Scan barcode
linnaboobooks's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to Netgalley for this E-arc.
I'm DNF-ing this book at 13%, which I don't usually do as I prefer to give chances or set something aside until I can get back to it. However, there are a few things that have me scratching my head or just uncertain how I feel about wanting to continue this any further. Such as being a senior, in college mind you, and there is a Spring Formal mentioned when that isn't a college thing. Also, again, even if it is early in the book and I'm sure it's the author's intentions, I don't mesh well with Kayla, our main character.
I'm DNF-ing this book at 13%, which I don't usually do as I prefer to give chances or set something aside until I can get back to it. However, there are a few things that have me scratching my head or just uncertain how I feel about wanting to continue this any further. Such as being a senior, in college mind you, and there is a Spring Formal mentioned when that isn't a college thing. Also, again, even if it is early in the book and I'm sure it's the author's intentions, I don't mesh well with Kayla, our main character.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
1.0
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
From the blurb, I made certain assumptions about this book. Since the book contains a one night stand, I was expecting a somewhat racier story. I don't choose books based on the steaminess but this book thrusts the Christianity front and center . This is typically not the sort of book I seek out and the blurb gives no indication of this aspect.
It was definitely not for me. Typically I feel a little bad about negative reviews, but I feel like this publisher made an effort to disguise the true story.
From the blurb, I made certain assumptions about this book. Since the book contains a one night stand, I was expecting a somewhat racier story. I don't choose books based on the steaminess but this book thrusts the Christianity front and center . This is typically not the sort of book I seek out and the blurb gives no indication of this aspect.
It was definitely not for me. Typically I feel a little bad about negative reviews, but I feel like this publisher made an effort to disguise the true story.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
“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)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
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)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
jen_baroness_mom's review against another edition
4.0
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.Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes is a wonderful story where lemons are made into delicious lemonade.
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 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.
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.
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.
You can take a look at this book, too. It comes before Formula for a Perfect Life with the same group of girls.
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.
You can take a look at this book, too. It comes before Formula for a Perfect Life with the same group of girls.
Organized by:
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes.
Until the next time,
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
bobsvoid's review against another edition
2.0
This has been one of the books I wish I could unread. I'll keep this short and sweet.
- It's a Christian novel. That's totally fine, but it's not my cuppa. So while reading I was so confused why there was an excess of religious discussion. I wish that was clear early on because I wouldn't have requested it.
- It felt like a weird soap opera while reading.
- You aren't able to really feel connected to the characters.
-..... so boring.
I'm going to stop requesting ARCs because they tend to be a disappointment.
- It's a Christian novel. That's totally fine, but it's not my cuppa. So while reading I was so confused why there was an excess of religious discussion. I wish that was clear early on because I wouldn't have requested it.
- It felt like a weird soap opera while reading.
- You aren't able to really feel connected to the characters.
-..... so boring.
I'm going to stop requesting ARCs because they tend to be a disappointment.
heyanci's review
5.0
It follows Kayla and Ben’s two very driven students who have a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. That definitely puts a dent in all their plans and doesn’t life throw a dent in our plans all the time? It was my first Christy Hayes and I loved it. Highly recommend it.
hayjessa7's review
4.0
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.*
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.*
zainub_reads's review against another edition
2.0
Formula For A Perfect Life By Christy Hayes
A simple romcom that begins with an unplanned pregnancy from a one night stand and changes the lives of Kayla and Ben.
The plot has all the ingredients for a simple love story like un-approving parents, disgruntled gorgeous ex-girlfriend and supportive friends.
The story is an average read nothing of the sort that will surprise you but not exactly disappointing too just lukewarm.
The twist closer to the end was “weaker than dishwater” and felt like an unnecessary forced conflict even though the end is pretty much predictable.
I did not love it neither do I hate it, I just feel indifferent to it.
A simple romcom that begins with an unplanned pregnancy from a one night stand and changes the lives of Kayla and Ben.
The plot has all the ingredients for a simple love story like un-approving parents, disgruntled gorgeous ex-girlfriend and supportive friends.
The story is an average read nothing of the sort that will surprise you but not exactly disappointing too just lukewarm.
The twist closer to the end was “weaker than dishwater” and felt like an unnecessary forced conflict even though the end is pretty much predictable.
I did not love it neither do I hate it, I just feel indifferent to it.
bibli0phagist's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this book. While I was a little caught off guard with the religious point of views, I found them to be appropriate and didn’t take over the entire story. Throughout the entire book I found myself rooting for Kayla and Ben. I loved the two different POVs and often found myself wanting to yell at the characters since we as the reader knew both of their true feelings before they shared them with each other. Overall I found this book difficult to put down and was constantly wondering what would happen next.
jessicareadsit's review
3.0
Thankful to have received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first "Christian" novel and I did not really know what to expect,
Kayla has been pining for Ben since their first class and her crush only deepens with time. By a stroke of luck, he happens to be at the same party, emotions run high and they have a one night stand and amicably part ways. Expect for Kayla, that one night changes her entire life. when she learns that she is pregnant. She is forced to search Ben out and tell him the truth.
Ben is under some serious pressure to pass the LSAT's to gain entry into law school, please his parents and his on and off again girlfriend Darcy. He is a victim of circumstances as he is forced to bear the burden of family expectations especially with their past in their town.
Their navigation of the realities of pregnancy at a young age, without a relationship and definitely outside of marriage is definitely interesting. The dynamics and differences of their family life enhanced the novel and definitely proved to me that one can rise above the expectations of their family. It was interesting to note the reactions of both parents and how they coped with the situations.
There was a definite underlying "God has a plan" theme throughout the novel and the strength in believing. Overall, it was a pleasant read with a nice message.
This was my first "Christian" novel and I did not really know what to expect,
Kayla has been pining for Ben since their first class and her crush only deepens with time. By a stroke of luck, he happens to be at the same party, emotions run high and they have a one night stand and amicably part ways. Expect for Kayla, that one night changes her entire life. when she learns that she is pregnant. She is forced to search Ben out and tell him the truth.
Ben is under some serious pressure to pass the LSAT's to gain entry into law school, please his parents and his on and off again girlfriend Darcy. He is a victim of circumstances as he is forced to bear the burden of family expectations especially with their past in their town.
Their navigation of the realities of pregnancy at a young age, without a relationship and definitely outside of marriage is definitely interesting. The dynamics and differences of their family life enhanced the novel and definitely proved to me that one can rise above the expectations of their family. It was interesting to note the reactions of both parents and how they coped with the situations.
There was a definite underlying "God has a plan" theme throughout the novel and the strength in believing. Overall, it was a pleasant read with a nice message.