Watching and Wanting

Housemates Series, Book 4

By: Jay Northcote

Narrated by: Lewis Carter

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Watching Jude’s cam show stirs desires Shawn’s always denied... Shawn is adrift. Recently graduated, he’s stuck in a dead-end job that barely pays the bills. His girlfriend dumped him, his friends have moved on, and he’s still in Plymouth - going nowhere. 

Jude is a student living in the same shared house. Out and proud, he’s everything Shawn’s been running from since he hit puberty. When Shawn discovers Jude works as a cam boy, he can’t resist the urge to watch one of his shows. It makes Shawn want things that scare him, yet his fascination forces him to confront his attraction. Keen to explore his bicurious side, Shawn suggests they do a show together. Jude agrees, and things get complicated - and kinky - fast. But Jude isn’t looking to get involved with someone so deep in the closet. 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.

©2017 Jaybird Press (P)2018 Jaybird Press

✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫

Wow this book was HOT!!
I don't normally like this type of relationship (Gay & Straight) but this one really worked for me. I loved how they were with each other outside of the bedroom...and of course inside it too. The love story was perfect too! Another big win by Jay Northcote!!!

The narration was perfect.

Amazing!

Shawn and Jude are so amazing in this book. In other books, Shawn was an a*shole and had barely any redeeming qualities. However, in this book, we see a different side of him and his redemption arc is AMAZING. The book is hot and awesome and I completely adored it.
It is another awesome installment in Housemates series :)

Engaging read

Watching and Wanting deals with an exploration of many themes of modern-day ; such as inner homophobia, sexual discovery and orientation, internet Porn , sexual acceptance and light BDSM .
Northcote''s voice is fluid , captivating and this story as the others in the series are written with compassion, empathy and passion.

I was surprised and a bit annoyed, that mid series, the actor narrating was changed, but my fears were unfounded, as Lewis Carter did a magnificent job. His voice is utterly delicious.

Watching and Wanting

This book is a standalone, but I really do think you need to read and/or listen to the first three books before this one to get the full and complete story. And also because every book in this series is pretty great, so you might as ...
Finally we get Shawn's story with this book. In the past Shawn has been a jerk and slightly homophobic towards the Housemates, to the point you just wanted to smack him upside his head. lol. But as we learn in this book, its due to some past hurts and he is just trying to hide his real feelings. It all comes out in a spectacular way when he finds one of the housemates Jude performing a Cam show; that Shawn just cant get out of his head. I love the premise of this book and The Cam show, Voyeurism aspect is so dang HOT in this one. And then once Shawn and Jude finally get together it just gets even better. I mean, who knew Shawn had all those Smutty desires hidden inside him?!? Great book!!!
Audio - New narrator Lewis Carter brought in for this one (the first three books were narrated by Mark Stedman) and while I was disappointed by the change mid-series. I Was NOT disappointed with this narration at all, and kind of wish this narrator had done the last book #3 as well, since that is my favorite of the whole series. We only get snippets of his Accent for one of the housemates Ewan (from book3) but dang he does a great job with his Scottish brogue... I really did like this book in Audio and I would be perfectly happy if Lewis was going to finish narrating the rest of this series, I look forward to hearing more from him.

Possibly my favorite in the series so far!

The entire Housemates series is a deliciously filthy treat and Watching and Wanting may now be my favorite of the 4. Although I seem to say that after every one I listen to, sooooo take that how you will. The author says this can be read/heard as a standalone (and it can), I would ask, why would you do that???

Shawn has been a periphery flatmate from early on and I’m so glad he got his story and Jude was the perfect person for him. When two characters sexual appetites and preferences line up, the chemistry can be downright explosive and that is certainly the case with Shawn and Jude.

The two are flatmates but don’t really socialize. Shawn and his girlfriend have split up and he’s floating through life aimlessly. He’s always had an inkling that he may not be completely hetero, but fear has made him bury feelings deep and he has a tendency to be a bit of a dick when he’s feeling cornered. So he doesn’t always come across as the most likable of characters at times. As you get inside his head though, you can’t help but feel for the guy, especially living in a house where a decent portion of the sexual identity spectrum is represented and he doesn’t feel as if he can be a true part of it. He doesn’t even know how to try.

Jude is an exhibitionist who makes cash while going to school by hosting a cam show where he is quite popular. Jude makes no apologies for who he is or what he does with his life. He’s not ashamed but he does keeps the cam thing quiet, it’s his private gig and he likes to keep it that way. One day Shawn walks into Jude’s room while a show was in progress and oh my sweet baby jeebus is Shawn thrown for a loop. You remember how I said Shawn buried all the things? Well, seeing Jude in action, however briefly, digs up all those feelings with a backhoe and shines a spotlight on them.

I have to give Shawn credit for being self aware when it’s time for him to be. He could have very easily kept burying, but he’s tired of being adrift and he likes Jude, the two of them talk and a tentative friendship with cam benefits is born. I’ve been remiss in not mentioning the narrator to this point and while this is the first book I’ve listened to from Lewis Carter, it will not be my last. He was a perfect fit for this story. His characters were distinctive and his tone matched their moods very well throughout. He’s also really good at the dirty bits. Really good. Really. Good.

Jay Northcote is a master of giving his characters unexpected depth. This setup could easily have been a fun diversion and nothing more, but it is more and the author always delivers that extra something that fully fleshes out his MC’s and takes a cute setup and turns it into a bit of a character study with multi dimensional characters.

Shawn isn’t accidentally stumbling on a previously unknown kink, he’s finally accepting a piece of himself he’s kept hidden and it will affect him greatly and deeply. I don’t think he would have been able to do it in such a healthy way without Jude. Jude’s confidence gave Shawn strength and the real Shawn, the Shawn that had been hinted at throughout finally comes out. Shawn becomes the man that Jude deserves, Jude hides in the closet for no one and both of them deserve to be happy, out and proud.

It’s amazing what love can do and Watching and Wanting reminded me of that in the best of ways.

Smoking Hot! Loved it!

A very enjoyable series with some super hot storylines and this is definitely one of my favourites stories. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it’s worth starting at the beginning to get a feel for the various main characters that pop up as housemates in each story. It’s definitely a good idea to go back and check up on Shawn again if you’ve already read them. No wonder he was always grumpy! He’s certainly different in this story and now we find out why.

Much of this story takes place in the house these guys share (and Jude’s bedroom). The focus is on Shawn and Jude and we are given both characters’ points of view as they fall for each other and share some sizzling scenes together on and off the camera—with a little bondage and domination mixed in. These are some of Jay’s hottest and with an added edge to them. Shawn eagerly lets Jude guide him in the joys of gay sex, along with plenty of dirty talk and exhibitionism. Phew!

I liked how the tension built around Shawn’s denial, his gradual self-awareness of his sexuality and his need to keep their relationship secret. Both characters are endearing as they try to work out if, and how, they can be together outside of the bedroom. Although I thought Jude became a little too pushy too soon for Shawn with regard to coming out as bi. I could appreciate how Shawn was torn and felt fearful. I always like these angst-filled times when characters are sorting themselves out.

I liked that previous characters were involved here—Mac and Jez especially, and also Dev and Ewan—not only to see how their relationships have developed, but also for their interaction with Shawn and Jude and the humour they add to the story.

The story flowed effortlessly and kept my attention throughout. All scenes and dialogue are there for a reason and nothing felt superfluous. The ending works well and is HFN. I loved Shawn and Jude together. Fabulous story.

Changing narrator midway through a series must be a daunting prospect for an author. But no worries here. This was the first time I’d listened to Lewis Carter and I soon took to his voice and style of narration. He did a very admirable job at making the voices distinct and recognisable. He set the right tone and mood for each scene, and delivered the steamy scenes superbly. A great voice that matched the characters and story. Great job.

Amazing! Loved it!

I absolutely love this book and have read it at least a dozen times since it was released in ebook. This audio book is incredible. The narration was spot on, and I got lost in the story. I meant to only listen to a few chapters before bed but ended up staying up until almost 4 in the morning to finish it because I didn't want to interrupt the flow. Amazing, I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series!

Fantastic book, a great addition to the series!

I am a massive fan of this series, both to read and listen to and even with a new narrator that hasn't changed.
I love these being set in Plymouth, England, and it's so different hearing an English accent in narration with how many American books are out there.
Jude is proudly gay and works as a cam boy from his room to pay his bills.
Shawn has just broken up with his girlfriend and is unsure about things. Then he walks in on Jude...
What builds between them is surprising to them both, causing some soul searching from Shawn and patience from Jude.
Jay writes amazing characters and story lines, drawing you in from the beginning and keeping you engaged and rooting for the MC's throughout.
Lewis Carter does an amazing job with the narration of this story. I'd imagine coming in half way through a series may be slightly daunting but there's no need to worry as he brings authenticity emotion to both characters and the story itself.

Usually a big Jay fan but not so much on this one

This was not my favorite of Jay’s books. I guess I’m not voyeuristic enough lol. The story was nice but I finished only because I was listening to audiobook and because it’s part of the series.

Lewis did fine though some things I would’ve read very differently in my head. Which is a problem I have with many things I listen to in audio form. Not anyone’s fault. Jude saying “Yeah, baby” came out as very specific comedic character in my head and it took me out of the moment every time. :/

spicy short read

Lovely short story with sweet two characters. The 'straight' guy isnt exactly that, but then that allows for the Happily Ever After in the end with a dab of kink ;)

The narration was amazing and well acted, very sexy in the erotic parts.

Love this book

Not only this book but the whole series is well written by Jay Northcote.
Each book is based around a group of college students living together in 2 houses. Jay steadily tells the story of each couple with enough angst and love to keep us all sitting hoping for an HEA.
And Jay delivers time after time.
Well narrated and a lovely book to listen to, would highly recommend.

A delightful HE A romance

I have read and enjoyed most of Jay Northcote's books. This one deals with the conversion of an apparent homophobe and shows how sexuality is a continuum rather than a series of tidy categories. This corresponds with my own experience.

Brilliant!!!!

It's always a gamble listening to a book when you've already read the book and loved it. I've listened to quite a few narrators and sometimes their voice just doesn't sit right with the story. However, I abosolutely loved this audio. The narrator was clear and his adaption to the characters talking within the story was really good. It as also great to catch up with Shawn again, he's one of my favourite characters in the Housemates series. It's also a really good story and plot, I'm very tempted to download book 3, that's my favourite book in the series.

I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Watching and Wanting and I would highly recommend.

Listened And Loved

I adore this series and had just finished listening to 'Practise Makes Perfect' when the 'Watching And Wanting' audiobook was released. Perfect timing. A perfect listen.
I loved the new narrator, Lewis Carter. Although Mark Steadman did a great job, Lewis' accent seemed better suited to Jay's boys. The story itself is a luscious addition to the Housemates series. Jay has yet to write a character I didn't delight in.

Great story.

I loved the story. Jude & Shawn were both instantly likeable characters, although I would have enjoyed more background on Jude. This book is part of a series, book 4, and I haven't read/listened to the rest of the series so maybe character background has already been told. It is a standalone book. Definitely worth a listen if you enjoy HOT steamy scenes.
The narrator was good, but personally not my favourite. I nearly switched off listening near the start because a character called Ewan was talking, this narrator should NOT try a Scottish accent! It was actually painful to listen to, and not knowing if it would be a main character worried me, however you are safe, carry on past that little bit because he only makes an appearance again in the epilogue. I hate spoilers so I won't go into plot, but it's a great story, with very likeable characters. I'd recommend it.

good addition to the series.

Worthy addition to the Housemates series. I'd been looking forward to Shawn's story and it didnt disappoint. Jude was the perfect partner for him. Way hotter than the previous books in the series, I enjoyed getting up to date with characters from those. I really enjoy Jay Northcote's writing, and knew that this one would be a winner. When I heard it was coming onto audio, I jumped at the chance to listen to it. The narration is also very good, I've not listened to anything done previously by Lewis Carter. I thought his performance was pretty good, and improved as the book went on. Would definitely listen to him again.

Enjoyable addition to the Housemates Series

This is the 4th book in the series and the first one I have on audio-book. The narrator was new to me and I did take a little while to get into his narrative, but he made the read entertaining and the characters each had their own voice.

Whilst everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, Shawn's life is "on-hold". He's working at a local shop, with no life goals or aspirations on the horizon. When he and his long term-girlfriend split up, Shawn's life takes another dip and his mood with it. Jude is at University and to help fund his studying, he entertains www.land with a live-webcam for "tips", but this isn't common knowledge and something he wants to keep to himself. Jude has admired Shawn for a while, with all his "Captain Americaness" appeal, but knows him being straight, it will stay a day-dream.

After a particular bad drunken episode of "shawn-is-an-arse-and-his-attitude-sucks", Shawn goes out of his way to try and make amends with the rest of the household by cleaning up and inadvertently, walks in on Jude, who is naked and being filmed on his laptop. Shawn runs to his room in shock but soon curiosity makes him logon and finds Jude/Tom and his escapades - this soon makes Shawn question his sexuality and a madcap idea then blooms!

Then follows Shawn's education by a very willing teacher - Jude! I understood Shawn's reluctance to come out, his feelings and long-denial was palpable and maybe Jude was a little too pushy with his "now or never" attitude? But, after Shawn having a touch of the green-eyed monster, a real "officer and a gentleman" moment ensued and I was left with all the feels.

It was nice to catch up with the other housemates from previous books, although this would read well as a standalone.

Overall, this is an easy smexy read, with low angst and finishes on a strong HFN, with an epilogue that pulls a grin. Enjoyable.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author for my reading pleasure.