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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Meghan never disappoints! I’m a sucker for second chance romances and I can’t wait for the next book!
QUOTE:
Magnolia Marie Maison is a complex woman that no average man would ever be able to unravel.
Lucky for me, I’m far from average. I also plan to spend the rest of my life learning every last one of her secrets.
I. am. stunned! I mean, I know that Meghan March has some serious talents but to make me actually like the villain from the Legend trilogy?! WTH just happened here…I can’t. I mean. I just don’t have words right now. I am already thinking of diving in for a reread and I literally just finished this book hours ago!!!
QUOTE:
Once and for all, the winds of change are at my back and guiding me home. Guiding me to the future. Guiding me to her.
MM is without question a genius when it comes to penning stories that leave you breathless and begging for more. Partly with her epic duets and trilogies and partly because the woman literally writes endlessly entertaining romances. No two books read the same, even when she’s got to have more then 30+ titles behind her at this point. From the moment I picked up my first MM romance, I’ve held her to high standards, and she’s remained one of my very favorite authors. She’s also one of the only authors to leave me speechless when I met her in person—but that’s a story for another time.
QUOTE:
My blood pumps faster at the thought of what’s coming next. War, most likely. But not over the streets like I’ve waged before. This time, it’s going to be a battle for a barricaded heart.
Never before has anything been so fucking important.
I won’t rest until she’s mine.
Brace yourself, Magnolia. Another hurricane is coming.
Creole Kingpin is already one of my favorite books I’ve read by MM and remember—the story isn’t complete! Right now I keep going in circles…I mean, surely, I am mistaken. Surely Moses Gaspard did not win me over—and better yet, have me as hot and bothered as I was! I mean, MM’s got a way with sexxxy that never fails to make me need a change of panties at the very least, but damn… Moses!?!? Really? MOSES BUFORD GASPARD literally had me beside myself because his redemption isn’t even complete—not with the bomb MM dropped on readers at the end of Creole Kingpin—but seriously, that man had me wanting to get on my very knees and pay homage. And as flipping much as I liked Moses, I have to say, he does even hold a candle to Magnolia—Mags—for me. She’s one hell of a woman, literally. Backbone for days and likely one of the feistiest, take charge, kickass women MM has penned to date! And if you’ve read a single MM book, you know that she doesn’t write weak women! Also, the girl has a mouth on her that rivals my own, which was also an awe-inspiring moment for me. I LOVED this story—loved really isn’t even a strong enough word choice here but it’s literally all I’ve got. Creole Kingpin is an epic fast paced, slow burn romance that will have you turning pages after page at lightning speed. Still when you get to the end, you’ll sit there as I’ve sat here for hours…stupefied and dying to read this one again. I can tell you with all certainty that I am positive this time around I am not going to be able to survive the wait for the Madam Temptress, book two in this duet, to hit my kindle. This time around, the anticipation alone is literally going to kill me. Do yourself a favor, read this book right now!!! Do not wait. Be ready to pick up Madam Temptress the second it hits your kindle like I plan on doing. FIVE MOFO EPIC STARS!!!
OMG!!! I absolutely love this book! We have heard about Magnolia in previous books by this author. Magnolia is trying to live a simpler life. Moses is a man from her past. That ending, oh my! I can’t wait for the next book! I need the answers! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
*Magic Beyond The Cover Book Blog*
She’s done it yet again! Meghan March has captured my attention immediately and completely! I absolutely loved Moses and Magnolia. Magnolia intrigued me in the Mount Trilogy so I am so glad to get to hear her story. Some people might be a little turned off when reading about a former madam – hey we all have a past and Magnolia did what she had to so she could survive.
Moses was the big enigma that always was in Magnolia’s mind, much as she didn’t want him there. 15 years have passed since they were together and Moses isn’t letting Magnolia go this time.
Meghan has such a way about her writing that makes me love a traditionally not loving character. Every character that I wouldn’t normally love, is a character that I truly feel and root for.
I can’t wait for the ending of the Duet
5 , this book was perfection
I love that Magnolia and Moses aren’t your typical book characters. Come on, just the title let’s you know. These two hearts have experience so much in life but their connection is deep. Their desire for each other definitely my favorite couple from Meghan March
Let’s start with my favorite character, Ho It All this bitch is hilarious. Now she’s Magnolia mind, yes her mind has it’s own name. She tells it like it is, she’s sassy and made me laugh all the damn time.
Magnolia, is outspoken, she’s fierce, protective, honest and has the biggest heart . You can’t help but love her. I admired her strength the most, she didn’t just give up, she kept fighting and its always great to see female characters who exhibits this trait
Moses, this man has a lot of nerve ,15 years later he comes back to claim Magnolia whats up with these characters who disappears for such long periods of time??? With all that said, I still love me some him, he’s protective, understanding, has a sense of humor and the man loves him some Magnolia.
Their journey is exciting , I just loved everything about these two. They are the perfect combination together. They balance each other out and I can’t wait to see how their story ends.
My New Favorite. I haven’t read book two in the series yet, but this book tops every book that Meghan has ever written because, MAGNOLIA. I know. You were waiting for this book too, but don’t fret, because it is here.
This book broke boundaries and completely didn’t prepare you for what was behind its pages. It was dark and troubled and at the same time it was like watching a sunrise. Change was coming and it was only the beginning.
Magnolia has fought to be who she is. She changed her own narrative and we were there fro a good chunk of it. Now? Now we get to see what is in store for her next. I loved that there were all our old friends in this one and that we finally got some peeks back into their lives. I also really loved getting to see them from Magnolia’s eyes because that girl sees the world a little differently.
Throw Moses into he mix and you knew this read was going to have you on your toes. It was BOUND to have a typical MM ending but guys, you do not see the twists coming, I sure didn’t even though the clues were right in front of us. I am currently dying or the next read. Stay tuned.
This is the first part in what I think is a two part series.
Magnolia worked her way up from an escort to New Orlean’s most well known madame. She’s trying to disentangle herself from her old life and start over. Out of the blue, Moses shows up. He’s the love of her life that disappeared after Hurricane Katrina and never looked back. He regrets hurting her and is back to set things right….whatever it takes.
I love the New Orleans backdrop of this story. Mags and Moses have great chemistry. There is the perfect balance of emotional angst and suspense. The book ends on a cliff hanger.
Meghan March has done it again!
Creole Kingpin is a perfect combination of fantastic writing, amazing characters with chemistry that is off the charts and a storyline filled with suspense and intrigue that will keep you flipping the pages as fast as you can to see where this story is going.
Magnolia is as fierce as a lion. She is strong, confident and one of a kind especially in the eyes of Moses and now are in battle of wills. Moses left her years ago to keep her safe. He is now free and clear and has come back to claim her but she has managed the last fifteen years without a word from him. She is successful, strong and independent and definitely doesn’t want to depend on him. But he is a protector deep down and has never met a more perfect woman and she is terrified of her feelings towards the one man who holds her heart.
And this is not the end of their story so hang on because you are going to want to know what happens next!!
“Magnolia Marie Maison is a complex woman that no average man would ever be able to unravel.”
Magnolia Maison at first appears to be a hard-edged, bad-ass woman. All her life experiences have made her so. And yet, inside, there’s a woman with a huge heart. When her great-aunt, who raised her, threw her out of the house, she took to the streets to carve out a living. Years later, when her aunt was too feeble to survive on her own, Magnolia took over her care.
She’s also a good and loyal friend. Her best friend is Keira, wife to Lachlan Mount, the Ruthless King of New Orleans. The trilogy about Keira and Mount is magical and reading it adds a lot of enjoyment to this story.
Magnolia used to be a prostitute, then a Madam, owner of her own house, and is now retired from that life. She wants no reminders of that life so she bought a new house in the French Quarter to carve out a whole new existence. Except that a ghost from a past life appeared on her doorstep!
Moses Gaspard, the man who saved her when Katrina hit New Orleans, who spent two memorable weeks with her and then disappeared, is back. He promised to come back for her and didn’t, thus breaking her heart and breaking her trust.
And here is where I freaked out. I realized that this Moses is the much feared Moses from Gabriel Legend’s story. In that trilogy, Moses is painted as this scary mogul, responsible for Jorie’s death and Bump’s injury. So I think he’s the worst criminal ever, but in this story, he’s a man hopelessly in love with Mags, who thought of her every single day he was away from her, and worked with the single purpose of coming back, once he accomplished his goals.
“I thought of the orders I’d given right before I left Biloxi, and regret, something I’d never much felt before, trickled through me.”
As for his crimes, we get some vague explanation about his movements through the fifteen years they were apart, and we know there will be lots more to learn in next book. He works with two partners:
“We have a system, the three of us. We settle down in one place for a bit, and then travel to the jobs we decide to take. Make good money, and then move the fuck on. We’ve been living this way for over a decade, and I’m ready for something different.”
And it has always been his goal to come back for Magnolia, he just hadn’t planned for how long it took him:
“But before I could get to this phase in my life, where I was free to come back for her, there were a hell of a lot of hurdles to jump. More than I planned on, that’s for damn sure.”
Now back and trying to win Magnolia back, he learns that Magnolia is in danger from an unknown killer and is being watched by the Feds, too. Moses is determined to protect his woman and Magnolia is determined to fight it out on her own. Good times are had by all in reading this roller coaster of a story!
I loved both characters and loved their hate/love relation. I loved reading how Magnolia’s heart defrosted as she observed Moses’ devotion and determination to protect her. Little by little the walls around her heart cracked until the delicious cliffhanger that threatens to detonate a lot of emotion, we still don’t know which, love or hate or revenge. I thought Moses was an uncouth criminal but in this book, we now know he’s a delicious Creole hunk:
“Six-three, light-skinned, but definitely black somewhere in my Creole lineage, muscles with enough bulk to show I hit the gym regularly.”
How’s that for enticement?
I just can NOT seem to get enough if Creole and Magnolia.
A absolute knock out of a cliffhanger April can not come fast enough.
I love the heat and passion meghan shows through each character. Pushing every limit going. I’m left in dieing need for more.
OMG. I don’t know what else to say. First of all, can I please have some of Magnolia’s spirit? I love her sass and fire. And then Moses. *fans self* there is just something about this sweet talking guy. Logically I know he’s a bad guy, but I have a feeling there is a lot more to the story, his story, then what we have been told and I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us.
4.5 stars
Welcome to Magnolia’s world where she has done what she needed to call her own shots. However, life in “The Big Easy” is anything but. Starting with a powerful reading from Celeste, everything Magnolia has come to rely on is about to be blown up. Beginning with the return of the one man that Magnolia has never forgotten, even after fifteen years. Moses has never forgotten Magnolia and although they only spent two weeks together, their bond was forged. He is back to reclaim what he believes is his but is he too late? Magnolia is that woman who combines spitfire with a fierce independence that is not to be taken lightly. She is not a woman who will be pushed around nor will she cater to a man. Moses is the sexy alpha male who is more likely to go to battle for what he wants and anything or anyone best get out of the way. However, there are secrets and mysteries that are along the periphery that need to be addressed and in order to take care of business, trust needs to be reestablished. Will Magnolia and Moses be up for the task of working together? This is one highly charged second chance at love and the chemistry just oozes between Magnolia and Moses. It does end in a cliffhanger and readers can look forward to part two of this sizzling duet. All I can say is bring on Madame Temptress, available on April 14th.
Magnolia Maison does not need, or WANT, Moses back in her life. As far as she’s concerned, he’s 15 too many years late. So he can take his sexy self back to wherever the hell he’s been since he ghosted her. She’s strong and independent, and does not need his help or him, at all. Until her heart can’t help but give in to the feelings she’s always had for him.
Moses never expected it would take 15 years to get back to his Magnolia. He was trying to get out from under the crush of things he owed, so that when he came back for his love, he’d be free and clear. And now he is, so he’s come to claim his woman. She won’t be making it easy for him, though, and he loves that about her. He loves her sass and spitting fire at him. He loves her, period.
She’s in danger, though, under the microscope of someone who aims to do her harm, and Moses will not stop until he’s got rid of the threat to her. But is he a bigger danger to her than the threat coming after her? If the bombshell dropped during the cliffhanger is any indication, then I’d say yes!
I LOOOOOVE Magnolia and Moses!! The chemistry between these two is absolute FIRE, and it was highly entertaining as Magnolia fought to keep her heart safe from the man who broke it all those years ago. Their snark and witty barbs, and the intensity of their feelings, even as the suspense ratcheted up, wow. I’m so in love with these two and cannot wait for Madam Temptress. And one last bit before I sign off – Magnolia is awesome!! She’s by far my favorite part of this story. She’s strong and tough with a heart bigger than the sky. The perfect heroine as far as I’m concerned.
Overall Grade:
When Meghan March announced her duet for Magnolia Maison, this reviewer was excited. Actually, beyond excited. You see, Magnolia’s presence in the Mount and Savage Trilogies cemented her as a “person of interest.” If you’ve read those trilogies, you know that there is no antihero better than Lachlan Mount. He is a man you love to hate, but then easily fall in love with as his love for Keira progresses. That is until you meet Magnolia “Mags” Maison. In my mind, she stands side by side with Mount as a preeminent heroine. She is everything you love about a heroine: independent, internally strong, intuitive, and resilient. In giving her an epic romance in Creole Kingpin (and eventually, Madam Temptress), March is offering romancelandia a better, stronger form of heroine.
From its beginning, you find yourself hooked to Magnolia in Creole Kingpin. She holds both traditionally masculine and feminine characteristics. She is the master of her world. She controls so as not to be controlled. Her past has molded her into her present, and we find her with a new goal in life: live a more modest, quiet life. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen with the Mount and Savage trilogies, this world, NOLA, is fraught with troubles. As much as Magnolia wants to leave it, it continues to pull her back in. Creole Kinpin exists to set up a huge life change for Magnolia; its purpose is showing succinctly how “bada$$” Magnolia Maison is.
What we are gifted with is a new antihero: Moses. We met him in the Legend Trilogy. Yet, in that one, he was a scary MFer, at least until The Fight for Forever. It is here that we realize there is more to Legend’s nemesis. There is a humanity about him, one grounded in a love for Magnolia. And he doesn’t disappoint in Creole Kingpin. This is a man who is willing to flay himself apart to earn back Magnolia’s love again. For me, Moses’s redemption seems tangential to the real fire of this book, which is Magnolia. She is the reason I ADORE Creole Kingpin. Yes, Moses is empathic and the filler for Magnolia’s cracks, but his purpose is to simply love Magnolia. She’s the strength and the beauty of this story.
As Magnolia’s story evolves, March offers us a romance of second chances. Yes, this is a second chance for Magnolia and Moses. More importantly, though, this is a second chance for Magnolia. It’s clear that she has a severe case of ennui, and she needs change. She’s already made some significant modifications in her life, seeking after peace. But March makes it clear that this a woman at a turning point, a woman who has given so much of herself to others, and it’s time for Magnolia to finally find her future. It’s a stark reminder that change, at any age, is possible, and love can be the impetus for it.
If you have read the Mount and Savage Trilogies, then you should be reading Magnolia Maison’s duet. She is the best heroine you will read in romance. Grab Creole Kingpin today and get reading.
it’s finally magnolia’s turn, in meghan march’s triumphant return to new orleans, creole kingpin, we learn the story behind the madam with the heart of gold. if there’s anyway one word to describe magnolia, it would be survivor. a woman who has the grit and determination to make a life for herself on her terms. making decisions that at times cost her, but ones that she believes are the only way forward. we saw this in the mount trilogy, and we see it here.
but we also see the truth behind the façade she presents the world. and we find out who might be the key to unlocking all the walls she’s built, without allowing her to crumble. moses is a
n anti-hero much like lachlan mount and as with mount, march has a way of turning things around so we see the good inside. She’s so talented at bringing a complicated man to life. and it makes for such a satisfying read…well as satisfying as a read can be when you’re dying for the next book. always a fan of a cliffhanger, this one will leave you vying for more, as always.
**creole kingpin published on march 10, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of Meghan march in exchange for my honest review. keep reading for more book info…
4 Going Back to New Orleans Stars!!
Well, Meghan March has made going back to New Orleans one of the best times EVER!! Imagine Magnolia’s surprise when she discovers the man that broker her heart all those years ago is back in her city and he’s not going to stop until he has made her his again….yeah, it’s not going to be that easy Moses!! Magnolia is a different woman than she was all those years ago…guarded and desperate to not be hurt again!
This book grabbed me from the very first chapter. We’re drawn into this story with one of the best opening chapters bringing us into the inner sanctum of Lachlan Mount and I was fully invested in where this story was gong to go. The intensity between Magnolia and Moses is as strong today as it was when they were together previously.
I loved Magnolia’s desire to live her life the way she wants to live it and she’s not going to make it easy for this man. I was cheering her on, but I also knew that if she gave Moses just a modicum of a chance the great love of her life could be hers again. And the intensity of their feelings for each other leads to toe curling, off the charts HOT sexy times.
Ms. March is a master at writing a story that is woven with suspense, passion and intrigue. The way this story develops I couldn’t stand to put my kindle down because I HAD to see what would happen next. And of course, as we all know, there’s going to be a cliffie, but this one had me gasping because OMG I didn’t just read that did I?
Needless to say, I’m SO READY for the conclusion to this duet in Madame Temptress!!
This duet has been on my most anticipated reads list since it was announced. I could not contain my excitement when I finally got to pick this book up! I was glued to my kindle for every single addictive second of this story! Holy cow! What a first installment! I absolutely loved it!
This first book in Magnolia and Moses’ journey knocked me off my feet! I couldn’t get enough of it! I adored Magnolia and how kick-butt of a character she was. I really loved Moses’ determination and he’s stealing my heart. These two made me feel it all! I was on the edge of my seat throughout reading and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in their story!
Ms.March has done it once again! OMG! I need book two in my life so badly! I’ll be counting down the days until Madam Temptress releases!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
I’ve always enjoyed the works of Ms. March and with her latest release, Creole Kingpin, she’s given readers a couple full of imperfections who are utterly perfect together in a story that pushed all my emotional buttons. Magnolia Maison was first introduced in the Mount Trilogy, a former hooker/madam who’s now on a different path but who left an indelible mark on readers from the moment she hit the page. A blast from her past, Moses Gaspard from the Legend Trilogy, is back too as her former lover who was once seen as the bad guy but who fate ultimately took down a different path. After fifteen years apart their reunion is a crackling one that will captivate readers as danger and suspense follow the gangster turned anti-hero back home with a force as strong as the hurricane that brought these two together long ago before he walked away without a word.
Magnolia grew up in a family short on love, an obligation to others and it’s hardened her heart through the years. From an early age she did whatever necessary to get through life on her own, used every facet of her powerful personality to forge her own path. From the outside she’s a formidable force, but fifteen years ago she let her heart take control and fell for a bad boy who was oh so sexy and sweet. For a brief moment she wasn’t alone which is why his leaving hurt her so badly. She’s had fifteen years of his silence to fuel her anger even more though and it makes for a combustible reunion that brings with it lots of sexy interludes as well as danger. Through everything, Magnolia’s a bold and unforgettable heroine, one who’s strong-willed with a sharp tongue and undeniable smarts. Behind that tough facade however lies a tender heart, a vulnerable one that comes out most strongly when Moses is close by as she knows (despite the hurt his leaving caused) that he’ll sacrifice everything for her. Their reunion doesn’t go smoothly at first, but with danger arriving as well, these two will need each other more than ever and I enjoyed their intense connection being rebuilt with each turn of the page.
Moses Gaspard made a lasting impression as a gangster on the rise the moment readers were introduced to him in the Legend Trilogy. He was a bad boy but there was something about him that called to me and had me drooling over him then and even more so throughout this story. His home life was just as lacking emotionally as Magnolia’s childhood was and this was just one facet of their bond all those years ago as it quickly became them against the world. His leaving hurt her but he never forgot about her and his return sees him making big promises to her that endeared him to me. His return has him determined to claim her once and for all and he boldly states that fact and shows his commitment through sensual words and deeds. Though Moses isn’t quite the bad boy he once was doesn’t mean he’s any less dangerous as he exudes power and strength, an air of mystery…along with a softer side and a hidden heart of gold where she’s concerned. Seeing the danger around her has him determined to keep her safe, but in no way does he discount her own personal strength. Together they’re a formidable pair with a crackling connection that kept me glued to the pages.
From the first page to the last this book pulls you in wholeheartedly courtesy of a slew of intense emotions. From sexy scenes to suspenseful ones, from blush-worthy banter to a few smile-filled interactions, readers will find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster ride that culminates in one heckuva cliffhanger. Some things will be answered while other things are left hanging. Either way it will be a maddening wait until the other half of this duet hits bookshelves in April. Alongside this appealing main couple is the equally unforgettable Keira and Mount who readers got to know through Ms. March’s previous works. I loved seeing where they’re at after their HEA was told and I enjoyed the parts they played in getting Magnolia and Moses back together here. On a whole I enjoyed the way these characters are connected and the gritty and sexy world-building Ms. March is so good at crafting. Though this book stands strongly on its own you’ll definitely want to go back to see where all these characters came from which will make this an even richer story as you await the fallout from this book’s cliffhanger.
Boy was this good!!! It started a bit mellow but then it continued picking up and just when I was biting my nails off boom the cliffhanger!!!!!!!! Magnolia and Moses boy are they explosive. She’s the one that got away and he’s the only one that’s ever had her heart. But they hadn’t seen each other for 15 years and she had lots of animosity towards him. He still loved her and came back for her but they are lots of things in the way, things happen that sidetracks things and when they are finally in the process of a reconciliation another incident. I NEED BOOK 2!!!!!!!!! Magnolia is NOT your typical heroine. She puts up with no one’s bs not even Moses. This will be interesting to read how in the world he’s going to recover from this.
Ok…when this author announced Moses was our anti-hero of this duet I was skeptical. We met Moses in Legend Trilogy and I did NOT like him at all! She really changed my mind about him! I am so totally obsessed with Moses and Magnolia! Moses is all alpha, strong, ruthless and protective especially when it comes to Magnolia. She is a kicka%$ strong independent woman. The tension and chemistry between Moses and Magnolia is off the charts!! The book kept me glued to my kindle and it’s a must read book!!