Totally and Completely Fine is a love story, but not just for romantic love. It’s a love story about grief and hope and friendship and healing. Elissa writes stories that dig deeper than a regular romance novel. She writes with meaning and intention and intertwines fiction with the ugliness and beauty of reality that makes you feel like you’re a part of the story. Lauren’s story stole my heart within the first page. A grieving widow with the whole world on her shoulders, but still pushing through everyday with the hope that one day her lie of being “fine” will be true. As someone whose best friend is grief, I connected to her journey through grief and healing intimately. No one can write about grief in this way without going through grief themselves. Elissa, your writing is a gift that keeps on giving. Every story you write reminds me why I love the romance genre as much as I do.

Thanks for the chance to review this romance, but it wasn’t for me. Between the style of writing, the fact I didn’t read the first book, and my absolute indifference to the characters and the plot, I had a hard time finishing the book. But not every book is for every person.

I absolutely loved Funny You Should Ask and when I found out there was going to be a sequel about Gabe’s sister I was so excited!!!

I really enjoy how fast paced Sussman’s writing is — her books truly fly by! I do think this does lean more woman’s fiction than romance and I wish I knew that going into it. It deals heavily with grief with a subplot of romance. I don’t think I was in the best headspace to read about grief but the romance was super sweet!

I also loved the family dynamics and how that grew towards the end.

Overall I didn’t love this as much as Funny You Should Ask, but it was still a good book!

Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman is a novel of grief, love, and self discovery. Lauren Parker is adrift in her small Montana hometown burdened by loss. When she meets Ben Walsh, their fiery chemistry pulls her out of her comfort zone and into the possibility of something new. This book alternates between Lauren’s memories of her late husband and her new blooming connection with Ben. It’s the perfect balance of humor, heartbreak, and passion. Great read!

I have loved Elissa Sussman's previous romance books (Funny You Should Ask / Once More with Feeling) so I was so so so thrilled to get a chance to read her third as an ARC. Thank you Netgalley!!!! I loved this one, too. I loved getting to see Gabe from "Funny" but from his sister's perspective. I loved Lauren and Ben's romance. I would've loved a bit more flashbacks or clearer flashbacks, perhaps. But this is such a minor quibble. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Elissa Sussman writes the best feelings packed love stories. I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I would read her grocery lists if allowed.