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Bitterroot Montana Veterans #1
Bitter Haven
Previously published as Love, Coffee & Cars.
A woman who lost everything in the fires of war.
After losing her husband to a bomb in Afghanistan, military veteran Erin Moore runs home to Marcus, Montana. To keep his memory alive, she follows their dream of opening a classic car garage and coffee shop, but building a successful business is hard. Hiring Ryan Walsh was her best decision so far. He’s dedicated, smart—and ridiculously appealing. But acting on her attraction to the much younger man is a huge risk for her business—and her battered heart.
A man battling the ghosts of the battlefield.
After a mortar attack took Airman Ryan Walsh’s health and high-tech career in one blast, he went home to lick his wounds. Trying to adjust to civilian life, he drifts through a series of minimum wage jobs. Then Erin hires him and his past roars to life, especially his longing for the fiery redhead. But he’s too broken for any woman, let alone a successful business owner.
When a brutal attack forces them together, sparks fly. Will the fire bond them forever or burn them to ashes?
A woman who lost everything in the fires of war.
After losing her husband to a bomb in Afghanistan, military veteran Erin Moore runs home to Marcus, Montana. To keep his memory alive, she follows their dream of opening a classic car garage and coffee shop, but building a successful business is hard. Hiring Ryan Walsh was her best decision so far. He’s dedicated, smart—and ridiculously appealing. But acting on her attraction to the much younger man is a huge risk for her business—and her battered heart.
A man battling the ghosts of the battlefield.
After a mortar attack took Airman Ryan Walsh’s health and high-tech career in one blast, he went home to lick his wounds. Trying to adjust to civilian life, he drifts through a series of minimum wage jobs. Then Erin hires him and his past roars to life, especially his longing for the fiery redhead. But he’s too broken for any woman, let alone a successful business owner.
When a brutal attack forces them together, sparks fly. Will the fire bond them forever or burn them to ashes?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2021
174 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Anne M. Scott
10 books25 followersAfter twenty years in the US Air Force, Anne M. Scott traded her sword for a pen. Well, a laptop. She writes about strong women and men, love that grows slowly in small western towns, with suspense, action and adventure, and anything more than kisses behind closed doors.
Anne is lucky to live, hike, and ski in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. On the rare occasions she leaves, Anne volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization. She also writes exciting science fiction as AM Scott and hopeful post-apocalyptic fiction as part of D.C. Layton with Mike Kraus.
Check out her closed-door, slow-build Montana romances at: https://www.amscottwrites.com/ romance/ and signup for her newsletter
Anne is lucky to live, hike, and ski in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. On the rare occasions she leaves, Anne volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization. She also writes exciting science fiction as AM Scott and hopeful post-apocalyptic fiction as part of D.C. Layton with Mike Kraus.
Check out her closed-door, slow-build Montana romances at: https://www.amscottwrites.com/ romance/ and signup for her newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 31, 2024
Erin Moore has had a trying day. While she has been attending to the mechanical work in the garage of her business, Coffee and Cars, her part-time employee, Tiffany, blithely left having checked off everything on the done list, without having done anything. As Erin finishes all the tasks, she thinks to herself for the hundredth time, “If only I could find someone responsible.”
So opens Bitter Haven, author Anne M. Scott's novel about Marcus, a small town in the shadows of the mountains of Montana. Marcus is a welcoming place, where kids have grown up, gone to serve their Country, and some have been lucky enough to return to make it their home. Others have lived there for many years.
Erin Moore, nee Murphy, met her husband, Sargent Michael Moore, in the Air Force in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, only she returned to Marcus with Michael's favorite hot rod and his tools. Her business, however, also serves as a Veterans' group meeting place for those seeking healing.
At the other end of town, Ryan Walsh, who recently returned from Afghanistan, is struggling to fit into a job at Kelly's Auto Parts. Missing most of one arm as a result of combat, he feels like he'll never be good enough. When the owner, Jim, sends him to Coffee and Cars to give a transmission kit to ‘Aaron’, he is completely embarrassed to find out that Aaron is a woman named Erin and runs out of the store without an explanation.
The magic of Bitter Haven happens between these two people, both trying to find their way in the world. By getting to know each other and experiencing compassion, curiosity, and kindness while exploring the vast reaches of Mountainous beauty that is Montana; Erin, and Ryan can forgive those who have hurt them and forgive themselves for wanting to give up.
Erin's and Ryan's friends are unique and helpful. From baking the best cupcakes in town, being a security and surveillance wizard, to being a crackerjack lawyer, their friends pull together to help solve issues facing them. After a while, life begins to be much easier to navigate.
Author Anne M. Scott’s reverence for life comes through loud and clear in her careful portrayal of the aftermath of war, her love of the wilderness, and her emphasis on giving back to the community. Bitter Haven is a beautiful book. I highly recommend it.
So opens Bitter Haven, author Anne M. Scott's novel about Marcus, a small town in the shadows of the mountains of Montana. Marcus is a welcoming place, where kids have grown up, gone to serve their Country, and some have been lucky enough to return to make it their home. Others have lived there for many years.
Erin Moore, nee Murphy, met her husband, Sargent Michael Moore, in the Air Force in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, only she returned to Marcus with Michael's favorite hot rod and his tools. Her business, however, also serves as a Veterans' group meeting place for those seeking healing.
At the other end of town, Ryan Walsh, who recently returned from Afghanistan, is struggling to fit into a job at Kelly's Auto Parts. Missing most of one arm as a result of combat, he feels like he'll never be good enough. When the owner, Jim, sends him to Coffee and Cars to give a transmission kit to ‘Aaron’, he is completely embarrassed to find out that Aaron is a woman named Erin and runs out of the store without an explanation.
The magic of Bitter Haven happens between these two people, both trying to find their way in the world. By getting to know each other and experiencing compassion, curiosity, and kindness while exploring the vast reaches of Mountainous beauty that is Montana; Erin, and Ryan can forgive those who have hurt them and forgive themselves for wanting to give up.
Erin's and Ryan's friends are unique and helpful. From baking the best cupcakes in town, being a security and surveillance wizard, to being a crackerjack lawyer, their friends pull together to help solve issues facing them. After a while, life begins to be much easier to navigate.
Author Anne M. Scott’s reverence for life comes through loud and clear in her careful portrayal of the aftermath of war, her love of the wilderness, and her emphasis on giving back to the community. Bitter Haven is a beautiful book. I highly recommend it.
July 7, 2024
The storyline was interesting enough to make me want to finish the book. It was a bit slow. I ended up skimming a lot because there was a lot of car and coffee talk. I can’t exactly pinpoint what, but the writing style wasn’t my favorite. I also didn’t like that Erin kept saying she was just another mother to Ryan when she was only 8 years older than him. There were so many signs that he was attracted to her, he even straight up told her, he kissed her neck/ear during a photo, and she still tried to deny that he liked her. It was odd to me. Overall, I did like the idea of the story. The execution was a bit off.
May 15, 2023
Good book. The romance was developed more than the mystery. The mystery was going along just fine, then fizzled out at the end.
February 3, 2023
Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 1/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
1st kiss: +-84% in
Humor: 1/5
Cry factor: 0/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 2/5
Positive thoughts:
- I really loved how the author dealt with our MMC's trauma. The doubts in his head, fears and low confidence were very well portrayed. And I loved how Erin knew how to approach him. She really understood him and it was wonderful to watch them grow together.
- Of course my favorite part was when they went camping, loved the mountain views and this is where the chemistry starts to flourish and things really happen.
- I really loved "meeting" Wiz (the character in the next book), I am so curious to see how the author deals with her trauma.
How I felt:
- I love slow burn, so I was ok with it in this book. The plot was interesting to get me through their denial for each other.
- I did feel a lack of chemistry, but the main characters were so sweet with each other in that "friend" zone it was enough to get through.
- I felt so frustrated with her mother (due to good writing!), I was actually glad they were not on speaking terms by the end of the book. But I have a feeling we'll see more of her and her troubles will be relieved.
Overall:
- This is a clean romance with suspense and PTSD characters.
- It is a fast read and I can say it was an easy read for me, even though it deals with trauma, but it was dealt with lightly and didn't get too heavy.
- A great start to the series, where we meet a few characters of the next books.
Tropes:
- PTSD MMC
- Ex Air Force
- Age gap
- Older FMC
- MMC with disability
- Slow burn
- Mechanic FMC
Chemistry: 1/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
1st kiss: +-84% in
Humor: 1/5
Cry factor: 0/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 2/5
Positive thoughts:
- I really loved how the author dealt with our MMC's trauma. The doubts in his head, fears and low confidence were very well portrayed. And I loved how Erin knew how to approach him. She really understood him and it was wonderful to watch them grow together.
- Of course my favorite part was when they went camping, loved the mountain views and this is where the chemistry starts to flourish and things really happen.
- I really loved "meeting" Wiz (the character in the next book), I am so curious to see how the author deals with her trauma.
How I felt:
- I love slow burn, so I was ok with it in this book. The plot was interesting to get me through their denial for each other.
- I did feel a lack of chemistry, but the main characters were so sweet with each other in that "friend" zone it was enough to get through.
- I felt so frustrated with her mother (due to good writing!), I was actually glad they were not on speaking terms by the end of the book. But I have a feeling we'll see more of her and her troubles will be relieved.
Overall:
- This is a clean romance with suspense and PTSD characters.
- It is a fast read and I can say it was an easy read for me, even though it deals with trauma, but it was dealt with lightly and didn't get too heavy.
- A great start to the series, where we meet a few characters of the next books.
Tropes:
- PTSD MMC
- Ex Air Force
- Age gap
- Older FMC
- MMC with disability
- Slow burn
- Mechanic FMC
February 4, 2023
Erin is still recovering from losing her husband 4 years ago, having left the Air Force and moved back home, she’s started paving her own way. Ryan has scars and PTSD from his time served, having been medically discharged, he’s back home. A chance encounter and a job offer may just change their futures!
I’m not categorizing this as a military romance to myself. It is more literary fiction that has touches of romance. The plot goes far beyond that of a simple romance, and it’s definitely not a cheesy Dear John esque read.
Triggers: SA mentioned, SA attempted, physical assault, PTSD
I wasn’t sure about this book when I’d read the synopsis, but it far bypassed what I had gone into it expecting. Anne is actually a veteran of the Air Force (thank you for your service!) so there weren’t obvious inaccuracies. It was beautifully written and engaging, pulling me right into the book.
I loved the characters and felt for them through their trauma and struggles. The drama that was brought up wasn’t my favorite, but added an element to the story of there being conflict. I enjoyed the setting.
I really liked this book, especially having gone into unsure of it!
This book is not spicy, it is a slow burn and the romance while being a huge part of it, is only a portion of it
I’m not categorizing this as a military romance to myself. It is more literary fiction that has touches of romance. The plot goes far beyond that of a simple romance, and it’s definitely not a cheesy Dear John esque read.
Triggers: SA mentioned, SA attempted, physical assault, PTSD
I wasn’t sure about this book when I’d read the synopsis, but it far bypassed what I had gone into it expecting. Anne is actually a veteran of the Air Force (thank you for your service!) so there weren’t obvious inaccuracies. It was beautifully written and engaging, pulling me right into the book.
I loved the characters and felt for them through their trauma and struggles. The drama that was brought up wasn’t my favorite, but added an element to the story of there being conflict. I enjoyed the setting.
I really liked this book, especially having gone into unsure of it!
This book is not spicy, it is a slow burn and the romance while being a huge part of it, is only a portion of it
April 21, 2024
She has a coffee shop and a car restoration business
There is a guy who is convinced she needs him . . . .NOT!
What she needs is someone to work at the coffee shop and at the restoration business. And when she finds a guy who is willing to do both she hires him, The fact that he is a vet and has a prosthetic arm is not at all a problem. The problem is she is attracted to him! But he is younger than here . . . . and sexual harassment charges could be laid! TRUST ME - YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK! IT IS SUPERB!!! received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
There is a guy who is convinced she needs him . . . .NOT!
What she needs is someone to work at the coffee shop and at the restoration business. And when she finds a guy who is willing to do both she hires him, The fact that he is a vet and has a prosthetic arm is not at all a problem. The problem is she is attracted to him! But he is younger than here . . . . and sexual harassment charges could be laid! TRUST ME - YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK! IT IS SUPERB!!! received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
April 9, 2023
Interesting read with slow romance
I enjoyed this book but the third person perspective threw me off a bit. I am learning that I much prefer first person perspective. I did enjoy the dual perspective of both Erin and Ryan.
This was a super slow burn but you could definitely feel the chemistry between the two MC.
This book is very informative and I learned a lot about veterans and the trauma they face daily.
I would suggest this book to people who enjoy eye-candy guys with baggage and independent female MCs.
I enjoyed this book but the third person perspective threw me off a bit. I am learning that I much prefer first person perspective. I did enjoy the dual perspective of both Erin and Ryan.
This was a super slow burn but you could definitely feel the chemistry between the two MC.
This book is very informative and I learned a lot about veterans and the trauma they face daily.
I would suggest this book to people who enjoy eye-candy guys with baggage and independent female MCs.
March 22, 2025
While I enjoyed the story. it fell short in a few places. Slow Burn would be an understatement and the mystery surrounding the bank, the mother, and the wanna be sleaze is never brought to a head. I really liked meeting Whiz and will consider reading more by this author just to see how she is handled with all her problems. The lack of spices in the 'Romance Department' left me with the feeling that the two MC's are more friends than lovers. But hey, what can I say? I like it real.
April 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I lived in Missoula, MT for a couple years and the Montana setting really made me miss it! She does a good job setting up those small town vibes. I loved the suspense and the slow burn romance! This was such a fun, closed door romance. I love how despite their imperfections Erin and Ryan were able to grow and heal together.
January 31, 2023
I loved this book, BITTER HAVEN aka LOVE, COFFEE, & CARS! Protagonists, Ryan and Erin, are both fully developed, fun, interesting characters while the romantic story line is realistic and entertaining. A romance is all about how you get from A to Z; author Anne M. Scott gets there in style!
February 18, 2023
Inspirational & fun story
This was my first Anne M. Scott book& I enjoyed it immensely. I'm ready for the second in the series. This book was well written and edited. Can't wait to read Wiz's story and keep up with Erin & Ryan, plus find out what is going on at the bank.
This was my first Anne M. Scott book& I enjoyed it immensely. I'm ready for the second in the series. This book was well written and edited. Can't wait to read Wiz's story and keep up with Erin & Ryan, plus find out what is going on at the bank.
July 19, 2023
Bitter Haven
Great story with strong characters, drawing you into the plot. The supporting characters are perfect for this story. Ready for book 2!
Great story with strong characters, drawing you into the plot. The supporting characters are perfect for this story. Ready for book 2!
November 26, 2023
A sweet, romantic suspense with action, adventure, an two damaged veterans who can save each other, if only they give love a chance.
March 22, 2025
really slow burn and a bit repetitive, thought there’d be a bit more mystery
March 28, 2025
a sweet little book that could be a bit tighter and more in-depth.
May 4, 2025
Meh
I liked the story but if lacked action. There was some in the beginning then it just turned into a will they won’t they kind of thing.
I liked the story but if lacked action. There was some in the beginning then it just turned into a will they won’t they kind of thing.
Want to read
June 8, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
June 14, 2025
I like the storyline but there was a lot of fluff that wasn’t needed. Nothing suspenseful ever happened.
January 31, 2023
I loved this book, LOVE, COFFEE, & CARS aka BITTER HAVEN! Protagonists, Ryan and Erin, are both fully developed, fun, interesting characters while the romantic story line is realistic and entertaining. A romance is all about how you get from A to Z; author Anne M. Scott gets there in style!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews