New York Times bestselling author Meghan March goes back to New Orleans and the world of Lachlan Mount with a dangerous and bold new anti-hero. The thing about ghosts is they’re supposed to stay dead. That’s exactly what I am, but I can’t stay away from Magnolia Marie Maison for one more day, let alone another year.We’ve already got fifteen of those between us.As it stands, she’ll want to kill me … us.
As it stands, she’ll want to kill me as soon as she lays eyes on me. And knowing her, she’s completely up to the task.
But I’m a man on a mission, and I’ve got everything riding on this.
So, here I come, Magnolia. This ghost is ready for whatever you got.
After all, there’s only one way I want this to end—’til death do us part.
Creole Kingpin is the first book in the Magnolia Duet. Magnolia’s story concludes in Madam Temptress.
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This book is EVERYTHING we’ve been waiting for and it was worth the wait. Oh, it feels so good to be back in Meghan March’s NOLA and to finally get Magnolia’s story! Creole Kingpin is the first book in The Magnolia Duet.
March is a genius when it comes to character development. Magnolia Maison and Moses Gaspard are the best anti-heroes that you want to hate but you love them even more. Their push and pull, individual strength, and the grit make this book a page-turner. Not to mention appearances from Mount and Keira (Mount Trilogy), although I was pinning for more girl time between Mags and Keke. Fingers crossed we get more of that in Madam Temptress (book two).
Another reason I love Meghan March is that the heroes and heroines she writes are both strong people in their own right. When they come together it becomes an unstoppable partnership. This book is no different but turns it up by 1,000 degrees.
Since this book is part of a duet, there will be a cliff hanger and in March fashion she does not disappoint. Not to spoil anything, all I will say is that it hit on a deeper level for me than her past stories.
It’s a given that when I start a Meghan March book that I finish the whole book/series in one day. Her writing and storylines and characters are addicting. Her words are memorizing and you just want to continue to read stories in her world because she brings those world to life. You can see and smell and imagine each setting clearly. Magnolia, the exclusive madam who has been around for awhile finally meet her match in Moses. This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a cliff hanger ending that Meghan March is famous for. I cannot wait to continue the series!
Ahhhhh. Back to NOLA. More Magnolia Maison. And Moses?! Yesssss! Characters I could love to hate. But they get their own story. And their story started fifteen years ago during Hurricane Katrina. Two weeks and then he was gone. He said he was coming back. But fifteen years?!
She’s all fire and strength. He’s here for her and it’s an uphill battle to win her back; to win her heart again. Trust?! She’ll never trust him again.
But there’s something sinister going on and his woman is in danger. He’ll do anything for her, even doe for her. Giving in to the passion and opening herself up again might just be the biggest mistake she’s ever made. Because his secret was a lie. A devastating, life-altering lie. Trust?! Never again!
Soooooo good and so excited. Now in to Madame Temptress!
The people who are meant to be in your life always return no matter how long they wander….
Moses Gaspard and Magnolia Maison when together are a force to be reckoned with. I never knew I could have a man and woman crush at the same time. Moses made an everlasting impression on Magnolia 15 years ago and she never got over him. But he left her and dropped out of her life and never came back. She was devastated.
Magnolia is smart, savvy and can kick ass with the best of them. She fought her way up through the ranks to achieve her dream. But a lot of sacrifices and unforgiveable occurrences happened along the way. You see, Magnolia takes no prisoners.
This story is addictive and captivating and like a drug had me hooked. When Moses returns to New Orleans on a personal mission the emotions amp up and grab you immediately. Moses comes home to Magnolia and you just know you are in for one hell of a ride. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this duet.
I was super excited when I found out that I got an arc of Creole Kingpin. However I realized once again why I binge read Meghan March’s series! Wholly CLIFFHANGER!!! I NEED the second book now! As usual I was wrapped up in this book from the very beginning! I could not put this book down! I am loving Magnolia and Moses and can’t wait to finish their story! I had all the feels while reading this book! This is by far one of my favorite Meghan March books. This book has everything you would want in a suspenseful romance! A definite must read!
Received an arc for an honest review
Loved this duet! LORD, smoking hot and great pacing. Magnolia and Moses are fantastic and if you like audio books, do yourself a favour because Joe Arden and Erin Mallon are incredible.
“This ghost is ready for whatever you got. After all, there’s only one way I want this to end—’ til death do us part.”
Ahhhhh~ this book is EVERYTHING and more than I expected from Magnolia. She has so many layers. She is brave. Loyal. Fierce. Deserving (even if she doesn’t know it). Caring (even if it shows her human side).
Your emotions will be on a rollercoaster along with Mama (swoon) and Moby.
Grief. Betrayal. Rage. Heartbreak. Frustration. Heartache. Devastation. Determination are just a few things you will be feeling.
“Change is coming whether you want it or not. I know you like to dance with the devil, but watch yourself, girl. He always demands his due.”
Can’t wait to crack open Madam Temptress, the second book in the Magnolia duet series.
I’ve been dying for Magnolia’s badass story and was so not disappointed! From page one I was sucked back into Mounts world, and the city New Orleans he contols like I had never left. Love these characters and this story.Now I’ll be diving right into Madam Temptress so that I’m not left hanging off the edge of my seat! 5 fabulous stars lady!
Another fabulous book!
I really love this author and this is another great story.
Moses was totally different to how I thought he would be, I thought he would be really hard but actually he’s a big softie. Don’t get me wrong you wouldn’t want to cross him but for Magnolia you could feel how much he adores her.
Magnolia is one tough cookie, she’s had some terrible things happen to her in her past but incredibly strong to be able to live the life she leads. She doesn’t roll over easily for anyone and I loved how she made Moses work for her attention. She needs a strong determined man to be able to stand beside her.
Electrifying chemistry, lots of heat and spark. Loved how the story unfolded and glad I waited to read this until the second part was published as I hate to wait when I’ve loved a book this much. Am diving straight into Madam Temptress.
I have listened to Joe Arden and Erin Mallon duet audiobooks before but this audiobook performance was next level. The accents were spot on and they did an excellent job portraying the characters. I have been curious about Magnolia since she appeared in an earlier book and she didn’t disappoint me at all. Magnolia was no-nonsense, sassy and assertive. I am a sucker for second chance romances and I am curious to see how this is going to play out especially after how the story ended!!
Creole Kingpin is the first book in The Magnolia duet and man, the author has certainly did it again! I can’t even with the story and its characters, but what did I expect?
This is great second chance romance with a lot of sexy scenes and packed with perfectly balanced passion, suspense and drama that only Ms March could deliver. Magnolia and Moses chemistry is to die for, I’m beside myself rooting for them. I love how the author make me fall in love with her anti-heroes, and Moses is certainly in that list. I love Magnolia’s badass, take-no-shit attitude. These two are made for each other. No other way to say it.
I’m still reeling with questions and I need the last book, like, right now. Another must read series from the author!
The thing about ghosts is they’re supposed to stay dead. That’s exactly what I am, but I can’t stay away from Magnolia Marie Maison for one more day, let alone another year. I really liked this next book in this series and I was really looking forward to Magnolia’s story and this one doesn’t disappoint, the story line is interesting, the characters have great chemistry and a great push and pull relationship and the sex is hot, all over this was a great read.
Oh wow, where do I begin with how much I loved this book. There was so much drama and more heat than most people can handle. Magnolia and Moses were made for each other, there is no doubt about that. Each of them had hard lives growing and made choices that brought them to where they are now. They fell in love when they first met but their choices forced them apart and now 15 years later Moses has shown back up to claim Magnolia as his. Winds of change have come and things keep happening, will it come between them? That cliffhanger caught me off guard, I really wasn’t expecting that and I can’t wait for the next book, I just have to see how this is all going to play out.
WOW, can I give it 10 stars?? If you have read the Mount trilogy, starting with Ruthless King, Defiant Queen, and Sinful Empire, this duet follows the life of Magnolia Marie Maison. Who is a prominent character in that trilogy. She was the brothel madame of New Orleans. Her life has not been easy but she has made a new life for herself. Fifteen years ago Magnolia spent 2 weeks with Moses at that time he was a small time criminal during hurricane Katrina. He left her and returned as the Creole Kingpin.
Magnolia is the ultimate alpha heroine strong, tough and doesn’t take crap from any man.
Moses, returns back to NOLA for Magnolia but she does not
want to get involved with him. Circumstances make that impossible for her to avoid. Magnolia needs his help and the story takes a wild turn with more twists and suspense which Meghan March books are known for. The story continues in the next book madam temptress. This duet brings characters from other another trilogy called The Savage Trilogy which also has Magnolia in the books and brings to life her long term relationship with Rafe. I have read every book Meghan March has written and all the trilogies and stand alones including the inked series are all set in NOLA. Meghan March gives the reader everything you want in a book, great heroes, alpha heroines, drama, steamy sex, and suspenseful stories that keep you turning the pages and waiting on tenterhooks for the next book. Do not miss this duet and I recommend if you have not read the other trilogies do so they are on my must read list. The audio of these books performed by the sexy velvet voice of Joe Arden an alpha narrator.
**Audio Review**
Creole Kingpin by Meghan March is absolutely incredible with her most fierce and sexy heroine yet!!! Magnolia Maison is truly a bada** and she knows it!!!! She took herself from nothing and working in the streets to being a madam and highly respected one at that!! She treats her girls right and takes care of them which is incredible. Now she wants out and to start fresh when her one weakness reappears in her life after 15 years!!! Moses is back and he only wants one thing… Magnolia!!! I know Moses from Meghans series Legend and wasn’t a fan but I am swaying to him now as he wants to protect his girl Magnolia any way he can.
This story is so full of action and suspense that you are completely enthralled in the plot!!! What Magnolia is going through is scary and you want her to come out in too in the end. Truly a strong hero. I am dying for the rest of this story and the big secret that Moses has yet to come clean about!!!!
The narration by Joe Arden andErin Mallon never disappoints!!! They bring this already colourful story to new heights and I enjoyed listening to every single word!!
Heelllooo, Magnolia!! Finally, it’s the book we’ve all been patiently waiting for from Meghan March!! And yep, it was pretty much everything I’d hoped and expected it would be. Mags is just such a kickass heroine, one of my favorites. I’ve been dying to read her story ever since Ruthless King, and it was eye-opening, enlightening, and makes you understand and love the feisty former madam even more. With every page, you’re dying to peel back the layers of our hero, Moses. Find out what he’s hiding and how he’s going to fix the s—storm he’s inevitably creating. I honestly couldn’t put it down because I was far too impatient to put all the pieces of their harrowing story together, even though I KNEW I’d have to wait until Madam Temptress to be fully satisfied. Meghan does it to you every time, so I wasn’t really surprised, but I still wanted to throw my Kindle across the room by the time I hit that last page at one o’clock in the morning. Gah, April can’t come soon enough!!!! But Meghan always makes the wait more than worth it. 😉
I loved Moses and Magnolia’s story with all the fantastic twist and turns. And that brilliant cliffhanger! Yikes! I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing duet! Wonderful narration as usual.
I’ve been waiting for Magnolia’s story FOREVER! And I was sucked in from the very first page! I can’t wait to add this gorgeous book to the growing collection of Meghan’s paperbacks gracing my shelf!
A do not miss read!!!
Could NOT put this down! Kept me enthralled from the very first page. Creole Kingpin is the second chance love story of Moses and Magnolia. I have been waiting to read Magnolia’s adventure since she “influenced” the coupling of Keira and Lachlan in March’s Mount Trilogy. She is one fabulous Alpha-Woman who has taken control of her destiny and doesn’t take any shit from anyone. Her most recent history has been super tragic, so she needs some love relief for sure. It just takes her a while to finally accept it.
“Change is coming whether you want it or not. I know you like to dance with the devil, but watch yourself, girl. He always demands his due.” Magnolia’s ominous advice from fortune telling Celeste at the beginning of the book.
Moses is our Anti-hero that we met as the villain in March’s Legend series. He redeemed himself at the end of that story and I just KNEW he was going back to New Orleans to sweep our Magnolia off her feet. He has come back for her after a fifteen-year absence and he is not taking “No” for an answer – no matter how much she thinks she needs to resist.
“I didn’t just come back for Magnolia. I came back for the fight that would come with winning her. Nothing worth having ever comes easy, especially a good woman.”
Ms. March weaves this sizzling romance between the reluctant Magnolia and the eager Moses with lots of sexy tension along with some crazy side-story drama. “Cartel-style” murders that will more than likely get ramped up in the next book. AND we get some hot Lachlan Mount as well! As always with a Meghan March duet, we are left with a bit of a cliff hanger – delivered by our gorgeous Mount no less. Usually, we can guess what that cliffy will maybe entail – this time I have NO IDEA what to expect.
Creole Kingpin is a roller coaster love story that has all the vulnerability, push and pull, drama, and sexy times we have come to expect in a Meghan March tome. You will just love this second chance romance troupe for sure! Can we get that next book, Madam Temptress, ASAP?
Creole Kingpin is the first book in the Magnolia Duet by Meghan March. As expected, it ends with a cliffhanger and I got to say it was a mild one. The genre is second chance romance and while they are hit or miss for me usually, this one fell somewhere in the middle. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it either. I couldn’t connect to the characters as I did with MM’s previous books.
Magnolia Marie Maison is Keira’s first from the Mount trilogy. I vaguely remembered her, but I couldn’t recall much and I wasn’t sure if I liked her or not. In this book, I liked her attitude and pretty much everything about her. In all my years of reading, I don’t think I have ever had a heroine who has the profession she does. I don’t think many authors will even think of writing a woman like Magnolia.
Moses Gaspard appeared in the Legend trilogy. It seems like everything is connected and from now on I need to keep a log with every single character that has appeared in MM’s books. You never know where and when the next main characters might pop from. My man Mount made the most appearances compared to the other familiar secondary characters and I loved every single line of it.
Magnolia and Moses had a thing 15 years ago that lasted like 2 weeks and ended when Moses left. He comes back all these years later and I did wonder why would Magnolia take him back. That man reveals next to nothing in this book and all the juicy stuff will be revealed in the second part of the duet, which is cruel.
To be honest, I didn’t love the book as much as I have loved pretty much every other book the author has written. It wasn’t bad, but I guess I wanted more chapters from Moses’s point of view and something more to keep me 100% hooked. With a little hesitation, I would recommend it.