Perfect for the fall this cozy romance will warm your heart. Clara is an assistant professor, and her life isn’t where she thought it would be and when she is trying to make sure that she gets her tenure. A distraction comes in the form of her ex best friend/friends with benefits, Theo. They haven’t spoken in years and now all the feelings that she thought she got over are coming back and she doesn’t know what to do with them. When she finds out that he will be working at her school too, and that they will be sharing an office, she doesn’t know what will happen. The characters were believable and likable as the friendship grows as well as feelings. The way families make speed bumps in life is well reflected. Definitely would recommend would be perfect with a mug of apple cider and donuts. Thank you to Netgalley. the author and publisher for the opportunity.

This was just ok for me. There was nothing wrong with it, I just didn’t find myself interested. I liked the main characters long history, but didn’t feel much chemistry between them.

I loved this book. Kristyn Miller knows what she doing with these romances!!! The history aspect threw me off but it ended up working out perfectly. She’s an auto buy author for me at this point!

Second chance romance and dual timeline are two of my favorite parts of a romance book, and this book contained both! I liked the academic setting and the summer camp setting when they were younger. I found their story so enjoyable.

DNF @ 37% - ch 11. I’m honestly so bored. Forced proximity, miscommunication tropes. Blegh. It just doesn’t feel like it will get any better and I’m not in the mood to deal with mediocre at best.

I just finished Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller, and it was such a beautiful, emotional ride! 💫 This second-chance romance follows Clara Fernsby, a history professor, and her past love, Teddy Harrison, as they navigate their complicated relationship after years apart. Told through a dual timeline, the book seamlessly weaves their history at summer camp with their present-day reunion as colleagues.

The chemistry between Clara and Teddy is undeniable, and their journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and rekindling their bond was so touching. What I loved most was how the book explored themes of ambition, career, and how our pasts shape who we are—and what happens when we confront them.

If you enjoy heartfelt romance, complex characters, and a bit of academic backdrop, Given Our History is a must-read! 📚💕

Given Our History was such a cool read! It’s a mix of romance, drama, and just enough twists to keep you hooked. The main characters have such an interesting dynamic – they’ve got this complicated past, and watching them try to navigate their feelings and figure things out was so relatable. The pacing is great, and I really loved the way the author built up the tension between them. Some of the emotional moments hit hard, and I was totally invested in how it all turned out.

thank you to NetGalley for this arc!!

i was so excited to read this novel!! it was giving cozy fall vibes + academia + second chance romance (the BEST trope imo). unfortunately, i was a little disappointed & let down by the book overall. it wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it also just didn’t do anything for me??? in the end, it was solid but not memorable - just a nice palate cleanser for me.

3.25 stars from me!!

This is my first time reading something by this author. It is a captivating journey through love, ambition, and the power of second chances.

Assistant Professor Clara Fernsby is a driven, passionate woman whose lifelong devotion to history is mirrored by the twists and turns of her own past. When Theodore Harrison, a former flame, unexpectedly reappears in her life as a visiting scholar, the pain and buried feelings from the past all begin to make an unwelcome appearance. As Clara navigates the professional milestones of her career and the personal crossroads of rekindled love, the stage is set for an intellectually engaging and heartwarming story.

The chemistry between Clara and Theodore is palpable, built on layers of shared memories and unspoken regrets. Overall, this is a thoughtfully crafted romance that will resonates with anyone who believes in the transformative power of love and the enduring influence of one’s past.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Two professors, and childhood best friends, with a complicated past get a second chance to prove history won't repeat itself.
This was a slow burn with lots of miscommunication that isn't my favorite but I still found the story enduring.

Teachers in love? Teachers in love!!!!! Second chance romance??? Friends to enemies to friends to lovers??? I did not know it was even possible to fit this many of my favorite tropes into one book, but somehow, we've done it. Absolutely incredible.

I'm always weary of the inherent pain that can be carried in second chance romances. This one sounded too good to pass up though, and I was so pleasantly surprised by it.

In present day, 32-year-old Clara Fernsby is a history professor on the tenure track at Irving College. This year is finally her chance to procure the coveted tenure spot, and she'd even get financial support for her sister's education as well. She's a team player, so when she's asked to share office space with a visiting professor, she agrees right away. Until she learns that the visiting professor is none other than Teddy Harrison, her former best friend she hasn't spoken to in years. It's too late to change her mind, so she braces herself for what it will be like seeing him again.

At age 14, Clara met Teddy at a summer camp for home schooled kids. What could have been a one-time encounter turned into a budding friendship. Over the years, Teddy went from being a friend, to the person Clara always confided in. He was the one she wanted to share her successes with; her low moments, or even just the day to day.

As we go back and forth between the past and present, Clara reflects on the moments that built them up, and ultimately what broke them. Now, she has a second chance at having Teddy in her life. As a friend, or maybe more, if their history doesn't get in the way of what could be.

This one was a great cozy read - not as heart-shredding as some second chance romances can be (which I greatly appreciated) but still bringing heart. I was drawn to Clara and Teddy, both their past and the choices that were weighing on them in the present. A book I'd gladly pick up again (maybe in audio format) to help me get over a book hangover and reset.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC of this one. It's a little late coming, but I got there! Out now in all formats, all opinions are my own!

Kristyn J. Miller’s Given Our History is a thoughtful and compelling romance that explores the complexities of love, ambition, and the passage of time. The story centers around Clara Fernsby, an assistant professor driven by her career goals and a desire to secure tenure at a prestigious private college. When Theodore Harrison, a visiting scholar from her past, arrives at the college, Clara’s carefully constructed life is turned upside down, and long-buried emotions resurface.

The connection between Clara and Theodore is palpable from the start. Their shared history at a summer camp years ago, filled with youthful love and deep friendship, provides a strong foundation for their complicated present. Clara is determined not to let the past disrupt her future, but as she works alongside Theodore on a project, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the spark between them. The tension and emotional pull between these two characters is both relatable and engaging, as they navigate the intricacies of reconciling past feelings with current realities.

Miller does a great job weaving together the past and present, allowing readers to see the evolution of Clara and Theodore’s relationship over time. The themes of ambition, self-discovery, and personal growth are explored thoughtfully, especially as Clara is faced with the choice between her career goals and the possibility of a second chance at love.

What makes Given Our History truly shine is its emotional depth. Clara is a strong and relatable protagonist, and her inner conflict—balancing her academic drive with her heart’s desires—resonates on a universal level. The story is both a slow-burn romance and a character study, as Clara and Theodore must confront the complexities of their past and the choices that lie ahead.

For fans of slow-burn romance with a touch of nostalgia and introspection, Given Our History is a heartfelt and satisfying read. Miller expertly blends emotional depth with charming, realistic characters, creating a novel that lingers long after the final page.

I love a good second chance romance. Clara is an assistant professor and Theodore is a visiting Scholar at her school. But the past hits her in the face when she sees him. Ten years ago she rejected him over the phone. Now he’s back and she can’t help falling. But will he reject her this time? Only a good second chance romance will tell. I felt like this story just wrapped itself around me. It was so realistic and relatable. It gave me all the feels.

I love a second chance romance, but dual timeline second chance!? Count me in!
And the nostalgic vibes? Iconic!

Overall a fun read that I enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Kristyn!

I was impressed with this book, which surpassed my expectations. It recounts the story of Clara and Teddy's 17-year friendship and romantic relationship, which culminated in a nine-year estrangement. The non-linear timeline effectively captured the complexity of their relationship. Although certain aspects, such as Clara's parental relationship and Teddy's behavior, detracted from my reading experience, I appreciated their rekindled romance. A more comprehensive epilogue would have enhanced the conclusion. Overall, it was a compelling second-chance romance featuring two likable protagonists.

Given Our History by Kristyn J Miller
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Clara has wanted to teach history since she was 14 years old. She is asked to share her office with a visiting professor this semester. The problem is that professor is Teddy, her ex-best friend that she had a falling out with ten years ago.
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What I liked:
-I loved how the book was plotted out. The gradual telling of the back story interspersed between the present was flawlessly executed.
-I adored Clara’s younger sister. She was so much fun and I enjoyed the relationship they had between them.
-I love how the story ended.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this one. I’m not usually someone who likes reading “second chance romance”, since I find it cringe or just badly written in general, but this one was really sweet. I enjoyed reading about these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced ready copy of this romance by Kristyn J. Miller!

Clara is a hardworking and goal driven history professor striving towards the security of tenure at the liberal arts college where she is employed. She takes on many roles on campus to impress the department heads while also caring for her younger sister who is enrolled on the same campus resulting in a nonexistent love life. Things take an exciting twist when Clara's childhood best friend and first love, Teddy shows up on campus as a visiting professor. Can Clara realize that some dreams are worth the risk of security and stability for?

This book was a light-hearted, quick read and I really appreciated the time lapses and glimpse into Clara and Teddy's past.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC.

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller is a sweet, second-chance romance told in a dual timeline. We meet Clara Fernsby and Theodore (Teddy) Harrison as homeschooled teens at summer camp, where they form a close friendship until a falling out drives them apart. Years later, Clara is an ambitious assistant professor who’s shocked to learn she’ll be sharing an office with Teddy, now distant and guarded.

Much of the story is revealed through Clara’s memories, and while there’s some frustrating miscommunication, their chemistry through. I loved the cover (it’s gorgeous!), and Teddy is a dream, though Clara isn't one of my favourite FMCs of all time. Still, it’s satisfying to see these two find their way back to each other, especially if you’re a fan of childhood-friends-turned-lovers. If you enjoy a gentle, low-drama academic setting, and second-chance stories, this book might be a good fit.