First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison – Book Review

There’s something undeniably magical about a romance that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters—watching them banter, fall in love, and find their way to a happily ever after. First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison delivers exactly that: a dreamy and heartfelt romance infused with charm, wit, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. For hopeless romantics, this book is a must-read.

With Sleepless in Seattle vibes and an irresistible found-family element, this novel takes a fresh and endearing approach to modern love stories. Through Aiden’s late-night radio show, the author creates a world so vivid that you can almost hear the calls coming through. And with characters so well-developed, you’ll swear you could find them in Baltimore if you went looking.

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Synopsis

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job, an incredible family, and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending… even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

My Thoughts/Review

From the very first chapter, First-Time Caller sweeps readers into a romance that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. The radio show snippets between chapters add a delightful touch. Each one make you feel like you’re tuning in right alongside Baltimore’s late-night listeners. It’s one of those brilliant storytelling elements that makes the novel feel so immersive and real.

Aiden and Lucie’s dynamic is full of slow-burning chemistry, playful tension, and those quiet, heart-melting moments that make a romance novel truly unforgettable. Aiden, the once hopeless romantic turned cynic, is a refreshingly layered hero, and Lucie’s warmth and resilience make her instantly lovable. Their relationship unfolds naturally, with humor, longing, and just the right amount of angst.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is how vividly B.K. Borison brings Baltimore to life. The setting, the characters, and even the background cast of radio listeners and station employees feel like they could step right off the page and into the real world. The found-family element adds another layer of heart to the story, creating a sense of community that makes the romance even more satisfying.

And, of course, the charm and wit woven throughout the book elevate it even further. The dialogue is sharp, the banter is irresistible, and the emotional beats land perfectly. It’s a book that makes you laugh, sigh, and believe in love all over again.

Title: First-Time Caller
Author: B. K. Borison
Genre: Romance
Series: Heartstrings #1
Published: February 11, 2025
Publisher: Berkley
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love romances that feel like classic rom-coms with a modern twist, First-Time Caller is a perfect pick. With its heartfelt storytelling, captivating characters, and that nostalgic late-night radio charm, it’s a book that lingers in your heart long after the final page. I, for one, cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Have you read First-Time Caller? Let’s chat in the comments! What’s your favorite book that gives you Sleepless in Seattle vibes?