And, as we all know, jealousy is an emotion that often reveals more about the one who is feeling jealous than it does about the people one is jealous of. Although he can’t, or won’t, admit it, he’s struggling with jealousy over the other’s relationships. His concept of hyper-hetero sexuality was ingrained at a young age, but the fact is that most of these angry feelings are his own internalized fear and confusion over the truth that he may not be as straight as he’s always thought he was. Shawn is struggling mightily after his girlfriend calls it quits, and his lashing out at the happily coupled housemates makes him look a lot like a homophobic gobshite. He has succeeded in creating a visceral sexual tension between Shawn and Jude, managing to craft their relationship in a profoundly sensual way without making the sex all there is to them and what begins between them. I can also say, without equivocation, this is not only the most erotic book in the series, but it’s the most rawly sexual Northcote book I’ve ever read. These books fall in the New Adult category, and each have had either an underlying or an overt theme of self-discovery, some as deeply explored as coming to terms with one’s sexuality-which is what Watching and Wanting is all about. I’ve read and adored all the books so far in the Housemates series, each book for its own reasons, and even some more than others (Josh and Rupert in Like a Lover are still my faves). If Shawn’s going to get what he wants, he needs to find the courage to stop hiding from himself and be honest about who he is. But Jude isn’t looking to get involved with someone so deep in the closet. Jude agrees, and things get complicated-and kinky-fast. Keen to explore his bicurious side, Shawn suggests they do a show together. It makes Shawn want things that scare him, yet his fascination forces him to confront his attraction. When Shawn discovers Jude works as a cam boy, he can’t resist the urge to watch one of his shows. Out and proud, he’s everything Shawn’s been running from since he hit puberty. Jude is a student living in the same shared house.

His girlfriend dumped him, his friends have moved on, and he’s still in Plymouth-going nowhere.

Recently graduated, he’s stuck in a dead-end job that barely pays the bills. Title: Watching and Wanting (Housemates: Book Four)Īt a Glance: This is not only the most erotic book in the series, but it’s the most rawly sexual Northcote book I’ve ever read.īlurb: Watching Jude’s cam show stirs desires Shawn’s always denied…

Watching and Wanting by Jay Northcote