Explore Luxe Noir, a fictional coastal town rooted in Black legacy, luxury, and resilience. The original home of the Westbrooks, this town blends history, culture, and modern affluence in unforgettable romance.

Welcome to Luxe Noir

Strength in Legacy, Pride in Excellence

Luxe Noir is a breathtaking, fictional municipality located on the southeastern coast of the United States near Charleston, SC. Known for its rich Black legacy, coastal elegance, and exclusive lifestyle, Luxe Noir is where history, culture, and luxury collide.
Originally introduced in A Suitable Wife, Luxe Noir features prominently in several of my stories and is the original home of the powerful Westbrook family.

🌊 A Town of Two Halves

• Luxe Noir Bay: The mainland, known for its tree-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and a vibrant yet grounded community.
• Luxe Noir Island: Just offshore, this secluded paradise boasts pristine beaches, exclusive estates, and a legacy rooted in self-determination and generational wealth.
Connected by a scenic bridge, both sides form a unique township known for art, hospitality, and Black excellence.

📚 A Legacy Carved from Resilience

Luxe Noir was built by formerly enslaved people and free Black Americans who turned an island settlement into a thriving, self-sufficient community after the Civil War. At the center of its founding is the powerful love story between Odell Jackson, a wealthy shipping magnate, and Eliza, a descendant of the Bambara tribe. Their union laid the foundation for the legacy Luxe Noir still honors today.
The name Luxe Noir—meaning “Black Luxury” in French—is a nod to its African and French influences, particularly from Guinea and Senegal.

🌿 Culture, Climate & Community

• Population: 18,128 (as of 2020 census)
• Climate: Subtropical, with hot summers, mild winters, and lush landscapes.
• Language & Education: English-speaking with high educational attainment—most residents hold master’s degrees. Luxe Noir is home to Luxe Noir Academy (LNA) and Luxe Noir University (LNU).
• Faith & Family: Deeply spiritual, with both historic and modern churches woven into its cultural fabric.

🏛️ Government & Infrastructure

Luxe Noir is an incorporated township with elected officials, including a mayor, Nengi Touré, and town council. Local services include private security, environmental zoning, and premier healthcare facilities.

💼 Industry & Wealth

The town thrives on tourism, high-end real estate, luxury agriculture, and the arts. It’s a playground for the wealthy, yet fiercely protective of its history and culture.
⚠️ Present-Day Challenges
• Rising gentrification pressures
• Balancing exclusivity with access
• Preserving natural habitats on Luxe Noir Island
• Ongoing fights against subtle racism and discrimination

📚 Stories Set in Luxe Noir

• Holiday Hideaway
• Tangled in Christmas
• Valentine Auction (UN Joint Exclusive)

The Westbrooks of Luxe Noir Bay

The Westbrook family is Luxe Noir’s powerhouse — a Jamaican-American clan rooted in legacy, community, and influence. Richard Westbrook made his mark in tech, while his wife, Olivia, a retired lawyer, now runs multiple successful ventures throughout the town. Together, they’ve built a legacy that extends through their seven children, each carving their own path.

Though all seven are grown, the spotlight has been on Elijah and Zola, whose stories have already stirred Luxe Noir’s social scene. But in a family this dynamic, there’s always more to come.

Sights & Sounds of Luxe Noir