The Year of Saying Yes

The Year of Saying Yes #1

by Hannah Doyle

Dear Readers,

I hold my hands up: I'm stuck in a rut. For three years and counting I've been hopelessly in love with the same guy - and the closest we've ever got is a drunken arse grab (NB: this doesn't count). My favourite hobby is googling cats for spinsters and I'm sick of my shoestring salary that barely pays for my shoebox flat.

I need a head-to-toe life makeover. Enter my 'Year of Saying Yes', which is where you come in. To help me sort out my sorry life, I need you to #DareIzzy. For the next 12 months I'll be saying 'yes' to your challenges, no matter how wild, adventurous or plain nuts they are. 'No' is not an option!

Here goes... Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.

Love,

Izzy x

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Womens Fiction, Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Humor

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2017

About the author

Hannah is a bestselling author of feel good fiction. THE PICK UP is her fourth novel. She's also written The Year of Saying Yes, Just My Type and The A to Z of Us.

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is laugh out loud level of funny. I found it to be a great journey of self discovery as Izzy has to say yes to one dare a month to try to improve her life. I loved the variety of the dares and what they tried to achieve, and really enjoyed watching how Izzy grew during the story. This is just a an all around fun book to read.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, I laughed all the time. This was such a happy book and I thank the author Hannah Doyle for writing such a fun story.
As a part of feature story in a magazine, Izzy has to say yes to one dare per month, the readers set up for her.
It was absolutely a blast to see Izzy doing those dares. It was nice to see that as the pages turned, Izzy too grew with the story.
This was my first book by Hannah and I think I am going to read her story whenever the going gets tough. Her words just reset the brain to happiness.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of this year I read the first part in "The Year of Saying Yes" series, "It Started with a Dare", and I totally loved it. This novella has totally taken me by surprise actually - I haven't expected it to be SO good, so hilarious, so light - hearted and full of laugh - out - loud moments and I loved it! I planned to read all the other parts as soon as they're published however it never worked out - you know how it is, life getting in the way, no time at all, and somehow, somewhere my huge plan of reading them just disappeared. Imagine then my surprise when one day I've opened an envelope and found there the whole "The Year of Saying Yes" in one big gorgeous book - just this kind of surprise that I adore :)

Hannah Doyle's writing style is brilliant, it flows so effortlessly, it's full of humour and I immediately felt drawn in. She describes events and situations in a way that makes you feel you are watching a sitcom, adding a gesture here or dropping a hilarious one - liner there. She can also create lovely characters that I adored from the very beginning - well, who wouldn't relate to Izzy and the pressure she's putting on herself? I also felt so comfortable with all her friends, but Izzy is a special character, with her very own unique voice, huge personality she's bubbly, quirky and full of life. She was a brilliant lead character and I think I loved everything about her: her sense of humour, the way she was so incredibly down to earth and relaxed, the way she viewed the world. In my eyes she was also incredibly brave, I think I wouldn't dare to take part in such a kind of challenge, just imagine how much it costs to get out of your comfort zones, and poor Izzy needed to do this twelve times. Of course it was for the best, she's grown, learnt so many things but still it was a great challenge, and she couldn't say no to them, no matter how crazy or unfeasible it was. She pushed her way past breaking points on more than one occasion and I just wanted to get up and give her a standing ovation. She was not perfect, oh no, I personally couldn't stand her infatuation with George and there were moments that I wanted to shake her so badly and tell her to open her eyes but well... heart wants what the heart wants and I really, truly adored her. It would be great to have Izzy as a friend.

This was a brilliant, light - hearted book that you can re - read every time you're feeling low and it's assured it's going to make you feel better. It was hilarious but it also touched upon more difficult aspect of life and it was very well balanced. It was a funny, refreshing read and I loved the idea behind it - maybe I should try this say yes approach as well. I think that somewhere in the middle the story slowed down a little and felt a bit slower and quieter than the beginning and then the end, but nevertheless it was still a great, amusing read about taking chances.

Altogether, "The Year of Saying Yes" was a story about learning things about yourself, pushing your boundaries, learning that impossible is nothing. It shows that no matter what we think about ourselves, we're strong enough to face the challenges - in a brilliant, hilarious, light - hearted way. I really can't wait to see what Hannah Doyle has in store for us, because this book was a real winner and it is a novel that should be shouted about from the rooftops. Highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know where I got the notion that this was a non-fictional account of the adventures of a real-life introverted British journalist, but it’s not, and I can’t begin to describe my disappointment. It’s actually chick lit drivel that I abhor, both fluffy and predictable in equal measure, with eye-rolling, worship-level references to Bridget Jones that make me actually groan in disgust and want to chuck the book across the room (sadly, it’s a Kindle copy on my iPad).

But digging past all that nauseating drama, it’s a quick read, and I did find the overall message of an introvert stepping out of their comfort zone by doing one terrifying new thing a month—which can increase confidence and bring about positive changes in life—interesting (even though readers are repeatedly clobbered over the head with the moral of the story throughout). Just don’t expect every guy you meet to be a) hopelessly attracted to you, and b) a Greek god Adonis; and unless you, too, just happen to coincidently work for a trendy beauty and fashion rag, you’re probably not going to have access to the designer clothes, parties with celebrities, and backstage passes that will make all of social media envious of your new, glamorous life. 2.5 stars

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthearted fun read with some genuine laugh out loud moments.

[LukasmummyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favour and say YES to this book!

I picked this up on a whim, and honestly I thought it would be just another book that sat on my kindle and only got pulled out while waiting for the kids.

But once you start reading it you soon realise that it is every one of those awesome 90s and 00s chick lit books (they really don't make them as good anymore and their unique flair is diluted across multiple books), like the original shopaholic, the first Bridget Jones Diary but bought up to date and given a fun twist. You will rapidly really remember why it's a good thing for the main character to be unashamedly human.

Right from the beginning, the endearingly quirky Izzy makes you want to root for her. You groan right along with her when she is clumsy or blurts out something inappropriate. You empathise with the feeling of wishing your life was just a bit, more interesting/fulfilling, insert your own words here, all while drowning in all the "NO'S" that pin you right where you are, stuck and sad.

Perfect for a beach/park read! Who knows maybe it will inspire you to say YES to something new too.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - definitely a good option for a holiday read as you can easily loose yourself for the day on a sun lounger- probably helped me get through it so quickly as I’ve been locked away in this awful snow.

Funny throughout the book and there wasn’t a character that I didn’t like. Good idea that each chapter was a new challenge in the year of Izzy saying yes and she was really brave to do some of the challenges 🤣😂

It’s left me wondering if there will be a follow on - I hope so.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Year of saying Yes by Hannah Doyle a four-star read that will have you saying yes. I was a little mmm about reading this book as there was too much yeah it’s the funniest thing you will ever read, and I am so glad I did it really was so funny. This was well written, the characters were complex and interesting so you can’t put it down until the last page. If you need a book that will put a smile on your face then this is the read for you.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, enjoyable light read. The narrator was quite good. I did get a litt!e tired of the "hashtag everything" by the end of the book but it was also appropriate with the emphasis on social media in the book. It was encouraging to look at a character doing some honest self evaluation with some good results. I also appreciated the amount of bedroom restraint in this book.

[Brooke — brooklynnnnereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked this book. More so than I originally thought I would! I went into this novel thinking that it would be the cute and average mass market romance comedy. But in reality, it was so much more than that.

First, let me just say how much I loved the main character of Isobel! Her personality and her humour came across as a combination of all my favourite characters: Bridget Jones, Stephanie Plum, and most notably: Becky Bloomwood. She really was a blast to read about and I found her relatable as at twenty-six, I too am stumbling a bit through life.

Also, although this story is hilarious (literally had me laughing out loud periodically) it also deals with the difficult aspects of life. Without giving too much away, Isobel really did go through a personal journey of self-discovery and improvement through the course of that year. Again, portions of that is also relatable because sometimes it's good for each of us to get out of our "comfort zones" to grow.

Overall, I am so pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this novel! It really was the perfect summertime, "guilty pleasure" yet I feel no guilt. I definitely will be recommending this book as it's a guarantee laugh and I know others will enjoy it just as much as I have.

**Thank you to NetGalley as well as the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Cecy · Rating 2 out of 5]

my mom would love this, and i mean that as an insult.
initially i actually found this book quite cute – quirky, but not in a cringey way. then it started giving white millennial woman and obnoxiously so, the development of the main character moving so fast it stopped being believable halfway. the message of the story is thrown so aggressively at the reader with its self-help philosophy that it makes the story lose all of its appeal. the main character is annoying and lacks depth. every issue is solved with no difficulty and no suspense and it gives me literally nothing. i did not live laugh love this one, girls.
then again, the writing isn’t ALL horrible and the book isn’t written for people like me anyway. it kinda reads like a hallmark movie, meaning it’s bad, but i’m also entertained, which isn’t entirely unimpressive.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It truly is like nothing I have read before in the best possible way. I laughed out loud and actually found myself learning right along with Izzy. It is truly so relatable and oh all the feels. Sometimes I wanted to shake Izzy and sometimes I wanted to high-five her and give her a huge hug. The only thing I’m sad about is that this book had to come to an end. I want more!!! I cannot wait to tell everyone I know to pick this book up!!

[Toyin Spades · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous book that is lighthearted and tells a story of a woman who wants to kick of the lethargic life she finds herself leading.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always get very apprehensive when I read the back of the book and it claims to be laugh out loud funny and it turns out to be a massive flop.

But this book lives up to the hype and much more besides. I literally laughed my way through this book and absolutely loved it.

Lizzy is stuck in a rut. She had been in love with the same guy for the past three years. But he doesn't really feel the same way for her. She has a job that barely makes minimum wages which she hates. Her hobbies are googling cats and watching cat videos, but she lives in a flat which ironically hasn't room to swing a cat.

Lizzy's life in in desperate need of a makeover, and so Lizzy decides that this year will be the year of saying yes to everything. So with this in mind she challenges her readers to #Darelizzy. Where people dare her to challenges that she cannot say no to. Every challenge had to met with a yes. No matter how crazy or scary they are.

Along the way Lizzie gets into some wild challenges. Which really push her way past breaking point on quite a few occasions. But each time she makes herself do it and goes on a massive journey of discovery. Learning things about herself she never knew, and doing things she never thought possible.

I really loved this story. It is more then a chicklit. It is more then a romcom. This book shows every woman who doesn't think that they are strong enough, or worthy or who have massive self confidence issues. Myself included that we are definitely more amazing, and more worth it then we could ever imagine. This book should be a girls best friend. A book that she comes back to time and time again to reiterate just how amazing women are.

I really loved this book and I really wish it every luck and success. I hope it does amazingly well. I feel honoured to have been chosen to read this book for an honest review and a massive thank you goes out to Netgalley, the publishers and Hannah Doyle. I seriously cannnot wait to see what Hannah comes out with next. Hannah has firmly planted herself on my list of authors to look out for. Make sure you don't miss this amazing book.

[Charlotte (Escapades of a Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm

We all start the year with some New Year’s Resolutions, Normally their all no things, negative statements – less chocolate, no alcohol. It’s always a bit depressing. So it is so refreshing to have some positive resolutions to make.

This was originally published as four short stories and is now one book. When I read part one, originally back in January I fell in love with Izzy and her mad life. She was a hilarious, warm and caring person who has been stuck in a rut for too long. I think Izzy may resonate with a lot of 25 year olds, who either want to progress or are unsure of their future. Maybe, like Izzy, we should all say yes to something new each month.

This was a great little book about taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. Sometimes a little something new can do us the power of good. Although I don’t think that I would be as brave as Izzy and take on a dare given to me by a stranger. After all her year is going to be a little crazy, and at times a little unexpected.

One thing that really frustrated me was Izzy's infatuation with George. I really wanted to knock some sense into her. I actually screamed at the book that Alex was much better. But I guess we all have to have a dodgy ex somewhere....

The Year of Saying Yes is an inspiring, beautiful read. To be honest it made me want to get up and dare mself to have a little bit of confidence and do something different.

I loved loved this book, it was fun, hilarious and witty. I loved Izzy and her escapades. This is a book that will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm

[Melissa Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ One Sentence Synopsis: What if you had to say “Yes” to everything random people dared you to do for a year?

💭 Overall Thoughts: I really loved the concept here. Why do New Year’s Resolutions not work? Because most people are trying to take something out of their life that they don’t like— and they give up. What if instead of saying “no” to something you really like— instead saying “yes” to things that push your comfort zone for the better?

This is a romance mixed with self discovery book. It’s witty, light, and fun— a perfect summer read. It also has some good character growth and you get a bit of an in-depth look into the main character’s backstory.

What I Liked:
👍 It’s witty and light, a fun read.
👍 There’s character growth here— and if you don’t like Izzy at the beginning give her some time. I almost put it down and kept going and overall enjoyed it.
👍 It’s an interesting concept, pushing your comfort zone in this way for the better.


What I Didn’t Like:
👎 For the first more than half of the romance piece of this you want to yell at your book. Like think Anna and Prince Hans from Frozen level want to yell at your book.
👎 The ending was a little “Really, that’s all it took?”

💞Read this if you liked: It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no way I'd take to a task like Izzy did in this book. She's a feature writer at Pulse magazine, it's a new year and she's spent exactly three years pining for a guy, George, so much so she's named him Georgeous George. He also happens to be her brother-in-law. So, January rolls in and at a staff meeting she suggests that it should be a year of saying yes instead of writing down or making resolutions of things they wouldn't do and it turns out to be her assignment. Readers write in and soon Izzy has twelve months, and twelve dares and the readers do actually #DareIzzy.
This was a funny book to read and once I was done I felt refreshed.
Izzy has a great team of friends and colleagues at the work place and they do give it their best to ensure that she gets the help to do a great job, I liked that.
So, for all the laugh out funny moments, this is a great read for a sleep over or a girl's night in, and I can't wait to have my friends read it!
Thank you NetGalley for an arc, it's been a delightful reading experience and I never knew someone could love wine and champagne as much as Izzy.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading horror and thrillers, pretty well non-stop for the last 2 months which has been awesome, but I really wanted something lighter. Sort of a palate cleanser, and I’m not ready for Christmassy romance yet, so The Year of Saying Yes was perfect!

The life makeover by a sassy MC trope isn’t exactly new, but the author managed to do it in a very creative and contemporary way. And though, it’s a “tale as old as time”, this kind of story always makes me feel good, and determined to make changes in my own life, whether I need to or not lol.

In this story, we have our protagonist Izzy take on twelve monthly dares for a magazine feature, which inevitably improve her quality of life, and teach her how to be her best self.

It’s the people and scenarios along the way that really make the story. The things Izzy says and does, had me laughing like a loon beside my sleeping husband (Sorry Hun), and I just found the whole book charming, and super entertaining. When Izzy talks in hashtags… LMAO… Well, you’ll have to read it for yourselves.

I really look forward to reading more from this author, and recommend you check out her stuff too!

Rating... A+

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed - a laugh out loud book that carries humour woven with dome great life lessons throughout. I loved following Izzy's journey and could NOT put it down! I love how up to date the book is e.g. Healthy eating is about eating a varied diet to make you feel good, not about restriction. Love a bit of Tay Tay too! We really see Izzy transform over the years, getting more in touch with herself through the dares of Pulse readers. It doesn't take any special ingredients like religiously eating a green juice everyday or an hour of meditation. She takes it quiet literally one day and one month at a time. Love love love this book! So inspiring and really touched me. Also has some rather good points about careers and love life that is so refreshing. Recommending to all my friends and anyone who loves a good laugh, love and self transformation.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm probably going to have to stop saying that this isn't my usual cup of tea, but I was in the mood for some light'n'fluffy reading and this actually hit the spot pretty well.

Dared to undertake 12 challenges over the course of the year, Izzy needs to ditch her old rut and find some confidence. A new look, a new skill - and a new man? What else can the readers of the magazine she writes for throw at her?

While it's all a little predictable, the mix of 'Yes Man', Bridget Jones, and an oddly inspirational self-help-through-fiction, makes for a rather lovely little read.

Full review, as ever, on my blog.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute chick lit, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Isobel (Izzy) Mulligan is a journalist stuck in a rut. At the start of the year she is given a feature to write, every month which is all about saying yes. The downside is she does not get to decide what she is saying yes to, her boss does! Izzy is really likable even if she gets herself into some bad situations often by not filtering her thoughts. It is a breeze reading her story and also entertaining. It's basically told by Izzy, as if she is telling the reader all about it, like one long email to a dear friend or something, although it is not in email format or anything like that.

[Madison Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book so fast because it was so good!
I actually listened to this book on audio, and I have to say it made it even better because of all the accents.
It’s so quintessentially British and I think that’s what made it even more enjoyable. Of course as it is British there is the British language and humor which can tend to fall a bit on the inappropriate side, but it wasn’t over the top.
I love the main character and the plot of the book so much because I could relate to it and was excited to follow her on her challenges and see how she grew as a person.
Very lighthearted and fun with the right amount of drama and romance.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and the adventures Izzy went on as she developed from a shy mouse to a brave extrovert. The way the story was told and developed was totally believable and would make anyone long to follow in her steps.
The only drawback for me were the modern use of acronyms (LMAO) and the habit of abbreviations (preggers). I felt this made it a book for young adults when as a 52 year old I felt the story could have all age appeal.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Julie Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and warm chick lit

An easy to read, warm and witty tale with some quintessential British references. I could see the end coming and wasn't sure if it was too cliche but the ending certainly filled me with warmth. I'm also pretty sure that this isn't 100% fiction, could Melissa be Deliciously Ella lol? And I also love the feel good factor. Izzy's story, even if it is fiction, caused me to reflect on my own life on occasion and I will certainly be ensuring that I too say yes!!!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts were very funny but most of it was just okay, average chic lit. I suppose I was hoping for more daring dares. Too much revolved around the heroine’s love life and her crush whom I grew tired of hearing about. We’ve all had that one guy from our past who we spent too much time on, and unfortunately the author did this as much as the character did. The more “put-together” Izzy became the less funny she was. Sad but true. So it was okay but longer than necessary and at times boring.
The audiobook narrator was wonderful!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book based on the reviews already given to it but started it thinking it would be your usual chick lit and to a degree it was but with more depth!
I loved Izzy, the main character, she is very likeable! I especially like the psychology behind the dares that she was set for her monthly magazine article and how they taught her so much about herself.
A well written, thought provoking book, with lovely humour! I didn't laugh out loud but I did chuckle often!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! I have seen the words "laugh out loud" on so many chick lit books that end up being not even worth a giggle but this book was great! Izzy is adorable and very relatable character in this story of self discovery and improvement. I can't wait to read more from this author and I would think this will become a very popular book.

Thanks kindly to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Rebecca Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, especially the idea of taking dares/challenges which lead to personal growth. Some of the storylines were slightly cliché, in that things seemed to happen too easily - having friends or neighbours who could easily facilitate the more difficult dares was a bit more than good luck - and the romance element was somewhat predictable. The main character, Isobel, was endearing and easily relatable, but could be a little frustrating at times. However all in all, it does make for an easy and entertaining read and is very thought provoking - I might start off 2018 with a 'Year of Yes' of my own!

[Lesley Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! People compared it to Bridget Jones, and I have seen the films, but I had never read the books - so I don't know if the writing style is similar - all I know is it was a happy uplifting book - which was just what I was looking for. If you are going through a stage of soul-searching and you need a bit of girl-power to inspire you along, then this is the book for you.