ARC Review: ‘The First-Time Caller’ by B.K. Borison
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First-Time Caller
by B.K. BorisonSeries: Heartstrings #1
Published by Berkley on February 11, 2025
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 448
Source: the publisher
Audience: 18+/Adult
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A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.
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.
I’ve been wanting to read a book by B.K. Borison for a while, and I finally set aside some time to read her latest book, First-Time Caller. The synopsis of the book, along with its intriguing setting, is what attracted me to it. The fact that this book is based in Baltimore, Maryland, my home city, and it mentions some of my favorite things about Baltimore makes me nostalgic, and I can’t wait to visit Baltimore this summer while I’m there visiting for my nephew’s wedding.
This book took me back to my favorite 90s romantic comedy movies that I watched with my mom, evoking so many happy memories. It’s a source of joy for me, filled with moments that had me smiling and laughing alongside the characters as I read. I loved both the storyline and the characters. Although the MMC, Aiden, did something questionable toward the end of the book, rest assured, he will make up for it.
The story of how Lucie ends up working alongside Aiden on his radio show to find love is truly charming. It all starts when her daughter calls in for help in finding love for her mom, Lucie. While Lucie is on the show with Aiden, I found myself rooting for her to discover love and help others in the process. The highlight of the book, however, was the interaction between Aiden and Lucie during the radio show. Their chemistry grew stronger the more they worked on the show, and I loved reading their relationship developed gradually. Yes, this is a slow-burn romance, so it will take a bit for the two characters to admit those feelings or do anything finally, but it’s so worth it. I also loved how Lucie changed Aiden’s outlook on love, transforming him from someone who didn’t believe in it to someone who unexpectedly finds it with her.
I can’t believe it took me this long to pick up a book by B.K. Borison. Now that I’ve read First-Time Caller, I’m eager to find more time to read her other books, especially if they all capture the RomCom movie vibes like this one did.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the first book in B.K. Borison’s Heartstrings series.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you loved watching 1990s/2000s RomComs, then you’ll enjoy reading First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison.
What to Expect:
🩷Sleepless in Seattle Vibes
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷Single Mother Romance
🩷Slow Burn Romance
About B.K. Borison
USA Today Bestselling author B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for.
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