Everyone says beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sheila's eyes are focused on her dreams. With her sights set on opening the hottest beauty parlor in the city and a $100,000 grant on the line, Sheila doesn't have time for distractions. Especially not from Shi'zad, the persistently charming but aesthetically challenged man who keeps popping up everywhere she goes. Her relationship with Shareef might be circling the drain, but that doesn't mean she's looking for a replacement – least of all someone who looks like a darkroom experiment gone wrong.
But Shi'zad never backed down from a challenge. He's witty, intelligent, ambitious, and determined to show Sheila that sometimes the most beautiful things in life come in unexpected packages. Between his corporate climb and her beauty school hustle, they keep crossing paths, and slowly but surely, Sheila starts noticing things about him that have nothing to do with his face.
"Enraptured by an Ugly Nigga" is a humorous and heartfelt romance about looking past the surface and finding beauty in the most unexpected places. Sometimes love isn't about what catches your eye – it's about what captures your heart.
I absolutely loved everything about this story! There were so many hidden jewels and life lessons that were sprinkled throughout. It truly gave the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” new meaning & makes you think twice about giving in to “typical standards” when it comes to one’s looks.
When Shelia meets Shi’zad, although drawn to him she immediately knows he’s not a “typical” person that she would date. As she compares the treatment she receives from her current man, versus the one she “shouldn’t be with” based on society’s standards, it is simply no comparison & she realizes she can do better!
This whirlwind romance story took several twists & turns, tested friendships, touched on the power of forgiveness, childhood trauma & was simply an emotional journey. When people are forcibly humbled, it makes them look at things completely differently and there were characters in this book that DEFINITELY had to be forcibly humbled. Highly recommend for urban romance lovers and if this is how Shi’Zad is coming, then enrapture me sir!
If you know me well, then you know I'm intrigued by book titles more than covers. So when the author Daisy Savage messaged me and asked if I would read an ARC of Enraptured by an Ugly Nigga which was released on June 30, I was curious to see how the title would be developed in the story, and boy did she deliver.
If don't judge a book by its cover was a person, it would be Shi'zad. He may not win any prizes in the looks department, but he sure was a keeper as Sheila soon found out in this humorous and heartfelt romance.
Sheila was focused on her dreams of winning a $100,000 grant to open her own beauty salon/parlor and didn't have time for distractions except those with the shallow, self centered Shareef, who clearly thought she was not worthy of his time, love and attention in the same way she thought about him. But when Shi'zad kept turning up like a bad penny, and the fact that he put himself in harm's way for her, the universe was trying to tell her something and provide a lesson on what she needed and not what she wanted. Gentle, thoughtful, kind, witty, protective, and intelligent - although he doubted himself as it related to work- he was just what she needed and soon Sheila began to see that he was a better person than Shareef.
He won me over with that seven activity date they had, and from then, I was not tolerating any bad about him. I was ready to throw hands with his "family" who treated him like a second class citizen, submit that application for his promotion and rail against Sheila's frenemies Shaunte and Stacy when they laughed at him initially and about they said later when confronted.
I liked that he showed up for her again and again and for his little brother, not Shareef, Corey. I'll be honest. I don't know if I would have been the bigger person and assist the same people who treated me like dirt my whole life, though. It must have been his mother's training, her grace towards that man who got her pregnant and his family (yes, I know she was the other woman but Clifford could've done better), and the belief she instilled in him that he could do anything he wanted that had him assisting and later forgiving them enough to build a relationship.
His relationship with Brother Tyrone, his friend and mentor, was one of the highlights of the story for me.
I also liked Sheila's relationship with her girl Kiyyah, who was a true friend, and the proposal she made to Scarlett, her competitor at the beauty school. That said a lot about her character.
I truly enjoyed Shi'zad and Sheila's journey of discovery and seeing their love blossom. I was happy that she got her happy ever after with her man and her business, but I was extra happy when Shi'zad got his. He was the main character for me.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, not too spicy, character driven, love wins story that's not too long, read this one. Thanks, Daisy Savage for introducing me to this story with characters that feel real and are still lingering.
ARC reader review: Tanisha you did that! This was so fun to read. Together Sheila and Shareef got on my nerves, SMH. If that’s how it is, I need to get me an ugly n*gga! Shi’Zad was way more forgiving than I would have been, he’s a good one. All that clowning, it was funny, but all also “daaaammnn” yall went in on him. Call me ugly once and I’m out. LOL.
I stumbled on this book and audibly cackled because the title is so unserious. But I decided to read because the premise intrigued me (I’ve never read a romance book where the MMC wasn’t fine as hell). When I tell you that the reactions people had to Shi’zad made it seem like homie was straight up Quasimodo😩. I honestly felt bad for him because he was giving good guy energy from the beginning. With that said, I enjoyed this story. Sheila (FMC)pissed me off for half the book but I eventually grew to like her. This book was funny, but also thought provoking about beauty standards and the way it influences people’s treatment of you. Shi’Zad was a GOOD MAN! And super forgiving because I would’ve given Sheila my ass to kiss. I appreciated the found family dynamics and even the push/pull with how and when to close certain doors.
This sweet contemporary romance feels so different from the norm. We have a MMC who isn't an alpha hole, he isn't overly confident with chiseled good looks. Here we have the quiet, steady, humor of an "ugly" MMC. Our FMC isn't perfect sign of virtue. She can be superficial at times and cutting but once the story evolves so does their romance.
I love the author's writing and now I'm a fan.
Tropes: Ugly Duckling Gets a Swan Beauty/Beast Found Family Toxic Family & Trauma
🌶 Smut: There's a couple of good scenes but sex isn't the focus. Scenes are explicit but not nasty.
Love: We get to see how they take their sorrows and watch them achieve their dreams brick by brick 🤌🏾☺️
I’ll be honest. I did not think I’d like this book by the title alone. Cause who wants to read about an ugly zigga??? But mannnn Shi’zad stole my entire heart! 🥺 I really do sympathize with ugly ziggas now because his back story was so heartbreaking fr lmao. Sheila’s character development was so refreshing because her ugly attitude towards him in the beginning was notably more hideous than she described his face. She learned a hard lesson, not to judge a book my it’s cover because he did not play about her! Even when she wasn’t studdin him! I’m so glad my boy got his happy ending 👏🏾
I loved this book down! Even though the ugly duckling had every reason to be enraged and say f everyone he still was positive. He went after what he wanted and he kept his faith when everything around him was just coming at him wrong. He was abandon by his father and was only including when it was convenient for his family. He was the sweetest and I’m so glad he got what he deserved.
Shelia had some trifling ass friends who were low key jealous of her and they truly revealed themselves.
ARC Reader Review: I really enjoyed this book! I felt so bad for Shi’Zad and how people were talking about how ugly he was though! Lol! I really enjoyed his story of how he managed to get through his childhood and still became the man that he is. I loved the love story and how he didn’t give up on getting his girl and how they held each other down through everything. 5 stars for me!
ARC Reader Review: This story was such a breath of fresh air. Truly, a story I didn’t know I needed. I loved everything about it. Normally the MMC are street boyz, but to see this one in such a different light was enjoyable. Shi’Zad knows who he is. I was invested. From the jokes and triflin folks to forgiveness and love. I couldn’t put this book down. Ugly n*ggas need love too!
Listen. I was not prepared for how good this was. This story was hilarious, heartfelt, and unexpectedly deep all at once — the kind of book that’ll have you laughing, side-eyeing folks, and then tearing up a little before you realize what happened. Tanisha really gave us a story that flips the whole “don’t judge a book by its cover” message in the best way possible.
Shi’Zad? My man deserved better from everybody! The way people stayed clowning him for being “ugly” while he was out here proving he’s got more loyalty, love, and emotional intelligence than half the “fine” ones out there — whew. He’s solid, he’s funny without trying, and his patience? Saint-level. I would’ve started swinging by chapter two.
Sheila, on the other hand, was giving relatable chaos. You could feel her internal tug-of-war between pride, perception, and actually being treated right. Watching her slowly realize that kindness and stability will always outshine looks? That was growth, and I was cheering for her the whole way.
The dialogue was sharp, the humor had me snorting, and the emotional beats hit hard. What starts out funny turns into something unexpectedly layered — forgiveness, acceptance, trauma, and choosing love over ego. The pacing never dipped, and those little real-life lessons sprinkled throughout? Chef’s kiss.
By the end, I was fully invested in these two. It’s rare for a story to be this entertaining and still say something real, but this one nailed it.
Five stars, easy. A wild, honest, and surprisingly tender ride. And let’s be real — Shi’Zad might just be the standard now.
Daisy Savage delivers yet another captivating hood romance that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Enraptured by an Ugly Nxgga is more than just an eye-catching title—it’s a gritty, emotional, and unexpectedly heartfelt story about how love, loyalty, and trauma shape the people we become.
The main character’s journey pulls you deep into her world of broken trust, hidden pain, and unexpected connection. Just when you think you’ve got the story figured out, Daisy Savage throws in a twist that reminds you exactly why she’s a favorite in urban fiction. The love interest might not be your typical book bae, but his realness and depth make him unforgettable. He’s proof that sometimes the one who’s least expected turns out to be the most loyal.
What stands out most is Savage’s signature blend of hood drama, emotional vulnerability, and female empowerment. The pacing is fast but never rushed, and the dialogue is raw and real, bringing each character to life. If you’re into stories with high emotion, toxic-but-addictive love, and street-edge storytelling that stays with you, this book is a must-read.
I Truly believe that this book was written with every intention of being an eye opener and it was for me!! for SEVERAL reasons, to help you understand the importance of your own words, we should not judge others based upon what they look like but, what’s in a persons heart. We as people NEED to understand that looks are superficial,we are made in the image of God and we need to love ourselves and others to the fullest , because everything that looks good is NOT necessarily good for you!!!! How we TREAT OTHERS and how we value ourselves is more important than what we look like! Beauty fades but character is forever! Know who your true friends are because if all they see and speak about is looks and material possessions, especially in YOUR MAN!!!Then you better watch it because they making all that noise for a reason and it ain’t for your well being 👀 because if they truly love you, they will love who you love wholeheartedly and want to see you win!!and the BIGGEST lesson: watch how you treat people you NEVER know whose help you’re going to need‼️This book was a sweet, emotionally rewarding experience ! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whew… I did not see this story coming! From the title alone, I was curious, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on. Shi’zad? That man was pure, gentle, and strong , and too good for the people around him. His family? Low down. Sheila’s friends? Even worse. And Sheila? Listen… I understood her fear, but some of her actions had me side-eyeing hard. Still, through every betrayal, every disappointment, Shi’zad kept showing up with that big heart of his, making lemonade out of the sourest lemons life gave him. He broke my heart and patched it up in the same breath. 🥹 I was cheering when Sheila finally got it together and went after her man, because even though she was too good for him he wanted her and he deserved to get what he wanted . This wasn’t your typical love story—it was real, raw, and unforgettable. And I’m so glad Shi’zad got the ending he deserved.
📕 Enraptured By An Ugly N*gga 📕 Author: Daisy Savage Release Date: 6/30 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I will ALWAYS root for the underdog! This was a good story with a reminder to never judge a book by its cover. I think we’ve all judged a person based on their looks before we knew any better. Now don’t get me wrong, I gotta be able to look at you lol but it shouldn’t be the main thing; there’s so much more to consider. Shi’zad (MMC) has been overlooked and called ugly his entire life. He got clowned bad! He wanted to be loved and was confident in what he brought to the table. So he did not let that stop him from shooting his shot. Enters Sheila. From the moment he saw her he knew she would be his. He didn’t know how but he knew. I like how their relationship plays out. From her not giving him the time of day to them being exactly what each of them needed in the other. I’m glad she was able to overlook the exterior and really looked at his heart which allowed the relationship to blossom. I definitely recommend this book 100%!
This book is an exhilarating journey that challenges our perceptions of love and beauty! Meet Shi’zad, a man deemed “ugly” by society’s standards, yet he possesses a heart full of kindness and an extraordinary spirit. He deserves nothing but joy, even as life throws him some serious curveballs. Then there's Sheila, a determined dreamer with aspirations of launching her own beauty business. On the surface, she seems to have it all: the perfect boyfriend, her ambitious goals, and a lively circle of friends. But beneath the surface, things are far from ideal. Enter Shi’zad, who turns Sheila’s world upside down by revealing the profound truth that true beauty lies beyond appearances. Get captivated and inspired as their lives intertwine in an unforgettable tale about love, self-discovery, and the incredible power of looking deeper!
very unique- absolutely everything about it and I loved that!
FMC was annoying but perfectly written for the story.
MMC had a lot of potential. He was an amazing man (to be honest)!
The only reason I wouldn't put him in "Bae Status" is because I felt like a lot of his personality was rooted in his "ugliness". It was very difficult to fall in love with him for all he did because a lot of his internal dialogue exposed his insecurities.
I wish we got more of him standing in confidence with the man he is without the "ugly" as a focal point in those internal dialog moments.
I also do wish we had a little less of the "he ugly and she accepts" moments and more of them together just as a couple who was in love!
I REALLY enjoyed this book! The title is definitely eye catching but I do feel like it takes away from the readers ability to take the story seriously. However, I enjoyed the character development and story arc presented throughout this book. I really like how the characters grew and felt relatable. The drama was compelling and I could see a sequel/continuation of the story if the author wanted to give us an update.
Ultimately, I like that the author gave us more than just superficial sexual content and hyper fixation on the “ugly” factor. I’d definitely read more from this author in the future.
Arc Review Where do I begin.... this was a beautiful story. If I'm going to be honest, I didn't know what to expect because this was my first time reading her work, and with a title like this, I was prepared for anything. But I was locked in. The characters were believable and relatable in more ways than one. It reminds you that you never know what people are walking around trying to deal with. And the plot twists I didn't even see cunning. I highly recommend 👌🏾....I definitely have to visit the rest of her catalog after this one
This story delivers a refreshing romance that challenges conventional beauty standards.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter romance; it's honest about how we too often let superficial standards get in the way of genuine connections.
The story serves as a reminder that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and sometimes the most unexpected packages contain the greatest treasures.
This was an amazing read. My take away from this novel is something I preach daily being a disabled woman. That lesson is you never judge a person/book by their cover. Love should never be based on the way a person looks it should always come from the heart and in this novel Ms Daisy Savage shows you just that.
She shows you how one can find all what they’ve been looking for in the one place/person they dare to look.
😂😂 This book was wild! Some of the twists had me lookin at my Kindle sideways, like no you did NOTTT!? They talked about this poor dude so bad, MY self-esteem was starting to suffer and I'm not even ugly! 😂 But this book was definitely a lesson in how to be forgiving... I'm not there yet... Sooo... Yeah, off to find me a busted n*gga! Talk later!
Whew, this book was such an emotional roller-coaster that it had you going through all the emotions at once. You have betrayal, family drama, heartbreak, love, and new friendships built throughout this book. Tanisha Stewart did her thing with this book! It will have you second guessing on giving that ugly guy in your DMs a chance.
This book is about to put ugly n*ggas on the map! It’s a nice, slow burn urban romance about expanding your horizons, girl! Look beyond the cute smiles and flashy clothes. Get u an ugly dude, settle down, and let him treat you right. Sheila’s life elevated once she let him in. I’m happy for my sis. Makes me wanna go out and find me an ugly n*gga.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I truly enjoyed this love story! I read this recommended novel to cleanse my pallet, not to mention the gorgeous cover! While I typically read suspense, psychological thrillers, and horror. I enjoyed the plot and character development. Each page kept me wanting more and more.
Wow! I'm so glad this book was recommended to me. It's going to my favourite reads of all time. The storyline is refreshingly different, I encourage anyway tired of reading the same tedious plot line to pick this book up. There are no grammatical errors. No unnecessary plot twists with a believable storyline. Highly recommend.
I started this story as cleanse from the norm MMC .. I did not expect everyone to be so crass about looks and the way that Sheila played I can’t see how Shi’zad overlooked it … she was weak for her friends and he was weak for her. The character development fir Shi’Zad was fantastic however everyone else fell flat
Shi’zad was everything you want in a man. He showed looks aren’t everything he was a man of character and I loved that for Sheila after being treated so badly God gave her an unexpected love affair. The twist in this book are very good, bold and unexpected. Great read
This book shows looks are skin deep only. It does not determine the worth of the person or their character. This book was so cute. They both had struggles but they overcame them all together! I loved their connection, they were so solid.
Side note: I was so happy that Brother Tyrone got some happiness also 🥰
I loved the book and it was relatable cause lets be honest we’ve all messed with a ugly dude a time or two in our lives. Sheila and Shi’zad needed each other to get to the best part of their lives. There are twists and turns and laughs all throughout the story. 5 stars!!