Given Our History

Slow Burn

Sometimes I wish I could review books as soon as I finish, but 9 times out of 10, life has other plans. Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller is one I just wrapped up, and let me tell you—it’s perfect for cozying up with during these chilly December days. When I said I wanted a heartfelt, second-chance romance that warms you up, this was exactly what I meant.

Now, I’ll admit, second-chance romances aren’t usually my favorite. Maybe I just hadn’t found one that did it right—until now. From the start, Clara and Teddy’s story had me hooked. Seventeen years of history as childhood best friends gave their relationship a weight and tenderness that’s hard to put into words. You could feel the love and memories in every page, and the alternating past-and-present POVs brought so much depth to their journey. It was like piecing together a beautiful puzzle, seeing where it all began and how it shaped who they are now.

Clara was an absolute standout for me. She’s so relatable, and I couldn’t help but see pieces of myself in her. That connection made me root for her even more as she navigated the messy, bittersweet terrain of love, grief, and rediscovery. Teddy, too, felt genuine and layered, and their chemistry was undeniable—it’s one of those stories that pulls at your heartstrings in the best way.

The autumnal setting, with its cozy and nostalgic vibes, made it even better—even if I was reading it in December. Honestly, the warmth of this book is perfect for any time of year. My only slight critique is that the pacing wasn’t always consistent; some parts felt rushed, while others lingered a bit too long. Still, that didn’t take away from the joy of watching these two find their way back to each other.

If you’re looking for an emotional, heartfelt romance that’s as tender as it is nostalgic, Given Our History is worth picking up. It might just convert even the most skeptical second-chance romance readers—myself included.

3.5 stars rounded up Thank you NetGalley and Kristyn J. Miller for a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Given Our History is your pretty standard cozy second chance romance/friends to lovers story. Every other chapter (mostly) was flashbacks throughout the couple's history as best friends to a short FWB stint, to falling out and ultimately reuniting as college professors at the same school. I enjoyed learning about their story and thought that was done very well. The MMC was sweet. The FMC was pretty hard to like, so her sister Reagan was a breath of fresh air. I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters and thought the story could have used a bit more drama. That being said, I did appreciate that the author did not use a miscommunication trope after the couple reunites - that is the WORST part of reading some second chance romances. I was glad to see that their characters developed enough to know better than to not properly communicate as adults. Some of the career subplot of the FMC's story was a little too drawn out and repetitive. Romantically, it was a cute story and some really great romantic writing within the MMC's dialogue. If you like a sweet second chance romance, I'd recommend this.

Cute.