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.

Aiden Valen(tine) has given up on believing in love, which is weird because he hosts a radio show that's known as Baltimore's romance hotline. One night he gets a call from a preteen wanting her mother, Lucie, to start dating because she thinks her mother is lonely. Since this call is on the live radio, when Lucy figures out what her daughter is up to, she takes the phone away from her only to end up talking to Aiden about her love life and convincing him she isn't lonely. And before hanging up, she agrees to meet him in person and go on air with him.

This book was so fun and I loved the radio show in it. I really liked that it was a ratio show and not a podcast. I feel like that made it more unique and original. Aiden and Lucie make an adorable couple! I also loved the dads in this book. They were hilarious. I also loved that Lucy was a mechanic and was basically forced to come to Aiden's rescue. This book definitely has a ton of cute moments in it!

This is my third BK Borison book and I'm loving her work more and more each time I read her! A big thank you to Berkeley Romance and the author for an advanced copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You're looking for something fun, cute, lighter on the spice and still full of love.

I really enjoyed this book and got through it really quickly. The MC's were very likeable and their banter was A+. My only thoughts were I would have liked to have seen a bit more dating hijinx via the call-ins on the radio show before Lucie and Aidan got together romantically. Other than that, I really found the story to be believable and it was a quick, fun, cute, read.

Heartstrings by B.K. Borison is a charming, heartfelt romance that brings together a cynical radio host and a woman who’s unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. Aiden Valentine, the disillusioned host of a romance hotline, finds his world turned upside down when his viral interview with Lucie Stone, a woman who never considered romance a priority, leads to sparks flying between them. Full of witty banter, emotional depth, and a touch of magic, Borison weaves a cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-esque tale where love is both a challenge and a possibility. With delightful characters and an irresistible slow-burn romance, this book is a perfect feel-good read for anyone craving a heartwarming love story.

Thank you for the arc!
I loved this book! I blasted through it, and the whole time I was picturing an incredible early 2000s romcom. Aiden's emotional arc and baggage punched me right in the throat. My only gripe is the pacing was a bit off, I think they fell for each other a bit too quickly. Otherwise, an addictive, fast paced romance.

4.5/5 stars
3/5 spice
Would reread? Maybe
Would recommend? Absolutely.
Vibes: 🍍🍕☕️🥣🤠🏙️🍻💓☎️🛻📻

It’s no surprise that I love loved BK’s writing. I swear she gets better and better with every book too. This one was a Sleepless in Seattle retelling - I didn’t really care for the premise but I enjoyed 80% of it and still swooned at every love scene.

This one was full of LOVE : Self love, family love, romantic love, parent love, found family love.

Themes & tropes:
☎️Forced proximity
☎️Workplace romance
☎️Grumpy x later sunshine
☎️One drunken night
☎️Grand romantic gestures
☎️Found family
☎️Hopeless romantic x scared to love

🌹
-Maya. Maya is a shining star throughout this whole book
-the writing
-the setting and concept were very well executed
-the found family and representation with Maya’s parents. Loved that and all their chats.
-that phone call between Aiden and his dad omg

🥀
-waaayy too many side characters that weren’t developed enough. Patty, the best friend, seemed like a drunk? Every scene she was completely plastered. Idk drinking does not a best friend make. Loved the dads. But all the guys from her mechanic shop? Couldn’t tell you how many, what their names were or anything about them.
-Aiden was not for me personally. He wasnt just a grump. He was like actually an utter ass. Which is addressed in the book. But I wasn’t feeling it, so that definitely took away for me.

Cw: mentions and trauma surrounding cancer

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Berkley publishing for the eARC! I love BK BORISON!!

Aiden and Lucie are my new favorite BK couple. Everything about this book is amazing! The pull these two have will sweep you along. You won’t even realize you’re done with the book and be begging for more!

3.25 stars

As a book inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, First-Time Caller will appeal to fans of the nineties' rom-com movies. I myself am a fan of the nineties rom-coms, so I had high expectations for this book. I enjoyed it but didn't love it as much as everyone else. I didn't like the love interest, Aiden. He was emotionally unavailable, and there was very little character growth. I did like the main heroine, Lucie, and I loved her relationship with her daughter, Maya. I also really liked Lucie's all-male co-workers, who were funny and protective of her. I think they were my favorite characters.

I love everything about this book omg 🥹 reading two five star stories back to back simultaneously revived me from my previous book slump and sent me careening back into another one…

aiden and lucie need to be protected at all costs 😌 they are so pure and real and relatable to the world surrounding them, and it’s so rare to find that in a fictional character without the pressure to be “perfect” - even when they’re perfect for each other!!!

while lucie needed the reminder from her dating horror stories that she doesn’t need to be perfect all the time, aiden needed the push to see the world through rose-colored glasses again after his trauma. and seeing them work through it without miscommunication and third act breakups was just 🤌🏼 I love them forever

and don’t get me started on the best supporting cast I’ve seen in a romance!! grayson and mateo could have their own spinoff story (they are that great, along with maya), and I wanted more from the radio station dynamics with jackson and maggie! I cannot wait to see where bk borrison takes this new world because I’m obsessed thanks

this gave all of the true love experiment vibes with less comedy and more open feelings 🥹🥹🥹 no I will never shut up about this book thanks

thank you to netgalley and berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!

rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: banfi rosa regale sparkling wine

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison ☎️

So much to love about this one! I'll forever be a fan of B.K. Borison's books because I get so attached to every single story and character she writes. This being the start of a new universe has me so excited.

Aiden is the host of a late night romance hotline but he's also someone who isn't sure he believes in love anymore after hearing so many complaints and unfortunate stories from callers. One night he receives a call from a girl who is calling in hopes to help her mom find a boyfriend. Lucie thinks she has all the love in her life that she needs and despite hoping for romantic love, is content with it how things are. So when she catches her daughter calling Aiden she's surprised. Lucie opens up to Aiden on air about her feelings then hangs up expecting nothing more to come from it. When their conversation ends up going viral the radio station proposes Lucie join the show with Aiden to help her find love. The instant connection between Aiden and Lucie isn't expected though. While they might be trying to ignore it, it's pretty obvious to all listeners that something is there with all their flirting.

You know when your pet is just too adorable and some cuteness aggression comes out? That's how I felt about Aiden and Lucie. They were both so stinking cute I wanted to give them the biggest squeeze and shake (lovingly). She's a hopeless romantic and he's someone who is afraid to let himself get too close to someone so he doesn't have to know the pain of losing them. They both in their own ways fulfill and breakthrough the fantasies they had about love and loving someone. No matter how you feel about love I guarantee that you'll relate to either Lucie or Aiden.

I loved the radio show aspect of the story and the snippets of the show between chapters. It moved along Aiden and Lucie getting to know each other so well. So many little moments and touches happen in the booth. The whole book had me feeling all warm and gooey. I loved their story so much.

🤍 single mom
🤭 strangers to lovers
📻 radio show co-host
👥 close proximity
❤️‍🔥 slow burn

dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️

Love love loved. Five stars, BK can do no wrong. It was a slower start than I expected and more slow burn, but this is ROMANCE my goodness. What a beautiful love letter to the genre.

If i could give this book a 10 star rating I would. First Time Caller is everything I never knew I was needing.
The unique relationships explored in the varying capacities warmed my heart
The MMC and FMC's chemistry were so swoony
The setting was so warm and cozy it had me ready to move to Baltimore,
BK you outdid yourself with this one bestie!!

Quick, fun, heartwarming read that was just what the doctor ordered for Valentine’s Day weekend. I liked that the usual romance tropes were a little different here—Lucy is a mechanic and her backstory with her daughter and daughter’s dad is different in a refreshing way. The on-air exchanges were a delight.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug. The writing is effortlessly engaging, the characters are charming and real, and the romance is both sweet and deeply satisfying. There's a wonderful balance of humor, emotion, and chemistry that makes the story impossible to put down. Borison has a knack for creating a world you want to live in, with relationships that feel authentic and dialogue that sparkles. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good read or just love a well-written romance, this book is a perfect pick. Highly recommend!

Lucie has a good life, but her daughter believes she needs more. So, 12-year-old Maya calls Heartstrings, Baltimore's call in radio show. When the host, Aiden, starts talking to Lucie, all of Baltimore listens to her describe the kind of love she wants to find. This book is part Sleepless in Seattle (which it is a nod to) and part Gilmore Girls and I am here for it. The story is fantastic and the characters feel like old friends. I'm a sucker for found family and this has all of it. This book felt like a warm hug and I can't wait to read more!

This book didn’t completely live up to the major hype for me but it was still a good book!!! I unfortunately think I’m just still riding the high of lovelight farms. I loved the premise and the set up. Lucie and Aiden’s meet cute was absolutely iconic. And as a hopeless romantics who wants magic and butterflies buts wants it to find her, I deeply resonated with Lucie but at some point this story just fell a little flat for me. I don’t know if I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Lucie and Aiden deeply or if the book just didn’t captivate me like I expected. Idk. Again it was a good book!! I think I was just expecting a little more