This was a beautifully written book. BK Borison is able to write with the softest of magic. You feel for both of these characters so much and I couldn't put it down. With this soft magic though, there isn't much a story of line if I am honest. Just some beautiful characterizations and two people trying not to fall in love with one another. A take on Sleepless in Seattle, this one is perfect for this time of year. But again, a very mild plot where the romance IS the plot.

Consider me a B.K. Borison superfan now! I adored the Lovelight Farms series but I think First-Time Caller might be my new favorite!

First-Time Caller is filled with so many things I love about romance and contemporary fiction. The romance is a dreamy slow-burn, forced proximity gem. The superb side cast of lovable side characters and the found family aspect was *chef’s kiss.* While the romance definitely takes center stage, the focus on family and the inclusion of coworkers for both MCs really rounded out the story.

The romance was everything in this one and just so, so swoony. It was at times sweet, silly, and spicy. I loved all the little things that Aiden and Lucie noticed about each other and the care they took with each other’s feelings. I loved that their relationship evolved in a very organic way from a forced-proximity collaboration turned friendship. Truly so much to love with this one!

The radio aspect of First-Time Caller was really fun. I know this was inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, and I could see that inspiration in the first little bit, but then it’s completely its own unique story. It also reminded me of Rachel Lynn Solomon’s The Ex Talk (which I also love and recommend!), with the radio show, romance, and banter.

If you only read a couple romances this month, make sure this is on your list! You can’t go wrong with the print or the audiobook!

This book is everything I love in a rom-com. There's playful banter, delicious tension, angsty longing, and the sweetest love story. Aiden and Lucie are characters that draw the reader in from their first encounter. This story explores human vulnerability and finding the courage to reach for what you want. I loved the side characters too, My heart is full of hope after reading this one.
All the stars.

I was a little bit nervous about reading this one because of a few reviews I saw. Though most were positive, I was worried I too would grow impatient with Aiden's hesitancy towards romance. However, that was not the case! I devoured this book in one day - I read the e-book and then thanks to PRH Audio, I was able to listen to parts of it while I was cooking dinner because I could not stop! The banter was on point, the slow burn was done well and I felt unlike some reviewers, that Aiden overcame his hesitancy for commitment rather quickly. The side characters were excellent when they were a part of the story and I also enjoyed the dual POV. Very cute book!

Fun quick read for a romantic novel. Characters were quirky and the novel felt like reading a romantic comedy film. I would recommend to those looking for a cute, fast read and are comfortable with romantic novels.

Aiden is a radio host for a romance hotline, Heartstrings, who has fallen out with the idea of love. Lucie is a co parent and car mechanic finds her love life being blasted on Heartstrings after her daughter calls into the show. Y’all, I cannot with the chemistry and banter!! Aiden gives off brooding but fragile puppy vibes while Lucie is basically warm honey and cozy sweatshirts and I’m here for it 🥰 We explore topics of love -- romantic, familial, etc, as well as growing fears of losing those who are closest to you. There’s a good mix of grumpy sunshine, dual povs, spice, found family (loved the side characters!), and forced proximity. This was also inspired by Sleepless in Seattle which I need to watch asap!

Thanks NetGalley and Berkley Romance for my arc!

My review as posted to my Instagram today:

FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison

Thank you @berkleyromance & @prhaudio for my #gifted copies! #berkleyromancepartner #berkleyig #penguinrandomhousepartner

Look, I'm going to keep this brief because y'all have already seen this book 726,382 times over the last few days, 🤪 and there's really not much I can add that hasn't been said.

So here's the short and sweet of it:

I picked this up because of the Sleepless in Seattle comp. Was it like Sleepless in Seattle? Sorta, but not really... 😆 But I absolutely LOVED it, anyway! This is your quintessential romantic comedy. It has fantastic humor, witty banter, and ultimate swoon! 🥰 What struck me even more than the engaging plot, was the writing itself. Borison has such a gift! 👏🏼

It may not have been like Sleepless in Seattle in plot, but it was there in the vibes and nostalgia. I had such a great time with this book, thanks in part to the tremendously talented audiobook narrators, Hathaway Lee and E.J. Bingham.

Romance readers: if this isn't already on your TBR, you're going to want to add it. 💛

📌 Available now!

📌 A February @bookofthemonth pick!

Okay, this was the cutest, most swoony romance I’ve read in a while! I absolutely loved the wit and banter between these two. And Lucy’s relationship with her daughter and her ex and his husband was so wonderful and cozy. I just sank into this story and never wanted to leave. There was tension, steam, butterflies, and best of all? NO BIG MISCOMMUNICATIONS. These characters actually said what they needed to say and didn’t let bits of conversation define how they felt. Such a breath of fresh air!!

Honesty read this so quick and over half in just one sitting. I love the way Borison writes, her worlds always feel like I’m visiting familiar, comforting places.

I loved Lucie, she was a tough character with a soft spot for love, in various forms, even if she thought she’d given up.
I adored Aiden, I enjoyed watching his love crack his shields. The banter between the two was fun and cute.

Reading this felt like being wrapped up in a love hug. Absolutely enjoyed this one from start to finish.

I’m in love with First-Time Caller, I’m in love with Lucie and Aiden, and I might be in love with B.K. Borison after finishing this book! This is for the readers who love love. Whether romantic or platonic, because this book showcases love in all forms beautifully. Most of all though this is for the lovers of that soulmates, written in the stars, kismet kind of love.

A meddling phone call from Lucie’s daughter Maya lands her on Aiden’s radio show, Heartstrings. Lucie is the sunshine romantic to contrast Aiden’s grumpy jaded facade. The audience loves it, and despite Aiden’s reservations, he does too. This slow burn romance is filled with so much romantic tension, and I promise the build up and eventual steam between these two is definitely worth the wait🥵

I love the way Borison writes her characters. Everyone feels significant and realistic. She beautifully depicts the relationships between co-workers, family, chosen family and friends, adding more depth to the world she created. I also really love that Lucie is a mechanic, very cool to read an fmc working in a male dominated industry💪🏼

Officially my favourite romance. There wasn’t a thing I’d change about First-Time Caller. I was laughing, grinning, kicking my feet, had butterflies more times than I can count, highlighted everything, and even got a little teary-eyed. B.K. Borison set out to write a love letter to romance, and I don’t think she could have done it better than this.

**Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.**

☎️🎙️🎬☕️⛅️💌

In awe of B.K. and her ability to constantly raise the bar. Thank you, Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the arc, out now!

Goodness I really don’t know how to form words. I was grasping at straws for more of Aiden and Lucie. Aiden with his dull tone but stary-eyed gaze and Lucie with her hopefulness kept contained. Both characters loved hard but were so afraid of being in love as they thought it wasn’t in their cards, and boy did that hurt.

When B.K. first posted teasers about First-Time Caller, I was already intrigued, but with each teaser and each snippet, I fell in love with characters I have yet to know much about other than they existed.

This is for the hopeless romantics who have day jobs they tolerate, for the ones who want to love but are afraid to give and take it in fear it will be taken away, this is for the ones who keep to themselves, for the ones who had to grow up too fast, this is for the ones who want to believe in love again.

Truly truly truly recommend this darling read to everyone. I will shove this down everyone’s throats because it deserves to be so cherished and loved. This is noted to be “A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle–inspired love story” and you know what? It was beautiful!

Also she works as a mechanic, talk about boss queen <3

- Single Mom
- Jaded Lover Boy x Hopeless Romantic
- “How’d you know it was me? Ah, Lucie, I’d know you anywhere”
- Fuck it moment
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Slow Burn
- He keeps a list of her favorite things
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- He wears a gold chain

Thank you again Berkley and NetGalley for the special moment of reading them before release day. I cried, my heart ached, and I just constantly am giddy over them. Like I am crying writing this review now because of how much I adore them and feel for them, like a warm hug from your person (not that I have a person, but like you get the gist, I hope?)

Go read this! Each edition of the book is stunning and I want every single copy✨🫶

Oh my, how I wanted to fall in love with this one. It just did not do it for me at all. I did not like any of the characters. It felt overly cheesy and overly tropey. It just irritated me. I wanted to give this author another shot after not enjoying Lovelight Farms like everyone did, but hearing so much rave about this one, I am coming to the conclusion that this author is just not for me. I unfortunately couldn't continue on and had to DNF.

This was ADORABLE. I've been a big fan of B.K.'s work in the past, and this is no exception. I flew through this and never wanted it to end. I know this will be on a lot of people's year-end favorite book lists!

✨ A Sweet and Sassy Journey of Finding Love, Growth, and Self-Discovery ✨

At the core of this love story is Lucie Stone, who sets out to find love with the help of a Romance Hotline. She has always believed her life was full of love, yet everyone around her notices the loneliness she refuses to acknowledge. Lucie is strong, independent, self-sufficient, and deeply devoted to her loved ones, yet she struggles to find her one true love.

And then enters Aiden Valentine, who was once warm and passionate; Aiden has since detached himself from emotions due to past trauma. Despite being the host of Heartstrings, Baltimore’s Romance Hotline, he has lost faith in romance, no longer believing in its magic.

Aiden and Lucie’s chemistry is simply undeniable! It’s the kind of romance that feels like watching two classmates fall for each other; their friendship slowly blossoms into something more. You can’t help but tease them, yet they adamantly deny their feelings despite the obvious sparks emanating through the air. That’s exactly how I felt watching Aiden and Lucie’s romance unfold, magical and palpable simultaneously.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is a heartwarming and relatable journey of romance and self-discovery. For anyone who has had their heart broken one too many times, built emotional barriers as high as a fortress, or lost touch with romance, and yet, deep inside, still longs to believe in love, this book is perfect for you!

B.K. Borison has beautifully crafted characters whose emotions feel valid and deeply relatable. Life experiences shape us, and our childhood memories can mold us—for better or worse. This book is a testament to the fact that people can change, love can heal, and sometimes, it takes the right person at the right time.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me the opportunity to read this heartwarming and unforgettable love story of Aiden and Lucie.

✨ Why you NEED to read this book ASAP:

"It was never a choice, Aiden. I was always going to love your mom. And I would never have chosen different, even with everything we've endured together.” - Aiden’s Father

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Maya called Heartstrings
📌 Grayson being such an overprotective best friend
📌 Jackson's jargon's weather forecast (I find it real funny!)
📌 Grayson's platonic friendship with Lucie
📌 Aiden's parents unconditional love for each other
📌 Lucie's relationship with Maya

✨TROPES:
📌 Grumpy x Sunshine
📌 Workplace Romance
📌 Forced Proximity
📌 Slow - Burn Romance
📌 Second Chances at Love & Healing
📌 Opposites Attract
📌 Found Family
📌 Emotional Baggage
📌 A Moderate Amount of Spice

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7298793439

👩‍💻 INSTAGRAM REVIEW: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF7ubGoyZsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.com/2025/02/11/arc-review-first-time-caller/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kinanahmanalao_arc-review-first-timecaller-activity-7295064253995094017-2Xtq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADZadkYB6kcp2SMdCiCoSdnI_IRLHncLwvs

First, I want to say thank you so much to the publisher and author for an ARC copy of this book! I always enjoy anything by BK and this one was such a delight to read.

First Time Caller is an instant Valentine's (and just romance) classic. Aiden Valen(tine) is a broody, charming radio host who one night, gets an unexpected call into his show from a child. That child so happens to be Maya, Lucie Stone's adventurous daughter. Trying to find her mother the love of her life. After chatting on the air with Aiden that night, the listeners are invested in Lucie finding someone to spend her forever with, and thus throws her into the radio world as Aiden's co-host on Heartstrings Baltimore.

As Aiden tries to help Lucie find dates and look for the love of her life, he finds that person might be a little bit closer to home. Because he starts to develop a crush on Lucie, and the feeling is very mutual. The story follows from dual POV both Lucie and Aiden's prospective on love and what they learn along the way about each other and themselves. They're just two ordinary people, navigating what might be a messy life, but helping each other along the way. And finding love.

"I want your favorite to be my favorite." UGH.

So many cute and romantic quotes from this book, too! Way too many to name. But please pick this one up, you won't regret it. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5!

Thank you @berkleyromance for the gifted copy!

☎️ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ☎️
This book is going to be one of my favorites of this year! First of all, the ode to the movie Sleepless in Seattle, YES! Any classic romcom movie and you’ve got me. Then just the book itself! This is my first B.K. Borison read and I can’t wait for more!

Lucie is a single mom whose daughter calls into a romance hotline radio show one evening and has the host Aiden on the line. Lucie ends up talking to Aiden on the radio and everyone resonates with what Lucie has to say about love.

Aiden has been struggling with his enthusiasm for his romance radio show for a while and when his boss brings in Lucie to host with him a few days week, things start to feel different for Aiden. His grouchy exterior softens around Lucie!

I love the writing and the sweet, tender moments in this story. All the subtle moments stand out and make the characters relatable and vulnerable.

Aiden is a softie teddy bear and a handsome manly man. Lucie is a tired single mom who has settled into her life and isn’t sure what she wants anymore. She wants magic and romance and isn’t sure what that looks like.

It’s hard to describe everything I enjoyed about this story, but it felt real, and raw and I highly recommend it!

🎧 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
☎️ Radio Show Host
🎙️ Sleepless in Seattle based
☎️ Single Mom
🎙️ Romance Radio Show

This was the perfect ROMCOM book!! The sleepless in Seattle plot line was nostalgic and amazing. Loved every minute. can definitely see this becoming a comfort read.

YOU GUYS.

This is like a spicy Nora Ephron movie in book form!

I absolutely fell in LOVE with Lucie and Aiden.

I love that Lucie doesn’t have a typical job you see in the romance genre and is an auto-mechanic. Absolute badass. I wish we had more books with FMC’s like this.

I also absolutely adored her relationship with her baby daddy and his husband and how they parent Maya. Talk about healthy relationships!

Aiden is the cutest, crankiest, romance radio cynic! I kept wanting to squeeze him because, like, who hurt you?! His backstory broke my heart.

Lucie and Aiden’s tension both on-air and off-air was DELICIOUS. 🤤 you can FEEL it as if you are In the room with them and feeling it crackle in the air.

I absolutely loved this book

My favorite BK book! Ahh, the way I adored every single character, they’re all amazing and had me hooked from beginning to end. The family dynamics between Lucie, Maya, Grayson, and Mateo were just so perfect. Lucie has so much love in her life, despite not having a significant other. She seems completely content to live that way, but her daughter has other plans. The whole concept was so clever, I was obsessed with her meet cute with Aiden, and how their relationship developed. This book seriously stole my heart. The dialogue and banter had me giddy, and I just couldn’t get enough. And Lucie is a mechanic! I don’t know why but that really made me happy. I just thought everything about this book was so refreshing and unique!

Read/listen if you like ⇣
•Sleepless in Seattle vibes
•Radio show romance
•Single mom
•Forced proximity
•Grumpy x sunshine
•Opposites attract
•Slow burn
•Dual POV
•Spice

Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the ARC!

An absolute perfect romance novel if I've ever seen one! Aiden and Lucie's love story was so swoon-worthy, my copy is thoroughly annotated. I normally don't like children in romances but Maya was a delightful addition. Lucie's found family of the guys at the garage and Maya's dads warmed my heart. 10/10 would and have recommended to everyone I know.