Shear Bliss

Foggy Basin #6

by Sam E. Kraemer

Ex-con turned barber Tyler Rockwell works in his mother’s beauty salon in small-town California. Every resident of Foggy Basin will happily remind Tyler they know the one thing he wants to put behind him.

Mosby Leslie left his old life behind after a tragedy, hiding in the mountains near Foggy Basin, where the fog rolled into the valley like clockwork. Committed to living alone in misery, Mosby fills his days with painting landscapes of the sleepy little village he can see from his front porch and having intense discussions with Barbara Bushy, his only friend.

One day while on a supply run, Mosby trips over a crumbling step in front of Shear Bliss Salon, hitting his head. Next thing he knows, a handsome young man is tending to his every need. The shorter, lean man’s smiles light up Mosby’s sullen world.

To stay in the sunshine of Tyler’s attention for just a little longer, Mosby pretends to have forgotten who he is and where he lives. What will the barber do when he finds out that under Mosby’s long hair and beard is a famous painter who people have been trying to find for over a year? When the fog clears, is there any way the two of them can find Shear Bliss together?

Welcome to Foggy Basin. Just passing through? No problem. Here to stay? Well, better find your place. Sit back, relax, and get to know the townsfolk. They love hard and play even harder. Each book is a stand-alone but why not stay and get to know us by reading them all.

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: This story contains scenes depicting sexual harassment in the workplace, and discussions of violence and abuse while incarcerated. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

About the author

I grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!

Reviews

[Alix]

3.5 - solid book :)

This story is set in a cute small town and is part of a multi-author series. Each book is a standalone and I don't think I missed anything by reading this without the others. I finished this earlier today and then started Beauty and the Boutique, another book in this series.

Mosby Leslie is a portrait painter who is grieving and so he has been hiding out in a mountain cabin for over a year. One day he goes into town and he meets Tyler, a young ex-con who is working at his mom's business as he rebuilds his life. Tyler wakes up something in Mosby and so he is determined to get to know Tyler better. Tyler is such a sweetheart! Together, they help each other find themselves.

This is a low-angst book with sweet MCs that you just want to root for.

What to expect:

* older Painter MC + younger barber/hairdresser MC
* younger MC spent time in prison
* PTSD rep
* Daddy/boy vibes
* small town
* virgin MC

Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

- Daddy/boy
- age gap
- small town

Recently released from prison due to a dumb mistake as a teenager, Tyler works at his mother's salon in the small town of Foggy Basin. There he meets Mosby, a reclusive painter who has been hiding away from the world after a tragic loss, who wipes out in front of Shear Bliss thanks to a crumbling step.

Not wanting to leave the one person who has been the only bright spot in the darkness that has been the past year of his life, Mosby feigns some memory loss to spend more time with Tyler. Getting to know more about Tyler though has Mosby realizing he needs to come clean about who he is sooner rather than later.

Tyler surprisingly takes everything in stride though, and the pair end up in a really sweet and adorable Daddy/boy relationship--which made me really happy given everything Tyler and Mosby had been through. Tyler especially deserved all the happiness!

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 sheared stars

RTF...

[Eileen Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually this book is 4.5 stars for me.

I have just taken a deep dive in this authors books and I have not read one I have not liked. When I saw this book I decided to read all the other books available in the series and found those all to be enjoyable. In the first 4 books out this one is my favorite.

At 17 years old Tyler got caught up with the wrong group and ended up being the get away driver of a burglary. Even though he drove them straight to the police station, and were all arrested, he still got eight years in jail. He has served five and now has three years of probation. Because his issue was car related he can not drive for three years. But his mom owns and runs a hair salon and she has hired him to work there. The people in this small town are accepting of him being back. But now he wants to live his life...

Mosby trips and falls on the doorstep of the hair shop and Tyler is there to try and help him. He helps him up and ends up taking him to get checked out. Tyler not wanting his mom to have any issues he also washes the blood away and has Mosby sign some paperwork saying he is ok and not going to come after them. Mosby himself is in hiding. He is an artist and a widower. His husband had been found after drowning and a note was left for Mosby. Unfortunately this leads to Mosby finding out things had no been well between the two and this causes him to question everything. But when he meets Tyler his heart starts to beat again.

Will Tyler be the one to bring Mosby back to real life? Will Mosby be able to help Tyler when someone from his past returns? Will Tyler find out what it is really like to be with a guy? Will he find what kind of mate Mosby wants? Can the two help the town to grow?

I could seriously have kept reading about Mosby and Tyler and where the future takes them. I look forward to the next release in this series.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

SHEAR BLISS is the first book in the Foggy Basin series I have read, and I don't feel as though I missed out on anything by not having read the others.

Tyler is serving his probation in his hometown, working at the hairdressers for his mum. Mosby is a reclusive painter, hiding away from the world after his world was turned upside down. They meet when Mosby trips over the step at Shear Bliss. Tyler looks after him because he is afraid of being sued, as well as liking Mosby's blue eyes.

The story itself was a good one, but I found the writing style to be a little jarring in places. It seemed a little disjointed/jerky as the story moved on. It didn't help for me when on the very first page, two times are mentioned for the same time. The first was four in the morning, and then a few paragraphs later, it says six. I would also say that it needs another edit as there were a few editing mistakes that took me out of the story. I wished there had been more of an introduction to the Daddy/boy relationship though.

On the whole, this was an okay story for me. I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll go any further in this series.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 14, 2024

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a big fan of this one. While I liked a few things there were a lot more that I didn’t like. What I did like were the characters, specifically Tyler and Mosby, as individuals. I enjoyed the chapters at the beginning where we see the two get introduced and I liked hearing about their backstories. That is pretty much it for what I liked. I didn’t like the relationship between the two characters, especially when the Daddy/boy aspect was introduced without a clear discussion beforehand. I didn’t like the way the story jumped around in the timeline. It made it hard to become invested in these characters as a couple because I felt like I was missing key moments of their growth as both individuals and as a couple. I also had an issue with some plot holes. We are told that Tyler cannot leave Foggy Basin without permission from the sheriff due to the conditions of his parole, to the point where they specifically mention that they had to get permission to go to a neighboring town to pick up a prescription from the pharmacy. This restriction apparently didn’t exist in the beginning when Tyler and his mother take Mosby to a neighboring town so he can be checked out at the urgent care clinic after his accident. Overall I just didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to after reading the description.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read. Foggy Basin is a multi author series about life in a small California town. Shear Bliss is the first of the books that I read and I look forward to reading the others.
When Tyler was 17, he was the accidental get-away driver in a liquor store robbery. Just a few months out of prison where he trained as a barber, he lives above his mom's salon. One day an 'unhoused' man trips outside on the broken step of the stoop. Mosby gave up the life of a high powered artist when his partner of 10 years commits suicide. He's moved into his grandparent's vacation home, hiding from his agent and the art world.
There's instant attraction, age gap and some Daddy/boy exploration in this story. Tyler's a virgin and Mosby is so patient, so caring with him. Definitely a slow burn. When they do get together, the bedroom scenes are more sweet than spice. Excellent secondaries and really good worldbuilding.
There's a little peek into the parole system which is quite positive. Tyler bears no ill will towards anyone. Except himself. Mosby helps him to learn to love himself. Just a little angst.
So sweet. Lots of fun to read. Sam E Kraemer crafts wonderful stories. Can't wait for more.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shear Bliss by Sam E Kraemer is a compelling narrative with well-developed characters and just the right amount of sizzle. I was particularly drawn to the plot, especially how young Tyler navigates his reentry into small-town life as a hairdresser at his mum’s salon after serving five years in prison. Despite his circumstances, Tyler comes across as a genuinely sweet guy—far from being a delinquent or hardened criminal. He accepts his punishment and the constraints of life on parole with remarkable grace and resilience.

The relationship between Tyler and Mosby, the reclusive artist he connects with, is beautifully portrayed. Mosby is an ideal match for Tyler, offering him a safe space to explore intimacy after his difficult experiences in prison. Their gradual journey towards closeness feels authentic, with Mosby’s gentle Daddy vibe adding just the right touch without overwhelming the dynamic. The balance between Tyler's past and his inexperience, paired with Mosby's nurturing presence, makes for a heartwarming and engaging story.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!

I loved this book! The story of Tyler and Mosby is sweet, sassy, and a whole lot of wonderful! The two meet when Mosby has a bit of a fall outside the salon where Tyler works. Mosby is in town hiding out after the loss of his long term partner the year before. One look at Tyler has him tripping over the front step and ending up spending the night in Tyler’s care. I love how their relationship develops as the story unfolds. Tyler’s got some sassy coworkers who add some laughter to the tale that I absolutely enjoyed! The closer Tyler and Mosby get, the more Tyler worries but Mosby is kind and caring and makes sure Tyler knows just how special he is. Tyler’s mom has a secret she’s been keeping and I love how supportive Mosby is when Tyler learns the truth. The two make an amazing pair and when all the truths are out in the open, they get the chance to move on to an amazing happily ever after.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

For both Tyler and Mosby Foggy Basin is currently home and each is trying to recover from something tough. Mosby was a successful artist who has gone off grid after the death of his partner of 10 years. Tyler was with the wrong folks at the wrong time and gets implicated as the get-away driver from a robbery. He was not complicit but he was convicted, goes to prison and while there learns to be a barber. When he returns to Foggy Basin he works in his mother's salon and lives above it. Tyler wants to get on with his life but others around are all too willing to remind him about his unfortunate experience. Their meeting when Mosby is in town and trips sets in motion a slow burn attraction/connection that helps them together move forward in their respective lives. They are quite literally what each one needed in his life. Lovely!
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was pretty much just OK for me. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I’d be willing to give another book a try. The copy I read was an ARC so I don’t know if the errors I encountered were fixed or not. There were a couple (or more) major time-line inconsistencies that took me out of the story. They weren’t bad enough for me to stop reading but I think this book could benefit from another edit.

I did enjoy the story. The daddy/boy relationship could have benefitted from a bit more explanation; it kind of came out of nowhere. This was a short novel/long novella length book so that might be why the relationship wasn’t explored more.

While I didn’t love this story, I didn’t hate it either and I would definitely try another book from this author.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author series Foggy Basin. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone. This book is about Mosby Leslie and Tyler Rockwell. Mosby is an established painter who has been hiding in his family's cabin for the past year. He is trying to get over the death of the man he loved. Tyler is a young ex-con who works at his mother's hairdressing shop. He learned to cut hair in prison. He made a foolish mistake in his youth and it seems like no one in town will ever let him move past it. Until he meets Mosby when he falls on the salon steps. This is this story. Tyler and Mosby had a lot of chemistry between them. The story didn't draw me in as much as books by this author usually do. The book is written well and easy to read. A cute small town romance.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the general idea of this book, I was thrown for a bit of a loop as it went along. The Daddy/boy dynamic was added kind of randomly in the middle of the book without really any lead up or expectation that it was coming, and I didn't feel like it really matched the characters I was reading. I liked the idea of Tyler trying to get back into his life after making a mistake at seventeen (which I actually did think was excessive considering he put an end to things and it was a first offense; such a big sentence seemed a bit nuts to me). I liked the idea of Mosby/Leslie trying to find himself again after losing his partner. Together, they were great and made sense. I really like Sam E. Kraemer's books, so I think this one was just wasn't my favorite. I will continue to read their books, though.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet! Mosby, an artist suffered an unexplained unexpected loss of his partner, Alistaire. He chose to hide in an inherited cabin of his GrandFather. Tyler, is an ex con who made a mistake when he was 17 and was sent to prison. When he got out, he works in his Mom's beauty shop. He hopes to have customers one day who are not weary of him. Mosby, is instantly entranced when he meets Tyler, who is a younger man. This is a nice story of Tyler and Mosby, getting to know each other while each man is carrying secrets from their past. The author does a good job telling the story of Tyler's experience re-entering society, while Mosby is trying to excape hiding from his past pain. Great supporting characters. Tyler and Mosby are sweet men. A few surprises and a not so fun adventure. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

✂Mild Daddy vibes, appealing couple🎨😊

A good story with well-developed characters and some nice sizzle.
I really went for this plot, particularly the way young Tyler is coping with his reentry into small-town life as a hairdresser at his mom's salon after serving five years in prison. Tyler is a really sweet guy, in no way a delinquent or hardened criminal, and he accepts his punishment and the constraints on his life as a parolee with good grace. Mosby, the reclusive artist he pairs up with, was a good match. I thought their gradual steps to greater intimacy in view of Tyler's encounters with his cellmate in prison and his otherwise inexperience were just the right touch and the Daddy vibe for Mosby was not too pronounced, at a degree that suited me.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not expecting the Daddy/boy aspect. Usually. Sam E. Kramer is one of my go to writers, but this is not one of her better efforts. I realize she needed the incarceration experience. As a first-time juvenal offender that drove the getaway car straight to the police station, the most he would have got is a couple of years' probation. Not sent to a high security adult prison for eight years when the actual
armed robbers only got nine years.
Other than that, it was sweet to see poor Tyler coming into his own. His personal growth and gained confidence were heartwarming. Seeing Mosby being able to move beyond his partner's betrayal and suicide, and find his art and love again made my soul smile.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just a big ball of good feelings, I love that. Both characters are wonderful. Though the drama actually happened off screen and before we meet up with these characters, which I do like, it was a shadow throughout the story but not always pressing. Again, I liked that. The characters are all strong and very much likable. This book pulled me in, into the storyline and into the lives of our heroes, in the best possible way. Easy to read, easy to get involved in and extremely easy to like, the storyline and the characters, both. A job well done and a story well told. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, heartwarming story about redemption. Tyler has a lot to recover from. He needs something in his life-an anchor to keep him grounded, perhaps. Mosley needs someone to bring him out of the hole he dug for himself.
Tyler is far more resilient than he gives himself credit for. It’s not really surprising, given what he’s been through. The way he rises to the new challenges posed is fantastic.
Mosley has it harder in some ways. Death is final. Trying to get past all that went wrong between him and his late partner, and all the baggage that entailed is bound to get anyone down.
I love the relationship dynamic they build for themselves. Good read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is an ex-con working as a barber in his mom's beauty salon. A famous painter, Mosby, hits his head on the salon's step and fakes amnesia to be close to Tyler. Mosby is instantly smitten by the angel and his feelings help him recover from his tragic past. Tyler is an innocent despite his past and adorably loving and protective. This is the sweetest book, full of tenderness and a surprising Daddy/Boy relationship develops. I loved this book! I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age gap romance

Tyler and Mosby were sweet together and I liked them as a couple. Their histories were defining them and it took meeting each other for them to be able to move on and truly live again.
There were some continuity errors, Tyler's sentence and imprisonment wasn't at all believable for his age and crime, and the groundwork for the Daddy/boy aspect of their relationship wasn't laid down very well even though it was Daddy/boy lite.
I liked their HEA, and I would love to read Ramon and German's story, even though we already know the outcome.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I feel hard for this wonderfully tender and heart warming book. The main characters, Tyler and Mosby, each have issues, but together they love adn support one another. I love how Mosby fakes his memory after falling at Tyler place of business so that he can be with this man he has an instant attraction. I loved him helping Tyler, the ex con, realize that he is worthy of love. A feel good sweet romance that raises the bar in this series. Great supporting characters makes this an even more fun read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute addition to this new multi author series. Tyler was recently released from prison and meets older artist, Mosby, after he trips over a broken step. I liked the idea of these two together, but it happened rather quickly. The Daddy/boy addition surprised me because it didn’t seem to fit these two well. Tyler’s mom kinda irritated me with the big secret she was keeping. Tender hearted Tyler forgave his mom and Beau a little too easily. The epilogue was sweet and I was very happy to see these two found their HEA.

I received an arc from GRR for my honest review

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the two main characters and the author does an excellent job making their connection feel authentic despite happening quickly. Tyler is recently paroled and working in his mother’s salon when he meets artist in hiding Mosby. I find prison themes so sad, so this had quite a melancholy tone for me. Tyler and Mosby’s story is ultimately quite hopeful though, and sweet. Tyler definitely deserves a happy ending and this was a pretty satisfying one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love small town settings and Foggy Basin is definitely one of the better ones.This was an excellent addition to the series and loved the relationship development between Tyler and Mosby. When they meet it's instant attraction and loved how Mosby is so patient and caring with Tyler who is alot younger and a virgin! Some really sweet scenes between them with some Daddy play aspect. Great read and looking forward to more in this series.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of small town, grumpy/sunshine and amnesia stories and I've gotten to know Foggy Basin from other books in this series so this story was right up my alley. It was so sad seeing Mosby painting Foggy Basin from a distance - looking down on a life he felt unable to take part in. When his accident and pretend amnesia give him a chance to spend time with Tyler it was lovely to watch their relationship grow. I thought the author handled the revelation of the truth between these two perfectly.

[Susan Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really loved the beginning of the book. Mosby's story and how he ended up in Foggy Bottom. Tyler's story was tragic as well. They were cute together. I enjoyed about 2/3 of the book then when it went to Daddy and brat it was like suddenly Tyler was a different character. It put me off. In some points he was so strong working in his mother's salon, then he was down on himself when he thought every move Mosby was going to walk out on him, he was a little timid meeting new people, but then he was a little jerk meeting Beau.

My opinion only.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story! I loved Tyler and Mosby! My heart went out to both these guys for the things they had went through and/or still going through. They make such an adorable couple! It made my heart happy when they found each other! I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and couldn’t put it down! A few twists in there that made it even sweeter! Very enjoyable book that I highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m yet to read any of the other books in this series, but this age-gap, daddy/boy romance was a good read. Mosby and Tyler both have pasts to overcome and are perfect for each other. For some reason, I found it hard to like Mosby at first, which is very unusual for me with this author, but I softened towards him as their story went on, and I thought the secondary characters added a lot of interest. Recommended as a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. Tyler and Mosby were both likable mc’s. Tyler brought Mosby back to life and gave him purpose. Mosby supported Tyler and gave him confidence. I wasn’t expecting the daddy/boy dynamic even if it was “lite”. I also thought Tyler’s sentence didn’t seem realistic given his age and the fact that he turned them in. I liked Ramon and German and am curious about their story. I would recommend this book despite a few little issues.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the blurb I was expecting Mosby to be a real Danny Downer but I was super pleasantly surprised by his character. Tyler is such a great young man and in my opinion, which is important to maybe just me, he is hard done by in his past. However Mosby does nothing but support and encourage Tyler to be the best person he possibly can. It's a super sweet and romantic story and I loved it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.