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Gentleman Hackers #1
Restored Ruins
Kidnapped by his idol? Yes, please!
Connor Jenkins is sick of rejection. Now, instead of getting close to anyone, he lives vicariously through other people's phones and webcams. Thanks to his skills, he always gets away with it.
Until he hacks his idol.
Brendan Shyth is haunted by loss. First, the death of his boy. Then the end of his music career thanks to a grief-induced drunken accident. Fringe science regrew his fingers, but he still can't bring himself to play again. Avoiding his fans, the media, and his manager, Brendan hides in his mansion, determined to be left alone.
Until he finds his webcam on and realizes someone is watching him. Someone other than the ghost of his dead lover, that is.
Brendan has Connor tracked down and kidnapped, meaning to teach him a lesson. But the teasing brat gets under his skin in a way that no one has in years.
A boy in need of security. A ghost in need of acceptance. A man in need of faith. With a career, sanity, and hearts on the line, can these men overcome their fears before it's too late?
Restored Ruins is the first book in the Gentleman Hackers series. It features a boy whose hair color never stays the same, a daddy who puts him in serious time-out, a ghost desperate to be seen, and an MMM HEA ending. No pianos were harmed in the writing of this romance (though they do make good horizontal surfaces).
A Paranormal Gay Daddy Romance
Connor Jenkins is sick of rejection. Now, instead of getting close to anyone, he lives vicariously through other people's phones and webcams. Thanks to his skills, he always gets away with it.
Until he hacks his idol.
Brendan Shyth is haunted by loss. First, the death of his boy. Then the end of his music career thanks to a grief-induced drunken accident. Fringe science regrew his fingers, but he still can't bring himself to play again. Avoiding his fans, the media, and his manager, Brendan hides in his mansion, determined to be left alone.
Until he finds his webcam on and realizes someone is watching him. Someone other than the ghost of his dead lover, that is.
Brendan has Connor tracked down and kidnapped, meaning to teach him a lesson. But the teasing brat gets under his skin in a way that no one has in years.
A boy in need of security. A ghost in need of acceptance. A man in need of faith. With a career, sanity, and hearts on the line, can these men overcome their fears before it's too late?
Restored Ruins is the first book in the Gentleman Hackers series. It features a boy whose hair color never stays the same, a daddy who puts him in serious time-out, a ghost desperate to be seen, and an MMM HEA ending. No pianos were harmed in the writing of this romance (though they do make good horizontal surfaces).
A Paranormal Gay Daddy Romance
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2022
69 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
G.R. Lyons
70 books258 followersG.R. Lyons stumbled into writing as a form of trauma recovery when traditional therapy wasn't working.
Then the story ideas just kept on coming.
Pulling from a vivid imagination as well as real-life experience as a trans man, a sexual assault survivor, and a person living with mental illness, Lyons has written multiple, interconnected series set within his fictional world of the Shifting Isles.
When not writing, Lyons can be found belly dancing around the house, studying anarcho-capitalist philosophy, buried in his never-ending TBR pile, or working out at the local CrossFit gym.
Then the story ideas just kept on coming.
Pulling from a vivid imagination as well as real-life experience as a trans man, a sexual assault survivor, and a person living with mental illness, Lyons has written multiple, interconnected series set within his fictional world of the Shifting Isles.
When not writing, Lyons can be found belly dancing around the house, studying anarcho-capitalist philosophy, buried in his never-ending TBR pile, or working out at the local CrossFit gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
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August 20, 2022
I have retracted my rating of this book, and won't be reading any others by this author anymore. He uses his author blog on his website to spread terrifying political ideas, which I don't wish to support.
The quote from his blog that made the decision final for me:
The good
+ How bratty Connor and Frankie were. They sure keep Brendan on his toes
+ Connor and Frankie getting up to mischief together
+ Frankie telling Connor about Brandan's reactions and that he was totally into him whenever Connor's feelings of rejection got the better of him
+ Connor being nothing but excited about the kidnapping
+ Connor helping Frankie out of the goodness of his heart, without expecting anything in return
+ Connor flaunting his naked body whenever he could. He has no shame
+
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Brendan had spent three years grieving, drinking, and not really taking care of himself. I found it a little hard to believe he was really as sexy as Connor claimed he was. (Not that I think the way Brendan probably looked now can't be sexy, but Connor liked him before he left the public eye and he probably looked very different now)
o The book only uses Brendan's and Connor's POVs, not Frankie's
o There was staff everywhere in the house, but the MCs still ran around naked and had sex on every available surface like they were all alone. Hope the staff wasn't scarred for life
o The guy on the cover looks like Messi and it's distracting
The bad
- Brendan spent like 75% of the book 'storming off', and saying "Fuck", "Shit" and "Gods" out loud interspersed in his inner monologues. He seemed kind of mad to me, or like a toddler throwing a 24/7 tantrum
-
- A Daddy is supposed to take care of his boy(s), but Brendan didn't really do that. He knew all about Connor's fear of rejection and how unworthy he felt, but never did anything to help him.
- It was really unclear how their Daddy/boy(s) dynamic worked. Basically, the boys just called Brendan Daddy, but that was it. There wasn't a lot of caring going on there
-
-
- When they finally got together, all three of them, the book went straight into the epilogue. I would have liked to see a little bit of their relationship and how they worked together
I must admit, I was sceptical of this book. I mean, kidnapping someone and deciding he needs punishment? A lot of things could go wrong. Surprisingly, it didn't. I actually really liked that part of the book and how cheeky Connor was about the kidnapping. It was a nice enough book and certainly unique. However, I found Brendan a pretty lacking Daddy, so I don't think I'd really recommend this book. I will definitely read the second one, though. I want to know all the hackers' stories!
The quote from his blog that made the decision final for me:
The good
+ How bratty Connor and Frankie were. They sure keep Brendan on his toes
+ Connor and Frankie getting up to mischief together
+ Frankie telling Connor about Brandan's reactions and that he was totally into him whenever Connor's feelings of rejection got the better of him
+ Connor being nothing but excited about the kidnapping
+ Connor helping Frankie out of the goodness of his heart, without expecting anything in return
+ Connor flaunting his naked body whenever he could. He has no shame
+
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Brendan had spent three years grieving, drinking, and not really taking care of himself. I found it a little hard to believe he was really as sexy as Connor claimed he was. (Not that I think the way Brendan probably looked now can't be sexy, but Connor liked him before he left the public eye and he probably looked very different now)
o The book only uses Brendan's and Connor's POVs, not Frankie's
o There was staff everywhere in the house, but the MCs still ran around naked and had sex on every available surface like they were all alone. Hope the staff wasn't scarred for life
o The guy on the cover looks like Messi and it's distracting
The bad
- Brendan spent like 75% of the book 'storming off', and saying "Fuck", "Shit" and "Gods" out loud interspersed in his inner monologues. He seemed kind of mad to me, or like a toddler throwing a 24/7 tantrum
-
- A Daddy is supposed to take care of his boy(s), but Brendan didn't really do that. He knew all about Connor's fear of rejection and how unworthy he felt, but never did anything to help him.
- It was really unclear how their Daddy/boy(s) dynamic worked. Basically, the boys just called Brendan Daddy, but that was it. There wasn't a lot of caring going on there
-
-
- When they finally got together, all three of them, the book went straight into the epilogue. I would have liked to see a little bit of their relationship and how they worked together
I must admit, I was sceptical of this book. I mean, kidnapping someone and deciding he needs punishment? A lot of things could go wrong. Surprisingly, it didn't. I actually really liked that part of the book and how cheeky Connor was about the kidnapping. It was a nice enough book and certainly unique. However, I found Brendan a pretty lacking Daddy, so I don't think I'd really recommend this book. I will definitely read the second one, though. I want to know all the hackers' stories!
Read
February 24, 2023not gonna finish this one, i can tell from the first chapter.
March 25, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
This is the first book in the Gentlemen Hackers series, introducing a world where some members of an ethnic group can change hair color at will, give themselves hysterectomies, grow fingers, use telepathy and telekinesis, and see ghosts. Ghosts, in this world, aren’t insubstantial spirits; rather they’re just a person’s spiritual energy with no flesh to support them, like Frankie. Frankie was Brendan’s boy. For five years, they were everything to one another until an accident took Frankie’s life, leaving him unable to comfort his Daddy. Not only that, for the past three years he’s been all but invisible, unable to touch or be touched, to speak to Brendan or have his very existence validated in any way, shape, or form. It’s enough to drive him mad. But what hurts worst is watching the man he loves slowly kill himself with despair, having given up on everything.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
This is the first book in the Gentlemen Hackers series, introducing a world where some members of an ethnic group can change hair color at will, give themselves hysterectomies, grow fingers, use telepathy and telekinesis, and see ghosts. Ghosts, in this world, aren’t insubstantial spirits; rather they’re just a person’s spiritual energy with no flesh to support them, like Frankie. Frankie was Brendan’s boy. For five years, they were everything to one another until an accident took Frankie’s life, leaving him unable to comfort his Daddy. Not only that, for the past three years he’s been all but invisible, unable to touch or be touched, to speak to Brendan or have his very existence validated in any way, shape, or form. It’s enough to drive him mad. But what hurts worst is watching the man he loves slowly kill himself with despair, having given up on everything.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
February 20, 2022
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
DNF at 23% = automatic 3 stars
I struggled to fall into the story on every page. I didn't push myself to finish, especially since this was a review opportunity, because I didn't wish for my mood to impact the review/rating.
GR Lyon's writing style and I are not a good fit. I found it difficult to connect to the characters and fall into the story. There seemed to be an overabundance of detailing (environment/action) & info-dumpage on world building (this is the debut in a new series) The flow of the information wasn't organic enough for it to stick in my mind, leaving me more frustrated, as if I was studying out of a textbook. Since the MC was already in the know, the reader was beholden to how the MC released the information. The overabundance of info in one instance, and not enough info in others, caused me to DNF.
In short, it's as if a spotlight was put on things I didn't find interesting while things I wished were explored were left in the dark.
The writing style just wasn't a good fit for me. However, it may be a perfect fit for others.
DNF at 23% = automatic 3 stars
I struggled to fall into the story on every page. I didn't push myself to finish, especially since this was a review opportunity, because I didn't wish for my mood to impact the review/rating.
GR Lyon's writing style and I are not a good fit. I found it difficult to connect to the characters and fall into the story. There seemed to be an overabundance of detailing (environment/action) & info-dumpage on world building (this is the debut in a new series) The flow of the information wasn't organic enough for it to stick in my mind, leaving me more frustrated, as if I was studying out of a textbook. Since the MC was already in the know, the reader was beholden to how the MC released the information. The overabundance of info in one instance, and not enough info in others, caused me to DNF.
In short, it's as if a spotlight was put on things I didn't find interesting while things I wished were explored were left in the dark.
The writing style just wasn't a good fit for me. However, it may be a perfect fit for others.
February 17, 2022
Restored Ruins is different to what I thought it would be, in a good way. It says paranormal but I got a more sci-fi vibe from it with the different (alien?) races and Connor's ability to change his appearance at will. The science that regrew Brendan's fingers was pretty cool.
I loved how cheeky both Connor and Frankie were and I could see their bond. I couldn't see one with Brendan because they barely had a conversation. Brendan spent a lot of time angry and storming about. We don't really get to see him as a daddy since he was grieving and I would have liked to understand him more.
A few steamy scenes that I enjoyed and it was pretty fast paced.
Connor was absolutely my favourite and I loved the tie in to the series
I loved how cheeky both Connor and Frankie were and I could see their bond. I couldn't see one with Brendan because they barely had a conversation. Brendan spent a lot of time angry and storming about. We don't really get to see him as a daddy since he was grieving and I would have liked to understand him more.
A few steamy scenes that I enjoyed and it was pretty fast paced.
Connor was absolutely my favourite and I loved the tie in to the series
February 27, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4. I liked the premise. I liked the scifi/paranormal aspect of the story. I liked the bratty Connor and even Frankie. I'm still not sure about Bren. He's basically a big man child stomping around in his mansion, growling and grumping from room to room through the whole book. He's supposed to be a "Daddy" but other than Frankie and Connor calling him that I didn't see any of that side of his character. I just didn't get why Connor liked him. I'm interested enough to want to read the next book to see what happens once they explore their relationships more.
February 27, 2022
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book was a miss for me. Brendan was in no way shape or form a Daddy. This felt more sci-fi than paranormal which was hard for me. There was really three MCs but we only really get the POV of two. This book was all over the place and I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I'm sure others will love this it just wasn't for me.
This book was a miss for me. Brendan was in no way shape or form a Daddy. This felt more sci-fi than paranormal which was hard for me. There was really three MCs but we only really get the POV of two. This book was all over the place and I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I'm sure others will love this it just wasn't for me.
February 27, 2022
At the very beginning of this book I was a bit confused. I've not read many of the author's books that take place in this fictional world, so understandably a bit of it was lost on me - but it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the actual story. Conner is a young trans man that has been pretty much rejected and abandoned his whole life. Using his overwhelmingly expertise in computer hacking, he not only eaks out a living, but lives vicariously through hacking into and watching other people through their electronics. Brendan was a world famous pianist and composer until the sudden and accidental death of his boy, Frankie. Drowning in grief, he has retreated to his secluded island home, where he is barely living - until he makes the discovery that someone is watching him through his computer. Deciding to find and punish the culprit leads him to having Conner kidnapped and brought to his home. Conner is elated to find himself in the home of his idol when he makes a startling discovery! It seems that, although Frankie died, he never actually left and has been trying to get his former Daddy to acknowledge his ghostly presence! It's a good thing that Conner's unique ethnic origin allows him to see and hear the paranormal! Like ghosts! Now if they can just convince Brendan that he isn't going crazy! Oh, and avoid something like falling in love! The three of them!
One of the things I liked most about this book was the way that Conner's trans character is portrayed. There's no awkwardness regarding body parts or questions regarding hows or whys. Conner is just himself! A lack of genitalia doesn't define his perception of himself or the way he projects his gender. It was all very ... "normal". I really appreciated that and found that I could focus on the feelings of the storyline, rather than focus on a character's gender.
Mildly angsty, there are a lot of feelings to be peeled back and processed but it's a very powerfully optimistic read. I'm very curious to see where the next book leads and will definitely be checking it out! A good book altogether!
One of the things I liked most about this book was the way that Conner's trans character is portrayed. There's no awkwardness regarding body parts or questions regarding hows or whys. Conner is just himself! A lack of genitalia doesn't define his perception of himself or the way he projects his gender. It was all very ... "normal". I really appreciated that and found that I could focus on the feelings of the storyline, rather than focus on a character's gender.
Mildly angsty, there are a lot of feelings to be peeled back and processed but it's a very powerfully optimistic read. I'm very curious to see where the next book leads and will definitely be checking it out! A good book altogether!
February 24, 2022
Being an orphaned hacker can be very lonely for Connor. Of course he can seemingly hack into anything, watch other people, listen into their conversations; but it really isn't the same. Luckily for him gets kidnapped by his musical idol for hacking into his laptop! That brings us to the grieving Brendan, aka Vesad Stomos, who has seemingly disappeared for the last 3 years and become a recluse.
Brendan thinks he's going crazy hearing/seeing his dead lover. Cue MC #3, Frankie, the dead lover. Yes this MMM just got freaky!
The depths of sadness and loneliness in this book are pretty deep. Connor struggles with abandonment issues, and adopted the "don't get close to anyone so you can't get hurt" mentality. So he hides behind his computer screens and limits his interactions to one night stands. Then there is Brendan, who is so lost without his lover, Frankie, he has basically stopped living. Brendan constantly carries/clutches a vase Frankie made for him while occasionally seeing/hearing him (I'll get to that part soon). He is living in a mansion, on an island, in the middle of a lake, that has no roads; deep depression going on here. Finally Frankie, a ghost who has been trying to get Brendan to acknowledge him for the past 3 years with nearly disastrous results. His attempts to get Brendon to realize he was there caused long nights of drinking for Brendan, and eventually the loss of a couple of fingers. Frankie is beyond lonely with no one to talk to or see him, but add in that he is hurting the man he loves.... how would you feel?
Sounds like a heavy book right? Well, it is, but there is a lot of humor and snark in there. Connor and Frankie are very bratty boys; their quick wits and sharp tongues get them into a lot of trouble. When I started reading this ARC, I didn't realize all the little trope boxes it would check. So getting an M/M/M paranormal daddy/boy found family lost lovers forced proximity story was an unexpected surprise.
Brendan thinks he's going crazy hearing/seeing his dead lover. Cue MC #3, Frankie, the dead lover. Yes this MMM just got freaky!
The depths of sadness and loneliness in this book are pretty deep. Connor struggles with abandonment issues, and adopted the "don't get close to anyone so you can't get hurt" mentality. So he hides behind his computer screens and limits his interactions to one night stands. Then there is Brendan, who is so lost without his lover, Frankie, he has basically stopped living. Brendan constantly carries/clutches a vase Frankie made for him while occasionally seeing/hearing him (I'll get to that part soon). He is living in a mansion, on an island, in the middle of a lake, that has no roads; deep depression going on here. Finally Frankie, a ghost who has been trying to get Brendan to acknowledge him for the past 3 years with nearly disastrous results. His attempts to get Brendon to realize he was there caused long nights of drinking for Brendan, and eventually the loss of a couple of fingers. Frankie is beyond lonely with no one to talk to or see him, but add in that he is hurting the man he loves.... how would you feel?
Sounds like a heavy book right? Well, it is, but there is a lot of humor and snark in there. Connor and Frankie are very bratty boys; their quick wits and sharp tongues get them into a lot of trouble. When I started reading this ARC, I didn't realize all the little trope boxes it would check. So getting an M/M/M paranormal daddy/boy found family lost lovers forced proximity story was an unexpected surprise.
February 28, 2022
This turned out to be a fun and original read which pulled at my emotions at times and had me grinning at others. In my first book by G.R Lyons, I enjoyed his writing and I enjoyed the characters and the world he has created in this new paranormal/speculative fiction MMM romance series Gentleman Hackers.
I really liked Connor, a young man who has been rejected all his life, he is of a different race, one who has the gift of telepathy/telekinesis and also the ability to change himself on a genetic level. Connor was a lonely soul who hid behind his computers as a way of protecting himself from more rejection. He also had a fun sassy side to him which comes out after he is kidnapped by Brendan after he finds he has hacked into his webcam.
Brendan was a bit of a conundrum, once a talented pianist, after losing the love of his life Frankie to an accident and then losing his fingers in a drunken state, he has become a hermit all alone except for his staff on an island (in a house I can only dream of). He wasn't particularly likeable at first, and he beats himself up internally for being attracted to Connor because of the strong feelings he still has for Frankie. Because of this, he didn't treat Connor very well.
Frankie is both a sad and fun character, he is a ghost and Connor is the first person to truly see him since he passed 3 years ago. I really enjoyed Frankie, he was an emotional character who wanted the best for Brendan but didn't really want to let him go.
I liked the way things played out once Connor meets Frankie, I enjoyed their escapades and their scheming and I enjoyed the emotional connection between them. I really liked the ending in this short novel, I was hoping it would play out the way it did and I wasn't disappointed. I look forward to the next book and hope we get to catch up with how these characters are going.
I really liked Connor, a young man who has been rejected all his life, he is of a different race, one who has the gift of telepathy/telekinesis and also the ability to change himself on a genetic level. Connor was a lonely soul who hid behind his computers as a way of protecting himself from more rejection. He also had a fun sassy side to him which comes out after he is kidnapped by Brendan after he finds he has hacked into his webcam.
Brendan was a bit of a conundrum, once a talented pianist, after losing the love of his life Frankie to an accident and then losing his fingers in a drunken state, he has become a hermit all alone except for his staff on an island (in a house I can only dream of). He wasn't particularly likeable at first, and he beats himself up internally for being attracted to Connor because of the strong feelings he still has for Frankie. Because of this, he didn't treat Connor very well.
Frankie is both a sad and fun character, he is a ghost and Connor is the first person to truly see him since he passed 3 years ago. I really enjoyed Frankie, he was an emotional character who wanted the best for Brendan but didn't really want to let him go.
I liked the way things played out once Connor meets Frankie, I enjoyed their escapades and their scheming and I enjoyed the emotional connection between them. I really liked the ending in this short novel, I was hoping it would play out the way it did and I wasn't disappointed. I look forward to the next book and hope we get to catch up with how these characters are going.
September 21, 2022
I’m breaking this down into three sections, neutral, cons, pros to explain my 3 rating.
Neutral: I’m the kind of reader who likes what I like. And I have periods where I like to read very specific kinks. The blurb on this read as if its Daddy/Boy MM. It’s not. Technically. It’s actually FTM/M/M. One of the main characters is trans (FTM with partial trans, no twig and berries), another is a cis male ghost and the final part of the triad is alive cis male. I love triads, poly. And I’ve read trans. Trans wasn’t what I was in the mood for though. So it would have been nice if this was clear in the blurb. I would have put it on my To Read list and read it when I was in the mood for this.
Cons: Brendan is supposed to be a Daddy. I think of Daddies as strong, calm. This is not Brendan. He is a mewling mess. I expected him to be sad over his lover’s death. But as a strong, silent, brooding man whose Daddy instinct is still high, making him want to take care of Connor. Also, I had issues with some of the logic surrounding the world building. Connor is at least partially Tanasian, which means he has the powers of telepathy, telekinesis and can see ghosts which apparently everyone knows Tanasians can do. So why does Brendan have such a hard time believing Connor can see Frankie? Why wouldn’t Brendan hire a Tanasian prior to Connor to communicate with Frankie? It made no sense.
Pros: Loved most of the world building and would have liked to hear more about it. I liked Connor, he was sassy and I also liked Frankie. I think Tillman the butler would have been a hoot too if given more page time.
All in all its an okay book. I might at some point read more, especially for the world building.
Neutral: I’m the kind of reader who likes what I like. And I have periods where I like to read very specific kinks. The blurb on this read as if its Daddy/Boy MM. It’s not. Technically. It’s actually FTM/M/M. One of the main characters is trans (FTM with partial trans, no twig and berries), another is a cis male ghost and the final part of the triad is alive cis male. I love triads, poly. And I’ve read trans. Trans wasn’t what I was in the mood for though. So it would have been nice if this was clear in the blurb. I would have put it on my To Read list and read it when I was in the mood for this.
Cons: Brendan is supposed to be a Daddy. I think of Daddies as strong, calm. This is not Brendan. He is a mewling mess. I expected him to be sad over his lover’s death. But as a strong, silent, brooding man whose Daddy instinct is still high, making him want to take care of Connor. Also, I had issues with some of the logic surrounding the world building. Connor is at least partially Tanasian, which means he has the powers of telepathy, telekinesis and can see ghosts which apparently everyone knows Tanasians can do. So why does Brendan have such a hard time believing Connor can see Frankie? Why wouldn’t Brendan hire a Tanasian prior to Connor to communicate with Frankie? It made no sense.
Pros: Loved most of the world building and would have liked to hear more about it. I liked Connor, he was sassy and I also liked Frankie. I think Tillman the butler would have been a hoot too if given more page time.
All in all its an okay book. I might at some point read more, especially for the world building.
March 11, 2022
The combination of elements at play in this story (per the blurb) had me intrigued, but ultimately, it seemed like it was trying to be too many things all at once. It wasn't an easy read, despite its decidedly lighthearted tone.
The first chapter, especially, is heavy on world-building, and I found the info overload a bit much to absorb while still tracking the actual storyline. I do appreciate the detail and thought that clearly went into establishing this futuristic, technological, paranormal world overall, though.
I had a more mixed reaction to the core romance between computer hacker Connor, reclusive musician Brendan, and Brendan's deceased lover/now ghost Frankie. Connor and Frankie are fun and cheeky, and I enjoyed their bratty boys dynamic that drives this lust-fueled story.
Brendan, meanwhile, is rather insufferable and as a Daddy left much to be desired. He's haunted by the loss of Frankie, and his guilt at feeling like he's betraying Frankie's memory leads him to treat Connor terribly for most of the story. I need book Daddies to show some semblance of compassion and care for their would-be boys who admittedly suffer from abandonment issues to consider them worthy of the title.
Clearly, this book wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm a fan of the author and look forward to reading his other future works. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
The first chapter, especially, is heavy on world-building, and I found the info overload a bit much to absorb while still tracking the actual storyline. I do appreciate the detail and thought that clearly went into establishing this futuristic, technological, paranormal world overall, though.
I had a more mixed reaction to the core romance between computer hacker Connor, reclusive musician Brendan, and Brendan's deceased lover/now ghost Frankie. Connor and Frankie are fun and cheeky, and I enjoyed their bratty boys dynamic that drives this lust-fueled story.
Brendan, meanwhile, is rather insufferable and as a Daddy left much to be desired. He's haunted by the loss of Frankie, and his guilt at feeling like he's betraying Frankie's memory leads him to treat Connor terribly for most of the story. I need book Daddies to show some semblance of compassion and care for their would-be boys who admittedly suffer from abandonment issues to consider them worthy of the title.
Clearly, this book wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm a fan of the author and look forward to reading his other future works. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
August 8, 2023
Surprisingly sweet and interesting
I've read a bunch of G R Lyons books set in this world so I already know a fair bit about the things that happen in it but this one was still a little bit of a pleasent surprise.
I felt a little teary over this one (maybe that's just me getting old and emotional or something considering I keep writing this about books lately). Sure it's filled with a lot of the naughty times but there were some heart-wrenching moments in this one and it was both painful and wonderful to read.
The aching pain Frankie had to go through before Connor comes along and helps him and his partner, the heart breaking agony Brenden is suffering with and the lonely pain Connor is dealing with were all so well written it was impossible not to feel for them. This one hurt my heart and put it back together too.
And even though I've read others set in this world, the paranormal element in this one was both fun and interesting.
I love how G R Lyons writes so much about trans characters and writes them all differently too. They all experience issues or comfort in their bodies and experiences in different ways and it's just really good to see all these differinf feelings and makes me feel a little better about and more comfortable in myself, my gender identity and my body.
A fairly quick read for me as I read it all in a few hours but a definitely enjoyable one. Totally worth it would read again!
I've read a bunch of G R Lyons books set in this world so I already know a fair bit about the things that happen in it but this one was still a little bit of a pleasent surprise.
I felt a little teary over this one (maybe that's just me getting old and emotional or something considering I keep writing this about books lately). Sure it's filled with a lot of the naughty times but there were some heart-wrenching moments in this one and it was both painful and wonderful to read.
The aching pain Frankie had to go through before Connor comes along and helps him and his partner, the heart breaking agony Brenden is suffering with and the lonely pain Connor is dealing with were all so well written it was impossible not to feel for them. This one hurt my heart and put it back together too.
And even though I've read others set in this world, the paranormal element in this one was both fun and interesting.
I love how G R Lyons writes so much about trans characters and writes them all differently too. They all experience issues or comfort in their bodies and experiences in different ways and it's just really good to see all these differinf feelings and makes me feel a little better about and more comfortable in myself, my gender identity and my body.
A fairly quick read for me as I read it all in a few hours but a definitely enjoyable one. Totally worth it would read again!
August 17, 2025
Connor Jenkins is a lonely hacker who’s given up on real relationships, choosing instead to spy on strangers—until he crosses a line and hacks his idol, reclusive rock star Brendan Shyth. Brendan, still grieving the loss of his lover and the collapse of his music career, lives in isolation. But when he discovers Connor watching him through his webcam, he does the unthinkable: he has the boy kidnapped. What begins as punishment turns into something far more complicated. Connor’s irreverent charm stirs Brendan’s long-buried emotions, while Brendan’s haunted vulnerability offers Connor the stability he’s never known. Together, they confront ghosts—both literal and emotional—as they navigate trauma, trust, and the possibility of healing. But with fame, sanity, and fragile hearts at stake, can they find harmony before everything falls apart?
I enjoyed this twisted, redemptive love story where voyeurism meets vulnerability, and broken souls find unexpected solace in each other. I loved the ghostly interaction and how Connor was finally able to get Brendan to believe that Frankie was really there and that he was not going mad. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MMM story with mature content and a Daddy/boy dynamic.
I enjoyed this twisted, redemptive love story where voyeurism meets vulnerability, and broken souls find unexpected solace in each other. I loved the ghostly interaction and how Connor was finally able to get Brendan to believe that Frankie was really there and that he was not going mad. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MMM story with mature content and a Daddy/boy dynamic.
February 19, 2022
💞 A great start as Connor has an unwanted follower he was trying to evade but he loves a challenge.
Connor was of Tanasian heritage which means he could see ghosts amongst other talents he could use.. He was a hacker and having a message from Grimm he a decision to make....
He was a huge fan of Stromos music and never in a million of years believe they'd meet.
Brendan 44 years was still grieving over Frankie but finds computer hacked this string events off.
Includes Trans MC, kidnapping, emotions, grief, telepathic thoughts and lots more to this gorgeous book.
lol Connor is definitely excited about who'd taken him especially waking up in luxurious room.
Frankie had his own ideas for a ghost seeing Connor and makes it known to Brennan.
This is a flippn great book to read from start to finish. The characters are interwoven and make you feel, I definitely felt their emotions in this. I loved Frankie and Connor even with Brennan wanting to believe what he was seeing or not.
The author writes another fabulous book with the characters getting their emotions and humours for me to love them.
I can't wait to see what happens next for the series.
Connor was of Tanasian heritage which means he could see ghosts amongst other talents he could use.. He was a hacker and having a message from Grimm he a decision to make....
He was a huge fan of Stromos music and never in a million of years believe they'd meet.
Brendan 44 years was still grieving over Frankie but finds computer hacked this string events off.
Includes Trans MC, kidnapping, emotions, grief, telepathic thoughts and lots more to this gorgeous book.
lol Connor is definitely excited about who'd taken him especially waking up in luxurious room.
Frankie had his own ideas for a ghost seeing Connor and makes it known to Brennan.
This is a flippn great book to read from start to finish. The characters are interwoven and make you feel, I definitely felt their emotions in this. I loved Frankie and Connor even with Brennan wanting to believe what he was seeing or not.
The author writes another fabulous book with the characters getting their emotions and humours for me to love them.
I can't wait to see what happens next for the series.
March 3, 2022
Check out our full post for RESTORED RUINS on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆
This book was a miss for me. Brendan was in no way shape or form a Daddy. This felt more sci-fi than paranormal, which was hard for me. There were really three main characters, but we only really get the points of view of two. This book was all over the place and I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I'm sure others will love this, it just wasn't for me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
February 25, 2022
I am a bit discombulated after reading this book. I had to struggle to stick with it in some parts. I would class it as a sci fi book with a paranormal twist. I have a hard time rating it. For me it would be a 3/ 3,5 both if you love sci fi I can imagine you rate it higher.
Connor is lonely and hacks ( one of his hacks) cameras to see what people do in their day to day live. Brendan is a famous musician who disappeared from view three years ago and was Frankie his daddy. Frankie wa a potter/ artist and Brendan his boy.
The things I liked the originality of the book, for me as non sci fi reader. The mmm plotline, age gap, an mc Connor who is trans, persons having the ability to change their molecules around. The interactions with Frankie and Connor. Connor facilitating Brendan and Frankie to reconnect
I did not like the expliciet scenes with a ghost lover being Frankie. Brendan wallowing al the time: he seems immature for a daddy type. Connor just going along with being kidnapped alright he is a fan, but no.
They all find their hea/ hfn.
I was kindle provide with an arc.
Connor is lonely and hacks ( one of his hacks) cameras to see what people do in their day to day live. Brendan is a famous musician who disappeared from view three years ago and was Frankie his daddy. Frankie wa a potter/ artist and Brendan his boy.
The things I liked the originality of the book, for me as non sci fi reader. The mmm plotline, age gap, an mc Connor who is trans, persons having the ability to change their molecules around. The interactions with Frankie and Connor. Connor facilitating Brendan and Frankie to reconnect
I did not like the expliciet scenes with a ghost lover being Frankie. Brendan wallowing al the time: he seems immature for a daddy type. Connor just going along with being kidnapped alright he is a fan, but no.
They all find their hea/ hfn.
I was kindle provide with an arc.
February 26, 2022
Interesting PNR
Connor is struggling with his transition so of course it makes sense to hack his musical idol.
It never occurred to him that he would get caught or get in trouble.
When he meets Brendan he realizes how deeply the man is suffering because he us as well.
Brendan blames himself for the death of his boy Frankie who is still here and has been desperately trying to communicate with his Daddy Brendan.
Now with the addition of Connor it's possible.
The first encounter between the boys is sizzling and leaves Brendan dumbfounded.
Maybe all those strange incidents haven't been in his mind only?
There is a bit of a struggle as they try to adjust to the reality of a ghost who can touch and also because Connor wears his snark as a shield in order to protect himself because life has taught him the hard way that not everyone stays.
Together these boys are full of life and mischief bringing out Brendan's inner Daddy and allowing him to accept and give love again.
It was beautiful to see all three of them heal one another together.
Connor is struggling with his transition so of course it makes sense to hack his musical idol.
It never occurred to him that he would get caught or get in trouble.
When he meets Brendan he realizes how deeply the man is suffering because he us as well.
Brendan blames himself for the death of his boy Frankie who is still here and has been desperately trying to communicate with his Daddy Brendan.
Now with the addition of Connor it's possible.
The first encounter between the boys is sizzling and leaves Brendan dumbfounded.
Maybe all those strange incidents haven't been in his mind only?
There is a bit of a struggle as they try to adjust to the reality of a ghost who can touch and also because Connor wears his snark as a shield in order to protect himself because life has taught him the hard way that not everyone stays.
Together these boys are full of life and mischief bringing out Brendan's inner Daddy and allowing him to accept and give love again.
It was beautiful to see all three of them heal one another together.
March 1, 2022
We are never alone! Brendan, Daddy Dom suffers tragedies. He grieves the death of his boy, Frankie. He lost his music and didn't look for it. He isolates himself hiding away from his public and friends. Connor, fears rejection and spies on other people's lives with his webcam. He is gifted with more than hacking skills and has enhanced senses. He focuses on Brendan who is his idol. When Brendan discovers his webcam on, he tracks the intruder and finds Connor. He has Connor kidnapped with the intention of teaching him a lesson. What a surprise, when he discovers he's intrigued. There's a lot going on and it's all interesting and fun. Frankie, is gone, but not. He's trying to make himself seen. Does Brendan see Frankie? Does Frankie and Connor get along? Can Brendan accept Frankie and Connor? Does Brendan ever go back to his music? Interesting story. New concept. The three guys are fun. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am delighted to leave a review.
April 12, 2023
I loved this book, but was confused at times. Were they from another planet? I assumed they were in Connecticut first since Connor was in New Haven, lol. Things were definitely different, especially with the ethnic backgrounds and special powers, talking about god's instead of God, mixed in with high tech hacking. By his hacking, Connor accidentally stumbled upon and hacked his idol's laptop, his whole world changed, leading into kidnapping and discovering death and the paranormal. I loved how things played out...Connor meeting not only his idol, but his idol's dead boyfriend. I loved Frankie and was sad to see how Brendan mourned his loss. All in all I was surprised to find this a paranormal romance, but I loved Connor and Frankie together and their quest to make Brendan happy again. Connor proved, not only was he a brat, but a loyal friend, who put others needs first. Fun read and a good HEA.
February 20, 2022
This is a fascinating book. The world building for this with the characters/races is very different. I enjoyed it! Brandon has been hiding from the world ever since the love of his life was killed in an accident. Connor is a hacker who is desperate for some company but his only interaction with others is through his hacking. He never hurts anyone and is very careful until the day he hacks into his musical idol’s webcam. And poor Felix is stuck as a ghost, watching his love waste away and wishing fervently that someone could actually see him. The way these three come together was full of bratty behavior, some very sexy heat, and quite a few tears. It was actually a beautiful little story and made me both laugh and cry. Believe it or not, there is a fully happy ending here and it is definitely worth a read!
February 26, 2022
Really interesting world in this one, not at all like most paranormal m/m romances I've read so I am definitely going to read the next one to see where the author goes with it. I felt so sorry for Connor early in this story as he feels he condemned to only live vicariously through watching others. The boy looking into the candy store through the window. He makes what initially seems a big mistake when he's caught spying on Brendan who kidnaps him to teach him a lesson. That's when some very interesting character mixing starts to happen. Brendan's boy Frankie has died(?) and Brendan finds himself surprisingly attracted to Connor. These two are well written and both have personalities that can be hard to like at times just like real people. How this becomes an m/m/m story made for a great twist.
February 28, 2022
“What would you do to have him back?” ….”Anything.”…”Anything? Then let me in.”
.
➳ What does one read after a book with ghost sex? The hangover is hitting hard.
.
➳ I am just going to say it, I cannot get enough of GR Lyons’ books. I have been anxiously awaiting this new series and book one did not disappoint. You have a lonely hacker, a grief-stricken concert pianist, and a mischievous ghost. You’ve got kidnapping, mystery, heartbreak, and some deliciously erotic scenes. What more could you ask for? I am already anxiously awaiting book two.
.
➳ Things I LOVED…
🔥 GHOST. SEX.
🔥 Hurt/Comfort
🔥 Transgender MC
🔥 FRANKIE.
.
➳ I Wanted More…
🪄 The three of them all together! We got a little bit at the end but I desperately wanted more.
.
➳ For those of you that listen to the podcast, yes, this is the author I am obsessed with (as well as the backlog I am reading backward…)
.
#LaceandLit
.
➳ What does one read after a book with ghost sex? The hangover is hitting hard.
.
➳ I am just going to say it, I cannot get enough of GR Lyons’ books. I have been anxiously awaiting this new series and book one did not disappoint. You have a lonely hacker, a grief-stricken concert pianist, and a mischievous ghost. You’ve got kidnapping, mystery, heartbreak, and some deliciously erotic scenes. What more could you ask for? I am already anxiously awaiting book two.
.
➳ Things I LOVED…
🔥 GHOST. SEX.
🔥 Hurt/Comfort
🔥 Transgender MC
🔥 FRANKIE.
.
➳ I Wanted More…
🪄 The three of them all together! We got a little bit at the end but I desperately wanted more.
.
➳ For those of you that listen to the podcast, yes, this is the author I am obsessed with (as well as the backlog I am reading backward…)
.
#LaceandLit
March 7, 2022
This is quite an unique story. It kept me interested and once I got into I couldn’t put it down. I adored Connor. Loner, hacker but a good guy, confidence shield, heart of gold. Frankie was fun, his ghostly-ness was a bit confusing but anything can happen in another universe. Brenden was growly, but not exactly the fun kind a lot of Daddies can be. He uttered and muttered “fuck” and Gods” way too much. Also stomps around, paces and runs away way too much. There were a few things in this story that were a bit confusing. Like, the kidnapping plot was totally nonsensical. Frankie getting mad and literally ghosting(haha) Connor. And a few more I shook my head at while reading. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a fun, light read. It also got me excited for this gentleman’s hackers club. I will be continuing this series.
February 20, 2022
This was a beautiful and emotional story. Three men brought together under unusual circumstances. When Connor gets the opportunity of a lifetime, to hack into his idol’s computer, he jumps at the chance. He doesn’t see much, but he will keep trying. Until his idol figures him out and decides to teach Connor a lesson.
Brendan was a child piano prodigy and mystery stopped performing and left public life three years ago, when his sweet boy Frankie died in a tragic accident. Worse still, Brendan can still hear Frankie and thinks he’s losing his mind. Until Connor comes in and says he might not be losing his mind at all…three men finding solace in each other through struggle and pain. And a very cool premise!
Brendan was a child piano prodigy and mystery stopped performing and left public life three years ago, when his sweet boy Frankie died in a tragic accident. Worse still, Brendan can still hear Frankie and thinks he’s losing his mind. Until Connor comes in and says he might not be losing his mind at all…three men finding solace in each other through struggle and pain. And a very cool premise!
February 20, 2022
Im finding this hard to review, not that the books bad... but Ive numerous questions?
To begin with, the whole different beings... blood groupings? I couldnt really get round that side of it.... so thinking of it as ghosts and humans.... then I struggled with the ghost and sex part.
I couldnt understand Conor being ok with being kidnapped... but his attitude ( all the rudes) I found funny.
Brendan was a daddy for frankie, yet he couldnt treat Conor that way... even though Conor made it clear Brendan was still desireable, despite not looking after himself and grieving for 3 years as well as thinking hes mad.
Then for a Daddy the dismiss Conor knowing about his feelings of rejection...
I hope the next book might help me understand some of this more...
To begin with, the whole different beings... blood groupings? I couldnt really get round that side of it.... so thinking of it as ghosts and humans.... then I struggled with the ghost and sex part.
I couldnt understand Conor being ok with being kidnapped... but his attitude ( all the rudes) I found funny.
Brendan was a daddy for frankie, yet he couldnt treat Conor that way... even though Conor made it clear Brendan was still desireable, despite not looking after himself and grieving for 3 years as well as thinking hes mad.
Then for a Daddy the dismiss Conor knowing about his feelings of rejection...
I hope the next book might help me understand some of this more...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
Restored Ruins is Book 1 in the Gentleman Hackers series. This is a fascinating story, with a great title, about Connor, a hacker by trade, Brendan, a pianist who is overcome with grief, and Frankie, Brendan's dead Boy and a ghost. When Connor hacked into his idol's computer, he had no idea he would be kidnapped and taken to said idol's home. I enjoyed this story and Brendan's confusion as to why Connor was enjoying his time in Brendan's home and not trying to run away. This book is hot and steamy as Connor and Frankie try to convince Brendan that Frankie is still around. And can Brendan handle two bratty Boys? In the end I was glad Connor made the decision he did and look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
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February 27, 2022Duh ternyata ini MMM. Akibat ga secara menyeluruh baca sinopsis jadinya begini nih. Bukan hanya karena MMM aja sih kenapa bisa DNF, dari awal chapter juga sudah terlihat bahwa buku ini membosankan karena terlalu banyak narasi dan diskiplah sampai di mana diketahui bahwa Connor itu adalah transgender. Secara pribadi, ga punya masalah dgn transgender di dunia nyata tapi pas ketemu di novel itu rasanya agak aneh. Ga baca kalau Connor itu operasi kelamin atau ga dan kalau ga, pastinya kan masih perempuan meskipun di luarnya laki dan pas berhubungan badan sm Brendan atau Frankie, bukannya mereka berdua sm saja berhubungan dengan perempuan, ya meskipun masih ada tempat lain selain di tempat utama tapi ga enak aja dibayanginnya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2022
This book was fine. I think maybe going in I thought it would be different than it turned out to be. It had some pnr elements but felt more sci-fi fantasy-ish. It also didn't feel complete. I know this is a series so maybe it will continue in the next book. It wasn't really a daddy/boy. Maybe I just didn't get the dynamic but I felt more connection between connor/frankie ( i absolutely loved Connor he was funny and sarcastic) than between connor/frankie and their supposed daddy Brendan. Not really romance since we only saw it from two perspectives but it was m/m/m. I think what saved it was Connor and honestly a little Frankie and their bond that was created. I liked the hackers and want to read more about them so I will continue on.
May 4, 2022
I didn't understand the rules of this universe at all. It was jarring but I stuck with it because I wanted a sweet MMM romance to quickly read. Frankie and Connor were cute together but Brendan was deplorable!
I hated him with a passion. He is a Daddy in title only because I saw no qualities that made him such. He wasn't loving or caring. He is grieving lost love but it made me so mad reading about his interactions with Connor. Brendan treated that boy awfully and he doesn't deserve a happy ending. Frankie and Connor should have run off and found themselves a real Daddy.
I won't be continuing the series or reading more from this author. I think their writing style isn't for me so it's best if I just stop trying to force myself to like it.
I hated him with a passion. He is a Daddy in title only because I saw no qualities that made him such. He wasn't loving or caring. He is grieving lost love but it made me so mad reading about his interactions with Connor. Brendan treated that boy awfully and he doesn't deserve a happy ending. Frankie and Connor should have run off and found themselves a real Daddy.
I won't be continuing the series or reading more from this author. I think their writing style isn't for me so it's best if I just stop trying to force myself to like it.
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