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Oh, how I loved Allie Larkin's Stay. Nevermind that I'm a total dog lover who thinks her golden retriever has human qualities and really "gets" her. Or that I'm a sucker for love triangles and tales of first love, especially when they're coupled with the struggles and triumphs of modern dating.

This is just a really great book.

Stay surprised me in the absolute best way possible. I'll admit that I accepted a review copy based solely on that adorable pup on the cover (don't judge) and expected a light romp filled with dog anecdotes. Though Joe is a central character in this novel, of course, he's not the novel; this is definitely Van's story. And Joe is one of many delightful, unexpected and warm characters in this heartfelt book.

I read about 80 pages of this one before realizing I was completely hooked, and then? This was a stay-up-until-you're-done and grab-whenever-you-have-30-free-seconds read for me. I absolutely fell head over paws for Joe, sure, but who wouldn't? The real hero here was Alex, who I thought just walked on water. His friendship with Louis, an 80-year-old charmer, just clinched it all for me. Louis himself was a warm, funny and charismatic character I just wanted to squeeze, and the affection between the two of them was awesome. Alex is a man's man, yes, but he's also a sweet soul who takes care of injured animals all day.

And their owners, too.

Van is just the sort of real character we all know and love. She's strong in many ways but weak in others. Bereft of any true family after her beloved mother's passing, she's very lonely but unsure of how to change that. Her propensity for alcohol keeps her from making smart decisions, but time and experience shape her into a new woman. She realizes her limitations and is vulnerable, but she's not afraid to go after what she wants.

Exploring grief, loss, friendship, the nature of family and love itself, Stay was a book I adored from start to finish. I've heard it described as a cross between Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed and Claire Cook's Must Love Dogs, and I would heartily second that nomination. A warm read for more than just the women's fiction or dog lover -- a spirited, unique debut that definitely caught my attention.