It Started with a Dare

The Year of Saying Yes #0.1

by Hannah Doyle

Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B01M066IHU.

Join Izzy on her journey from January blues to joy. THE YEAR OF SAYING YES by Hannah Doyle will make you dirty-laugh, feel warm and fuzzy, and rediscover life's magic - all thanks to one little word: yes. Fans of Lindsey Kelk, Mhairi McFarlane and Lucy-Anne Holmes, you're in for a real treat.

The first of four exclusive part-serialisations of THE YEAR OF SAYING YES by Hannah Doyle.

Dear Readers

It's drizzling outside, which totally matches my #currentmood. Pigs in blankets, all the mince pies and a festive Baileys or five are distant memories. You know the drill - it's January. Everyone's banning booze (terrible idea) or cutting carbs (impossible). To add to the misery pile, my plans to seduce the man of my dreams at the stroke of midnight flopped spectacularly.

I'm Izzy. I don't just need a New Year resolution, I need a whole new life. And I need YOU. My dreary life is about to get a total makeover - it's my 'Year of Saying Yes'. And this is where you come in. It's up to you to #DareIzzy. I'm saying yes to your challenges, no matter how nuts, adventurous or wild they are. The sky's the limit - I'm at your mercy, readers!

Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it.

Love

Izzy x

Don't miss Part 2 of Izzy's adventure, where Izzy is challenged to ask a total stranger for his number, pose naked for a life drawing class and, wait for it... perform at Glastonbury!

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2016

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

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved reading the first part of The Year of Saying Yes. It Started with a dare.
The first of four exclusive part- serialisation of THE YEAR OF SAYING YES.
Part 1 of Izzy's roller coaster year of Saying Yes. Get ready for non-stop hilarity, unadulterated entertainment and the adventure of a life time.

Three years at working for a magazine. In the magazine Izzy's to explain how her very first dare went.
Izzy's not sure if she is proud of herself writing down all the reasons why it's time to start saying yes to things that has made her realise how lame her life is.

This series of eBooks are great fun with lots going on for Izzy. Fans of Lindsey Kelk, Mhairi McFarlane and Lucy-Anne Holmes you're in for a real treat.

Published as a four -ebook serialisation-during 2017

Part 1 It Started With a Dare is in eBook 15th December 2016, priced 99p
Part 2 A Dare to Remember in eBook 12th January 2017, priced 99p
Part 3 She Who Dares eBook 26th January 2017, priced 99p
Part 4 The Dare of a Lifetime, 9th February 2017 in eBook priced 99p

[Rea Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself only one book away from meeting my yearly goodreads target and I knew I wouldn't have time to finish a full length novel so on a whim I took to Amazon to see if I could find a short story and I came across Part 1 of The Year of Saying Yes by Hannah Doyle which sounded like the perfect read as we approach the New Year.

Like many of us Izzy finds herself each year writing down her New Years resolutions only to find that she has failed by the end of January, why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? In a turn of events Izzy gets the opportunity of a life time to give her career the big boost it needs by having a feature piece once a month in Pulse Magazine but she has to complete a dare each month but this can only be a good thing right?

I haven't enjoyed a book like this in a long time and I was actually so bummed when I reached the end as I was desperate to see what Izzy had to do for her next months dare but I shall have to be patient as Part 2 is not due for release until 12th January.

Author Hannah Doyle has such a wonderful flow to her writing that pulls you in and keeps you entertained the whole way through thanks to her witty writing style and a main character who you love from the opening chapter. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Kelk and Jane Costello's earlier books will love The Year of Saying Yes as it had the same witty adventurous and modern feel to it.

All the supporting characters we have met so far have all been great and the relationships between Izzy and her friends and co workers are all so believable.

This is the perfect read for this time of year with the topic of New Years resolutions being thrown around and with the January blues about to creep up on us all I am looking forward to Part 2 to lift my spirits in January. I have never really enjoyed books that are released in parts but I am really excited by this book. Role on 2017!

[Aneesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly as the title suggests, it is a rom com as well as LOL. Prepare yourself readers you will be in hysterics in laughter until your belly hurts. I FREAKING LOVED THIS SERIES SO MUCH! HOW IS IT THAT SUCH A SHORT BOOK IS MY FAVOURITE OF 2017???? I truly have no idea but however it is, I am glad I found it. I feel like I have reunited with my old love. *happily sighs*

Izzy who has been in love with Gorgeous George for the past three years (he is actually her brother in law's brother), during the Christmas she has a to do list on what to do and how to not mess it up. However, unfortunate for Izzy things don't go to plan for her as George reveals he has a girlfriend, Temple.

Talulah, their feisty editor is looking to bring the magazine sales up, Izzy sparks a great idea and before you know it she has her first feature, The Year of Saying Yes, where her readers come up with dares that she has to try. She gets her readers to use the hashtag, #DareIzzy. Along this awesome and life changing journey she has her best co workers, Lucy and Emma along with her best friend Jamie to help her along the way.

One thing I should mention before I forget, THE BEST SCENE IN THE WHOLE BOOK IS WHEN SHE MEETS ALEX!! OMG!!! I just want to cry laughing whilst thinking about it. Alex is so lovely and great, I really love him!

This book is a year long journey and has three chapters in each book, hence 4 books.

I have to thank S&S, I would have never discovered the author or this amazing series if it was not for them! I really loved this book!

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[Isabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes


What would happen if we stopped saying no and started saying yes? That is the big question Isobel, also called Izzy, is asking herself. She has been too scared and too shy to take chances to change her life. Her hopes for this years New Years Eve are held up high as she is spending it at home with her sister, sisters boyfriend, her parents and Gorgeous George, the object of her affection. For the last three years she has been hoping that they will finally get together, however he doesn't know how much Izzy likes him. Her hopes crahes into nothing when George announces that he has a new girlfriend.

First she thought some New Years resolutions will help. Then Izzy decides to make a list of things to say no to in the new year. Soon Izzy realizes that her list is practically identical to the one she wrote last year. Despite her good intentions at the start of each year, nothing has changed for a very long, long time. Not her relationship status, not her poxy flat, not her junior job neither her weight ... nothing.

Izzy can't look quick enough as her editor decides that this list will become a thing in the past and instead she'll has to agree to take on new and exciting challanges, better said she's going to write a monthly piece on saying YES to dares the readers are going to send to her via Twitter or E-Mail for one year. No is not an option! A makeover and a complete switch off mini break sees a remarkable change in Izzy starting to take shape. New year, new look new life is Izzy's new mantra and she starts to believe in it.

I read an absurd amount of books and so I often find myself picking random books by authors I have never read before and hoping for the best. Sometimes the books turn out to be lackluster if not down right horrible but sometimes they surprise me and turn out as the most excellent and humorous book I have read in a very long time. Well done, Hannah Doyle! This is such a perfect start to the series! The idea for this series is brilliant as so many of us can relate to this story. Who does really stick to the resolutions we're making in the begining of each year?

There might be a few expectations but hey come on, none of us! Excellently written, Hannah tells us Izzy's story of The Year of Saying from January to March. Doyle was able to suck me into the story immediately. She combines the right amount of humor, drama, and action to create a great read that leaves the reader wanting more.

This is a great escape from all the heaviness of what's in the news now, stresses of the season and just the hassles of every day life. Fun, light-hearted, uplifting and easy to read. I am most happy to highly recommend this series and have already been out and pre-ordered the second part in this series directly after finishing the first part. I enjoyed it that much. Hannah Doyle is a breath of fresh air, watch out Lindsey Kelk, someone is toppling you ;-)

Published as a four ebook serialisation during early 2017

Part 1 It Started With a Dare, 15th December 2016
Part 2 A Dare to Remember, 12th January 2017
Part 3 She Who Dares, 26th January 2017
Part 4 The Dare of a Lifetime, 9th February 2017

[Claire Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to say a big thank you to Headline to review, I couldn't put it down.

Omg there is a new Bridget Jones in town and she is in the form of Izzy !!!!!!
We meet Izzy at her parents annual NYE party for family and friends , where every year she promises herself that she will not get drunk and miss her opportunity to be with the gorgeous George.The night starts of to plan and until the drinks flow quicker and she becomes very merry, but this moment sobers up very quickly when George announces he has meet someone......

With New Year out the way and like everyone else Izzy makes her resolutions by doing more of this and not eating that and meet a guy but Izzy gets bored with the same old promises, she makes, that she knows that she will never stick to , like most of us do. So of saying no to things in her life she is going to say yes and see where her life takes her.


Before she knows it her best plans are taken out of her hands by her work buddies and editor fir a monthly installment of her life changing events and good editor has decided the readers should give suggestions for theses events and they will chose the best one for Izzy to try and experience and this will be advise on they website, they doesn't have to wait long for the first event to be chosen in a form of a make over from top to bottom and with this new look she bags a photo with Liam Hemsworth and hot Hollywood actor and in the same evening she catches the eye of gorgeous George who now seems struck on her and wanting to escort her home , Izzy escapes into a taxi while he is on the phone to his new girlfriend Temple !!!!

The readers are in love Izzy first adventure and the suggestions come flooding into the website but Izzy really not sure on the next choice of appearing on National TV this is so out of her comfort zone but to her disappointment a friend at ITV and gets her on This Morning talking about NYE resolutions . Thinking that she would fall fat on her face , she found her inner voice and worked the interview and pressing the public to send in more dares that will change her life....

Izzy sends the website into overdrive and Twitter account cant handle the new request of dares, but one has been picked and seems a little down beat a weekend away alone with not interaction with the her day to day world and NO SOCIAL MEDIA...

she can do this, especially as the scenery is good to look at in the form of Alex , will he steal her heart and how will she cope with no phone and reality ?????

Go grab a copy of this fabulous book and find out and meet the new Bridget Jones.......

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a bundle of laughs from the very first page, I knew that I was going to love The Year of Saying Yes Part 1. In a similar vein to Bridget Jones, Izzy's unique voice shouts from every page as we get to know this funny, quirky singleton. Not only is Izzy hilarious, she is also very real and I'm sure that many readers will identify with her. I do a similar thing with names as she does and I am struggling to contain my laughter just thinking about Fittie McNoShirt.

This is a great idea for a series of books. Part 1 being January to March, starts with New Year's Eve and Izzy getting ready to see the object of her affection, Gorgeous George. The only problem is, Gorgeous George doesn't know how much Izzy likes him and for the past 3 years Izzy has been hoping that they will finally get together. As she holds out hope that tonight will be the night, George announces that he has a new girlfriend and Izzy's balloon of hope is burst. So instead of making resolutions of things to do in the new year, Izzy decides to make a list of things to say no to - an aptly named to don't list.

The To Don't list is flipped on its head when Izzy's editor decides to run a feature on Izzy saying yes to everything with readers suggesting challenges that Izzy has no option but to say yes to. What could possibly go wrong? A fun makeover and a complete switch off mini break sees a remarkable change in Izzy starting to take shape. Perhaps Gorgeous George won't be able to say no to Izzy but maybe it is too late now that Alex, aka Fittie McNoShirt, is in the picture.

Hannah Doyle has such a way with words that even someone with no sense of humour wouldn't be able to stop themselves from laughing out loud at Izzy's shenanigans. It's so lighthearted, refreshing and fun; I absolutely loved The Year of Saying Yes Part 1, the only thing wrong with it is that it is too short...roll on Part 2.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Move over Bridget Jones there’s a new girl in town!

Izzy is a fabulous character. She’s a secret red head whose year ahead is going to throw her into turmoil.

I really loved the idea behind this novel. A new year always see us making new year resolutions that, come on, none of us really stick to. I think a lot of us have got bored with it. The author has come up with a fresh new idea, or should I say Izzy’s work colleagues, where readers dare Izzy to try something new. To start with the dares are fairly tame but I have a feeling as the books go on they will become a lot more harder and daring.

The novel is split into four novella style books. I’m not always usually a big fan of this as I am not the most patient of people but the release dates between all four are not that long. I also know that I have something fun to look forward to.

The Year of Saying Yes is a fabulous and fun read. Izzy is someone that readers can relate to and through her life disasters we get to have a laugh at her expense. She is a sassy and slightly wacky character that I was instantly drawn to and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.

[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.

And as I read this book at the start of the year it is, for me, quite motivating.

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. Afterall her year is going to be a little crazy, and at times a little unexpected.

I loved loved this book, it was fun, hilarious and witty. I loved Izzy and her escapades. I cannot wait for the rest of this book to be out to see what else Izzy has been dared to do.

So will you be joining the #YesSquad?

[debra owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy this book.It a fun light hearted read.Think most people could relate to the main character,and the things she has to deal at work and in relationships.
It is quite a short book and was just getting in to as it ended.Good news is that story continues in next book

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab

This book is so much fun I can't wait to get my hands on the rest and start reading ..had me gripped from the first word

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I couldn't imagine a better start to the New Year than reading this novella! It is a first part in four part - serialisation and "It Started with a Dare" couldn't be a better beginning to it - it is about New Year - resolutions and how hard, in fact, is to keep to them. I think we all know this. And Izzy realises this as well! Like so many of us (I don't. Hands down, guilty as charged, I don't make any resolutions and there is a very simple reason to this - I forget about them. Two days later. However Izzy's approach is something verrry interesting!), Izzy writes down her resolutions only to find out that, actually, those are the same ones that she made a year before. Or two years ago... And that, of course, she fails to complete. So why make them at all? But it turns out that the resolutions Izzy says "no" to are starting points to her career to get the waited out boost - she's going to write a monthly piece on saying YES to dares the readers are going to send to her.
Don't forget that Izzy's love life is non - existent, her mother idealizes Izzy's older sister Olivia, who told Gorgeous George that Izzy calls him that...

To be honest, this novella has totally taken me by surprise - 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 was actually disappointed when I reached the end, as I wanted to see the other dares and all the awkward and embarrassing Izzy's moments. 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.

So no January blues for you if you read this short story, believe me! This novella has lifted my spirits and made me to start thinking and changing perspective - why not say YES? Guys? Really, why not? "The Year of Saying Yes" Part 1 was refreshing and different, just what I needed. And I loved the idea behind this story, to try something totally new and unexpected, to be open, to come out of your shell. I have really enjoyed it and am looking forward to part 2!

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Brand new year and what better way to kick off 2017 on TWG than with a review of 'The Year of Saying Yes' but debut author, Hannah Doyle! Millions of people probably gave themselves New Years resolutions in the run up to 2017, whilst several million people probably knew that they would break the resolutions in the first few hours (so didn't even bother). Although, there may be some of you reading this now, who constantly give themselves a list of 'don'ts' for a brand new year.
For example:
Don't eat too much.
Don't drink too much.
Don't stay up too late.
Don't be too trusting.

Sound familiar? If you're nodding, the 'don't' list is quite popular. Take Izzy for example; she constantly gives herself tough boundaries which often cause more stress than they're worth. I mean, what's an extra vodka martini between friends? So, one morning at work, Izzy's brain and mouth didn't feel like talking to each other and she pretty much dug herself a hole with her own PERSONAL idea. Thing is, it's no longer personal. It's everywhere. It's Izzy's year of saying YES.....to dares sent in by her readers. Brave....very, brave!

Hannah Doyle's new book is part of a series with each part being released individually. Now, I first spotted the #yessquad on Instagram and I knew straight away that I had to say yes to whatever it was about, but I was too late..sniff. However, I finally got hold of a copy of the book and at 4% in, I was already laughing out loud and snorting. Sexy, I know, but true. If 4% of a book could make me laugh so much in such a small amount of time, it's a keeper. Luckily though, the other 96% of the book just kept getting better, and before I knew it, the blasted thing had ended!! Seeing as the book is split into parts, it does mean each individual part is relatively short (meaning you speed through it like a bunny eating a carrot and wonder why it's ended so quickly).

Despite the incredible humour, the book is centred around a fabulous idea. We constantly say 'no' to things if they're out of our comfort zone, or brand new to us, as we are often too afraid to just go for it in fear of our own opinions (and others). What IS so bad about saying YES? Don't get me wrong, some of the things that Izzy got dared to do, were even out of my comfort zone by miles. However, good on her for going for it!

I CANNOT wait to see what Izzy gets up to next in part 2 (out January 12th). Hannah Doyle is definitely one to watch for 2017, especially as this is definitely a book to say YES to!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up one afternoon, I was in the mood to really get my teeth into something and as it was only just over 80 pages I thought this would be a good one. I am so glad I picked this up. I had no idea what it was going to be about, (I had an idea looking at the front cover but that was it.)

This was such an easy and fun read. We get thrown into Izzy's life one new years eve. It is the same as always, at her parents house and the rest of the family, with her 'perfect' sister and her wonderful boyfriend. After the evening takes a bit of a U turn, Izzy decides things are going to be different this year and after arriving at her desk (At a magazine firm) after the holidays she realises for the last 3 years, her resolutions have always been the same and she has never managed to stick to them.

After a discussion with her boss and work colleagues, it is decided, Izzy is going to start saying yes to things this year. These 'dares' are going to be sent in from the readers of the magazine and which ever ones are chosen she needs to say yes to. This is a massive step out of Izzy's comfort zone but after having a think she decides that doing the same old has never got her anywhere and this could be the start of something great. She accepts the challenges and we go on a journey with Izzy to discover what these are.

Part one takes us up to the first 3 months of the year and each month she has had a different 'dare' so far I am loving this story, it is such an easy read. It is funny and I felt I could relate to it. I really like Izzy as a character and cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for us. Lately I have thought my reading has been a bit 'flat' and it has taken me ages to get into a book and really enjoy it, this one has got me out of my reading slump and reminded me why I enjoy reading so much.

If you are looking for a little 'pick me up' I would recommend this, this is just what you need to cheer you up on a dull and damp January evening. The other mega bonus is that this book is currently free on Amazon Kindle right now, so you have no excuses, go and buy!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2017/01...

2017 started with a bit of a read slump for me, so when I spotted someone on Twitter talking about this story and saw that the first part was free on Amazon, I downloaded it and started reading it immediately. Gosh, I'm so glad that I did! I hadn't had so much fun with a book for a long time. As soon as I finished it, I pre-ordered the other 3 parts of the book and I'm already itching to keep reading Izzy's story.

There's nothing I didn't like in this story. The writing was fast-paced and extremely funny, the characters were lovely and the whole idea behind it was warm and inspirational. Basically, Izzy is tired of New Year's resolutions that deprive you of good things (like chocolate) so she decides to say yes to new things. She even encourages the readers of her magazine to challenge her to do things she would never do. How extremely cool is this? This definitely made me want to say yes to more things myself, because who doesn't need originality and new adventures in their lives?

I highly encourage everyone to pick this story (say yes to it!) and be inspired by it, to laugh with (of) Issy, and basically have a great time. Perfect to beat the January blues!

Rating: 5 stars

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Im absolutely blown away! Such a perfect start to the series.

I just adore Izzy shes a fantastic character from the very first page I felt so much warmth and like id known her ages.

In this part we start at New Years Eve and end in March. I cant wait to find out what the rest of the year brings for Izzy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it can't wait for part 2.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Really enjoyed this, can't wait for the next instalment, loved Izzy and her listing ways! Will wait with baited breath for her next dare.

[Jill's Book Cafe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Joana Dias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Izzy, a super funny and sarcastic journalist that works in a lifestyle magazine, that lives with her lists and her Thai Thursdays. After a disastrous new years eve, she decides to do a list of New Year resolutions, and finds out that it's the same one as the past two years before. Back to work, in a briefing meeting at the magazine she lets that thought escape, and her editor thinks it is a great plan, that she take a dare suggested by the magazine readers #DareIzzy every month in that year.
We really get to knowing Izzy, and her journey to become #NewIzzy, where she steps out of her confort zone and all the good that came in to her life after that.
I really enjoyed reading this series of #DareIzzy. The story line is really well thought, and also well written. I found myself laughing alone, because there are so much funny moments, that I couldn't control myself.
If you're looking for a easy read and funny story this series is for you!