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Shadow Guardian #1
Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears
Burly villains are terrorizing the city Shadow Guardian protects, and this superhero is pulling double duty of trying to protect the city and not fall in love.
Diego Sanz grew up witnessing neglect by officials on the North side of Morgan City. Beating the odds, he became the CEO of a fortune 500 company, but he never left his community behind. Determined to fight the crime in Morgan City, Diego returns, donning the mantle of Shadow Guardian, a mysterious vigilante who protects the people.
During a routine patrol, he rescues an attractive young man named Alex. Diego is intrigued, but would Alex still desire him if he met the man behind the mask? While sorting out his emotions and deciding whether to reveal his secret, Three Bears are terrorizing his territory. Armed with a dangerous drug called Build and Burn, the outlaws may be too much for the well-to-do vigilante to handle on his own.
Now he must put his faith in the technological skills of his new hire of Special Projects, Alex--the handsome man he can't stop thinking about--who, despite his fresh assignment, has no idea his new boss is also the protector of Morgan City. Will Diego reveal his identity to keep Alex close or will the Bears, driven mad by their drug, destroy the city before he even gets his chance to express his feelings?
Diego Sanz grew up witnessing neglect by officials on the North side of Morgan City. Beating the odds, he became the CEO of a fortune 500 company, but he never left his community behind. Determined to fight the crime in Morgan City, Diego returns, donning the mantle of Shadow Guardian, a mysterious vigilante who protects the people.
During a routine patrol, he rescues an attractive young man named Alex. Diego is intrigued, but would Alex still desire him if he met the man behind the mask? While sorting out his emotions and deciding whether to reveal his secret, Three Bears are terrorizing his territory. Armed with a dangerous drug called Build and Burn, the outlaws may be too much for the well-to-do vigilante to handle on his own.
Now he must put his faith in the technological skills of his new hire of Special Projects, Alex--the handsome man he can't stop thinking about--who, despite his fresh assignment, has no idea his new boss is also the protector of Morgan City. Will Diego reveal his identity to keep Alex close or will the Bears, driven mad by their drug, destroy the city before he even gets his chance to express his feelings?
- GenresM M Romance
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2022
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Lewis
12 books20 followersRobert (Robby) J. Lewis is a writer based out of Charleston, South Carolina. He has brought you not only the Shadow Guardian series but the Someone Series under Robert Lewis. He has written numerous steamy film scripts for Noir Male and Icon Male and more recently agreed to start writing for Luxxxe Studios. You can keep up with Robby Lewis’s latest releases, news, and antics via his social media or at www.robert-j-lewis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2024
First off, I noticed the very believable dialog. The author has talent with that and some great action scenes. The tender scenes between the Shadow Guardian and Alex had a realistic touch were done well. Latinx representation was a surprise, and propelled the story even better than some other methods would have.
The book had a comic book feel to it that fit the plot, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. There is also a great hook and set-up at the end for the next in the series. Highly recommended!
The book had a comic book feel to it that fit the plot, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. There is also a great hook and set-up at the end for the next in the series. Highly recommended!
January 22, 2026
MM romance with a superhero. It gave me vibes like a 60’s -70’s tv series where the masked man with a secret identity is out to fight crime in the city, but this time he starts getting feelings for someone he rescues. It’s a struggle as he tries to resist.
September 19, 2023
As darkness threatens to overtake everything he holds dear, a masked man watches over the city he has sworn to protect. For this month’s book review, I read Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears by Robert J. Lewis. Before we get started, Robert is a fellow author with 4 Horsemen Publications, and so I need to tell you that I received a copy of this book for free.
Though the title may have you picturing a fairy tale, this is a full-blown superhero action-drama. Diego Sanz, wealthy CEO by day, and Shadow Guardian by night, is our title character, who works to protect the downtrodden and often overlooked people of his community. Assisting him is Juan Carlois, his adoptive father and “man in the chair” when out on a mission. Then we have Alex, a young and very in debt computer programmer, who in addition to catching Juan Carlos’s eye with his tech skills, also snags Diego’s (and Shadow Guardian’s) heart.
Of course, no superhero story is complete without a villain, and in this book we have three: Papa Bear, Honey Bear, and Teddy Bear, who are seeking what else but total domination of everyone in their city. I don’t want to spoil too much by revealing their identities, but thanks to some weird and dangerous science, these three men become dangerous, super-strong muscle bears who begin terrorizing the city, and it’s up to Shadow Guardian to stop them.
This is a world with super heroes, and naturally that had me dying to know the origins of Shadow Guardians powers: his suit, a highly adaptable piece of technology that provides him with enhanced strength and durability, and also allows Juan Carlos to constantly monitor him and his vitals. We get hints of information as to how it works, but I would love to know more about how exactly it was created. In addition to the super scene, we also get hints that this world features magic, witchcraft, and even werewolves, which I also hope we get to see more of in future books in the series.
The book features two main plot lines: Shadow Guardian’s romance with Alex, and his fight against the three bears. The two stories are intricately interconnected, and what happens in one affects the other. There are a lot of POV characters, and I liked the way the story would jump between them as we moved through the world. However, the chapters were also on the short side, and I wouldn’t have minded if we got to spend a bit more time in any of them either.
Some of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between characters. In particular, I enjoyed seeing the playful yet stern parent-child relationship between Juan Carlos and Diego. This ixs where the author’s hispanic heritage really shines through, showing the tough and teasing love that as a fellow hispanic man, I am very familiar with. The dueling interactions between Alex with Diego and with Shadow Guardian also kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering if Alex would put two and two together. Many other characters get their own nice little moments, though I will say I felt that some of them were a little to quick to forgive others for what were clearly very, very wrong actions.
This is a steamy romance book that contains a number of erotic scenes. However, since our hero is not actually with his man yet, they almost exclusively feature the villains. I don’t necessarily think there’s anything wrong with that, and even find some of the later scenes to be quite effective, the first few scenes (they happen in quick succession) are violent, gory, and quite frankly disturbing. I get wanting to show us just how disturbed and irredeemable some of these villains are, but I just feel like it was a hell of a way to start things.
Overall, though I have a few issues with it, I thought this was a fantastic book that would make an excellent addition to anyone’s steamy superhero library. This is the first in the series, and the sequel, Shadow Guardian and the Big Bad Wolf, is already out and going on my “to read” list. If you want to read about a broody superhero protecting his city and the man he loves, this book is for you. The world may not have its own Shadow Guardian, but at least we can read about one.
Though the title may have you picturing a fairy tale, this is a full-blown superhero action-drama. Diego Sanz, wealthy CEO by day, and Shadow Guardian by night, is our title character, who works to protect the downtrodden and often overlooked people of his community. Assisting him is Juan Carlois, his adoptive father and “man in the chair” when out on a mission. Then we have Alex, a young and very in debt computer programmer, who in addition to catching Juan Carlos’s eye with his tech skills, also snags Diego’s (and Shadow Guardian’s) heart.
Of course, no superhero story is complete without a villain, and in this book we have three: Papa Bear, Honey Bear, and Teddy Bear, who are seeking what else but total domination of everyone in their city. I don’t want to spoil too much by revealing their identities, but thanks to some weird and dangerous science, these three men become dangerous, super-strong muscle bears who begin terrorizing the city, and it’s up to Shadow Guardian to stop them.
This is a world with super heroes, and naturally that had me dying to know the origins of Shadow Guardians powers: his suit, a highly adaptable piece of technology that provides him with enhanced strength and durability, and also allows Juan Carlos to constantly monitor him and his vitals. We get hints of information as to how it works, but I would love to know more about how exactly it was created. In addition to the super scene, we also get hints that this world features magic, witchcraft, and even werewolves, which I also hope we get to see more of in future books in the series.
The book features two main plot lines: Shadow Guardian’s romance with Alex, and his fight against the three bears. The two stories are intricately interconnected, and what happens in one affects the other. There are a lot of POV characters, and I liked the way the story would jump between them as we moved through the world. However, the chapters were also on the short side, and I wouldn’t have minded if we got to spend a bit more time in any of them either.
Some of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between characters. In particular, I enjoyed seeing the playful yet stern parent-child relationship between Juan Carlos and Diego. This ixs where the author’s hispanic heritage really shines through, showing the tough and teasing love that as a fellow hispanic man, I am very familiar with. The dueling interactions between Alex with Diego and with Shadow Guardian also kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering if Alex would put two and two together. Many other characters get their own nice little moments, though I will say I felt that some of them were a little to quick to forgive others for what were clearly very, very wrong actions.
This is a steamy romance book that contains a number of erotic scenes. However, since our hero is not actually with his man yet, they almost exclusively feature the villains. I don’t necessarily think there’s anything wrong with that, and even find some of the later scenes to be quite effective, the first few scenes (they happen in quick succession) are violent, gory, and quite frankly disturbing. I get wanting to show us just how disturbed and irredeemable some of these villains are, but I just feel like it was a hell of a way to start things.
Overall, though I have a few issues with it, I thought this was a fantastic book that would make an excellent addition to anyone’s steamy superhero library. This is the first in the series, and the sequel, Shadow Guardian and the Big Bad Wolf, is already out and going on my “to read” list. If you want to read about a broody superhero protecting his city and the man he loves, this book is for you. The world may not have its own Shadow Guardian, but at least we can read about one.
July 21, 2024
5 STARS FOR NOW BECAUSE I LOVED IT & IT’S BRILLIANT BUT…
The realness and layered portrayal of the characters alone is definitely worth 5 stars and much more, but I am quite disappointed that there’s hardly any romance. They just kiss twice. A very chaste YOUNG-ADULT-sy kiss at that. That’s basically all you get after reading though all the strife it took for them to finally get together, which kind of left me gravely unfulfilled (and my ADULT-ROMANCE expectations cruelly dashed). I mean, don’t get me wrong: the main characters had fantastic chemistry, they were incredibly sweet in so many other ways that didn’t need to be lustful or sexual, which I appreciated and enjoyed greatly, but for an adult romance novel, I was expecting a more steamy reward. Something worthy of a long-awaited HEA or HFN romance ending, at the very least? Getting only a brief kiss at the end kind of gave this a conservative kiddie-cartoon romance vibe at the end. Which starkly contrasts everything else clearly maturely-themed here: the relevant underlying issues presented, the emotional depth, the violence and carnage, etc. What makes that even more disappointing of an ending is how the bad guys get more action than the actual main couple, and of course I liked the erotica aspect of that too, but c’mon. This is supposed to be an adult romance. It’s kind of cruel that after all that push and pull, all we get is a Rated-GP kiss. I feel unloved as a reader, lol.
(If this is all Diego and Alex get even by the end of the 3rd book, I swear I will come back and bring my rating down, haha. It’s not very nice to make readers fall for them, root for them, and pine for them to be together with all your heart and soul, only to throw us scraps in the end. You gotta understand, that’s like building someone up with feverish foreplay only to deny them that much-needed and well-earned orgasm.)
So that’s why I’m torn about this. For a superhero action-adventure story, this delivers in spades. It’s fun, it’s zany, and it’s even campy in that traditional comicbook superhero way, which I’m always here for. Hells, I love superhero stories, more so if they’re MM romance. But for a romance? This left me with bloody blue balls! Feeling short-changed and unsatisfied (I want my Diego and Alex smut too, dammit!).
Apart from that, there were a significant number of typos and disjointed sequences, and though distracting as heck, it didn’t really take away from the exciting pace and substance of the story. Oh, and I wish Diego was described better at the beginning? All we ever get again and again is that he has an amazing physique, that’s it. Made it very hard for me to picture anything other than his faceless persona.
Overall, I’m glad I finally claimed an ARC of this on Booksprout after months of indecision (it could really use a better cover—the current drab cover does not do the life contained in this book justice). This definitely fed a craving of mine for superhero MM romance (and it could have been even more perfect, if only…!) Till my review for the next book in this series: Thanks ever so much to the author for sharing this story, and to Booksprout for helping me discover it! (Yes, I will stay salty until I get the smut this book owes me, haha.)
The realness and layered portrayal of the characters alone is definitely worth 5 stars and much more, but I am quite disappointed that there’s hardly any romance. They just kiss twice. A very chaste YOUNG-ADULT-sy kiss at that. That’s basically all you get after reading though all the strife it took for them to finally get together, which kind of left me gravely unfulfilled (and my ADULT-ROMANCE expectations cruelly dashed). I mean, don’t get me wrong: the main characters had fantastic chemistry, they were incredibly sweet in so many other ways that didn’t need to be lustful or sexual, which I appreciated and enjoyed greatly, but for an adult romance novel, I was expecting a more steamy reward. Something worthy of a long-awaited HEA or HFN romance ending, at the very least? Getting only a brief kiss at the end kind of gave this a conservative kiddie-cartoon romance vibe at the end. Which starkly contrasts everything else clearly maturely-themed here: the relevant underlying issues presented, the emotional depth, the violence and carnage, etc. What makes that even more disappointing of an ending is how the bad guys get more action than the actual main couple, and of course I liked the erotica aspect of that too, but c’mon. This is supposed to be an adult romance. It’s kind of cruel that after all that push and pull, all we get is a Rated-GP kiss. I feel unloved as a reader, lol.
(If this is all Diego and Alex get even by the end of the 3rd book, I swear I will come back and bring my rating down, haha. It’s not very nice to make readers fall for them, root for them, and pine for them to be together with all your heart and soul, only to throw us scraps in the end. You gotta understand, that’s like building someone up with feverish foreplay only to deny them that much-needed and well-earned orgasm.)
So that’s why I’m torn about this. For a superhero action-adventure story, this delivers in spades. It’s fun, it’s zany, and it’s even campy in that traditional comicbook superhero way, which I’m always here for. Hells, I love superhero stories, more so if they’re MM romance. But for a romance? This left me with bloody blue balls! Feeling short-changed and unsatisfied (I want my Diego and Alex smut too, dammit!).
Apart from that, there were a significant number of typos and disjointed sequences, and though distracting as heck, it didn’t really take away from the exciting pace and substance of the story. Oh, and I wish Diego was described better at the beginning? All we ever get again and again is that he has an amazing physique, that’s it. Made it very hard for me to picture anything other than his faceless persona.
Overall, I’m glad I finally claimed an ARC of this on Booksprout after months of indecision (it could really use a better cover—the current drab cover does not do the life contained in this book justice). This definitely fed a craving of mine for superhero MM romance (and it could have been even more perfect, if only…!) Till my review for the next book in this series: Thanks ever so much to the author for sharing this story, and to Booksprout for helping me discover it! (Yes, I will stay salty until I get the smut this book owes me, haha.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
I couldn't finish it. Please don't write a hero book of you think all humans have villainous inner thoughts. Go the villain route instead. It is very off putting when the "good guys", let alone the bad ones, have inner dialogue that we can "hear" that is full of disturbing rapey or pessimistic thoughts. Not to mention the "hero" is grossly stalking. And the (main?) character that got rescued like chapter 2 or so is just too dumb. And I don't think the author means for him to be stupid... But like how do you remember how to breathe if in the same few pages you both realize the "hero" stocked up you cupboards while you're not home and then are shocked that a breath later they are in your house... Like friend, did you think he teleported the goods inside?!! Anyway... The author has potential, they can create interesting worlds. But I fear that maybe on the inside their own thoughts are evil leaning and so they don't realize that someone who is genuinely kind enough to be feeding homeless people (when also broke) and encouraging children they would not also thinking unconsenting groping is hot. Also, some one that is a hero would not be stalking and thinking so poorly of other people that their inner dialogue sounds like a villain. They would be more likely the fake hero that does it to look good vs having altruistic motives.
Anyway maybe a twist is that he really is a villain... But the main reason I couldn't keep going is that I can't abide repeatedly moronic characters (especially when the lack of intelligence is not intended and more as a lazy way to move the plot).
I think overall it would have been a better set up as a villain story and a love interest that's not making you wonder how he survived being so dumb.
Anyway maybe a twist is that he really is a villain... But the main reason I couldn't keep going is that I can't abide repeatedly moronic characters (especially when the lack of intelligence is not intended and more as a lazy way to move the plot).
I think overall it would have been a better set up as a villain story and a love interest that's not making you wonder how he survived being so dumb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
Five Stars!
Loved it! Especially the Latinx representation. This is a book that's filled with found family, community, a vigilante hero, magic, and humor. All done very well.
Diego is the CEO of multi-billion tech company who happens to be the masked hero called Shadow Guardian. Shadow Guardian watches over the neglected part of Morgan City. A run down part of the city where many queer and people of color live. He's a hero who's mission is to product and uplift the community.
Alex is a tech genius works at Diego's company. Shadow Guardian saves Alex gets saved by Shadow Guardian. There's instant attraction between the two, but Diego struggles since he doesn't know if Alex wants him or Shadow Guardian.
The action starts when his company fires a narcissistic, evil scientist after they realize a drug meant to help people lose weight while enhancing the body (called Build and Burn) has a high mortality rate and extremely addictive. The scientist and his two assistants are fired, but end up creating the drug on their own. Injecting themselves with Build and Burn, they transform into super humans.They dress up in leather and terrorize the North Side of the city.
The plot was excellent and well paced. Humorous, but not campy. The side characters were equally engaging. Especially Juan Carlos and Esmeralda.
Overall this is a top story that I highly recommend reading. I can't wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved it! Especially the Latinx representation. This is a book that's filled with found family, community, a vigilante hero, magic, and humor. All done very well.
Diego is the CEO of multi-billion tech company who happens to be the masked hero called Shadow Guardian. Shadow Guardian watches over the neglected part of Morgan City. A run down part of the city where many queer and people of color live. He's a hero who's mission is to product and uplift the community.
Alex is a tech genius works at Diego's company. Shadow Guardian saves Alex gets saved by Shadow Guardian. There's instant attraction between the two, but Diego struggles since he doesn't know if Alex wants him or Shadow Guardian.
The action starts when his company fires a narcissistic, evil scientist after they realize a drug meant to help people lose weight while enhancing the body (called Build and Burn) has a high mortality rate and extremely addictive. The scientist and his two assistants are fired, but end up creating the drug on their own. Injecting themselves with Build and Burn, they transform into super humans.They dress up in leather and terrorize the North Side of the city.
The plot was excellent and well paced. Humorous, but not campy. The side characters were equally engaging. Especially Juan Carlos and Esmeralda.
Overall this is a top story that I highly recommend reading. I can't wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2023
+ Latinx representation
+ Drag queens
+ The whole absurd idea of "bear-ifying" superdrug
- Almost everything else
This could have worked as a comic. The setting and plot is pure ridiculous comic stuff with supervillains. Suitable art style could make this a lot funnier and even more over-the-top. The way it is now, it just doesn't work.
Look, I did enjoy some of the craziness and even without this being an actual comic, I could take a serious leap and suspend my disbelief - if the story made some sense even within its own world. But.
These vigilante-heroes are really bad. The bad guys are getting zero consequences. There are literal murderers getting caught in the act, and they just get beaten up (if even that) and then left to continue their business. The mad scientist was willing to falsify data to push out a drug with a massive fatality rate and these guys are offering another project to him?! How about jailtime and a lawsuit?
The romance is dragging with Diego whining "oh I can't get a boyfriend, it's too difficult", the love interest is a saint that literally uses all his time wandering around helping random people. And the only on-page sex is happening between the psycho bears and their victims.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
+ Drag queens
+ The whole absurd idea of "bear-ifying" superdrug
- Almost everything else
This could have worked as a comic. The setting and plot is pure ridiculous comic stuff with supervillains. Suitable art style could make this a lot funnier and even more over-the-top. The way it is now, it just doesn't work.
Look, I did enjoy some of the craziness and even without this being an actual comic, I could take a serious leap and suspend my disbelief - if the story made some sense even within its own world. But.
These vigilante-heroes are really bad. The bad guys are getting zero consequences. There are literal murderers getting caught in the act, and they just get beaten up (if even that) and then left to continue their business. The mad scientist was willing to falsify data to push out a drug with a massive fatality rate and these guys are offering another project to him?! How about jailtime and a lawsuit?
The romance is dragging with Diego whining "oh I can't get a boyfriend, it's too difficult", the love interest is a saint that literally uses all his time wandering around helping random people. And the only on-page sex is happening between the psycho bears and their victims.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2024
Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears by Robert J. Lewis is a thrilling blend of superhero action and tender romance that hits all the right notes for fans of masked vigilantes and star-crossed lovers. Diego Sanz is a compelling protagonist, balancing his life as a high-powered CEO with his role as the Shadow Guardian, a hero determined to protect his neglected community. His dedication and internal struggles make him both admirable and relatable.
The chemistry between Diego and Alex is electric, with their growing connection complicated by the secrets Diego must keep. The tension of whether Diego will reveal his dual identity adds emotional stakes, while the threat of the drug-crazed Three Bears keeps the action fast-paced and gripping.
Lewis weaves a story that’s not just about heroics but about trust, vulnerability, and fighting for what truly matters. The mix of heart-pounding action and heartfelt romance makes this an engaging start to the Shadow Guardian series. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves superheroes with a side of love and humanity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The chemistry between Diego and Alex is electric, with their growing connection complicated by the secrets Diego must keep. The tension of whether Diego will reveal his dual identity adds emotional stakes, while the threat of the drug-crazed Three Bears keeps the action fast-paced and gripping.
Lewis weaves a story that’s not just about heroics but about trust, vulnerability, and fighting for what truly matters. The mix of heart-pounding action and heartfelt romance makes this an engaging start to the Shadow Guardian series. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves superheroes with a side of love and humanity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2026
This book took me a little bit to get into it, not that there wasn't action, but it wasn't engaging and at times hard to connect. That clear mental image I get whenever I read a book, always had fuzzy edges with this book, like the story was missing more definition; it might have been the unclear world building, the lack of character depth and background, or it could just be it wasn't my reading style.
What kept me turning the pages was the POV changes. I was always eager to read what the three bears were doing. They were devious and a bit psycho and their actions incredulous. Some of the things they did were just horrible and some where hilariously stupid.
It wasn't until half way through that, I got into the book. There was more clarity and it moved at a quick pace. Disappointed that there was a cliff hanger, cause I wanted more. Excited that there are more books to read. Hoping there is more of Teddy. He may not have been a good guy but he wasn't the worst. Would love to see how that plays out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What kept me turning the pages was the POV changes. I was always eager to read what the three bears were doing. They were devious and a bit psycho and their actions incredulous. Some of the things they did were just horrible and some where hilariously stupid.
It wasn't until half way through that, I got into the book. There was more clarity and it moved at a quick pace. Disappointed that there was a cliff hanger, cause I wanted more. Excited that there are more books to read. Hoping there is more of Teddy. He may not have been a good guy but he wasn't the worst. Would love to see how that plays out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2026
The blurb was spot on. This was clearly a homage to DC comics' "Bat Man". The one from the sixties with a "Kerpow" bubble above the characters' heads while exchanging blows. Just freshen it up a bit.
The storyline starts out fairly familiar. Diego Sanz, Billionaire CEO, is secretly Morgan City's Shadow Guardian, a vigilante who protects his community since the police can't/won't. His company creates a drug which gets hijacked by the baddies. He rescues a cutey from attackers, is attracted and starts a relationship without divulging his identity. (Vicki Vale?).
At which point, we diverge from the DC Universe, with a flair. The Three Bears are not one dimensional cardboard. Juan Carlos is much more effective than bumbling Commissioner Gordon. The relationships more complex, angsty.
Tense, exciting, a mostly fun story. What I don't care for is that "LatinX" is used as a plot device. Too intentional. Not organic. If readers are familiar with Charlie Cochet's Kings Security, they'll see what I mean.
And what the heck is up with all the proper nouns. Even in one-on-one interactions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storyline starts out fairly familiar. Diego Sanz, Billionaire CEO, is secretly Morgan City's Shadow Guardian, a vigilante who protects his community since the police can't/won't. His company creates a drug which gets hijacked by the baddies. He rescues a cutey from attackers, is attracted and starts a relationship without divulging his identity. (Vicki Vale?).
At which point, we diverge from the DC Universe, with a flair. The Three Bears are not one dimensional cardboard. Juan Carlos is much more effective than bumbling Commissioner Gordon. The relationships more complex, angsty.
Tense, exciting, a mostly fun story. What I don't care for is that "LatinX" is used as a plot device. Too intentional. Not organic. If readers are familiar with Charlie Cochet's Kings Security, they'll see what I mean.
And what the heck is up with all the proper nouns. Even in one-on-one interactions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2025
Came for the Latinx rep, stayed for absurdity!
Lewis brings us a superhero who is not only a gold-hearted vigilante, but emotional depth. Diego Sanz wants to fall in love, and he wants to make the world a better place because his found family is often the target of wrong-doings and evil people. He is a complex character who is just trying to figure out whether his moral compass is pointing in the right direction.
I've not read many superhero books. In fact, this was definitely a first for me as far as adult superhero tales go, and I will say, it was fabulous! Lewis really captures the over-the-top, almost absurd happenings often found in superhero comics. The villain is a self-obsessed mad scientist who does such despicable acts that you have to laugh at them because otherwise you will lose your mind, reminding me intensely of villains like the Penguin, Dr. Oc, and Syndrome. I am living for the camp, and then you add in a drag queen! Okay, you've got me by the throat and I can't help but say, "Please, Daddy, more." And not just because Honey says as much several times.
Lewis brings us a superhero who is not only a gold-hearted vigilante, but emotional depth. Diego Sanz wants to fall in love, and he wants to make the world a better place because his found family is often the target of wrong-doings and evil people. He is a complex character who is just trying to figure out whether his moral compass is pointing in the right direction.
I've not read many superhero books. In fact, this was definitely a first for me as far as adult superhero tales go, and I will say, it was fabulous! Lewis really captures the over-the-top, almost absurd happenings often found in superhero comics. The villain is a self-obsessed mad scientist who does such despicable acts that you have to laugh at them because otherwise you will lose your mind, reminding me intensely of villains like the Penguin, Dr. Oc, and Syndrome. I am living for the camp, and then you add in a drag queen! Okay, you've got me by the throat and I can't help but say, "Please, Daddy, more." And not just because Honey says as much several times.
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears by Robert J. Lewis. It's the first book in the Shadow Guardian series. So, this is a new author to me, and I enjoyed the world and characters he created. It has the feel of a Batman movie to it. Shadow Guardian/ Diego Sanz would be Batman/Bruce Wayne. Juan Carlos feels like he should be Alfred, but if Alfred was a drag queen and tech-savvy creator. Alex would be the love interest and possible future sidekick. And, of course, you must have the villains: Dr. Wyatt, who reminds me of a cross between The Riddler and Two-faced, Timmy, and Jimmy. Aka, the three bears: Papa Bear, Honey Bear, and Teddy Bear. Be warned, some of the scenes with Dr. Wyatt were pretty graphic, and the villains were the only people getting it on. By the end, only two out of the three are caught.
I look forward to seeing what happens to the third in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I look forward to seeing what happens to the third in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2022
Juan Carlos saved Diego and helped him through school and college and also when Diego worked at the company and as the shadow guardian. Had to fire a Dr. Wyatt because of the test results on the build and burn drug he wanted to push on the people. Took all of the information they thought but the two assistants working for the dr had backed up all of the information and made 1000 doses of the drug on shot form. So they gave all to the dr but he used it but he ended killing some guys, gave the drug to Timmy and decided to force it on Jimmy too. But with help the shadow guardian caught them “ the three bears” had to tell Alex the truth about him since rescuing him for getting raped. Good book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2022
A new series from Lewis set in a modern-day urban fantasy setting. Shadow Guardian is a superhero protecting his community.
A compelling story full of queer characters and so many of them are memorable and scene-stealers.
The three bears are a trio of villains no longer encumbered by morals. Wreaking havoc along their way. Will Shadow Guardian be able to protect his city and his people from their nefarious plan?
One character seems to have caught the eye of Shadow Guardian and the tension is thick with their slow burning romance.
One of the Three Bears is incredibly heartless and goes on a graphic rampage after attaining his super powers. Marking the most darkly erotic part of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A compelling story full of queer characters and so many of them are memorable and scene-stealers.
The three bears are a trio of villains no longer encumbered by morals. Wreaking havoc along their way. Will Shadow Guardian be able to protect his city and his people from their nefarious plan?
One character seems to have caught the eye of Shadow Guardian and the tension is thick with their slow burning romance.
One of the Three Bears is incredibly heartless and goes on a graphic rampage after attaining his super powers. Marking the most darkly erotic part of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
Suspend belief all ye who enter here. This is basically a superhero comic book romp. If you have to ask, "How did they do that?", you will miss all of the good parts. Just don't try to make any sense of it and enjoy reading it. My biggest issue was that I felt that I was missing information on the main characters, Diego and Juan Carlos, as if there was a previous book that provided all of the background information, even though this is Book 1. The villains are comical, and the heroes are sexy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2024
I enjoyed the superhero trope and the storyline but, the writing was so cringy and offputting that it made me unable to finish the book. I ultimately DNF'd at about %50 because I could not take the author's euphemisms. Referring to the characters' appendages as ''male meat'' one too many times had me wanting to throw my Kindle away. I'm sad I couldn't get through the book as I said the plot was interesting and I wanted to read until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
I loved the relationship between Diego and his Mamacita, Juan Carlos, and his relationship with Alex. Due to circumstances in his company Diego has to fire a researcher for developing a dangerous drug. Diego is Shadow Guardian and finally shares that with Alex who he is dating. This is a very entertaining story of how Diego and his crew are trying to bring the researcher and his assistants to justice. It ends in a semi cliff hanger. Eagerly awaiting the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2023
This is a great series starter that certainly had me hooked. A great compelling storyline about a CEO superhero in disguise who protects his community. When he rescues Alex he has to overcome his worries about revealing his identity as well as overcoming threats before he can pursue the relationship he wants! Some great secondary characters too! Looking forward to the next one in series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2022
Going in, I did not know what to expect. Became more than pleasantly surprised.
Enthralling story of a superhero who is the protector of his community. Secrets were revealed and the cast of characters were thoroughly enjoyable.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Enthralling story of a superhero who is the protector of his community. Secrets were revealed and the cast of characters were thoroughly enjoyable.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
September 11, 2024
This was a really good start to this series. So much is happening! And with the way it ended, I hope there's going to be a lot more to come! I love the cast of characters. Diego is a trip lol. I can't wait to read the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears by Robert J. Lewis is an amazing adventure mm romance. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, enjoyable, and more. Shadow Guardian and the Three Bears is the first book in Shadow Guardian series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2022
This is an interesting story to read. I wasn't quite sure I was going to like it in the beginning but I was hooked by the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2022
Definitely worth the anticipation this book had before release! A complete shift from the Someone To series, but still having that same style. Can’t wait to see more books from RJL in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say I enjoyed it, the story and characters (main and side)were good, urban fantasy about a superhero who protects his community, looking forward to more from this series.
August 13, 2024
Absolutely riveting and pulls you right in. A new to me author who now has a huge fan with this epic superhero story. Romance, action, high stakes, and more villainy than you can shake a stick at.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews