4.0/5.0
If you were a fan of The Secret Life of the American Teenager as a young adult (or a senior in college when I finally watched it), this is a great book for you! After discovering she is pregnant after having sex for the first time, Kayla is forced to make some major life decisions in the span of a few months before graduation. And where does the father of the baby, Ben, fit into her future? Even though there is the feel of The Secret Life of the American Teenage, this has a more mature tone to it as it takes place in her early 20s. I have been looking for more books that take place during the college years, as most of what I read either takes place in high school or in later adult life. I am the perfect age for this book because I am a recent college graduate but I am still trying to find myself and what my future will look like. This read as something I could have written because it was so relatable to me when it comes to the subject of being a college student. It was an easy read, as I was able to finish it in two days, but also it just seemed really realistic to me. I did not expect this book to have a religious aspect to it (talking about God's plan, pre-marital sex, having babies out of wedlock) and as a moderately religious person, this did not take me out of the story. It was in there a lot more than I thought, but again nothing that was too "in my face" or "preachy" that may take some people out of the story. I thought that this book was good at showing the pressure kids feel to live up to their parents' expectations and when they want to change how much it affects the familial relationships. I also liked how this book shows how having toxic and manipulative people in your life can be more problematic and go on for years no matter how many times you try to cut them out. There were a lot of things related to the college life and being a person in their 20s can feel at all times when it comes to the future and when things may not go according to your perfect plan.

*I received an advanced copy of this book for free for review. My opinions are all my own.*

This was a unique story. There's truly no formula for a happy life. I love how the author dealt with these issues. Both Ben and Kayla made bad choices and had to face the consequences of their actions. It took a lot out of them especially on Kayla's part to learn to trust each other. One thing I enjoyed was their willingness to take responsibility for their actions from the start although hard and scary, they owned up to their mistakes.
I also loved Kayla's mom. Yes she was disappointed but she supported and encouraged her daughter not pushing her own views on her and turning her towards God. Most importantly, I really appreciated the way she dealt with hard topics with grace bit did not sugarcoat it.
This is definitely different for me as I don't usually find new adult books that I'm excited to read but I loved every minute of this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine.

I enjoyed this book, the characters were well written and although it was a serious matter it was light and cute. I'd recommend this book!

** spoiler alert ** CW + TW: pregnancy, an unexpected pregnancy, abortion talk, strained relationship with parents, cheating, bullying, teen death, drug talk, overdose discussion, religion

*SPOILERS*

I hadn't read the review in some time before reading this so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The only thing I could really remember was that the main character becomes pregnant while in college. After reading it, I can tell you that A FORMULA FOR A PERFECT LIFE by CHRISTY HAYES is a contemporary novel about Kayla Cummings who is a college senior that has plans for her life that are put on hold when she discovers that she is pregnant. The father, Ben Strickland, is her secret crush, her one night stand, and her first time. No matter what she is feeling or thinking, she knows she has to tell him.

On the other hand, we have Ben Strickland, also a college senior who's life has basically been planned out the majority of his life... as long as he gets a good score on the LSAT. Since he has failed it before, he's feeling pressure from all over to do better this time. He's juggling studying for the LSAT, finishing up courses for the semester, and his super needy girlfriend Darcy when Kayla appears at his door with news that they're going to have a baby.

Now Kayla and Ben have to inform others about their baby as well as figure out what their futures will look like. Will they continue the college and career path that they planned? Where will the baby be? What will their relationship be? Where will they live and work?

I have never been in this position or experienced something like this so I'm not sure how accurate this story is to the real thing. I did notice a few similarities to people I know in real life that got pregnant while still in school. Getting pregnant in general can be a difficult thing, especially if it's unexpected for both parties. Luckily for Kayla, Ben wanted to be in their baby's life and her parents came around to the situation. Not many other young pregnant people can say the same. I liked the aspect of religion and family's not always being supportive right away, as well as the father (Ben) wanting to be there and the parents being the opposite. Often times it's the father dipping on his child and family members silently helping out or not knowing until later on. By adding those things, it gave the characters more to think about and some inner conflict on what they believe is right for them to do.

I did enjoy this one but it wasn't the best story I ever read. I do not plan to reread it anytime soon and or don't think I will able to remember much about the story in 6 months- 1 year so for that, I'm giving it 3 stars.

This is a great story taking you through the stresses of two lives just getting started when something completely changes their paths... a feel good thriller, highly recommend this one.

When I read the blurb of this book, it sounded like something that would appeal to me. However, it isn’t what I was expecting at all, in that it was one with a heavy religious tone to it. Whilst, I have no qualms with accepting other peoples’ beliefs, (and I went to a church school), religion was heavily referenced.
Some might argue that it did play into the characters and influenced their behaviours and choices and that it worked well, but for me I wasn’t keen.

The story follows that of an unplanned pregnancy - a result of two college students, Kayla and Ben, having a one night stand. Both characters have their own issues and face their own problems because of the unplanned pregnancy. I will say that it was cute how they came together to work at it, with the support from their friends and family.

This book is a quick and easy read. The dialogue between characters work well and it easily flows. However, I was expecting a rom -com, from the blurb, but unfortunately it didn’t hit the mark for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

When I first read the blurb for this book – accidental pregnancy, strong female friendship, life goals and plans completely turned upside down – I was intrigued. I love a good story that takes tried and true tropes yet makes them unique in their own way. Christy Hayes Formula For a Perfect Life was not that.

To begin, there’s nothing in the blurb that indicates that it’s a Christian fiction novel – something that shouldn’t necessarily need a disclaimer yet for this, I have to give. There’s a big difference between an unplanned pregnancy story and a Christian unplanned pregnancy story and this is definitely the latter. The viewpoints, dialogue and description of how Kayla and Ben make their decisions are about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

This isn’t inherently a bad thing, if anything I’m sure there’s an audience that would willfully gobble this up. But for me, a believer who also recognizes the reality and nuance of what a conversation about accidental pregnancy after a one-night stand would mean, the dismissive way that characters described these decisions was… a lot to swallow. This also isn’t helped with the dialogue surrounding Kayla and Ben by their parents and peers which makes it seem more like two teenagers who got pregnant rather than twenty-one year old college seniors.

The romance itself felt rushed to the point that while I really wanted to like Kayla and Ben’s journey, it all felt completely unearned. Maybe I expect too much of a light-hearted romance novel but I like to be shown why two people are falling in love with each other, not just told that they are. Especially when the story is set in the modern day, they’re having a baby together after a one night stand and aside from said baby… seem to have nothing in common with each other.

Formula For a Perfect Life would be best recommended for a Christian/faith-based reader who wants an endgame romance and dialogue that blindly supports their worldviews and choices. As it was, it was not the book for me.

The book created many mixed feelings in me. I was barely able to put it down, mostly because I felt bad for the two characters, who didn’t exactly have the most supportive reactions from their parents and I wanted everything to work out for them. While the book touches on some heavy topics – parental relationships, religion, premarital sex and unplanned pregnancy, it is also full of friendships and cheesy college moments. I found that it builds upon the stereotypes of Americans who are very involved with religion, how they raise their kids and the expectations that they have of them.

I went into this with little to no expectations, which led me to not being disappointed, but I also wasn't enthralled by this novel. It's a decent enough story about a couple of college students accidentally getting pregnant and dealing with that, but it also wasn't anything too special. The entire thing felt pretty predictable, and there wasn't anything big or surprising that happened along the way.

I also didn't connect with the romance at all; it honestly felt like there was nothing there to connect with. However, the characters themselves were pretty enjoyable.

I started this book with no expectations whatsoever and therefore, I was not disappointed. I'm not a big fan of romantic novels, because I usually find it difficult to get involved into the love story, due to the fact that they are mostly not relatable, and unfortunately, I have to put this one into that category.

I don't want to get into the plot, because Goodreads' synopsis basically sums it all, but I will say it was all pretty predictable. The story developed exacty like I thought it would, with no big events and no twists. For a lack of a complex narration, I would have expected though to have a major focus on the characters' feelings and their growth, but I found that, as well, missing. I did not like the superficiality with which the falling in love act is explored because if there is a lack of credibility in the characters' feelings, I feel like everything they say and do is incredibly out of place. And that gets me really annoyed. It looks as though the fact that they're expecting a baby is reason enough for them to have a relationship at all costs, or at least, that's what I got from the story, considering the absolute lack of emotional involvement I felt. In this book, the author could have inserted a lot more scenes about Ben and Kayla, more shared moments, more displays of affections to arrive then, to them establishing a serious relationship. This is what makes a difference in a Romantic novel, considering that narrative choices have all been explored: the capacity to attract the reader into the characters' love story... and this did not happen to me with these two. Everything felt incredibly commonplace, expected, and not at all spontaneous. We have a man (?) who did not re-call this girl after they had sex, and then falls head over heels for her when he knows she's expecting. We have two characters that, apparently, already liked each other in the past, but also this aspect is not explored enough to justify then a sudden blossoming of a life-lasting love. We have two teens that during the book shared two meals at best, but then decide to be together for the rest of their life. I don't know about you, but I believe love to be way more complicated than this.

Another aspect that was a turn-off for me, was the subtle but constant reference to religion, that in my opinion, strongly collides with a story that starts with a one-time thing ending up with an unwanted pregnancy. Maybe this is why there was no real romance in the book, no hot scenes, no peaks of strong affection.. might be. But I did not like the constant mentioning of God and God's will and God's path and so on - and not because I am not a believer. Bu the fact that the author might be, could explain the narrative choice of such an ending, that again, felt a little too much rushed up and out of context.

However, I also have to say that in the end, Formula For A Perfect Life was a really light read, one of those books that you can easily read in a day because the author's style is quite fluent, the dialogues are easy to follow and the story is not so demanding. I would recommend it maybe as a "beach read", something that you can easily read while sun-bathing and when you do not want to read challenging books.

Unfortunately, though, I cannot give this book more than 2.5 stars.

This is the first Christian novel I’ve read and it was a solid read. It was a cute story about how you should trust in God’s plan, but the religious aspects weren’t too in your face. Solid fast & easy read!

This was a sweet story and read. It follows two college students who fall pregnant after a one night stand. It was an easy and enjoyable story, maybe a little predictable.

Thank you to the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review

Two practical strangers. One fateful night. Two pink lines.

When a one night stand causes Kayla and Ben's lives to be changed forever, they have to rely on each other to make it through. A Formula for a Perfect Life is the story that could happen to anyone and what these two individuals decide to do when they know a baby is on the way.

Going into this novel, I was hoping for a cute romance story and it delivered. The story picked up right away with Kayla and Ben finding out the consequences of their one-night stand. They have to learn how to open up to each other and be forward with what they want. I enjoyed seeing them grow as characters and stick up for what they want out of this situation.

Faith was a theme deeply engrained and discussed throughout the entirety of the novel. While I personally don't identify with the religion discussion, I did not find this theme to be overbearing or "preaching" and if anything, helped me understand the characters motives better.

Although the story was cute and a quick read, something that bugged me throughout this novel was how repetitive it was. Each time Kayla or Ben had an issue in the novel they would turn to their friends (or parents) and receive really good advice - advice that would normally not be given by a 22 year old - which would magically solve all of the main character's problem. This advice would allow them to go back to the love interest and pour out their emotions and solve that issue. However, when a new road bump came along the whole process of seeking advice would start all over again. While I understand it is important to seek advice and use the people around you to better yourself and make decisions, I believe that the author could have taken more creative routes to have the main character's solve their problems in order to make the book feel more like a story and less like an advice column in a magazine.

One thing that is a bonus for this book was it was one of the first New Adult novels I've read that does not have sexually explicit content. I really enjoyed having a novel with characters my age that did not focus solely on sex. It was refreshing, and needs to be done more in the New Adult genre. If you are looking for a novel with characters in their early 20s but don't want the "classic" new adult format I would definitely recommend this book!

Overall I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. Was it the best book I've ever read? No. But was it the worst? Of course not. It's something that I know a lot of people will really enjoy and its definitely a story I would recommend to those looking for a quick, fun, but real love story.

I received an e-arc copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alright so, first off, thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book! I really wasn't a fan of this. It was a really cute story plot but I just didn't think it would be so jam backed with religion. I'm fully respectful of everyone's religious beliefs and views, but I guess I just wasn't ready for all of the references. Sometimes life isn't so black and white or peachy-keen. This is for sure a 'its me, not you' issue.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've been into rom-coms of late and though I was keen to check this out based on the blurb it ultimately fell flat for me. I didn't connect with the characters or the author's voice. The main characters were ok but the side characters were irritating and it took a really long time for me to get into the story. I put it down a number of times and had to force myself to pick it back up because I didn't feel the need to follow the story to the end. Which is a shame because the premise is strong.

Ultimately I can see the appeal for some but this one was not for me.

Formula for a Perfect Life
by Christy Hayes


CAH LLC

CAH LLC
Christian
New Adult
Pub Date 30 Mar 2020



I am reviewing a copy Formula for a Perfect Life through CAH LLC and Netgalley:



They were practically strangers but one fateful night things change.




Kayla Cummings is a college senior and obsessive. She dreams of a storybook life but that is all spun off of course by a pregnancy that was unplanned after a one night stand with her secret crush.




Kayla is devastated and turns to her best roommates and her best friends or advice. No matter what she decides or how badly she feels she has to find the strength to tell her Father.






Ben Strickland ‘s future is written in stone just as long as he gets a decent score on the Law School Admission Test. Ben feels pressure from every side. Ben struggles to juggle his upcoming finals, another shot at the LSAT, as well as his needed girlfriend Darcy. After the girl he spent one night with weeks ago with the news that she’s pregnant with his child his already chaotic life spins out of control.






Ben and Kayla embark on a journey that was not expected with a ticking clock, decisions to make and a lot of people to disappoint. But the biggest surprise may just be falling in love. But when old hurts rear up and secrets that were once buried pose a more serious threat to the future they dreamed of than there impending parenthood. Will Ben and Kayla find their happily ever after or will they have to go their separate ways.



I give Formula For A Perfect Life five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

One chapter is how long it took to peak my interest. One day (late night) id's how long it took to read it. Love the concept behind the storyline is amazing and characters are memorable.

2 stars
I didn't realize this was a Christian when I started it. Ben and Kayla had a rough start that resulted in pregnancy. The whole book felt odd to me. I just couldn't get into the characters.

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. Kayla and Ben were both interesting and complex characters.
They both have their own problems facing them with the unplanned pregnancy But I’m the end they end up falling for each other. Both the main characters are unique and relatable.
At points in the book I did feel like the romance was being forced a bit.
Overall Formula for a perfect life is an easy and enjoyable read with an adorable cast of characters.

Kayla & Ben are studying at the same university ended up having an one night stand which results in Kayla being pregnant.
They both have their own problems but this one is about how they deal their issues, the unplanned pregnancy and fall for each other. Both the main characters are good and enjoyable. I liked Kayla's mom and her brother. I didn't like both Ben's dad & Kayla's dad and Darcy. She is so clingy.
There are some cute moments between Kayla & Ben but the romance felt forced. I felt it could have been done better. This story had a promising start but I felt like after some time it traveled in the same line.
Overall Formula for a perfect life is an easy and light read with some romance.