I fell in love with this book! I cursed myself for reading it so quickly! Several things made me swoon and sigh, starting with the delightful banter between Aiden and Lucie during their radio show, where they shared a tiny booth without a single complaint. I absolutely adored the moment when Lucie found the list of her favorite things in Aiden’s car glove compartment, and her being stood up by her date turns into the most entertaining and memorable night—reminiscent of a scene from New Girl's pilot episode. (I’m trying not to give too many spoilers, but I can’t help sharing some moments that made me truly adore this book!)

I have a confession to make, and I hope Nora Ephron fans won’t boo me for it, but this book’s plot is even better than Sleepless in Seattle! The similarities begin with 12-year-old Maya’s call to Heartstrings, Aiden Valentine’s Baltimore romance hotline (which unfortunately only a dozen people listen to), asking for dating advice for her 29-year-old single mom, Lucie Stone. But that’s where the similarities end. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait until the end for the characters to meet at the Empire State Building (because, let’s face it, I’m not that patient).

When their conversations go viral, bringing back ratings and sponsors to the struggling station (thanks to Aiden’s brooding tone and existential crisis), the intimidating station manager Maggie Lin decides on a solution: to include Lucie in the show. So many lonely listeners connect with her and her journey to finding the real love she deserves.

Aiden agrees to help Lucie in her quest for love, sending her on dates connected through a separate phone line provided by the station. But there’s one big problem: if there were a Grinch who stole Valentine’s Day, it would be Aiden. He fell out of love with love a long time ago due to family tragedies, keeping people at arm’s length and avoiding any intimacy in his life.

How can Aiden, who doesn’t believe in love, help Lucie find her perfect match when he’s starting to develop feelings for her himself? He tries to restrain himself, believing he can’t offer her the magic she deserves. But the sparks between them are undeniable, and Lucie has feelings for him too. Can he do the honorable thing and send her to a man who can give her what she wants, or will he tear down the walls he’s built around his heart and take a chance on becoming a better man?

I loved Aiden and Lucie’s story. Their attraction and sizzling chemistry are off the charts. Lucie is brave, kind-hearted, and tough, always putting her loved ones first—and she’s also a kickass mechanic. Aiden, on the other hand, is incredibly sweet, a true romantic hiding behind his cold, sarcastic, and depressed exterior.

Grayson, the gay dad next door who’s fiercely protective of Lucie, and his husband form a big, eccentric family that had me laughing so much. And Maya is smart, sweet, and absolutely adorable.

If I had the talent to write and compose a love song for this book, I would do it in a heartbeat!

I have a feeling we’re going to read Jackson Clark (Aiden’s best friend with a cruffin addiction I can’t blame him for—those things are amazing!) and Delilah Stewart’s enemies-to-lovers story in the second book of the series. (At least, that’s what I’m guessing based on the hints the author dropped!) I can’t wait to read more of this series. It’s off to an even better start than the Lovelight Farms series (which I also adore). Aiden and Lucie’s story will tug on your heartstrings, bringing you joy, entertainment, and hope—the perfect recipe for a great romance!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this perfect romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

When I say this book is going to be my obsession until it gets published, I really, REALLY mean it.

I had been wanting to read some of B.K Borison's books since I knew so many people loved her Lovelight Farms series! I applied to this ARC on a whim and was so honored to have received a digital copy. Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and B.K Borison for the ARC!

B.K. Borison's writing style is romantic, whimsical, and makes you feel like you're in a Hallmark movie, in the best way possible. I loved both of the main characters, especially how they both felt like individual characters who had their own stories, quirks, and past, rather than being just two characters who fall in love. It's clear from the get-go that Lucie and Aiden have great chemistry, but I also really loved the relationships that Lucie had with the other characters. It was very heartwarming to see the family dynamic between Lucie and her co-parents, and it was a great representation of how families can look different from what's considered typical, but still are full of love and support.

I felt like the romance really took its time to build up in this story, and I really appreciated it. We were able to see how the chemistry between our two leads started from a small spark, only to become a blazing fire later on. I also appreciated Aiden's inner monologue, especially as a dual-pov lover. It was so cute to hear how much he really knew Lucie and all her little quirks.

I can't wait until this book is published and would 10000% reccomend you read it once it comes out!

This book is pure magic! ✨🫶✨

Aiden and Lucie are really special! Their love story is one I think a lot of people will relate to and find comfort in! The entire Heartstrings cast was like a warm hug. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

BK Borison has perfected the craft of romance novels. She has done it again!!!! My fav romance author!!!!

Gosh the plot of First Time Caller is soooo much fun. The Sleepless in Seattle vibes are impeccable and so well done. The writing is brilliant (which I expected). The fmc, Lucie, is a single mom auto mechanic baddie, and Aiden is a man who wants to settle without love in his life. This book is definitely on the heavier side with themes of illness, loneliness, vulnerability. However, it is laugh out loud funny (the meet cute is hilarious).

The banter & chemistry are top notch and I had a ginormous smile on my face throughout this story. I mean they had chemistry from the jump!!

I don’t know how BK is able to craft multiple beautiful, cozy, unique romances and they all hit with the same amazingness??? Her prose and characters just leap off the page. I highly recommend this book and I just know that the rest of the books will hit. I can’t wait!

Thank you SO MUCH to Berkley and BK Borison for the advanced copy. Everyone mark your calendars for Feb 11!!!!

Confession: I’ve never seen Sleepless in Seattle. I really feel the need to change that now, having read First-Time Caller, but also, I’m not sure it’s gonna live up to this book.

I don’t know what BK puts in her writing but I’m convinced she could write literally anything in her style and it would be an instant 5 star read for me. I was really hard pressed to believe anything would live up to the feelings the Lovelight Farms series gave me, but she did it.

Aiden and Lucie have wormed their way right into my heart and it only took a handful of pages before I was completely smitten. I think one of the things BK does so well is Found Families and this cast of characters is no exception. I’m dying to know who else will be getting a book because I HAVE OPINIONS. 👀 I need something for Jackson and Patty and Maggie … just, all of them. Please. And thank you.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.

final verdict: i still feel very conflicted

the things that stand out to me are less positive than i would hope. the thing that immediately comes to mind is the fact that he never *actually* meets her kid. the ENTIRE book. it was said this was single parent, but she’s always off and away for her to hook up/hang out with aiden…brother WHAT. like, there comes a time where, when two people fall in love, they eventually meet their significant other’s child i’m so 😭

other than that, the setting really never changed. that’s not something inherently bad about the book because the whole point of this book is the radio show, but it’s a personal issue. that was kinda boring, i wanted more from them out of the booth.

what upsets me the most is how fucking long they took to get together in ANY respect. this was so slow burn the candle idk dissipated???? we had emotional hang up’s galore and sometimes aiden was really not swoon worthy and i thought lucie deserved better high key

okay okay hater time over, the three stars are for 1) enjoyable writing. this single book is better than the lovelight farms series 2) RIDICULOUS spicy scene. singular scene, which sucks, but boy was she hotter than the sahara! 3) lucie representing dating in this era and still finding love. miss girl it IS hopeless out there, that’s why i read!

I’ve been in a mini-contemporary romance slump and this was the first synopsis that has grabbed my interest in a while (also I absolutely adore this cover)! I flew through this in two sittings and loved it so so much! Insanely adorable and feel-good story that had me constantly smiling and giggling. Aiden and Luci had such great chemistry and the building tension kept me flipping pages. I enjoyed seeing Luci’s confidence build and that she wasn’t afraid to back down from what she wanted. Really loved the last scene between Aiden and his dad, too. They just both seemed like really authentic characters and the story was so much fun!

I also loved the side characters in this, especially Grayson. Will definitely go back and check out this author’s other books!

B.K. Borison does it again! I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between the main characters was amazing - like one of the best I’ve read in a long time. They were flawed but interesting and the plot was unique and something I haven’t read before. I loved that it was a bit of a slower burn to the romance kept me on the edge of my seat. Will be adding to our library and recommending 100%!

Once again, B.K Borison delivers a swoony, deeply romantic love story. Aiden and Lucy were made for each other and the chemistry, connection and banter was palpable since page one. I loved and adored every second of this beautiful story but specially how flawed and realistic the main characters felt. Everything about this book touched me deeply and I had the best time with it. The writing is gorgeous, the pacing flows perfectly considering that the romance is more on the "slow-burn" side of the story but it doesn't take away from enjoying this book.

It was wonderful and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

i just read my favorite book of 2025 in august of 2024. b.k. borison has cemented herself as a must-read romance author with first-time caller!! when i tell you this book is a Romantic Comedy, i mean it so seriously. i was actually laughing out loud every few pages because the writing is sparkling and fresh and perfect. the characters feel very true and well-rounded - i loved aiden and lucie separately and together. borison writes their fears and passions and quirks in a way that makes everything feel so real as you're reading. the banter is fun, the conversations are meaningful, the physical scenes are hot and the connection is genuine. absolutely adored the radio show storyline and all of the radio transcripts in between chapters. each of the supporting characters are delightful (especially maya!!) and make the story extra vibrant. and yes i did tear up reading the acknowledgements! everyone who loves rom coms please read this (and then be my best friend) <3

I loved this so much, much like I do everything else Becca writes. Her writing always creates the best imagery in my mind- it's like I'm watching a cozy Hallmark movie that gives me all the good feels.

I don't even know where to begin with this. I love all of BK's books and literally screamed when this one hit my kindle. This book is INSANE and I just love how real it all felt. From the second I read the first line I was completely immersed and I don't think I've ever felt so seen or heard while reading a book.

I could not get enough of Aiden and Lucie's romance. They are fun, fresh, hot, and tender. Their flirting and banter was top tier!!! And I just adore them both to pieces.

Becs deserves ALL the stars and praise for this book, like she completely outdid herself with this one. At first I was so sad and nervous to see the Lovelight Farms series come to an end as it was my comfort series, but now I cannot wait for Becs to continue writing and releasing new books. I am completely blown away and already know I'll be rereading this one in a few months.

Thank you so so so much to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc. <3

What to say about a perfect romance book?? It was everything you could want. Romance, spice, friendship love, and coziness, and humor and all the soft moments of relationships perfectly captured. The sleepless in Seattle tie in was done perfectly and I felt like I was watching one of my favorite 90s rom coms. Wishing I could start from the beginning and read this all over again for the first time.

when i tell you this book altered my brain chemistry in a way that i will forever be comparing my feelings i had with this novel to others. this was a romance that felt so viscerally real, unique, and filled with beautifully messy characters that made it so hard to believe they were fictional.

i told myself i was gonna wait to read it closer to release date, but clearly i have no self-control when it comes with a b.k. borison novel because i read the first chapter and thought “ah shit here we go”. i couldn’t put my kindle down. i was completely immersed. i haven’t had those “i forgot i was reading” feelings while reading a romance in a very long time. i was hooked from the very start.

aiden and lucie’s romance is a romance that will stay with me for a long time. THE FLIRTING!!!! the flirting was top tier. had me squealing out loud and twirling my hair. “stop braiding your hair in the booth and i’ll stop flirting with you.” oh aiden the grumpy clueless man that you are 🫠🫠🫠🫠. you have my whole heart.

i found myself related so deeply with both aiden and lucie that i felt so seen and held. the interactions between lucie and aiden were so precious yet tender yet HOT (!!!!!!). a lot of my favourite moments were the moments that weren’t even said. the eye contact, the subtle touches, and the way they catalogued one another!!!!

i know i will be going back to reread this multiple times bc i already miss them so much. becs really outdid herself with this one. it completely blew me away and i know you all will be OBSESSED.

thank you berkley for the arc <3

This book is pure heartwarming perfection. B.K. Borison has crafted a cozy, charming love story that had me swooning from start to finish. Aiden Valentine’s journey from a disillusioned radio host to finding hope in love again is beautifully intertwined with Lucie Stone’s realization that maybe she’s ready for a little more romance in her life. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the way their story unfolds is simply magical. This is the kind of love story that leaves you with a big, goofy smile and a full heart.

A spicy Sleepless in Seattle inspired novel. Fun characters and storyline. I loved the connection between the main characters. Well written intertwined tropes keeping you smiling the whole time. Loved the inspiration to be a little more brave.

This book is an absolute gem! B.K. Borison delivers a heartwarming, charming tale that perfectly captures the magic of romance. Aiden Valentine’s struggle with his own feelings while hosting a romance hotline is both touching and relatable. Lucie Stone’s journey from a seemingly perfect life to discovering what she truly wants is beautifully portrayed. The behind-the-scenes romance between Aiden and Lucie is delightful and utterly captivating. I was completely enchanted by their story and loved every moment of this cozy, feel-good read. It’s a must read for anyone who believes in love’s ability to surprise and transform.

Miss Becca writes it and i'll read it PERIOD. and i'll automatically rate it 5 full fucking stars!!

i mean look at that gorgeous cover. that should be enough to get you to pick up this book.

thankyou miss becca, berkeley publishing group and netgalley for this advance reader's edition. #NetGalley