Thank you to the publisher for the free advance reader copy - out today!

Rating: 5/5 stars

Lucie’s daughter calls into a radio show to get her mother help for her ailing love life…and connects her to Aiden, who claims not to believe in love.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, Aiden “I want your favorite to be my favorite” Valentine. This is how you write a leading man—I am still swooning over half the lines in this book and the other half made me giggle and gasp and kick my feet. And then there was Lucie…brave and bold and beautiful and fighting for her own magic.

This book is inspired by Sleepless in Seattle and it reads like a Nora Ephron movie in all the best ways. Truly, the writing is SO beautiful, and for me this entire book is a master class in how you write a love story. I absolutely adored it!

CW: mentions of terminal illness/cancer/medical content

So clearly I have been sleeping on B.K. Borison because wow did I love this book!!! Seriously, I thought it was a perfect romance and the sweetest homage to Sleepless in Seattle but make it Baltimore. As someone who doesn’t typically enjoy a slow burn romance, this took the cake and almost converted me. While there is an instant spark between Lucie and Aiden when they first meet, this isn’t an instant love story and so I really appreciated that Borison gives the reader an opportunity to watch them fall in love over the course of the book. This is the kind of story that thrives with a dual POV, and neither disappointed. I loved getting to see how much each main character grew throughout the story and the confidence they both built for themselves and in each other. It’s the kind of relationship that pushes both people to be better, and those are honestly my favorite kind. The side characters are also all to die for, but obviously, Lucie’s relationship with her daughter was one of the best.

4.5 ⭐

What to expect:
• Cozy vibes
• Chosen family
• Hopeless romantic X afraid of love
• Radio show
• Sleepless in Seattle

This gave me all the warm and cozy feelings, it’s a perfect February read and great for Valentine’s Day! 💗
I loved the radio show element, it was really fun, and between the chapters there were excepts from the show — I looked forward to reading these after every chapter!

The characters were just incredible — Lucie and Aiden had to much depth and we saw so much about their friendships, their jobs and their backgrounds so you really felt like you knew them. And he was OBESSED he was obsessed with her!
But the side characters made this book. The chosen family element was beautiful, Aiden's co workers at the radio station were so fun, and I’m dying read more about them all in future books.

My only drawback is that I didn’t always know what the characters wanted and where the plot was progressing towards. It was a little long for a contemporary romance and took me a longer than excepted to read, but honestly I was so hooked the entire time and really enjoyed it.

As always with B. K. Borison's writing, there were so many beautiful and touching lines. This book is a masterclass on scenes that pull on your heartstrings. I'm so excited to read more from this series!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley and for this ARC

As a big Sleepless in Seattle girl, this absolutely met the brief! The 3rd act “3rd acted” a little much for my taste, but there was at least a semi-believable reason for one character’s hesitance. Loved the side characters, loved the setup. What a fun rom com!

my best friend said this was a “brooke book” and she couldn’t know me any better, because I will be thinking about this love story until the end of time.

This book feels like a warm hug and cup of hot tea on a rainy day. It’s self discovery and believing in love again.

It is absolutely a love letter to love in all genres and will definitely leave you feeling warm and gooey like a good 90s romcom.

It might possibly be my favourite b.k. borison yet.

And this cover by @peaches is so stunning, I could spend all day staring at it!!

💗 grumpy x sunshine
💗 inspired by sleepless in seattle
💗 he hosts a romance radio show
💗 she’s a mechanic
💗 found family
💗 slow burn (falling without realizing)
💗 she’s a romantic and he doesn’t believe in love

I absolutely adore the Lovelight Farms series, so this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year & just in time for Valentine’s Day! This book just completely melted my heart - it was such a romantic and funny comfort read! I loved the radio show format, which made the audiobook the perfect way to enjoy this book and the narrators were some of my favorites I’ve ever listened to! Jaded Aiden & hopeless romantic, single-mom Lucie were the perfect pair and complimented each other so well! 4.5⭐️

4.5 stars. I was really eager & nervous to read a B.K. Borison romance that wasn't a part of the Lovelight Farms series (which I absolutely adore). Would it be just as wonderful as her other books? I couldn't help the thought from popping into my mind when I started First-Time Caller. Lucky for me and for fellow Borison fans out there, this new series starter was a delightful read.

One of my favorite things about First-Time Caller was how it brought me back to that golden age of my teens/early adulthood when I was constantly watching (and loving) rom-com films. While this story is uniquely its own thing because of the characters, it did include a ton of moments and dialogue that felt almost like touchstones for the genre. And as a long-time card-carrying member of the rom-com fan club, I enjoyed it tremendously! I was amused by many interactions and quips (and definitely caught myself laughing out loud or groaning a little in fond exasperation a few times). I enjoyed the supporting cast, from family to friends to coworkers (despite the fact that this story, now that I'm thinking back on it, really does center Aiden and Lucie for majority of it). I also found the story heartfelt, the internal monologues and the sweet, vulnerable exchanges tugging right on my heartstrings.

But, of course, the element that really brought it all together, the reason that I ended up enjoying First-Time Caller as much as I did is our main couple, Lucie and Aiden. These two immediately had chemistry off the bat, though that definitely had me rooting for them to get together right from the start. But what really put me in my feels was how they both became more vulnerable and honest with themselves and each other as the story continued and their relationship began to develop. I loved watching them fall in love (though the process was not without its frustrations, trust me).

First-Time Caller was an enjoyable contemporary romance that will appeal to rom-com fans, and fans of B.K. Borison's other work. While it didn't quite hit the same sweet spot for me personally as the Lovelight Farms novels, I did really like it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. (Here's to hoping it's about Jackson!)

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison 🩷
Heartstrings, Book 1
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
448 pages
🗓️ February 11

🎧Single mom
🩷Reluctant romantic v. Hopeless romantic
🎧Radio host + Guest host
🩷Close proximity
🎧Sleepless in Seattle inspired

📍“I like that. Thinking that I’m worth paying attention to. Something ordinary made extraordinary by the person you’re sharing it with.”

📍“You said pineapple on pizza is disgusting.”
“It is.”
“Then why do you have it?”
“Because you said it was your favorite,” I admit. “And I want your favorite to be my favorite.”

Tender, cozy and full of magic… the love kind of magic. First-Time Caller is a fresh take on a classic that carries both the nostalgia of back then and the hope only new things can hold.

B.K. Borison once again wrote a love letter to love. A love letter to all the romantics, even the ones who don’t know they are one yet. Heartstrings’ studio had the same feeling as Lovelight Farms: that home-like vibe that welcomes you with open arms as a first-timer-old-friend.

In many ways, First-Time Caller took me home. A feeling of arriving to where one belongs. And for that, I offered it an endless supply of smiles and deep sighs.

Aiden Valen(tine) and Lucie Stone were so ridiculously cute, I just want to squeeze them 🥹

Thank you so much @authorbkborison @berkleyromance @berkleypub and @netgalley for this gifted eARC. 🩷

4.5/5

I loved this book! As usual B.K.’s writing is beautiful and her descriptions of Baltimore made me feel like I was there. I thought the chemistry between Lucie and Aiden was so good. It was like a slow, simmering soup where the flavors develop gradually. While the physical attraction was there pretty quickly, their emotional connection came with time. Aiden is the epitome of a cinnamon roll. A gruff, protective exterior but a sweet, tender center. I loved Aiden. I thought his reasons for being closed off were valid, albeit slightly frustrating.

And Lucie! My fellow tall queen! I know I make a big deal of this every time, but it really makes me happy when a FMC is tall, because so often they’re petite. I thought it was cool that she had an atypical job for an FMC too. She’s been unlucky in love and solely focusing on her daughter, but decides to take a risk to find her magic. I loved how honest and unapologetically herself she was. Oh and she’s a fellow pineapple pizza lover!

This is filled with both laughter and swoon-worthy moments (which I won’t spoil) and I can’t wait to read the next couple in the series as they’re inspired by two other iconic rom-coms!

The only thing that kept this from being 5 stars was that it felt a touch too long and while I know others were pumped about the co-parenting relationship between Lucie, Grayson and Mateo (I was too), sometimes the boundaries in their relationship gave me pause, mainly from Grayson.

I loved this book! A story hasn’t had me laughing out loud this much in a long time. The comedic moments, and banter between all different combinations of characters was absolutely hilarious and done so well. Which leads me to mention how much of an artist BK Borison is at creating memorable, loveable main characters AND secondary characters. No one does it quite like she does.
I really appreciated the original story line. A late night radio show? I haven’t read anything similar to this before and it was so refreshing, as someone who reads a lot of romance. It was a really tender story despite being so funny, and quite steamy at times! I loved it a lot.
I think as a personal preference I’d have liked shorter chapters, and it did drag in the middle for awhile, for me which are the reasons it didn’t quite hit five stars for me.

SHUT UP THIS WAS SO GOOD! 100% lived up to the hype I’ve been seeing, I absolutely adored it. The main characters were so likable and their struggles so raw and real. AND THE EMOTIONAL MATURITY?? This had a slowwwww burn but the story stayed so engaging and the characters growth was deliberate and intentional and perfectly done. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves love and who needs a reason to believe in it again. This was my first B.K. Borison book and I loved her writing style and the way that she tells the story with the different formats was so cute and fun. I absolutely will be reading what’s next in the heartstrings universe!!!

I’ve been a longtime fan of B.K. Borison’s books, and this one was truly delightful. It was the opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn romance of my dreams. It also doesn’t hurt that it was inspired by Sleepless in Seattle. It was a love letter to love in every form it can take. The love between a mother and her child, the love between friends, the love within the family that you choose, and the swoony, heart-pounding romantic type of love that takes your breath away. Lucie is positive, sweet, believes in love, and is open to life’s possibilities. Aiden is damaged, jaded, grumpy, doesn’t believe in love, and keeps everyone at arm’s length. They are perfect for each other, and they have the best chemistry. This is definitely a case of he falls first, but he fights it so hard, and the yearning and pining are unmatched. This book was charming, filled with banter, delightfully romantic, and absolutely endearing. I loved everything about it.
☎️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
☎️
Read if you like:
▫️Sleepless in Seattle
▫️he hosts a radio show
▫️she’s a mechanic and a single mom
▫️he’s anti-romance
▫️she’s a hopeless romantic
▫️found family
▫️dual POV
☎️
Thank you to Berkley Romance, B.K. Borison, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Radio host Aiden Valentine has lost faith in love—a problem when he’s the voice behind Baltimore’s romance hotline. But when a young caller seeking dating advice for her mom, Lucie Stone, turns their lives into a viral sensation, Lucie is forced to rethink her own happiness. As the world watches her search for love, sparks fly behind the scenes, leaving Lucie to choose between the fairytale ending everyone expects or the man who’s been right there all along.

As a fan of Sleepless in Seattle, I couldn’t wait to dive into First-Time Caller, and it absolutely delivered the feel-good romance I was craving! Aiden and Lucie’s story was full of charm, wit, and electric chemistry, set against the fun and nostalgic backdrop of a radio station. Watching them co-host the show while searching for Lucie’s “magic” was such a clever way to bring them together, and their banter was nothing short of perfection. Though the slow burn sometimes felt extra slow, the payoff was worth it.

Aiden was incredibly relatable, and his character growth unfolded beautifully. Lucie’s daughter, Maya, was adorable, but it was Grayson—Maya’s father—who stole the show with his hilarious and heartfelt moments. His friendship with Lucie felt so genuine, and I found myself laughing out loud whenever he appeared. At times, I was practically yelling for Lucie to see what was right in front of her, but Borison wrapped everything up in such a sweet, satisfying way. I can’t wait to continue the Heartstrings series!

Thank you Berkley and PRH Audio for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

“Secret, swoony boy” 💖

@authorbkborison isn’t lying when she writes that Aiden is swoony because he is!!!

First-Time Caller is a perfect Valentine’s Day read because it harkens back to all our favorite rom-com films — especially Sleepless in Seattle!

This new release follows single mom Lucie whose 12-year old daughter decides she needs love. Her solution? Call into the local radio show Heartstrings and ask the Host Aiden Valentine for advice on setting her mom up! Funnily enough, despite hosting a show all about giving love advice Aiden is a little anti-love.

Is Lucie just the person to help Aiden believe in love again? Is Aiden just the person to help Lucie find love (and get her daughter off her back)? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out 💖

This truly was a 5 ⭐️ read for me! And it will probably be for you if you like:

Laugh Out Loud Banter
Top notch flirting
Swoony yet grumpy MMC
A badass FMC
Side characters that make you scream I need them to have a book too!!!

lucie & aiden captured my heart from the very first call-in.

lucie is down on her luck for love and aiden is reluctant to believe in it. what they didn’t expect was to slowly fall for each other when trying to get lucie a date in baltimore following her joining aiden’s radio show.

lucie believes in the magic of love, and she slowly finds it with aiden and I loved their journey to finding it together. the tension between the two of them was so fun. the banter and transcripts of the show had me so giddy.

first time caller shot straight to the top for my fav of bk borison’s books!! it was so tender, sweet, and cozy.

🎧 this was my fav audiobook of january! both ej bingham and hathaway lee put on great performances. there’s also fun sound effects during the radio show sections (and those parts are in duet- my favvvv). thank you so much PRH Audio for the gifted copy. and thank you Berkley romance for the gifted ebook! #berkleypartner #berkleyromance

what to expect
⟢ hopeless romantic fmc x jaded mmc
⟢ single mom
⟢ slow burn
⟢ they have to work together on a romance radio show

are you a podcast listener? or are you picking up any new releases this week?

thank you to netgalley and bk borrison for this book!

if you’re looking for the perfect romance to read for the season of love, look no further! i absolutely adored this book, and the love story is so beautifully complex, unpacking their past fears and traumas while also having a very cute and light romance feel.

maya was the cutest, and i always love a single parent vibe. aiden and lucy are made for each other, and i knew that from the very first meet cute!

some spoiler free quotes to convince you to read:

- “But what’s wrong with being a romantic? 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.”
-You don’t have to be alone to be lonely.


i hope everyone loves this book as much as i did, and i can’t wait for the world to see it!

Loved it’s so much such a cute story at first I was so confused but the way the story developed was beautiful definitely read this book please

First Time Caller
🗓️ 2/11/25

As a lover of all things Nora Ephron, I was immediately sucked in by the modern day Sleepless In Seattle vibes 🥰 I’ve also grown to love anything @bk writes since reading The Lovelight Farm series!

Lucie’s daughter calls into a late night radio show seeking love advice for her single mom, leading in to a viral moment between Lucie and the radio show host.

This quintessential rom-com is the perfect Valentine’s Day read. I loved the quick wit and banter between the main characters, Aiden and Lucie, which was hilarious and sweet at the same time.

Thank you @netgalley and @berkleyromance for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!

What is your go to rom-com to watch?

#firsttimecaller #newrelease #netgalley #aidenandlucie #noraephron #berkleyromance @authorbkborison

5/5 ★

“the universe lining up for one perfect moment and handing me her.”

so so grateful to have received this arc omg, this might actually be my new favorite b.k. borsion book, i loved everything about this, it was so different from what i’ve read i just loved the radio show plot so much, it felt like such a dreamy book, major romcom vibes!!

i truly saw myself in both lucie and aiden and i can’t get over it! from lucie wanting this magical romance to realizing it just has to feel real and right and that in itself is magical to YOU, to aiden and his avoidance for love with anyone and just being afraid of caring about someone that much but learning its ok if things mess up, you just have to try! i truly cried they are both just so me and they deserve the world!!

seeing lucie and aiden fall in love through the show was everything to me, the true magic! and seeing everyone in their life notice it before them and root for it made me so happy i loved it! lets discuss how perfect they are together, aiden loved her so bad omg all the jealousy scenes and the way he cared for her (THE NOTE IN HIS CAR!!!) and lucie not giving up on him!! their flirting was so good and alos the spice, omg it was so good i actually need aiden…the stuff he would say…so good!

the found family was honestly so so cute, maya the true mastermind i love her so bad and grayson, jackson, patty, mateo, everyone at the auto shop and radio!!! i loved the side characters so much, one thing about b.k. borsion is her found family will always be good!!!

i love this book so much, thank you so much to netgalley and berkley for the arc!

Based loosely on the movie Sleepless in Seattle, First-Time Caller gives you all the same warm and fuzzies as the movie and even more heart. Aiden’s jaded view on love was built into his back story and revealed in increments while Lucie’s need for that happily ever after falls in line with what all little girls dream of having in their future. It wasn’t until her daughter calls in to the radio station that she takes a good look at her life and realizes that yes, something is missing and that dream she has had won’t happen unless she takes chances and leaves her safe place, home with her daughter. I loved reading about Aiden and Lucie’s journey, their self-discoveries seemed realistic and not so outrageous giving more impact to the story.

You can’t help but love a book with great side characters- the charming daughter, the lovable ex, the manager with a mushy heart, and the work friends who root for your happy ending. This book had all of the above and those characters helped deliver a loving, warm romance where the happy ending was guaranteed. I could read this book over and over.