Thank you to Berkley Romance and Penguin Random House for providing an ARC!

When I received an email with this arc last year I gasped in shock. The book community has hyped this book up a lot that I was nervous when I started reading. I’m a chronically cautious reader when the book community overly hypes up a book.

I’m so happy to share that the hype is REAL and everyone losing their minds has rightly done so. BK has delivered a revamped ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ with wonderful callbacks to the romcoms we all love (but sadly have disappeared from our screens).

Aiden and Lucie are smooth, pineapple on pizza and cookie loving characters supported by pining and hilarious moments. I’ve said that 2025 is the year of yearning and it’s alive and well in ‘First Time Caller’. ☎️

I know everyone is talking about the glove compartment scene, nah for me? It’s comparing green eyes to ivy, voice like honey in a mug of hot tea, and a heroine embracing the magic of romance. ✨

What a banger. Berkley never misses.

4.5 ⭐️

I’m a bit superstitious about my first read of the year-(hoping to start the year out strong) so I went with this “Sleepless in Seattle” inspired love story- the first in B.K. Borison’s newest “Heartstrings” series, and it proved to be a wise choice! ❤️

Aiden Valentine is the host of Baltimore's late night romance hotline, “Heartstrings”but he is not sure if he still believes in love. It seems to bring more heartache, than joy-if you were to judge love by the majority of the calls he takes.

But then 12 year old, Maya calls in asking for dating advice for her mom. When Lucie Stone hears her daughter on the phone when she is supposed to be asleep, she enters the bedroom interrupting the call-and her conversation with Aiden goes viral.

Lucie considers herself happy!

She has a fulfilling job as an auto mechanic, and a great relationship with Maya and both of her daughter’s TWO Dads-who live right next door and are helping to raise her. Maya’s father, Grayson would end up being the platonic love of Lucie’s life-but the romantic love of Grayson’s life would end up being Mateo. Fortunately, all three are mature people doing right by Maya, and each other and the three are now the BEST of friends.

But with all of Baltimore now scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—Lucie begins to wonder if Maya is right, so when the radio station invites her to co-host “Heartstrings” and look for love over the air waves-she steps out of her comfort zone to give it a try.

ALL of Baltimore begins to fall in love with Lucie, rooting for her to find love-but Aiden starts to realize that he ISN'T rooting for her along with the rest of the city-as he as fallen for her right along with all of their listeners.

But, will he find the courage to tell her so—before it’s too late? ⏰

The book- dedicated by the author to “hopeless romantics and the reluctant ones too”- unfolds from the alternating POV’s of both Lucie and Aiden-with snippets of their radio show interspersed throughout.

This unique, captivating story stole my heart IMMEDIATELY!

The characters are likable and the witty banter develops the red hot chemistry between Lucie and Aiden long before their physical relationship begins. It was definitely a book that I couldn’t wait to get back to-whenever I could-and a series that I actually look forward to continuing! (Hurry please!)

Because of personal preference, I wavered between a 4 and 5 star rating. I prefer a more “closed door” 🚪 romance, as opposed to a “play by play” of the SPICY 🌶️ scenes that uses the three “C” words-as those words aren’t romantic or sexy to me, AND there is a LOT of frustrating miscommunication!

But, despite those two very minor issues, I really enjoyed the time I spent with these characters so I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!

Pick it up on February 11, 2025 and make it your Valentine’s Day read for 2025! ❤️

Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! As always, I have offered my candid thoughts!

When I found out that this was Sleepless in Seattle inspired, I knew I needed to read it. The set up was such a fun one and I loved how the slow burn romance developed.

Things to expect in First-Time Caller:
- single parent romance
- hilarious found family
- forced proximity
- grumpy + sunshine
- “who hurt you?” vibes
- epistolary (text messages)
- friends to lovers
- slow burn
- dirty talk
- caretaker
- piggy back rides
- a handwritten list of favorite things 💗
- pineapple on pizza

Lucie was such a wonderful heroine. Her fears, hopes, and struggles were so relatable. The found family that she created and surrounded herself with, both at home and at work, was so beautiful. I actually would have loved more backstory about Grayson!

Lucie’s chemistry with Aiden was scorching hot, and I loved seeing their relationship shift and change. Their banter had me smiling ear to ear. There were lots of swoony moments between these two, but there were also some very spicy times as well *fans self*

As much as I enjoyed this one, I didn’t love all the push and pull. I felt like the main conflict regarding Aiden’s aversion to love and connection didn’t make the most sense. I needed a lot more groveling and I was hoping for more vulnerability from Aiden in the end. The epilogue was very cute though and I liked how things came full circle. I also really enjoyed the idea that fate had a hand in all of this. I can’t wait for Jackson’s book next!

I both read and listened to the audiobook of First-Time Caller and the narration by EJ Bingham and Hathaway Lee was wonderful. The casting was well done and both conveyed so much emotion in their performances. It was also fun to have duet style exchanges every now and then (like some of the radio show interludes between chapters and text messages). I look forward to listening to more titles by these narrators in the future.

Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars

*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*

CW: parent with cancer (past, currently in remission), grief, parental abandonment and estrangement

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkeley Romance for an advanced copy of this book!

"First-Time Caller" was an absolute delight from start to finish. The witty banter between the characters had me constantly kicking my feet. The slow burn romance between the grumpy sunshine MMC and the independent FMC was simply perfect.

The author masterfully captures the essence of a classic rom-com while offering a fresh and modern perspective. I especially appreciated the representation of Lucie, a woman thriving in a typically male-dominated field, and the portrayal of an unorthodox yet incredibly positive and healthy family structure.

The unique storytelling device of incorporating snippets of the radio show between chapters was incredible to go from one moment to the next. It seamlessly integrated the show's events into the narrative, making the entire premise incredibly believable and engaging.

"First-Time Caller" is a must-read for any rom-com lover. I will be enthusiastically recommending once it's released.

i enjoyed this one. i liked the concept of the radio show being incorporated into the writing and getting to read it. the banter was good and i was rooting for lucie to get her magical romance.

So, this one wasn’t quite what I expected! I loved the radio show aspect and loved the little conversations with the callers. So cute!!
Maya was the sweetest daughter. She just wanted her mom to be happy and wasn’t shy about trying to make it happen. Aiden was so grumpy and standoffish that it drove me nuts. He was so drawn to Lucie but was determined to keep that wall up at all costs. Even against his parents and friends.

Lucie was so kind and deserved all the good things,and honestly, I wish Aiden had stepped up more for her throughout the story. Even though I get he was going through his own stuff.

This is a cute, feel good story with loveable characters. I loved the found family vibes. Between the news crew, Grayson and Mateo, Lucie’s family at the shop and Pattie’s coffee/bookstore, this book made the coziest and sweetest read.

It was a slow burn which made it feel a little longer than it needed to be. Could have been a little shorter and still been just as great.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for my advanced copy!

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, First Time Caller by B.K. Borison is a must-read.
The story kicks off when Maya, a clever 12-year-old, calls into Baltimore’s struggling romance hotline looking for dating advice for her single mom, Lucie. The host, Aiden Valentine, is charming but secretly over the whole love thing. Their conversation goes viral, setting off a series of events that turn both Aiden and Lucie’s lives upside down.

Lucie is such a relatable character. She’s a hardworking mechanic with a big heart and a bit of a stubborn streak. Aiden, on the other hand, is sarcastic, guarded, and totally swoon-worthy once you crack through his tough exterior. Their banter is pure gold—especially during their radio show scenes where they’re sharing a closet-sized booth.

The supporting cast really adds to the fun. Grayson, Lucie’s protective ex and neighbor, and his husband are a riot, and Maya is just the sweetest.

This book is funny, heartwarming, and full of characters you can’t help but root for. If you’re into love stories that leave you smiling, give this one a try—and get ready to fall hard for Aiden and Lucie!

This sweet and spicy romance was a great read. Aiden hosts a romance hotline on the local radio station, which is funny since he is a total cynic. Family illness has made him a guarded, unwilling to risk man who keeps the brakes on any emotional investment. But into the radio station and his life comes Lucie. Lucie is a single mom, although her ex lives next door with his boyfriend and is an active dad and they have an unusual but happy extended family. Lucie's pre-teen daughter and family and friends are worried about her. She doesn't have much of a life outside her daughter and work -- Lucie is a mechanic -- and all her male co-workers are also concerned about her.

So her daughter Maya calls up the radio station and asks Aiden to help find her mother some dates. Lucie is mortified, of course, when she finds out, but recognizes that they have a point. Lucie is honest, but admittedly a romantic. She tells Aiden she is looking for a little magic in her life.

The dating scenarios don't work out too well, but Aiden and Lucie, sitting side by side in the radio station, soon discover some chemistry of their own. They both avoid it, but eventually can't deny their attraction. Their banter in getting to know each other is great fun. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

✨ARC REVIEW ✨

This book was phenomenal. I love B.K.’s writing style. I love this nod to Sleepless in Seattle. I love Aiden and Lucie.

I have tons of highlights of Aiden being so down bad for Lucie. The man is so grumpy but here he is OBSESSED with Lucie.

This book will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It’s a celebration of all different kinds of love and it’ll have you smiling and kicking your feet the whole time.

I’m giving this book 3.5 ⭐️ (round up to 4 on GR). I really liked Lucies character and that she was not all “woe is me” and was brave enough to give the show a chance and to give into her feelings for Aiden. What brought the rating down for me was how emotionally immature Aiden was. I have empathy for his situation with his mother to an extent, but I hated when he would get cold and pouty towards Lucie. It gave me the ick and felt very immature.

Aiden Valentine hosts a popular call-in radio show in Baltimore focused on romance. When Lucie Stone discovers that her 12-year-old daughter Maya has called into the show, fittingly named Heartstrings, she is initially mortified but agrees to go on the show. The audience loves the banter between Aiden and Lucie so the station, hoping to boost ratings, decides to keep Lucie on the show until they find the single mother a love match. Aiden, who has soured on love, starts to dislike his role as a matchmaker. Is it possible that he'd rather be the one dating Lucie?  

If B.K. Borison's First-Time Caller reminds you of Sleepless in Seattle, it's no accident as the film inspired this cute, feel-good story. It's a sweet, romantic comedy with moments that will make you laugh, touch your heart, and add a bit of spice. The characters are endearing including Maya's dad Grayson, who is happily married to Mateo. Although Grayson was not Lucie's forever love, he is now her best friend. Lucie, by the way, is a talented mechanic. Loved that! The book is the first in a new series titled Heartstrings.

What a nice break from all the heavy reads.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Piblishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love everything BK Borison writes, but this is an absolute favorite. The TENSION! I love a single mom, I love a tortured man, I love an emotional story. This book gave me all of that. An easy 5 star rating based on how satisfying the story ended after significant buildup!

I’m excited to add this to my library’s collection and make every romantic read it, and yell about how it’s great for fans of Nora Ephron movies. Not only that but I’m going to need multiple copies for my personal collection.

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

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
Aiden, a host for the late night radio show Heartstrings, has given up on love. Lucie feels like she’ll never find the magic of love. When her daughter calls into the station & the conversation goes viral, Lucie & Aiden become partners in the booth in an effort to find her love.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
This book is truly everything you want in a romance - beautifully written and swoony with a man who is down bad for his girl.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:

💕The found family. This group had me🥹The support, the love and the amount of times I laughed at all of them was my favorite part of the book.

💕I absolutely LOVED Lucie’s character. The way she stands up for herself at the end of the book? No notes. Absolutely loved that for her.

💕The radio transcripts. What a perfect touch to the end of each chapter!

💕The slow burn. The tension. The way the relationship builds from friendship to more.

This book was the absolute perfect way to start the year & truly encompasses everything a romance book should be. It comes out February 11, just in time for Love Day!



𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:

☎️ grumpy x sunshine 

☎️sleepless in Seattle inspired
☎️he doesn’t do love, she wants to find it

☎️romance hotline

☎️single mom 

☎️workplace romance 

☎️forced proximity

☎️slow burn 

☎️found family 


Thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for this eARC for my honest review!!

FIRST READ OF 2025..🤩🍕🎙️🩷 I know it’s only January, but I know this is going to be one of my favourite romance books of the year.

When Aiden Valentine, a disillusioned romance hotline host, and single mom Lucie Stone are thrust into the spotlight by a viral radio interview, their lives collide in unexpected ways. As Baltimore obsesses over Lucie’s love life, she starts to wonder if she’s ready to open her heart again. With sparks flying behind the scenes, Lucie must decide between a scripted happily-ever-after or the unexpected connection with the man behind the mic.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
THIS WAS SO GOOD! 🩷 The storyline of a 12 year old calling into a radio station to help get advice on love for her mom, was super cute. I loved Lucie & Aiden’s banter, the friendship, the honesty and the overall maturity of these two.The chemistry was top notch. One thing that really stood out to me was that everyone was rooting for Lucie, even her co-parenting trible! 🙌🏼 I admired the family dynamics in this one!

🛠️An honourable mention for the “garage guys” - Lucie’s banter with her co-workers and how supportive they were of her love life. It was refreshing to see a female character in a male-dominated role..with no ickyness invloved.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
✔️ jaded radio host X female mechanic
✔️ single mom
✔️ piggyback rides
✔️ slow dancing in bars
✔️ pineapple on pizza (it’s a yes for me)
✔️ lots of coffee
✔️ Sleepless in Seattle-inspired

Thank you @netgalley & @berkleyromance for the ARC!

First Time Caller put me into a reading slump and I am NOT mad about it!

Aiden, a radio station host for late night Heartstrings, has given up on love. With the rest of the Baltimore area not tuning in, the station needs listeners and they may get what they asked for when a young girl wanting love for her Mom calls in.

Lucie feels that love is something that she is not good enough for. When her daughter calls Heartstrings and puts her in the spotlight, her love life (or lack therof) goes viral. Agreeing to go on the radio station as a guest host with Aiden for the time being to find love, she quickly realizes that love may be right in front of her, just waiting for the right moment.

First Time Caller is a book that left me giddy and with swoony feelings, believing that Lucie and Aiden would truly make it in the real world. I love love love that Lucie was a mechanic and her coworkers had me laughing and rooting for them all as they rooted for their girl. I really hope that some young women pick up this book someday and realize that they can have that kind of career too. Aiden was DOWN BAD for Lucie and I loved every moment of it. As I was reading, I tabbed a lot of swoony moments and down bad quotes, especially as he tried to hide his feelings but delivered lines that would have anyone believing in his love story. There wasn't a minute of First Time Caller that I wanted to stop reading, eating up every moment that Maya was on the page and Lucie's ex husband and his partner. The pacing was fantastic, the between chapter Heartstrings calls LOL and every single character on the page had me screaming with delight. If you love Sarah Adams, Jessica Joyce or Emily Henry, this is the book for YOU!

I am officially obsessed with Aiden Valentine! I loved this book so much. Aiden and Lucie had such great chemistry with each other. I loved the radio dating show aspect too. This book was filled with funny and sweet moments that had me grinning the entire time.

⭐️: 4.5/5

What a great first read of the new year!! I was so sad to read the last of the Lovelight Farms series, because it was just the cutest series with the cutest small town vibes, but when I heard B.K. Borison was starting this new series set in Baltimore, I couldn’t wait! I live in Baltimore, and I feel like so few books are set here, compared to other big East Coast cities, so this was such a fun read!

Admittedly, I’ve never seen Sleepless in Seattle, but I think I have to watch it now. I loved the slow burn between the two characters, and the picture of Baltimore that is painted as a background is perfectly romanticized. One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was the adorable found co-parenting family that Lucie has with the father of her daughter. Reading about a healthy co-parenting relationship is just so healing.

I loved the story and getting to know this new set of characters. I did find the lack of honest communication and the stunted emotions of the MMC to be a little bit…a lot…but I think it did make for a pretty emotionally impactful ending. I can’t wait to keep reading this series!!

As a side note, Duck Duck Goose is one of my favorite brunch restaurants because of their duck confit and waffles.

Thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for this eARC for my honest review!!

This was sooooo cute!! I enjoyed the premise and the whole radio vibes. The romance was believable and the characters completely loveable!

“I’m thinking about the way her hand fits in mine, and the way my heart drums out a beat that matches her name.”

Lucie and Aiden. She’s a hopeless romantic and he has fallen out of love with love. Aiden is the radio host of the romance hotline and when a young girl calls in the station for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral which results in Lucie joining the station so she can find love.

FIVE STARS!! This book is everything! Romantic, beautiful, swoonworthy! He keeps a list of all of her favorite things!! The radio transcripts at the end of each chapter was a good touch to add!

☎️READ IF YOU LIKE☎️:
- dual POV
- grumpy x sunshine
- sleepless in seattle inspired
- romance hotline
- single mom
- workplace romance
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- opposites attract
- radio host x auto mechanic
- found family
- he doesn’t do love, she wants love

cw: mention of cancer, emotionally unavailable, threatening messages

Thank you @berkleyromance for the advanced copy! First-Time Caller is available on February 11, 2025!

This was truly JOY.

I'm such a fan of Bek's work and this absolutely delivered. Aidan and Lucie were so freaking hot and I LOVED their dynamic!!! Their banter was so funny and their chemistry was so immediate, I was kicking my feet and giggling from the beginning.

Lucie's journey to find love and her struggles with modern dating were TOO RELATABLE. I felt way too called out hahaha. I loved her relationship with her blended family!!! They made my heart so so happy.

I fear I need Aidan like I need water. That man was so fine and I personally need his Heartstrings sweatshirt.

This is such a beautiful ode to Nancy Meyers, Sleepless in Seattle, and the city of Baltimore.

I was laughing the entire time and it's the perfect rom com to start out your new year!!

Thank you PRH Audio, B.K Borison, Berkley Publishing, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!!!