Synopsis

The mayor needs a scandal-free Christmas. He needs to stay invisible. Too bad the mistletoe had other plans.

It started with a slip.
A tangle of twinkle lights.
And one too many cameras.

Mayor Nengi Touré just wanted a peaceful, perfectly planned Christmas season in Luxe Noir. She didn’t plan to fall—literally—into Elijah Westbrook, the private, off-the-grid son of one of the town’s most powerful families. And she definitely didn’t plan to have the moment captured by paparazzi and blasted across town.

With her re-election hanging in the balance and Elijah desperate to avoid his mother’s holiday matchmaking, they strike a deal: fake a relationship until the season passes.

What begins as damage control quickly turns into stolen glances, real laughs, and cozy moments neither of them saw coming. But as the lights go up and the town leans in, Nengi and Elijah must decide if what they’ve built is just holiday magic… or the start of something lasting.

If you love fake dating with stakes, cozy Black love, and festive feels, this Luxe Noir holiday romance will warm you all year long.

Character Visuals

Excerpt

Elijah gestured toward a row of vendors setting up elaborate displays with flashing lights and intricate decorations. “Do we really need all of this? It seems excessive and unnecessary.”
I followed his gaze, feeling a surge of defensiveness rise within me. “The market is meant to create a festive atmosphere, to bring joy to the town. These details matter.”
He raised an eyebrow in challenge, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as if my explanation didn’t quite cut it. “Do they? Or are you more focused on appearances than substance?”
His words hit me like a slap in the face. How dare he question my dedication to this event and this town? Taking a step closer, I kept my voice low but steady as I defended my choices.

Sights & Sounds