La Vie en Rose: Life in Pink

By: Lydia Michaels

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A perfect heartwarming story for fans of Colleen Hoover and Samantha Young. When life takes an unexpected detour and Emma’s heart is laid bare, her best friend’s brother steps in to prove all is not lost in this emotional New York romance from bestselling and award winning author Lydia Michaels.

I always dreamt my wedding would include a fancy gown and pretty pearls, but falling madly in love is much messier than I thought.

Riley has always been a boy in the background of my life–effortlessly cute, entitled, and a total flirt. Thankfully, since I’m his sister’s best friend, he never crossed that line with me, that is, until he unexpectedly saved me in a crisis. He was only trying to be a friend, but I accidentally fell for his irresistible charm. I know Riley doesn’t do serious relationships, so–for the first time in my life–I’m keeping things casual. But when reality gets overly complicated and I try to let him go, the unthinkable happens. How could one person's life change so much overnight, and where do we go from here?

©2015 Lydia Michaels (P)2016 Lydia Michaels

Whoa...emotional

This is the first book I've read/listened to by Lydia Michaels. I was not expecting this emotional story. It hit on a lot of areas in life where I was able to personally relate with the characters. It has it's corny, humorous side. At times I rolled my eyes in the beginning. I thought I was going to have to endure some immature writing. Then I found myself giggling and flat out laughing out loud! I loved how Emma and Riley bantered with each other.

But the heartaches and pain were deep and real. First, Emma endured a broken engagement. Then her best friend, Rarity's, disappointment in Emma getting involved with her brother, and all that entailed. Then Emma had to deal with Riley and Rarity's horrible parents, and lastly, cancer. The drama was constant.

The author touched on both sides of cancer treatment...chemo/radiation and a more natural approach. Well done. But in warning about the chemicals in today's products, I felt the story was put aside and lecturing took over a couple times. (Although I agree with what was said!!!)

The cheesy part at the beginning and the lecturing is why I end up giving the story 3.5 stars. I honestly think that this was a wonderful story with a sweet and satisfying HEA!

Brian Callanan did a great job as narrator. His performance was emotional and he brought the characters to life. Incredible performance.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

Keep the Tissues Handy!

La Vie en Rose is a backlist title from Lydia Michaels, and the first book that I have read from her. With her talent for storytelling, it won't be the last. I received a gifted Audible code for this title from Valentine PR and the author; many thanks!

When Emma's fiancé ends their relationship on the very day that her wedding dress is delivered, her roommates are there to help her through the heartbreak. Riley, in stereotypical guy fashion, is uncomfortable with the tears and upset that Emma ate his ice cream. It was fun to see the situation through his somewhat clueless perceptions. What follows is an adorable friends to lovers romance in Part 1. If it had ended there, it would have been a fun, sweet romance, but Part 2 takes it to a whole other level.

Have your tissues ready in Part 2 though, because Lydia Michaels will break your heart, emotionally wreck you, and at just the right time, give you the happy ending. I was unprepared for the emotional devastation in Part 2, but this story wouldn't have been as powerful without it. Because it could be triggering for some listeners, I do think it is important to mention that a cancer diagnosis and treatment occurs in Part 2. This is truly a story about love, and not only romantic love. The ending was perfection, though I was in part sad that it took so long for Lexi to be introduced to the Lockhart parents!

The performance of Brian Callanan was excellent, though it took me a bit to fall into the story with his performance of Emma. Before long, though, I was hooked!

I appreciate the opportunity to listen and review this title with a gifted Audible code. My honest review is left voluntarily.

Cute, sexy, and thoughtful

This was a cute story. It got going really quickly. I loved the relationship between Emma and Riley. They face unimaginable challenges and it only makes them stronger. Highly recommend

A beautiful, emotional journey

This book has a beautiful cover, but the inside is a raw, messy, emotional, yet beautiful, story about love and life that will hit you hard. It’s been on my TBR list for a while and I’m glad that I was able to listen to narrator Brian Callanan bring this story to life.

Riley and Emma’s story starts out as the typical friends-to-lovers trope. He is her best friend’s brother, and the three of them share an apartment in NYC. After Emma is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé, she and Riley grow a lot closer while Rarity is out of town. It’s not long before Riley begins looking at Emma in a different light. Has she always been this beautiful? He is in awe of her courage and strength, and they soon grow closer and take their friendship to the next level.

And then comes the news that will change their lives forever.

The second half of this book is gut-wrenching. I hadn’t read many reviews, so I wasn’t expecting the cancer twist in the story. As light-hearted as the first part was, the second half of this book made me shed so many tears. I thought Lydia Michaels handled it wonderfully, and as hard as it was to read that part of the book, it was well done and I related to the journey and trials that these characters were going through.

Just Breathe.

After some time passes, I will return to this book again.

I received a complimentary audio copy and voluntarily left a review.

Deep. Emotional. Beautiful

There are some books that really hit your heart and this title by Lydia Michaels did that for me. It's my first book by this author, and I thought I was going to enjoy a good, complicated romance. Not only did I get that, but the deep, emotional ties and detail of life altering events is so well written, I could not stop listening. After being dumped by her fiance, Emma is watched over by her best friend, Rarity's brother Riley. These two build a friendship that is unshakable, slowly turning romantic and when circumstances change, Riley is right there by her side. I love these character, but really fell for Riley. Not only was his wit charming, but he was so invested and there for Emma, it's was just a beautiful thing to hear. Emma proves her strength when the two are in the fight of their lives. It's truly a life altering story, full of all the imperfections and tragedy a couple can go through. Michaels guides us through with tears and laughter. It's such a fabulous listen, but be prepared with a box of tissues! I loved this book!

Brian Callanan shines in this story. I have loved his voice for a long time, but this book really pulls out all the stops. It flexes all the emotions, and Callanan pulls us in with each one and keeps us invested and interested in the outcome. He can move so easily from voice to voice, have the tears flowing in one sentence and having us smile in the next. He is a fantastic storyteller and I really enjoyed this performance.

Wow. Life in Pink.

Wow just succinctly describes my reaction to this audiobook. This story drew me in as a reader/listener. I was unprepared for the depth of emotion and the realism of describing the impact of a serious health crisis on the patient as well as those who love her. There was a lot to unpack in this book including parent/adult child conflict, LGBTQ+ struggles, as well as a life threatening illness and the aftermath and identity issues that come after recovery. It was a relief to reach the happy ending after the story took me on a roller coaster of emotions. The narrators did an excellent job as Emma and Riley and really made the story come to life. I started this book without reading any description and was not expecting the meaning behind the title, which was excellent, by the way. This is my second Lydia Michael’s story and I am really impressed. I think you maybe too. I am voluntarily leaving this review after listening to an advanced complementary copy of this audiobook.

Such a Great story

Started off cute and I was now seeing this whole best friends brother thing was happening and loved it. Very sweet and adorable couple. But Lydia Michaels didn’t leave us with this sweet heartwarming story… in came the major heartbreaking part that tore me to pieces! She did manage to put my heart back together by the time I finished though. Also brought up some great facts regarding food that I am completely already invested in due to my daughters health problems. Thankful to see these points brought up in this book to make people aware as well.

Life life to the fullest this listen does it

This is more than a great listen. It teaches you about life . This story teaches you what people go through. It’s anout you to have faith and never give up.
This is more then a romance story. It teaches you what a person goes through being sick..... it also teaches you what the people around the sick person goes through. How do they all manage going through life

The narrator Brian makes you life right in the story . He brought it deep in your soul

Beautiful story of love

What a beautiful, poignant story of love, devotion, despair. Life throws a curveball at the one person Riley found to spend the rest of his life with. His determination to keep Emma happy, He continually lets her know how much she is loved every day. How beautiful and strong she is. This story has laugh out loud moments, tender loving moments, and feelings of hopelessness.
Brian Callanan  is a phenomenal narrator. He brings depth to each character. I can feel each moment of emotion, anguish, anger, torment, throughout the story. Thank you for bringing this story to life.
🎧audiobookobsessionVreviewer🎧

amazing!!

The emotions in this story? I was not ready for them! This really hit home for me and I had to take breaks throughout the book just to get through it. I was a mess. It was an amazing listen but it was emotional. Beautifully written and going into a top read for 2023 for sure.

5 stars!