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First Verse is an enemies-to-lovers, GFY MM Romance, packed with angst and steam.

Eric

My life is already complicated enough. Most of my waking hours are dedicated to my band, and we’re on the edge of making it big. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of. Until the day our drummer backs out, weeks before our tour kicks off. Just in time to save the day, in walks the one man I’d hoped to never see again.

The one blip on my radar.

The only man to ever break my heart.



Dmitri

What do you do when you have the chance to jump back into the life of the one that got away? The guy you never risked taking a chance with, because falling in love with your straight best friend is a recipe for disaster?

You dive headfirst, not caring how much it’s going to hurt when you land.

Six years apart hasn’t changed the way I feel about Eric, and it hasn’t changed the way he hates me. The more time we spend together, the more he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with me... and I’ll do anything to find out why.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

133 people are currently reading
461 people want to read

About the author

G. Eilsel

18 books250 followers
G. Eilsel started writing under this pen name in early 2024, publishing works in two genres she loves: eccentric novellas and MM romance.

Her writing puts a focus on sarcasm, snarky humor, sometimes horrible puns, and steamy scenes that'll make your momma blush. Expect heavy spice, in any sort of variety you're looking for-sweet, emotional, depraved, or downright questionable.

Some of her books are one-handed reads with minimal plot, others are more intricate stories that weave themselves through her brain and demand to be put on paper. Angsty and emotional, light and giggle-inducing, and everything in between can be found between the covers of her books.

She doesn't take herself too seriously, throwing pieces of her humor and quirky personality in her writing. If she can't live up to her title of a One-Handed author, then maybe she can at least make you smile.

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5 stars
128 (35%)
4 stars
130 (36%)
3 stars
75 (20%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Dani.
1,675 reviews321 followers
December 15, 2024
3.5

While I did really enjoy reading this enemies to lovers / bandmates romance and I definitely got emotional at parts, I do think that it was about 100 pages too long. There were also way too many sex scenes that didn't particularly add anything, they were just there for the sake of it, and I'm never a fan of that because it doesn't progress the story.

Also I don't know if it's just me and my Ace perspective, but instead of dealing with things, talking about anything for more than a paragraph or allowing themselves to actually feel and process their emotions so that their relationship could be stronger they just jump straight to sex every single time. It made it hard for me to see where their actual romantic relationship was because although they said they loved each other a lot and they had off-page history of friendship while they were at college, on page all they did was have sex and fight about being outed or hurting each others feelings! They felt very juvenile and melodramatic.

Eric annoyed the life out of me too. He was spineless and selfish and I didn't really understand where his severe shame around being in a relationship with Dmitri came from. He's best friends with people who aren't straight, his parents love him unconditionally, he doesn't appear to have any internalised homophobia, so I just struggled to see where that issue came from? It's not something he was raised to think, he doesn't think the same things apply to his friends or Dmitri... Not understanding why he felt that way just made it hard to not think he was just a whiny self-obsessed child because everything was about him and his issues just didn't make sense. Why would you care more about what literal strangers think of you than the people who are in your life and love you? Even as a teenager I didn't give a shit what people thought of me if they weren't important to me so this is something that will never make sense to me.

Also if I'm being totally honest, if I was friends with either Eric or Dmitri I would definitely be telling both of them to leave the other behind and run for the damn hills. They had enough red flags to provide bunting for every town and village in the UK.... What they needed was serious therapy, Dmitri especially after what he did when he realised Eric had left after graduation without saying goodbye. Eric needed serious work on his self-esteem and self-worth, but not one person even mentioned they maybe needed to seek professional help for them to deal with their issues! I'm glad these guys aren't my friends.

I am intrigued about reading Theo and Dante's book, but I wouldn't rush to read it as a priority.
Profile Image for Liza.
512 reviews14 followers
May 27, 2024
Melodramatic much?

That’s the plot:
I hate you but I don’t tell you why.
I didn’t hate you really but you hurt me.
You hurt me too.
Let’s have a secret relationship.
Ok I will not pressure you to come out.
It hurts that you don’t come out.
It’s all my fault.
No it’s my fault.
By the way I almost killed myself because I was always this melodramatic.
Everything is suddenly alright.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookbingewithsteph.
264 reviews28 followers
May 20, 2024
So I for sure was entertained. The history between these two hooked me right from the start. The characters and band were interesting and the spice was SPICIN. The writing was great. But I feel like this was loaded with over the top drama and angst where it was unnecessary. It felt like a soap opera at times. But like I said, I was entertained 🍿🤷🏼‍♀️ and I would absolutely read this author again
Profile Image for Jessica.
264 reviews
July 14, 2024
Really loved this one. Eric and Dmitri had my heart from the beginning.
Profile Image for Shaina.
118 reviews6 followers
May 28, 2024
confused

Everyone was raving about this book. But I found it to be an infuriating slog. I did not see one redeemable characteristic in Eric. Dmitri was way too good for a whiny angsty baby like him. I honestly wanted to slap him and rolled my eyes constantly at his over the top dramatics. I wish i had DNF'd.

Profile Image for peoniesandmm.
264 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2024
this is probably a solid 4 star book for me, maybe even 4.25.. potential spoilers ahead?

ok i was vibing with this book so hard until around 65- 70%… it just became annoying how Eric wouldn’t stop wining and become fully immersed into the relationship.
i really enjoyed their dynamic and i thought the relationship was so so sweet but Eric.. cmon dude.

the spice was HOT. i really loved Dmitri, the protectiveness & the jealousy from both of them was wonderful (i think i would have enjoyed seeing a bit more jealousy, since there was plenty of openings for that) but overall i enjoyed this book! 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sonya Ben Behi.
328 reviews380 followers
August 26, 2024
I loved this, and it's official, I have a thing for rock stars in romance novels! And here we have two of them, band mates, vocalist x drummer, and I loved the concert scenes, the tour, and all the music-related aspects.
There is a lot of unnecessary drama in the first part, as it is kinda second chance romance (but not quite) but who doesn't like a bit of pining 😁

Friends to enemies to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Mental illness
Bi-awakening
509 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2024
*This review is slightly spoilery as I mention how things go down**
Man I really wanted to love the rest of this book. The first 30% was everything I was hoping for. We had one character who hated the other and the other character was obsessed with him and didn't know what he had done wrong 6 years ago. We had hate hand/bl0wjjobs, pining, and it was all just delicious. Then the past was cleared up and they were together. The next 70% was a story of shame, coming out, self-acceptance and endless, endless angst. I did so much skimming, especially in Eric's POV because it got exhausting.
I really loved that there was art work illustrating different scenes at the end of a handful of chapters. I also really enjoyed that their inner monologues were kind of talking to us as the readers at times. Also we love a Sleep Token song reference <3
I enjoyed the dynamic between Theo and Dante so I'll probably read the next one.
This book ends with an HEA but I'm not sure how healthy their relationship is but good on em.

This book has:
-MM
-28 year olds
-second chance....even though they weren't really together in the past
- 6 lost years due to a lack of communication
-rock band
-forced proximity/touring with the band
-one is tatted and the other has n!p p!ercings
-both over 6' and built
-GFY
-hot and cold ANGST
-so much angst
-conversation about past self harm
-HEA
Profile Image for Lori Dunn.
887 reviews23 followers
August 14, 2024
Emotional

A beautifully written love story. It totally reminds me of the beauty of Hamartia. Eric and Demitri college friends who one night become more. Unfortunately, due to an unintended slight, the two separated with anger and hurt for 7 years.

Upon being reunited, the two must maneuver through all the hurt and pain of their misunderstanding in order to find the path back to each other.

5/5 stars
Profile Image for xxBooksILovexx.
777 reviews41 followers
October 17, 2024
This was my first book by G Eilsel and boy did I enjoy it. I’m always a sucker for enemies to lovers and GFY stories. And this did not disappoint. Loved getting to know Eric, Dimitri and all of Falling Absent. The chemistry between Eric & Dimitri was intense. Looking forward to reading Choruse & Second Verse. Excited to spend more time on the road with them all!
Profile Image for Amandala  Tomato.
95 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
A part of me wants to rate this 2 ⭐, and another part of me wants to rate it 4⭐, because I really enjoyed the story of this relationship overall. That being said, I had a lot of issues with this book, but my biggest one was how repetitive it was.
The two MCs get together really fast after their initial anger towards each other. Do not expect an enemies to lovers trope here because you'll be sorely disappointed. I prefer a slower burn. They were together by 20%, and it's at this point that the chapters start getting really repetitive....
$ex, gig, breakdown, makeup. Over and over and over again. To top it off, it's the same issue every time causing the breakdown/depressive episode/fight. He's afraid to come out and feels guilty and not worthy of the other MC.
I almost DNFed around 50%, but I'm glad I didn't because I did enjoy the ending. I honestly think this story would have worked better as a novella. Cut out the vast majority of the middle, and it would have been a solid read.
ALL of that being said, I think I'll still tune in for the next installment. There was a lot I did like about this book, including how much I liked the supporting characters. I'm excited to see what's in store for Dante and Theo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley.
58 reviews
July 11, 2024
Not a fan of the miscommunication trope… and this made me remember why. The story was drug out WAY LONGER than needed.
Profile Image for bookedwith_sam.
96 reviews19 followers
June 1, 2024
I saw this book recommended a few times recently and couldn’t resist. This is a second chance rockstar romance but it’s not your typical lighthearted book. It’s HIGH angst & very emotional. But it’s also SO funny. I cried & laughed more times than I can count while reading this.

The book is about Eric & Dmitri whom met in college. Eric had always considered himself straight until meeting Dmitri. There ends up being a situation that happens one night after a party which then causes Eric to distance himself from Dmitri without telling him why. The book takes place 6 years in the future when the two of them end up touring in a band together. There is a lot of back and forth and animosity on Eric’s side. Eventually they talk everything out and realize there was a lot of miscommunication between them. However, Eric is still struggling with being bisexual. I’ve seen several reviews of others disliking Eric but honestly I feel like his feelings were very realistic. He cares a LOT about what other people think and he hates himself for it. He struggles with feeling like he’s not good enough for Dmitri. The book is on the longer side but I feel like the HEA in the end was well worth all of the pain you go through while reading it 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Olivia.
391 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
I don’t know how to feel. This was quite the story. In every way imaginable. It was very emotional, which I kinda loved, but also it was TERRIBLY long. Oh my god it just went on forever. Also the smut...why was it every two pages. I like reading spice as much as the next person but half of these scenes were just unnecessary.

This had the potential to be something amazing and yet it missed the mark. I loved the drama that these two brought but it felt like the drama needed some more depth. Like they hated each other for 2 seconds and then were immediately in love. First of all, there needed to be a better reason why Eric wasn’t speaking to Dmitri to because don’t fucking tell me he kept that to himself for 6 years out of spite even AFTER Dmitri begged him to tell him what was wrong. You claimed you loved this man the whole time and you wouldn't even explain yourself? Cmon seriously? Are we five?

I also really needed Eric to stop being like THAT. Come the fuck on stop whining about people you don’t even know and just be with your man. I’m sorry but if you care what THAT many people think about you then you are going to live a miserable life. All I wanted was for someone to tell him that a stranger being a bigoted shithead = they’re not worth worrying about or having in his life or even around him. Like be so fr I know Tai tried his best but there needed to be an intervention on that dumbassery.

Also, what the hell was that whole Dmitri thing thrown in there?? It caught me so off guard and then was never really resolved? Are you going to therapy for that sir?

I kinda want to read Theo and Dante tho...but I swear to god if it's a billion pages I don't think I can do it
Profile Image for Lauri MissDysfunktion.
1,108 reviews39 followers
December 31, 2024
First Verse is book one in the Get Your Rocks Off series

This is your vibe if you like:
Rockstars
Forced proximity
Hate to love vibes
Witty Snark & Banter

This was my first time reading G. Eilsel and I was pessimistic, I always am reading a new author especially when I know nothing about them. But this book was genuinely funny, I don’t mean a little chuckle either I actually cackled! It’s witty and snarky in the best kinda way.

Eric and Dmitri have history that goes right back to their college years and Eric holds a grudge hard. The hate he feels practically fuels him. But the way their story unfolds was brilliant. I don’t think it’s angsty, there are moments of plot that aren’t just snarky lines and funny moments. But I felt like it was an easy read and I really did struggle when I had to put it down, would have much preferred to binge but life of course requires you to take part haha

If you’re looking for a new rockstar vibes read, give this one a go!
Profile Image for readingwithmiaa.
274 reviews67 followers
Read
November 1, 2024
DNF @36%




OMG Y’all I Really Wanted To Love This Book While Reading, But Unfortunately This Book Was SUCH A Miss For Me And I Just Didn’t Connect With The World Or With Out Main Or Side Characters At All Because TO ME They Are Felt Pretty Meh To Me. If You Love This Book I’m SO Happy Fir You But Unfortunately This One Isn’t For Me And That’s Ok🫶💕
Profile Image for SG Reads .
125 reviews26 followers
May 30, 2024
3.75⭐️

First things first … fuck me this book was longgggg. Longer than necessary tbh. Very different to the previous novellas but I’m thinking it’s because this was full length book. I was EXPECTING SHIT TONS OF SMUT.

We did get quite a bit, and boyyy was it worth it.

Eric is the lead singer in the band Falling Absent. Their drummer has to quit because his new baby has arrived. Queue the band needs a new drummer and in comes Sticks. Who turns out to be the sworn enemy of Eric … Sticks is actually Dmitri who broke Eric’s heart 6/7? Years ago.

Dmitri isn’t aware he broke Eric’s heart, he’s convinced Eric broke his heart when he walked out on him 6/7? Years ago.

Then comes the story of what actually happened and we watch them fall in love again. This story is about Eric coming out, which he struggles with massively due to homophobic slurs (because people are assholes with limited minds).

We see strength in both Eric and Dmitri but also in their band friends too, who will see books of their own in the near future.

All in all, I fucking live and die for this shit. I love MM romance, and I love a HEA.

This one is defo worth it, if you can handle the length???? 🥵🥵🥵🥵

Faves:

💙 What a good boy. 🤤🤤🤤
💙 Men like him have been taught not to bend. Never to break. Have been told you can’t display feelings because it makes you weak. Boys don’t cry? Fuck that noise.
💙In a world that wants to make him hard, all I want is to make him happy.
💙“Fuck, why is it so hard to touch a drummer? Like, you’ll get a concussion if you get too close during a song.”
💙How do you tell the sun to stop letting the clouds get in the way of its shine?
💙“You are mine, baby” “And I’ll always be yours”
💙“Eric, never forget how much I love. You know that, right?” … “Yeah” … “Good, because I’m about to fuck you like I hate you.”
💙“You’re serious?” … “As a heart attack.” 😂
6 reviews
July 14, 2024
I don't often write reviews, but I couldn't put this one down. Most of the time, I struggle with feeling the love between characters on the page. You get told they're in love, but you just don't quite feel it. Not with these two. It was obvious how in love with each other they were, and it jumped off the pages at me.

"I love you still," he whispers, and I whimper as he kisses along the hinge of my jaw. "I tried to stop. For years, I tried to stop loving you. Years. But I couldn't... I fucking couldn't. You are in every part of me. I don't know how to not love you, not anymore."


I see other reviews saying this fell into miscommunication trope. I didn't get that, at all. Even when Eric was struggling with his sexuality, he was open with Dmitri about it. Eric was pushed into the spotlight with his band, then has a confusing part of his past thrown into his face again. Dmitri had the power to ruin everything for him. Pair that with how uncomfortable he was in his own skin, and I'd like to see anyone say they'd let it all roll off their shoulders.

Anyone who doesn't like Eric has never been an Eric. They've never worried themselves sick about the way the world looks at them.

The chemistry between these two was spectacular, and the spicy scenes were *chef's kiss*. If you want a LOVE story, I couldn't recommend this one more.
Profile Image for aarya♡~ (in huge reading slump).
122 reviews
May 20, 2024
I loveddd it tbh. It was really emotional one for me ig and i can't say it will be emotional one for others as i was in crying mood today. I really loved the chemistry and relationship between Eric and Dimitri. They were really cute and the angst at the middle and angst at near end , even though it was albeit dramatic but fuck if i didn't cried. Eric might have been major one for the angst causing and honestly i was hurting with Dimitri. Dimitri is one of the best boyfriends. I totally understand Eric's place and where he came from. TBH anyone could see how much Eric loved Dimitri. They were practically soulmates and yeah. I didn't rated it 5 star because there were some plot holes and the ending felt rushed to me. I just couldn't process wtf happened and suddenly it's end, it took me out and left me unsatisfied. Although i am happy with the end i just wanted more. Anyway it was really cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for _mykee_b.
141 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2025
Please call me Eric..

“This love is all-encompassing, altering the very fabric of my existence..”

“..his brilliant smile is full of happiness. The combination is dangerous. An I’d-do-anything-for-you, no-questions-asked type of dangerous. I’ll-hide-the-bødy-if-you-bring-the-shovel dangerous.”

My fxcking heart!! ❤️‍🩹 Excuse me while I go { ugly } cry under my covers 😭

This had it all💓 All the angst. All the sadness. There’s also laughs and many, many, yummy moments ❤️‍🔥🤤

I cried..I swooned..I fxcking lost it thanks to the treat at the end of chapter 22 💀 Then I was melting at the end of chapter 27’s surprise 🫠

And OH. MY. GAWD. 🥵 D..Da..Daddy..Dmit..daddy..DMITRI!! 😳😮‍💨🪭 Where does one find a Dmitri?!🤔 Amazon? Etsy? Since he’s homemade?! Is there express shipping?!
🤌The nicknames.( I’m never looking at 🍑 the same again)
🤌The dominance
🤌The passion.
🤌THE COMMUNICATION!! 🫠🫠🫠 total Disrespect him & ☠️ energy

Eric, you lucky dawg, you 💙🍑❤️
Profile Image for Aisling.
59 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
This book has a fantastic beginning - instead of leading up to a story the author just transports you straight into the middle of it! I loved that the book had me trying to guess what was going to happen next without giving anything away!
The skill this author has in immersing you into their characters lives so much that you feel their laughter, their pain, their love - it’s just beautiful!
This book centres on Dmitri and Eric but all the other characters and their personalities are introduced very organically. There is no ignoring others just to get the story across - everything is so intricately interwoven it is an absolute delight to read!
20 reviews
May 19, 2024
Not what I expected... in the very best way!

I've read all of G. Eilsel's novellas and love them all, so while I was ready for the intense steam, I wasn't expecting the level of character development. Eric and Dmitri are incredible together, so hot and angsty as enemies, then so sweet and loving as a couple.

I laughed out loud so many times because the friendship between them felt so real and relatable. It's a beautiful story of finding yourself and finding your tribe, with some definitely over the top hot scenes that I knew I'd find.
Profile Image for _readwithtee_.
111 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2025
Loved this so much! It’s been on my tbr for so long and I don’t know why I waited so long!

Did I want to bang Dimitri and Eric’s head together sometimes! Absolutely yes! I was shouting at them to talk!!

But when they finally got talking and settled the past, they were the cutest freaking things! Loved them so much! It’s a low angst but there were topics and situations that deffo pulled at my heart strings.

All in all, great read and the chemistry between them was hot!

Can’t wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Breighan L.
446 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
It started good then it was just meh. Seemed like it was the same struggle- Eric was insecure about himself and constantly would push Dmitri away and then Dmitri would to comfort him and all would be well until the next time Eric got into his head and the cycle repeated itself.

A smexy times were good. Honestly I could have had the story end about 10 chapters earlier than it did but that’s my opinion.

Tao and Dante are next. Don’t know if I’ll take the time to read their story or not.
142 reviews
January 26, 2025
So hot

I thought the characters were really great any I like that they each had something to survive from and come out stronger on the other side. However, I did think Eric's struggles about coming out were maybe 2 incidences and 50 pages too many. But overall, the book is definitely worth reading, and I can't wait to read about the other guys. The spice was magnificent 👌 (chefs kiss).
Profile Image for A.G..
248 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2024
I love these two together. The chemistry between them is sizzling, but I love that at the end of the day, they are also best friends.

I laughed out loud so many times and fell in love with both of them the further we got into their heads. Eric must be protected at all costs, and Dmitri is nook boyfriend perfection.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Christina _readingwhilewet.
509 reviews27 followers
July 10, 2024
2.5 for me. I dislike the miscommunication trope very strongly . With that said story wasn’t bad, spice saved it for me honestly. I didn’t like the back in forth with the main characters. Uncomfortable with my identity, but also let’s feed into these rumors. I felt like the story was dragged out way too long.
July 13, 2024
First Verse
G. Eilsel

Such an angst of a story. But I suppose it’s like that when coming out to the entire world.
I know this is book 1 in the series, however, in all honesty, I needed more.
What I did like were the random illustrations throughout the book. It added a nice touch.
Not heavy on triggers, not heavy on plot either. But, it was heavy on spice
718 reviews
October 7, 2025
Keep the tissues handy

My heart and emotions were all over the place with this book. My chest ached with the heartache, and then soared with happiness. The journey to HEA was definitely rocky and filled with huge potholes and boulders, but it also showed strength and love in abundance. You will feel this one for days after reaching the end, but it was so worth it.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
252 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
I love E and D, don’t get me wrong. They are amazing lovely adorable characters and I was rooting for them the whole time. Buttttt… so much miscommunication that could have been resolved with a conversation. That being said I still loved the plot and story, the whole band was adorable and I will be reading the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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