Embarking on conducting peer reviews for academic journals can present a new and exciting challenge for early career researchers. This article offers succinct guidance about peer review: not only “what to do” (the Good) but also “what not to do” (the Bad) and “what to never do” (the Ugly). It outlines models of peer review and provides an overview of types of reviewer bias, including conflict of interest. More recent developments in journal peer review, such as author-suggested reviewers as well as manipulation of the peer review process are also discussed. A new position of Editorial Fellow at Heart, Lung and Circulation will provide aspiring researchers the opportunity for multi-faceted involvement with peer review at the Journal.