Thank you for this ARC! This book is as such a cute Rom/Com. The banter was top tier and the characters were so likable.

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison has witty banter and a slow-burn romance in a feel-good love story with a grumpy-sunshine trope. It's probably a medium spice level.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the electronic copy.

This was such a sweet read! Fast paced and a great premise!
Loved the dual POVs and both MCs as they felt relatable and REAL. Plus so many funny moments and conversations but also moments that honest and vulnerable.
Solid read through and through; worth the hype!

B. K. Borison, here, take all my money!

When I started First-Time Caller, I already knew I'd love it—I haven't read anything by @authorbkborison that hasn't made me fall even more in love with her writing. Sure enough, this book was no exception.
This is one of those dreamy Rom-Coms that the 90's and early 2000's were made of. An ode to Sleepless in Seattle. As I was reading it, I imagined everything playing on-screen.

Lucie is a young single mother whose love life has been non-existent since the birth of 12-year-old Maya. One night, Lucie catches Maya on the phone with a mysterious man. It turns out, Maya secretly called Heartstrings, Baltimore's romantic hotline, to ask for dating advice for her mom. Lucie and the radio show host, Aiden, talk on air and the whole thing goes viral. Lucie's candor and vulnerability resonates with everyone, and she accepts to join the show for a segment in search of her perfect match. Little does she know that the cynical man she's sharing the booth with will be so invested in getting her the happily ever after she deserves.

Highlights for me:
Aiden and Lucie were soooo good together! The slow burn left me in sweet anticipation.
It was refreshing to see her beautiful co-parenting relationship between Lucie and Grayson and his husband Mateo.
The found family aspect was so heartwarming! Her friends were protective and funny and endearing.
The snippets of the radio show between chapters were brilliant!

I can't wait to read the next installment in the Heartstrings series and anything else B. K. Borison writes.

❓Whats your favorite 90s/2000s Rom-Com movie?
It's a hard question because I don't have only one favorite, but I could watch She's the Man and Clueless a million times and would never get tired of them.


Thank you @netgalley for the gifted e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

I really liked this book, but it was way more of a slow burn than what I originally thought and I struggled a little bit with Aiden‘s character/his reasoning for being anti-love.

What a fantastic read! Just like the description says, there are definite Sleepless in Seattle vibes, but this is a wonderful story that feels original and fun.

Aiden and Lucie were both interesting characters with so much chemistry from the very first time they spoke on the phone. I loved having the dual POV as their connection built and you start to understand the issues they are dealing with while getting to know one another.

This is my first B.K. Borison book and I loved the writing style and storytelling. I was hooked from the beginning and the character and relationship development were well paced and interesting. I already can't wait to read more in this series!

Thank you to Berkeley and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc! 4.5/5 stars rounded down for me, contemporary romance is SO back

this book is just so full of love!! I feel like it's been a while since I've read a contemporary romance with this much love in it - not just between aiden and lucie, who are so goofy and adorable together, but with all of their friends and family and platonic relationships. the strength of those platonic relationships is what really gave this book depth, in my opinion, and really elevates it from another contemporary romance to a romance that's full of character and emotion and just so compelling. I think there's some unavoidable cheesiness - you can't really do romance without a bit of cheesiness - but it's not so over the top and it's handled in a way that's earnest and doesn't make me cringe.

I've been struggling with reading straight romances recently, mostly because I feel like most romances between straight couples relies entirely on physical attraction and the widespread view that any relationship between an unrelated man and woman is romantic, and so the actual romance part of the relationship is underdeveloped or lacking. authors lean on our normalized worldview that putting a man and a woman together makes things inherently romantic and so they don't actually do the work to make a romance romantic. bk borison absolutely puts the work in here - aiden's and lucie's physical chemistry is one thing, but their banter, their conversations, the way they're able to open up to each other, the way they care for each other and treat each other and think of each other is beyond romantic. I will say that aiden felt a bit teenage angsty at some parts - there's something to be said about childhood trauma but like, dang dude, get a hold of yourself - but I also appreciated that the third-act 'breakup' was handled so maturely and actually pretty reasonably. sorry to break the news bud but YOU are in love, aiden valen. overall, a romance so sweet and wonderful, I ate up every second of it!

This books serves ip the most delicious slow burn between a hopeless romantic and a grumpy radio host who isn't convinced love is real. Vibes are warm and cosy with a single mom who gets the love she deserves. This is a must read to any romance lover!

I'm so happy this book exists, as a Sleepless in Seattle lover, this book gave every feel I could ever ask for in a romance novel. First-Time Caller is about Aiden Valentine, the host of a popular romance radio show, who has secretly lost faith in love. When a young girl calls in asking for dating advice for her mom, Lucie Stone, the heartwarming moment goes viral, turning Lucie’s love life into public interest. As a devoted single mom with a fulfilling career, Lucie never thought she needed romance, until the whole city starts rooting for her to find it. With Aiden guiding the search, an undeniable chemistry builds between them, leaving Lucie to decide whether to follow the scripted fairy tale or take a chance on something real with the man behind the microphone. I loved every second of this book, it was fun, flirty, and kept me entertained from page one. My only regret was not reading it sooner!

Alexa, play ‘Invisible String’ by Taylor Swift – because this book was nothing short of magical! From start to finish, it completely captivated me. Every page felt like a beautifully woven thread, creating an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience it too. Simply stunning!

4.75⭐️ rounded up

What an absolutely fantastic romantic comedy! First Time Caller is the ideal feel-good read if you want to swoon, giggle, and kick your feet—especially around Valentine’s Day. This gives all the vibes of the late 90s/early 2000s romcoms, I could totally see this being the perfect book for a movie like that!

The story kicks off when Lucie’s 12-year-old daughter secretly calls into a romance radio show, worried that her mom is lonely and never dates. Lucie overhears the late-night call, only to catch an unfamiliar older man’s voice. Assuming the worst, she immediately goes off on him—only to realize she’s live on air with Baltimore’s romance hotline host, Aiden. Thinking no one will care, she continues the conversation, but surprise, surprise—their clip goes viral, and suddenly, the whole city is invested in Lucie’s love life.

With the show’s ratings slipping and Aiden growing increasingly grumpy about love, the producer jumps on the opportunity, bringing Lucie on for a few weeks to spice things up. What starts as an effort to find Lucie a date turns into something much more complicated as she and Aiden develop a connection they’re convinced they can’t cross. After all, Aiden’s job is to help Lucie find love—not to be the one falling for her. But without realizing it, he starts showing up for her in ways no one else ever has, while Lucie slowly learns that love takes a little effort, too.

I adored the Sleepless in Seattle vibes—except this time, set in Baltimore, which was extra cool for me being born there 🤭 With fantastic tension, witty banter, and so many swoon-worthy moments, this book is a must-read. Highly recommend!

This was so cute! It was actually my first BK Borison book, and now I’m wondering if I’ve been depriving myself all this time. First Time Caller is a genuinely sweet love story with just the right amount of heat—enough to make your heart race but never overshadow the tenderness at its core.

Aiden and Lucie have fantastic chemistry, the kind that had me grinning like an idiot while reading. I hate that! I’m not a grinner! But this book made me giddy. Aiden did frustrate me at times, but… he’s a man, soooo.

Lucie, on the other hand, completely stole my heart. I found myself deeply invested in her happiness, rooting for her every step of the way. She’s the kind of character who feels like a friend—impossible not to love. The side characters were just as strong, adding depth and warmth to the story in a way that made the world feel rich and real.

If you love cozy, heartfelt romance with a little spice and a lot of charm, First Time Caller is absolutely worth picking up. Now excuse me while I go add the rest of BK Borison’s books to my TBR.

Thank you @berkleyromance for the advance copy in exchange for a review!

A love letter to romance. FTC story follows single mom and mechanic, Lucie Stone and radio host of Baltimore’s romance hotline Heartstrings, Aiden Valentine.

Lucie’s daughter phones in to the radio one night hoping to get advice on helping her mom find love. The conversation ends up going viral and Lucie is offered a temporary spot on the segment with Aiden. She’s a hopeless romantic and he’s a jaded lover boy. So their journey from strangers to friends to lovers is like watching your favorite romcom. I had so much fun with sweet Lucie and secret, swoony boy Aiden.

Thank you Berkley for the ARC and finished copy! If you’re looking for a book with Sleepless in Seattle vibes and loveable characters then give this one a try!

I LOVED THIS BOOK WITH ALL MY HEART! 5 STARS NO NOTES

Thank you for the opportunity to read this one early

I loved Sleepless in Seattle when I was younger and still do. Loved that in the author's note she said that this book was inspired but the feelings that movie gave her but also a love note to love.
I loved the radio call in and the falling in love with love, story. This was different with Lucie being a single mother but coparenting with her best friend who is now married. She had never really dated or had the normal experiences since she got pregnant so young. Love found families and these kind of reps. Mothers need love too.
Aiden is a radio host of a love show but over the years has grown cynical and jaded with the calls. Also, some events in life and family set him back.
Loved how they fell for each other but they didn’t even know it. Everyone would listen in to the show to listen to them talk to each other. It was so sweet. The whole radio family was so entertaining. Jackson was so funny!

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is a delightful, heartfelt rom-com that pulled me in from the start. The chemistry between the main characters was electric, and I loved how the story balanced humor and emotional depth. Borison’s writing style is engaging, and the pacing was just right for a feel-good romance. If you're a fan of witty banter and slow-burn romances, this one is a must-read. It kept me hooked, and I couldn’t help but root for the characters as they navigated their complicated emotions.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARCs of these amazing books! I am so grateful for the opportunity to dive into these stories early. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of romance, summer vibes, and feel-good moments, these three books are definitely worth checking out.

For more of my thoughts and reviews, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: [Kiana Lashay](https://www.youtube.com/@KianaLashay1). Don’t forget to subscribe for more book reviews and content!

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is inspired by one of my all time favorite romantic movies, Sleepless in Seattle so I was beyond eager to get my hands on a copy.

Aiden Valentine is a radio host who no longer believes in love, which is a little inconvenient considering he is the host of Heartstrings, a romance hotline in Baltimore. Aiden is struggling to host because he has grown so jaded about love, but then one phone call changes everything.

Lucie Stone is an auto mechanic and a single mom. She’s pretty happy with her life overall but her daughter sees how lonely she is and calls in to Heartstrings to ask for dating advice for Lucie. When Lucie gets on the call, not only is Aiden captivated by Lucie’s story and her personality, but suddenly all of Baltimore is invested in helping Lucie find her happily ever after as well.

Lucie is soon invited to co-host, and even though Aiden is supposed to be helping her find someone to date, the sparks start to fly between Aiden and Lucie instead.

You guys, I can barely express how much I adored this book! I loved the chemistry between Aiden and Lucie, and I especially enjoyed their time on the radio together.

This is a bit of a slow burn as Aiden and Lucie go from strangers to friends to more, and I was so here for all of the tension and longing as they start to feel more for each other.

Both characters are so well developed and I just adored them. Lucie’s strength really impressed me, but I also appreciated seeing Aiden’s vulnerable side as we learn more about him and why he doesn’t think he deserves love.

I was delighted to have the chance to read an early release copy of First-Time Caller by B.K Borison, as I am such a lover of '90s rom-coms, and Sleepless in Seattle is the GOAT. I was definitely rooting for Lucie, and more love stories need to be set in Baltimore.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

First Time Caller by BK Borison is an utterly charming read that captures the magic of unexpected connections. With a witty, heartwarming narrative, it transports you into a whirlwind romance filled with quirky moments and heartfelt exchanges. The story gives off major Sleepless in Seattle vibes, especially with its mix of serendipity and sweet, slow-burn romance. The characters are lovable, and the way they navigate their relationship feels both fresh and nostalgic. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes love can find you in the most unexpected ways. Perfect for fans of feel-good romance! I will literally read anything B.K. Borison writes!

I absolutely LOVED this book. There was so much joy and love in the pages, and the love story was absolutely delightful. I especially appreciated how Lucie's experience as a mother was portrayed, and how she had a more "masculine" job--it's not as common in romance and I really liked seeing it here. Aiden's growth, as well, was so well written and I could really see him growing as the story went on. Just a top notch romance all round, would recommend.