want to extend my gratitude to Bolindaaudio for providing me with the audiobook of *The Boy I Love* by William Hussey. I absolutely adore Alex Wingfield's portrayal of the characters; his narration captures the changes in tone and adapts wonderfully to the various settings. I was particularly in awe of the singing, as I found myself trying to recall the songs while thoroughly enjoying them.

I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this book set during World War II. It is an emotional and thoughtfully crafted story that delves into how individuals cope with their feelings in the midst of war. The novel also tackles important themes such as homophobia, which helps to ground the narrative in its historical context and reflects on past events.

One character I especially like is Private Danny McCormick; his cheekiness provides much-needed light relief throughout the book. The story also follows Second Lieutenant Stephen Racksall as he meets and begins to fall in love with Private Danny McCormick, a fellow soldier who has not yet been hardened by the brutal realities of war. Filled with rich historical detail, Hussey’s novel is both a love story and a heartfelt tribute to the men we lost in one of the most brutal wars of the 20th century.

This is an exquisite book that tells the story of two young men brought together by the challenging conditions of World War I. Among the limited selection of queer novels set during this era, it has quickly become one of my favourites.

#TheBoyILove #WilliamHussey #Audiobook #HistoricalFiction #WorldWarII #QueerLit #LoveStory #AlexWingfield #BookReview #LGBTQ+ #EmotionalRead #WarStories

The Boy I Love is an LGBTQ+ fiction telling the story of forbidden love during WW1.

I am really enjoyed this book.
I find period acurate queer love stories heartbreaking and this mixed with the horrors of the war, really brought home the reality of queer men fighting for a country that wouldn't even allow them to love who they love.
The insta love and the way the main character hastily moved on was slightly unbelievable, but I can overlook this and it didn't take anything away from the story.
I also think the Audio narration is great and very well done.
Looking forward to what’s next from William Hussey!
Thank you

The last William Hussey book I read was a hopeful coming of age story, struck through with humour. In contrast, The Boy I Love is a moving, emotional, well-penned novel filled with swathes of stirring romance, and very occasional moments of levity.

Like all war narratives, this is, and must be, deeply sad. Similarly, this is a novel which is deeply frustrating, to see the homophobia so many of us are aware of play out in the most unfair and heart breaking of ways. Set in the month or so leading up to the Battle of the Somme, The Boy I Love follows Second Lieutenant Stephen Racksall as he meets, and begins to fall in love with, Private Danny McCormick, a fellow soldier not yet scarred by the reality of war. Filled with history, Hussey's novel is at once a love story, and a love letter to the men we lost in one of the most brutal wars of the 20th century.

A lot of the negative reviews I have encountered about this book question the message of this novel, and the implied alternative reality at the crossroads of the plot, after all, is Hussey not positing that a kinder more equitable, more accepting society might have listened to our leads? That, if homophobia hadn't existed, the war might have been shorter, or at least less bloody? To those reviewers, and to anyone who has encountered the same ideas, I would say this: wouldn't it? If our society was not homophobic, racist, misogynistic, and unfair, would not all the tragedies of our history have been different? Wouldn't we have flown earlier, and sailed earlier, and cured illness earlier, if we had allowed all of the people who we, the white, straight, educated majority, looked down upon to help? I think we would. Here's a fact few people know, when doctors (all male & predominantly white) started discussing the possibility of washing their hands between patients it wasn't because one of them had a dream, or was struck by sudden inspiration, it was because they noticed that the patients of midwives, who did wash their hands between patients, had a better survival rate. The knowledge or marginalised people, in this example women, has always been discounted, and in embracing it we, as a society, have been able to improve. I think Hussey's message is powerful, I also think it's reasonable, and fair, and quite possibly true.

This is excellently written, if clearly for a YA audience, and perhaps suffering a little from insta-love. It is also moving, and historically accurate. Hussey has put in the hours, the time in archives, libraries, and museums, to craft a novel which has as much story as it does history, and I hope that this finds its audience. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

This book fully broke me. I went in, expecting to be broken, and just as I could feel myself start to shatter, I thought, hey! Maybe I might not be broken! And then BAM it broke me anyway.

First of all, huge kudos to the audiobook narrator, Alex Wingfield, for the sublime narration. Not only was every character, voice, and accent brilliantly recreated, there were also moments where the characters sing which were beautifully done. The singing was wonderful, but was also done in character. It created such a sense of poignancy, and I had my heart in my throat at some of the more emotional moments where the songs were featured.

The story is an intense, emotional tale, heightened by the emotions of the battlefield. Although the bulk of the plot took place over the course of a few weeks, I really got the sense of how feelings may be accelerated in that environment.

There were so many layers to this story, which not only highlighted the tragedy of the Battle of the Somme (and the incompetency that lead to it), but also examined the classism and discrimination that was rife. Hussey doesn’t shy away from the extent to which homophobia was rampant at that time – some of the most heartbreaking moments are where it is brought to the forefront. But there is also acknowledgement that queer people (including trans people) have always existed, and have often been able to find each other and form safe communities where it’s been possible. It was really valuable to have both ends of this spectrum portrayed.

This is a beautiful book, about two young men thrown together in the worst conditions by circumstance. Of the small sub-genre of queer-WWI-books, this one is already a firm favourite for me. It’s the second book of William Hussey’s that I’ve read, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Another revisit of World War I France
Only at the beginning of this month, I teleported myself to the French trenches in Alice Winn’s In Memoriam. This book was devastating in its amount of quick and detailed deaths. It brilliantly caught the despair and loss of hope during the years of war, but also the comradery between soldiers. This combination made me avid to return to this setting soon. On Netgalley, I had even beforehand found a book that sounded similarly shattering and hopeful. So soon after finishing Winn’s book, I started William Hussey’s audio book.

Continuously sad but also hopeful
In this book, we only follow Stephen on his journey to the trenches and his horrific experience there through a first-person perspective. He already lost his best friend and love to the war, facing the devastation once more when returning to the war side. As he meets freshman Stephen on his way there, he makes it his task to shelter him from breaking apart in a similar way to himself. He did not expect to find himself quickly more attached to the young man and thus risking not only another shattering loss but also to be exposed with his non-normative desires. At the same time, he wins company, hope, and perspective within these terrible times.

Focus on homosexuality in these times
With having read Alice Winn’s In Memoriam recently, it is easier to find defining characteristics of William Hussey’s story. It is set in a relatively short amount of time, focusing on the encounter and eventually romancing of two soldiers afraid of dying but also of being exposed. The focus is less on the cruelty and atrocities of the war itself, with comparably few details in this regard, but on bonding throughout this desperate time. Our characters interact a lot with other soldiers and form bonds of comradery, being supported and scrutinized for their potentially abnormal behavior. In the acknowledgements, the author also notes his focus on telling the unheard stories of homosexual soldiers to make people aware of their existence despite commonly known narratives. And he absolutely succeeded in this goal, telling a moving and hopeful romance in these dark times.

In conclusion
Another book set in the French trenches during the First World War and from a British perspective, this story took me in just as much as Alice Winn’s In Memoriam. It started out with loss and heartbreak and reached some new levels throughout the story, but it generally was set less during conflict and during a shorter span of time. Instead, it focused on the possibility of bonding and falling in love during this horrible time. The conflict was more in the illegality of being homosexual at this time than in the horrific war acts and potential loss of life.

Amazing and beautiful story that was narrated very well. I'm new to audiobooks but I found this to be very entertaining and I'm an immersive reader so I was reading and listening at the same time. This really enhanced my experience. I would highly recommend this one.

I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book and fell head over heels in love with it. I am so thrilled to how report that the audiobook just takes this beautiful story to a new level and is sublime in every way.

Although we do not sell audio books where I work I will be recommending this book in audio and book form.
Stephen has already, at the age of 19, spent a year fighting for his country. He has a medal which he is ashamed of as his whole troop was killed while he played dead under the bodies. When he finally extracted himself a young German soldier was standing guard, Stephen shot him. Full of remorse he goes again to the front, leading a platoon. As if the horrors of WW1 aren’t enough, Stephen is gay. He meets fellow soldier Danny, a smart talented compassionate boy and while war is raging around them a bond forms. This kind of relationship is illegal and they have to be very careful. Having fought for your country doesn’t count for anything if you are labeled a queer..
A heartfelt read, I enjoyed it,

#TheBoyILove #NetGalley

I don't know how to review this book, because up until the midway point I loved it. I overlooked the instalove, suspended my disbelief and just ate up the beautiful prose. The writing itself is stunning, lyrical yet still cutting to the bone in places. Alex Wingfield's narration was superb and certainly made listening to the audiobook enjoyable.

All of that said, somehow the magic fizzled out during the second half. I started to find the romance unbelievable and I found the plot hard to focus on. Things certainly happened. Soldiers were punished, one died due to neglect, and others on the battlefield. Yet, I felt a disconnect from it all. I think perhaps because I didn't find the main character or love interest that engaging and felt the focus was too much on the romance rather than war. If I compare this to my all-time favourite series (The Hunger Games), I would have to say THG handles the balance between YA romance and war exceptionally well and better than this book.

As for the romance, it felt like it formee quite quickly and Michael having died prior to the events in the book felt too convenient. I didn't feel like I knew Michael enough to really care about him and I didn't gel well with Danny either - he seemed quite childish for an 18 year old during a world war. Also, I didn't believe he would get such special treatment in reality. I know it's not always sunny days for him, but he gets away with a lot of attitude that I just don't believe for a moment.

Overall, I think this would suit fans of YA romance more than those looking for a realistic wartime story told from a gay soldier's perspective. It felt like modern day characters were thrust into WW1 and it therefore didn't seem to me like a realistic depiction of being gay during this time. I still enjoyed the beautiful prose, imagery and narration, but everything else fell flat for me. The ending was too rosey and I feel like John Boyne's The Absolutist does a better job at telling this part of history.

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for the ALC.

Truth be told, I'm really not sure why I'm having so much trouble writing this review. I loved the book, I just can't seem to find any sort of words to explain why I did.
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I don't think I've read a book that pulled at my heartstrings quite this much in a while.
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One thing I will say is that I'm not sure Stephen's higher ups quite got their comeuppance for all of their wrongdoings; of which there were many.
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I absolutely adored the romantic relationship between between Stephen and Danny. I also really liked the relationships between members of Stephen's platoon, as well as his platoon and him. One thing that really felt good was the way one of Stephen's higher ups, an officer called Jackson really supported the relationship between Stephen and Danny, and didn't report them, and even tried to help them.
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Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

The Boy I Love is a story that shows the forbidden love between two young British soldiers fighting in the trenches during the height of WW1.

It’s a LGBT focused YA romance in genre (MCs Stephen and Danny are 19 and 18, respectively), but tonally the story is quite weighty, with its vivid and unforgiving portrayal of life in the trenches, and the period-accurate depiction of queer existence, and the often cruel and harrowing prejudices (and unjust ramifications), that gay men of that time often faced.

The writing was strong and the characterisations were excellent, all melding together to enhance the emotional depth of the story being told, while also effortlessly establishing a clear and all-consuming sense of person, place, and time.

It wasn’t an easy read, but it was a beautifully crafted story, which, despite its heavier themes, is one still full of love, hope, brotherhood, sacrifice, and the absolute best of humanity in the face of the absolute worst of humanity.

The audiobook, narrated by Alex Wingfield, was absolutely fantastic. His vocal choices, his SINGING, and the overall emotional gravitas he brought to the characters really helped enhance my experience of the story to new visceral heights. I honestly couldn’t have been more satisfied with his performance if I tried; it was pitch perfect.


***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I knew going into this book, purely by the setting and subject matter, that I was going to be devastated, but oh boy - I was DEVASTATED.

The narration on this audiobook adds to the enjoyment of the book, rather than distracting from it - the different characters were brought to life beautifully, and also i was forced to really sit with the singing sections where I would inevitably just have somewhat skipped over the lyrics in the physical book, which definitely increased my emotional connection to Danny, and his relationship with Stephen.

This will be such an important addition to the library, covering First World War, LGBTQ+ history, and being a beautiful love story.

First of all I just have to say this book cover is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

The Boy I Love is a much needed addition to the rich literary history of the First World War. Equal parts raw and reflective, William Hussey portrays the experiences of two young man already living in an unforgiving world who find themselves in the trenches in the build up to the bloodiest of battles. Stephen and Danny were incredibly compelling characters with complicated pasts and simple desires and hopes for the future. I loved Danny's fire and Stephen's quiet determination. Their connection felt genuine and at times peaceful.

As a reader, it is clear that Hussey has put a great deal of effort in to researching the First World War and captures the futility of the conflict well. Equally, the stark realities of living in post-Edwardian Britain as a gay man aren't shied away from or romanticised.

Alex Wingfield did a wonderful job narrating this novel. The variety of accents performed really helped to highlight how the First World War, particularly by 1916, became a jumble of people across the nation who otherwise might never have met. His singing was also lovely and just how I would have imagined a music hall tune to sound like.

I would definitely recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found Hussey created the perfect balance of hope and joviality against the backdrop of some dark, bleak times and whilst exploring some more shameful elements of our collective past. The characters more than wound their way into my heart, and the expressive writing was such that it made for a very emotional read as well - in fact, the book is now one of a mere handful at which I have cried. Plus, the audiobook narration was incredible. It definitely meant I enjoyed it more than I would have from reading alone, and (given the repetitive nature of the refrain throughout the book) the unaccompanied singing brought literal chills.

All that being said, it's one of those where objective literary standard and subjective enjoyment don't necessarily agree. Digging into it, the novel felt split between being a romance and a historical book without really deciding on one of the two (or successfully merging them). I also struggled to buy into the romance completely (particularly given that the insta-love began before any setting elements may have contributed) and had difficulty equating it with the shadow of Michael's death and the monumental grief suffered there (both from being torn apart and the death). It's not alone in inconsistent character actions, either, and whilst I appreciate the author is trying to offer a multi-perspective take on themes whilst not overwhelming the reader with a slew of characters, I just couldn't buy into several moments.

Overall, however, it was a good story exploring on an important (often overlooked) element of WW1 history that told a story of trench life without the fighting/warfare part dominating the focus. And when recommending, I will definitely encourage seeking out the audiobook version wherever possible - it was terrific.

I knew this story couldn't have a happy ending with the romance being between two young soldiers in a WWI trench. But that didn't make my heart break any less when it ended.

I think this is a really important book both for helping gay readers feel seen and be able to read stories which reflect them but also to help all readers develop empathy for others. Although we know the main character has been in love before, this still felt very much like a first love. He was trying to get to grips with his feelings while also coping with the loss of his childhood friend who had become his first love, PTSD from his earlier service in the war, and the abhorrence of his family at him being gay. On top of that there was the terror of being wrong about his feelings being reciprocated or of someone else noticing him being 'unmanly' or 'deviant' and the prosecution that would ensue.

You can tell William Hussey has spent time researching for this story. It is full of details which help transport you to life in the armed forces, the trenches and war time in general. From the English bandstands shaking when guns fire over the Channel to the descriptions of the remains of soldiers on the barbed wire. The field punishments meted out along the way and the sceptical eye kept open for any 'weak' conchie behaviour.

At this point in the war, many of the soldiers are conscripts. They are forced to be there, whether they are willing to take a life or not. Stephen is considered a veteran at 19 but only signed up because he was forced by his father after his illegal relationship with Michael was discovered. You feel their horror and bewilderment at what is happening.

The men in charge don't seem to know what they are doing, and care little for the lives of the foot soldiers. The villains of the piece are a little pantomime at times. It probably didn't help that I kept envisaging them as Blackadder Goes Forth's Melchett and Darling. While I am mentioning parts I didn't like: some of Danny's actions also seemed a little unlikely, or rather the (lack of) reaction to them by his senior officers. But I can see that Danny was there in a way to show Stephen (and the reader) how ridiculous certain things were. Plus they were teenage boys who knew they were very, very likely to die. Soon, and probably in a horrible way. That would certainly lead to recklessness.

It felt like there was a bit of a dip in pace in the middle of the audiobook. But, if I was reading a text version, or had looked at the contents page earlier, that might have been alleviated a little. I would have seen a timeline of events and known this was the quiet before the storm.

The narration was well done and the characters were all distinctive. I'm not a musical person but there were certainly parts where the narrator sang as Danny that were hauntingly beautiful.

This is a heartbreakingly important book that I will definitely be buying for the school library. My students learn about World War I in history lessons but this book brings it to life in a very compelling way. I hope it reaches a wide audience and reminds people why we should never forget and always strive to avoid such conflict.

The Boy I Loved is a hauntingly beautiful story that lingers in your mind long after the final page. Set against the brutal backdrop of war, it tells a tender yet heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love—a love between men at a time when such a bond was met with punishment as unforgiving as the battlefields they endured.

The author’s writing is poetic and evocative, painting vivid scenes of both the horrors of war and the quiet, fragile moments of love and connection. The emotions are raw and unflinching, pulling you into the depths of the characters’ struggles, courage, and heartbreak.

This is not just a story of love; it’s a story of resilience, sacrifice, and the profound cost of being true to oneself in an unforgiving world. The emotional weight of the narrative is balanced by the thought provoking writing, making it impossible to put down even as it breaks your heart.

I highly recommend The Boy I Loved to anyone who appreciates stories of love that defy the odds, and historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from the painful truths of the past. It’s a deeply moving and unforgettable read—a masterpiece of war and love.

4/5 stars


I was lucky to be sent the audiobook early and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, and singing songs of the time.

This audiobook fell a bit flat for me.
I was so excited because the premise sounded really interesting and cute co
But it just (and maybe it was the audio)
Didn't really do it for me?
I felt quite bored the whole time and just wasn't interested enough in the story to care what was happening.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book honestly in exchange for an ARC!

I really enjoyed this love story set in World War 1. The narrator kept me hooked and it was well paced and clear to follow. Hussey's novel does not shy away from the horror or war and how it dehumanises everyone concerned, but it offers hope in spite of everything. I was totally invested in the story between Danny and Stephen and how gently their feelings develop for each other. In our modern age, this is a story which needed to be told; though fictional, it is inspired by many true events and I thought the topic was delicately handled and with extreme sensitivity.

The ending was unexpected for me and quite shocking - reading it as a modern reader, it is appalling to think of the 'crime' committed by Stephen and the price he pays. A brave soldier who went back to the field when it was not necessary should never have been treated in that manner and we should be thankful that LGBTQ is now accepted rather than ostracised. The fact that Stephen's father was the local vicar who sends his son to war rather than accept a gay son was a truly harrowing detail for me!

If you enjoy reading books set in the war, this will not disappoint, though I felt that it offered so much more. Interestingly, there is a short recording from the author at the end who explains how he came to write the novel and I found that insightful and appreciated the story even more. He created characters I really cared for.

I need 900 years to recover from emotional damage.

♾️ stars.

This book is a sensation. I can already tell it will be one of my top reads of the year and its the 6th of January.

Hussey embraces and embodies the lives of Danny and Stephen, creates a vivid sense of realism around the Somme and life at the front. The book, at it's core, is lyrical and tender.

The novel follows Stephen, a 19 year old soldier who returns to the front line despite previous wounds. There, he meets Danny, a new recruit with who he quickly forms a bond. Danny is quick witted and the singer to Stephens artist. The narrator captured the lyricism and use of song with a perfection that made for a beautiful listening experience. Set against the backdrop of WW1 their love is forbidden in all senses, yet the pair prevail.

The sadness and dark backdrop are balanced beautifully with moments of hope and joy. This novel is a poignant exploration of love, courage and human spirit in the face of adversity.
Stories like this need to be told and I am so glad that I have read this one.

Lovers of Alice Winn's In Memoriam will adore this. I implore you to add it to your TBR.

Huge thankyou to the publisher and to netgalley for an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.

This book was way sadder than I thought going on and really broke my heart. This might also be the most stunning book cover ever.

This story follows Private Danny and Lieutenant Stephan in WW1. Stephen is returning to the front lines after already previously being injured and horribly injured and suffering very undiagnosed PTSD. On the train back to France he meets a new recruit Danny - whose evanescence personality instantly draw Stephen in and he can't get the new recruit out of his mind.

They are soon teaming up together as Lieuntenant and Solider servant, Danny's happy-go-lucky personality and cheeky attitude are a bright light to Stoehen whose has been scarred from War in more ways than one.

This book is only one POV and takes place over a short time period - however I think that fact they are at War and tramua Bonded makes sense why their instant connection and love is so strong. At the front line they are constantly seconds away from death , which puts a lot of things in perspective.

I think this was a powerful queer love story at a time when being queer was a crime.

However my only complaint is I think Roberts words to Stephen in Prison don't make sense to his character and in my head Danny and Stephen escaped to the country and lived happily together as 'bachelors' for the rest of their lives.