Stay by Allie Larkin - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Aug 24, 2010

Kristi (Passion for the Page) rated it

Shelves: src-summer-2010, rrrc-monthly

What a wonderful story. I don't read reviews of books before I read them and, somehow, (I guess from the book's description) I'd gotten it into my head that Stay was going to be a light, fluffy romance. But really isn't. There is romance, that's true. But Stay is also about friends and how we sometimes take them for granted and how sometimes we don't know them like we think we do. It's about family, the biological and the family-of-the-heart, and about the good times and the bad. And it's about ...more

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Dec 21, 2011

Rebecca rated it

Shelves: chicklit

Craicky, I found a link to chick-lit novels that feature pets, mainly dogs. I am screwed! But if this book is any indication on what is to come, I might give up soon. It was cute, but lame at the same time and didn't really bring anything new to the table.

Girl is all sad that her best friend (whose parents employed her mother, so they are sort of more like sisters then anything) married the guy she had been crushing on in college (Something Blue, anyone??) and in a fit of drunkenness, ...more

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Oct 24, 2011

Meg rated it

Shelves: read-in-2011, women-s-fiction

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...moreOh, 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.(less)

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Sep 20, 2011

Nicole rated it

Savannah “Van” Leone’s life is not turning out the way she intended. Her best friend, Janie, is marrying the man Van has been in love with for six years. To make matters worse, she is the maid of honor and has to silently endure her heartbreak, while wishing both of her friends happiness. So she does the only rational thing while drunk, order a loyal companion in the shape of a German Shepherd puppy from the internet.

Van’s narration was very witty and filled with tons of dry humor that

...more

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Sep 03, 2011

Jan rated it

Shelves: fiction, chick-lit

I'm borrowing parts of this review from another one of my chick-lit book reviews, largely because, on some level, all of these chick-lit books are basically the same.

Okay, let's be honest here. If you're anything like me, you don't read a book like this because it's a lyrical masterpiece or because you expect to get a lot out of it. You read it for entertainment, and because you like things that wrap up in nice boxes with happy endings. You read it because it's fun. Like candy for the ...more

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Aug 03, 2011

Mandy rated it

The protagonist of Stay, by Allie Larkin, Savannah “Van” Leone has a problem – the man (Peter) that she’s in love with just married her best friend, Janie. It’s more complicated than that however, not only is Janie from a privileged family, but Van grew up in her carriage house. Her late mother, Natalie, was the housekeeper for Janie’s family (and also Diane, Janie’s mother’s best friend.) Yes. Her life is complex and not free of drama.

And it didn’t help any when, rather than drunk-...more

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May 20, 2011

Cyndy Aleo rated it

Shelves: favorites

Most of the books I pick up are things that look interesting at the library or a friend recommends. I'm never one to read bestseller lists or New York Times reviews, but I started hearing some pre-release buzz about Allie Larkin's Stay, and added it to my Amazon wishlist to track it. When I realized she was from the same city I am and an alum of my college, it bumped up to a must-read, and I ordered it right after it was released.

::: The Plot :::

Savanannah Leone has lost ever...moreMost of the books I pick up are things that look interesting at the library or a friend recommends. I'm never one to read bestseller lists or New York Times reviews, but I started hearing some pre-release buzz about Allie Larkin's Stay, and added it to my Amazon wishlist to track it. When I realized she was from the same city I am and an alum of my college, it bumped up to a must-read, and I ordered it right after it was released.

::: The Plot :::

Savanannah Leone has lost everything. Her father took off when she was a toddler. Her mother died of breast cancer right before Van graduated from college. And now her best friend from back home in Westchester has married the guy Van was in love with through four years of college and beyond. Life sucks.

Then right after the wedding, Savannah gets drunk and orders a dog online from a Web site in Slovakia. This far-fetched Internet purchase leads Van to a whole new group of people, and a realization that what she wanted may not be what she needs.

::: Just a Brilliant Debut :::

I'll be honest; I wanted to hate this book. I really did. The author is younger than me. She's published. And the book has so much great buzz you hope that it's another Twilight, a book that's okay, but just not as great as the hype. I'm happily disappointed to tell you that Stay is even better than the buzz.

So many stories that involve the best friend being left behind when the guy marries a girl who's prettier or more accomplished fall into the realm of cliche, but Stay surpasses it. Larkin has made Savannah a sympathetic character that the reader will be rooting for. The sections about Van's mother are enough to get you teary without being maudlin, and there were actually times I found myself shouting at the characters, something I rarely do with a book. The funny sections will make you laugh without veering into the dreaded "zany" territory, and the characters have enough dimension to keep you turning pages well after bedtime.

If I had a single complaint, it's that the beginning of the novel was a little bit of a struggle for me. While I loved the Rochester references (I often found myself trying to guess what parts of the city the characters lived in and looking up names of places to see what might be imagined versus real) right away, the beginning had me a bit worried that Stay was going to be too formulaic, bringing to mind movies like My Best Friend's Wedding and Must Love Dogs. Instead, Larkin has done what every writer dreams of doing successfully: teaching an old dog a new trick, and she does it brilliantly. Stay is a must-read.

This review was originally published on Epinions: http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_Stay...(less)

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Feb 15, 2011

Paul Pessolano rated it

Savannah "Van" Leone is having a bad day. She is attending the marriage of her lover, only she is the Maid of Honor. Her only true love, Peter, is marrying her best friend, Janie.

After the ceremony, Van goes home and finds herself drowning her sorrows in drink and a "Rin Tin Tin" TV series marathon. She decides she needs companionship and feels that a German Shepherd (Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd) is the answer to her problems.

She orders a Germ...more

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Feb 04, 2011

J.Elle rated it

I liked this, although it reminded me an awful lot of the movie "Sabrina". I did like that movie though, so it’s easy to understand why I enjoyed this book. Van has been in love with Peter since she first met him in college. Unfortunately, he comes from money and she is the daughter of a housekeeper. His parents disapprove of the class difference and he lacks the balls to stand up to them. Instead, he ends up meeting, falling in love with, and marrying Van’s best friend, Janie (wh...more

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Jan 04, 2011

Carolyn Hill rated it

OK, I get it that characters are supposed to be flawed like the rest of us and show some kind of growth by the end of the book, but I almost did not get past the opening chapters of "Stay". Savannah, 'Van', Leone is not very sympathetic -- a foul-mouthed drunken slob who still carries a torch for her college crush who just married her best friend. Peter, the object of her crush, seems hardly worth it. He's cute and wealthy with nice manners, but is happy to follow the lures of a cu...more

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Nov 02, 2010

Rachel Carr rated it

To read more reviews check out Reading Rendezvous on MISS at http://www.missomnimedia.com/tag/reading...

In the new novel Stay by Allie Larkin we are presented with the same age-old question, do you swoon and lust after a man who doesn’t want you or fall hard for the new man who wants you? Savannah ‘Van’ Leone is presented with this question when her best friend-Jane- steals the man of her dreams, or at least this is how she sees it. Savannah has been in love with Peter Clarke ever si...moreTo read more reviews check out Reading Rendezvous on MISS at http://www.missomnimedia.com/tag/reading...

In the new novel Stay by Allie Larkin we are presented with the same age-old question, do you swoon and lust after a man who doesn’t want you or fall hard for the new man who wants you? Savannah ‘Van’ Leone is presented with this question when her best friend-Jane- steals the man of her dreams, or at least this is how she sees it. Savannah has been in love with Peter Clarke ever since she set her eyes on his boat shoes, yet she plays the role as best friend rather than companion. Only to further her subservient behavior Van agrees to be Jane’s maid of honor in the only wedding she wants to run away from. Van feels hopelessly alone, her mother died of cancer, Peter leaves her for Jane, and all she has is Jane’s mother who pays her to leave Jane and Peter alone.

Confused by her own feelings and the loneliness she feels Savannah chooses to get ferociously drunk and order a puppy from Slovakia after an inspirational viewing of Rin Tin Tin. As if the situation couldn’t get any worse the puppy arrives as a large German Shepherd who has yet to reach his full growth. Unaccustomed to her dog she rush’s him to the vet after he gets sick and is confronted by a beautiful doctor- Dr. Alex Brandt- who wants nothing more than to swoon over Savannah. Quickly she falls head over heels in love with Dr. Brandt, that is until Peter calls her and shows up drunk on her doorstep. Van is forced to make a decision between her new and old life, which not only affects herself but the only people she has ever loved. Together with her new companion Joe (oh yeah did I forget to mention Joe only understands Slovakian commands) they embark on a new life determined to grow and change with each other.

“You cannot stay with the wrong person. I guess the trick is finding the right one to begin with. Right?”
Allie Larkin’s new book is ripe with unpredictable behaviors and passion. When the characters go through turmoil the reader goes along with them feeling hope, shame, and love. This novel is truly unforgettable and no one can turn away from the warm friendship that evolves between Van and Joe. With Joe’s help Van’s character transforms into powerful and interesting individual who is forced to make the same decisions that we fear to make everyday.

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Aug 08, 2010

Kira Stann rated it

Book Review: Stay, by Allie Larkin
The characters spring to life from the first sentence in Allie Larkin’s debut novel, Stay. Savannah “Van” Leone has sacrificed other possible relationships and put all her hopes and dreams in one basket. She is devastated when her ultimate love blindsides her, begins a romance with her best friend, and marrying Janie instead of Van. There are always consequences to alcohol consumption, as Savannah soon finds out. She orders a dog from the internet to assu...moreBook Review: Stay, by Allie Larkin
The characters spring to life from the first sentence in Allie Larkin’s debut novel, Stay. Savannah “Van” Leone has sacrificed other possible relationships and put all her hopes and dreams in one basket. She is devastated when her ultimate love blindsides her, begins a romance with her best friend, and marrying Janie instead of Van. There are always consequences to alcohol consumption, as Savannah soon finds out. She orders a dog from the internet to assuage her loneliness and heartbreak. Though she does not realize it at first, her vodka blunder may have been the catalyst to the most wonderful moments of her life.

Van is a typical college graduate, a pretty girl who enjoys a party, and has a close relationship with her mother and her best friend Janie. She is fun loving and a bit on the snarky side, at least in her own head, though sometimes she gives voice to it. She is somewhat insecure about ho w she appears compared to her ultra-perfect best friend. This feeling only intensifies as Van alternates between wanting to be happy for her best friend, and her heart breaking because Janie stole Peter away from her.
Peter is a narcissistic confused man who is dissatisfied with his life, and influenced by his rich parents. He is a handsome college graduate who has his life all planned out to step into his father’s business shoes. Peter is so self-absorbed; he does not see what is right in front of him. He passes over Van, who believes she is head over heels in love with him, for Janie, who is more appropriate since she also comes from a wealthy background.
Joe is a plush coated purebred German Shepherd. He is large for a puppy and his youthful exuberance leads to troublesome escapades. Joe is one perceptive dog, even though he is in a strange environment. He is sweet, funny and kind, traits that we all wish our own animals possessed. He helps give a reader insight as to what it is like to own a large breed of dog and the situations an owner might encounter.
Alex is a handsome caring veterinarian who has made a niche for himself in the community and his neighborhood. He exhibits patience and kindness, and even though he is experiencing hurt feelings himself, he is able to set that aside to help others. He is the epitome of a small town rugged outdoorsman. He also has a past to deal with that very nearly overcomes his ability to take a chance and trust again.
I joined Van’s roller coaster ride of life with the first page and never looked back. I had a definite connection to the characters in this novel. They were familiar to me because though they were quirky, they were the type of people I know and speak to every day. This immediately gave me a comfort zone, and I felt like I was reading a favorite, relaxing book I had known my whole life. Allie creates a well rounded character in Van, and voices through Van’s internal dialogue, the mental wavering and questioning we ask ourselves when we have a situation we are trying to repair. Van speaks to the reader, opening her mind and heart to us and to her new dog, Joe, who may or may not understand a word his new owner says. Van reaches the pinnacle of disparagement, realizes the way her life is going and tries an improvement. I was compelled to cheer Van on through her tribulations and anyone would wish for a dog as kind and patient as Joe. I identified with the portion of the book that describes Van’s little “shopping spree.” It is human nature to try to compensate for what we have lost, sometimes culminating with the most unexpected items. The message behind Stay is one of fortitude, survival and fulfillment of dreams. Stay grabs you by the collar and drags you right through the story with no lull in the middle, which I often find in books. You cannot possibly experience life’s highs, if you have not delved into the lows. This book represents so beautifully the knowledge that a person cannot possibly experience life’s highs, if they have not delved into the lows.
I have read quite a number of books, and this is one of those novels that will have a reader speculating if the author had possibly experienced some of the trials and tribulations in the story herself, because of the realistically detailed descriptions. I have recommended this book to teenagers as well as adults, as it usurps the spectrum of age. Stay is my choice pick of all the novels I have read this summer. The novel is available in several formats such as audio, e-book, hardcover and paperback.
Source:
Stay, by Allie Larkin
Available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Stay-All ie-Larkin/dp/0525951717/ref=sr _1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280094710&sr=1-1

Author Bibliography
http://www.amazon.com/Allie-La rkin/e/B002T3TWGE/ref=sr_tc_im g_2_0?qid=1280094489&sr=1-2-ent
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Jul 14, 2010

Alea rated it

Shelves: read-for-review

From the cover you might think to yourself that Stay is a dog book. Well sorry, but no. Yes there is a dog, that is a character and he shows up as much as other characters but the book is by no means solely focused on him. I wouldn't call myself a dog person so for me this was great, but strangely enough Joe (the dog) had such a great presence and personality you can't help but love him! He helps pull Van out of her funk and for that he's completely lovable.

Van, I loved Van's story. ...more

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Oct 04, 2010

Amy rated it

This book was really disappointing. I chose it because it got good reviews in People magazine. Clearly the reviewer and I have different opinions of good books.

The concept was good but the execution poor. It was so predictable and cheesy. Plus, Van (Savannah) was so messy. This shouldn't matter but it really grossed me out. When she got back from her best friend Janie's wedding, she got drunk, since Janie married the man she'd always wanted to marry, Peter.

She e...more

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Sep 20, 2010

Molly rated it

Recommends it for: everyone who loves canines and a good laugh

Recommended to Molly by: PUYB

Shelves: blog-tour-book

Allie Larkin is a talented young author, there is no doubt about that. She captured me instantly with her witty humor and characters that pull you into the story, making you one of them. Allie Larkin is a new author who will rise to the top if she continues with captivating novels such as this one!

Stay is a story that will do one of three things: make you laugh, make you cry, or both. I did both. I laughed at all the humorous thoughts and antics that Allie added to Van's life. I cri...moreAllie Larkin is a talented young author, there is no doubt about that. She captured me instantly with her witty humor and characters that pull you into the story, making you one of them. Allie Larkin is a new author who will rise to the top if she continues with captivating novels such as this one!

Stay is a story that will do one of three things: make you laugh, make you cry, or both. I did both. I laughed at all the humorous thoughts and antics that Allie added to Van's life. I cried when I saw what Van was going through-being in love with a man who married her best friend. I see myself in Van when she feels she's not good enough for anyone. I just wanted to reach out and hug her! That's how I feel lots of the time. The laughing came at all of Van's thoughts through out the story, especially when she was upset at someone. Boy could she think up some thoughts! Allie added the flavor of the story with the laugh out loud humor. The climax of the story came when Van decided, on a drunken internet search, to purchase a German Shepard "puppy" off the internet to be her companion. She felt it was the only one that would be loyal and faithful to her no matter what. So, when Joe arrived, she thought there was a mistake, as this wasn't the size of a puppy, but he certainly filled her void! The story got even better when Joe, the adorable "puppy" bound into the scenes, and helped Van meet Alex, the veterinarian. Alex was such a dear man and one that anyone woman would love! He really added the spice to this novel.

I recommend this fabulous story with 4 stars...I must warn you about the language though, as there is use of some language....this novel wouldn't be good for everyone if you don't like stories that have language. But, if you are a canine lover like me, you fall in love with this story about Van and her cuddly&cute, adorable&fluffy 4 legged companion! Allie Larkin's Stay is the perfect read for animal lovers and those looking for a good laugh. I'll definitely be looking for more novels by Allie, especially if they all have that laugh out loud humor to unwind at the end of the day!

*This book was provided for review by PUYB Promotions*(less)

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Jul 01, 2010

Carol rated it

Man, I loooved this book!

Though I am a couple of decades older than the protagonist of Stay, I can remember how it felt to be a few years past college and a few years shy of what I considered "adulthood". Van is floundering in this particular gray zone, without the support of parents or siblings. Her two best friends, one her secret crush for years, have found each other and gotten married, and Van feels like her world has come to an end.

It is against this back...more

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Oct 05, 2011

Rashmi rated it

Shelves: 2011

I saw this book on the shelf in the library and thought ‘Oh, that is one cute dog’ and though being a cat person, I thought I should probably read it. I loved the story!!! It was kind of chick-lit book, but it was a ‘feel good after reading’ feeling. I couldn’t put the book down during the last 20 chapters and after I was done, I thought seriously about getting a dog! The book deals with the unconditional love you get from man’s best friend.

Allie Larkin has an art keeping the read...more

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Jul 19, 2011

LORI CASWELL rated it

· review of another edition

Janie is Savannah's (Van's) best friend since childhood. Peter is the man she literally fell for her first day of college. Her biggest mistake was introducing them to each other. That is why as this book starts she is dressed up looking like a satin orange pumpkin as maid of honor at their wedding.

After the wedding hoopla she decides to drown her sorrows with a little Vodka and a Rin-Tin-Tin movie marathon. During the night she drunk orders a puppy off the internet. When the puppy...more

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Jul 13, 2011

Sarah rated it

Shelves: read-in-2011

Stay is about Savannah "Van" Leone, who just watched her two best friends Peter and Janie get married. The problem is that Van's been in love with Peter since they first met about 6 years ago. After the newlyweds take off for their honeymoon, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool-Aid & vodka and watched reruns of Rin Tin Tin, and accidentally (drunkenly) orders a German Shepherd puppy online. Though he's bigger than she was counting on, she names him Joe and starts to get over her heartbreak....moreStay is about Savannah "Van" Leone, who just watched her two best friends Peter and Janie get married. The problem is that Van's been in love with Peter since they first met about 6 years ago. After the newlyweds take off for their honeymoon, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool-Aid & vodka and watched reruns of Rin Tin Tin, and accidentally (drunkenly) orders a German Shepherd puppy online. Though he's bigger than she was counting on, she names him Joe and starts to get over her heartbreak.

Joe is an adorable puppy, and my favorite parts of the book were about him. He only responds to commands in Slovak, he's big and goofy, and he's instantly fills the role of girl's best friend.

Van on the other hand... she's not my favorite character. At first, I really liked her. I sympathized with her and her night of getting smashed on Kool-Aid vodka was kind of hilarious. But throughout the book it became obvious that she kind of causes her own problems, and I didn't see any character growth from her during the book. And here's why she didn't grow as a character...

(view spoiler)

Anyways, I would have been happier if the book focused more on her relationship with Joe and dealing with his crazy puppy antics. Van and her personal life were just a little too frustrating for my taste.

I did overall like the book. I enjoyed the references to Rochester, my home town (YAY Wegmans!). And the book was a really quick read. I'll gladly try out the next book that Larkin publishes, because I really did enjoy her writing. And the characters she creates were really memorable. There's a secondary character named Louis that just cracked me up. If you're a fan of chick-lit (I'm thinking along the lines of the Shopaholic series), then you'll probably enjoy this. If you're considering this because you're a dog-lover or pet-owner, you might want to take a pass.

3.5 stars(less)

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Mar 20, 2011

Erin rated it

This was one of those lovely browsing accidents at the public library. Basically if there is an animal on the cover I am hooked but this one turned out to be surprisingly wonderful. It struck me as incredibly realistic. I could identify with the character so much as I am relatively in the same life stage and all the uncertainty that follows graduation from college and trying to find a place where you belong. This character hopelessly misconstrued almost everything anybody said to her and it ...more

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Jun 15, 2010

Deborah rated it

STAY by Allie Larkin (HC – 06/2010 Dutton)

First, I have to say I was told to read this book by a very dear friend of mine, whom I totally trust with these recommendations. And I am glad to say that she was totally correct.

Seriously, our heroine (Van) is a mess until the arrival of her accidentally purchased German Shepherd. Unlike some novels, there are no quick fixes or instant happy resolutions. She has to work on discovering what is important and then learn to accep...more

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Jul 16, 2010

Evanston Public Library added it

In an effort to console herself after the love of her life marries her best friend, an intoxicated Savannah Leone buys a six- thousand dollar Slovakian German Shepherd off the internet. With a premise like that, one would expect this book to be filled with over-the-top antics, yet Stay, was much different. On the surface it appeared to be a cute chicklit novel: Girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl makes peace and learns about herself. To dismiss this book so easily, however, takes away its dep...more

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Feb 06, 2012

Jussy rated it

Shelves: chick-lit, contemporary

From The Back Cover:

Savannah "Van" Leone has been in love with Peter Clarke ever since she literally fell head over heels in front of him on the first day of college. Now, six years later, instead of standing across from him at the altar, Van's standing behind her best friend Janie as maid of honor, trying to mask her heartache and guilt as Janie marries the only man Van's ever loved. Before, Van's mother died, she told Van never to let Peter go, but as the couple exchanges

...moreFrom The Back Cover:

Savannah "Van" Leone has been in love with Peter Clarke ever since she literally fell head over heels in front of him on the first day of college. Now, six years later, instead of standing across from him at the altar, Van's standing behind her best friend Janie as maid of honor, trying to mask her heartache and guilt as Janie marries the only man Van's ever loved. Before, Van's mother died, she told Van never to let Peter go, but as the couple exchanges vows, Van wonders if her fairy tale ending will ever come true.

After the wedding, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool-Aid-vodka cocktails and reruns of Rin Tin Tin, and does what any heartbroken woman in her situation would do: She impulsively buys a German Shepherd over the Internet. The pocket-size puppy Van is expecting turns out to be a clumsy, hundred-pound beast who only responds to commands in Slovak, and Van is at the end of her rope... until she realises that this quirky giant may be the only living being who will always be loyal to her, no matter what.

Van affectionately names her dog Joe, and together, they work to mend the pieces of Van's shattered heart. And it certainly doesn't hurt that Joe's vet is a rugged sweetheart with floppy blond hair and a winning smile. But when the newlyweds return from their honeymoon, Van is forced to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice in order to have everything she ever wanted, proving that sometimes life needs to get more complicated before it can get better.

Review:

It's that old story we know too well; girl loves boy, said boy falls in love with girl’s best friend, said best friend is to self-centred to notice her friends obvious feelings, girl goes through the normal woe is me combined with food and liquor indulgence until girl meets a better guy… but inevitably stuffs it up! Throw in a 100 pound German Shepard and you have a hilarious and at times teary catastrophe waiting to happen.

Van although smart, resourceful, and funny, lets herself become a doormat most of the time. That is until “Joe” comes into her life. Joe helps her find her inner strength and move on with her life.

Stay is an entertaining and light read with plenty of funny moments thrown in. It shows how many of us become deeply attached to our pets and the way they understand us and give us an unconditional love.

I’m going to recommend that this book be read with ice-cream and after every break-up or heartache.(less)

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Aug 18, 2010

C rated it

· review of another edition

Oops, not the kindle edition - I picked it up from the library after Tracy posted her review.

I'd say skip the plot summary in the description and just give it a read. The summary is like those movie previews that show you the whole movie before you get to see it, but in this case, misses the good parts.

I really enjoyed it, and found myself laughing & having to go share them with my husband, who did genuinely crack up - so score points for Allie, or my husband, or both!
...more

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Jul 28, 2010

Shannan/GirlsInTheStacks.com rated it

Have you seen it yet? That novel with the cute, black dog on the cover? When I first started reading Stay by Allie Larkin, I began a friendship with Van. But as I read, I kept thinking where is this dog?? Then Joe came along in a most hilarious way. Studly, adorable, lovable Joe. After meeting Joe, who needs Scooby Doo?
Van has grown up living in her best friend’s guest house along with her mother who worked as the family’s housekeeper. After college, Van is maid of honor in the wedd...moreHave you seen it yet? That novel with the cute, black dog on the cover? When I first started reading Stay by Allie Larkin, I began a friendship with Van. But as I read, I kept thinking where is this dog?? Then Joe came along in a most hilarious way. Studly, adorable, lovable Joe. After meeting Joe, who needs Scooby Doo?
Van has grown up living in her best friend’s guest house along with her mother who worked as the family’s housekeeper. After college, Van is maid of honor in the wedding of her best friend and the boy she has loved since freshman year in college. You know the one boy that you are secretly and madly in love with yet he meets your best friend and falls for her.
Van has lost people in her life that she loves. How does she cope? Well, by getting a dog! (This part is hilarious, especially at the vet’s office!) Throughout many struggles and learning how to cope with them, Joe is her constant companion, her rock, and her pathway to love.
I just loved this book! Did the adorable dog help with my evaluation? You bet cha’! Larkin is able to connect the reader to all the characters in Stay – the dog included. You care for them, understand their pain, and want true love to conquer. Believe it or not, I felt the yearning for love in this book as I did in Twilight. I grew to love Van as a friend. You see her mistakes that aren’t made by a stupid character like in horror movies, but real mistakes that we all could make. She freaks out like we do, gets annoyed by people, has self doubt, and finds friendship just like us. Could she be me? Sure. I love Van because she could be one of us. I love real characters. And this book is filled with them. Just wait until you meet the vet! I can’t stop thinking of the characters that just have to be real. It just makes me smile!
Stay doesn’t seem like a debut novel. Larkin’s descriptions and character development had me from the beginning. I get her sense of humor and sarcasm. Every action the characters made was done so with a purpose. I literally didn’t want it to end.
I just couldn’t be happier that I had the pleasure to read Stay. I want MORE!! More, I tell you! I will be singing the praises of this novel and encourage anyone to pick it up and be in for a treat! (No pun intended! Ha!)
I give Stay 5 STACKS! Now, do you hear me?? PICK THIS BOOK UP AND READ IT!
Love, STACKGirl Shannan who just gave her dog, Chewbacca, a big ole’ hug!
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Aug 25, 2011

Meredith Schorr rated it

This was a such a great book in terms of both story telling and writing style. I just loved it and was impressed that it was Larkin's debut novel. The main character, Van, is extremely relatable and easy to pull for. When the story begins, it's like she is just going through the motions of life but not really living. It feels like she'd been trained to put others before her, like her best friend and her love interest and spends much of her time grieving the premature death of her mother. Bu...more

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Aug 04, 2011

Samantha Robey rated it

Seriously, who can resist this cover? Better than the cover- the actual story and the characters that filled the pages. Stay is an impressive debut from Allie Larkin that belongs on your to-read list. The story follows Van Leone and her baggage of emotional problems- from losing her mother to cancer to losing the love of her life to her best friend. Van succumbs to loneliness one night, and impulsively buys a German shepherd puppy over the internet. When Joe (the outrageously large puppy) finall...more

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Dec 16, 2011

Bissfan rated it

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Recommended to Bissfan by: Feder

Savannah ist verzweifelt. Seit dem Moment, in dem sie ihrer großen Liebe Peter zum ersten Mal über den Weg gelaufen ist, hatte sie sich diesen Tag ausgemalt – den Tag, an dem die perfekteste aller Hochzeiten steigen würde. Und perfekt war sie auch, wenn man von dem winzigen kleinen Makel einmal absah, dass ihre beste Freundin Janie und nicht sie die Frau war, die im weißen Kleid an der Seite ihres Peters auf den Altar zuschritt und damit Vans noch verbliebene Hoffnungen, Peter für sich zu erwärm...moreSavannah ist verzweifelt. Seit dem Moment, in dem sie ihrer großen Liebe Peter zum ersten Mal über den Weg gelaufen ist, hatte sie sich diesen Tag ausgemalt – den Tag, an dem die perfekteste aller Hochzeiten steigen würde. Und perfekt war sie auch, wenn man von dem winzigen kleinen Makel einmal absah, dass ihre beste Freundin Janie und nicht sie die Frau war, die im weißen Kleid an der Seite ihres Peters auf den Altar zuschritt und damit Vans noch verbliebene Hoffnungen, Peter für sich zu erwärmen, endgültig zunichtemachte. Und als wäre das noch nicht genug, musste sie auch tapfer die erste Brautjungfer mimen und sich für das Glück ihrer beiden besten Freunde freuen. Doch sie kann Peter einfach nicht vergessen. Und so scheint ihr zu Hause in ihrer Wohnung der einzige Ausweg zu sein, sich gnadenlos mit Wodka volllaufen zu lassen, um ihren Kummer und ihre Einsamkeit wenigsten für ein paar Stunden zu vergessen – ein fataler Fehler.
Denn als sie nach ihrer durchzechten Nacht vollkommen verkatert am Boden ihres müffelnden Bades wieder zu sich kommt, weiß sie nicht mehr so genau, was sie eigentlich getan hat. Hat sie womöglich Peter angerufen, um ihm in einem verzweifelten, vom fadenscheinigen Mut des Alkohols getriebenen letzten Aufbegehren ihre Liebe zu gestehen? Oder hat sie – was noch schlimmer wäre – etwa ihre Freundin Janie erreicht und dieser offenbart, dass es ihr ganz und gar nicht in den Kram passte, dass diese sich Vans Traummann geangelt hat?
Doch ihre diesbezüglichen Befürchtungen scheinen unbegründet und sie beginnt, sich der Hoffnung hinzugeben, in der Nacht keine kopflosen Aktionen unternommen zu haben – bis sie ihren Laptop aufmacht und von einer neuen Nachricht in fremder Sprache in Empfang genommen wird: „Pres Potvridt – Hund bestätigt“ verkündet ihr die Betreffzeile und vage prasseln die Erinnerungen auf sie ein. Alte Rin-Tin-Tin-Filme und ihre vom Alkohol noch verstärkte Einsamkeit hatten sie dazu bewogen, nachts auf einer slowakischen Seite einen süßen kleinen Schäferhund-Welpen zu kaufen, der sie auch noch ein kleines Vermögen gekostet hat.
Ihr anfänglicher Schock ob dieser Erkenntnis verwandelt sich bald in euphorische Freude. Endlich ist sie nicht mehr allein! Sie würde einen süßen, kleinen Gefährten haben, der ihr fortan nicht mehr von der Seite weichen würde. Aber weit gefehlt: Als sie den Hund schließlich am Flughafen in Empfang nehmen will, erwartet sie kein flauschiges Fellknäul mit tapsigen Pfoten, sondern ein zwanzig Kilo schweres, schwarzes Ungetüm, das ihr Leben fortan vollkommen auf den Kopf stellen soll. Stress mit Nachbarn und zernagte Gegenstände sind dabei nur ein Gesichtspunkt, mit dem sie sich auseinandersetzen muss. Denn kaum ist Joe in ihr Leben getreten, da klopft auch die Liebe gleich zweier Männer an ihre Haustüre.
Wird es ihr gelingen, den erdrückenden Ballast ihrer Vergangenheit endgültig los zu werden, oder wird sie für immer davon beherrscht werden?

„Sitz! Platz! Liebe!“ von Allie Larkin erzählt auf herzerwärmende, abwechslungsreiche Art die Geschichte einer Frau, die viel zu lange einer fadenscheinigen Illusion von Liebe hinterher gelaufen ist und dabei beinahe vergessen hat, selbst zu leben. Und genau in dieses kleine Dilemma wird man schon auf den ersten Seiten hineingeworfen, ohne das lang um den heißen Brei herum geredet wird.

Zugegeben, der sprachliche Stil lässt an der einen oder anderen Stelle ein paar kleine Makel erkennen, was ich äußerst schade finde. Auch haben sich in die Übersetzung hier und da ein paar grammatikalische Fehlerchen eingeschlichen, was mir den Einstieg in die Lektüre etwas erschwert hat. Doch spätestens als Joe auf den Plan tritt und mit Witz und Charme jedes Wort zu einem wahren Lesegenuss macht, sind diese kleinen Unzulänglichkeiten wieder vergessen.

Die Idee hinter der Geschichte ist auch nicht wirklich innovativ und bedient einige Klischees, die dieses Genre nur zu gerne aufzuweisen hat. So spannt die elfengleiche, immer wunderschön aussehende Janie unabsichtlich ihrer nicht ganz so perfekten Freundin Van die vermeintliche Liebe ihres Lebens aus. Van ist im Gegensatz zu ihrer Freundin zwar nicht elfengleich, hat die Kurven dafür aber an den richtigen Stellen. Die davon tief getroffene Van legt sich als „Freundersatz“ einen Hund zu und verliebt sich bis über beide Ohren in den sexy rustikalen Tierarzt – der ganz zufällig auch noch das komplette Gegenteil ihrer ehemaligen Flamme Peter ist. Dass Van aus eher bescheidenen Verhältnissen kommt, ihre Freundin und auch Peter dafür zur gehobenen Schicht gehören und so in einer ganz anderen Liga als Van spielen, gibt dem Ganzen noch einen aschenputtelmäßigen Touch. Meiner Meinung nach eine nicht wirklich gute Kombination für einen mitreißenden Roman, was einfach daran liegt, dass dieses „armes Mädchen wird von den Widrigkeiten ihres Daseins beinahe in die Knie gezwungen, kriegt am Ende aber doch noch ihr Happy End“-Thema einfach schon zu abgenutzt ist. Aber ich wurde beim Lesen schnell eines Besseren belehrt. Denn die liebenswerte, teils gefühlvolle, teils erheiternde Art, in der der ganze Roman aufgezogen ist, lässt die Klischees weniger plump und aufgesetzt wirken, als es normalerweise der Fall ist. Natürlich ist es bisweilen etwas nervenaufreibend, die Protagonistin mal wieder über ihre ach so perfekte Freundin jammern zu hören. Diese sieht nämlich auch nach einer durchzechten Nacht noch umwerfend aus, während Van selbst erst umfassende Restaurationsarbeiten vornehmen muss, um wieder vorzeigbar zu sein. Aber als wirklicher Störfaktor kann es doch nicht bezeichnet werden, da die Protagonistin dafür einfach viel zu liebenswert ist und das Buch durch seinen Witz besticht.

Insgesamt sind es vor allem die Charaktere – allen voran der Schäferhund Joe –, die das Geschehen so fesselnd gestalten.

Da wäre zunächst einmal Van. Die „tragische“ Protagonistin, die ihre Mutter vor einigen Jahren verloren hat und tapfer auf der Hochzeit ihrer beiden besten Freunde gute Laune mimen muss, obwohl sie am liebsten heulen würde. Es ist mir nicht schwer gefallen, mich in ihre Gefühlswelt zu versetzen und ihre Handlungsweisen nachzuvollziehen. Sie steht am sprichwörtlichen Scheideweg ihres Lebens und muss sich entscheiden, ob sie weiter einer verlorenen Illusion ihrer Vergangenheit nachjagt, oder sich auf einen unbekannten Weg in Richtung Zukunft begibt.
Den Stoß in die richtige Richtung gibt ihr ausgerechnet ein von ihr im Alkoholrausch übers Internet bestellter, slowakischer Schäferhund, der ihr Leben ganz schön auf den Kopf stellt.
Besagter Hund reißt sie aus ihrer Einsamkeit und gibt ihr den Antrieb, etwas in ihrem Leben zu verändern. Auf seine stürmische, liebenswerte Art bringt er frischen Wind in ihren Alltag und lässt sie alles mit etwas anderen Augen sehen. Es ist der Autorin hier wirklich wunderbar gelungen, die Veränderung aufzuzeigen, die ein Hund in ein stagnierendes Menschenleben bringen kann, ohne dabei die Sorgen, Probleme und Ärgernisse auszusparen, die man mit seinem neuen Gefährten auf vier Pfoten haben kann.

Auch die übrigen Charaktere sind abwechslungsreich und lebhaft gestaltet und geben der ganzen Geschichte eine gewisse Tiefe und Wärme, die über das ein oder andere Klischee geschickt hinwegzutäuschen vermag.

„Sitz! Platz! Liebe!“ ist sicherlich kein Buch, das als besonders gehobene Lektüre einzustufen ist, dazu fehlt es der Geschichte einfach etwas an Originalität. Aber mit dem bevorstehenden Frühling ist es dank seiner leichten, mitreißenden Art bestens als entspannende Nachtlektüre, oder für einen genüsslichen Lesenachmittag an der frischen Luft geeignet.
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Dec 23, 2010

Sheree rated it

Shelves: chick-lit, read-in-2010, romance

I adored this book, it was an absolute hoot and one of my favourites of the year for the pure enjoyment factor! Van is messed up, her mother has died, the man she has loved for years marries her other best friend, she's lonely, miserable and has a fondness for Kool-Aid Vodka cocktails.

When Van over indulges in her beverage of choice, orders a puppy over the internet and awakens with the hangover from hell I was almost rolling on the floor laughing. When Van lets fly with some very un...more

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Sep 06, 2010

Katy rated it

Shelves: favorites

I am so totally hitting the jackpot in fun reads this summer. I just finished Stay by Allie Larkin and the first thing I want to say is READ IT. If you enjoy witty, laugh-out-loud funny books that touch on the themes of love, loss, friendship, healing, and finding your place in life (and aren't offended by a bit of profanity and an instance of premarital sex) go out and buy this book today. I read half of this book on a long car trip last week (no, I wasn't driving LOL!) and hubby kept shooting ...moreI am so totally hitting the jackpot in fun reads this summer. I just finished Stay by Allie Larkin and the first thing I want to say is READ IT. If you enjoy witty, laugh-out-loud funny books that touch on the themes of love, loss, friendship, healing, and finding your place in life (and aren't offended by a bit of profanity and an instance of premarital sex) go out and buy this book today. I read half of this book on a long car trip last week (no, I wasn't driving LOL!) and hubby kept shooting strange looks at me because I kept cracking up laughing.

After Van watches her two best friends get married, she realizes she literally has no other friends in the world. In a drunken stupor, while watching Rin-Tin-Tin reruns, she decides to purchase a German Shepherd puppy over the internet. A very expensive, well-trained German Shepherd puppy, who arrives much larger than she expects, and who she names Joe. She's never owned a pet before, and her adventures are hilarious and bring her into contact with new people. Her personal life begins to broaden as a result of having Joe in her life. She makes a few major mistakes in the process, but eventually she begins to find her place in life where she is comfortable with herself and with the people around her. It's almost a coming-of-age story in which she broadens her horizons further than she has since her mother's death.

The characters were interesting and authentic. Van had a bit of a drinking problem, but she seemed to be getting it (and her life) under control by the end of the story. I loved that she worked from home over the internet (something we have in common!) and that her dog was a German Shepherd (my Trixie is half German Shepherd!). She did have some blind spots, especially with her two best friends, but it was lovely to watch them work through those issues together. It was also moving to see her work through her grief over her mother's death. The book tackled some really tough topics, but still managed to be light and funny at the same time.

This is Ms. Larkin's first book and I really can't wait to read her next one. Stay is wonderfully funny, full of heart, and features one of the most adorable hundred-pound dogs you can imagine. It makes me want a Joe of my very own. :-)(less)

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