Loved this! Both main characters (Aiden and Lucie) had great development and learned to communicate as the radio show went along, after a bit of miscommunication to begin with. Loved Maya, Grayson and Mateo and how they all cared for and cheered along Lucie. Their family dynamic was perfect. Some really nice romantic gestures and moments too (e.g. when Lucie gets stood up).

With thanks to Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was unfortunately a disappointment to me. I had high expectations and the book certainly started off strong. I wanted a rom-com in a book and it seemed like I was getting that. It was funny and sweet, but unfortunately it went downhill from there.

I loved Lucie. I really disliked Aiden. I think the author was going for one of those rom-com type men who have the emotional depth of a teaspoon but it did not translate well on page. Aiden was unprofessional and had zero motiviation. There's a scene towards the end where he has some sort of revelation but in my opinion, it was too little too late. He was touching Lucie's legs before the halfway mark. When they slept together for the first time, he immediately started finding another man for her to date. There was so much emotional hangups that it made me lose interest.

I also think the grand gesture at the end was cringe-worthy and awful. It put Lucie in a really awkward spot.

Also absolutely everyone in this book is entirely too invested in Lucie's love life. I get the premise of the book and I understand that apparently their show is so popular, but EVERYONE in Lucie's life cannot stop talking about it. Even her twelve year old daughter seems to be invested which is a little weird.

I think Aiden ruined this book for me. He needed to have his revelation a lot sooner than at 95% or whatever. He needed to apologise to Lucie, because he's the one that held out and was rude to everyone who expressed one bit of interest in Lucie.

And frankly, Lucie could do better.

I also think this book should be at least 100 pages shorter. It's far too long. It dragged on and on and I started skimming because I had lost all interest completely.

I think people who love older rom-coms would love this. I prefer more recent stuff where the male main character isn't afraid to be vulnerable or show emotional depth. But sadly this one is a miss for me.

BK Borison’s First-Time Caller is everything a romcom should be and more,a heartwarming, laugh out loud, and tear inducing masterpiece that will make you believe in love all over again. The story follows Aiden Valentine, a grumpy radio host who doesn’t believe in love, and Lucie Stone, a hopeless romantic single mom who’s lost her spark. When Lucie’s daughter Maya calls into Aiden’s romance hotline to nudge her mom back into the dating pool, it sets off a chain of events neither of them could have predicted.

Baltimore’s bustling cityscape is the perfect backdrop for this fate driven romance, giving the story that “out of all the people here, we found each other” vibe. Aiden and Lucie’s chemistry is *chef’s kiss*—sweet, authentic, and refreshingly drama-free. Their honesty and emotional vulnerability make their connection feel so real, and THE TENSION. Oh my word, the *tension*. There’s a “tell me to stop” moment that had me screaming into a pillow and questioning if it was leg day from all the kicks and jumps I did in bed.

This book masterfully balances humor, heart, and heat while weaving in themes of family, self discovery, and second chances. Lucie’s relatability, Aiden’s swoon worthy grumpiness, and the undeniable charm of Maya make this story unforgettable. By the end, I was ugly crying both from joy and the emotional rollercoaster and already itching to reread it. The ending? Perfection. Nothing feels overdone or rushed; it’s just the exact payoff you hope for.

This book is a love letter to romance, fate, and the power of putting yourself out there. If you’re a fan of *Sleepless in Seattle* or just want a romcom that hits all the emotions this book is for you. It will steal your heart and never give it back.

Wow, this book really went ahead and wormed its way into my feels. This is one of the most solid contemporary romances I've read in a long time with compelling banter, back stories, and side characters.

I was rooting so hard for the characters in this book, and I loved so much about their story. Let me tell you, if 'Invisible String' is in your top 3 Taylor Swift songs, this book is for you. It walked the balance of heavy topics and backstories whilst still maintaining a light rom com feel, and it's that perfect blend that has you desperate for these two characters to make it work. There were scenes that had me kicking my feet and fanning my face and I am so excited for anything else in this series.

I struggled to get into this book a little at the beginning, and I think it could have been slightly shorter which is why this wasn't a 5 star for me. However, once I got into this story I was truly hooked, and the connection I felt with the characters really kept me reading.

I fell in love with B.K. Borison’s storytelling through the Lovelight Farm series, so the anticipation of stepping into a new world with First-Time Caller had me both excited and nervous. Would it live up to my high expectations? It didn’t just meet them—it surpassed them.

What an absolutely beautiful and heart-melting love story! I adored everything about this book. Lucie is sweet, relatable, and easy to root for, while Aiden—grumpy, charming, and swoon-worthy—has secured a spot on my list of top book boyfriends.

And the romance? Pure perfection. It’s a flawless blend of slow burn, witty banter, tender moments, and just the right dash of spice. The intimate scenes feel organic, never forced, and serve to move the story forward in meaningful ways.

I wish I could experience this story for the first time all over again. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment of the Heartstrings series! B.K. Borison has done it again!

Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

"I want to feel something when I connect with someone. I want sparks. The good kind, you know? I want to laugh and mean it. I want goose bumps. I want to wonder what my date is thinking about and hope it might be me. I want... I want the magic."

4 stars

I read First-Time Caller faster than I expected, as it was my first B.K. Borison book and I didn't know what to expect. It went far beyond my expectations, I'd heard a lot of good things about this author and this book made me curious to read more.

We follow Aiden and Lucie on a romantic journey, where Lucie is trying to find a true, romantic lover. As the weeks go by, we ‘hear’ these two characters talking on the radio and even helping their callers, but nothing is as easy as it seems. After a few failed dates, Lucie finds herself falling for Heartstrings's host, Aiden.

I loved the atmosphere and found it unique, as I'd never read a love story set in a radio station, but as time went on, I found myself getting a little frustrated because there were a few things that were happening over and over again and others that didn't add much to the book, which dragged the story down in the last 25%-30%, I'd say. Apart from that, I especially loved the characters, with their own flaws, and the way they realised what was happening and how they could change, not for others, but for themselves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Pan Macmillian, Bookbreakuk, and BK Borison for approving my request for a Netgalley eARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.

First Time Caller possesses the vibes of 90s romcom with flavours of the film Sleepless in Seattle and comedy TV show Frazier, setting up a hopeless romantic and romance skeptic together in the pursuit of finding love. B K Borison’s writing is the perfect balance of humour, deep emotions, and swoony romance. The world-building pulls you into the heart of the story with powerful, vivid description that richly paints the story to life in your imagination.

The struggles, heartache, and insecurities of the characters are so authentically human and build a fantastic cast of characters around the two main love interests, Lucie and Aidan. The character development was incredible, capturing the trials and tribulations of love. Learning how to love yourself so you can be loved without sacrificing your happiness for others. Or how scary, messy, and hard it can be to put your heart in the hands of others and opening yourself up to potential heartbreak, as all love comes with risk.

Lucie and Aiden have a sweet, slow-burn romance that flourishes in the forced proximity of their radio booth. The attraction between them grows naturally in the warmth of a caring friendship that sizzles with off the chart’s chemistry. The dual POV allows us to get all the juicy insights to melt our hearts as these love birds fall head over heels for one another.

One of the most romantic books I’ve read in ages; full of swoony, endearing moments that show love is in the small things we do, not the big gimmicks. Definitely one for romance readers who love a beautiful, heartfelt romance with lots of warm fuzzy feels. This was my first book by Borison, but it won’t be my last for sure, as I’m smitten.

This was my first book by B.K. Borison and it certainly won’t be my last because this was absolutely incredible. The writing style was so good, it sucked you in immediately and the book had me giggling and blushing at the tension between Aiden and Lucie nonstop. This genuinely felt like you were watching an early 2000s movie - so tender and heartwarming! Oh and the banter and flirting between the main characters felt so natural and real, it had me literally catching my breath at times. Literally will give you the tiniest snippet - “That excited, huh?” I try to pinch him again, but he grabs my hand and drags it to his mouth, pressing a kiss to my palm.” They literally drove me insane guys….. he also wears a gold chain around his neck, just saying. But don’t think it’s all just fun and flirty because it was also so emotional. There was a conversation near the end that had my in tears and had putting “My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys” on repeat. Yall for sure need to go pick this book up when it comes out on Feb 13th! Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dernière lecture de 2024/première lecture de 2025 et on est sur un coup de cœur ! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

J'ai complètement fondu pour cette histoire tellement romantique, inspirée de Nuits blanches à Seattle, un film dont j'ai toujours gardé un souvenir ému. C'est un roman bourré de charme, de romantisme et tendresse, avec des personnages bien écrits, les principaux protagonistes comme les secondaires.

J'ai beaucoup aimé ce principe d'émission radio, ça donne un petit côté un peu désuet cet espèce de courrier du cœur au creux de la nuit, avec ces confidences, ces râleries et ces espoirs racontés au téléphone. C'est à la faveur d'un appel de Maya, fille pré-ado de Lucie, que les héros vont faire connaissance, et que tout Baltimore va tomber sous le charme de Lucie.

Lucie, c'est une maman solo très bien entourée qui s'est toutefois perdue en cours de route, et finalement elle décide qu'elle en veut plus, qu'elle ne veut pas se satisfaire des miettes, mais qu'au contraire, elle veut la totale, et qu'elle veut de la magie. C'est un personnage fort et inspirant. Elle est romantique, certes, mais elle n'est pas naïve pour autant, elle a la tête sur les épaules, a de la détermination à revendre et saura prendre le taureau par les cornes le moment venu.

Aiden ... Ah Aiden ... Sous ses airs détachés et cynique, il y a une belle âme romantique qui sommeille, c'est un héros typique des romans de cette autrice, un homme doux, charmant, attentionné. En apparence il a l'air impassible, mais en le regardant bien, on voit que les fortes émotions affleurent et auront besoin d'un bon coup de pouce (et d'une conversation on ne peut plus essentielle) pour enfin éclore et s'épanouir.

B.K Borison a vraiment l'art de me charmer et de me faire tomber amoureuse de ses héros et de ses couples. J'aime cette douceur, cette tendresse qui nous enveloppe à chacun de ses livres, elle a vraiment le chic pour ça !
Là, on a non seulement une superbe romance, mais aussi de très jolis liens amicaux, et on retrouve ce thème de la famille choisie qui était déjà présent dans sa série "Lovelight".

Je ne compte plus les passages que j'ai surlignés, les moments où j'ai été émue par une phrase, un geste ... Et je me languis déjà de la sortie de ce livre pour pouvoir me le procurer en papier et retrouver toutes ces émotions ! ♥ ♥ ♥

La definicion perfecta de rom-com plasmada en un libro. Desde el inicio los personajes me han resultado increíbles, Lucie es un personaje femenino super decidido y valiente. Mientras que Aiden es un personaje masculino que merece el mundo y muchísimo más, me derriten sus momentos cutes y sus momentos hot.
No puedo sacar de mi cabeza la escena del armario y mucho menos la escena del epílogo y las sensaciones que me han producido ❤️‍🩹

This was the first book I read by this authors and it was a good introduction for me. I liked Aiden and Lucie together. I loved how Aiden kept a list of Lucie’s favourite things in the glove compartment. I thought I was very adorable. This only flaw I had is that it did drag on a bit for me.

This book was utterly charming and i fell in love with all the characters - the two lead characters of course, but also the cast of side characters who I am VERY invested in getting books for their own [pleeease tell me Jackson is next, the set-up is too good].

The dynamic of Lucy not accepting anything less than amazing because her life is pretty good thanks, and Aiden needing to work towards accepting that he actually deserves something amazing meant that I was absolutely invested and rooting for the HEA the whole time.

'First-Time Caller' by B.K. Borison
★★★★★​​​​​​​

'First-Time Caller' is a stunning romantic comedy flowing with wit, charm, and heart.

Though marketed as 'Sleepless in Seattle' with a twist, I genuinely believe it surpasses its inspiration. The radio-based concept was not only incredibly fun but also thoughtfully developed, creating a unique framework for the story. It perfectly sets the stage for the chemistry between the two main characters, Lucie and Aiden—a perfect blend of excellent dialogue and an engaging plot.

From the moment I started reading, I literally could not put it down. I was completely enthralled and absolutely adored characters. The story is sweet, charming, and utterly delightful. Lucie and Aiden are wonderfully crafted characters who feel deeply real. Their vulnerabilities, quirks, and growth throughout the story make them easy to root for. Equally delightful is the supporting cast, who bring humour, warmth, and an extra layer of charm to the story. I always appreciate characters who truly care about others.

I am so excited to get my hands on a physical copy of this one. It has officially become one of my favorite reads, and I have no doubt readers will fall in love with it upon release. If you love classic romantic comedies, 'First-Time Caller' is a must-read. It’s fresh yet nostalgic, tender yet hilariously witty, and so full of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan, and B.K. Borison for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Aidan and Lucie are my new favourite couple! When grumpy meets sunshine but grumpy is aptly named Valentine and host of a romance radio show.
I loved the introduction through Lucies daughter and the relationship between Lucie and her ex.
At times it felt a little long and could have been shorter without losing any of the story.
Overall another winner and cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

cute book enjoyed the characters and the writing was fun! not very memorable but a fun time whilst reading

4.25/5 Stars

I'm so glad this was my first read of the year! I knew B.K. Borison was good and I was so curious to see how she would develop a new story outside of the world we came to know and love with the Lovelight Farms series. Let me tell you everyone, the woman came to deliver, this is what a romance book should be! I liked the radio show element and how it played a part in the main leads' dynamics and also how it was used to get a glimpse of the calls that were happening while they were on air. Lucie and Aiden are very well-crafted characters and their flirting game was on point from page one.
If you're looking for a romance to lose yourself in, this is the one!

In this book you will find

☎️Radio Show Romance
☎️Hopeless Romantic
☎️Boy who’s forgotten what is love
☎️Single Mum
☎️Sleepless in Seattle inspired

This was the perfect book to start the year with. Did I have a 5⭐️ already? Yes

Lucie is such an helpless romantic, she gave up on love not for luck of trying but because she’s still waiting for the sparkles and magic. So her daughter decides to call in a romance radio station to ask for help for her mum.

Here they meet Aiden. He doesn’t believe in love anymore and it’s tired of the show and the same calls over again.
He meets Lucie and her enemrgy and personality change Aiden.
He starts to see the world from Lucie pov and her optimism and the more time they spend together the less he wants to actually find someone for her.
Every step of the way to try to find her true love Aiden he’s there. He’s her shoulder to lean on and oh boy how jealous he gets.

I love dhow realistic this book is. And what Lucie and Aiden are going through is so real to anyone really.
Aiden had to tart in believing that good things can happen to him and Lucie finally understands that the “magic” doesn’t really exists you create your own wiht the right person.

Also the guys what work with Lucie were everything. Like the way she has such a strong support system with them and her daughter daddy is something else. They are not a family in the traditional way but she always had a family in them. 😌

Thanks to @bookbreakuk for the arc

Thank you NetGalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a super cute romance, I thought the concept was really unique and I loved the chemistry between Lucie and Aiden - their banter was perfection! I didn’t like how the 3rd act break-up came around, it really came across like a childish tantrum and I would have loved to see more of the dynamic between Lucie, Grayson and Mateo, I just really liked seeing the 3 of them together

I absolutely adored this book - I think it might be my favourite by BK Borison so far! I read this pretty much in one sitting and it gave me all the 90s romcom vibes I was chasing.

I loved Lucie and Aiden, both individually and as a pair. Their grumpy-sunshine dynamic was so well done, and I particularly loved the little snippets we got of them in the booth just bantering with each other. I felt like we really got to witness the build up of their relationship and the whole journey felt like a warm hug for my heart 💘

I found Lucie to be a really refreshing FMC - strong and independent, yet still an optimist at heart who's wishing for love. I also loved the fact that she refused to settle for anything less than she deserved 👏

I found Aiden's arc to be so relatable and sweet - he clearly wants to believe in love and all good things, but he's a bit jaded from the world and just doesn't know how to. Watching him work through his feelings over the course of the book and not only get together with Lucie, but also make up with his parents, was truly heart-warming.

I loved the found family aspect in this book and all of the side characters we met along the way. The humour, love, care, and kindness they showed each other was second to none.

Overall, this book is 10/10 and the most perfect read for Valentine's Day (or any of time year really!) ☎️🎀❤️

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

this book gave pure rom-com vibes and im living for it! I have heard nothing but amazing reviews from B.K Borison but had never picked up a book until I got approved for this arc and I am now obsessed! I have no words to describe how much i adored the storyline and aiden is the sweetest thing!

I need to read more of B.K Borison's books asap!