Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Romance, and BK Borison for the ARC!

If you haven’t read anything by BKB yet, you’ve gotta figure it out. The Lovelight series is hands down my favorite romcom series, and her writing is just so special.

This book is about a single mom whose daughter calls into a radio show about love to ask for advice on how to get her mom back into the dating scene. Mom ends up on the show and, well, there’s a romance involved!

10/10 recommend everything she writes!

**Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC, all opinions are my own.**

THE FEET KICKING AND GIGGLING I HAVE DONE IS SO UNLIKE ME!

This was soooo much fun. Those that know me know I'm a certified hater and a super picky romance reader. I take my romance in small doses and if the vibes aren't right, I'll ditch it so fast. BK's Lovelight books weren't something that worked for me, personally. I gave two or three of them a try and they weren't for me at all. THIS?! This is everything. It's been so long since I've sacrificed actual sleep to finish a book and never have I done so for a romance. This is what falling in love feels like directly translated into written word. This is what those butterflies feel like on a page.

The pacing felt natural. The character development felt satisfying. I'm the most wary of longer contemporary romances. I'm usually a firm believer that they don't need to be over 400 pages, ever. This one did not feel like that, I promise. (I'd tell you if it did. You'd know.)

My point is, I didn't expect to hate this. But I definitely didn't expect to love it as much as I did either. An easy 5 stars. I'll be thinking about Aiden and Lucie for probably the rest of my life, idk.

I am absolutely swooning over this book - completely hooked by its heartwarming premise. I'm also a little biased over the radio setting, as I was a broadcaster for some years. The LOL moments, and undeniable chemistry between Aiden and Lucie was chef's kiss. Aiden, the grumpy yet secretly soft-hearted radio host, and Lucie, the determined single mom with a mischievous daughter made the perfect opposites attract romance.

The banter - perfection! The tension - delicious! The romance...SO DARN SWEET! Watching these two navigate their viral fame, public matchmaking, and their own growing feelings had my heart doing somersaults. So many grand romantic moments...I was squealing.

If you love charming, feel good rom coms - this one needs to be added to your TBR. It's a love story that will have you believing in happy endings all over again.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted eARC and advanced physical copy!!

Ummmm i fear I’m in love with lucie 😩 like plz she’s so hot?? I def understand why Aiden is so obsessed with her ✋

Lucie is a single mom who has given up on finding love. Her daughter decides to take matters into her own hands and calls Baltimore’s romance radio show, Heartstrings, to get Aiden Valentine’s help. Little do they know, all of Baltimore will fall for Lucie and this will kick start Lucie’s journey to finding love.

Lucie is such a perfect FMC 😭 she’s kinda awkward but so funny and she’s just full of love for her people. Her relationship with her daughter is so cute 🥹 I just loved Lucie’s growth during this book and how she learned to love herself!

Aiden is grumpy and doesn’t believe in love, despite hosting a romance hotline ✋ this man was just obsessed with Lucie from the START!! Like plz he literally ran to her when she got stood up 😭 and his growth was so wonderfully done!!!

I loved watching these two fall in love 🥹 the tension in the booth was just perfection. And I’m just obsessed with everything Aiden does for her 🤭

Welcome to Heartstrings, Baltimore’s Romance Hotline. ❤️

Release Date: 2.11.25

I want to preface this by saying, this is the first book I’ve read by @authorbkborison and she did not!! disappoint!! 🤭 Slow burn isn’t my typical trope, but I may be a changed woman now. I feel like the slow burn aspect was executed so well here. It was drawn out just long enough, with plenty of small touches and eye contact in the meantime. The buildup was *chefs kiss*!

“A grin splits her face and it’s like I’ve been plugged into the wall. Like the sun’s been tilted in my direction.”

Lucie wasn’t wrong when she declared Aiden a “secret, swoony boy”. I love a down bad man and he absolutely delivered. 🙂‍↕️ Also can we please talk about how he keeps a list of her favorite things in his glove box?! I loved watching Aiden evolve from the grumpy, romance hotline, radio show host who didn’t believe in love to the man who publicly professes his love to the girl he can’t get off his mind.

“She said she wanted magic and I thought we found something better. Something real. But apparently there was a little magic, after all. A bunch of breadcrumbs dropped like pennies in a fountain, leading me right to her.”

Lucie, you deserve every good thing life has to offer. I absolutely loved the family dynamic between Greyson, Lucie, Mateo and Maya. 🥹 The way Greyson came to her defense after her first date, that whole interaction between Grey and Aiden had me giggling. Also, she’s a mechanic and I can’t tell you how much I loved that and the role it played in this story.

“Do you think I’ll find someone? Do you think I’ll get my magic?”
“Nah, Lucie… I think you’re the magic.”

+ radio show romance
+ slow burn
+ jaded lover boy x hopeless romantic
+ witty banter
+ spice

A big, big thank you to @netgalley and @berkleyromance for providing me with an ARC. I love you forever and ever. 🫶🏼

While I did enjoy this book overall, the last half really saved it for me. If I didn’t feel obligated to finish because I received an ARC, I’m not sure I would have made it to the part I liked. The pacing in the first half was slow, and for a sweet, fluffy romance, it felt longer than necessary. If I were rating just the last half, it would be a solid four-star read, but I had to take off half a star because I may not have stuck with it otherwise. I think this book could have been 30% shorter and still told the same story just as effectively.

That said, once the romance started to develop, I found it really cute. The second half had me giggling and kicking my feet—it was a little corny, but in a fun way. The premise is great, and there were definitely relatable moments about modern dating, but it took a long time for Lucie and Aiden to meet in person. And when they did, I didn’t feel like Aiden’s integration into Lucie’s life as a single mom was handled with the weight it deserved.

Even though their relationship moved a bit quickly for my tastes, I still enjoyed watching them fall for each other. However, I do feel like both characters were a bit emotionally immature for their age, which made some of their decisions frustrating. The story stayed fairly lighthearted, which made the longer page count feel unnecessary at times. While I typically prefer a bit more depth in my romances, I still had a good time with this one. If you’re looking for something light, fun, and full of feel-good moments, this one is worth picking up!

Romance lovers, this one’s for you! 💕📖

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I smiled, I laughed, I cried—and I devoured this book in no time! First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is the perfect read for the month of love. From the banter to the heartwarming moments, this story had me hooked from page one.

Huge thanks to Berkeley for the advanced copy—I feel so lucky to have read this early! ✨ This is definitely a top read for me, and I can’t recommend it enough!

What you’ll find:

🎀 dating radio show
🎀 single mom
🎀 slow burn
🎀 opposites attract

OMG!! This book was PRECIOUS. B.K. Borison did it again. The characters were hilarious, the story was unique, and the romance was sweet and sizzling. I loved the will they or wont they throughout this book. I yelled a lot, but I loved it! I also loved the character growth.

Books like First Time Caller make me even more of a hopeless romantic! You should absolutely check it out.

First Time Caller by BK Borison is the first book in her new Heartstrings series. I have to say that I loved this book, as it was so much fun and entertaining. The story begins with Aiden Valentine, who is the host of Baltimore’s late night romance hotline, “Heartstrings. Aiden over the years on the hotline, no longer believes in love, avoiding any intimacy in his life.

One night, Aiden receives a call from a 12-year-old girl, Maya, asking for advice for her 29-year-old mother. When her mother, Lucie Stone, hears her daughter, she interrupts the call, and she learns what her daughter is doing. In a short time, Lucie finds herself in a conversation with Aiden, and the hotline goes viral. The ratings jump drastically, and Maddie Lin, the station manager decides to get Lucie to join Aiden’s hotline, with listeners sky rocking. Lucie has a good job (mechanic), a wonderful daughter, family and is not sure why she needs this, but she also thinks about maybe she does need some romance in her life.

Aiden agrees to help Lucie in find her perfect match, with many nightly calls, and at some strange dates. The banter each night on the radio show is delightful and fun, as they share a small booth. All of Baltimore begins to fall in love with Lucie, rooting for her to find her match. But Aiden starts to develop feelings for Lucie, and is determined to restrain himself, believing that she deserves someone good. Some callers begin to suspect that Lucie and Aiden might be falling for each other; as the sparks between them are sizzling.

I really loved Lucie, who was not only wonderful, but also tough, kind, brave and always caring about her family. I adored Maya, who was also very sweet and smart. Aiden turned out to be sweet and romantic when it came to Lucie. I loved everything about Aiden and Lucie’s story, which will most definitely pull on your heartstrings. The chemistry between Lucie and Aiden was fantastic.

First Time Caller was a wonderful romance, filled with hope, joy, entertaining, and great banter. First Time Caller was so very well written by BK Borison. This was a fantastic read, as I loved every moment of it. I suggest you read First Time Caller, as it is not to be missed.

Ok BK Botison!

New book…
New series…
New FIVE STAR!

A jaded radio host meets a true romantic that hasn’t had a date in years…and magic happens!

This one is spicy and sweet!

Thank you to the author NetGalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

🤍Book review 🤍

First-Time Caller
by B.K. Borison

Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is an absolutely charming romance with the perfect mix of wit, warmth, and chemistry.
Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, this story follows Aiden, a cynical radio host, and Lucie, a hopeless romantic whose daughter's call to his show unexpectedly throws them together.
I loved the dual POVs, getting to see Aiden slowly fall for Lucie while fighting his own fears about love. Their banter was fun, their chemistry was electric, and the slow build of their relationship felt natural and heartwarming. The side characters added so much personality, making the story feel even richer.
Borison’s writing is effortlessly engaging, and this book had me smiling and swooning. It was sweet, heartfelt, and just the feel-good romance I needed.
If you love a grumpy-sunshine trope, found family, and romance with heart, this is a must-read!

I loved this book! The dual POVs were amazing, getting to see Aiden pining and falling for Lucie was so fun to read. I loved their banter and chemistry, the author is able to seamlessly make them work and I was grinning ear to ear when reading. It took me all of one day to read this and it has easily become one of my top romance books. I can't wait for Jackson's book!

A hopeless romantic searching for romance finds herself on a dateline radio show.... with a cynical radio host... who just might be the perfect guy for her. Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, this is a cozy romance about a an unexpected romance happening between two people who meet in an unexpected way. Aiden Valentine is the radio host of Heartstrings, a dating advice radio talk show... his secret? He doesn't believe in love anymore and doesn't want any part of it. Yet despite his show's ratings going down... he randomly gets a call at night from a young girl asking for dating advice for her mom... and this spirals and goes viral. Lucie Stone thought her life was fine: she's got a good job, she has an adorable daughter, and she's still best friends with her ex and his new partner, all happily coparenting and living in peace... the only thing is that she's given up on dating. When Lucie's daughter calls into the show and Lucie explains that she's looking for "magic" and won't settle for anything less than romance, she goes viral and the radio show invites her onto it. Heartstrings offers Lucie a spot on the show with Aiden in which the show will help her find her Mr. Right... yet the more time she spends with her handsome yet cynical cohost... she's starting to think that Mr. Right... might be right next to her if only he would open his heart up. Aiden knows he shouldn't be crushing on Lucie, that he's not the guy she's looking for... but his heart has something else to say about that and every day he's falling harder for her... but is he brave enough to tell her or will he lose her to someone else? This was such a cute and charming rom com. I've been a huge fan of B.K. Borison's books and writing and this Sleepless in Seattle inspired romance was perfection. Lucie and Aiden had so much chemistry and banter, and I would honestly love for this book to be made into a movie because it would be so so cute. This book just had me smiling while reading it and giggling over how sweet it was. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a cute heartfelt romance!

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book was the perfect antidote to the fear spirals that tried to claim me last week. It was a warm hug in book form and everything I needed! Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, Borison pays homage to Nora Ephron in this delightful romcom about a jaded late-night radio host & a mechanic who still believes in the magic of love.

I. ATE. THIS. UP. Having loved Borison’s Lovelight Farm’s series, I had a feeling this would be a five-star read, and she didn’t disappoint. This book had me laughing & swooning & kicking my feet. The charm and magic that radiates from the community she depicts in the Lovelight series also exists in the Heartstrings universe. The radio crew, the garage crew, Lucie’s found-family…seriously, no one does an ensemble like Borison and that’s what makes her books shine. (Along with vibrant, lovable MCs and witty banter, of course!)

As a hopeless romantic turned cynic turned temperate romantic, I saw myself in both Aiden and Lucie. Aiden, much like Beckett (my favorite Borison Grump™️), is a stealth cinnamon roll. This man thinks he’s “mean” but really he’s just sad, scared, and a little jaded. Trust, he is a secret softie. Truly glad to know he’s getting therapy though because we could all use a little support (trauma is real and we don’t need to run from good things, baby!!)

I loved how Lucie understood her own heart and knew exactly what she was looking for. Yes babe, you deserve someone who keeps a list of your favorite things in their glove compartment, will drop everything to run to when you’re feeling sad, and thinks YOU are magic. 🥲 (Don’t we all??)

Packed with witty banter & sizzling chemistry, Borison delivered another shot to my heart and I look forward to returning to Baltimore for the next Heartstrings novel.

✨FEELS LIKE: the fizzy serotonin boost from that first sip of champagne AND making pancakes at home with your family, dancing in the kitchen & laughing until your side aches. Warm & silly & perfect.
✨READ IF YOU LIKE: Sleepless in Seattle, grumpy x sunshine, lovable characters, found family, the Lovelight Farms series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) / 🌶️🌶️🌶️(3/5)

Thanks to @prhaudio for my early #gifted copy of this audiobook. I love to #partner up with PRH because they have the best selection! I actually ended up reading the physical copy of this one through @bookofthemonth. I’d totally still do the audio too though. It’s worth another read.

I. Absolutely. Adored. This. Book.

Ok I may be partial because I’m a #BaltimoreGirl #LetsGoOs and it was so cool to have places that I’ve been or other Baltimorey things incorporated into this story.

I loved all of the characters, the building of the relationship between Lucie and Aiden, as well as their friendships/co-workers/family. I especially loved that while the MCs haven’t known each other long…the build up to catching feelings really felt like a natural progression to me. I hate Instalove and this wasn’t that…is was quick but not cheesy. It just felt right.

I loved that even though Lucie wasn’t where she wanted to be with her love life, she was still willing to be so open and honest even if at first it’s begrudgingly. The people she meets on her Mr. Tire endorsed “road to love” really added to the story with perfect secondary characters that kept the story flowing.

The chemistry flowed so well and I loved the character building especially with Aiden which really comes full circle (ahh puns) at the end when he finally opens up and gives you more insight in the man he is and the walls he’s built.

While as romance lovers we know the general plot of a romance novel…this gives so much more than that. A true delight. Highly recommend.

Excited to meet BK again later this month. ❤️

3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of First-Time Caller!

This book had such a sweet concept, and I loved the way it explored connection, vulnerability, and found family. Aiden’s late-night radio show created the perfect cozy backdrop for his and Lucie’s romance, and when the story hit its stride, I really enjoyed it! The last 20% especially made me giddy—the spice was fun, and the ending left me smiling.

That said, the beginning felt slow, and I found myself wanting more tension or banter between Lucie and Aiden to keep things engaging. For characters pushing 30, they often felt immature, and their lack of communication was frustrating at times. Still, I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and seeing them find their way to each other.

Overall, First-Time Caller is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance with a charming premise and a wonderful found family element. If you’re in the mood for something soft and sweet, this could be the cozy read you’re looking for!

How cute! I really was caught off guard by how much I liked this romance. It takes a minute to get off the ground, but this book took off after the first 20% and I was super on board. A very cute romance that builds slowly and features a lot of proximity and flirting. Fun! Clearly draws a bit from Sleepless in Seattle, but I like the way it changes up the story. Would recommend!

4.75 out of 5 stars | Wow, just wow. What a unique and amazing romance book with some of the most beautiful quotes I’ve ever read. I don’t know if I have ever highlighted a book more!

I may be biased because I have both lived in Baltimore before and worked at radio stations in Baltimore - but the setting of this story added to the magic. It was so easy to envision the characters’ journey every step of the way.

Their individual personalities were shining through from the first page where you are immediately hooked not only on Lucie and Aiden but also on the side characters that support them throughout the book.

Speaking of, I would absolutely love a prequel to this book that follows Lucie’s accidental pregnancy and Grayson’s love story.

All around, this is an amazing book that I highly recommend to all readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC.

OMG, where do I even start! I absolutely adored this book, it had me melting throughout. Aiden and Lucie’s banter and chemistry from the beginning was so good. And can I just say that I loved Lucie’s relationship with her daughter and co-parents.

This book has me very excited for what’s to come in the series!

I love Sleepless in Seattle, so when I saw the comparison in the blurb, I had to jump on this book! I really loved the Lovelight Farms series, and I love seeing what else BK Borison can come up with. Aiden and Lucie are fated mates for sure, and I really loved their dramatic, high stakes story. The end was absolutely perfect - can't wait for more like this from Borison!