3.5 Stars. If you love Sleepless in Seattle then you will love this, An easy, lovely romance that delivers everything you want.

Oh how I loved this one! Felt like I hadn’t read a romcom in a while, and this was just the tonic - great characters, sizzling chemistry, a fun setting and just all the feels 🩷

I totally get the Sleepless in Seattle comps, but it is quite different in plot too. The radio show was such a great idea to bring Aiden and Lucie together, and the opening bit where her daughter calls in got me - it was just so sweet! Whilst Aiden and Lucie were obviously the main attraction in the story, there were so many wonderful side characters too, including Lucie’s baby daddy and his husband (yes I’m rubbish with names), and Aiden’s colleague (I can guess where book two might be going 👀). There’s just so much great conversation and emotion in this story, and I wanted to insert myself in the pages to hang out with them all!

I was especially invested in Lucie’s story as she was just so lovely, whereas I did occasionally struggle to fully understand Aiden’s motivations for not wanting to get involved - but obviously if he didn’t have those we wouldn’t have the will they/won’t they storyline that I love so much so I’ll get over it. Honestly, a total treat of a love story and I can’t wait for more in the series! Also really recommend the audio as the narrators are excellent 👌

As someone who has pretty much given up on love, the premise of this one called to me. Plus reading BK Borrison’s Lovelight series, I thought I would love this book…and it did not disappoint. I loved Aiden and Lucie. The ‘slow burn’ build of the relationship was well written. I really connected with Lucie and understand where she’s coming from. I liked the side characters, especially Maya. The dual narration of the audio brought the story to life. I liked the radio segments between chapters where the 2 narrators narrate back and forth and it sounds like a real radio show. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the next in this series.

A beautiful romance that although doesn’t reinvent the wheel, is a delight to read. When Lucie’s daughter calls the grumpy radio host of ‘Heartstrings’ for advice on helping her mum find a date and the conversation goes viral, Lucie finds herself the centre of attention! All the characters in this small town are instantly loveable. There is endless yearning and tension, and it is also incredibly humorous and heartfelt. If you loved the Dream Harbor series this is definitely for you! A feel good romance that is only made better by the audiobook, this is without doubt a top tier audio as it enhances the experience and brings the characters to life perfectly.

4 ⭐️

This was the perfect read for February aka love month! I loved how unique and romantic this story was, as soon as I started the book I was hooked right in! I really enjoyed the interactions between Aiden & Lucy and caught myself smiling several times 🤭

It was really refreshing to read a romance book that had more mature elements to it and therefore felt more realistic/real. Lucie is a single mother with a teenage daughter who happens to call in to Baltimores romance hotline one day to help her mum meet someone. This then leads to Lucie making her connection to Aiden the radio host sparking a friends to lovers situation.

I now want to live in Baltimore and listen to Heartstrings romance hot line everyday! ☎️
I’m looking forward to continuing with this series as they get released!

Thank you @bookbreakuk & @netgalley for the proof copy!

This story very much has Sleepless in Seattle vibes to me. The characters are super loveable and relatable, and the story flows quickly and effortlessly. Lucy is so relatable in her "road to love" and Aiden is so swoony without even realising it! When Lucy's daughter calls in to Aiden's late-night radio show looking for help for her mom's love life, Lucy is thrown in at the deep end. She and Aiden have instant chemistry, but he's supposedt8 be helping her find dates! This was a sweet, fun story.

I didn't know how much I needed a big read button that says 'stfu' until this book.

Okay, so the way this book made me literally smile from start to finish. It was just so cute. The flirty banter, hilarious side characters, lovable family, heartbreaking back stories, steamy cupboard scenes, it had it all. The start of the book was particularly a favourite for me. I love reading something new. Romances get the same same, and this was the first in a good minute. I've felt something a bit different.

🤍

"I like thinking that I'd be worth the trouble of something like that."

"Make sure you tell me if it's nice." 🥵

"I'm hoping you can help me?"
"With what?"
"Tell me what it feels like to fall in love."
"I'm not sure I'm qualified for that."
"Actually, you're the only one who is."

B. K. Borison can do no wrong!

This was one of those romances that make you feel nostalgic. It gave me butterflies and it reminded me of why I love reading romance books like this.

I thought I’d lost the love for lighthearted, sweet and romantic stories, but First Time Caller catapulted me right back to reading for enjoyment.

Aiden and Lucie were an absolute delight, and this was a really cute take on a Sleepless in Seattle style story. What better book to read on the run up to Valentine’s Day, than one that celebrates why women fall in love?!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC - the narration was excellent, highly recommend!

Headlines:
Radio show
Uncertain and hopeful
Audio heaven

This was a joy of an audio that was definitely accentuated by the fact that the setting was a radio show and so the scenes from that felt so authentic narrated back and forth. This was a fun set up with a romance radio show host (MMC) who had lost any kind of belief in love had a daughter call in for her mom. What ensued was the FMC becoming a regular co-host on the show trying to find love.

I liked the step outside of stereotypes for this story. Lucie was a mechanic and Aiden was the romance show host. Those differences weren't laboured but this something I appreciated in the plot and characterisation.

Over time, Lucie and Aiden slowly built a tentative chemisty but it was full of uncertainty. All the while, the search was supposed to be on for Lucie's big love with dating being reported back on the show. I loved their hopeful and gentle flirting that developed from a strong friendship and how that played out into their eventual intimacy; it was a sweet story with humps in the road.

The narration was dual POV with duet dialogue and it worked so well. The characters were truly brought to life.

Thank you Panmacmillan for the review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan UK Audio for the ARC of this audiobook 🎧

—> 4.5 stars ⭐️

SWOON! This was undeniable adorable. Super cute concept, and I loved falling in love with Lucie and Aiden whilst they (frustratingly unknowingly for a while…) fell for each other. Wish they actually had a radio station so I could listen to them on the reg. The tension and chemistry were on point, and I loved the side characters. Can we also have a moment for the intimate scenes? 🥵

30s+ characters, single mum, dual POV, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, lots of great tropes!

Audiobook performance was fab. Loved these two and really appreciate the dual POV being voiced by two separate narrators. Made the experience so much more enjoyable. 💞

4.75⭐️

I think the fact that I would listen to these two on the radio just goes to show how much I loved them!! I love lucie so much and I would have been rooting for her to find love too!! I love her little family she has and how supportive they are of her!

Aiden did annoy me towards the end. They did so good with none miscommunication but then he had to ruin it but I did still love the characters and the plot!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author to give me the arc in exchange of my honest review

I absolutely loved this, managed to listen in two sittings, as always I listened at 2x speed.
This was my first B.K. Borison book despite me owning a lot of them! I will deffo be going through the entire back catalogue now! Romance but awkward, funny, sad - just made it feel alot more realistic than most romance books.
I laughed, a lot! It was the perfect driving companion book. Honestly made me want to just go on a long drive so I could listen to more.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Release Date - 11th February 2025

I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, and knowing it’s centred around a radio show, I figured the audiobook would be the perfect way to experience it—and I was not disappointed! This is hands down one of the best romances I’ve read in a while, and it’s left me eager to explore more of B.K. Borison’s work.

I really enjoyed both character POVs in the book; each one felt so real and authentic. I could genuinely imagine them as real people. The chemistry between the characters was incredible, and the witty banter and flirting on the radio as they got to know each other, while also addressing the past issues that kept them apart, added so much depth to the story.

One of my favourite parts was the dynamic with Lucie’s family. She has a daughter and shares a strong bond with her daughter’s dad and his husband. While this kind of family setup isn’t often seen in books, it was heartwarming to see the genuine love and care they all share for one another in the life they’ve built. I also really enjoyed the glimpses we got of Lucie’s job and her relationships with her coworkers at the garage.

All in all, I loved every aspect of this book and can’t wait to read more!

Thank you to Macmillan UK Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook to review.

4.25⭐

Really enjoyed First Time Caller, I've haven't been impressed by traditionally published romances the last year, but this one definitely stood out. I loved the banter between the characters and thought it was written really well.

My only gripe was their emotional ineptitude. Both realised so late that they fancied each other when it was glaringly obvious from the beginning. It felt a little miscommunicationy at points and it's not my favourite trope as I find it frustrating at times.

This is the perfect read in time for Valentine’s Day!
I was giggling and smiling so hard while reading that by the end my cheeks were hurting. It's impossible to put down and just so darn heartwarming.
And while the chemistry between Aiden and Lucie is immediately palpable, and I love them together, my favorite thing about this book is the supporting characters. I adore the love that everyone has for Maya that shines through every interaction. And Maya's personality in turn is incredibly endearing. Lucie's coworkers are cuties as are Maya's dads. Even characters like Oliver immediately pull you in and have you rooting for them (I've got my fingers crossed he's the main character in book 2... 👀 ). The communication, between Aiden and Lucie as well as the side characters, is open and refreshingly honest. I love that Lucie is a mechanic and tall, and how healthy the coparenting relationship is. I love that they both have a sweet tooth, and that Aiden is a Taurus (I'm biased ok 😂). And I LOVE that Lucie didn’t jump to conclusions with what she overheard and instead put herself in the conversation to clarify!! It's so nice to see adult characters act like adults!!
Other running thoughts I had while reading, courtesy of my notes app:
• ahh the tension and chemistry is so good!
• I can’t stop reading
• Aiden carrying her cause her feet hurt from heels 😍
• The best third act breakup I’ve ever read but it still hurts 😭
• Shit I’m crying
• The guys at the car shop are so fun 🫶 love them
• The confession 🥹
• AWEE Aiden piggybacking Maya 🥰
• The epilogue was everything 💜
Huge thank you to Macmillan UK Audio for an early copy of the audiobook for review!!! As always, all thoughts are my own :)

I had the opportunity to read this book through audiobook format, which worked nicely for me. The narrators are perfect. This book starts nicely with the funniest scene, a phone call to a radio station. The phone call takes place past sleep time for the young caller. And that is how the story sets the romance footprint. It contains humour and endless funny moments. The chemistry between the main characters is smooth and hot. It does contain steamy chapters. It felt like a good rom-com type of book. It's a romantic book and the way the characters fall in love around the middle and end of the book, the reader can feel the romance pouring out of the book's pages. I've finished it in four days. It's a speedy reading pace for me.

BK Borison is a genius... that is the only explanation for how she is able to deliver such swoon worthy romances every.single.time.

One thing that Borison does so well that is so crucial to the romcom genre is the banter. God does she know how to write banter and chemistry between two people and GOD do i eat it up every goddamn time.

Aidan and Lucie are just so obviously meant for each other it's dizzying, I felt positively giddy reading this. I am sooooo excited for the rest of the Heartstrings series, it's gearing up to be just as good as the Lovelight Farm series and boy is that a high standard to reach.

I also have to talk about the audiobook narrators for this book, omg they were perfection... I feel if you are going to narrate an audiobook about 2 people on the radio you have to be fucking amazing and boy were they that.

"When the whole world tells you you're silly for wanting the things you want, you start to believe them. You start to think you're not worth it. That if the things you're waiting for do exist, they're not for someone like you."

'A hopeless romantic meets a demoralized radio host in this cosy, Sleepless in Seattle inspired love story!'

First-Time Caller is a light, feel-good romance, for those who love opposites attract, found family and the journey of a single mom finding love in the unlikeliest of places. This was a fun if not at times predictable read, perfect for anyone looking for a quick valentines read. It also includes tropes such as:

- Dual POV
- Mechanic X Romance Radio Show Host
- Grumpy X Sunshine
- Slow-Burn Romance
- Close Proximity
- Matchmaking Antics
- Self Reflection & Discovery

Thank you Macmillan UK Audio for this ARC.

Publication Date: 13th February 2025.

This book was really cute. However, the narration was the best part of the book for me. It’s not that I didn’t like the story I did. I enjoyed the characters. Lucy and Aiden were very cute together and I was happy for them and cheering for them. This book does have a couple tropes that I thought I liked, but maybe I’m out growing.
- work place romance
- single mum
- grumpy x sunshine
- dual pov
- miscommunication
I just might not have been in the mood for this when I listen to it. That being said, I think a lot of people are gonna love this book and I would definitely recommend listening to it.

3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan UK Audio / Pan Macmillan for the ALC

The narration to this story was absolutely amazing and I will admit that i read the arc first and then listened to the whole audio book so i could get a good feel of the story, can i just say this book deserves to be listened to in audio and I really enjoyed the excerpts that sounded like the live radio show. The feel of the narration gave the story depth and really brought the characters to life.




My book of the year right here! Easiest 5 stars i've ever given. Aiden is just such a sweet heart and Lucie deserves the world!

I loved that it reminded me of sleepless in Seattle, it just gave me all the cosy vibes and i cannot wait to read more from this world!

Highly recommend