A great rom-com. This tribute to Sleepless In Seattle made a great mix of fresh new takes on the story as well as glimpses of memories of the movie we all love. Lucy and Aiden are truly dumb idiots we can’t help but cheer for. This is definitely worth the read and the inevitable rewatch of Sleepless In Seattle you will definitely do.

This was my first book by this author and while I did enjoy it, it felt a little long for my liking. I know a lot of people like long, slow=burn romances but unfortunately they're my cup of tea. I did like Aidan and Lucie's characters and everything that they both went through, I just felt it could have been a lot shorter. I did like the uniqueness of the radio show intermixed with the plot for the romance, I've never read a concept like that before. I'm curious if the next book is going to be about Jackson, I loved him and his goofy nerdiness.

This book was everything I never knew I needed. Aiden and Lucie are my favorite book couple! The way Aiden was down bad for Lucie was perfect. The love between Lucie and her daughter was heartwarming and I adored Lucie’s relationship with Grayson and Mateo and the guys at the mechanic shop! I related to Aiden and his feelings about his mom being sick! It’s a feeling that never leaves you and I truly felt so seen! I will forever hold a place in my heart for First-Time Caller!

I really enjoyed this book! It was a new & fresh romance that I devoured!! The story was so cute and the buildup was making my feet KICK. I personally loved the ages of the main characters as well as having an older single mom just trying to try out dating again. Thank you so much for letting me read this book <3

I really wanted to like this one more than I did, but I think my expectations were too high because I loved Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison. This book was missing the small town charm element that I think a lot of people expect from the author, and I just didn’t connect with the characters. They actually became rather irksome to read about at a certain point, and the book could have benefited from being a little shorter and more condensed, I think.

I do like the general premise, especially with it being a take on Sleepless in Seattle, which is one of my favorite movies. The radio show setup was fun, and I liked the initial dynamic between the main love interests, but I feel like we needed more of them out of the studio and less of the recording sessions.

This book was very fun. I really liked all the characters, not just the main ones. The banter was really great and the story moved along quickly. I would recommend.

First Time Caller by BK Borison is a charming, heartfelt, and fun read that had me hooked from the very first page. Borison's writing is fresh and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world she’s created.
What I particularly loved about the book is the way Borison balances humor with emotional depth. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and while romance is at the heart of the story, it’s the personal growth and connections that truly make this book shine. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and warmth to keep readers invested.
BK Borison also weaves in meaningful themes about love, self-discovery, and second chances. The witty banter and memorable secondary characters add depth, making this much more than your typical romance.
Overall, First Time Caller is a wonderfully enjoyable read, perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, romantic story with a little something extra. Highly recommend!

Sweet, smart, and full of heart! The chemistry crackles, the dialogue sparkles, and it’s impossible not to root for these characters. A delightful rom-com!

A charming and heartfelt dual-POV novel about being willing to open yourself to new possibilities. Marvelous banter between not just the two leads, but ensemble cast as well. The romantic leads had real depth of emotion as well as healthy senses of humor.

It took me much longer to finish this book than I would have liked, and I think that's partially why I didn't rate the book a little higher. For reference, I'm a medical student and I love reading romances because they're light and fun and easy for me to read when I'm not in the mood to read. Anyways, I did really enjoy this book and knew I would because I love B.K. Borison's books. Her writing is lyrical and magical and makes me believe in all the beautiful aspects of love and romance. I would definitely recommend this book as a Valentine's Day read. I loved Lucie's character and how she didn't shy away from what she wanted even if other people found it silly. I enjoyed learning about her life outside of the romance like her relationship with her daughter, and her friends. My only tiny complaint about this book came towards the end. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it, but there was a third act breakup situation which is not my favorite. Outside of that, my only other criticism would be to have seen Aiden interact more with Lucie's daughter since she was the start of it all. With that being said, I found the epilogue to be charming and did have bits and pieces of things that came full circle. I'm a sucker for the red string theory and any mention of that is a win to me. All in all, I do recommend this one for a cute and cozy time!

This was a nice spring surprise!

Ended up liking this so much more than I realized or thought I would.

First-Time Caller is a hazy late-night phone call that makes the heart flutter, and the world outside the window feel like a fuzzy, faraway dream. Aiden Valentine and Lucie Stone’s evening forays in the sound booth taste of bitter coffee and gazing at the stars. The book buzzes with a giddy, sleep-deprived energy that will keep readers up late for all the right reasons.

First-time readers of B.K. Borison are sure to become dedicated listeners after this enthralling read. This contemporary love story, set against the backdrop of glowing city lights and cozy recording booths, is a soothing balm of healing love connections.

The movie bottles up the magic of Nora Ephron’s Sleepless in Seattle with a weary harbour town setting and an emotionally unavailable love interest slowly worming his way into the leading lady’s heart with her favourite pizza and his comfiest sweaters. It’s a whirlwind of adorable banter, stolen coffee, near-missed connections, and small brushes across the other’s skin that tug at the heartstrings.

Readers can expect to float through this urban fantasy with a delightful protagonist who is refreshingly sincere about her worth and pitfalls.

Lucie also has a badass job as a mechanic and a semi-tragic backstory — elements the author merely uses to enrich her character rather than letting them consume her identity. Lucie is like all the other girls — she is a goddess who wants a romantic love worthy of the platonic and familiar love she has surrounded herself with. And maybe that’s what makes Lucie such an infatuating narrator. Her best features are heightened by a dozen wholesome dynamics with her grumpy mechanic pals and unconventional yet loving family. It feels like she walked right off the set of a 90s rom-com into the pages of this book without sacrificing authenticity,

First-Time Caller is a tantalizing commentary on fate and all the near misses that have to happen for Lucie and Aiden to finally meet, miles away from each other over the static of an on-air phone call. They orbit around each other for years, never really knowing each other, and once they do, the couple finds themselves at the mercy of constant run-ins. This steamy radio meet-cute thrives in the unknowns of the universe, the possible supernatural forces of a city on the cusp of sleep, and the nostalgia of a dating advice hotline.

It does stumble in its humble beginnings. The duelling POVs succumb to asking one too many leading questions, drawing out the mystic of their first few runs as strangers. However, the reader often comes to the conclusion pages before the protagonist and has to endure infuriating lines of questions as Lucie and Aidan refuse to reach out and grasp the answer right in front of them. Thankfully, these quirks evaporate once the two get in the booth.

Then, not even some annoying miscommunication and icky emotional unavailability can stop the momentum of their love story.

The result is a romance reminiscent of Jess and Nick’s wholesome friendship-to-lovers arc on New Girl, with bantering family dynamics that could easily fit in alongside charming TV ensembles like Modern Family and Shrinking.

The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of dating while wrapping Lucie’s brave journey in a warm blanket of healthy self-esteem, functional relationships, and a fulfilling career with supportive co-workers. It is a vulnerable, heart-tugging tale of red-hot passion that proves authentic romance isn’t dead — it’s just a phone call away.

Borison crafts a contemporary time capsule that captures the bittersweet essence of late-night phone calls and meet-cutes in a city that never sleeps.

4.5 Stars Rounded Up

Thank you Berkley for the gifted physical copy. #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

First Time Caller
B.K. Borison
Publishing Date: February 11, 2025

This romance inspired by Sleepless in Seattle gives us Lucie and Aiden’s story. Lucie is a romantic who is having a hard time finding love and Aiden is a jaded radio-host of a show about… love. When Lucie’s daughter calls into the show to get advice on how to help her mom, their worlds collide.

This was a really great romance. Lucie is a strong, independent, patient, loving FMC. Aiden has had a rough life and as a result is a bit of a mess when it comes to how to handle his feelings in relationships, so he just doesn’t engage in them. But the heart wants what it wants.

B.K. Borison excels at conveying the emotional struggles that these characters go through. The growth they go through. And how they help each other achieve that growth. She also writes really lovely side characters that don’t steal the show but really add to the story. You will swoon, you will laugh, and you’ll fall in love with these characters.

I just finished listening to *First Time Caller* by BK Borison, and I have to say—this book is absolutely adorable. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the audiobook, which made this sweet, heartwarming story even more special.

This is the kind of book that makes you *believe in love again.* It’s the perfect romance to curl up with, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. The story is charming, the romance is swoon-worthy, and every moment is filled with the kind of warmth that makes your heart melt.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the *maturity of the characters.* It’s refreshing to see a romance where both leads communicate, grow, and handle situations in a way that feels genuine and real. Plus, the *side characters* bring so much personality and fun, adding even more depth to an already engaging story.

If you’re looking for a feel-good, uplifting romance that will leave you smiling, *First Time Caller* is a must-read. Highly recommend for anyone needing a dose of love and joy in their reading life!

Well, this had my GIGGLING and KICKING MY FEET!!

I laughed, I cried! There was TENSION and it was a slow burn (a personal fave of mine). The characters were so real and I loved them with my whole heart.

And the ending🥹

Def a fave of the year!

This book was so sweet.

I really love the trope of helping someone find a date only to fall in love with them themselves. I loved everything about this book, a lot.

The first half of this book had me hooked, smiling, looking forward to every metaphorical page turn on my kindle.

Once I was over the hump and reached the last third of the book, it somehow lost its fizzle. Every page became a bore thoughts of DNFing started to arise. Blake the sink cust fallacy for why I continue. Let’s hope the ending is worth the inordinately long time it’s taking me to finish this book.

Update: okay yes, it was! Loved the FMC displaying some STRONG self-love and not letting the MMC wallow around in his own despair. Characters that call out BS and fight for themselves are the best!

4⭐️ for the sleepless in Seattle vibes! Just wish the middle was a tad bit shorter

First Time Caller
Genre - romance
Rating - 3.75⭐️

This sweet romance was bingeable and fun, with the unique touch of being set in a radio broadcast booth. Lucie and Aiden were well developed, and I loved how Lucie’s career was in a male dominated industry. Supporting characters make a romance for me; at times, Maya and her dads were in danger of stealing the spotlight in the best way. Despite a third act breakup, this one felt reasonable and wasn’t super frustrating- it just made sense for their character arcs.

I read Lovelight Farms back in December from this author (I know, totally late to the game but worth the hype!) and can't wait to dive into the rest of her backlist - this author is a lovely mix of cozy, feel goods, with the right amount of steam.

In First-Time Caller, author B.K. Borison weaves a lighthearted romantic tale of friendship, love and second chances.

Set in Baltimore, the reader is easily drawn into this entertaining rom com as they follow Lucie Stone and Aiden Valentine as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life, love, and second chances.

Lucie Stone is a single mom to twelve-year-old daughter Maya. She has a loving support system consisting of Grayson, her ex-BF/baby daddy and his husband Mateo, and BFF Patty. But the one thing Lucie doesn't have is a significant other. She a romantic who is waiting for the right guy to find her.

Aiden Valentine is the radio host of Baltimore's hottest romance hotline, Heartstrings. Aiden is struggling and has trouble believing in love and has lost hope in romance because of the radio callers' issues with love.

When Lucie catches Maya on the phone with Aiden, she can't believe that her daughter has called into the romance hotline and is asking for advice for her mom! What ensues is a long on-air call between Lucie and Aiden that goes viral, and the next thing she knows is that Heartstrings is going to help her with her love life! Follow along as Lucie and Aiden team up on-air to find her a romantic partner, but who knows, maybe the perfect romantic partner is right before their nose the whole time!

First-Time Caller is such a fun romantic comedy that easily keeps the reader engaged as they follow Lucie and Aiden's story. Set in Baltimore and told in alternating first person narrative by Lucie and Aiden, the reader follows along as their unexpected meeting helps both of them gain a sense of self-discovery, and a second chance at finding love and happiness in their lives.

There was a great mixture of emotion, drama, angst, humor, and crazy antics mixed in this story. The author does a great job of describing Lucie and Aiden's lives, when they begin hosting Heartstrings together. As Lucie's on-air dating experience is anything but romantic, Lucie and Aiden both realize that sparks fly between them. You can't help but cheer them on, and hope that they realize they're meant for each other.

This is a Sleepless In Seattle inspired love story, and it is exactly that. The author said that she wrote the story as a love letter to love ... the magic of love, and she sure did accomplish that!

First-Time Caller is a heartfelt story that has enough emotional depth, drama, romance, comedy, and witty banter, that makes it a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy tale that romance fans will certainly enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I have also purchased a hardcover copy via my monthly subscription to Book Of The Month.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2025/03/first-time-caller-by-bk-borison-book.html

“Longtime listener, first-time caller”

MY HEART!!!! 🥹

B.K. Borison can do no wrong in my eyes. This book was a perfect and hilarious rom-com wrapped in a delicious little bow. I could not love it more????

Lucie + Aiden 😍

I mean, a romance hotline radio host and a single mother who is a mechanic lol only B.K. could make this swoon worthy! The tension, the banter, the honesty. 👌🏼

I literally cannot wait until And Now, Back To You, just to be back in this world!!!