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.

Cute Christian romance! Not my favorite but good for a rainy day. Characters felt a bit flat for me.

A young couple studying at the same university end up pregnant after just a one-night hook-up. 

This story is pretty much about how they and their families and friends deal with the reality of it all and what the future holds. It's a love story that also talks about drugs, broken relationships, and the death of a family member. 

This was a really great sweet and quick read, I loved how nicely written it was as well.

I wanted to love this book, but it lacked depth and complexity, instead focusing on a linear, one-dimensional story that seemed to have an agenda. The author has potential, and I applaud her for seeking to add value with this book, it just didn't land with me personally.

Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes

“Kayla Cummings. Don’t think for one second you’re unlovable because you have a baby. Whoever God has planned for you is in for a double blessing. He’ll be ready and willing to love you both.”

I didn’t have much expectations when I picked up this book as this is my first from this author. The story kind of grew on me the more I read it. The story is not new and it’s an issue that we hear or read in our society. 

The book starts with Kayla  finding out that she’s pregnant. Imagine college pregnancy and a big future ahead of you. Ben, Kayla and their families were shocked and emotional over this obstacle to their future. I like that Ben turned out to be a responsible person. I like their decision to keep the child a lot. 

It’s a simple but a realistic story. It’s a love story. A love between two people, among friends and among family members. I enjoyed how God made something good out of a bad situation. 4 stars

*Thank you netgalley and CAH LLC for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Formula for a Perfect Life was a sweet read. We follow along as both Kayla and Ben learn how they're going to handle a delicate life change. A situation that will affect all their loved ones and friends.

Christy did a great job at describing just how any college student would react to their situation along with the thoughts running through Kayla's mind. Their concerns were realistic, at times I found myself frustrated and eager to help solve some of their communication issues. But, what young couple wouldn't struggle with communication.

Kayla is such a sweet and thoughtful young woman who has her own ideal of a relationship and building a family/life. Ben, he's a great guy stuck with guilt and family obligations.

This is the story of Kayla and Ben, and how their one night stand turns their last semester of college and their world upside down. 6 weeks after hooking up, Kayla realizes she’s pregnant, pre law Ben is studying for his LSAT with only law school on his mind. That is until Kayla drops the bomb that she’s pregnant. It’s got family some strife, friends coming together for support and a little bit of Jesus. All in all it was an okay book.

super cute read, i’m kind of obsessed and i will be checking out more book about this author in the future!