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Before the stage lights, screaming fans, and aggression of our reunion, we were just two guys, a battered acoustic guitar, a beat-up drum set, and feelings neither of us dared to name.

Eric
Dmitri crashed into my life and became my constant from day one. We do everything together—coffee runs between classes, music theory debates in the quad, and swap late-night playlists when neither of us can sleep. We share everything, but now I’m noticing things I never noticed before, and this new awareness is rocking my entire world.

At first, I told myself it was nothing more than appreciation for my best friend, but the thoughts won’t stop. He’s my first thought in the morning and the last before bed, and he occupies the daydreams in between.

I’m realizing what I’m feeling is more than friendship, and that truth is unraveling everything I thought I knew.

Dmitri
I fell for Eric the night we met at open mic, right before freshman year. One song was all it took, and I was finished. I buried it fast, because he was straight, and I refused to gamble the best friendship I’d ever had. So I stayed his musical other half and called him my best friend. I convinced myself being this close was enough.

It wasn’t.

Lately the air between us has changed. He’s holding my gaze a little longer, letting his hands linger when before they wouldn’t, and everything feels like it’s shifting. Songs feel like openings, lyrics like confessions, and questions hang unspoken in both our eyes.

The lines are blurring fast, and I have to decide whether I’m brave enough to risk everything for the chance that he might feel this too.


This prequel novella to the Get Your Rocks Off series follows the beginnings of Eric and Dmitri’s story when they were younger, sweeter, and far more innocent. This is the story before the band, before the fame, and long before they get a second chance. Prelude is a slow-burn MM friends-to-almost lovers romance packed with bi-awakening, mutual pining, musical soul-bonding, and the bittersweet pull of what might’ve been. This novella is not considered a standalone read. It ends on a cliffhanger and unresolved HEA that isn't achieved until GYRO Book 1: First Verse.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

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About the author

G. Eilsel

22 books296 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for 369Pages.
804 reviews60 followers
April 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
Dmitri and Eric meet through music, and their bond is undeniably deep from the first moment. This prequel novella definitely got me hooked, and I’m so excited to read the rest of the series.

Though this plot was driven strongly by miscommunication (which I regularly hate), I really enjoyed this novella. These two so clearly love each other in such small, but meaningful ways 🥲

This novella has:
-college best friends to something complicated
(Story continues in book 1!)
-non-romantic closeness and lots of very romantic tension
-miscommunication (I’m gonna punch them lol)

Anyways, super enjoyed this! And so excited that the rest of the series is already out. This definitely hyped me up to read the series that’s been on my TBR forever!
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
🎶ARC REVIEW🎶 Prelude by G. Eilsel
19/05/2026 - I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, G. Eilsel for this gift. 🥰

—5 Desperation Is My Brand⭐️— 3 🌶—

Adore this two. They are such idiots 🤭🤭🤭
As always G never fails to bring sarcasm, laughs and a bit of crying into her books.
Can't wait to read the rest of their story 🥹 🫶

Contents:
🎶 Prelude is a Get Your Rocks Off Prequel
🥁 Novella
🎶 Orign Story
🥁 Slow Burn
🎶 Grumpy x Sunshine
🥁 Friends To Lovers
🎶 Mutual Pining
🥁 Physical Touch As Love Language

Quote:
"Eric: I’ve never fallen so shamelessly into someone before. Never replayed a single moment with a girl the way I replay every second with him.
Frame by frame, sound by sound, feeling by feeling.
It’s not normal… and I think I’ve known that for a long time.
There’s no panic, not exactly, just bone-deep exhaustion from fighting something that’s already won. I don’t know what label fits, and right now I don’t care."
Profile Image for Vanessa V.
89 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2026
ARC REVIEW

I actually read this prequel first before starting the first book (First Verse), even though it was released after the first book and I’m so glad I did. It perfectly captures the careful, emotional beginning of Eric and Dmitri’s relationship.

Dmitri has secretly had feelings for his “straight” best friend ever since they met. As the years pass, Eric slowly starts to realise that his feelings for Dmitri aren’t purely platonic either.

Then comes a party, some alcohol… and something finally happens between them.

What should have been the start of a beautiful romance instead turns into heartbreak because Dmitri is too scared to believe any of it is real. He avoids the situation completely, leaving Eric hurt and confused and just like that, the fallout begins.

One thing is certain: you will want to start First Verse immediately after this 😂

The enemies-to-lovers trope gets me every single time, and now I’m so excited to read the reconciliation and watch their second-chance love story unfold.
Profile Image for San Lemonade.
156 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
May 21, 2026
🎼 Prelude by G. Eilsel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
🔀 Dual First-Person POV
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚 Get Your Rocks Off Series 👉 0.5 Novella 🎶
💔 Cliffhanger Ending (Can’t Be Read as a Standalone)
🎶 Their story continues in Book 1

🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Romance
👉 College Best Friends
📍Set in Charlotte
👉 Low Angst
😶 Miscommunication
💔 Heartbreak
📖 Cozy & Sweet Story

🏳️‍🌈 Bi-awakening (but struggling)
🎶 Bonding Through Music
🤭 Banter
👉 Mutual Pining
☺️ Casual Touches & Shared Looks

☀ Sunshine x ☀️ Sunshine
😉 Confident x 😊 Easily Flustered
👉 Friends to Almost Something More
🔥 Slow-Burn

🌈 MCs:
👉🎹🥁 Dmitri "D" (19), He/Him
-From Atlanta.
-Double majoring in business and music.
-Dark eyes, dark hair, lean build and six-foot-five with long legs.
-Comes from a wealthy family.
-Has had a crush on Eric since freshman year.
-Musically passionate and immediately drawn to Eric’s talent.

👉🏈🎤🎸 Eric Woodard (19), He/Him
-Double majoring in music and IT.
-Hazel eyes, blond hair and blushes easily.
-A walking ray of sunshine with a dazzling smile.
-Broad-shouldered with the build of someone who played football for years, shorter than Dmitri.
-Works landscaping jobs to help pay for college.
-Outdoorsy boy who loves nature documentaries.
-Shy but naturally charming without even trying.

⚠️ Content Warnings:

💭 My Thoughts:
📖 I got emotionally attached to Eric and Dmitri so quickly. Their connection is so sweet and full of unspoken feelings.
✨️ I’m really glad G gave me the opportunity to read Prelude, especially because I hadn’t read the original trilogy before. This novella completely pulled me into Eric and Dmitri’s story.
🎶 I loved how deeply they connect through music.
👉 The mutual pining and emotional tension completely got me… they care about each other so deeply, but everything feels fragile at the same time.
💔 Knowing this is only the beginning of their story made the ending hurt even more. 🥺 I already need their HEA.
🤗 I can’t wait to get my hands on the next books.


▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
■ "He might look like a walking ray of sunshine, but he sings like he’s carrying a lifetime of shadows inside him." (Dimitri)


■ “'You’re the one who said it was swim time!”
“I was optimistic. Optimism is a disease, Dmitri. I am suffering.”
“You are,” I say solemnly, “and I want you to hear my sincerity when I say this: you’re the least optimistic person I know.'” 😂(Dimitri)


■ “'I missed you too,” I admit quietly. “All week. Every text. Every stupid picture. Felt like you were the only thing keeping me sane.'” (Dimitri)


😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

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Profile Image for Ashton.
7 reviews
May 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I dove headfirst into Prelude, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster I was not prepared for! This novella is a prequel to a trilogy I hadn’t explored yet, and it completely pulled me into Eric and Dmitri’s world. Their connection is so sweet and full of unspoken feelings, and the way they connect through music is simply beautiful.

From the moment Dmitri hears Eric at an open mic night during their freshman year of college, he’s captivated. But with Eric being "straight," Dmitri hides his feelings, settling for a deep friendship filled with platonic cuddles and shared moments where the world fades away. The mutual pining and emotional tension got me right in the feels. Both of them care so deeply for each other, yet everything feels so fragile.

I was head over heels in love with Dmitri and Eric. Invested in their sweet friendship that skirts around feelings they’re too afraid to name. Dmitri’s easy smile and constant presence in Eric’s life since that open mic night have been heartwarming. But now, Eric is noticing things he never did before, leading him into a full-on identity crisis.

The turning point comes at a party, with some alcohol involved, and suddenly, the walls crumble. You think you’re about to get that beautiful romance, but nope! It’s heartbreak central. I was riding a slow-burn high filled with tension and yearning, and then, bam! Emotional damage.

The prequel leaves you in a state of absolute emotional turmoil but so incredibly hyped to see Eric and Dmitri reconcile and get their second chance love story. Thankfully, I could immediately jump into First Verse to continue their journey. I already need their happily ever after!

Overall, Prelude serves as the ultimate emotional backstory for Eric and Dmitri. Their inseparable bond and the journey of self-discovery and love are things I’ll be thinking about for a long time. If you’re looking for a tale of friendship, music, and unspoken love, then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Anisha Choudhury |  A Literary Autopsy.
188 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Prelude via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who hasn’t yet read the full-length novel First Verse, entering Prelude was a journey into the before. G. Eilsel has crafted a beautiful, music-centric world where the friendship between Eric and Dmitri is so palpable it had me staring at my Kindle with heart-eyes for the majority of the read.

The Positives:
The author’s writing style is captivating. I adored the subtle bi-awakening and the way the romance simmered in close proximity without ever quite overflowing. The musical backdrop—the shared playlists and late-night theory debates—added a gorgeous layer of intimacy to their two-year friendship. The transition from just best-friends to this is rocking my entire world felt authentic and sweet.

The Conflict:
However, my appreciation hit a massive wall in the final 20-30%. While I understand that innocence and stupidity often go hand-in-hand for young adults, the lack of communication and the reckless decisions made at a frat party, no less were infuriating. To watch a beautiful connection end at a stalemate because of young and dumb choices was a hard pill to swallow.

The Verdict:
I don’t hate this story—in fact, I adored the characters—but the ending left me in a state of frustration. It’s a very smart move to call this Prelude, as it has left me feeling like my brain is broken until I can get my hands on First Verse to see how these two figure it out. A solid 3-star read for the journey, if not the destination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for neeshreads.
443 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy
May 19, 2026
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️/5

I am HEAD OVER HEELS in love with Dmitri and Eric – I’m talking hard-core invested in their sweet friendship skirting around feelings they’re both too afraid to name.

🎶Before They Were Famous
🖤Mutual Pining For What Could Have Been
🎶Drum Lessons & Platonic Cuddle Sessions
🖤Friends-to-Almost Lovers
🎶Banter & Flirty Texts
🖤Slow Burn & Bi-Awakening
🎶Cliffhanger & Devastating Heartbreak

Dmitri entered Eric’s life with an easy smile and has been his constant since that open mic night – they’re inseparable. But now, Eric is noticing things he never did before, and he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about himself…

Dmitri has had feelings for Eric since freshman year, hearing the song Eric played at open mic night was all it took. Yet, Dmitri buried those feelings because Eric was straight, and he let himself believe that being best friends was enough. Now? Lines are blurring and Dmitri needs to decide if he’s brave enough to take the leap…

If you’re wondering if I’m okay, the short answer is…no 😂 I was riding a slow-burn high filled with all the tension and yearning, and then, bam! Emotional damage. Eric and Dmitri’s friendship is beautiful – filled with bonding over their love of music, platonic cuddles, and moments where the world fades away and only they exist, together. The mutual pining was everything I could have hoped for, and then something happens; I can’t even spoil it for you because I literally have no idea what happened. What do I know? That I need my babies to be together, so, the good thing is I can IMMEDIATELY jump into First Verse to get that second chance at happiness.
Profile Image for Sav.
97 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
I’m actually so glad I started with Prelude before diving into the Get Your Rocks Off trilogy because now I’m completely obsessed with Eric and Dmitri already. This novella is short, emotional, and somehow managed to get me instantly invested in two boys who are so obviously in love with each other while also being absolutely terrible at communicating it.

Their connection from the very beginning felt so natural. The music, the late-night playlists, the constant need to be around each other… every interaction between them had this intimacy that made the mutual pining hit even harder. I loved watching Eric slowly realize his feelings while Dmitri spent YEARS convincing himself that being best friends had to be enough. These two genuinely made me want to scream at them in the best way possible.

I’m usually pretty hit-or-miss with miscommunication as a main conflict, but it really worked for me here because it felt grounded in who they are and where they’re at emotionally. Neither of them knows how to say what they actually want, and watching them circle around each other while the feelings keep building was equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking. There’s such a strong sense of longing running through the entire novella, and it made the emotional payoff hit even harder.

Just know going in that this absolutely ends on a cliffhanger. There is no HEA here — their story continues in First Verse — and the second I finished this, I immediately grabbed book one because I NEED to know how these idiots find their way back to each other.

~ ARC Review ~
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,217 reviews99 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
Read at your own risk, because you're gonna NEED to continue the series immediately with how this one ends. And by that I mean, what are you waiting for?? Read this now!

Look, it's well documented I'm not a big rockstar fan, but I AM a big G. Eilsel fan so when this Prelude novella popped on my radar I thought it'd be a good way to see if I was up for reading rockstar books if it was by one of my favorite authors. The verdict? Oh, well actually I absolutely need to read about these rockstars because I am SAD and I want them to be HAPPY but I want more hurt. And that? That's what G delivers in spades.

The writing is really just so perfect. It's less than 200 pages, it is admittedly just a prequel to setup the next story, but was anything missing? No, it absolutely was not. I am already in love with these two so much. I knew from character art reveals that Dmitri would be my love, but also soft sweet Eric? Yeah, I love him too. This feels so college first love it's unreal and the heartbreak is so visceral and something everyone who has had a college crush go wrong can relate to.

Second chance friends to lovers to enemies to lovers is literally my FAVORITE trope and I want to thank G for delivering it to me on a silver platter.
Profile Image for Lika.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
I have got an ARC copy from sirens for honest review... aand here it is

So, this prequel basically serves us the ultimate emotional backstory for Eric and Dmitri. Their inseparable bond starts way back in freshman year of college at an open mic night. The moment Dmitri hears Eric perform, he is done for—but since Eric is supposedly "straight," Dmitri buries his feelings and settles for being his best friend. They spend years bonding over music, sharing platonic cuddles, and having those moments where the rest of the world just fades away. (My heart is already aching!)

But then, the turning point hits. Eric starts noticing things he never did before and goes into a full-on identity crisis, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.

Finally, the climax.
There's a party, some alcohol... and bam! The walls crumble and something finally happens. But instead of the beautiful romance we were screaming for, it immediately turns into heartbreak.

The prequel leaves you in a state of absolute emotional damage, but so incredibly hyped to watch our babies reconcile and get their second-chance love story!

And since this was the first book I read in the series, I went straight on to their HEA in the next one>>>
Profile Image for Zarlina .
264 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Oh my heart...

I knew this wouldn't be a happy one, hell I was prepared for it because their happily ever after isn't until their actual book, but no matter how prepared I thought I was, it apparently wasn't enough.

I'm heartbroken, but in the most beautiful way. This was stunning, every single word of it, and I'm so happy I picked it up because oh do I live for this kind of pain. I loved Eric, and I saw his struggles and I just wanted to hug him. Then Dmitri who was so in love with his best friend but didn't think he'd love him back in the same way. Sometimes I think this trope can get a bit much, but it fit them and this story so well.

And then that night together... my heart is broken. Darling Eric. I cried for him. And I'm so angry even though I shouldn't be. I signed up for heartbreak, why am I this sad over it??

Babes. I fell too hard for them. Now my heart is aching for them.

Now I really want to start reading the series right this minute. I'm so looking forward to finding out the rest of their story, to see how on earth they're gonna find their way back to each other after this. I honestly have no idea how I'm going to forgive Dmitri after this story, and I'm sure it's going to be a painful ride, but I honestly can't wait for it to destroy me.
Profile Image for Layy.
220 reviews21 followers
April 29, 2026
I had the honor and privilege to receive this arc in exchange for my honest review so let’s just jump into this.

G. EILSEL!!!! OMGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! How can a novella possibly rip my heart to freaking SHREDS?!?! I was ROOTING for these two!!! But omg the PAIN.

G. Eilsel is a wizard. She just mixed some MM romance, Best friends, music, PINING AND TENSION. I was on the EDGE of my seat! The tension was so delicious, the pining had me swooning and that cliffhanger????? Diabolical. I should have seen it coming because if you’ve read her other series (Mate’s Mark, then you KNOW 😭🤣).

Holy hell. I was so invested in Dimitri and Eric. I need answers. I am so upset at myself that I waited so long to pick up this series. I added First Verse to my TBR longgggggggg before I ever knew anything about this author. I’m eternally angry for being so slow.

Anyway, this novella was so freaking good. I am hooked and now I’m off to read first verse because my heart can’t take that cliffhanger!!!! G. Eilsel you did it again. You’re amazing!!!
Profile Image for Kat.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
Prelude by G Eilsel
Prelude is the prequel to First Verse by G Eilsel. It's a short novella that delves into what happened before First Verse.
First Verse was easily one of my top book for 2025, I absolutely loved Eric and Dimitri, so when I heard we were getting more of them I was so excited. In true G Eilsel fashion, it was wonderful. Getting to see their beginning was beautiful, getting a closer look at what actually happened? Heartbreaking 😭 I read Prelude and immediately re-read First Verse and I just cannot recommend it enough. Their HEA was hard won but so worth it. The way Dimitri loves Eric is so consuming and pure. I'm so glad Eric figures his stuff out but my heart breaks for Dimitri every time.
Prelude ends on a cliffhanger and First Verse picks up right where it left off, but I think you could read them in either order, so If you haven't already read First Verse, here's your sign to do so, if you have read it, here's your reminder to get Prelude as soon as it comes out!

Also, the art is amazing 😍 I love the cover and the chapter banner art.
Profile Image for Kate Gar.
48 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2026
They Were in Love Your Honor… Just Extremely Bad at Admitting It

Oh this novella?? Yeah, it got me immediately.

Two college boys bonding through music, mutual pining so thick youcould physically feel it, and enough longing to make me want to scream? I was obsessed from page one.

Eric and Dmitri were so soft, messy, and emotionally constipated in the most painful way possible. The casual touches, the shared looks, the “I’m definitely not in love with my best friend” energy while being obviously in love with their best friend? TORTURE.

And honestly, the way music connected them made everything hit even harder. You could feel how deeply they understood each other without even saying anything.

The miscommunication had me wanting to shake both of them, but it also made the heartbreak hurt SO good. Knowing this is only the beginning of their story honestly makes me even more excited for the rest of the series.

Now excuse me while I go emotionally recover and immediately start book one.
Profile Image for Megan.
290 reviews
Read
May 23, 2026
This one hurt. Here, we're circling back to the origin of the MMCs in the first book of the Get Your Rocks Off series, First Verse. From reading that story, we know Eric and Dmitri have a rocky past and this finally fills in some of those details. We learn the sweet origin story of these two only to end heartbroken. Yes, you read that right. THIS IS NOT AN HEA. It's not even an HFN. This book ends on a cliffhanger for Eric and Dmitri's relationship. I want to make that clear.

CLIFFHANGER! THIS ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!!

Now, I'm not saying have a problem with that. I just want y'all to be aware. The good news? First Verse is already out. This book immediately leads in to First Verse so, even though your heart may hurt, trust that it doesn't have to hurt for long (unless you want it to). As always, G's patented banter and snark are present throughout and, while it's light on the spice and heavy on the yearn, just know we turn that up come book one.

Big thanks to G for the beta and ARC opportunities on this one!
1,164 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
I never got a chance to read this series when it was first released, so I'm very excited to be able to read the updated & expanded version! Prelude is the beginning of Eric and Dimitri's story, and what a beginning it was! I wasn't expecting the amount of depth the author was able to pack into such a short story but they managed to do so!

I loved the slow burn that developed between the MC's and how their friendship was such an anchorpoint for both of them. Also, the details about all the music was exceptional!!

Seeing as this is just the beginning and how it isn't Eric and Dimitri's whole story, it does end on a cliffhanger. They don't get a HEA in this book but they do get one in the next book, which I'm very excited to read!!!

All in all, a fantastic way to kick off a musically inclined series!

*I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Profile Image for Florence ..
1,024 reviews308 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 18, 2026
If you ever talked to me about books, I probably talked your ears off about how much I love books that bring me a lot of emotional turmoil and when I heard that this book was the prequel story to a couple that gets a second chance romance later on in the series, I was 100% sold and knew that I needed this book in my life.

If there is one thing I love more than everything in the world, it’s to see the beggings of a couple and watching how they fell in love and this story just gave me so much of it, I was overjoyed reading it all. I loved seeing how Dmitri and Eric met and I loved seeing their connection, the moments they spent together and they subtle ways in which they pined after each other. Everything about their love was just so sweet and it was very lovely to read.

If you’re looking for me, I will be counting down the seconds until my reading schedule allows me to read the follow up to Eric and Dmitri’s story, as I need it more than I need air.
Profile Image for rain.
47 reviews
May 22, 2026
I didn't really know what I was getting into, but boy am I happy I did! Now, this story is a prequel to the main story, First Verse. I haven't read the main story, but you best believe that I'm going to now! I absolutely DEVOURED this prequel. I literally could not stop reading and finished it within hours. The tension between our two idiots honestly just drew me in so much that before I knew it, it was over. I'm usually not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I must say that it was done so well in this story. It made complete sense why it happened, considering our MC’s. The ending honestly broke my heart, BUT, knowing that they'll get their HEA in the main book made it all 100% worth it! Make sure to check this out before reading the main story! Or if you've already read it, this will give you a piece of the puzzle!

Thank you so much to the author and Booksirens for allowing me to ARC-read this amazing story!

Profile Image for Joanie Johnson.
56 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
Fair warning, the HEA for these two does not come until you read the official book 1 of the series. This novella is exactly what it's titled... A prelude to First Verse that gives you the full scope of the history between Eric and Dimitri.

It's emotionally brutal. You will fall in love with their friendship, their personalities, and watch as miscommunications and unknown circumstances shatter the beauty of who they were together. You'll cry, you'll want to scream, and you'll want First Verse handy to immediately dive in to the rest of the story so you aren't left broken and curled into the fetal position in the aftermath.

Eilsel wrote so much emotion into such a short novella, but that's not at all surprising from her. She's set the expectations bar high for her books at this point, and still never fails to deliver.
Profile Image for Lore.
95 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 23, 2026
Beta Read.

This is a prequel novella that follows the love story between Eric and Dmitri, in their college years, before the spotlight and the events leading to their HEA, that you can read in First Verse. Keep in mind, this is not a standalone read, but the good news is the entire trilogy is already out : Get Your Rocks Off Trilogy.

I had the absolute honour of beta reading this novella, and to say I fell irrevocably in love with these two, might be an understatement .

Their connection felt raw, real, and like it was bleeding through the pages. The longing, the pining, the stolen glances, the hidden jealousy- chef’s kiss. Needless to say, I immediately had to jump into First Verse, just to make sure my babies get their HEA 🥹

As for Dmitri? Hello, book boyfriend number… who’s even counting at this point, because omg 🫦 I love a man who can lift his partner up and carry him to bed 👀🤭
Profile Image for Alex's Books and Brews.
141 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖
𝔾.𝔼𝕚𝕝𝕤𝕖𝕝
ɢᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʀᴏᴄᴋꜱ ᴏꜰꜰ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 0.5

𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℙ𝕝𝕠𝕥 📚📚📚📚📚
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 🌶🌶

Prelude is exactly how a prequel should be done—it drops you straight into Dmitri and Eric’s world and makes you care fast. Their friendship has that perfect mix of comfort and tension, where everything feels easy… until it really doesn’t.

The slow shift from “just friends” to something more (yet unspoken) is packed with longing, confusion, and those quiet moments that say everything without actually saying it. And even in such a short read, the emotional impact lands.

G. Eilsel never fails with characters that just make me feel. If this is just the start, I dread to think what mess I’m going to be in by the end of the series.
I’m already invested—and a little bit heartbroken.
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
67 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 24, 2026
I needed a reason to read the ‘’Get Your Rocks Off’’ series so having this cute little thing drop into my inbox was the prefect incentive to start!

I love a good friends to lovers situation and this was the perfect example of that trope.
Eric & Dimitri were so cute together, their friendship especially was lovely to read and even though this doesn’t end with a HEA (they get it in First Verse aka book 1 of the series) it didn’t take away from the relationship development of the pair.

The next book is Enemies to Lovers which is also a personal favourite. I’m looking forward to the back and forth and getting some questions answered.

***ARC received from Book Sirens***
Profile Image for GiveMeBooksOrGiveMeDeath.
19 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
This is the prequel to First Verse, the 1st book of the Get Your Rocks Off series. The series is completed so no waiting required.

Getting to see how Eric and Dimitri met and how their relationship grew was as exciting as it was heartbreaking. We know how the story ends, but seeing all the moments before was special. Their back-and-forth banter is so funny and endearing. Seeing how effortless it is for them to show affection and care for each other was so beautiful. Knowing how this story ends did not stop my heart from breaking all over again for them. Thankfully, I could immediately read the rest of the story in the next book. This series will always be one of my favorites and I cannot recommend it enough. I want to thank the author for allowing me to review this early. It did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Lauri MissDysfunktion.
1,151 reviews40 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
Prelude is part of the Get Your Rocks Off series

This is your vibe if you like
Banter
Friends to lovers
Pining
Heartbreak


I was ridiculously excited to get my grabby raccoon hands on this book! I loved Dmitri and Eric’s story in First Verse, it’s one of my faves so getting to dive back into their story and get a title more of their backstory was perfection.
Even knowing the gist of what was to come (from flashbacks in First Verse you get an idea of their history) it still poked my feels to read. But so worth it.

If you’re wanting to dive into a rockstar series or you just need an excuse to head back to the Get Your Rocks Off series this is the time!
18 reviews
May 13, 2026
ARC Review

Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I loved seeing Eric and Dmitri’s friendship evolve while Eric was shifting through what he was truly feeling and Dmitri tried to keep his feelings under wraps.

This is a prequel novella for Eric and Dmitri’s story in First Verse. I haven’t read First Verse yet so I was going into the completely unaware of any part of their story. I’m immediately going to read it now because I need more of them, their HEA, and a clarification on what I hope is just the most EPIC miscommunication to ever miscommunicate.

I have a feeling if you have already read First Verse you’ll be happy to see Eric and Dmitri meet, and if you haven’t read it this will make you want to pick it up immediately like it did for me.
Profile Image for Karyssa Haase.
20 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
I was lucky enough to do a beta read of this book and OMFG. I loved it. The longing. The pining. The ANGST. Keep in mind this is a prequel to the first book so this book does not have a HEA.. as the story is continued in First Verse, where they DO get their HEA! But please read this book and give our boys Eric and Dmitri some love because they deserve it!

I loved getting to see how they met, when they started having feelings, and the EVENT that caused all the angst! I wish I could re read this again for the first time 🥹🥹

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Aisling.
81 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 25, 2026
Have read (and reread!!!) the get Your Rocks Off series - I was soo excited to get my hands on this novella!!!

It did not disappoint!!!

It’s the perfect book to start with as it both sets the scene for First Verse while not giving away the main storyline!

Seeing another side to Eric was enlightening but knowing that Dmitri was always a golden retriever is heart warming! And heartbreaking! (IYKYK!! 🥺)

Can’t wait to get my hands on the new omnibus now to see what edits have been made to one of my favourite series!!!!
Profile Image for jaz!.
280 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

This book was cute. I have yet to read the rest of the books in this series so im intrested to see if knowing the backstory between Dimitri and Eric will help me to understand them and their dynamic more in the actual trilogy. Story-wise, this one was fine; i liked the relationship between these two a lot, but honestly im really hoping their full-length book makes me truly fall in love with them as characters. This was a good intro to the series, though, and i can't wait to dive into the rest.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 25, 2026
Such a sweet story, and the ENDING! I knew going in that it was a cliffhanger without a HEA yet (the author is very clear about this, which I appreciate!), but I'm rabid to know what happens between these two.

The best friends to more felt very natural and wasn't rushed, and the connection they had was so obvious from all the little interactions. They were both pining so hard, and I can't wait to see where the next book takes them!
Profile Image for K-Me.
3,049 reviews
Review of advance copy
May 12, 2026
Getting to experience Eric and Dmitri when they were younger in college was a sweet treat. But boy did these too not communicate. Their friendship was so close and special, but they needed to open up to each other completely. I could feel of their young, confused emotions they were afraid to tell each other. Hasty bad decisions were made and well That is why this was a prequel to something beyond the pining and music!
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