Review for By Chance by Cat Grant

A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.

Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell

After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.

Independent Eric doesn't know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can't even admit he's gay. But conservative Nick can't seem to find his way out of his own personal closet. 

Rock, meet hard place.

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In this re-worked, newly re-published start to the Courtland Chronicles, the drama is just beginning for two collegians from different economic backgrounds thrown together as a modern-day Oscar and Felix.  Eric comes from a family who hides their emotions and hurt others before they let themselves get hurt which has led to him keeping to himself. He tries to keep his surroundings in order since his family life is so out of control until the day a naked football player comes out of his shower.  Nick is a farmer's boy used to hard work who's outgoing but keeps a bit of himself hidden from the public.  He's turned-off by the sullen Eric at first but a slow bond builds between them that becomes a turn-on to him and has them entering into a relationship that has a profound effect on both of them.

Eric's been out of the closet for many years but Nick doesn't want to deal with the repercussions resulting from this relationship.  This becomes a big issue to their happiness.  Another issue is Eric's jealousy and fear of admitting his true feelings.  This leads to a big speed bump to their happiness that only their mutual friend Ally can fix.  This leads to a sweetly satisfying conclusion that feels like the perfect ending.....for now.

The emotional issues in this story are believable and heart wrenching. Eric's home life is sad and I can understand why he's closed himself off. That's why Nick becomes so important to him, he brings peace to his life.  He's sturdy and reliable and a breath of fresh air and I love the two of them together.  Their relationship built slowly and steadily and culminates in some very sexy sexual interludes that aren't overly erotic, sweetly sensual is how they connect.

Along with these two likable main characters comes their mutual sidekick Ally.  She used to date Nick and still has feelings for him but is willing to remain his best friend as she knows how wonderful he and Eric are together.  She's outspoken but supportive and sweet and always on the periphery.  I get the feeling her story isn't yet done either and I look forward to it being told.

As I never read the original story, this new version feels fresh and is well-written.  It's melodramatic yet earthy feeling in its emotions. There's a definite ending with this story but also a sense of a beginning and I for one look forward to Eric and Nick's journey!

My rating for this is an A.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.