as a woman full of self-doubt, who lacks self-esteem and belief yet is prepared to overcome her shortfalls and stand up for herself and fight for what she believes in and desperately wants. The mixture of doubt and daring that the author wove into this character goes straight to the readers’ empathetic bones and although at times you almost want to shake her and tell her to wake up to the reality, you also know she eventually will see the obvious and grasp the opportunities. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Erin and her mother, one that was typified by that eternal problem of over-protection and parent-projection and the child that just wants to break free and do her own thing. The love interest in the story was the central theme, of course and this was beautifully built up to a crescendo that I really appreciated. This book is slated as “women’s lit” however I would suggest it is a fantastic read for anyone who needs a lift in their morale and an object lesson in “when life throws lemons at you – make lemonade”. Funny, witty, sad, moving, this story has it all. It’s a winner and highly recommended by this reviewer.
October 22, 2020
This UbRCAble series is a must read for every woman, and man.
July 15, 2020
Erin and I could easily be BFFs! I really enjoyed this read. Seize the Day isn't your typical romance or romcom as there is definitely some heavy subject matter. However, the main character, Erin, will have you chuckling throughout with relatable (or maybe it's just me?), very human moments. Her journey is not an easy one, but you'll be rooting for her and turning the pages to see what happens next. Definitely recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 11, 2020
Absolutely a great book. I love when I find a new author and narrator. Emily is looking to become a mom because she fears she will soon have a cancer. Zander steps up to the plate. They both struggle with the possibility of their gene. Strong characters and fun story. Looking forward to more from both
March 7, 2023
Despite the fact that it took me quite a few days to read this book, I did enjoy it immensely as I do all of Kathryn Biel’s books. Just the right dosage or heart tugging and romance blended together for an enjoyable love story. Biel is adept at using humor when writing about serious topics. I also appreciate the amount of research that went into this.
September 3, 2020
Recommended by Author Becky Monson. Subtracted a star for language. I enjoyed this rom-com that deals with a real issue, the BRCA gene.
December 26, 2020
Perfect story
I loved this story so much. Erin is an everyday kinda girl and she likes funny t-shirts. The story is romantic and complicated and so lovely.
I loved this story so much. Erin is an everyday kinda girl and she likes funny t-shirts. The story is romantic and complicated and so lovely.
December 27, 2020
I loved this book. It really spoke to me, and not just because of the tacos. I laughed, I cried. I might have to read it again.
June 12, 2021
Baby on the brain
If only life was simple. If only. This book is really cute and delves a little more into the perils and pitfalls of cancer. It was a pleasure to read.
If only life was simple. If only. This book is really cute and delves a little more into the perils and pitfalls of cancer. It was a pleasure to read.
January 14, 2020
Kathryn R. Biel, ‘Seize the Day’
The UnBRACable Women Series, #2.
(BRCA: a genetic mutation which makes women susceptible to cancer in the breast or ovary).
As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy and promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Carpe Diem, from enemies to lovers.
Main characters:
- Erin (32).
She’s a Zookeeper who loves animals and is very happy in her job. She thinks that she has no time for boyfriends. But at her age the biological clock starts ticking and the discovery of BRCA makes it more urging.
- Xander Barnes.
Colleague of Erin. He’s looking good and has a ‘bad boy’ reputation so Erin loathes him and they bicker a lot. But she has to admit that he’s good with animals.
Erin and Xander both get a promotion at the Zoo and more often have to work together. Erin’s dislike for him reduces when she sees that he may have a sharp tongue, but also is a person who cares for her. And in a weak moment she informs him about her BRCA problem and confesses that she ‘s looking for an (affordable) way to get an artificial pregnancy before the cancer strikes and without hurting the feelings of her conservative mother too much.
Then the author, Kathryn R. Biel, describes how Xander helps Erin to achieve her dream. It includes a lot of technical info about artificial insemination (for this reader not the most interesting subject), but also many sassy dialogues and scenes in which women with the same problems try to help each other. An original plot with a foreseeable ending; for me a pleasure to read.
R. Huiszoon.
The UnBRACable Women Series, #2.
(BRCA: a genetic mutation which makes women susceptible to cancer in the breast or ovary).
As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy and promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Carpe Diem, from enemies to lovers.
Main characters:
- Erin (32).
She’s a Zookeeper who loves animals and is very happy in her job. She thinks that she has no time for boyfriends. But at her age the biological clock starts ticking and the discovery of BRCA makes it more urging.
- Xander Barnes.
Colleague of Erin. He’s looking good and has a ‘bad boy’ reputation so Erin loathes him and they bicker a lot. But she has to admit that he’s good with animals.
Erin and Xander both get a promotion at the Zoo and more often have to work together. Erin’s dislike for him reduces when she sees that he may have a sharp tongue, but also is a person who cares for her. And in a weak moment she informs him about her BRCA problem and confesses that she ‘s looking for an (affordable) way to get an artificial pregnancy before the cancer strikes and without hurting the feelings of her conservative mother too much.
Then the author, Kathryn R. Biel, describes how Xander helps Erin to achieve her dream. It includes a lot of technical info about artificial insemination (for this reader not the most interesting subject), but also many sassy dialogues and scenes in which women with the same problems try to help each other. An original plot with a foreseeable ending; for me a pleasure to read.
R. Huiszoon.
January 24, 2020
This is the second book in the The UnBRCAble Women Series and it is a great story just like the first one. Erin has the breast cancer gene BRCA and wants to have her own child before she goes through her surgery which is kind of hard if you are not dating anyone and the fertility and sperm donor costs are more than she can afford. Xander is her coworker and she has a love hate relationship with him. He is a hot zookeeper that flirts with all the women so she assumes he is a man-whore which is further from the truth. Xander has wanted to ask Erin out for a while, but just assumed she didn’t like him since she always seemed to fight with him. Once he finds out about her status as a cancer gene carrier and her plans to have a baby he wants to be involved and help her. Erin is all kinds of a mess not really believing anyone could actually want her for a romantic relationship and keeps trying to sabotage her relationship with Xander as friends. This is a good story that highlights all the emotions that women feel knowing they are living with this gene and how it affects their lives. This story has it all romance, drama, and humor with the backdrop of sloths and tacos. I received an ARC and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 17, 2020
😊Fun and witty, despite heroine Erin's internal ticking timebomb⏰😮
😍😍The acerbic wit that gets this heroine zookeeper through the day really made this a fun read. Erin has life and death decisions to make, but she's always got time for tacos and a witty, play-on-words t-shirt. She deals with opinionated relatives, irksome colleagues and her beloved animal charges Barry and Bonnie sloth while her life roller coasters through health-worry lows and hormonal highs as she focuses on getting the most out of life while keeping the big C at bay. The sweet romance was like a bit of icing on the cake!🎂. Erin is the low maintenance gal who would be a great friend if her life was not so fraught.
A delightful story with an affirming conclusion; I thoroughly enjoyed Erin's journey👍👍
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
😍😍The acerbic wit that gets this heroine zookeeper through the day really made this a fun read. Erin has life and death decisions to make, but she's always got time for tacos and a witty, play-on-words t-shirt. She deals with opinionated relatives, irksome colleagues and her beloved animal charges Barry and Bonnie sloth while her life roller coasters through health-worry lows and hormonal highs as she focuses on getting the most out of life while keeping the big C at bay. The sweet romance was like a bit of icing on the cake!🎂. Erin is the low maintenance gal who would be a great friend if her life was not so fraught.
A delightful story with an affirming conclusion; I thoroughly enjoyed Erin's journey👍👍
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 18, 2020
Current mood: kinda sad the book is over! This book, the second in the UnBRCAble series, was a fun light chick-lit read. The characters were written with just enough personality to make them interesting without being overdone, the breast and ovarian cancer angle taught me a little more about the BRCA gene mutation the main character is struggling with, and the slower development of the romance involved felt far more believable than the more sudden love stories usually found in this genre. I haven’t read the first book, and didn’t feel lost—this did well as a stand-alone. Overall, this book is a great one if you’re looking for a more lighthearted read.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2020
Loved this book! I purposely waited until I needed a pick-me-up to listen to this book. Kathryn Biel’s books always have a way of amusing me. This is the second book in the series about women with the BRCA mutation. It did not disappoint. The characters were funny and relatable. I highly recommend this book to help ease the funk of being quarantined.
November 27, 2019
This book is amazing! A must read! I could not put it down! I laughed, I cried, I stayed up way too late finishing it in two days!! Thank you Kathryn for writing this amazing book!!! I can’t wait for your next one!!!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews