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March 1st is Book 1 in The Spring Duet, a dark fantasy romance with spice and faerie folklore. Featuring a powerful, untamed male lead inspired by Khal Drogo (Game of Thrones), this story dives into a world of danger, desire, and ruthless fate.

Nora wakes up bound in a stranger’s tent, an unwilling offering to the legendary Drake Tribe. Her captor, Grannicus, is no ordinary warrior—he’s a descendant of the fire god, worshipped by the tribe as both protector and deity. Sharing a space with the brooding, dangerous man is a test of Nora’s defiance, and she vows to fight for her freedom no matter the cost.

But as days turn into nights, Nora begins to see cracks in the tribe’s traditions—and in the fierce warrior who guards her. Grannicus is fire and fury incarnate, but his touch sets her heart ablaze and makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

Torn between her need to escape and her growing feelings for the man she’s supposed to hate, Nora faces an impossible flee for her freedom or stay and fight for the chance at a love powerful enough to burn through all barriers.

When love and fire collide, will they rise from the flames or be reduced to ash?


🔥enemies to lovers
🔥faerie camp
🔥forced proximity
🔥mates
🔥who did this to you
🔥morally grey
🔥only one room

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

5 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Xandra Noel

11 books164 followers
Emerging from a world where mythical beings still weave themselves into everyday life and traditions, Xandra Noel's roots run deep with fairy folklore. From her earliest days, she was immersed in tales of enchantment, heeding her grandmother's warnings against the lure of fairy rings.

Enter the realms of Xandra Noel's faerie tales and surrender to a new adventure. Prepare yourself for an escapade where every twist and turn reveals secrets longing to be unearthed and hearts yearning to be entwined.

Discover Xandra Noel's stories:
Tales of Earth and Leaves
The Realm of Wind

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Xandra Noel.
Author 11 books164 followers
July 21, 2025
March 1st is now out on amazon and kindle unlimited 🥳 happy reading everyone 🥰
Profile Image for Hennie.
559 reviews45 followers
June 22, 2025
You will have to take care of yourself. No one else will. Don’t lose your strength to prove a point, its worthless and stupid. You’re smarter than that.

A big thank you to Xandra for sending me this ARC!

I read this book in one sitting—that’s how quickly it pulled me in. March 1st starts strong and just keeps going. We meet Nora right away—kidnapped by fae and thrown into the tent of a powerful fire-god descendant named Dhar (aka Grannicus). She’s tied, furious, and determined to escape… until things get complicated.

Nora was a great FMC—stubborn, smart-mouthed, and unwilling to back down. Dhar was cold and broody at first (definite Khal Drogo energy), but it didn’t take long to realise there’s more to him. He’s dangerous, yes, but also protective and—let’s be honest—kind of obsessed with her. I thought he might have a case of insta-love, but nope... it makes sense later.

A little detail I loved: he kept calling her "March" in the beginning. Even though she yelled over and over again that her name was Milenora (Nora for short), he just kept using “March” like it meant something. At first I was like ?? okay?? but once the story unfolds, that name and its significance hit harder. It’s one of those subtle things that becomes so good in retrospect.

There’s definite chemistry between Nora and Dhar, and their dynamic goes from enemies to something much more intense. Nora’s feelings were messy (in a good way)—she wanted to leave but later on couldn’t ignore the connection. Meanwhile, Dhar was fully gone for her, and it showed in every protectiveness-coded moment.

Also, I have to shout out Karisha, the camp leader’s wife. I adored her! She was hilarious, supportive, and added so much warmth to the story. Her friendship with Nora was one of my favorite parts—it gave the book some heart to balance the darker stuff.

As the story goes on, secrets start slipping through the cracks. People avoid answering Nora’s questions, and you can feel the unease building. It all leads up to a reveal that changes everything. There’s hurt, betrayal, and emotional fallout on both sides. And then—that cliffhanger. I was mad. I need book two. Please. Immediately.

The pacing was slow at first but picked up quickly, the writing was engaging, and the world felt dangerous and rich with lore. It was such a fun and emotional read.

If you like:
-enemies to lovers
-only one bed (well, tent 😏)
-morally grey fae
-forced proximity
- secrets and tension
-and the “who did this to you” trope...

This is one to check out. Just prepare yourself for a cliffhanger that’ll leave you screaming.
Profile Image for mania.
37 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2025
Excuse me, miss, you lost a chapter! You don’t just end books like that! 😭 How could you?! Giving an opportunity to read an ARC just to destroy others inner peace? You are cruel ❣️ thank you

I absolutely devoured this in one sitting. It’s short, snappy, and fast-paced - exactly what I needed. 👌

Sure, it could’ve used a bit more world-building. It felt like we were thrown into the deep end from page one, but hey - once I wriggled out of the yute bag, I got the hang of it and swam right along. 😁 On the other side, it would make this story way much heavier for its needs, so actually introduction was a top tier.

The main character? Could definitely be more inquisitive and decisive - to be fair, heat season seems to be doing most of the driving. 😂 Still, it works within the story. Some not logical things are logical in magical world. 😎 Tbh, even the main character sees her behaviour is not logical which makes this experience even more relatable. Who never did something out of impulse and then thought - stupid! why have I done it at first place? Certainly, not me 😅

And smut is smutting very well in between. If you expect spice as an addition - great choice! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ If you are looking for another Den of Vipers, you are ok to skip. 👋

Overall, it's a great light read, perfect for snapping out of a reading slump. 👌

Was it the most epic, detailed world I’ve ever read? No. It's not Tolkien - but let's be real, what is?

Do I desperately need the next part? Hell yes. ASAP, please.

Enjoy the ride ❣️
Profile Image for Nicola Cox.
311 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2025
This was so good I’m obsessed the plot is really intriguing and it’s unlike anything I’ve read before I love the characters they have personalities and you really feel a connection with them. The romance is written into the storyline so well and I got so emotional my eyes filled up with tears I could t put this book down I was lucky enough to get the arc for this and it’s one of my favourite reads of 2025 that’s why I love reading from indie authors this author really is talented and I need book 2 straight away the end of this book was heart wrenching I cannot wait to see what becomes of these characters you have to read this you won’t be disappointed
Profile Image for Kasie Couser.
6 reviews
June 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this and I am hooked!!

The beginning was a little slow but once it picked up, I couldn't put this book down. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Dahr and Nora!

I hope that the second book explores more of the big picture. The camp is just one small piece of the faerie world and I need more!

There were alot of unanswered questions and it wasn't totally obvious what was going on. It kept me guessing. I really figured things out slowly along with Nora.

I am excited to see what the rest of the story brings and I'd love for this to delve deeper into the fae traditions and hierarchy of their world. Also, I'd love to see more of the other characters I met. See their friendships and relationships continue to bloom and change as this fight for the camp's freedom seems to be just getting started.

Thank you for allowing me to read this prior to release!🩷
Profile Image for Lizzie03.
2 reviews
June 22, 2025
I read this book as an ARC and omg I’m in love the storyline was absolutely amazing loved everything about it. It had love, hate, anger, sadness everything I needed in the book. Dahr and Nora’s relationship and chemistry was to die for and I ate it all up. 100% recommend this book. The ending had me sobbing but I wouldn’t change it. My only downside was I really really wished it had his POV as I would have loved to read how he felt about Nora as well. It ended on a cliffhanger and I’m dying for the next book
1 review
June 22, 2025
Got this ARC from the lovely Xandra Noel!
Really enjoyed this book, lots of world and character building.
this book is giving enemies to lovers, spice, and my favourite who did this to you!
It was said to be a dark romantasy but I would say it was more of a romantasy, not hugely dark but it is the first in a duet so hoping for some more darkness in there!
Overall I feel like more could have happened as a whole in the story but the cliffhanger at the end is great and really leaves lots of openings for where the story could lead to in the 2nd book!
Profile Image for Dawn.
32 reviews
June 21, 2025
just finished march 1st I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader by @XandraNoel and when I say I couldn't put it down well let's just say it was so true this book has everything you want from a romantasy and highly recommend it gets released in July guys you need to buy this honestly you won't be sorry 👍😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SilverReads.
46 reviews
June 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐! As a sucker for Game of Thrones and Khal Drogo, I can indeed see where the inspiration came from, and I have to say I enjoyed this read.

I kindly recieved this as an ARC Copy from the Author, and I wasn't expecting anything at first, but as I kept reading I found myself unable to put down this book, this story.

I don't want to say it's the best romantasy book I have read, in fact, I can understand that this is not for everyone, it is simple, not much of world building (all happens in the Drake Camp) and we don’t get much to see about side characters, magic system, politics, etc.
But I was entertained. It was an easy/fast read for me.

I did like Nora/March as an FMC, because she is an intelligent art professor, but not the typical super strong, hero-like main character. She is smart, caring, soft and has a lot of conviction, even if she lacks of confidence sometimes. She felt real, if it makes sense.
She tries to live her life at the fullest, even knowing she just has 3-5 years left, because of her illness.

And we have our MMC, Dahr, who is a super grumpy, strong, rough, dark warrior. But at the same time he is caring, observant, pays attention to little details and has a soft spot for Nora.

And he calls her little flame, like 🔥❤‍🩹...


"It's alright, little flame," Dahr did not move from his seat, did not show any intention of coming after me or even standing.
"Take all the time you need to accept the beating of your heart.
I have already accepted mine."

-------------

"Burn bright, little flame, and fulfil all your dreams. Reach your destiny. And know... know you would have been the one." 



I’m so corious about this world, magic system and more. And Dahrs powers??? I need to know more. Why do they have to keep fighting, why does he lose time when he doesn’t use his powers properly, what about the king??? This whole world…, the tribe, I want to know so mucho more!!

And I really did like side characters like Karisha🩵, Markos, Sylam, etc. the found family is so cute.

And the ending? I neeed more answers miss Author🥹🥹 this cliffhanger has me spiraling.

I think I just liked how raw this story is. It is messy, chaotic and gives you so little answers to all your questions. But this is what makes it interesting.
And I really think something super big is coming, I can sense it!

I would have liked a bit more insight into the world building, magic system and, well, world in general and I have to say one spice scene felt a bit off (the one where she slices him open first lmao), like it was a bit miss-placed somehow. But other than that I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Margian Ghadimi.
Author 3 books5 followers
June 20, 2025
March 1st hooked me from the very first moment the main character opened her eyes, bound and confused in a strange, magical place. The sense of urgency is real, the disorientation sharp, and the tension builds quickly in a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. There’s a strong emotional pull from the start, and I found myself constantly asking questions (the good kind).

This is a dark fantasy that leans heavily on atmosphere and raw emotion. If you like stories with mystery, intense internal monologues, and a protagonist thrust into chaos, there’s definitely something here for you. The vibes are very "something bigger is coming," and the magic and rituals hinted at are genuinely intriguing.

There’s something about this story. The way it pulls you into its unease, the way it drips clues instead of handing you answers, the emotional grit, all of it kept me reading. This isn’t a polished fairytale. It’s messy, intense, and a little rough around the edges… but that’s also its charm.

🖤 For readers who enjoy fae-infused mystery, inner turmoil, and magic that simmers rather than explodes, March 1st is a unique ride.

I want to thank the author for the chance to read March 1st as an ARC.
87 reviews
June 22, 2025
I have to say that this book drew me in from the first sentence. I could not put this book down and read it in one day.
Nora/March is a witty, strong FMC that fights for her right to be free from captivity. When she falls for Dahl, melt my heart. Although I do wish that there was a little more explanation of this power Dahl wields and why he has to use it during battle and why he has to have a sacrifice in order for it to work properly. I wish there was just a little more world building as well. Like why does Nora have a modern life and the Drakes live without all the modern things? How are their livelihoods so different when the live right next to each other. And why would the Drakes want to take over villages but not adapt to modern society?

Oh and the cliffhanger, come on now. I need to know how Nora/Dahl's story ends and I need it like now.

Enjoyed the read, wish it had more world building, but all in all a wonderful new author that I appreciate having the privilege of being an ARC reader. Good Job!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mel Mattey.
1 review
June 21, 2025
I was given this book as an ARC reader and when I say I ate this up. Delicious. This was my first time reading one of Xandras books and I was truly captivated from start to finish.

We are thrust straight into the story much like Nora, the Fmc is and it makes you pay attention from the get go. The slow build between Nora and Dhar, toe-curling, feet kicking, squealing and all that good stuff inbetween. It is, however not the storys sole focus and inbetween their relationship we experience mystery, suspense, reader induced questions and building a world of side relationships we as readers can relate too...what girl doesn't have a BFF like Karisha?!

Overall if you are a lover of romantasy, tropes of forced proximity, enemies to lovers and morally grey I implore you to delve in, please note there are trigger warnings if you are sensitive to them go with that in mind. The cliffhanger literally made me want to bite my hand off and I am chomping at the bit for book 2, and I for one can not wait to see where the story goes.
Profile Image for Lauren's  Library.
70 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
I give this book 3 ⭐⭐⭐

‼️‼️‼️ PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THE BOOK ‼️‼️‼️

I feel there was a lack of world building in this book. The FMC contradicted herself most of the way through the story. I wasn't gripped from the start and only really felt it picked up and got so much better for the last 20% of the book. The writing style wasn't much to my taste. There wasn't enough backstory into the MMC as I was left with more questions than answers. We didn't learn about where the MMC had come from or anything outside of the war camp, more insight to their world/life outside of the camp would have given readers more understanding of the characters.
I still didn't quite understand why they were destroying the towns on their way to the destination on the map, this was not explained!
Some characters pulled me in more than others, I feel we got a better understanding of supporting characters than the main characters.
The FMC was falling for her captor one minute and hating him the next too frequently and contradicting herself in every chapter of the book up until the last few chapters.
As I said I really enjoyed the last 20% and am dying to read the next book because of the cliffhanger ending.
I wish the author the best of luck and am happy to have been given an ARC to review. Book releases on the 17th of July 📆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katerina Ap.
21 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
Thank you Xandra Noel for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader ☺️

I really liked the story and I am sooo looking forward to read the second book (no fun that finishes in cliffhanger 🥲🥲)

It gives Beauty and the Beast vibes but in a war camp and definitely the MMC reminds Khal Drogo (GOT) as promised and as a fan of both I loved it.

Slow start and lack of world building but after few pages I didn’t care all I cared was to see how the story goes.

Wish good luck to the author and looking forward for more ☺️☺️
Profile Image for Hege-Anita (books_astherapy).
21 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC!

I read this book in a couple of days because I couldn't put it down.
It was easy to read and the characters relatable. Nora annoyed me a bit in the beginning because she acted a bit spoiled and selfish, but to her defense, she had just been taken against her will😅 She did grow on me towards the end and became a bad a** fmc.
Dahr was perfect🤭 I loved reading his POVs.
The dynamic between Nora and Dahr was great and I also loved the side characters.
Xandra has created an amazing world with believable characters that will make you laugh and perhaps cry. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I loved this book and I'm so grateful I stumbled upon the ARC sign up on TikTok!
Profile Image for BookishKaede.
13 reviews
June 20, 2025
I was kindly given an ARC in exchange of an honest review, so here we are.
The actual rating I wanted to give this book is 3.75, overall it’s a good and enjoyable book but sometimes quite slow.

The first 15/20% is a bit painfully slow, with not much happening and not enough descriptions to keeps things interesting. I have to admit that the FMC is not a favourite of mine, whine too much and annoying at moments, the MMC though makes up for it. Everyone loves a broody character and he delivers.

Overall I think it’s a good potential book, and I’ll be reading the sequel (especially with that ending!!!), just don’t give up if the beginning seems slow you will get rewarded later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole.
23 reviews
June 24, 2025
I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. 


From the first page I was hooked. This book has everything I love. An amazing plot, good character development, a new twist on the Fae, slow burn and a good level of spice.


Definitely cannot wait for book 2! I need to know what happens! 


I appreciate the opportunity to read your book. Great job!
Profile Image for Courtney Newton.
13 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I spent the whole book trying to figure out Nora's purpose. And what on earth was going on (but in a good way - trying to solve the mystery) The back and forth banter was great. The love hate relationship. The stubbornness. Just made it. 🤯🤯 When I got to the end I was bummed it ended! I'm so ready for the next one! Xandra did a great job. I loved the flow. The personal struggle Nora has at the end. The realization of what she wanted. The touch her and die. 😍

thank you Xandra for sending this to me as an ARC. I hope I can be part of the next one!
Profile Image for Shayla .
5 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2025
I’m not gonna lie I went into this 110% blind. I seen ARC and the title “march 1st” (my birthday!) and I jumped at it. I was so glad I did it because the story captured me within the first 2 chapters. I couldn’t put the thing down, in total it took me an hour and a half to finish it and my god I was eating out of the palm of Xandras hand waiting for more. Definitely check your triggers (have no personally) but your mental health is important. I’m beyond excited for the second book and cannot wait to see where this will lead. Will there be a third? I truly hope so!!
Profile Image for Samantha  Colquhoun .
8 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2025
So so good! I’m obsessed with this book! I cannot wait for the second book! That cliffhanger tho… ☠️😩❤️
Profile Image for Naomi Post.
5 reviews
June 20, 2025
I received this book as an ARC reader, and i really enjoyed it. The story is nice, sometimes a bit hard to understand but the characters are described vividly and you can really picture what the writers wants to achieve with this story. Its medium paced, the love interest between the 2 mc's is like a rollercoaster, but very entertaining.
Profile Image for Ellen Gtstwrs.
258 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review – March 1st by Xandra Noël

Release Date: July 17



I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of March 1st and I genuinely don’t know how to function right now. Xandra Noël… how DARE you end it like that?! Are you sure you didn’t forget a whole chunk of the book?? Because that cliffhanger? That emotional WHIPLASH?? I’m not okay. I need part two of this duet right now.



This story had me in a chokehold from chapter one. I was instantly pulled in and couldn’t stop reading I devoured this book. I literally stayed up until 3AM because I had to know what would happen (my toddler wakes up at 6, so… send caffeine and tissues 😭).



It has everything: love, hate, anger, heartbreak, and the kind of tension that makes your chest ache. My heart broke multiple times, and yet I kept turning the pages like an addict. These characters are so real, so messy, so raw I felt everything with them.



If you’re looking for a story that consumes you entirely, makes you cry, rage, swoon, and scream into your pillow… March 1st is it. But be warned: this book will emotionally destroy you in the best way possible.



Xandra Noël, I’m watching you. Drop part two. Please.
80 reviews
July 9, 2025
ARC review, all thoughts are my own. I started off intrigued. Then I feel like it got really slow until the last like 100 pages. It had potential. I did like the story, it just didn’t really do it for me. However, the ending did leave me wanting to read more. So hopefully the next one will have more going on and I’ll be able to rate it higher
Profile Image for Jadenicreads.
123 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2025
I want to start of by saying thank to Xandra Noel for giving me an opportunity to be a ARC reader for this book!

This book follows two main characters FMC Nora and MMC Dahr also known as Grannicus.

This book was super fast paced and really easy to read and follow. You have two main character along with two main side characters Karisha and Markos.

I loved the character development and details. It was extremely character focused which I loved.

Nora was kidnapped by Dahr who is the camp leader and she is cared for and befriends the tribe lady Karisha, they form a friendship almost like sisters, they learn to trust each other and I loved and adored there relationship.

Karisha is mated to Markos who is the tribe lord and works along side Dahr as well as being his cousin. He isn’t so easy to trust but they slowly learn to trust one another.

Dahr and Nora hate each other to start with but throughout the story they learn to trust each other. This book hooked me from the start, there is betrayal, the learning of trust. They have similarities to their lives and how they both lost loved one closed to them which I found brought them closer together which I adored! There is lust and love and the spice is just right not too much and not too little and I think readers that don’t like it so much may enjoy this book too. The ending just leaves you on your toes and want to know more and makes you question is there going to be a second book?

I fell in love with the characters and the attention to detail to each one, their personalities to what they wore etc. I wish there was more world building but as this is more Romantasy based I get the “lack” of world building which makes it less heavy. I love Xandra Noel’s books and I think she is a great writer and I love her writing style. She never disappoints in my eyes! I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a dark Romantasy because those steamy scenes where just 😍🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Catriona.
13 reviews
July 18, 2025
🔥ARC Review🔥

Well damn… this book… where to start!!

Okay in terms of vibes it definitely feels like a lost chapter about Khal Drogo and the Game of Thrones gang, which I really enjoyed as a concept!

You’re immediately in on the action, with Nora kidnapped by Grannicus and his tribe. You’re discovering things alongside Nora and her feisty, stubborn ways make for a really strong FMC!

Overall I feel like this book had all the right elements - it just needed a little more exploration at points…

- I would of loved to have seen a bit more world building in terms of the bigger world out with the Drake camp - Nora’s town is only discussed briefly a few times throughout, so I didn’t really feel much a connection to it, therefore didn’t care about the greater threat that’s in place.

- I would have loved more details on Grannicus’ powers and the tribes heritage and culture (this obviously was discussed but I just wanted more of the lore there)

- Also throughout the book, higher in command characters are discussed and when one finally shows up… I felt like it was too brief… tensions were high and I loved the resolve but I felt like that moment was over so quickly

So, Nora and Grannicus…
I was kicking my feet giggling when we were less than 200 pages in and we already heard the magic words “who did this to you”
HOWEVER we hit 50% through and the book becomes spicy as hell… and don’t get me wrong I get it, I got the animalistic nature of the lust, and the forced proximity tension, but there was a couple of spicier moments that weren’t for me (and that’s okay)

That being said, I would recommend reading the trigger warnings on this one before you start reading just to be safe

There’s some really strong tropes in this likeeee:
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥faerie camp
🔥forced proximity / one room
🔥”who did this to you”/ “touch her and 💀”
🔥morally grey characters

Overall, the book is fast-paced and engaging! And the cliffhanger ending OMGGGG
Profile Image for Sarah.
49 reviews
June 19, 2025
I received this book as an ARC.

In no way did I think this was a bad book but potentially a mismatch between reader and story. If you enjoy explicit romantasy, this is the book for you!

What I liked:
I really enjoyed the lore surrounding the faeries and the drakes, as well as the MMC’s heritage and past. These elements were intriguing, and every time a snippet appeared in a chapter, I found myself eager to learn more. It felt like a strong start to a series with the potential to grow and deepen with each installment.

I also appreciated the development of the central relationship, particularly the evolving friendship between the FMC and another female character. It added warmth and depth to the story.

That ending though.... Damn, I wanna know what happens next!!

What I didn’t like:
The beginning was slow, and it wasn’t until around the 25-30% mark that I started feeling truly engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages.

This next point is more about personal preference than a critique of the writing: I didn’t care much for the sexual scenes. That’s just not my taste, but for readers who enjoy passionate and explicit moments, this book definitely delivers. There was one scene that made me uncomfortable, but again, that’s likely down to individual reader perception.

While I liked the lore, I found myself wishing there was more of it, especially more world-building beyond the camp setting. The FMC’s hometown was briefly named but not explored, which left me wanting a stronger sense of the broader world.

Lastly there was a scene where the main couple tried to resolve their issues and again, made me feel uncomfortable. I'll reiterate again that this may be personal opinion and other readers who enjoy this sort of story may enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Yowell.
27 reviews
June 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)
ARC REVIEW – March 1st by Xandra Noel

Dahrrian Drake Grannicus walked onto page 4, and it was over for me. Tall, leather-wrapped, dangerous, and built like a Renaissance statue — I was hooked before I could blink. And Nora? Strong, vulnerable, and passionate in all the right ways. Their chemistry? Undeniable.

This story delivers a dark romantasy full of tension, emotion, and depth. It’s set in a world where survival is everything, but love still demands to be felt. Nora’s relationship with the sea, with grief, and with herself gave this book a surprisingly reflective tone beneath all the blood, blades, and fire.

“The sea had always helped… when the entire structure of my thoughts was threatening to crumble.”
(I felt that. Personally.)

The spice is moderate but impactful — not overwhelming, but definitely steamy with the kind of praise kink energy that’ll make your heart flutter and your Kindle heat up. Dahr’s control, devotion, and dirty mouth checked all the boxes for me.

“Take it like the good girl I know you are.”
Yes sir. Loud and clear.

Now, why 4.5 stars instead of 5? That cliffhanger. I loved the ending, but I need answers — now. It was the kind of finale that makes you stare at the page like: “Wait, that’s it?!”

This book gave me:
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers done right
✔️ A broody, loyal MMC who would literally die for her
✔️ Mating vibes + delicious possessiveness
✔️ A heroine with fire in her soul and grief in her heart
✔️ Praise kink lines that live rent-free in my head

If you’re into romantic fantasy with grit, heat, and a god of a man who calls you little flame while melting your soul, March 1st is your next read. But fair warning: you’ll be begging for book two by the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jamie Jam.
124 reviews
July 2, 2025
ARC Review: March 1st by Xandra Noel

March 1st is a captivating romantasy that pulls you into a world where a human woman is unexpectedly taken by a legendary fae Drake tribe—and what unfolds is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers journey that’s equal parts tension, heat, and heart. It does start slow, you have to keep going.

This story centers around 2 main characters and 2 supporting characters that impressively, each one feels distinct, compelling, and well-developed. It’s rare for me to feel invested in every major player, but Xandra Noel has a talent for creating layered personalities with real chemistry and tension between them.

The romantic arc is satisfyingly steamy, with plenty of spice and charged moments between lovers that feel earned rather than rushed. The emotional depth woven into these relationships makes the heat even more meaningful.

If I had one wish, it would be for a bit more immersion into the fae tribe’s culture and traditions. We get glimpses—like a beautiful, grounded scene where Nora churns butter alongside a tribal woman—that hint at a dark world beneath the surface. Those moments shine and left me wanting more of the community, the rituals, and the daily life that shape the characters’ choices.

Still, the connections formed and the decisions made by the end of the book felt genuine and powerful. I turned the last page feeling breathless—and desperate for the sequel. Xandra Noel leaves us with just enough resolution to satisfy, but a world of questions still lingering.

Verdict: If you’re a fan of romantasy, enemies-to-lovers, strong character dynamics, and a of course some spice, March 1st is one to watch. I’m already counting the days until book two.
Profile Image for Delilah Amos.
119 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book as a ARC read this is the first book in The Spring Duet. As soon as I started to read I knew this beauty had a good grip on me. This is also my first read by Xandra Noel. She found a new fan.

We met Nora who was kidnapped by the Drake Faeries. She is called March by them. She tries her hardest to escape and make a plan to get away and warn her hometown of what’s to come. She slowly ends up making friends within the camp and eventually even find herself falling in love. She accidentally uncovers the full truth that was kept from her by those she came to love and care for. She battles with herself with her feelings and her mind on what she should do. In the end she figures out who and what she really wants.

Dahr as known as Grannicus is the leader of the Drake Camp. He is introduced as a brute with a god like body (lol). He is very stand ofish from the start and slowly lets himself show his affection. I don’t want to say too much about Dahr as I found the mystery about him part of the fun I got from reading this book.

March 1st had some really tasty spicy scenes that are to die for! It does leave you on a cliffhanger which I don’t hate. I will be thinking about this book until I can get my hands of book 2.
If you like any of these this is the book for you!
-Enemies to lovers
-Faeries
-Forced proximity
-Human/Faerie mates
-Who did this to you
-Morally grey
-Only one tent (haha)

Even if these aren’t normally something you read I pled with you to give it a chance! I hope you enjoy it if you choose to read.
Profile Image for Sisters of fantasy .
37 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
Big shoutout to Xandra for sending me this ARC—I read it in less than 48 hours.

Okay, so Nora gets kidnapped by fae and thrown into the tent of Dhar, a powerful fire-god descendant who is cold, broody, and very dangerous. At first, he's totally giving Khal Drogo energy—tough and unbothered—but oh boy, does that change.

Nora is stubborn, smart-mouthed, and not willing to back down from anyone, especially him. Their dynamic goes from enemies to something much, much more intense.

And let me just say... the name March? At first, I’m like, “Why does he keep calling her that?” But trust me, it hits HARD once the story unravels. A small detail that becomes everything in retrospect.

if you're a romantasy lover, this one’s perfect for you. If you're in it more for the romance than the fantasy, you're gonna love this. The world-building is light, and the magic is unveiled slowly as Nora discovers it, so it’s a lot more about the relationship than the fantasy setting.

And then… the big reveal. Yeah, you know the one. Secrets, betrayal, emotional fallout—it all leads to this cliffhanger that literally had me SCREAMING. I need book two—like now.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, morally grey fae, forced proximity, and secrets? This one’s for you. But fair warning… prepare to be left hanging with that cliffhanger. 😬
So yeah. Prepare yourself!
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