*stares off into space* wow, Mia Ballard has done it again. I loved her previous book Sugar as well. How Mia can write about the most horrible things humans can do and endure while sounding so poetic is beyond me. I absolutely ate this book up. Gia is struggling. She has OCD, no job, and is about to be evicted. As a last ditch effort to keep some sort of autonomy in her life she signs up for a sugar dating website and meets a man who seems like a good option to getting her rent paid, little does she know her life is about to turn upside down. I am really into feminine rage horror at the moment and this is NOT for the faint of heart. Loved it and also confirms my need for weekly therapy. Thanks to NetGalley and for this ARC.

🎀𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵🎀

How far would you go for a buck?

This felt like what would you do for a Klondike bar, but except what would you do to pay rent?

The smut girlies would love half of this, and the unhinged splatterpunk gals would love the other half. I loved all of it.

Gia is our girlie that's having a little struggle with life right at this moment, broke and about to be evicted she searches all possible means to pay for her rent, including being a sugar baby, and this is where she meets Nathan, and it all goes south from here.

The helplessness, sorrow, rage, and pure madness that was this novella has me gagged. So much to unpack in it's less than 200 pages.

I don't know if I've said this before, but we love unhinged, feminine rage and manic girlies here, and this is everything in one!

Just a heads up, there are a lot of triggers here, so make sure you keep that in mind before picking it up. Some include SA, assault, kidnapping, and extreme violence.

I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this e-book ARC, I look forward to reading all the books Ms. Ballard has to offer!

Do not let the cute puppy fool you, this book is DISTURBING (in the best possible way).

At its core this book is about the harrowing conditions women have to face and the way in which they reclaim their agency to create a narrative that highlights resiliency and not victimhood.

It is a reminder to continue to dismantle the cages and systems that take away women’s freedoms, safety,and dignity.

Woof.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

MIAAAAA!!!!! I loved this book. Shy Girl is now my 3rd book of hers I’ve read and each one is better than the last. What a strange, upsetting, wild read.

It’s clear her growth as an author is happening quickly and her confidence is shining through these pages. This book takes her signature character-driven storytelling and cranks it way the hell up. I loved how absolutely feral this book got. Ballard is on a roll, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Visceral and compulsive. I couldn't put it down. My kind of weird and so wonderfully disgusting. My favorite Mia Ballard to date! My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.

Phew. Rarely am I speechless but wow.

Please, please look at the trigger warnings for this book. If you can handle its content, as well as the amount of visceral gore and body horror told throughout, then you will love this story.
It’s gratuitous, over the top, and deeply unsettling. I do not like to read books where an author feels like they are exploiting the trauma women go through for no purpose, but in here I think it’s actually done well and with reason. Is it hard to read? Absolutely. There were many times I found myself putting it down because of how truly horrific the scenario is to imagine. But, I think it’s meant to show us the horror women go through, the trauma we experience day to day, and the power of our resiliency and autonomy. Especially in the face of patriarchy and capitalism which seeks to separate us from ourselves and our bodies, and commodify us.
If you like a good for her story, this is it in its most primal form. If you were a fan of Tender is the Flesh and The Substance, this is their love child. I’m in awe of the author’s writing and looking for more revenge stories this incredible.
4.5 stars.

Thank you the NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Mia Ballard's "Shy Girl" is a harrowing tale that delves deep into the darkest corners of human experience. The narrative follows Gia, a woman ensnared by financial desperation, who agrees to live under a mysterious arrangement with the enigmatic Nathan. In exchange for clearing her debts, Gia is thrust into a seven-year ordeal of captivity and dehumanization that forces her to assume the role of a dog-a striking metaphor for the loss of autonomy and identity.

Ballard doesn't shy away from exploring disturbing themes such as cannibalism, miscarriage, kidnapping, and sexual assault. While these elements are rendered with stark realism, they are at times bogged down by repetitive and overly detailed dialogues that may test the reader's endurance. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of Gia's gradual transformation, both physically and psychologically.

This metamorphosis serves as a powerful symbol of control and the struggle for survival, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics.

While "Shy Girl" is undeniably a bold and provocative work, its relentless focus on grim subject matter and the extensive, sometimes monotonous dialogue can detract from its overall impact. For those prepared to navigate its challenging terrain, however, the novel offers a deeply thought-provoking exploration of human resilience. Approach with caution, but if you're ready to explore the darker corners of the human psyche, "Shy Girl" promises a journey that is as unsettling as it is introspective.

A good for her tale only for the goodest good girls.

This is my first novel from Ms. Ballard and certainly won’t be my last. Her thought-provoking prose on the heaviness that is life are enough to feel like the embrace of a familiar warm hug. She beautifully weaves together the feelings of both existential dread and self-resilience while navigating oppressive systems of control, power, and unthinkable circumstances with feral resistance. The outcome is visceral, rabid, and bloody.

Sub Genre: Extreme Horror, Dark Romance elements but bear in mind the horror is extreme in places.

About the book: Gia is at a crossroads in life and is going through financial troubles, until she meets Nathan on a sugar dating website. He wants someone to be his pet dog…

My Thoughts: Is it bad to say I thought this book was a whole lot of fun?! The premise was something I have read similar to before (400 Days of Opression By Wrath James White), but it was interesting to see it played out in… dog format? I realise this will sound quite vague but trust me if you are into dark romance and extreme horror books this is one for you. I thought this was written well, and the points it made towards the end of the book paired with the female rage were excellently done.

Thanks Galaxy Press and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Galaxy Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Every so often, I find a book that is so brutal, raw, and disturbing, that after I finish reading it, I stare at a wall for a solid ten minutes. Then, I find myself thinking about that book for years to come, because it was THAT impactful. I read a lot of horror/extreme horror too, and after studying and working in forensics for over a decade, I can honestly say that not much shocks me.

Shy Girl was such a dark, depressing, and yet, somehow hopeful, story about a woman, who is struggling through life mentally and financially, so she decides to become a sugar baby to make some money. This woman, who was already at a low point in her life, finds herself with more than just a sugar daddy - the man is manipulative, violent, and possessive. The way he takes advantage of her, knowing she was at her weakest, was absolutely heartbreaking and infuriating. The things she goes through as he breaks her down physically (and tries to break her down mentally) - I had to actually take a step back from reading at times because it was that vile. It's so terrifying to see the levels of depravity a man with money will fall to, without any remorse. And what's even more terrifying is how we have seen recently that some of these situations aren't that far off from real life.

I always love a good feminine rage story - and this was not an exception. From the slow, dreadful build, up until the last 25% when Gia gives in to animal instinct in order to survive - this was very unique, and won't be for everyone. The author's note did a great job explaining any themes that might have gone over anyone's head, so if you read this and don't really grasp the points trying to be made, I think reading that will definitely put things into perspective and help garner a greater appreciation for the overall story.

This one will stick with me for a long time. Absolutely wonderful storytelling.

Actual rating: 3,5 stars

I picked up Shy Girl for its promise of female rage and body horror, and on both fronts, the novel definitely delivered. However, there were other aspects that didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The book’s tension was gripping enough for me to reading it in pretty much one sitting, even though the beginning felt unnecessarily slow for a story that’s barely over 200 pages. The writing is beautiful, though at times it leans a bit too much into flowery prose, which occasionally makes it feel repetitive.

One of the book’s strongest points is its portrayal of the effects of abuse and trauma on a person’s psyche. The way the novel explores how trauma shapes the main character is both profound and realistic, and the characterization is surprisingly nuanced given the extreme situation the protagonist finds herself in.

That said, the ending felt more convenient than satisfying. There were some lingering questions left unanswered, which didn’t leave me with the closure I was hoping for. Additionally, I wasn’t fully sold on the magical realism elements. I felt they didn’t add much to the story and seemed to diverge from the overall tone.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Where do I even begin!? This book?! Before we delve into the plot, I won’t reveal many details because I approached this book completely blind. I believe that’s the best way to experience it.

The story follows Gia, a 30-year-old woman who has lost her job and is struggling to make ends meet. She strikes an unusual agreement with an older man, and that’s where the real meat of the book lies.

As the story progresses, it gradually escalates from unsettling to full-blown and utterly chaotic. Ballard takes their time allowing you to immerse yourself in Gia’s character and witness her situation unfold before your eyes. There are moments of quiet and moments of chaos that are equally matched in their ability to make the reader squirm.

I was thoroughly captivated by Ballard’s writing style. The words flowed effortlessly off the page, and I found myself unable to put this book down. Although this was my first book by Ballard, I am confident that I will be reading more of their works in the future.

However, I do want to issue a warning: be prepared to check trigger warnings! And then, check them again! Ballard does an excellent job of providing clear indications of what to expect as soon as you open the book. This is an intense book that deals with troubling subject matter. So, make sure you’re prepared for the emotional journey ahead. If you’re up for it, it’s a wild ride and a great piece of writing.

Incredible. 4.5 stars. I haven't rated something this high in a long time! I think my favorite part about this book was the messaging behind women taking their power through violence, contrary to the socialization of women being docile and nice, even when they're in a position that demeans and dehumanizes them (particularly without their consent) and put in dangerous situations. I'm on my way to read more of Mia's work!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Broke, lonely, and battling OCD, Gia is desperate for a way out when she stumbles across Nathan—a wealthy, mysterious man on a sugar dating site. His offer? Erase all her debts in exchange for one thing: becoming his devoted pet. At first, it seems like a bizarre but manageable arrangement, but the longer Gia stays, the more she starts to change. The lines between human and animal blur, and captivity begins to feel less like a deal and more like something she might never escape.

This book was gory as hell (and I mean that in the best way). We’re talking teeth pulling, parasitic worms in eyes, and full-on spaghetti intestines—so yeah, definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you love horror, especially body horror, this one delivers.

At its core, this book is all about female agency and reclaiming it in a world that constantly tries to strip women of their freedom and choices. It’s got that full-force good for her energy, fueled by pure, unfiltered female rage. Completely feral, unapologetic, and impossible to look away from—I couldn’t help but love it for that.

In the best way possible, what the fk was that?!
Dark and depraved in such a unique way. I loved the exploration of power and control, the desperation people can feel when short on means, and the reality bending changes that occur. I wish we got more time with our characters. The years flew by at a speed that made things feel rushed. This was what I expected Nightbitch to be, but darker.

Thank you to Galaxy Press and NetGalley for granting me access to an advance copy of this book.

Shy Girl is an intoxicating, visceral descent into horror that lingers long after the final page. The prose is hypnotic, drawing you deep into the mind of our main character Gia, whose thoughts and struggles feel unnervingly relatable. Her journey is steeped in dehumanization, bodily transformation, and an unraveling sense of self that is both stomach-churning and deeply compelling.

The body horror here is executed masterfully—disturbing yet never gratuitous, designed to crawl under your skin rather than shock for shock’s sake. The novel’s atmosphere is suffocating, its claustrophobia pressing in with each chapter. As our antagonist grapples with his growing revulsion toward the very thing he desires, the tension becomes almost unbearable, leading to a finale that is as inevitable as it is horrifying.

Fans of psychological horror and body horror that leans into the existential will find this book unforgettable. It’s grotesque, it’s mesmerizing, and it’s one of the most unsettling reads I’ve encountered in a long time. Author Mia Ballard has gained a new fan!

I’m beyond grateful to my spirit guide, @literarylandlivin, for walking me through SHY GIRL by Mia Ballard. I was hesitant going in, especially with the content warnings, but she assured me that there was a reason for the intensity. This horror story dives deep into themes of autonomy, trauma, and resilience, and while the first half felt disturbingly realistic, it’s the escalating chaos that, although brutal and unsettling, ultimately provides a kind of relief. So, readers beware: strong content warnings ahead! But if you’re in the mood for a top-tier female rage revenge story, this one’s a must-read. Rating: I liked it! A big thank you to @netgalley and @galaxypress for the free eARC. SHY GIRL hits shelves March 1, 2025.

This was insanely good!! Ugh! This novella was visceral, honest, and gory. I loved it! I ate. This. Novella. Up. Five ⭐️!!!

"I've learnt to press myself into neat, soft shapes, to smooth over the parts that snag or bite."

Mia Ballard's novella is about Gia, a lonely, broke and depressed woman with a serious case of OCD, she finds herself at a crossroads when financial troubles lead her to Nathan, a mysterious and affluent man she encounters on a sugar dating website. Desperate for a solution, Gia is intrigued by Nathan's unconventional offer: in exchange for living as his devoted pet, all of her debts will be erased. But the longer Gia is in captivity, the more animalistic she becomes.

A while back I read "Sugar" by this author and to this day it still sticks in my mind for the shocking twists. As soon as I seen a new novella was due for publication, I knew I had to check it out.

This one turns dark real quick. There's hints as to where this story will go however the way in which the author flips the switch on the madness that occurs is swift and disturbing.

Many scenes stick out that had me questioning where this was about to go and even at the end I was left surprised.

This is was a quick dark horror tale that will leave the reader unsettled.

Oof. I mean ... damn.

I don't normally go for horror, but I'm trying to broaden my horizons this year and read things I wouldn't automatically reach for. My feet are firmly planted in the fantasy world. And, I have to admit, I was lured in by pretty soft colors and a gorgeous typeface on this cover. Coupled with the glowing reviews and description, I requested it.

Look, this is no easy book. This is a visceral, horrifying, disgusting type of horror novel. But I'm still glad I read it. It was hard, but it was good. And all the suffering just led to THE most satisfying ending to read for someone like me, who loves being a misandrist <3

Of course, there are deeper meanings in this novel. I have never been good at interpreting things, at thinking past the surface level, at assigning meaning to things that might have never been intended to have meaning. The author's note hits the nail on the head, and that is all I will say about that.

TLDR: Damn.