Review: By Chance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 3, 2012
By Chance is the first book in Cat Grant's Courtland Chronicles series. It is a sweet and sexy romance between two college roommates, wealthy Eric Courtland and football player Nick Thompson. It is a quick read that provides readers an intriguing introduction to what promises to be a fascinating series.Eric and Nick are young, so it is easy to understand there will be a little immaturity when it comes to their burgeoning relationship. Eric brings the emotional baggage from his somewhat dysfunctional, albeit privileged, family. Eric's relationship with his mother is complicated by her emotional fragility and he is often thrust into a caregiver role as she goes through crisis after crisis. He shies away from relationships of any kind and that includes friendships. But Nick slips past Eric's defenses and they quickly become close friends.Nick is a pretty typical student who is attending college on a football scholarship. Nick's best friend is his ex-girlfriend Ally Taylor and there is no hint that he is anything but straight. Much to Eric's surprise, he discovers that there are many layers and hidden depths behind Nick's laidback exterior.The romance between Nick and Eric takes both men by surprise. While Nick is an eager participant in their passionate lovemaking, he is not willing to publicly admit to their relationship. Eric has long been out of the closet and he has no intentions of stepping back in despite his feelings for Nick. Add in Eric's propensity to close himself off emotionally and it is not surprising when their relationship falters under the weight of their conflict.By Chance is a novella, but Cat Grant packs quite a bit into this story and she lays a good foundation for the upcoming books in the series. There is enough background given for both characters that readers to get to know them and understand what motivates their reactions to the situations facing them. I am looking forward to their growth both as individuals and as a couple.I received a complimentary copy for review.