A review by ristretto
Man's Best Friend by Alana B. Lytle

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It’s a little bit of Night Bitch meets the Talented Mr. Ripley. We follow El, befriended at a young age by Julia and Ana two wealthy girls who bring El into their circle. However, they grow distant as they grow up and head their separate ways. El still longs for a connection to that world of wealth, privilege, and power as she exists as a failed actress working at a bakery feeling untethered and disconnected from the people and world around her.

I really liked the writing in this, it made these characters feel alive and real in their actions and motivations and kept me invested despite (or because of?) these unlikeable flawed characters. As El at times teeters between choices it keeps the reader guessing as to what she will ultimately choose to do. While I liked the dog segments woven throughout the story, I felt it could have been a bit more subtle at times. The way everything came together at the climax had me completely gripped and I couldn’t put it down.

If you are looking for an anti romance with an unapologetically selfish characters and sharp social criticism with thriller elements this is a really great read and you should check it out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.