Sleepless in Seattle is one of my favorite rom-coms, so I was excited to read First-Time Caller by BK Borison, which is a gender-swapped modern love story inspired by the classic rom-com. And I have to confess that, as much as I love Sleepless in Seattle and think it’s a near-perfect movie, my only complaint was that Sam and Annie spent almost the ENTIRE TIME apart! The movie ends when they officially meet and then that’s it! 😫 I’m always left wanting more, which is where BK Borison (thankfully) comes in.  
 
With First-Time Caller, we meet single mom, Lucie, whose daughter calls in to speak with radio host, Aiden, about her love life (or lack thereof). Their on-air chemistry and witty banter prove to be a compelling combination that draws in listeneris and leaves them wanting to know what happens next. I could’ve read an entire book of their engaging conversations, where they effortlessly feed off of each other’s energy, teasing and flirting, and nearly forgetting that a number of people are listening raptly to their every word (myself included). The best part of the narrative wasn’t just getting to know Lucie and Aiden as individuals, but also the way they are around each other. It’s impossible not to swoon over the intimacy of their fast connection, which quickly transitions from strangers to friends to lovers.  

As far as rom-coms go, First-Time Caller is a new favorite. It’s lighthearted, but heartfelt, with a love story that’s the perfect balance of sugary sweet and scorching hot. The narrative is a fun take on a familiar story, but it expands on a romance that’s fairytale-like, if a bit unrealistic (let’s be honest…I had so many questions about Sam and Annie’s future together), and grounds it more in the real world. I finished First-Time Caller with a wide smile on my face because it was everything I could’ve hoped for and then some, both as a new story from an author I’ve already read and loved, and as a retelling of a movie I’ve watched and loved (many, many times). I adored this book and can’t recommend it enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely ate this up! Borison does a great job of making the characters well-rounded and I loved the side characters that truly added to the story. Still thinking about this.

One of my favorite authors writing romance books inspired by one of my favorite classic romcom movies (Sleepless in Seattle)? HELL YEAH. Not only was this a book based on one of my favorite romcoms, this also became my favorite book by BK Borison.  
 
I don't know what magic BK Borison puts in her writing - but it's always so cozy and romantic and lovely. She has the perfect balance of banter between characters, tenderness between romantic interests, and overall romantic vibes. I also love how she writes perfectly imperfect characters - people who everyone can see pieces of themselves in.  
 
Aiden and Lucy were just so cute together - even when they were just coworkers / thrown in together by a meddling kid, their chemistry was jumping off the page. I really loved Lucy’s journey towards finding herself in her current phase of life - her friends and family were so supportive and her character arc was impossible not to root for. Aiden, on the other hand, was one of my favorite male leads of the year. My man was a SIMP and I ate it up. The two of them together? Magic. The tension, the yearning, the hearts in their eyes - this relationship was so swoony and lovely.
 
First Time Caller is one of those books that you finish and immediately want to reread - the vibes are perfect, the characters were relatable and dynamic, the romance was amazing and the writing was like a warm hug. This was such a strong start to the Heartstrings series - I can't wait for more of these characters and more classic romcom vibes. Plus, the next one is When Harry Met Sally inspired - I NEED IT!

First-Time Caller is one of the best books of 2025, hands down. There is absolutely no question that this is going to be high up in everybody's rankings at the end of the year. The plot was hilarious and heartwarming (I loved the radio scenes), but the strongest part of the book was for sure the strong cast of characters. Aiden and Lucie were so lovable, despite their flaws---and I felt so much pride seeing them overcome their issues---and I ADORED the side characters. Lucie's little family? Kept me giggling. Her mechanic coworkers? Oh so iconic. Aiden's radio coworkers? I need to know EVERYTHING about them. I can't get enough of this book. I cried like a baby while finishing it. I'll be rereading this one so much.

Tropes
💕So much flirty banter!
💕Grumpy x Sunshine
💕Forced Proximity
💕Slow burn
💕Chosen / Found family

As a hopeless romantic who loves Sleepless in Seattle, I absolutely loved this! What starts as a lighthearted premise, with a single mom reluctantly stepping into the spotlight on a love advice radio show, slowly unfolds into a deeply charming story about taking chances, chosen family, and unexpected chemistry.
Lucie is smart, strong, and wonderfully real - a mom juggling life, supported by a beautifully portrayed blended family. Her late-night on-air conversations with Aiden, a radio host who’s lost faith in love, are full of wit and slow-burn tension. Their connection grows not just through flirty banter, but through vulnerability and honesty that feels refreshingly genuine. I was definitely rooting for them to finally take a leap together !
This book doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love , old wounds, new beginnings, and the courage it takes to hope again. A must-read for 2025!

This was such a fun read. The chemistry is palpable from the first interaction the MC's have. This book is everything you want a romance to be. I giggled and blushed multiple times. I might just be a solid B.K. Borison fan now.

I absolutely adored Aiden and Lucie! After a string of lackluster reads, First Time Caller was exactly what I needed to rekindle my love for romance novels. B.K. Borison’s storytelling is beautifully creative, with a slow-burning connection that builds with such care and depth. The emotional development between the characters felt authentic and heartfelt, making every moment between them that much more rewarding.

This is one of those special books I wish I could experience again for the first time—just to fall in love with Aiden and Lucie all over again. If you're looking for a story that takes its time, pulls you in, and stays with you long after the last page, this is it.

B. K. Borison is one of my favorite authors ever. When I saw a new book by her was coming out I got so excited. I am loving this new series inspired by Nora Ephron classics. Getting to meet Aiden and Lucy and watch them fall in love was such a pleasure. And all the side characters were just amazingly hilarious and lovable. This is such a feel-good story about learning to open oneself to love. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Obsessed! You don’t need a debriefer on Sleepless in Seattle before diving into this slow burn. It’s sweet, smart, and even a little spicy! (2/5)

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

Loved this one!! I thought it would be hard to top love light farms but this was so so cute! The list in his car at the end, swoon :)

This was such a great read. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I'm so glad I picked it up. The romance in this book is so cute and adorable, but with flaws and real world troubles. This was more of a cozy romance with a little bit of spice towards the end. I loved the small little moments between the main characters and the family as well. I can say that I don't think this will be my last book by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC.

This book was so cute and heartwarming! A Sleepless in Seattle inspired romance where Aiden, a radio host with a romance hotline who has fallen out of love with the idea of love, must help Lucie, a single mom find the perfect date. The banter between Aiden and Lucie was so much fun and the growing slow burn tension too - perfect! I also loved the relationship that Lucie had with her family that she had created around her. Overall this book was just so cozy and fun. Highly recommend!

*4.5 stars*

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of this book.

First-Time Caller is a hilarious, heartfelt gem that perfectly captures the chaos and charm of dating in today’s world. B.K. Borison brings her signature wit and warmth to a story that had me laughing, cringing (in the best way), and swooning from start to finish.

The slow burn romance is absolutely delightful—full of tension, vulnerability, and perfectly timed banter. And the trials of modern dating? So painfully relatable and so, so funny. Borison nails the awkward firsts, the weird apps, the emotional baggage—all while giving us characters you can’t help but root for.

If you’ve ever tried to date as an adult and felt like you were just surviving one misadventure after another, this book will feel like a warm, hilarious hug. Loved every second of it.

B.K. Borison’s First-Time Caller is a delightful and heartwarming romance that fully lives up to the hype. With sparkling banter, well-drawn characters, and a charming grumpy-sunshine dynamic, this novel is a standout in the romance genre. I found myself smiling throughout and would highly recommend it to fans of character-driven love stories with emotional depth and humor.

Told through a dual POV, the story follows Aiden, a radio host who has grown disenchanted with both his job and the idea of love, and Lucie, a talented mechanic and devoted mother to 12-year-old Maya. When Maya calls into Aiden’s radio show seeking advice about her mother’s love life, the connection between Lucie and Aiden begins in the most unexpected way—and unfolds beautifully from there.

Borison enriches the narrative with clever use of texts and transcripts at the beginning of each chapter, offering endearing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the characters’ evolving relationship. These moments added depth and warmth, making the connection between Lucie and Aiden feel even more authentic.

What sets this story apart is how grounded and believable the character arcs feel. Watching Aiden slowly let down his emotional walls, shaped by past trauma and fear of loss, was incredibly rewarding. Lucie's resilience, warmth, and strong bond with both her daughter and her ex-partner are portrayed with refreshing nuance. The portrayal of co-parenting and the absence of stereotypical conflict with her ex allowed the spotlight to remain on Lucie’s romantic journey, which felt both mature and emotionally satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love @authorbkborison’s books! Her writing is truly effortless, funny, and so sweet 🥹. Her new series is inspired by Nora Ephron movies which is the coziest concept ever, and this one was based on Sleepless in Seattle!

Lucie and Aiden 🥹💖, I love them! I loved the whole premise of the book, the witty banter, and the chemistry 🔥!!! The vibes were truly 10/10 had a great time!

I listened to the audio which was 💯 the way to go! They included sound bites that sounded like the radio which just truly enhanced the whole experience!

First Time Caller by B.K. Borison is the vibes of a 90’s/early 00’s romcom movie in written form in the best way possible.

This is book #1 in the Heartsteings series and what an adorably heartwarming start it is! This is the 5th book I’ve read from this author and loved their Lovelight series , so I do recommend their wonderful read.

First Time Caller is great for those looking to read…
🩷 Single Mom Romance
🩷 Workplace Romance (Radio Talk Snow)
🩷 Forced/Close Proximity
🩷 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 Opposites Attract
🩷 Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle

B.K. Borison is rapidly becoming a staple & guaranteed favorite in the romance genre. This read had me grinning from ear to ear while sparks danced through my chest. If you are looking for your next feel good romance, I highly recommend First Time Caller!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

THE 411...
Lucie Stone is a single mom with a bright and slightly mischievous young daughter who doesn’t want to see her mom sitting on the couch in sweats every night/weekend with Netflix and wine. She decides to call into Baltimore’s late night radio station Heartstrings and chats it up with the host Aiden Valentine in hopes of getting some advice to help her mom. Aiden Valentine has a problem, he’s fallen out of love with all things love while working as a host for the segment Heartstrings on a Baltimore radio station. His interest is piqued when a child calls in talking about her mom who has a pretty dull social life and could use some advice. The segment has been struggling bringing in listeners in part because of how off Aiden has been lately, a bit jaded and burnt out from listening to spouses calling in at the end of the road with their marriages. Things take a turn when Lucie Stone walks in on her daughter on the phone (it is late night) and accuses Aiden of being weird for talking to a minor. He helpfully informs Lucie that they’re on the air and manages to get her to talk to him. One call becomes two and pretty soon all of Baltimore is HOOKED on these late night calls between Lucie and Aiden. So much so that the station head wants to start a new segment focused on Lucy’s dating life while on her journey to finding love.

THOUGHTS...
There aren't very many pitch lines I've acted quick upon hearing but I've been waiting years for a Sleepless in Seattle inspired book to be written and dare I say, this one DELIVERED! I had butterflies in my stomach at every interaction between Aiden and Lucie which really only happens when I genuinely love both the main character and their love interest. Lucie is a single mom to a daughter with a ton of personality and free spirit, mechanic, and in a healthy co-parenting relationship with her ex who happens to live next door with his husband. This was fun even when it wasn't because we see Lucie try to go back out into the dating scene and kiss some frogs all the while slowly falling for Mr. Right. Aiden is kind, attentive, supportive even when it goes against his own self interest and protective in the best of ways. He's also a great son who has a bit of PTSD from his mother's battle with cancer. Though she is healthy and living life with Aiden's dad, that experience plays a huge role in his current approach to love and relationships. Lucie entering Aiden's life at a time where he is vocal about his wishes to not be in a committed relationship make for an interesting dynamic between the two. Throw in the SUPER invested late night radio station callers and you have an engaging read reminiscent of the classic love story that would make Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan proud ;)

This was my first book from this author. I enjoyed it. It’s classified as “rom-com” but it feels like “cozy romance,” which isn’t really a genre but I sort of made it up. It’s very low stakes, which both made it easy to read and hard to get through. Given this, it was very spicy. This was a unique romance. I would recommend it selectively.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve never seen Sleepless in Seattle. Shhh. They’re going to take away my romance card.

Stop. It’s okay—I love love. And I love Nora Ephron. I just had my head in the clouds when the movie came out and never went back to watch it.

Here’s the thing: now I feel like I can’t watch it. I can’t imagine the movie holding a candle to the book it inspired. My heart was so full when I finished reading. I was sending highlighted passages to my friends, telling them that their idea of love isn’t too much—it’s just right.

The scenes that replay in my mind aren’t grand gestures, but the small, ordinary moments that feel magical because of the deep connections they reveal.

And the banter? Swoon.

Also if the weatherman doesn’t get his own book or at the very least more “airtime” (haha, I’m so punny) I will riot.

Read this if you love blended families, found families, cosplay, and Nora Ephron.


I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley—thank you to them! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Probably a 3.75⭐️? Ugh I’m sad about this!!!
(I am also having a not so good reading month and trying to crawl out of a reading rut sooooooo take that with a grain of salt!!!)

I thought the beginning was SO promising and I looooved the mom/daughter duo!!!! The banter and the alternating POVs and the radio portion?!? I was living 🙌🏼!!! Also this cover?!?! Truly spectacular I love it!!!

Around the halfway point, I realized it wasn’t shaping up to be what I thought it was gonna be!!!! Slow burn turned miscommunication turned 3rd act break up 😩 it just lost steam for me and once it’s lost, I can’t change my mind (despite how cute the ending was!!!!)

Tbh Aiden might be my least fav MMC from BK and she writes some cutie boys!!! I wish we had delved deeper into HIM! Except we got him at a very surface level 🥲😭

I think I need to bring myself back down to earth and remember that not all of BK’s books have been my fav!! Business Casual is my only 5⭐️ and clearly I’m still chasing this high!!!