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The Magnolia Duet #1

Creole Kingpin

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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 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.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2020

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About the author

Meghan March

81 books15.7k followers
Making the jump from corporate lawyer to romance author was a leap of faith that New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March will never regret. With over thirty titles published, she has sold millions of books in nearly a dozen languages to fellow romance-lovers around the world. A nomad at heart, she can currently be found in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, living her happily ever after with her real-life alpha hero.. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
Profile Image for Anovelqueen .
297 reviews926 followers
June 5, 2020
***4 STARS***

In Creole Kingpin we are once again transported to New Orleans and the underworld ruled by Lachlan Mount. Now we get the story of Magnolia Maison, a woman known for her beauty and no nonsense reputation.

Badass is tame in describing Magnolia. She is the most fiercest heroine I have ever read. She walks the walk and talks the talk. Not afraid of anything she makes her way into transitioning away from being the most famous madam of New Orleans. Just as she is starting to see her plans come to fruition Moses Gaspard sweeps back into her life after a fifteen years disappearance.

Moses Gaspard comes back to New Orleans with an agenda and Magnolia is it. Throughout the book Moses carries an heir of mystery around him. I am hoping in the next book of this duet we learn more about him. Also although there is implied passion between the couple I would definitely classify this as a slow burn which was kind of disappointing.

This book definitely ends on a cliffhanger and we are left wondering if Magnolia will let down her guard and allow Moses back into her life. Meghan March is a gifted storyteller and the book is very fast paced and I read in one sitting. I was definitely excited to see more of Mount, and I highly encourage you to read his trilogy if you have not....he is the ultimate alpha crime boss.

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the conclusion.
March 15, 2020
Loved it! Especially the anti-hero and the anti-cliffhanger!



This book was terrific, a five star book if I have ever read one. It has a former hooker with a heart, turned madam, now gone legitimate. A former gangster who wanted to be a kingpin until is life changed in ways he never could have predicted. A love that began in the midst of a hurricane and blew out of town just as fast but left both parties as wrecked as the city.

Fifteen years later Moses Gaspard blows back into New Orleans to tear apart Magnolia Maison’s hard earned new life. Mag’s had expected and waited for Moses to come back for her all those years ago but he never did. He never called, never wrote, and he knew exactly where to find her. So now Magnolia is beyond mad and she doesn’t need a man in her life. She figures Moses came back fifteen years too late.

Moses isn’t one to give up and he stalks Magnolia, forcing her to start feeling things again. Something else is going on in New Orleans and Magnolia is in danger. So it seems she may need Moses more than she would like to admit. I don’t want to give away any more details but to say this book is quite a wild ride of mystery, suspense and a crazy steamy romance that burns hot from the weeks that Mags and Moses were together during Hurricane Katrina to now while he tries to win her back.



Mount and Kiera from the Mount trilogy have returned for this book and play some crucial roles. Kiera is Magnolias best friend and Mount is the King of New Orleans. Moses goes to Mount before he contacts Magnolia and Mount makes a deal with Moses. Moses also tells Mount that he plans to Marry Magnolia and he wants Mount and Kiera to stand up for them.

I was riveted throughout the entire book, it had so much drama and heat. These two were made for each other. Both Magnolia and Moses had difficult lives and were raised by family members who were not their parents and ended up alone at a young age. They fell in love but were forced to be apart and were thinking about each other over that entire 15 years, never happy. It was tragic really. Now is their time, but things keep happening. So what is the anti-cliffhanger? I’m not telling, but I will say that answers are revealed, of course they may lead to new ones.

Now I am off to read the Mount Trilogy because he sounds like an awesome Alpha Male. By the way, if you haven’t read that trilogy yet, you don’t have to read it first to read this book. But you will certainly want to after reading this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,120 reviews13.1k followers
February 24, 2020
5 STARS

Moses nearly broke me once. I won’t let him do it again.


I CANNOT EVEN RIGHT NOW. I SERIOUSLY CANNOT EVEN. This was...and I just...and all of it was...GAHHHHHH!!!!!!
This has been easily both my most anticipated and favorite Meghan March book to date. And having read the woman's entire backlist, that's saying something. Not only do we get the infamous madam's story that we first met in Ruthless King, but we also get the most sinful anti-hero that was introduced in The Fall of Legend. And then you put the two of them together and I CANNOT FREAKING DEAL.
If you wanna play, kitten,” a man’s voice says from over my shoulder, “I’ll make you purr.”
I turn around to look at him. “Kitten? Boy, I’m a goddamned lioness. Back the fuck off.” A dark chuckle leaves my lips at the sight of his shocked face, and I exit the club with a smile.

Magnolia Marie Maison is FIERCE. This woman grew up hard and turned into survivor. She's a woman that learned to use her sensuality to get what she needs and grow an empire. She'll never let a man define her, especially not the man that walked out of her life 15 years ago and hasn't looked back. There's just something so incredibly endearing about her sharp tongue and quick wit. She's hardened, her life made her this way, but you also get glimpses of the vulnerable woman that hides behind the perfectly put together exterior.
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.

Moses Gaspard. GAH. Just typing his name I get shivers. If you've read the Legend trilogy, then you know the mysterious criminal. But nothing prepares you for the full effect of everything that is Moses in this book. OH MY GOD. He was just everything. EVERYTHING. He walked away from Magnolia once, for reasons that remain a mystery. But now he's back with only one purpose, make her his. And let me tell you, nothing is more delicious than a determined man going after his woman hard.
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 mean, I'm fairly certain I came every single time he called her mama. No even kidding. My nether regions freaking tingled. TINGLED. But I digress.

This book was crack. It was addicting. It was all encompassing. It was completely unputdownable. I read it in one sitting and never wanted it to end. I think I had the shakes when I got to the end because I knew I'd be left a desperate mess in the wait for my next hit of Moses and Magnolia. It was a fast-paced thrill ride full of twists and turns and plenty of action. And did I mention we get even more Mount? Because freaking MOUNT. Suffice it to say I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved every page. I wanted to lick my fingers and my kindle once I finished. I AM NOT OK. NOT OK. I need the next book desperately here, people! If you need me, I'll be rocking myself in a dark corner somewhere with all of the wine.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Ky reads romance .
110 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2020
Holy smokes. Absolutely sensational. Magnolia and Moses will be your new obsession. This book will leave you reeling in your feelings. This is without a doubt Meghan’s best work yet. The words on these pages will give you goosebumps. Your mouth will be left hanging open.

Creole Kingpin leaves you with ALL THE FEELS. I’m not lying when I say it will captivate your emotions. This book packs drama, humor, heartbreak, twists and turns, swoon worthy moments, HOT & steamy scenes, and a hottie Anti-hero. It is everything our hearts could desire from Meghan. Also Magnolia is everything, she is out of this world incredible and left me speechless with that mouth of hers.

“I know you like to dance with the devil, but watch yourself, girl. He always demands his due.”

Right from the eerie beginning this story pulls you in & you won’t put it down until you read the last sentence. I swallowed this book whole in one sitting. I absolutely love Magnolia, she is the best heroine ever! Badass, strong and confident, I don’t even have words for how amazingly well written she is...Moses is the Devil himself that made me melt and swoon over and over again until I was a puddle on the floor & I need more of him! Such raw real chilling emotions that you feel while reading their story. Such an epic start to this duet.

I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger and needing answers. .. prepare yourself because this book is phenomenal. April can’t come soon enough.

“I want you to own me
And own you this book will.
Please do yourself a favor and pre order/read obsess over this book now. It’s phenomenal.
Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
987 reviews1,140 followers
March 10, 2020
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Meghan March has once again dangled us with a series that will no doubt have us begging for more!! In a underground world of sex lies and secrets, things are bound to be dangerous and when you add in the fact that a lost love has returned but with more questions than you ever imagined of asking, this story definitely made an interesting read.

Magnolia has done a lot of things that she hasn’t been proud of. For the past fifteen years she has gone from being an escort to a well known Madame and now she’s decided that chapter in her life is over. Looking to start over with a fresh start and keeping her life simple, Magnolia is at peace with her decision and is looking forward to some quiet. But her world is about to get rocked when the long lost love of her life returns in a big way.


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For the past fifteen years Moses has been making a name for himself. He gets stuff done and whenever he wants something, he always gets it. But for the past decade and a half, he’s been haunted by a woman that if asked, he would walk through fire and battle any dangerous threats. Now on a mission to win back her back Moses knows that in order to get the future he wants, he has to protect the woman he loves.

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I knew coming into this story that this was going to be a duet and I was okay with that because I’m very familiar with Meghan March’s writing and I knew that I was going to like these characters and hate the cliffhanger. Now was I right? Of course I was!! How can you not want to smash something while reading the last sentence of the cliffhanger?? This author sure knows how to reel you in for sure and I have no idea what we’re supposed to do in the mean time!

If you’re looking for a new suspenseful sexy duet to start, you should give this one a try.


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Profile Image for Phuong ✯.
661 reviews7,419 followers
March 19, 2020
whew, i'm cursed.

2.75/5

the more i love a book cover, the higher the probability that i'm going to end up disappointed. this world is so cruel to me.

we have a badass heroine who doesn't take shit from anyone and an anti-hero. i eat that shit up. i live for power couples who could take on world domination, but Magnolia and Moses didn't do anything for me.

Moses or Moby how Magnolia calls him is the most boring anti-hero. after disappearing 15 years ago, he comes back to New Orleans to claim back his woman. ehhh and what was his reason to stay away for so long? i'm as clueless as the rest of you. it will be answered in the next book. honestly all Moses does in this book is following Magnolia around and charming her. this book is called "creole kingpin" but there ain't no kingpin to be found in this story. i don't like him but i don't hate him either, Moses just very forgettable in my eyes.
“Kitten? Boy, I’m a goddamned lioness. Back the fuck off.”
Magnolia is an alpha-female. that woman has more balls than Moses, at least she shows them more in this book. she basically threatens one guy and kills another within one day. i love her. it's such a pity that Magnolia and Moses don't have any chemistry together. they have some pretty cringy sex talk. my fav line: "Maybe I should just suck your dick until you shoot your lead all over my tits," she murmured, those whiskey eyes turning greedy as they looked on my dick. "Because, goddamn, do you have a perfect cock. You and your Moby Dick." okay sos someone get me out of here.

even though i can't remember anything from the mount trilogy except that i loved Keira and Lachlan, i loved the few scenes we got with them. Lachlan is still the same ruthless motherfucker. the side characters were good, i really enjoyed Jules and Trey. these two gave Moses a bit more color. ultimately Magnolia, the side characters and the short chapters saved the book.

i'm disappointed, but not surprised. me and beautiful covers, we are not on good terms.
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WTF THE COVER THIS BOOK IS GORGEOUS I'M OBSESSED!

Praying that I will like it, I need this book as a paperback on my shelf...
Profile Image for ❤️Emma Book Lover ❤️.
489 reviews287 followers
March 13, 2020
3.5 Stars

This was a sweet second chance story in Meghan's March universe. It was a bit too tame, too polite and too

"I know you like to dance with the devil, but watch yourself, girl. He always demands his due.”




Moses Gaspard left New Orleans a decade and a half ago after Hurricane Katrina and never looked back. Never called. Never wrote. Never kept the promises he made to Magnolia, to come back for her. After 15 years he is back and makes his intentions clear that he wants her by his side for good this time. Nothing comes easy in Mags life, after being a whore, later a madam, now she wants the life she has been fighting for, a normal life outside of her past, but danger is lurking to take this life from her.

She is a strong character , independent woman that stands up for herself and doesn't gets affected by much, but that doesn't mean she can't have a partner by her side no?

“If you wanna play, kitten,” a man’s voice says from over my shoulder,
“I’ll make you purr.”
I turn around to look at him. “Kitten? Boy, I’m a goddamned lioness. Back the fuck off.”



Moses is sweet and caring..I mean he has too after being MIA for 15 years and wanting to gain his woman back needs tact from his part.

What annoys me is that this two have history in other series from his author, which means if you haven't read everything by her, like me, its getting a bit confusing with all the references made. I am sure the author could have explained some stuff that happens in Legend and Mount series that involved this two so I don't have to go and research what she is talking about. I know this is a tactic to make us readers to read her other books , but anyway.

Overall, nice book , but lacked for me in steam and the alpha males I love so much. End with a cliff but the next book is close to be released.
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou (hiatus).
1,951 reviews558 followers
April 16, 2020
2,5 ❤️😔⭐️s

Not so excited with this story.
Having read M. March’s previous series taking place in New Orleans, I expected this new release to be something different and fresh - which was not!

Although Magnolia had a very interesting character, Moses might have had epic lines and acted as a great Hero, but in the end he didn’t touch my heart.
I would have liked a better development of their romance, it was almost flat and emotionless.

Lachlan Mount (Mount trilogy) is by far my favorite anti-hero character from the darker side of New Orleans...
Profile Image for Nadine Booklover.
811 reviews116 followers
March 10, 2020
3.5 stars

This was my very first book by Meghan March and I must say her writing style captured me right from the beginning. The way she grows her characters through an enchanting and thrilling story is what I love most about this book. However, I really wished I had read the Mount Trilogy before. At the beginning I had a little trouble following this already established world. And my biggest problem with Magnolia and Moses was, that I couldn't feel their chemistry, their attraction. I knew it was simmering just beyond the surface, but I couldn't grab it until about the last third of the book. Otherwise I'm glad I got to meet a strong minded heroine like Magnolia, she's definitely inspiring!
Can't wait to continue this duet to get all my questions answered!

Creole Kingpin is a fascinating start to this duet!
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,093 reviews2,542 followers
Read
April 15, 2020
Two very important things to note here...

1. Magnolia is gangsta and I’m about that life!!
2. Meghan March knows how to do a cliffy. I was hanging off the edge of my seat at the end of this book yelling NOOOOOO WAYYYYYYY!

I’m off to read book two, but I’ll circle back soon to tell you all about this one in a day or two. Getting my binge read on - BRB
Profile Image for Catherine Cowles.
Author 32 books20k followers
Read
January 28, 2020
Riveting, captivating, and emotional, Creole Kingpin is Meghan March at her best. Magnolia has jumped to the top of my favorite heroines list. March weaves a tale that enchants and entices, so raw and real the characters explode from the page. The perfect blend of sexy suspense and passionate love story, Creole Kingpin is one of my favorite books of all time.
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,382 reviews206 followers
March 16, 2020
Creole Kingpin by Meghan March was a brilliant, fast-paced read that had me eagerly flipping the pages. I knew going into this book that I would be in for one heck of a ride, and March did not disappoint. This journey proved more intense than her Legend Trilogy. Her ability to create relatable and likable characters be they good or bad and a captivating and realistic story will have fans eager for more.

Magnolia and Moses were characters with questionable reputations and persons may consider them irredeemable. After meeting Moses in the Legend Trilogy and learning, he would be the hero/anti-hero of this book, I kept wondering if my feelings towards him would change. He had grown on me, but he had secrets, which made me wary. I loved his protective nature when towards Magnolia and besides, any man willing to die for the woman he loves can’t be all that bad.

I admired Magnolia, faults and all. Here we have a woman who clawed her way from the slums of New Orleans to make a name for herself as the most infamous madam of New Orleans. Tough and kick ass, she takes flak from no one, especially Moses who had been absent from her life for the past fifteen years.

The sexual tension between these two sizzled and burned. Fifteen years apart did nothing to douse the flames of their desire for each other. If anything, it made it burn hotter than ever.

This story had its share of mystery, suspense, drama, angst, humour and swoon worthy moments, which when combined provided an unputdownable read.

Now all familiar with the author’s work, knows her penchant for shocking cliff-hangers, which leaves her readers champing at the bit for more. Well, Creole Kingpin was no different. The cliff-hanger did not produce the shocking effect I expected, but it sure left me wanting more of Moses and Magnolia’s world.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, Creole Kingpin was an amazing read which I would recommend to fans of the author and to readers who have never read her books.
Profile Image for Christine B.
529 reviews92 followers
March 12, 2020
Magnolia Maison is the madam of New Orleans fiery temper shred business woman and best friends with Lachlan Mount wife Kierra. Now settling down sold her business for a legit one she believes things will finally start to even out, that is until she sees HIM through a window. The one man who lite every nerve in her body, the one who saved her during hurricane Katrina, the one she hates/loves and never wanted to see again, the one man that lied to her and told her he would be back for her and never heard from him in 15 years.

Mose Gaspard now has almost everything he wants, especially after winning a shit ton of money after the fight that Legend won. Now he wants the one thing that maybe impossible to get. The one woman that he left 15 years ago, the one woman that he has never forgotten, the one who changed his life from gangster kingpin in the midst of hurricane Katrina, the one woman who many not ever let me back in. Now I'm back to show her I am ready to win her back at any cost, but I must go through the one person everyone fears the one that no one will even whisper his name because Mags in under his protection Lachlan Mount the Ruthless King of New Orleans. However, I got a big secret that I must tell Mags that I swore to Mount I would tell that might cause me to lose the one woman I can't live without now and to add someone is after my woman and I must protect her at all cost, I just got her back and will not lose her again!!!!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,458 reviews281 followers
February 25, 2020
HOLY GIRL CRUSH!!!! I am head over heels in LOVE with Magnolia Maison. Like put a fork in me, I am DONE in love. Meghan March always creates strong, able minded female characters but Ms. Maison is BEYOND even that. She is tough, wicked smart, independent, yet can see when she has over stepped or when she needs to soften for the right of her heart. This book is an absolute favorite of mine. Don't get me wrong Moses is awesome...and perfect for her...together they can RULE THE BAYOU. I am so excited to see where this journey will take us. Addicting, real, tough, thrilling, action packed love story that keeps you completely mesmerized and begging for more. Bravo Ms. March, bravo. And Mags is MINE. lol #girlcrush
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,708 reviews199 followers
March 10, 2020
Meghan has gone back to New Orleans with her new duet and I could not be more excited. And I think Meghan may have out done herself with this one.

If you read Meghan's previous trilogies, Mount Trilogy and Legend Trilogy, then you would have met both Magnolia and Moses (Magnolia in Mount Trilogy and Moses in Legend Trilogy). However, you do not need to read either of those to understand their story and truly get to know who they are. Meghan tells their story hauntingly beautiful in this book and gives us a lot to look forward in the next one.

Magnolia and Moses both had rough childhoods. Magnolia took control of her life by using her best assets and created an empire with it. Moses was a gangster who's returned to his old stomping grounds and only he knows why he left to begin with; why he left Magnolia 15 years earlier. But Magnolia doesn't easily forget and she has 15 years of animosity, hurt and anger to unleash. However, Moses is a man that never gives up til he gets what he wants. And he wants to make Magnolia his.

Meghan truly delivers an suspenseful yet steamy story. Magnolia is one hell of a fierce heroine that many of us will have a girl crush on. I was not a fan of Moses in the Legend Trilogy so he had a huge mountain to climb for me. But damn, did he destroy that mountain and surprise me in so many ways. I cannot wait to see how Meghan's ends their story - I have chills just thinking about it!!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,594 reviews
March 9, 2020
I have been waiting for Magnolia’s story forever and I was not disappointed. Magnolia is such a strong heroine and she won’t take crap from anyone. She will stand on her own two feet. Love her and Moses, what can I say about Moses. He is so swoon worthy and an alpha man through and through. I can’t wait to see how their story ends. I highly recommend this book 1000%. Bring on book 2. I need it now.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
October 6, 2021
Meghan March did again such a fantastic job with every single aspect of this story. Moses and Magnolia’s story was well written, suspenseful, crazy hot and gripping from start to finish. The two main characters are both big personalities that although are fine alone, need each other in different ways. And I loved that one of my favorite couples of all time Mount and Kiera from the Mount trilogy played some crucial roles in this book. Overall rating: 4+ stars! ❤️
Profile Image for Lacie Romano.
586 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2020
I swear I say this for every Meghan March book but DANG! How the heck did she do it?!?!?! If you have read the Mount Trilogy you will have read a good bit about Magnolia, the heroine of this book. In my opinion, she was not my favorite character and I had some resentment.
My opinion is now officially changed!!! She is a Bad A** heroine who takes no prisoners yet has a heart of gold! She is amazing!
Moses, whom we met in the Legend Trilogy, well he was portrayed as someone who is completely unredeemable but boy did Meghan change that! He is so swoon-worthy and the cliff-hanger here leaves me dying for more!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,741 reviews1,324 followers
March 14, 2020
****AVAILABLE NOW****

5 In Love with the Heroine Crowns

This is quintessential Meghan March - suspense, fierce heroine, fantastic ending , and I couldn’t have been in love with Magnolia and her story.

Normally, I fall in love with the he heroes and like the heroines, but Magnolia stole the show. I love every single thing about her. From her lack of apology for her profession to her fierce independence, she epitomizes everything I love in a female lead.

Moses was a great hero. What I loved most about him is how he wanted to be a team with magnolia. Yes, he does the alpha, “I protect what’s mine” bit that we love from a March hero, but I felt like his team mentality made him extra swoony.

The story is paced and written well. It has the signature suspense we love and a conclusion cliffy that had me anticipating the next book ASAP. It was the shocking, jaw dropping cliffy but an “OMG, if I think what is going to happen, happens, I’ll lose my ever loving mind.”

I’m so here for this duet. It has been everything that made me love Meghan March’s books, and I’m so glad to be back in love.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
944 reviews378 followers
March 10, 2020

⭐️ 5 "No Damsel In Distress" Stars ⭐️
The Magnolia Duet was a highly anticipated series for me and it definitely started strong with Creole Kingpin! Meghan March promised a badass heroine and that’s exactly what she delivered in Magnolia Maison. That woman is so fierce and fearless! The power she oozes is something very enticing! Her connection with Moses is intense to say the least. She’s been burned by his love fifteen years earlier and she’s still bitter over it. She tries to stay cold in front of his unrelenting courtship when he’s back in New Orleans after all these years, but their powerful connection is still so tangible and irresistible.

Confronted to a dangerous situation, Magnolia needs to trust Moses to help protect her life. The storyline was thrilling and intriguing and kept me invested from start to finish. The sparks flying between this couple had me enraptured. Moses was the villain her March’s Legend Trilogy, but she managed to make me fall for this ruthless man with a heart a gold. He’s truly charming and devoted to Magnolia. He knows she’s the one and wants her affection back and make amends for the way it ended for them.

Creole Kingpin transported me into an exhilarating journey filled with secrets, sizzling attraction and suspenseful action. With that shocking ending, I need Madam Temptress now to get answers!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
990 reviews90 followers
February 23, 2020
I AM SPEECHLESS absolutely STUNNED!!! Meghan has once again made unbelievable magic with her words woven together into this captivating, mesmerizing story!

"Do I look like a damsel in distress to you? No one has ever mistaken me for Snow fucking White."

This is a love story like no other.....take a fiery, badass, confident heroine (Meghan's best yet), a sexy as fuck, silver tongued swoon-worthy anti-hero and what do you get, your next ADDICTION! Magnolia and Moses are sexy as hell, explosive and don't just tell us their story, we feel it and see it like vivid images playing out on a screen. This book will DEMAND your attention, CONTROL your emotions and HOLD you hostage until the very end where you'll be screaming and gasping for more! This is without a doubt one of my TOP READS for 2020 and one that you NEED to read!

"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. "
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,189 reviews200 followers
April 12, 2020
Knowing i can’t wait tóó long to be able to read Madam Temptress, i decided to wait until i could survive the few days that are left before it lands in my iTunes library.
And i am só glad i did!
Because Creole Kingpin hit me,really hard!
And with that cliffy,i knów i need closure soon.....before it drives me crazy!

I’ve met Magnolia in Keira’ and Mount’s story,and i love the kind of woman she is.
Tough,independent,but with a caring heart.
A Madam,yes. But one that takes good care of her girls,and beware the man that dares to hurt even one of them!
There was a small glimpse into her history,but what i found out right now.....
Damn,that is one hell of a woman!
And when that history comes back to town?
Will she kick it out,or embrace it?

To be honest,i was torn...
I mean,Moses is a man i’d love to have any history with,but.
15 years without a word?
15 years without calling,explaining even a little?
That,imho,deserves serious groveling!
And hearing,right in the end damnit,that history isn’t what she thought it was?

That alone makes me ache for Madam Temptress!
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews506 followers
March 10, 2020
Can we give a round of applause for Miss Magnolia! If you are looking for a book where the lead female character is a badass, look no further. Magnolia is that and more. She’s smart, snarky, feisty and doesn’t take crap from anyone no matter who they are.

Magnolia and Moses have a past. A rocky past. 15 years later she most certainly did not forget and forgive, but that does not mean Moses wasn’t going to try like hell to get her back. I admit writing this review is hard because I don’t want to give any spoilers away. Please know this book will keep you locked on from page one. Both characters are easy to get attached to. For me especially Magnolia. I really loved her.

Yes, there is a cliff hanger. Duh, Its Meghan March, but don’t fret we know Meghan doesn’t leave us hanging for long

*an arc was provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for hooked_on_books.
176 reviews237 followers
November 1, 2020
★★★𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤★★★
𝑅𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It has been a while since I've read Meghan March's books, but damn it feel like It was just yesterday.
I have been let's say fascinated by Magnolia since I've read Mount Trilogy Series and boy do I love that woman.

Magnolia Mason is one of the fiercest heroines I've ever read. She experienced a lot in her life to be as strong as she is, she is her own boss. When she is finally ready to leave her old life, a ghost from her past comes and disturbs her peace.

Moses Gaspard comes back to New Orleans after 15 years of being a ghost, but this time he is here to stay and he has a plan in motion; put a ring on Magnolia's finger.

This was yet another great book that I truly enjoyed. It was really nice to be back in Mount's world and to see him as a father. So cute 😍.
As for Magnolia and Moses, I love them soo much. Magnolia is a wonderful woman who has a big heart and moses is man on a mission and he will stop at nothing to have the woman of his dreams.
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,049 reviews207 followers
February 22, 2020
Are you ready to head back to New Orleans? Magnolia Marie Maison thought she would never see Moses Buford Gaspard again until he shows back up in New Orleans after disappearing fifteen years ago. They have mutual acquaintances so if he’s back there is a reason. When trouble brews and she’s in danger can this former madam and gangster be civil enough to work together or has too much time passed for civility? “You’ve always been fixated on control and power, chère. Sometimes you have to release your grip and let the universe work in mysterious ways.” I really enjoyed reading Magnolia and Moses’ story and loved all the cameos from some other New Orleans favorites. This was a great enemies to lovers romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see where it goes! This is book one in the Magnolia duet and ends in a cliffhanger. Told in dual POV

Teaser
Profile Image for Amy .
2,837 reviews
March 10, 2020
5, I need the next book now, Stars!!

“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.”

“Brace yourself, Magnolia. Another hurricane is coming.”

“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.”

I don’t know about you guys, but I have been dying and I mean dying for Magnolia to have her story told. And let me tell you, Meghan March does not disappoint. Creole Kingpin was all that and a bag of chips. This book pulled out all the stops and left me begging for more. Meghan March stepped it up a notch with Creole Kingpin and weaved a story filled with romance and suspense that will have readers hanging on to each and every word….

Creole Kingpin follows the story of Magnolia & Moses. Magnolia and Moses’ story will suck you in from the very first page. Magnolia and Moses share a tumultuous past. It took Magnolia forever to move on from the state Moses left her in. He was the one that got away and broke her heart into a million pieces. It will be 15 years before these two will be reunited. Magnolia is nothing like the woman Moses left behind. Magnolia is strong, determined and 100% independent. Moses knows he has a battle ahead of him and will stop at nothing to win back the woman he loves. The road won’t be easy, but nothing worth having ever is…

Creole Kingpin is a captivating and suspenseful romance. The characters are everything and their story is utterly intriguing. There’s romance. There’s suspense. There’s a million and one questions that I am just dying to have answered. And the twists….OMG, the twists. They will really keep you on your toes. And if those twists weren’t enough for you, Meghan March leaves you with a cliffhanger ending that is sure to leave you dizzy. I mean, it’s like watching an accident in slow motion. You see it. You know it’s coming, but it still manages to shock you and knock you off of your feet.

Creole Kingpin was everything I wanted, needed and didn’t know I was looking for. Magnolia and Moses’ story will captivate, intrigue you and leave you begging for more. I loved everything about this book, from beginning to end and can not wait to get my hands on the epic conclusion to Magnolia and Moses’ story!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Weronika -  Little Steamy Reads.
633 reviews102 followers
March 3, 2020
„I want someone to stand by me while we weather the storms. Because my life seems to be filled with fucking storms.”


I was hoping, dreaming and praying for Magnolia’s book since the Ruthless King, because she was so fascinating. And now when my dream came true I want to track Meghan March down and hug the *ekhm* out of her, because Creole Kingpin is flipping amazing! This second chance story exceeded all of my expectations and I’m fangirling so hard right now. Magnolia Maison is Meghan’s best heroine to date and the man March paired her with is so dreamy! This book is simply phenomenal.


Magnolia is a woman who didn’t have an easy life, but her determination and persistence allowed her to reach the goals she set for herself. She’s confident, strong, independent and smart. But although she’s fierce and resolute, we can clearly see the glimpses of vulnerability that show the cracks in her well-put tough exterior. This man-eater of a woman has a big heart and I loved to see her more gentle side.

Moses was a mystery for me, but every layer he dropped made me love him more and more. He’s protective and caring, sentimental and intent to win his woman back. He’s everything we could expect from March’s alpha-hero and so much more. There’s still a mystery that revolves around him and I can’t wait to know all his secrets. And every time the word ‘mama’ came out of his mouth I was swooning so hard!

It was surprising to see Magnolia all flustered and unsettled. Especially that the man was a reason of her concern. But when we get to know Magnolia and Moby’s past it all makes sense. These two have an unique connection, something even the time couldn’t suppress. Just like the flame between them, that’s burning more than ever. This couple is so ridiculously hot that I was fanning myself when they got between the sheets!


Creole Kingpin is a mystery, sexappeal and danger wrapped in one, beautifully written and captivating story. This book is totally addicting and I’m waiting impatiently for Madame Temptress! I need more of Magnolia and Moses!




*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hinson.
520 reviews133 followers
March 8, 2023
“No man owns me.” “I don’t want to own you, mama. That ain’t why I’m here.” His narrowed eyes glitter like polished emerald and topaz. “Then why?” “I want you to own me.”

description

***PLEASE NOTE: The Magnolia duet is an interconnected duet that can be read on its own, but is better enjoyed after reading both the Mount and the Savage series.

Meghan March is one of the authors that reignited my love for reading......before I discovered GRs or switched to Kindle, the days of Google Books and no idea of just how expanse the romance genre had truly become. So she is one of very few authors I will still buy installments like this from bc I seriously love her stories, even if I hate that she breaks them up into $5/ea installments lol. Moving on.....when I found out this one took us back to New Orleans and FINALLY gave Magnolia her own story I knew I couldn’t miss it.
description
It’s about damn time Ms. March.

Magnolia has always been a beloved character to me even when she was responsible for some shady shit. I loved how independent and strong-willed she was, how she didn’t back down or let anyone shame her for anything she did to get to the pedestal she stood on. She is the best kind of strong heroine, one that built her own kind of empire BUT would submit to the right man when he came along. Going in, I did not know her antihero.....I hadn’t gotten a chance to read the Legend trilogy, but I’m a fan of when the bad guys find HEA so again I’m here for it. Let me just tell y’all, it was EVERYTHING I expected and more. Mount is special to me (and so many other readers), but Moses is the one that had the potential to at the very least tie the King for that number one spot. These two.......holy hotness!


Overall Story/Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot Pace/Speed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Magnolia Maison: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moses Gaspard: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steamy Scale:🔥🔥🔥
Slow Burn Sizzle: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Facts:
Told in: Dual POV, mostly present day but few flashbacks to establish connection/story.
Book Facts: The first installment of the Magnolia duet brings us back to New Orleans to give our favorite madam her love story. Magnolia Maison has only loved one man and that man left her 15 years ago with a promise he never fulfilled. She’s built her own little empire and doesn’t need a man so when Moses Gaspart shows back up and declares his intentions, she will show him exactly how much she’s changed since he last saw her. The problem? Moses is the only man she has ever given her heart to and he will not leave until he owns every piece of her.
Safe Read? Yes, although it does contain some violence and criminal aspects.
Ends in: An infamous Meagan March cliffy (with the conclusion in book 2 available now).


My Thoughts:
I have absolutely nothing negative to say which is rare for me, as I am so critical.
description
I could complain about Magnolia’s stubbornness BUT let’s get real, how could I expect anything else from her? So let’s get into the “best” of the book for me.....

Magnolia: This woman might very well be my favorite heroine ever, definitely my favorite March heroine (and that’s saying a lot bc she writes some great ones). She is a hustler, survivor, badass, and a take no shit kinda lady boss......
“If you wanna play, kitten,” a man’s voice says from over my shoulder, “I’ll make you purr.” I turn around to look at him. “Kitten? Boy, I’m a goddamned lioness. Back the fuck off.”
description
I can’t see any reader not loving her and rooting for her, and I appreciated that March kept her true to who she’s been all this time. I enjoyed seeing her rare vulnerable moments within her POV, to be able to get a glimpse at those moments when she isn’t wearing her armor. It was something we couldn’t get before since we never got her POV.

Moses: JESUSSSSSS, March really created one insane antihero in him. I knew he would have to be incredible to be worthy and be able to bring Magnolia to “submit”, and he was everything I hoped for and so much more. He is alpha to the max but also patient and supportive. The way he calls her “mama”......
“You been waiting for me, mama? Because not a fucking day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you.”
description
...top 10 sexiest things in a book for me ever. He is on his way to replacing Mount as my fav, and that is something I never dreamed was possible.

Mount & Kiera: I LOVE getting to see them in different spin-off series but seeing them in this one really was extra special. I legit squealed.......
description
To be able to see them in an all new role was a reminder why I love truly connecting with and investing in these characters.

Slow burn/sizzle: If you are expecting immediate action, it ain’t happening. This is a slow burn that sizzles with almost unbearable sexual tension until close to the very end. Magnolia doesn’t bend or submit easily, so don’t expect her to here.....but when she does?
description
My god it was worth it. These two are magic together.

The “drama”: One thing I always appreciate about March’s series are that she usually keeps the outside “drama” and side plots to a minimum, usually picking one (or two) “bad guys” to add that suspense level or push the plot forward without sacrificing the romance side of things. It is no different in this one and it only enhanced the story.


The Verdict:
description
I may be partial because of my established love for Magnolia BUT I want to scream at everyone to read this book. It is classic Meagan March and her fans know what that promises.....it’s slow burning, incredible hot MAGIC.....and the cliffy? I didn’t know whether or not to hug Mount or strangle him!


“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.”

description
Profile Image for Misty.
1,363 reviews73 followers
February 14, 2024
YES! I had held off on reading this one for some unknown reason. What an idiot! MM’s new book has me going back and re-listening to anything related to Mount. Magnolia does not disappoint. There are some serious things we need to discuss and triggers to address. Also, critical AUDIO info below. First, a quick recap before dropping my awesome opinions.

Magnolia (Former Madame, kick ass, Keira’s BFF) was left heartbroken when the man she fell in love with, Moses (Former thug, bad guy from the Legend Series, Southern Creole stud), during Hurricane Katrina left her with a promise to come back. She didn’t realize it would take 15 years for him to keep that promise.

Mags has hardened her heart because of the pain she felt when he left, plus all the hell she’s been put through since then. When Moses turns back up claiming he’s there to claim her, marry her, and make babies, she obviously doesn’t believe him. And she’s definitely not falling for his charms all over again, even though she feels like her insides are shredding. Right when Moses arrives in town, someone is trying to kill Mags. The story goes from there.

Squeee so much to say.

First: Magnolia actually turned into a really kickass b*tch! I absolutely fell in love with her. She’s not stupid, she’s not a simpering woman, she takes charge and doesn’t let anyone get away with hurting her. Damn she’s awesome. I usually hate when the FMC takes too long to forgive the MMC because that means no sex. In this case, I applaud her for holding out. As someone who was also nearly destroyed when the man she loved left, I totally understand her issues and the pain she feels.

Moses, thank the lord, isn’t playing games. He really is there to get his woman back. He had a good reason for leaving and she doesn’t find out why until Book 2. Also, I had no idea this is Moses from the Legend Trilogy. Now I have to go back and re-listen to that series again. I know he was a bad guy, but I think he was the better bad guy and I also thought he died in that book. I can’t remember. Well, obviously he didn’t die if he’s here now.

potential spoilers below:

Issues or concerns: In this book we don’t get much backstory on either Mags or Moses. There are a lot of references to their time together 15 years ago, but we don’t get any details. It was actually a little frustrating. In Chapter 1 of the next book, you get to hear how they met. If I had the choice, I would read Chapter 1 of Book 2 and then start on Book 1.

Triggers: There is a pretty detailed attempted rape in Book 2. I’m telling you this because I don’t want someone to read this book and then not be able to finish the next book because of that trigger. Mags does refer to being raped during her life, but it wasn’t during the time she met Moses, and she doesn’t go into any details about how or when that happened.

Sex: Well, there’s no sex. Not until chapter 48. Mags doesn’t just let him fall back into her bed. No freaking way. Now – you know I love sex. I have quit many, many books because they didn’t have sex. Why am I letting this book get away with it? Because the book is still awesome even without sex, and Mags had a really good reason for holding back. It’s like a damn unicorn – RARE. Or maybe a unicorn is myth and doesn’t exist? I choose to believe they do. Anyway, in Book 2, we do get some sex. Unfortunately, MM gives us Rated R sex instead of Rated X sex, but I’m going to go with it. I love Mags and Moses.

Mags Past: In the Savage Trilogy, we think Mags loves Rafe (Temperance’s brother). That made me super confused in this one because Mags says she’s only ever loved Moses. I feel like MM backtracked on Mag’s story. Also, there is only one reference to the time she nearly died in the Mount Trilogy. When that happened, why didn’t Moses come back to check on her? Maybe we’ll get that answer in Book 2?

Mama and Daddy: Moses refers to Mags as “mama”. It’s not in a kinky way like when I read my Daddy fics. These are terms of endearment in the South. It’s very common. Actually I should say it’s used by a lot of southerners in the South. If you know, you know. Anyway – you shouldn’t think it’s weird or pervy. It’s a word of love and respect. 💘 💖

Audio: Dear baby Jesus on a butter biscuit!!!! Joe Arden doing his creole accent – F*CK ME!!! my panties dissolved like cotton candy. Not everyone finds a creole accent sexy, but Joe makes it work. 😈 😋 The female narrator, Erin Mallon, did crappy in the beginning. She kept changing Magnolia’s accent. I couldn’t keep up with which character was speaking in the audiobook. But after a few chapters in, she finally found her rhythm.

If you’ve read MM books before, you know she uses “waited a beat” about a million times in each book. I let it slide because at least there aren’t giggling adults.

Magnolia is officially my most favorite female character in the Mount books. Banner (Real Good) and Ripley (Real Dirty) are my most favorite FMCs out of all the MM books.

Quote that’s so true:

“I’m well aware of how persuasive that Creole Casanova can be. It’s those fucking eyes, and his silver tongue, and his voice, and his scent, and his smile, too, if I’m being honest.”

Celeste is doing a taro reading and her words totally resonated with me and described me – I just didn’t get a happy ending:

…. look at what you’ve been through. There’s no doubt you’ve struggled, you’ve survived, you’ve carved out a life for yourself. You’re a woman of true strength and power, but you can’t do this all alone. Life isn’t meant to be a solitary endeavor. You’ve never had an equal partner who could balance you. You’ve always been fixated on control and power, Cher. Sometimes you have to release your grip and let the universe work in its mysterious ways.

Seriously, I need my control. I don’t let go of that ever. I’m too damn stubborn to find a man.

In the end – this book is awesome and I love it.
March 10, 2020
NO SPOILERS!

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with Creole Kingpin, the first installment of the Magnolia Duet, but Meghan March, as per usual, kept me guessing at every turn! The storyline was riveting, even though it wasn’t super fast-paced, and I loved the characters, especially getting to see some familiar faces again. Magnolia Maison and Moses Gaspard were quite the pair, and I thought they were perfect together. I really enjoyed the first part of their sexy and suspenseful story, and I can’t wait to read the conclusion in Madam Temptress!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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