A charming and sweet book about childhood best friends who have become estranged and their reunion. At times I found the lead incredibly frustrating but in a way that was realistic and still sympathetic. The supporting characters are rich and it really is a heart tugging book with love story I really wanted to work. I also appreciated the academia setting and the home school aspect. I learned a lot in that regard. Would read this author again for sure.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)

From the very first page, Given Our History had me hooked. The inclusion of spice—like a perfectly timed seasoning—added an irresistible flavor to the narrative. As a millennial, I found an immediate kinship with the characters and their experiences. The novel deftly wove nostalgic pop culture references throughout, invoking memories of my teenage years.

Each chapter unfurled gracefully, revealing hidden secrets and raw emotions. The anticipation built, and the payoff at the end was nothing short of exquisite. It left me both satiated and yearning for more—a rare feat in storytelling.

In summary, Given Our History is a delightful blend of nostalgia, passion, and heartfelt storytelling. These characters have etched themselves into my heart, and bidding them farewell upon finishing this book feels like saying goodbye to dear friends.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

While this was a little out of my area with the academic romance trope it was actually very nice to start with this book as it combined the friends to lovers and academic romance vibes. I wish I saw mor romance between them as the book focused on their history and how it ties into the present but still not enough romance. I could find myself relating to her so I held onto her until she started to annoy me with the self sabotage moments but I also admire her dedication to her goals and studies. I really wish their romance continued when they were teens but then again it's part of their story.

I really enjoyed reading this book and think it's perfect for those who like:
- Past/Present POV
- Second Chance
- Childhood Romance
- Workplace Romance
- Friends to Lovers

Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Spicy Rating: 1.5/5 (Not often but it's nice spicy moments)
Made Me Blush Rating: 0.5/5
Would I recommend? Yes!
Version: Kindle e-book

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Clara Fernsby has been in love with Theodore 'Teddy' Harrison III since she first met him fourteen years ago in sleep away camp. They were best friends, bonding over their love of history, music, and a similar educational experience. Through fear and misunderstandings Clara and Teddy spend six years apart, certain they will never be together until Teddy turns up at the liberal arts college where Clara is an assistant professor and the one-time friends are forced to share an office. Together again they have a semester to either overcome their past or lose each other for good.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued, being a huge history nerd myself. I was excited to read a story about two history professors falling in love with each other. For the most part, that was exactly what this book delivers. A wonderfully angsty, slightly neurotic love story about two people who can't seem to get out of their own way and just BE in love.

Clara was a little crazy in the best way and I loved how she could talk herself in and out then back into situations, mostly of her own making. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders for the most part when it came to teaching and working the tenure track, but her personal life was a bit of a shambles because she was afraid to admit what she really felt for Teddy.

Teddy for the most part seemed to know what he wanted and once he made up his mind, he went for it, only to get stopped by Clara's anxiety over her own emotions. I would have liked to have had some of Teddy's perspective to get a better understanding of him beyond what we're told by the author and Clara. He seemed to have such a melancholy about him as a youth, it would have been nice to know why.

The flashbacks were fine. It helped to see Teddy and Clara's backstory, but after a while, they did get kind of tedious. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the writing style. I would recommend this book to other romance readers, especially those who like Olivia Dade or Lynn Painter.

This was a really delightful romance to read. I'm a sucker for anything connected to academia, so that helped keep me hooked. The characters were interesting and I liked that the setting wasn't the typical NYC or Los Angeles, or even Chicago. The storyline felt realistic, in terms of how people sabotage themselves in the name of what they think their life is supposed to look like.

Fun and spicy, this book checked all the boxes for a feel good rom-com. I loved the history academia setting and the homeschooling background of both characters. Teddy was a doll, and the secondary characters added a lot of fun to the story, too. I would definitely read this author again.

this was super cute! i’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but i thought this was done really well. the academic setting is always hit or miss for me, and this was a hit for sure. my only complaint is i would’ve cut down on the flashbacks. i wanted more present and less of the past.

Kristyn Miller takes you through Clara and Teddy's 17 year friendship, flipping back and forth through present day and past years. This are they/aren't they potential romance will have you asking if friendship is more important than love and if it's possible to rekindle an old friendship.

A captivating tale, “Given Our History” by Kristyn J. Miller weaves together the threads of love, loss, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of academia, this novel invites readers to explore the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of shared memories.

Meet Clara Fernsby. She is a woman of unwavering determination and an assistant professor. Her passion for teaching history has been her guiding star since she was fourteen, and she's navigated life's twists and turns with unyielding focus. Even the love of her life couldn't sway her from her chosen path. Now, fresh out of grad school, she stands on the precipice of tenure at a prestigious liberal arts college. Her hard work has paid off, and she's ready to embrace the next chapter of her career.

Meet Theodore Harrison. He’s a visiting scholar for the fall semester. Teddy's arrival is an unexpected blast from Clara's past, one that holds both cherished memories and unresolved pain. Ten years ago, they shared autumns at a sleep-away camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There, amidst fallen leaves and whispered secrets, Clara fell in love with a quiet, dark-haired boy. Their bond was forged over battered books and burned CDs, creating a tapestry of shared experiences.

But the man teaching HIST-322 is a stranger. Clara grapples with the dissonance between the boy she once knew and the grown scholar before her. As they collaborate on a joint project and engage in late-night brainstorming sessions at a college bar, Clara's heart tiptoes along the edge of vulnerability. The past lingers, casting shadows on their present interactions. Given their history, she knows there's every chance Teddy isn't interested in rekindling old flames. Yet, history is malleable, open to interpretation, and Clara refuses to repeat its mistakes.

Miller's prose is both lyrical and evocative. She deftly navigates the dual timelines, alternating between past and present, and allows readers to unravel the layers of Clara and Teddy's relationship. The campfire conversations, stolen glances, and shared laughter come alive on the page. The Blue Ridge Mountains serve as more than a mere setting; they become a character, whispering secrets and bearing witness to love's fragile dance.

The heroine resonates deeply. Her vulnerability is palpable, and her determination to rewrite her own narrative is inspiring. Her chemistry with the professor simmers, fuelled by memories and unspoken words. The tension between them crackles, and readers will find themselves rooting for their reunion.

The supporting cast adds depth to the story. From quirky colleagues to well-meaning friends, each character contributes to the rich tapestry of campus life. Miller's portrayal of academia is authentic, capturing the blend of intellectual pursuits and personal connections.

A masterclass in nostalgia and second chances, “Given Our History” reminds us that love isn't linear, but a constellation of moments both sweet and bittersweet. In the end, Miller's novel invites us to reflect on our own histories: the choices we've made, the loves we've lost, and the paths we've forged. As Clara and Teddy navigate their shared past, we're reminded that sometimes, rewriting history means embracing vulnerability and seizing the chance to rewrite our own love stories.

A poignant and heartwarming journey, this story is one that lingers long after the final page. Miller's storytelling prowess shines brightly, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the intricacies of the human heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I throughly enjoyed this book completely. It was such a great book about the one who got away and a long term friendship. The story line was beautiful and i loved the supporting characters.

This is a multiple timeline of best friends who meet at 14 during camp. They love each other, but the timing was never right because of living in different cities and their academic pursuits. I know this is petty, but I was so pissed when the FMC Clara wiped crumbs off a table onto the floor. Seriously, rude. She should’ve brushed them into her hands and threw them away. Ugh. That being said, the story is sweet and gut wrenching, but I have mad respect for the unselfish way they made each other put their own needs first.

Seventeen years of friendship. Thirteen years of loving each other. Six years of heartache. And one year to finally get it right.

Teddy and Clara meet one rainy afternoon at a summer camp for homeschooled kids. Their friendship is forged over a game of Trivial Pursuit, a 3-legged race, a sprained ankle, and a can of Pepsi. Phone numbers are exchanged, many phone calls are made, mixed CDs are burned, and The Long-Distance History Club is formed — two adorably nerdy kids who quickly become best friends.

I was not expecting this to be such an angsty, wonderful, heart-wrenching story. The dual timelines worked wonders for this book and were, in my opinion, the best part. The flashbacks to the beginning of Clara and Teddy’s friendship were vital to understanding their upbringings and complicated relationship. At first, they only saw each other once a year at camp, mapping the stars, screaming curse words into the void on the top of a mountain, and becoming each other’s rock. Even though they lived in different states, they shared their secrets, goals, dreams, and fears through Myspace messages, texts, and phone calls. When they got older, they’d pick a spot to meet between Pennsylvania and Maryland to support and comfort each other in person. Teddy and Clara fell deeply in love but were too young, ambitious, scared, and stubborn to surrender to their feelings and be together. They inadvertently hurt each other multiple times through miscommunication and rejection because they couldn’t figure out how to love without fear. Fear of losing their friendship. Fear of never achieving all the academic goals they worked so hard for. Fear that they would eventually resent each other for giving up on their dreams, like their parents did, just to be together.

Present Day: Clara is living her dream as a history professor at the University of Irving in Maryland. At the beginning of the semester, Clara is asked by her department chair to submit her application for tenure (yay) and share her office with a visiting scholar (sure, no problem). He specializes in maritime history at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh (huh, that sounds familiar, but no, it couldn’t be). He’s young and accomplished, and his last name is Harrison (oh no). Of course, the handsome, new, visiting scholar is none other than her childhood best friend-turned-stranger, Teddy, whom she last saw six years ago and hasn’t spoken to since.

On top of sharing an office, Teddy volunteers to help Clara with the scholarship fundraising gala she’s organizing to beef up her tenure dossier. Pushed together at every turn, Clara and Teddy can’t help but revisit old feelings and stoke the embers of their love — that never actually burned out.

My only complaint is that there needed to be an epilogue. I read the last chapter, fully expecting to turn the page and get a look into Teddy and Clara’s future. But alas, there was nothing. I will have to take their last toast as proof of their happily ever after.

“‘How about. . . to looking ahead,’ I say with a glance at Teddy, because this is far from the beginning of our story.
But it’s also far from the end.”

** I received this book for free from St. Martin’s Griffin, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. **

Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Griffin and Kristyn J Miller for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Clara and Teddy met when they were 14 while attending a summer camp for homeschooled kids. They promised to be friends and over the next several years their friendship grew. With a passion for learning and history they stayed connected. As they got older their relationship became complicated. They both wanted more but also wanted to focus on their education and goals.

This story is told in multiple timelines - initial meeting, friendship breakup and present. Each timeline gives you pieces of information that put the story together of this friendship.

I enjoyed the story and Teddy and Clara’s connection/comfort with each other but was frustrated with the “friendship breakup”. It seemed like a slight overreaction by both Teddy and Clara but we’ve all been there! The romantic connection was a little lacking for me but I am partial to a lot of tension.

This book was really lovely and heartwarming. The setting really appealed to me and I loved the little teacher politics side storyline that was going on. Such a sweet and easy read, I really enjoyed it!

An autumnal, academic delight – perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood.

We’ve all heard of dark academia, but let’s call this one cozy academia. Think trees changing, crisp air, start-of-the-semester vibes.

The setting was as charming and nostalgic as the characters.

When this comes out in late-August, readers are going to love experiencing Teddy and Clara’s story at the start of fall.
In short, I flew through Given Our History. These are characters you can root for, ones many of us can relate to. It was refreshing to have a 30-something FMC.

There are many science/STEM romances out there, but this is one of the first ones I’ve seen with a commitment to the humanities, which I suspect will resonate with many other book-lovers with a liberal arts degree, as it did with me.

The story is a single POV structured between flashbacks and present day. Miller captured the impossible situation so many academics find themselves in: choose between the job or a personal life (be it in friendships or in love).

Clara has moved through life ticking the boxes, not wanting to end up making choices from the heart instead of the head. She is now an assistant professor at a liberal arts college, and has been invited to apply for tenure. But along with the invite for tenure comes a request - share her office with a visiting scholar. The catch? The scholar is the first love of her life and childhood best friend, Theodore Harrison, whom she hasn't spoken to in 10 years.

(There may be mild spoilers in this review. No spoilers as to major plot points or twists.)

What I loved: Clara is a well-drawn character. The descriptions of her home-schooled childhood felt real without making Clara seem socially awkward or weird, while also acknowledging the difficulties she has making friends. and the barriers she faces later on from colleges who reject her based on her homeschooling. I also loved the descriptions of her campus, being a professor, and her relationship with her younger sister. I loved watching Clara figure out her priorities and grow emotionally, both in the present day and in the flashbacks.

What I didn't love: Teddy. Even in flashbacks he doesn't get much on-page time. Aside from having curly, swoopy hair, being homeschooled like Clara, and getting into history like she does, I don't feel like I know anything else about him. He seems to have some trauma that isn't addressed or worked through at any point. I feel I don't know enough about him or see enough of their interactions to understand the attraction past or present.

I've only docked one star because the book is still well written, it kept me engaged, and I was invested in the outcome. If you like ex's-to-lovers, you'll probably enjoy this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet, sentimental read. I'm not a romance fan, but I do like good writing. The writing was excellent without distracting from the storyline itself. Although we always know there's a happy ending, the journey through the past and present was a nice touch. We've all been that young teen in love and we've all wondered what happened to a teen crush. It was particularly nice to see the main protagonist's background in homeschooling - something I've never actually seen referenced in any novel. Seeing her as an adult and the complexity of her emotions and thoughts was refreshing and realistic. An enjoyable and relatable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this arc for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This book was so cute and hit all the right tropes for me. Right person wrong time, friends to lovers, the exchanging of music and books, and even an academic setting! Teddy and Clara are one of those couples that everyone is rooting for and are so obviously in love with each other. I loved the flashbacks and watching their relationship grow over time. The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing was just a little too slow for me, but after the second half it picked itself up quite nicely.

Given Our History is such a cute romance. It’s a slow burn that I was able to read in one day. I was hooked instantly. Clara’s character is quirky, anxious, smart and very relatable. Don’t get me started on Teddy. I love, love, loved him! He was so charming and soft spoken, you couldn’t help but fall for him!

If you like estranged friends to lovers, academia, and split timelines - definitely try this one!

Spice: medium, open door
Language: mild

My only critique is of the pop culture references. I don’t feel like the book needed them and could have been stronger without them.

Super cute second chance romance story. The book bounces back and forth from present to teenage/college age to tell the story of Clara and Teddy. Even with the time hopping, the book moved quickly and was a fast read. There are some very light spice scenes and shouldn’t put off anyone who prefers chaste romances (there wasn’t a lot of description). If you liked Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, or Carley Fortune stories, you’ll enjoy this.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.