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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5 stars!
Magnolia’s heart was broken fifteen years earlier when the man she loved walked away and never looked back. When Moses returns to win Magnolia back, she doesn’t realize just how much her life is about to change.
Creole Kingpin is the fast-paced, entertaining start to the Magnolia Duet full of mystery, murder, and mayhem, and I couldn’t put it down. Magnolia, first seen in the Mount Trilogy , had a hard childhood and was forced to survive the only way she could. Now, she has left her promiscuous lifestyle behind her and made a better name for herself. She’s strong, fierce, and can take care of herself. A total badass who I loved!
“Magnolia isn’t like any other woman. She won’t fall to pieces. But in this state she’s fragile—like TNT. Handle with fucking care, or she’ll detonate and blow your plans to smithereens.”
Moses, who we met in the Legend Trilogy as the villain, left Magnolia devastated when he moved from New Orleans and broke his promise to return. Fifteen years later, he finally comes back to New Orleans. Moses knows what he wants and he isn’t one to give up. He will do anything to have her in his life again and won’t let her go again. He’s a total alpha and won’t take no for an answer when it comes to the woman he loves.
“I didn’t 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.”
When Magnolia sees Moses after all that time you could feel the tension between them. The attraction, chemistry, and feels are palpable there but the pain of the past is almost too much to overcome. I felt the heartache, anger, and regret. Magnolia doesn’t know how to handle the emotions Moses still evokes in her, and he won’t deny the love he has for her.
”Life doesn’t always work out the way you hope, when you hope. But if you’re lucky, sometimes you get a second fucking shot at the one thing you want more than anything else. This is me taking my shot, mama. And I don’t fucking miss.”
Moses and Magnolia are so good together. You can feel the love between them even when the past still haunts them. They support and believe in each other. They are partners and work together instead of trying to control each other, especially since they have had to take care of themselves for so long. I loved that they accept help from the other even when they could go it alone.
“We’re a pair, aren’t we? A former gangster-thief and a madam, who both made a life worth living despite the odds stacked against us.”
I enjoyed how we get snippets of the past throughout the story but there is still so much unknown. It was painful for both of them but we don’t know what exactly happened between Moses and Magnolia. We also don’t know what Moses is still hiding and I know it’s going to be big. I just hope it doesn’t tear Mags and Moses apart again. And we can’t forget the threats aimed at them. They’ve lived through a heartbreaking past and finally have a new start in the present, but will they have a future?
Overall, Creole Kingpin is a fantastic start to the duet and I can’t wait to get my hands on Madam Temptress because I need more of this world!!
*ARC generously provided by the author*
I must admit, I was a little skeptical that Meghan March could make me fall for Moses Gaspard after his appearance in the Legend Trilogy, but that’s exactly what she’s done. This guy has confidence in spades. He’s cocky, sure of himself, pushy, and infuriatingly alpha sexy (that’s a thing, right?). But underneath all that, he has a heart that’s protective, loving, and loyal. Turns out, he’s a pretty stand-up guy, in a dangerous bad-boy persona. I don’t think I could like him any other way.
Magnolia hasn’t had it easy. Because of that, she’s used to fending for herself and not depending on anyone or anything for her successes. She’s hard working, determined, and self-reliant. She’s one tough cookie and certainly someone you don’t want to mess with. Her underlying vulnerability only adds to her appeal. She’s one of a kind.
These two together are a whirlwind. There’s so much push and pull between them. There’s so much passion and heat between them, and not just in the bedroom. These two are both alpha personalities fighting for dominance and neither one is willing to give an inch. It’s fun to watch. I can’t wait to read the second half of this duet. Truths still need to be told and mysteries still need to be solved. It’s going to be epic!
Captivating and thrilling, Creole Kingpin brought us back to New Orleans and kicked off another unforgettable duet by Meghan March. This action-packed second chance romance was filled with secrets and history which I cannot wait to uncover.
Magnolia was the woman I want to be when I grow up. She was strong, smart, independent, confident and hot. Moses was protective and full of secrets. They had great chemistry and sparks flew everywhere when they were together. I totally understand Mags’ resistance to Moses’ return. She should make him work and grovel more for ghosting her for 15 years.
Trouble was knocking on the former madam’s door and I cannot wait to find out what would happen. I’m also dying to know if the short union would survive after the bomb that Mount dropped at the end of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is Book 1 of The Magnolia Duet
This is the story of Moses & Magnolia. Moses has been away for 15 years. He left without say a word then, and not a word from him since. He has returned. Magnolia was in love with him 15 years ago. Is she still in love with him now? She wants to make him suffer like he made her suffer when he left. Magnolia owns a brothel, which she has sold to another woman, but it won’t be hers until it’s paid off. The brothel is being looked into by the law. There’s a lot of action in this book. Moses is keeping a secret from Magnolia. I can’t wait to find out what it is. Of course, Meghan, being the queen of cliffhangers, leaves her readers in the dark just as Moses is about to tell her. I love Moses and Magnolia. They fit together perfectly. Can’t wait for the second book to find out what’s going on.
Why do I not know better by now. Yes I know I am going to be hooked when I start a Meghan March story, and this one definitely had me from the start. Creole Kingpin should have any reader knowing there is going to be the glory that is the south and the New Orleans delta. But that beauty is only the baseline for what I was about to be read and discovered.
Magnolia and beautiful go hand in hand. Strong, independent, alluring and smart, she has raised herself from hell to high waters. Her experiences have made her streetwise, and her skills have been honed to perfection. When alerted that change is coming, she soon discovers this change is more than anything she might have been expecting.
Moses is all alpha male and strength. Gone for too long from his heart’s home, he is on a mission. Even as he toils with admissions he has yet to share, nothing will stop him from completing his mission. But the streets of New Orleans may not be willing to allow him his task. Of course what is Moses if not resourceful.
Loving these two heros in this Magnolia Duet is easy. Watching the confessions of each and realizing their love never died is wonderful. But then, this is a Meghan March book. Just in case you don’t know what that means, it means she will hang you out to dry with a wicked cliff hanger. And in this story she does.
Talk about keeping me hooked, Meghan you have done that. Talk about waiting patiently…well let’s hope. And as for this story, not sure where to find the extra stars it needs. Great job.
Every time I read one of Meghan’s books I fall even more in love with her, she’s one of my favorite romance authors for several reasons but her ability to write great, sexy, swoony anti heroes and smart, strong, independent heroines never ceases to amaze me and she always makes me come back for more.
Moses and Magnolia are absolutely fantastic and their connection is so intense, it kept me glued to their story. I’ve been waiting for Magnolia’s story for 2 years, my expectations were the highest ever and I started to read Creole Kingpin as soon as it hit my Kindle. I didn’t put it down once! Couldn’t stop reading! A captivating and addictive story, full of suspense, secrets, drama and angst with strong personalities, a lot of chemistry, some very steamy moments and so many feelings. Also, the New Orleans setting is so real and seductive, I couldn’t get enough of Mount and Keira, the main characters in the Mount Trilogy. You can read Creole Kingpin even if you haven’t read the Mount Trilogy but I recommend that you read it anyway, before or after, because it’s my favorite Meghan March’s trilogy and it’s freaking amazing.
Creole Kingpin is a riveting second chance romance that kept me enthralled from the very first word to that usual cliffhanger. Yes, Meghan March is the queen of cliffhangers and I’m obsessed with her cliffhangers. Can’t wait to read Madam Temptress, the conclusion to Moses and Magnolia’s story!
This woman just blows my mind every single time I pick up one of her books! I was so blown away I’m not even sure I have the words to express how incredible and amazing Creole Kingpin is! I’ve wondered about how Magnolia’s story would go and what she would really be like once we got into her mind. Who would be the man to bring her to her knees (figuratively since we are talking about Magnolia here). We’ve seen quite a bit of her throughout Mount and Keira’s story but you never really know until we get the behind the scenes.
Magnolia does not disappoint in the slightest! This woman could make a grown man cry and I loved reading every bit of dialogue from her. She had so problem telling anyone what she thinks or how it’s going to be. Don’t mess with her because she knows how to play the game. I was dying to know how her story would play out, where she came from, what she went through to get to be the women we see now. What molded Magnolia into this take no prisoner life. We are not disappointed.
Moses, Moses, Moses, wow what can we even say about our sexy creole alpha man. I couldn’t see what kind of man would be able to stand with Magnolia because let’s be real here nobody is going to force or tell her what to do. Moses was so alpha but instead of completely telling Magnolia what was going to happen he was just the equal partner she needed. To stand with her and be a partner and be there for whatever she needed. Let just say things don’t start of on the best foot and Moses has a lot of correcting to do.
I also love the fact we get an amazing cameo of Mount and Keira in here and get a little view into what their lives have become. I can’t even stand the wait to see what happens with Magnolia and Moses next. Because whatever it’s going to be it’ll be explosive in every way!
Didn’t think this was a cliff hanger per se, more like a to be continued… 57 chapters and not a lot of back story but I’m guessing that the bulk of it will be in the next book.
Magnolia Maison may just be my favorite heroine yet! She’s all about being independent and ensuring she answers to no one. She’s determined to be free and in control of her life. And then that man that broke her heart 15 years ago shows up. Moses has plans of his own for Magnolia and the chemistry between the two is off the charts. I’ll be anxiously waiting to read part 2 Madam Temptress when it releases. Thank goodness it’s not a long wait.
I was completely prepared not to like Moses. When he appeared in the Legend Trilogy he wasn’t the best person. But everyone has their own story and Meghan sure does know how to tell a story! Magnolia is strong and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Her and Moses are perfect for each other. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!!
Another great read by Meghan March. Loved the sassy Mags and the OMG drop dead gorgeous Moses…or Moby Dick, if you are Magnolia. A riveting story that takes you on the journey of 2 people who met briefly 15 years ago…and after all this time he is back to make her his. She has other ideas after 15 years of silence. Does she let him into her heart again? She is in danger and he will do anything to make sure she is safe, even die for her if he needs to? She can look after herself, cant she? Read on ladies you will not be disappointed. And what a cliff hanger. Cannot wait till book 2 comes out. A must read, definitely worth 5 stars or more, as another great Megan March book hits the shelves.
I just love this world from Meghan March. There’s just something about the group from New Orleans that draws me in. The anti-heroes, the woman, the feel of the city – it’s just everything. I am so excited for the next book in this duet.
“Because life doesn’t always work out the way you hope, when you hope. But if you’re lucky, sometimes you get a second fucking shot at the one thing you want more than anything else. This is me taking my shot, mama. And I don’t fucking miss.”
I wasn’t expecting this story from Meghan, but I’m so thrilled she gave it to us. I dove into this, and couldn’t look up till I was done. These two had chemistry that just lit up the pages. The story was on point, the flow was perfection, and everything just check all my boxes.
I’m dying for the next book Meghan. DYYYING!
Meghan March has done it once again! Seriously, if you haven’t read one of her books what are you waiting for?! Creole Kingpin is an absolutely amazing story that kept me captivated from the first page. I love the chemistry between Magnolia and Moses and their story left me speechless. Meghan March continues to amaze me and I cannot wait to see what is next!
Well hello there Magnolia! Meghan March has once again put us on the edge of our seats with this suspenseful, emotional, raw, and gritty story! This book is packed full of all the feels that Meghan is known for! You absolutely won’t be disappointed. You’ll be pulling your hair and begging for more!
I have been waiting for this story since Meghan created Magnolia!
Meghan March gave me more than I ever could have wanted or hoped for. Magnolia is such a dynamic character that her story is not for the faint of heart and not just any man will do. This story is soooooo good and in true Meghan March fashion she leaves you not only wanting more, but panting for it! Bring on book 2!
The riveting world of New Orleans Meghan March has created returns to give us Magnolia’s story. Magnolia is fierce, determined, strong, independent and has been through so much in her life. She has built a life for herself and is use to only counting on herself. She let her guard down in the past and when Moses walked away and never came back for her she built those walls so high they couldn’t be penetrated. Magnolia better get ready to have her world turned upside down when Moses comes back to fight for her. This story had so many twist and turns. I can’t wait to find out where their story leads them in the conclusion. Enjoy!!!
Magnolia is a strong, independent, self-made woman that will kick some a$$ while looking amazing.
Moses is the man that promised to come back…..15 years ago.
Now that Moses has returned, can he win back her heart or are his secrets too much?
Meghan March gave me the story I didn’t know I was looking for.
I always expect a crazy whirlwind of emotions when it comes to a Meghan March book. And I’m telling you Magnolia’s story did not disappoint for even one second. This is going to be one hell of a ride and I’m so glad I got to be a part of the magic when I picked up this book. And getting to see other characters from the past is always a special experience to see how they have grown! The push and pull between Moses and Magnolia will pull you in and keep you reading and wanting more. BRING ON BOOK TWO ASAP!!!
This story is one that will blow your mind. What could be better than a New Orleans BADASS WOMAN. I love this story.
We’re back in New Orleans and we finally have Magnolia’s story!
Magnolia is a fierce and strong character. All her life she has worked to better herself, relying on no one, but her herself. She may not have lead the most honest life, but everything she has worked for is all hers.
She’s changing her life around and is looking forward to the future, however, a chance encounter with a local psychic has her spooked and not only that, a man from her past makes an appearance, someone she thought was long gone but her heart now beats a steadier rhythm knowing he’s back!
What I love about March and her writing is how she pulls you right into the story. I love how descriptive NOLA is, I’ve never been, but her details paint such a vivid picture you would think you were there.
Although Magnolia is fierce, I loved the power between her and Moses. Moses is equally as strong and I enjoyed the push a pull between them and how determined Moses was to win her back no matter how she tried to push him away, he was all alpha and all in to win back her trust.
The story has a good mixture of mystery and suspense with what has to come, with great characters and cameos by Mount and Keira, which I loved! There are a few time jumps to when Moses and Magnolia initially met and I liked getting into their back story. This is a duet and March famous for her cliffhangers leaves us hanging in her true jaw-dropping ways and can’t wait to find out what’s next after Mount stirred that pot!
ARC received for an honest review – thank you
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 87%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –