Codename: Dustoff

by Willow Sanders

Emmett

I have one word for the holiday season. Ba-humbug! It’s the same song for me every year. Another holiday alone. Not that I want to, but when you only have one arm, there aren't many ladies waiting for me under the mistletoe. Until I meet Amelia at an amputee support group. Not only is she beautiful and a bad ass, but she understands what it's like to feel incomplete. Except she's fresh from the battlefield with a forty-meter perimeter around her heart.

Amelia

I didn’t need amputee kumbaya. Every soldier goes into battle knowing the risk, even me. At least I got to come home. Being home at Christmastime was just a discomfort I’d have to get through. I hadn’t expected to meet a one-armed bar owner with a charming smile and a devil-may care attitude that made it all too easy to forget the crushing guilt of surviving.

When insecurities surface, will the pair be able to heal and find the love they both so desperately seek? Can two people who have seemingly given up on themselves, find purpose once again?


This winter, eleven sexy soldiers are coming home for the holidays! They're brave, they're strong, and they have been missed! Join in for surprise reunions, homecoming parades, Christmas tree lightings, and cocoa by the fire. These uniformed warriors are making up for lost time, and insta-love is in season.

Genres: Military Fiction, Holiday

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

About the author

Most of these are always written in third person, as if the author isn't the one actually writing them. So, I'm going to be a rule-breaker and write it in first person instead. I'm a native Chicagoan, vegetarian, and lover of big words. I randomly burst out into song, and have been known to carry on entire conversations (with those worthy of the challenge) in song lyrics. The same can also be said for movie quotes. I'm quirky, sarcastic, I've been told at times I can be a bit esoteric, but overall I'd rather be dancing in the rain than waiting for the storm to pass.


And I LOVE connecting with people- so go on, hit the "friend" button. :)

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

'This is our reality. Moving through life as less than whole in the eyes of the world.'

Far from your typical holiday romance, this was a deeply emotional gripping love story of two people who 'drew the short stick in the poor unfortunate souls lottery'.

When Amelia is forced to attend an amputee support group to 'get better at coping' with her crushing guilt of surviving the battlefied and her new life without one leg, she regards the attendance as an eight-week sentence in purgatory that made latrine duty at Shank seem like the better option.
She certainly didn't need any amputee kumbaya and was better off without it.
But even she can't resist her newly appointed fellow amputee partner Emmett, who is not only nosier than an old widow on her front porch in summer but also challenges her to come out of her comfort zone. He dares her to live instead of just cope.

And this is how their story begins. One of acceptance and healing, courage and love. A heartfelt and impactful love story that sets in the limelight not only the hardships people like them have to face, or the ridicule to which they are at times subjected, but also a less encountered topic. That of female sexual disfunction. Something that I truly appreciated, since not all women out there have that perfectly portrayed sexual response.

As the mother of a disabled son, I find myself drawn to books with disabled characters and set on a special shelf those which not only realistically portray disability, but also impart that empowering vibe of 'you can do it'. It may take a while and you may have to struggle, and the road may be hard as hell, but you CAN do it. You CAN LIVE and not just cope. And this book here does it beautifully.

According to the author's note, this book has been meant to honour all the men and women in uniform. But with it, the author does much more than that. She honours all differently abled people out there. And she sends a clear message that touches the hearts of all people living with a disability. She reminds us that, even though life 'punches you in the gut and makes you feel like you'll never be whole again,' it's not the end of the world and you can do it. Grit your teeth, adapt and carry on, because it is worth it.

And if there is another Emmett out there, I'm already staking a claim. Emmett's my man!

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmett lost an arm at work and Amelia lost a leg in the army. They attend the same support group for amputees and get partnered for an assignment in which they are supposed to give each other feedback for their typical coping mechanisms. A snowstorm puts them in close proximity for a while. They explore their feelings for one another but Amelia finds out that there was some nerve damage that affects her sexual experience as well.

I liked the portrayal of the complicated emotions that they had regarding their disabilities (I don't think I've ever read a romance starring two amputees before); but everyone psychoanalysed each other a lot here and some of it didn't sound like organically developing unrehearsed conversations that people would naturally have.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma is different for everyone, how we handle it, how we adapt to the results, and how we move forward. Amelia and Emmett are living their lives after accidents have taken a piece of them. We are joining their stories as she joins a support group as part of her rehabilitation. We get an emotional ride as together they work to heal. As a team, they make each other stronger.

This book is a quick holiday season read and part of a multi-author series.

Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Romance Reads Reviewed by K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Codename: Dustoff: Soldiers For Christmas by Willow Sanders is not your typical holiday romance. It's a story about two people trying to pick up their lives after being in a life-changing accident. It shows how these people find each other and find comfort and understanding, but it also gives insight into what soldiers/amputees/people with pain go through. It shows how much their lives change, how they deal with it differently, and how the world's behavior affects them.
This wasn't a lighthearted read, but it wasn't dark or heavy either. Good and bad moments get switched off, and love, compassion is a red thread throughout the story. It is easy fluently written and easy to read. It isn't super long (182 pages), but it is a super addictive read.
It is important to normalize people who don't look like what society has deemed normal. That's what Codename: Dustoff does and is an excellent reason to read it. Next to that, this story also is a beautiful, sweet, emotional holiday romance that engrossed me from the first page.

I received a copy from the author but voluntarily left my honest review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply emotional story with strong characters in Amelia and Emmett. The author does a great job developing their story as she brings them together. It's a story of two amputees who support one another and fall in love along the way. It's a heartwarming Christmas romance that had me glued to the pages reading. Highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia was an amputee ex special forces veteran who gets referred to a support group. There she is introduced to fellow amputee Emmett.
This is a heart felt, feel good story about two people with big issues who need each other. Both lean on the other while working through problems.
I loved the chemistry between Amelia and Emmett. I also liked the advice from the support group, and how it applied to them. It actually was good for thought.
This was a special story, thought provoking, and absolutely wonderful characters and an interesting storyline. Fantastic book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was an amazing story. An emotional rollercoaster. I could not put it down! Amelia was wounded in war and lost her leg while Emmett had lost his arm in an accident a decade before. They met at a support group. Their navigation through trauma and coping mechanisms and life and love were truly inspiring and heartbreaking but heartwarming. My review will not do this story justice. The HEA was beautiful

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a military romance . This book have a lot of insecurities and guilt . Emmett doesn't want to be alone for Christmas . He feels what woman want a man with one arm he just want to be loved . Then he meets Amelia at the amputee support group. Amelia lost a leg in the battlefield and feels guilty that she survive. Emmett and Amelia have great chemistry and the storyline is great . This book is a great read .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and moving read. 4.5 stars.

This was a fascinating, insightful exploration of the difficulties faced by the main characters who have amputations, and their journey towards overcoming them. I enjoyed that this wasn’t the entire focus - that they also had baggage from their pasts that impacted on their coping mechanisms, but ultimately they were able to overcome and find love and acceptance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal military romance. I loved the fact that this book was about a female soldier and one who was injured in the line of duty. The whole amputee storyline was just so emotional and gave this story a more profound depth. I was enthralled from the beginning and throughout. A must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping and emotional book. This is not an easy read as it deals with trauma but this book is also heartwarming as both Amelia and Emmett fight for themselves as well as each other to get to their new normal. These two do not have an easy road but they do get a much deserved HEA. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us an emotional story that pulls us into the lives of Amelia and Emmett. They are each missing a limb and trying to manage life. They have a connection but each will have to confront their issues before they can have a healthy relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a story of coming home. This one takes you on an emotional journey from start to finish. So glad Amelia and Emmett found and completed each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Codename: Dustoff" by Willow Sanders
Get Hooked on this Engrossing Read !!
I don't know how to write my feelings regarding this story. It is a holiday, military, contemporary romance story that gives one a little bit of insight into the recovery from physical trauma. It is not a fun read. Yet it is an engrossing read that had me very much invested in the Emmett and Amelia romance possibility, as well as, a glimpse into the recovery from physical trauma that leaves one an amputee. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story via BookSprout.
This review expresses my honest opinion

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's different ways or jobs to cause amputees. Amelia lost her leg overseas in Aftganistan and to say she's bitter is an understatement. Emmett lost his arm up to th shoulder working on the railroad. It's a long way for these two, but perserverance has a way. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - the emotional roller coaster contained within the pages of this story is incredible. I loved Emmett in Beards on Tap so I was happy to see he had his own story and what a story. Amelia and Emmett truly do fit together to complete the perfect puzzle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Soldier for Christmas love story for Emmett and Amelia. This book is about one solider woman that lost her leg and a regular guy that lost his arm. These two meet and help heal each other. I loved how they help each other making each other better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane]

Such a tender, heartfelt book - without losing the depth of emotion that you’d expect from a story about trauma and loss. And so hopeful, not mired in drama. (Extra bonus for the care given to a female veteran who suffers from nerve pain affecting her sexual life, something the author understands personally.)

The characters had such clear backstories. Emmett seemed almost too good to be true, too well-adjusted at times… but that turns out to be a big part of his character, adapting rather than causing any fuss. And then it becomes clear that this was part of his life before his injury, too, coming from years of relying on food pantries and whatever happened to be available. It all clicked.

Same with Amelia, right down to resisting because of her place in a large family. I come from the same kind of family, so I could relate: feeling the love but also chafing at the inability to get what you need . At some point it just becomes normal to fight for pride in surviving without anyone else’s help.

A few minor spots felt light on details, but they’re mostly logistical - who all is in such a small support group? why are there no other vets? are there other leg amputees or those with very visible prostheses who could share their similar experiences? does she use crutches when she isn’t wearing her prosthesis? I feel like the rest of the story answers the questions about the meat of these characters’ lives to show their struggles as well as their accomplishments.

This is the kind of book that surprised me into thinking more about my own life experiences, even though I didn’t share the same things that set these characters apart. It’s thoughtful and well-thought-out. Plus it’s just nice to see stories where the MCs are won over by kindness and care: true attention to what they need.

Isn’t that the kind of wish fulfillment
we all need?

[LiLu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope.

This story was extremely focused on Emmit. This story was supposed to be about Amelia. She was the Dustoff. Considering the military topic and missing a limb, not to mention being female, a huge opportunity to embrace her, went right thru the window, and that was a shame.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I like the style of books where it has military members that are recovering and recouping. And I love the fact that it showed years of trying before something clicked, because that's what happens. And I love the fact that they were willing to forcibly put her into a mental health area. If she didn't try this one last thing because it saddens me every time I hear about another service member that takes their own life. Or that goes down the addiction rabbit hole and doesn't get the help that they need. But honestly, that happens in mainstream medical health too.But I love how they found new things, and they jumped right in to get help. And the Eureka moment of oh, wow, all these doctors have an available space in a couple of hours. Let's jump on this heck, Yeah. I've had those moments where the kids had specialists. That all of a sudden came up with an opening, and I ran to make sure that they got into it. And I completely get how she would be like, all right. Let's do this because it doesn't matter what kind of medical help there is when they actually have openings. You run. You don't walk. And I really enjoyed how this story touched on multiple different things.
Especially in the mental health and medical, along with neurological, because a lot of people don't understand that people that have lost limbs have severe neurological issues. A lot of the time there is very rarely a case when they don't And that's just from me, hearing stories from my cousin, who is a prosthetic engineer. And anytime you have neurological issues, there's always more to it. Because we don't have the neurological pathways. All mapped out, and then there's the weird genetic anomaly. People that have
Either more or less neurological pathways than the average, or they don't go where most peoples would. That's even more hectic. Thank you for writing this very enlightening. And uplifting story
I think more people need to know that regardless of your service member or not losing a limb is never easy.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and intense....but so worth the tears

Codename:Dustoff by Willow Sanders is part of the multi-author Soldiers for Christmas series. Get your box of tissues out before you read this emotional story as you will need a few. The story finds two people who have both suffered life altering accidents connecting in a way that is soul deep. Amelia was int he Army until an IED blast took her leg. She may be back States side but she is not really coping with what happened. So she is given one final option, go to a therapy group as part of her rehabilitation or she will end up in inpatient care. She may be really resistant, thinking the group will do her no good, but there she meets Emmett. He lost an arm when he worked for the railway in a rail yard accident. Since then he copes the best he is able to, which in some respects is not healthy at all. Amelia and Emmett are paired for an exercise at a group meeting and things get intense, emotional and more from there.

This is a story that is different from Willow Sanders. It deals with a subject matter that has a lot of weight emotionally and she does a great job of putting that in the pages. But there is also a lot of change, feelings, perceptions, friendship, love, romance, and even toughness. I really enjoyed this story and the characters.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Contina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Cheesy at All

I was interested in Emmett's HEA after reading Beard on Tap. He was such an insightful side character with his best friend, Finn. He just had a way about him that I was intrigued to learn more about him. What fascinated me the most about Emmett was his thoughtfulness which led me to believe that was simply who he was before his life changing incident. I think that losing his arm and his father's lack of knowledge as to caring for his son, made Emmett tune in more to others needs.
This made him a "perfect" partner for Amelia, a recent Army vet that was in a life changing tragedy. Many in her unit lost their lives, while she lost a portion of her leg, it was so much deeper than that. Amelia wasn't just dealing with challenges of a new way to maneuver her body but her way of thinking too.
This book really opened my eyes and my way of thinking. I know. I have never experienced this type of tragedy that Emmett and Amelia had, but it has definitely made me more aware of the stories around me. I also loved that Amelia really worked with her team of care doctor to learn more about her new body.
I'm glad Emmett and Amelia did eventually found their sweet spot with one another.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HFN
Standalone, interconnected theme, a collaboration of different authors about soldiers

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger warnings
Amputee
Military trauma and injury / PTSD
War

Emmett (mmc, From Beard on Tap [BoT] )
Amelia (mfc, veteran)
Gemini (from BoT, with Finn)
Finn (from BoT, Emmett's best friend)

Amelia is not progressing in her acceptance of her injury from an IED 3 years ago, and her military leaders force her to attend 8 weeks of group therapy. Emmett tries to be nice and include her, but she is still very angry and not in the right frame of mind to accept. She's rather rude to him but he keeps trying. Until he doesn't. He basically called her out without directly addressing her. Then she ends up stranded at his house due to a snowstorm and a mild car accident. Their journey was heartbreaking, educational, and soul-cleansing. So many tears in the book, it's a good thing I read ebooks not paperbacks, as the paper would have been soaked.


*I'm glad to see authors writing books about female soldiers.*

[Talisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels like such an honor that I finished Codename DustOff by Willow Sanders right on the verge of Veterans Day. 🇺🇸

This story was truly eye-opening. I’ll be hones; amputees are something I knew very little about, so reading from that perspective was both humbling and inspiring. Seeing the characters’ thoughts and feelings, especially around how they’re treated by others, really made me reflect. Sometimes when people try to be kind, it can still come across differently and this book captures that so well.

I also appreciated the raw honesty around intimacy. Amelia opened up about her struggles in a way that made sex feel real, which is not always picture-perfect like in so many other stories. The romance was sweet, with just a sprinkle of Christmas charm, but what stood out most was the emotional truth behind it all.

For me, this wasn’t just a romance, it was a reminder of resilience, vulnerability, and how much there is to learn when you listen to voices outside your own experience.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Sanders joins the amazing Soldiers for Christmas multi-author series with the beautifully-written, emotional, sweet and steamy romance, Codename: Dustoff. Amelia is an amputee, having lost her leg due to an IED in Afghantistan while on active duty. Emmett lost his arm in an accident working the railway. When the two meet in a support group in small-town hill country, they don't exactly hit it off. However, they quickly discover that they balance one another out - and a simmering attraction explodes when a snowstorm strands Amelia in town. But navigating through their respective journeys to healing is not easy - but as Emmett and Amelia discover so beautifully in this poignant novel, it is worth everything to have someone who has your back no matter what standing by your side. A wonderfully emotional holiday romance I highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Codename: Dustoff is a story that pulls at your heart from the start and keeps a tight grip on it to the end. Amelia served in the military and gave so much. Emmett lives in a town where you lived to work on the rail where things happen. Amelia lost her leg, Emmett lost and arm.... they both coped they best they thought they could. When they meet in a support group, their view on themself and how others treated them was different.

This is a great story that will make you stop and think. The struggles and how Amelia and Emmett cope about the loss of their limbs, talks about their personalities, but also shows their strengths. I teared up at the end as feeling and understanding started to come full circle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmett and Amelia are both amputees who are dealing with some issues. When they meet at a support group for amputees, they instantly clash. But when they’re paired together for the remaining eight weeks of the program, Emmett and Amelia must figure out a way to work together. As they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly. But will Amelia’s trauma keep them from being together?

Okay, so this is my second time reading something by Willow Sanders, and I was not disappointed! I loved Emmett in “Beard on Tap,” and I was so excited to see that he was getting his own story. Emmett and Amelia’s relationship has its ups and downs, but the way they feel about each other is definitely worth fighting for. I loved watching Amelia slowly begin to heal, and I loved how Emmett was incredibly patient with her as she worked through her trauma. I would definitely recommend!

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia lost a leg in an IED blast. Her coping skills, or lack there of, leave much to be desired and is sent to an amputee support group where she meets Emmett. He lost an arm in a rail yard accident. The two are paired up for an exercise but Amelia isn’t convinced it will do anything for her. Once Emmett and Amelia recognize the reasons why they resort to adapting and resisting respectively, it felt like they took a giant step forward. This story wasn’t super heavy, but I still got in my feelings. The characters went through a metamorphosis of sorts throughout the book. Amelia and Emmett were able to step out of their comfort zones and and give themselves the chance to find their HEA.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia lost her leg and is not progressing with moving ahead as her RCC would like, she tells her this is the last option before inpatient care. She must go to a therapy group for civilians, there is not one for vets near, she must attend eight straight meetings.

Emmett lost his arm a long time ago, the two are paired as they are polar opposites on how they deal with their disability. This is not your usual romance, there are a lot of road blocks along the way. There is a lot the both have to still deal with, some a physical limitations.

This was a great story, watching Amelia growing into a more open person than one who kept everything and everyone at bay.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intensely beautiful emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings as we are drawn into Emmett and Amelia's lives. Amelia lost her leg in an IED blast and she's not making progress when it comes to moving ahead so her RCC sends her to an amputee support group. There she meets Emmett who lost his arm a long time ago in a rail yard accident they're paired up for an exercise but Amelia's convinced it's not going to do anything for her. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this emotional holiday romance to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.