Two practical strangers. One fateful night. Two pink lines.College senior and obsessive romantic Kayla Cummings’ dreams of a storybook life are spun off course by an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand with her secret crush. Devastated, Kayla turns to her roommates and best friends for advice. No matter what she decides, no matter how deeply embarrassed, she has to tell the father.Ben … Strickland’s future is written in stone—as long as he gets a decent score on the Law School Admission Test. Feeling pressure from all sides, Ben struggles to juggle his upcoming finals, another shot at the LSAT, and his needy girlfriend Darcy. When the girl he spent a memorable night with weeks ago shows up at his doorstep pregnant, his already chaotic life spins out of control.With the clock ticking, decisions to make, and a boatload of people to disappoint, Ben and Kayla embark on a journey neither anticipated—a journey where falling in love might be the biggest surprise of all. But when old hurts and buried secrets pose a greater threat to their future than impending parenthood, will Ben and Kayla go their separate ways or forge a new path to happy ever after?
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With its eye-catching, flirty cover, Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes might look like a romcom, but it hosts a story that deals with deep, hard issues. Kayla’s unplanned pregnancy takes the lead in the novel, but guilt, shame, poor choices, and more are addressed as Kayla and Ben find themselves suddenly in crisis. As the crisis begets character development, both Ben and Kayla mature and are drawn to one another. One of my favorite moments in the novel occurs when Ben stands up to defend Kayla. The romance thread between Ben and Kayla plays out in a believable manner that held my attention and had me rooting for them to fall in love.
I recommend Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes to readers searching for an inspirational contemporary romance. There’s a strong message about reserving sex for marriage and Christian faith is a part of the book. Overall, I enjoyed Formula for a Perfect Life and it’s a keeper for my bookshelf.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes is a wonderful story where lemons are made into delicious lemonade.
Will Kayla and Ben find a way through their current challenges?
Kayla
Kayla is a self-proclaimed romantic, who sees the best in everyone. However, she lacks self-confidence as she believes that she is a scatterbrain. Or so, her father thinks because Kayla has changed her college major halfway through. The one thing that I noticed is that Kayla has more strength then she thinks. Kayla also has a huge heart.
I like the way that she doesn’t pressure Ben. She allows him time to process and to figure it out.
Ben
Ben is a lost soul looking for love. His past, he thinks, dictates his future, along with the expectations of parents and Darcy’s manipulation of facts. Ben is intelligent and handsome but doesn’t believe his wishes matter. I felt sorry for Ben, but I also admire his resolve once he figures out what he wants.
Them together
Kayla and Ben make a mistake one night, and now they have to pay the price. The question is, how do they want to pay? They have choices, yet they will have to live with these decisions for a lifetime. These choices will also affect their families.
It was refreshing to see how their relationship grew and that they both took responsibility for their actions. I think they made some sound decisions and that not everyone was pleased with the outcome is realistic.
Four Stars
Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes is a charming story. I enjoyed the way that she intertwined their religion with their life choices. And a happy ending is always a plus. I am giving it four stars. Let me explain; there are some serious editing issues as several of the beginning of chapters repeat the first part of the section before moving on. I took me out of the story and caused me to think I was losing it. Once I was aware of it, I hardly noticed it skipping to the next part. That set of aside, the story is precious and enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
I loved how the author’s boldness in writing about one of the common struggles of young adults christians and how to deal with it. I loved the sincerity and depth. The author did not coat things but spelt them out with grace and how to move forward with God’s help.
My favorite character was Kayla’s mum. I admired her so much. Her words of advice and how she stood by her daughter even when she got pregnant out of wedlock was so amazing. The world needs mums like her.
Kayla and Ben had messed us. In fact this is the first book I am reading about two young adults after a one night hook-up and the lady getting pregnant. But even though things were hard at the beginning, I admired their strength moving forward and fixing their relationship with God. That was what mattered most.
Profound lessons to be learnt from this book was, first, there is no depth God can not reach, one only has to ask Him for help and secondly, actions have consequences, even the smallest of them.
Once again, I really admired how the author dealt gracefully with a hard topic.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
“There’s no formula for happy ever after in real life.”
One thing I appreciate so much about Christy Hayes’s writing is that she isn’t afraid to address head-on the temptations, the easy availability of sin, the encouragement to compromise their values that so many college-aged young adults face in today’s world – even if they are believers who were raised to know better. It gives me a fresh view of this generation and opens my eyes to the battles they fight every day. It also means that some things in this book may make traditional readers of ‘Christian fiction’ a little uncomfortable, but the authenticity of what she’s writing, the way she’s writing it, and the grace she’s weaving through it will speak right to the ‘new adult’ reader.
Ben and Kayla. Both a bit fragile but also surprisingly strong when it counts. I really liked both of these characters right away, and I loved watching them grow as individuals and step into their roles as expectant parents, even if this pregnancy was certainly unexpected. Life doesn’t get easier when they make the mature decision either, and I wanted to hug both of them more than once. Just like the quote I used at the beginning of this review, there IS no formula for a perfect life. We have to live with the consequences – and fallout – of the choices we make, but fortunately, as the author gently reminds us, we don’t have to face them alone. God is there to pour out His grace on us and give us the strength to walk the path we’ve taken when we’re leaning into Him.
I also loved revisiting the characters I met in Maybe It’s You – specifically Reagan and Dash. Don’t worry if you haven’t read that one yet. This isn’t officially a series, per se, but this book happens in the same universe (just later) as Maybe It’s You. So we get to see characters again that we loved the first time – and I’m hoping that Kayla & Reagan’s other roommates will get a story soon, too. Especially Shelby.
Bottom Line: Formula For a Perfect Life meets the new adult age group where they are at. It takes an honest look at the consequences of choices this demographic has to make every day, and it frames them in the light of Truth and grace. Well-written and engaging – even really cute at times – you’ll be invested in Kayla and Ben’s journey from beginning to end.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This is a sweet read by Christy Hayes that I will definitely recommend right from the start!
I finished this book in two days. I took my time because I wanted to savor the story and enjoy Ben and Kayla.
I was drawn in from the beginning of the book until the end and I really liked how the author used the phrase God has a plan for you Karebear. He sees outside the big picture where we can only see what is front of us.
Another one I liked is the three P’s Persistence, Patience and be present. Some good advice if you ask me. I’ve never heard of that before and I really think that everyone could use a Greta Strickland.
I immediately loved her and I felt that she was the only one that had a sensible head on her shoulders so she quickly became my favorite character.
The one I didn’t like was Darcy. I don’t like self centered people who don’t have any compassion for others. She puts me in mind of a country song where this girl only talks about herself and not her husband. I know too many people that are just like Darcy and that’s sad.
Overall I think the story is a fabulous read and I do love some young adult novels. I liked it because it was a relaxing read and I love going to the different places that books have to offer.
I will be looking forward to reading more of this author’s books in the future. She’s just that enjoyable!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
This was a journey of how two college students let down their guard for one night, and their lives are altered for good. This is their journey and how it affects them and those they love.
Kayla didn’t think that one night with her crush was going to end up with her pregnant and facing some hard decisions. Ben who is struggling in school, with his on and off girlfriend, and his relationship with his family – he certainly knows that when he tells them he got another girl pregnant that will only complicate everything.
Their journey was not an easy one. They had to face the facts, put away their selfish desires, and eventually become a team against the world. They had to make some tough, life altering decisions and one of the biggest was telling their families. The shame and the guilt I knew were overwhelming each of them, but neither ran away, together they faced this. I am pleased that this was a story where the couple takes on the responsibility together, not blaming one or the other, but facing the truth that each were a guilty party.
I liked this story. I liked who Kayla and Ben become by the end. Especially as they reach for a greater purpose and put away their own selfishness for the sake of their child. This story does bring us to a satisfying and sigh worthy conclusion and I was glad to go on this journey with them.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Kayla Cummings stared at the two lines so long her vision blurred.
[Opening line of Formula for a Perfect Life]
I read Ms. Hayes’s edgy new-adult story, Maybe It’s You, last year and really enjoyed watching the spiritual journey of the male lead. So, when I learned her next book was soon to be published, I couldn’t wait to dive into it.
Formula for a Perfect Life is a bit less edgy with a slightly more mature theme yet just as enjoyable. It opened strong and kept my interest throughout. The college-aged key characters are two individuals having to deal with the outcome of their choices, and the unexpected challenges have a huge impact on their futures. I think almost anyone can relate to Kayla’s “before and after” analogy of her circumstances. Though each of us have different life experiences, we all have those moments in life that change us, that stun us and alter our direction.
Kayla is so easy to relate to, and I liked her immediately. She is caught somewhere between youth and adulthood, with no clear path to navigate through the shadowy parts. One moment she’s clinging to her childhood bear, Mr. Snuggles, and the next she is having to deal with the strains of an unplanned pregnancy.
Ben, though he has some disquieting faults, is also easy to connect with. His dysfunctional family is a contributing factor to my sympathies, and his heart is clearly evident.
This story doesn’t gloss over the difficulties or the negative views others reflect on couples finding themselves in unplanned pregnancies. It deals with all aspects reasonably and authentically, good and bad, and binds it together with soft and subtle Christian themes of perseverance, acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption.
#ChristyHayes #ChristianRomance #FPLPrism
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Prism Book Tours.
Let me say – I LOVED everything about this book! The cover is gorgeous, the story has all the feels and the mail characters (Kayla and Ben) have so much depth and emotion and have you rooting for them till the end!
Both of these college students had a moment of weakness, no protection and SURPRISE! A little cutie is on the way. What will they do?
This book brought some emotions back to when I was pregnant with my daughter almost 19 years ago. I was in college and just started dating someone and we got pregnant. I was terrified. We didn’t have the support of my ex’s family but we had my family. But still – we had low paying jobs, I was in school, trying to pay for an apartment. It was stressful to say the least.
I love how this book truly portrays the struggles. The hard choices that have to be made. The negative feedback from family and friends. People trying to pull you down. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows but you can get through it and be happy one way or another.
This is a top book for me for 2020, the connection I have to it is real.
Wow! This was such a great story and is definitely up near the top of my list of favorites. These two main characters were dealing with the consequences of their actions and did so in a manner that reflected a value for life and the understanding that their lives were going to change in a big way.
I loved the way this story progressed. There were some cringe-worthy moments involving Ben and his reluctance to completely open up about the past. These moments ended up bringing forth some true growth for both Ben and Kayla, in their relationship and even in their faith walks. I felt that the romance between these two built naturally, starting with two people who did not really know each other and were uncomfortable with the situation, to a couple who truly cared for each other and the life that was created between them. This story was very nicely done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Christy Hayes tackles a challenging, but relevant, subject in her latest New Adult release. Formula for a Perfect Life is about an unplanned pregnancy and the fallout that occurs for the two families whose lives will change.
As Ben and Kayla deal with the emotions of becoming parents, the decisions they have to make, and their friends’ and parents’ reactions, they learn about each other’s lives and revise their future plans.
Most of the book (all but the final chapter) takes place during Kayla’s pregnancy, and the first third is the mother- and father-to-be coming to terms with their new reality. And of course, there’s opposition from family and Ben’s ex-girlfriend to deal with.
Hayes includes some content that some Christian fiction readers may take offense with. There are the realistic temptations of two people who are attracted to each other and some harsh names used by Ben’s ex to describe the baby and Kayla at different times. But these are also true to this reader demographic.
What at first seems like a disaster, something that will destroy the plans laid out for Kayla and Ben, may just turn out to be a blessing these two never expected.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Christy Hayes, and Prism Book Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author.
I didn’t know quite what to expect from this book. I thought this would be more of a YA (Young Adult) read, but it is in the middle.
The cute and whimsical cover drew me in, as well as the description about the two college students who end up pregnant, or rather Kayla does.
But, the pregnancy also has some interesting consequences for Ben. In fact, it might be what he needs.
While this is under “Christian Fiction”, there are elements that could be slightly questionable. While there is no actual “foul” language – there are some derogatory words in the book that describe “promiscuous” women. These are words such as sk#nk and wh@re. This language is realistic for how some women (regardless of age) talk about other women.
As the story revolves around an unexpected pregnancy, pre-marital sex occurs. Though, it is prior to the start of the story. There is also talk of abortion, some physical violence (minor slapping), reference to drug use, and the selling of drugs.
There is also some sex talk, some of which could be of questionable language depending on the reader’s preference.
The story is told from two (2) POVs – Kayla and Ben. Both are seniors in college. Ben is already facing pressure to pass his LSAT test for law. He’s also having issues with his overly controlling girlfriend Darcy.
As soon as Kayla sees the two pink lines, she knows life isn’t going to be the same, and reconciles to tell Ben what happened.
While shocked, they both know that abortion and adoption are not options they want to consider. Ben also realizes his on-again/off-again relationship with Darcy, while long-standing in nature, is toxic and unhealthy.
Yet, Kayla’s pregnancy changes everything for them.
From there, what was once a one-night stand; turns into a journey that they take together despite the odds against them.
While it complicates Ben’s complicated life, it also gives him the push he needs to free himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the maturity demonstrated by Ben and Kayla as they took an honest look at their situation. They don’t have any answers, but also don’t hesitate to figure things out either. They even go so far as to talk with their friends, and Ben talks with his grandmother.
When it comes to revealing the truth to the families – Kayla’s is somewhat more accepting than Ben’s. Ben’s father and Darcy were two of the most despicable characters.
This isn’t a shot-gun wedding type of romance either. It is one that sees where everything is going and takes it one milestone at a time.
With a pinch of faith, this is a realistic and honest look into unplanned pregnancy along with the impact it has on the mother-to-be, the father-to-be, as well as their families. It also highlights how important strong friendships are in addition to family. Delightful, and a true example of the plans God has for us – even when we’re sure of what we want. And, sometimes it gives us the courage to stand up for ourselves.
The ending was definitely anticipated, as I’m sure I knew where this was going. I also felt like Ben picked out a better career choice for himself. In addition, Kayla also (despite her circumstances) was still promoting abstinence. She even points out her situation to her brother as a reason.
There are a few typos in the story, and I did find a few missing words. At one point there is a lab test conducted that after researching it, the sequence of events was too soon for the test to have been done. However the errors did not completely detract from the story or enjoying it.
Another enjoyable tidbit was that the baby’s due date was sort of set on July 28th, which is also my mother’s birthday.
Great New Adult story of second chances
My rating is 4.5 stars
How do you take a difficult subject, make it palatable, and then ensure your readers enjoy it? I mean, really! Did you read the synopsis? How much more contemptible could a guy be than to cheat on his girlfriend and get the “other” girl pregnant? Yet, with compassion and enough light-hearted moments to keep it out of the mire, author Christy Hayes created an enjoyable, moral-filled story in Formula for a Perfect Life.
Kayla was a Christian who knew better. Yet the night she spent with her long-time crush – the night he sought her out – her hormones took over her rational thought. Frightened and feeling alone, she was devastated when she found out that things were worse than she thought. Ben had a girlfriend! And didn’t exactly take Kayla’s news well.
Despite what you might think, I ended up liking Ben right away. Not because he was handsome or charismatic but because he seemed so lost. Sure, he slept with his girlfriend and didn’t think there was anything wrong with it. Sure, he didn’t even love her. Yet seeing into his heart, I felt compassionate toward him and hoped he learned his lessons and made the right choices.
Ben’s dysfunctional family was interesting – to say the least. The secret pain and guilt Ben carried had him seeking atonement by following the path his parents wanted him to.
I’ve read other stories about unplanned pregnancies before, so this was not a new theme. Yet I don’t recall seeing so clearly the struggles of what to do about it as I did here. While only Ben and Kayla’s thoughts were expressed, I could even understand why her parents reacted as they did and their suggestions. (Ben’s dad – yeah, I didn’t get him at all other than the grief he was wrapping himself up in like armor – but I did say he was dysfunctional, right?)
I was glad to see it made clear to Kayla, Ben, and those around them the consequences of making bad choices, even the result of being a bad example. They turned to God for help and were sorry for their sin. As in Maybe it’s You, however, the Christian message is subtle and not the predominant theme of the story.
While there were some raw, uncomfortable moments and some crude language used in a couple of places, it was momentary. I would have preferred they weren’t there and yet won’t stop reading this series because of them – they were mild. I found this to be less edgy than Maybe it’s You (which I was glad about!)
Formula for a Perfect Life stands alone though Kayla is one of Reagan’s dorm mates from Maybe it’s You, and picks up where it left off. If you enjoy new adult fiction and don’t mind reading of grittier moments, I recommend reading them in order.
Read my review of Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Author Christy Hayes has a fresh and youthful voice in this novel that tackles a difficult and challenging topic. She pens an emotional and inspirational story of allowing God to take our bad mistakes and turn them into something beautiful. This happened for the main characters when they faced their mistakes honestly and made the hard but right choices. This story has a happy ending and I saw it as an encouragement and inspiration for young men and women who find themselves in this similar situation. The answers are not easy, there isn’t always a glorious romance at the end, nor can you expect support but the HEA is choosing life for the unborn.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.