La Vie en Rose: Life in Pink

By: Lydia Michaels

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

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

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.

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.

Beautiful, Raw and Real!

Wow, what did I just listen to aka read. This has got to me one of the very few that I have had the pleasure of listening to that was so beautiful and life changing in my soul. I truly have thought about it for days until I write this review.
Riley and Emma along with the side characters are some of the most realistic characters I have read. In the beginning, I did not know that what I felt for the characters would change so drastically in a wonderful way. The only thing I can say more is read it! If you are on the fence, just read it. It does have a sensitive subject maybe for some but I honestly thought it was beautiful even with having the same scenario in my own family dynamics.
Lydia Michaels is a new to me author and Brian did an excellent job in narrating. I felt the emotions you were supposed to feel when you were supposed to feel them which makes a 5 star listen in my book.

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!

Heart-wrenching, romantic story!

La Vie en Rose, an Audiobook by Lydia Michaels is the story of Riley and Emma. She’s having the most devastating day in her life. Her best friend can’t be there….but, her BFF’s brother can!!! Riley and Emma become friends. Then things slowly grow from there. Then a brutal fear hits them both full force…..this story was a little depressing to me...wasn't prepared for the topic. But, it was very good!!

This Audiobook was narrated by Brian Callanan. He does a masterful job performing this intensely shocking story…and brings a depth to the story that only enhances the story!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this Audiobook.

Beautifully written

Riley and Emma have just started a blossoming relationship when their lives are turned upside down. The story is told in three parts- the new love, the life changing event, and the journey to healing. This is a very raw and emotional book, with many endearing moments as well as laugh out loud scenes. Rarity is another well written character of this story and there is family drama that complicates all their lives. Lydia Michael’s definitely did her research with this book and her words are heartfelt and will resonate with me for a long time. Brian Callanan is a great narrator for this captivating story.