The first few chapters were so depressing that I couldn't go on. A main character who is totally down on herself usually has one quirky, winsome, or redeeming quality, but I couldn't get deep enough into this book to find it. The writing is good and I'm sure others with different reading preferences would enjoy this book on that merit.

Man’s Best Friend is a heartfelt, thoughtful read that explores the bonds we form—both with others and with ourselves. Alana B. Lytle writes with warmth and honesty, blending emotional insight with just the right touch of humor and tenderness.

This isn’t just a book about dogs (though the canine connection is definitely there); it’s about connection, healing, and how we navigate life’s messier moments. The storytelling feels personal and grounded, with moments that really resonate.

If you’re into stories that are quietly moving and full of heart, Man’s Best Friend is a lovely and rewarding read.

“Man’s Best Friend” presents a captivating, slow burning narrative centered around El, who grows more unlikeable as the story progresses. The novel offers a blistering social commentary on wealth, privilege, and poverty. Alana B. Lytle crafts an original caustic heroine, pushing readers to question the nature of luxury and the sacrifices they’d make to attain it.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This sharp, darkly funny debut uses the motif of dog ownership to unpack loneliness, dependency, and late-capitalist absurdity. With a biting voice and a unique structure, Lytle explores the strange bonds we form in search of connection. Weird, witty, and wholly original!

This book sounded really exciting, it just fell a little flat for me. I thought it would be a bit more exciting, and I didn't really like any of the characters. I'm sure there is an audience for this, but it's not me. Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!

For me this story captivates through its emotional depth, well-crafted characters, and immersive atmosphere. When the narrative flows naturally and the dialogue feels authentic, readers become invested in the world and its stakes. 4 stars!

Man’s Best Friend is Impossible to put down. Highly entertaining! Looking forward to more from this author.

This was a fun read that I finished in less then a day was it a read that is likely to stay with me probably not but I enjoyed it.

A quick read! I enjoyed it for the most part. El is not super likable, but I did want to keep reading on to see how her story unfolded. I wanted to discover more about the motives and was satisfied by the end. Thankful for the ARC!

I sort of enjoyed it and hated it at the same time. .
First and foremost, EL. I didn't like her, but in a weird way that made the story all that much better. I could almost relate to her not letting go of some of her insecurities from when she was younger which of course affects the way she forms relationship present day.
EL was so determined to be something she's not , she lost sight of somethings, even though she never really had a real relationship in her life. Which of course leads her to be an ideal prey for someone with not so good intentions.

I would give this a solid 3.5 stars, but its rounded up to 4

The Good Life presents an intriguing premise but ultimately falls short in execution. The story follows El, a failed actress who drifts through life without direction or ambition. After attending a private school on financial aid, El clings to the hope that her future stardom will earn her the admiration of her wealthy peers. However, that dream never materializes, and by the time she approaches her 30th birthday, she finds herself at a party surrounded by elites, where she meets Bryce, a wealthy man who quickly becomes infatuated with her.

Despite not being particularly attracted to Bryce, El is drawn into his lavish world. He offers to take care of her financially, and though there are obvious red flags, El ignores them, hoping the comfort and luxury will make up for any moral compromises. However, when Bryce’s true nature is revealed, El faces a moral dilemma about whether to continue her life of privilege or walk away.

Though the plot sounds promising, the execution is lackluster. El's character is uninspiring, and her lack of passion or direction makes it hard to invest in her journey. The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional, embodying shallow, entitled stereotypes. The narrative feels tedious, with little emotional depth or meaningful growth. The ending, intended to be impactful, falls flat, and the resolution does little to engage the reader.

Ultimately, The Good Life feels like an exploration of superficial wealth and privilege, but it lacks the insight or emotional resonance to truly captivate. While the story may resonate with some readers, for me, it was a forgettable experience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Man's Best Friend by Alana B. Lytle!

This was my first time reading Alana B. Lytle, and I received Man's Best Friend as an ARC from NetGalley. The novel presents a captivating narrative that blends suspense with social commentary. The plot is engaging, with a slow-burning tension that keeps the reader hooked. The complex relationships between the characters are a highlight of the book. El's interactions with Bryce are particularly intriguing, showcasing a dynamic that is both alluring and toxic. The author does a great job of exploring El's internal struggles and her gradual realization of the dark realities of her new life. The secondary characters, though not as deeply developed, add layers to the story and help to flesh out the world El inhabits. The ending is both surprising and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder about the nature of ambition, dependency, and self-discovery. While the pacing can be uneven at times, the overall narrative is compelling and well-crafted. Overall, Man's Best Friend is a strong debut that offers a fresh take on the rags-to-riches narrative. Alana B. Lytle's writing shows promise, and I look forward to seeing how her storytelling evolves in future works. #netgalley #man'sbestfriend

This book is a disappointing read, with flat characters and a predictable plot. The writing lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the story or its themes. The pacing is slow, and the narrative never quite captures your attention. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver anything truly memorable.

3 stars.*

This book was a bit of a conundrum for me. I really wanted to like it. But it seemed like two books in one and I could not for the life of me figure out why they were in the same jacket.

Part of the story was about dogs leaving their humans.

The other part is about a young, directionless woman who essentially gives up her life for a rich, soulless partner. She has many opportunities to make good decisions but she chooses his money and a lifestyle, even without friends and a connection to her family. It was just weird for me.

*with thanks to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

A true page turner for me I was drawn in from the first pages.Looking forward to reading more by the author.

Man’s Best Friend by Alana B. Lytle is a gripping debut that delves into the complexities of desire and the price of luxury. The story follows El, a struggling actress who becomes entangled with Bryce, a wealthy trust-fund grad. As El surrenders her life for the allure of wealth, she uncovers unsettling truths about Bryce and herself. Lytle skillfully combines suspense and surreal elements, creating a thought-provoking narrative that will keep readers hooked. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore identity and ambition, this book is a must-read!

I really wanted to like this but it read like a trashy magazine to me and I couldn't connect with the characters.

The story is neither suspenseful or compelling; this is not a mystery or thriller. The narrative was boring, tedious, filled with unlikable characters

This twisty thriller was one I couldn't put down! Perfect weekend read and will have you remembering to be careful what you wish for. Everything has a price...