It’s official, I’m in love, everything about this book had me absolutely hooked. I haven’t had such a huge emotional response to a contemporary love story in a long time, but I found myself crying at points during the story and kicking my feet with a smile on my face at others. Reading this beautiful story as Lucie and Aiden fall for each other is everything my heart never knew it needed. Honestly, this book deserves all the hype it is getting, I thoroughly enjoyed every second and would not have changed anything. If you’re looking for a cozy romance set in Baltimore between a jaded radio host and a hopeless romance then this is the perfect book for you.

We meet Lucie and Aiden very early on in the story and get an introduction to them both as characters individually, before one phone call to Aiden’s relationship advice radio show my Lucie’s daughter has Aiden, Lucie and the Heartstrings radio show going viral. After their success Lucie agrees to do-host Heartstrings with Aiden in order to try and find the elusive magic and spark that she’s been trying to find in a relationship for years. However, as time goes on and Aiden and Lucie spend more and more time together, something becomes clear is the happily ever after Lucie is looking for right in front of her, and will she be brave enough to grab it with both hands?

Lucie and Aiden are polar opposites and the contrast between their characters is definitely one of the aspects that makes this story truly spectacular. Lucie is a hopeless romantic, and really who can blame her, with a glass half full attitude and wanting to seize the opportunity her viral fame affords her we get to journey along on her road to romance. Aiden on the other hand is a bucket full of cynicism and having fallen out of love with love, he at the beginning thinks that the radio dateline idea is absolute nonsense but as the book goes on his edges begin to soften. These two have such great banter and flirt relentlessly throughout the book which is such a joy and heart warming to read. I did find it incredibly frustrating when Aiden just would not get out of his own way, and there were some tender moments there where tears were shed and my heart was aching. I could talk about these two amazing main characters for ages, but that would be doing a disservice to the other incredible characters we meet throughout this book, who all have such a big impact on the story and the characters.

The pacing in this book was perfect, the story ebbed and flowed, taking time to fully explore the more sensitive and emotional topics while blending this with the daily lives of the characters. I almost finished the book in one sitting, it was that addictive and hard to put down which is a testament to great writing. Being set in Baltimore and focused around a radio show just felt perfectly fitting for the style of story and the the situation that fostered the romance. I am so excited to see what story we get treated to next in this series, as if this is anything to go by then we are in for an absolutely wild and emotional ride.

This was such a heartwarming romance!

First-Time Caller is a Sleepless in Seattle-esque story where there's a late-night radio show about love, a sort of romance hotline, run by Aiden Valentine. He's lost faith in love and is, therefore, having trouble connecting with the callers, until one night when a girl calls him on the show to ask for help for her mother, Lucie. Lucie is taken by surprise when she comes across her daughter calling a romance hotline on her behalf. It's true she hasn't had much luck with romantic love, but she feels content with the love she gets from the people around her, or so she tells herself most of the time. Lucie's interaction with Aiden, once she takes the phone away from her daughter, goes viral and she then gets invited as a guest for a few weeks on the show, when she meets Aiden in person.

This was my first B.K. Borison book, after hearing such good things about the author's work, and it was such a good one! Lucie and Aiden had a lot of chemistry, and I loved Lucie's family dynamic and friends. Overall, I found it a very enjoyable read and I'll definitely continue reading this series, but I will admit the book felt a bit formulaic at times.

Thank you very much to Pan MacMillan for the proof and also NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This novel delivers a tender and emotional love story that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page. The characters are crafted with incredible depth, each carrying their own burdens, dreams, and vulnerabilities that make their journey toward love all the more compelling.

A beautiful romance that although doesn’t reinvent the wheel, is a delight to read. When Lucie’s daughter calls the grumpy radio host of ‘Heartstrings’ for advice on helping her mum find a date and the conversation goes viral, Lucie finds herself the centre of attention! All the characters in this small town are instantly loveable. There is endless yearning and tension, and it is also incredibly humorous and heartfelt. If you loved the Dream Harbor series this is definitely for you!

Sometimes, you come across a story so sweet, heartwarming, and authentic that it simply steals your heart. First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison was exactly that for me.

Aiden Valentine, a disillusioned radio host with a love-cynical attitude, meets Lucie Stone, a car mechanic and single mom. It all starts with a call from her daughter—a scene so touching and wholesome that it immediately tugged at my heartstrings. From that moment on, I was completely hooked.

Why I loved this book:
The characters stole the show for me. Each one felt so real, with flaws, quirks, and endless charm. Lucie and Aiden are absolutely adorable together, and the tension between them is palpable. I couldn’t help but smile constantly while reading. Their conversations—especially those during the radio show—made me feel like I was right there in the studio with them.

I also resonated deeply with the themes about dating and understanding what you truly want in love. The story captures so much truth about standing firm on what matters to you, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

What touched me the most:
The emotional depth of this story floored me, particularly Lucie’s speech to Aiden. She hits him—and me as a reader—straight in the heart. Those moments of vulnerability and honesty, where Aiden’s fear of getting hurt and building walls to protect himself comes to light, brought me to tears. I saw myself in both Lucie and Aiden, but perhaps even more in Aiden.

What I loved:

• The unique and atmospheric radio show setting.
• The dual POVs, which brought so much life to the story.
• The effortless representation of Grayson, Lucie’s baby daddy, and his relationship. It’s exactly the kind of casual, normalized portrayal I love to see.
• And as a bonus: Lucie’s daughter cosplaying Indiana Jones! Such a lovely detail that made me smile so big.

By the end, I closed this book with a happy sigh—and yes, a few tears—because it was just so beautiful.

Conclusion:
First-Time Caller is a wonderfully written love story filled with humor, heart, and magnetic characters. For me, it’s a solid 5-star read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt and honest romance.

I cannot tell you how much I adored this book. I think it might be my fav of hers. I devoured it. The romance was just the cutest. Its a sleepless in seattle inspired slow burn, but the tension is perfect, the banter is amazing. I loved the idea of it all, Lucie calling Aidens romance hotline to find a date. Hes trying to help her but as they get closer, what possibly could happen?

It was flawless. I love Aiden and Lucie so much and them together was divine. Its such an easy, feel good read and is so sweet with a little spice mixed in there too.

I. Loved. This.

All these characters have my heart — Lucie, Aiden, Jackson, Maya, Grayson and Mateo. What a wonderful group of characters. I can’t wait for Jackson’s book!

I loved how Aiden and Lucie came to meet each other via Lucie’s daughter, Maya, meddling. That phone call was HILARIOUS.

This book made me cry a damn lot, particularly with Maya telling her mama how much she deserves to be loved and how Maya wants to see her Mum receive the love and happiness she deserves. It squeezed my heart and gave me a warm hug.

Aiden and Lucie’s connection was wonderful, and I loved how Lucie learned to value, get to know herself, and believe in herself. It was wonderful. I also loved how Aiden learned to open up to the people closest around him, including his best friend Jackson, and having a heart to heart with his Dad.

I really loved this book and B.K Borison’s writing. I’m excited to dive in to her back catalogue! I’ve been meaning to for a while but this has given me the push to give them all a good binge.

I don't really know where to start with this book. I enjoyed it a lot at times, but also felt like it was a chore to pick the book up.

It took me a very long time to figure out what I was waiting for the whole time I was reading the book. Something was just missing from the start. Then very close to finishing the book I realized: I wanted to read more of the radio talk. Almost every time we skipped everything that happened when the show was live, even though it was supposed to be the main focus. I feel like I missed the part where Aiden and Lucie were slowly falling for each other, when they got to know each other.

I loved Maya and Grayson and Mateo! The family aspect of this book was so cute and warm, and honestly best part of the whole book. I would have loved to read more about them. I would have also loved to see more of Patty. Now the best friend part just got told to us more than shown.

The romance was cute, but this book probably wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy it as much I hoped I would, which is pretty sad because this was my first bk borison book, and I have been wanting to read more from her. I think I will give the second book a chance as well, but sadly this didn't live up to the hype.

3.5 stars

This is a fun rom com read that gave me the cute romance whilst also making me laugh. I loved both Lucie & Aiden and their banter was entertaining. Lucie's daughter was a great addition to the story and she cracked me up. There are also so many fun supporting characters. I want to be friends with Maya's Dads. The whole family melted my heart.

The slow burn felt a bit too slow in some places but I did enjoy the gradual move from strangers to friends to lovers. It made it feel very real.

REVIEW
cw: mentions of cancer, child abandonment, anxiety

When Aiden Valentine, the host of 'Heartstrings', Baltimore's romance hotline, receives a call from a young girl asking for dating advice for her mum, the interview goes viral. Twenty-nine-year-old mechanic, Lucie Stone, thought she was doing just fine. But when half of the city starts having an opinion on her life after her mischievous daughter's antics, she finds herself questioning if she's as happy as she thought. Maybe some romance would be fun. Everyone's rooting for Lucie to find her happy ever after, even Aiden, who had fallen out of love with love. Until he met Lucie.

B.K. Borison writes some of THE swooniest romances that I've ever read, and this was no exception. This was THE most exquisite slow burn! I genuinely didn't know how she could follow the amazing Lovelight Farms series, but here I am, grinning and swooning all over again. I LOVED the little transcripts at the end of each chapter. It was such a cute touch.
I must be honest though, at times this was a tough read for me, especially early on, because I identified SO much with Lucie. I found myself sobbing so many times whenever she spoke about how she'd pretty much lost herself in many regards and had pushed the idea of love and romance to one side while she prioritised raising her daughter. She was incredibly relatable, especially in how she struggled with dating. In chapter three, it was like seeing inside my head when she talked about the exhaustion of holding everything together alone. But most of all, I loved her vulnerability. When she spoke about the things she'd like from a date it spoke deeply to me. I loved how awkward she was at times, but, she was also very funny and deeply empathic, and I loved her celebrity crush.
Aiden was such a cinnamon roll underneath his seemingly jaded exterior. My heart broke for him when we learned the burden he was putting on himself always to be positive around his parents. When he finally revealed his reasons for being cynical about love to Lucie, my heart broke even more. The key ring absolutely wrecked me. But I adored how much he secretly cared about everyone, especially Lucie, and how he always checked in that she was emotionally comfortable at the studio.
Both Lucie and Aiden perfectly voiced the disconnect and lack of enthusiasm for dating, and the all-encompassing loneliness, even when surrounded by people you care about. But the chemistry between them was palpable, and it really was SUCH an exquisite slow burn. I absolutely ADORED it when Aiden rushed to comfort her after the no-show. The simmering tension when they were playing Skee-Ball and dancing was utterly sublime. Chapter eighteen was SO adorably awkward, then ridiculously cute. As for the eventual 'F-it' moment, and then chapter twenty-three? It was sheer perfection. Aiden's gradual realisation that he needed Lucie in his life was so deeply satisfying to watch unfold, but also incredibly sweet, especially as he awkwardly tried to navigate those new feelings. The way I swooned during chapter twenty-six. It was both incredibly moving and deeply adorable. As for the following chapter? All I can say is it was 'very nice' *winks* and most definitely worth the wait!
There were, of course, lots of great supporting characters. Maya, Lucie's daughter was sweet and funny, and I loved how much she wanted good things for her mum. I also loved Maya's father, Grayson, and his husband, Mateo. They were so wonderfully supportive of Lucie, even though the initial reveal made me giggle. Patty, Lucie's neighbour, was such a fun character, with a great sense of humour. The way I CACKLED when Grayson, and then Patty, saw Lucie after she'd had some apricot jam (IYKYK). I loved the quirkiness but also the caring nature of Angelo, Harvey, and Dan, Lucie's colleagues
I adored Aiden's friend and colleague, Jackson. His friendship with Aiden was wonderful, and they were hilarious together, but he also gave great advice. Meanwhile, his nervous, meandering weather talks were absolutely hilarious. I also loved what (I hope) was the setup for his book, and the car park scene cracked me up. The station manager, Maggie, was also an interesting character, and I hope we see more from her in the future. Oliver was also adorable and I hope we get his full story at some point because the setup was SO intriguing. I also think there was a tease for another story with Maggie. But the person I desperately want a book with is Jackson. In case you haven't guessed by now, I absolutely adored him.
The chapters towards the end absolutely broke me, but I was SO proud of Lucie, and then Aiden for confronting their fears. I adored Aiden's father's advice. But, believe me, you'll want to stock up on tissues for this book, because I was an emotional wreck so many times But the final couple of chapters were SO stinking cute, and as for the epilogue? It was chef's kiss.
This was THE most exquisite slow burn and another masterpiece in swoon by B.K. Borison.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

*Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. First Time Caller is published on 13th February 2025 in the UK*

Favourite Quotes:

“I’ve been—” Struggling, I think, afraid to say the word out loud. Afraid to make it real. I’ve been struggling and I have no idea how to fix it. If it can even be fixed. I think I’ve— I think it’s possible I’ve fallen out of love with love, burned by one too many lackluster calls. Burned by the sh**ty circumstances my family’s been handed too. It feels like every time I get my hopes up for something good, reality comes out swinging. I don’t know how to be a hopeful person anymore.

"It’s like everyone is doing some dance that I never learned the steps to. I’m clueless, and I’m not using that as an excuse. I am genuinely clueless. I don’t understand all of the . . . stuff you have to sift through before you can be yourself.” She sighs.

For a second, I can hear the shape of her smile. A half-moon in the dark.

"I can be a confident, independent woman and still want someone to hold my hand. To ask about my day. It’s a good thing to want passion and excitement and care. Attention and affection. I don’t want to settle for anything less than that. And I think I’ve just figured out— I think that’s why I’ve been sitting on my couch. That’s why I’m home all the time. Because I’m tired. I’m tired of trying so hard at something that comes so easily for everyone else. I stopped dating because it wasn’t working for me and I think I hoped that another option might materialize."

Blankets shift and I imagine somewhere in this sprawling city, Lucie is smiling. For one night, at least, the both of us a little bit less lonely.

I’m noticing things I shouldn’t be noticing and I’m not as mad about it as I should be.

Her cheeks are wet, her nose red. I’m feeling more than a little unhinged.
"Who the f**k made you cry?” I snap.

Lucie tips her face toward mine and all I see is green, green, green. Hedera canariensis, I think blearily, but prettier. The prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.

I want my hands in her hair and my mouth at her throat. I have fantasies where I bend her over this table. Others where I wrap her in a blanket and feed her toast. I’m not standing at the edge. I’m all the way over it.

Maybe if I give in to this pull, it won’t feel so goddamn intense. Like swiping your finger along the icing of a cake. Just a taste, to cut the craving.

I’m the toddler on the playground, tugging on her pigtails to get a reaction. I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to want more. I don’t know what the rules are. I don’t know the next steps. I’ve never cared enough to figure it out.

I’m possessive of this woman that I don’t get to keep.

“When it comes to you, Lucie”— I suck at the dip between her collarbones—“ there’s not much I don’t want.”

For the first time, I entertain the possibility that Lucie might want me as much as I want her.

"Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is a master class in thirst from those two. Half of Baltimore has been waiting with bated breath for them to start banging live on the air.”

"I think I’ve been telling myself I wanted magic and fireworks and something life altering because it made it easier to withstand the constant disappointment of never— of never being enough.”

“I don’t want something perfect; I want something honest. Something that can be mine.”

“You said you wanted fun.”
“You’re the only person I want to have fun with. You’re the only person I want anything with."

Lucie snuck in through the cracks when I wasn’t looking and made herself at home in the corners of my heart.

"You’re braver than I am.”
“Nah. I’ve just had more practice at it.”

“He’s been talking about volcanic lightning for five minutes. We live in Maryland, Lucie. There are no volcanoes.”

“I’ve never let myself feel like this,” he confesses quietly. “I’m out of practice, but I’m going to work so damn hard at it. I promise.”
“I’ll be right here with you.”
“I know,” he whispers.

For full transparency, I was skeptical going into this book as I’m not usually a “normal” romance reader, and the hype had me feeling the pressure! But I finally picked it up - and I’m SO glad I did! This was my first BK Borison book, and it’s safe to say that she will now be an autobuy romance author for me.

The story follows Aiden, a jaded romance hotline host whose lost faith in love is hurting his ratings. When a young girl calls in for dating advice—for her mom - the viral moment catapults him and his show into the spotlight. Lucie, a 29-year-old single mom, is happy with her job, family, and clever (slightly devious) daughter. But with all of Baltimore suddenly invested in her love life, she starts to wonder - maybe a little romance wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The characters are written incredibly well, with even the supporting cast feeling fleshed out and real despite limited page time. I particularly adored Grayson and Mateo’s relationship and hope we get more of them in future! Lucie might be the most relatable character I’ve ever read - she’s a tall queen (THANK YOU, BK), always puts others first, and is actively breaking generational cycles. And Aiden? Despite his flaws, I completely fell for him right alongside Lucie. He embodies “actions speak louder than words”, and I can't wait for everyone else to swoon over him too (but he’s mine, okay?). There is some miscommunication, but given the characters’ backgrounds, it felt understandable rather than frustrating.

The chemistry between Lucie and Aiden is UNREAL, their banter and connection felt so natural, making me incredibly invested! The slow burn is delicious (if you know me you know I LOVE a slow burn) and this was everything and more. There were 3 spicy scenes, that built up tension and chemistry beautifully, getting more spicy as they went on.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I absolutely loved this book! It was everything I wanted and more, making me laugh, cry, and absolutely flutter with butterflies.. Not only was this a romance novel, it’s a story of healing, acceptance, and friendship, with these themes woven seamlessly into every character and plotline.

OBSESSED WITH THEM is an understatement!!
This book made me feel all the ugly, healing and heart-fluttering feelings one could experience during reading. It spoke to my soul.😭🫶🏻

The themes of learning to love your true and authentic self, rediscovering what makes you happy added the best emotional layer to the already amazing plot and characters! THE YEARNING, OMG!! it was the most amazing out of all the books I’ve read from BK Borison.

Love love this book and thank you so much for the publisher for providing this early review copy!

Six stars for this magical read that has been living in my mind rent free for the last two months ☎️✨🎙️

This book is finally out in the world so it’s time for me to start yapping about how much I adored it. If you’re a romance reader then you MUST read this. Immediately. First Time Caller is a Sleepless in Seattle inspired romance and is part of a new series called Heartstrings.

After a conversation with radio host Aiden Valentine goes viral, Lucie Stone finds herself in the limelight and her dating prospects the talk of Baltimore. But when sparks start to fly a little closer to home than either of them expected, Lucie has to decide if she wants the radio sponsored happily ever after or the grumpy guy in the headphones next to her who’s had a hard time believing in love 📻

This book was like reading a 90’s romcom, it was pure magic. Every single character in this book added to the plot and there was so much more to it than just the romance. The found family in this is so touching to read, it genuinely made my heart feel so full. I adored Lucie’s character and loved seeing the relationships she had with all the people in her life, especially with her daughter.

The pacing of the story was perfect, the romance is a slow burn and filled with so much tension I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.

And just wait until you meet Aiden with ‘the glint of a gold chain around his neck’. Lives were changed when B.K. Borison wrote this man. The scene of him realising Lucie had been stood up and racing to the restaurant is ingrained into my memory for life.

Lucie & Aiden have been on my mind constantly since finishing this, I think it’s time I go back and do a reread 📖

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for blessing me with an early copy of this book, I am eternally grateful ✨

Led by two such charming characters, who themselves were surrounded by an endearing group of people, this novel was a joy to read. It was funny, vulnerable, sweet and swoony – all in all romcom perfection!

Would I recommend?... 100% YES! This one's for the romantics, but even the cynics will find themselves rooting for the couple.

Read for:
- Nora Ephron vibes
- hopeless romantic x romantic-in-denial
- forced proximity
- brilliantly supportive side characters
- slowburn (it'll be worth it!)

B.K. Borison has done it again!
Another great start to a series, I can't wait to see where these ones go.
Inspired by Sleepless in Seatle, there is a lot of love in this one, between couples, parents and children, friends, new relationships and old. This book has it all with a splash of spice.

I crave reading romances. I want the happily ever afters. I want the romance. The magic. The flirting. And yes, the spice.
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I want to smile secretly to myself at the witty banter and the sauciness. I want to laugh out loud at the comical side characters. I want to fall in love with the grumpy male main character, who is actually a complete sweetheart and cute as hell. I want to cry at the declarations of love. And this book was just perfect. It gave me everything I look for in a romance.
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Based on the film “Sleepless in Seattle” it has all the cosiness and magic of that movie. And all the humour and romance.
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Lucie finds herself chatting to Aiden Valentine live on the radio, when her daughter Maya phones in to meddle in her love life. That phone call leads to the rise of “Heartstrings” ratings and a huge number of fans who love Lucie.
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So Lucie is invited to share the radio booth with Aiden. Aiden’s mission is to find Lucie the magic that she wants. To get her dating again and ultimately to find the love of her life. But things begin to get problematic when Lucie and Aiden develop real feelings for one another.
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This was such a wonderful book. It was so heartwarming and yet heartbreaking in parts too. Aiden’s story particularly brought a lump to my throat.
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I also loved Jackson and his hopeless weather reports. And Lucie’s whole found family were adorable. Just a gorgeous romance. And perfect to read around Valentine’s Day.

This Sleepless in Seattle inspired romcom is full of magic and overall heartwarming!! The story is about a hopeless romantic single mom who ends up co-hosting a radio show to find her happily ever after, because her daughter phoned in to said show to ask for dating advice on ‘behalf’ of her mom. But of course, she slowly starts falling for her co-host instead.
The story has a simple plot and is just so very sweet. Lucie and Aiden deserve the word! Also, Maya is iconic for forcing her mom into dating lol. I did feel like the story sometimes existed in a vacuum, because we don’t get much of them outside the radio booth, and friends/family are a bit more on the background. However, I feel like it worked for this story and I really enjoyed myself while reading it!! (loved the slow burn ofc). Go read it!!

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!

This book is the definition of romance and I loved it so much!

I have nothing else to say other than this book was perfect and I have no criticism.

Another perfect romance from B.K. Borison.

Love, love, love!

4.5/5*

This was the most delicious slow burn romance that I have read in a while. A properly cooked and seasoned book, with BK Borison delightful signature.

Aiden and Lucie are totally fine, absolutely astonishingly OKAY, but they somehow end up having live conversations on a Baltimore radio station about… sort of… life? Dating? Cynicism? You name it. Their relationship builds with the connection that you can find in the short moments of the daily life: one instant at time. I really enjoyed every part of their journey.

Besides the layered and interesting main characters, Borison has a talent for creating secondary characters that bright with their own light. I am already wanting to know who will be next in this series. This is definitely a story that will stay with me.

Thank you to BK Borison, Pan Macmillan and Netgalley an advanced copy of the ebook

Aiden is skeptical about love and Lucie is a hopeless romantic. In a hilarious and delightfully cringeworthy turn of events, Lucie ends up co-hosting Aiden's romance hotline in a bid to find her happily ever after. Inevitably, they are drawn to each other despite their different outlooks on love. I absolutely loved this one. The main characters are so authentic and their chemistry is top notch. The side characters are all keepers. It's full of wholesome and happy vibes. It's funny and deeply romantic. It did not disappoint.