Loved this book! Gave off sleepless in Seattle vibes. Characters were swooney, hopeless romantics. Book had minimal spice but just enough to keep me interested.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is an absolute delight! The blend of romance and humor had me smiling from start to finish, and I loved the quirky characters that felt so relatable. It’s a light read that perfectly captures the excitement and awkwardness of falling in love, though I did wish for a bit more depth in some parts. Still, it’s the kind of book that wraps you in a cozy hug, making it perfect for a lazy afternoon. Rating: 4 stars!

3.5/5 ⭐️

If you’re a fan of Sleepless in Seattle, then you will adore this book! A love letter to love….or, in this case, a call to love. 💕

Grumpy meets Sunshine in this novel about discovering love when it feels like a lost cause. The dialogue between characters was believable and well done. Very reminiscent of your favorite 90’ vs s/early 2000’s rom-coms. The side characters will make you LOL with their commentary and personalities.

It was refreshing to read about a late-20s, tall, female main character with a kid, and a blue-collar job. Lucie was amazing – I loved her! I had mixed feelings towards Aiden – sometimes he gave me a Joe from ‘You’ vibe, and other times he had me swooning (like the living room scene).

When Lucie was describing her relationship with her parents, it hurt my heart. I had so much empathy for her. It felt similar to Lorelai from ‘Gilmore Girls’ experience. On the flip side, Aiden’s relationship with his parents hurt my heart in a completely different way – I was tearing up on more than one occasion.

I felt that ‘Chevy Guy’ could have had more of a role. His character felt thrown in last second rather than more developed (like he should have been what Oliver was but more if that makes sense). There was also a couple scenes that had me feeling lost with transitions and backtracking in my reading to make sure I didn’t miss something.

Overall, I felt that this was a cute book and a great palate cleanser in between my fantasy reads. It will be published in February 2025, so keep an eye out for it!

B.K. Borison captured a rare form of magic in this Sleepless in Seattle retelling. First-Time Caller is a love letter to love in all its forms-the familial love, the great platonic love, the friendships, the ROMANCE!!!!- you could just FEEL it in every single moment of the story. This book played out in my head like a movie and I LOVED that, which is why it’s hands down going on my list of all time favorite romances ❤️

The story begins when 12 year old Maya calls into her local radio station’s romantic advice hotline on behalf of her single mom, Lucie. Maya feels that Lucie’s love life is lacking. Despite the fact that she feels an abundance of love in her life in other forms, Maya wants to see Lucie find her happily ever after. Caught off guard by her daughter’s scheming, Lucie decides to voice her hopes and fears on the air, never expecting many people to truly hear her. Enter Aiden Valentine, a romance hotline radio show host losing his ability to believe in love. After one conversation with Lucie, that slowly begins to change. We see them go on a journey to help Lucie find her way on the road to love, in hopes of inspiring others.

Lucie and Aiden served as a reminder of so many things for me. Lucie’s fears about the state of the dating world and what it’s like to want more, the magic, while being cautious in trying to grab it is something we can all truly relate to in some way. The way Aiden’s grief took form is something we don’t see depicted very often, and it really touched my heart seeing a window into what that can look like.

These characters remind us that love is found in the little things: in the moment when you’ve just come inside to warmth after facing the winter cold for far too long, trying to get to your destination. In being handed a warm mug with a smile, melting the frosted feeling that numbed you. In all the moments we take for granted on the day to day, forgetting that great love comes in the quiet comfort too. First-Time Caller was so REAL, nostalgic, and full of heart, and I know it’s going to stick with me forever 🤍

This was so cute! I loved each of the characters and how Borison developed them over the book! I also really loved the fact it was based around a radio show, it was something new to me. Don't even get me started on the ending! I loved this and can't wait for the next one!

I loved this book!! This was my first B.K. Borison and definitely will not be my last! This truly is for the Nora Ephron girlies. I loved all of the characters and the dialogue- it felt like a warm hug of a book!!!

Very much a 3.5, rounding up because I really enjoy B.K. Borison’s writing. While unique, the setting didn’t totally work for me because we just don’t see enough of Aiden and Lucie together on the radio show. In general I felt there were a lot of great things set up in this world that weren’t fleshed out enough for my liking. I wanted more of Maya and Lucie’s relationship, more Grayson and Mateo, more of Patty and more of Jackson (though I’m excited he’s getting a book of his own). The burn was incredibly slow, and the conflict was a little underdeveloped, but I was ultimately very moved by the resolution and I found myself really rooting for their happy ending.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about reading this book, because I loved the entire Lovelight series SO much. I didn't want to be disappointed if I couldn't invest in a "new" set of characters and a place completely separate Lovelight Farms. I'm so glad I didn't let my apprehension get the best of me! First-Time Caller was every bit as wonderful as I could have hoped...even without a christmas tree farm! The aesthetic was different from B.K. Borison's Lovelight series, but no less addicting or captivating. I loved the relationship between the main characters just as much as I loved the relationships between the side characters. Borison has such a lovely and natural way of writing dialogue that makes me feel like I'm listening into a conversation instead of reading it (which, let's be honest, I would totally eavesdrop on Lucie and Grayson.... or Grayson and anyone, really).

Lucie's daughter calls into a late night radio show looking to help her mom find love - unbeknownst to Lucie - until she is busted on air. The host of the late night love show, Aidan Valentine, has sworn off taking a chance on love because he's convinced himself it's not worth the risk. Lucie, on the other hand, believes in love wholeheartedly, but is too scared to take a chance. At the prompting of the late night producer, Aidan and Lucie join forces - on air - to help Lucie find the courage to take some chances and step out of her comfort zone, In the meantime, Aidian starts to realize that maybe it's time he took some chances of his own. He is absolutely the brooding teddy bear we all love. He is so obtusely sweet and doesn't even realize it... which makes it even sweeter.

I love the growth of the characters throughout the book - especially Lucie. She has fallen into the trap that so many of us do - especially single moms IMO - where we forget to be someone other than "mom" at times. That our hearts may belong to our chidren, but our worth and identity is not found in motherhood alone. It's not often the opportunity for change presents itself, and Lucie was smart enough to jump on it when it did. I love the way she comes to know her worth and refuses to settle for anything less, even if -no, WHEN - it means holding out for something special. I am not a huge Sleepless in Seattle fan (the book's inspiration) but I am a huge B.K. Borison and First-Time Caller fan. Pretty sure Aidan Valentine got away with a lot more in the book than the characters in the movie did .... I mean the radio booth?! Tom Hanks would NEVER (but thank goodness Aidan does!) ;-)

All in all, a beautiful story of knowing your worth, finding your person, and, at times, creating your own magic. A must read! I will now await the next book in this series with an eager anticipation - no anxiety necessary! :-) Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First-Time Caller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much to @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

OMG. This book was so delightful, and I will never stop talking about it. I’m in love with this book. I have adored everything that she has written, but this is hands down my favorite book by her now!!!
I don’t even know where to start. This book managed to be both emotionally realistic and beautifully romantic.
Talk about a collection of the sweetest characters ever. Both the main characters and the side characters were all so lovable and they each added so much to the story.
Lucie and Aiden have my whole heart!!!
The conversations that were held in this story regarding love were so touching. The author has such a gift with words. You see these characters fall in love with the little things, and I think that may be my favorite part.
Lucie expresses her emotions in a way that many will connect with. She is confident, she speaks her truth, and she makes the entire city fall in love with her.
The radio show aspect was so fun! I loved the banter that took place on air! Plus, all of the little transcripts at the end of each chapter made me smile so big.
This is such a warm, feel-good story. I really could not put this down. I love Lucie. I love Aiden. I loved watching them slowly fall in love. This book is actually perfect, and one of the best romance books ever!!!
First-Time Caller will be out February 11th. This will not be the last time you hear me recommend this book. I’m losing my mind it’s so good.

Read If You Like:
☎️single mom
☎️radio shows
☎️slow burn
☎️found family
☎️Sleepless in Seattle

The most perfect rom-com story ever! The way I was giggling and smiling so many times. The fact that he keeps a list of her favorite things in his car so he never forgets!! AH! I loved the pacing of the book, the dual POV, the quirkiness to the characters and story. (A traveling harmonica band?? okay). I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the book comes out in February. I definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun & feel good romance.

I really really loved this! Kind of unexpected given that I have enjoyed but not loved BK Borison's Lovelight Farms series.

The concept of this is so much fun: jaded radio host meets hopeful romantic via late-night radio show call-in orchestrated by said romantic's daughter. The moment Lucie burst into Maya's room during that phone call was the moment I knew I'd love this book.

The perfect blend of humor and sincerity, I enjoyed Lucie and Aiden's connection and how it grew organically through their time at the radio studio. It was fun to see Aiden try to help Lucie find her connection and how their feelings kind of blossomed from there - I love a good little jealousy plotline, and this story definitely has that included!

Side characters were also super endearing and I'm excited to see who she writes about next! Would love to get a Jackson book with some Lucie and Aiden sprinkled in there as well..

Excited to share this one with people and will definitely be pre-ordering a final copy!!

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. You will have to read this book as soon as you can because I loved it.

Becs Borison has officially cemented herself as a go-to author. I just love her books. First-Time Caller is now my favorite of hers. It’s real, dreamy, sweet and funny and horny. I loved this beginning to end. Couldn’t detach myself from Lucie and Aiden so I just ended up reading it all in one sitting. I cannot wait to talk more bout this book!! So good!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a DRC of this title.

So romantic and yearning and hopeful-- the perfect book for a grey February day. Probably one of my favorite books by B.K. Borison, and one that I can't wait to recommend to my patrons. 4.5 stars/5.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I enjoyed this one overall, though it was a bit slow to start. The slow burn was less burning and more slow for a good portion of the book. I lost a bit of interest part way through because of the slow pacing- you’d get a glimpse of a moment of connection and then back to denial, repeat. Once Lucie and Aiden got together there was some moments I really enjoyed (the note in the glove compartment- so sweet). I liked the untangling of why they both had some reservations when putting themselves out there. I wanted a little more of life together after they got together- but I suppose we’ll get glimpses of that in the rest of the series.

The radio station setting is fun, and I think will be fun to explore for the rest of the series. I always enjoy how Borison creates a world of supporting characters and teases who will eventually get a book. I’m looking forward to the rest in the series, especially Jackson’s story.

Wow. I thought I loved B.K. Borison before but this one exceeded my expectations. I literally read this in one go. I COULD NOT STOP. I’m normally not the biggest fan of romances with children involved-yes I know she’s a preteen- but maya was such an important part of the book for me. Then we have Aiden….the man of my dreams. Lucie and Aiden’s flirting and banter had me literally kicking my feet and swooning. Definitely a slow burn but worth it! This was hands down the best sleepless in Seattle retelling I’ve EVER had the pleasure of reading.

Yup! Yup! Yes!!! The book took my heart and I’m obsessed with this. Absolutely obsessed with the characters. I feel like they’re my real life friends! They are relatable and real and sooo lovable! This book was absolutely amazing and I hope everyone has the honor of reading it!

This was so good! I feel like the pacing was a bit off at certain points, but overall a very enjoyable read!

First-Time Caller ☎️🎧✨📻💘

5 stars ⭐

At this point, B.K. Borison can honestly do no wrong in my eyes. I have loved every book she has written and First-Time Caller was no different. I was so sad to say goodbye to the Lovelight series, but I am now eagerly waiting to see where this new series takes us!

I truly loved every single moment of First-Time Caller. From the moment I started reading, I knew this book was going to be something good. It genuinely felt like I was watching a love story unfold in front of me. 

B.K. is unbelievably good at making her characters feel real and like you’ve known them your entire life. Aiden and Lucie are truly two perfectly imperfect people. Their stories and struggles felt very mature and incredibly relatable. I loved them both individually and together. I honestly connected to them both so deeply and have a feeling many others will find parts of themselves too! 

Aiden and Lucie’s banter and chemistry omg!!! SO GOOD. Please be prepared to laugh a lot and giggle uncontrollably. I also have zero complaints about the spice. 🤭

Also, can I just say one thing? Aiden literally keeps a written list of Lucie's favorite things in his glove compartment so he won't forget what she likes. Please… how can you not love him?? 😭😭😭 

The plot around the radio station was honestly so unique and fun to read about. This is one of the things I love most about reading… the fact you can truly live 1,000 different lives and put yourself in the shoes of numerous people! 

B.K. is the queen of writing side characters! The ability to make you fall in love with not only the main characters but the extra ones as well is honestly so impressive.   

Also, I rarely cry when reading books but this one did manage to get me to sob a bit. No spoilers for now but have tissues ready LOL 

So yes, I highly recommend you read this the second it releases and I will be snagging a physical copy the moment I can! 

I am so excited to see what is next with Heartstrings! 

Thank you so so so much Berkley & NetGalley for the arc! 💘

Wow, I loved everything about this. I loved Lucie and her open approach to the little setup her daughter did. Watching Aiden's character development throughout the story was a beautiful thing to see unfold. Also Mateo and Grayson were HILARIOUS and the right people you want as your best friends. Grayson was BUCK WILD lol I loved how natural every thing happened in this story, it made it more relatable and realistic. I also loved that this was about a night radio show about love. Such cute vibes, all the swooning from Aiden and the hilarity from Grayson. And the ending! All around 5 stars, BK Borison has done it again folks!!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.