Introduction
What happens when a little girl’s radio plea for her mom’s happily-ever-after hooks a city—and a grump who’s forgotten how to love? In First-Time Caller, B.K. Borison delivers a contemporary romance that’s as warm as a Baltimore sunrise. Released on February 11, 2025, this Sleepless in Seattle-inspired tale introduces Aiden Valentine, a jaded radio host, and Lucie Stone, a single mom whose life flips when her daughter’s call goes viral.
Borison, a USA Today bestselling author known for her Lovelight Farms series, crafts a slow-burn romance that’s tender, funny, and utterly unputdownable. If you’re craving a romantic comedy that blends nostalgia with modern heart, this is your next must-read. Pick up the phone—love’s on the line.
Book Summary
First-Time Caller tunes into Baltimore, where Aiden Valentine hosts Heartstrings, a romance hotline he secretly scoffs at after a brutal breakup. Lucie Stone, a mechanic and single mom, has built a cozy life with her daughter Maya, ex Grayson, his husband Matteo, and neighbor Patty—her quirky found family. When 12-year-old Maya calls Aiden’s show seeking dating advice for Lucie, the clip explodes online, dubbing Lucie “Baltimore’s Sweetheart.” Forced to collaborate on-air to quell the frenzy, Aiden and Lucie clash—his cynicism grating against her guarded hope. Yet, in the booth’s close quarters, sparks fly, unraveling past hurts and kindling a connection neither expected. This romantic comedy stands out with its grumpy-sunshine trope, workplace romance twist, and a premise that’s equal parts sweet and swoony.
Author’s Style and Craft
B.K. Borison’s prose is a soft melody—gentle yet resonant, wrapping you in cozy romance like a favorite sweater. Her dual POV narration flips between Aiden’s brooding wit and Lucie’s sunny resilience, pacing the slow-burn romance with a rhythm that builds anticipation. Radio transcripts pepper the structure, adding a playful nod to classic rom-coms. Dialogue sparkles—“I don’t believe in love, but I’m starting to believe in you,” Aiden grumbles—capturing their evolution from foes to something more. Borison excels at character development, peeling back Aiden’s walls and polishing Lucie’s quiet strength. Her Baltimore backdrop feels alive, grounding this workplace romance in a vivid, relatable world.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
At its core, First-Time Caller hums with themes of vulnerability, second chances, and the power of connection. The radio show symbolizes a lifeline, bridging isolation with hope—a nod to how we seek love in unexpected places. Found family shines as a cornerstone, with Lucie’s unconventional crew reflecting modern bonds that defy tradition. Healing from past wounds—Aiden’s betrayal, Lucie’s abandonment—mirrors society’s quest for trust amid cynicism. Borison weaves a subtle metaphor: love is a frequency, faint until you tune in. This contemporary romance resonates with anyone who’s ever questioned if their heart’s still open to new callers.
Strengths
This book is a rom-com symphony, hitting every note with finesse. The grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Aiden and Lucie is electric—his gruff charm melting under her warmth, like ice in a spring thaw. Borison nails the slow-burn romance; a booth scene where their hands brush feels more charged than a kiss. Lucie’s found family—Grayson fixing her sink, Matteo baking cookies—adds layers of heart, making you ache for their bond. The Sleepless in Seattle homage, paired with a fresh single-mom twist, elevates the cozy romance vibe. These strengths craft an immersive, feel-good read that leaves you grinning and swooning.
Areas for Improvement
Even a perfect call has static. The middle lags slightly, with domestic scenes—Lucie tinkering, Aiden brooding—stretching the slow burn a tad thin. Some readers might crave more depth for Maya, whose catalyst role fades after the opening. The viral frenzy resolves too neatly, missing a chance to explore its chaos further. These quirks might test impatient romance fans, but they’re minor blips in an otherwise stellar signal. Borison could tighten the pacing or amplify Maya’s arc, though the story’s charm remains intact.
Comparative Analysis
Against Lovelight Farms (Amazon), First-Time Caller swaps rural whimsy for urban grit, yet retains Borison’s cozy romance flair. Compared to Abby Jimenez’s The Happy Ever After Playlist (Amazon), it shares a musical heartbeat but leans harder into workplace romance. It echoes Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners (Amazon) with its banter, though Borison’s single-mom angle adds depth. This romantic comedy challenges genre norms by grounding its fluff in real stakes, carving a niche in contemporary romance.
Target Audience
First-Time Caller is tailor-made for romance readers who adore cozy vibes and slow-burn tension—think women aged 20-40 who binge Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey. Single moms and found-family fans will see themselves in Lucie, while grumpy-sunshine lovers will swoon for Aiden. Book clubs craving light yet heartfelt reads will eat it up. Content warnings are mild—past heartbreak, brief language—but it’s wholesome at its core. This contemporary romance hooks anyone who believes love can sneak up like a late-night call.
Personal Impact
This book dialed straight into my heart. Lucie’s resilience echoed my own quiet hopes, while Aiden’s thaw reminded me love can bloom in barren places. I laughed, sighed, and finished with a goofy grin, craving a radio to confess my own dreams. It left me soft and starry-eyed, convinced second chances are worth answering. You need this cozy romance—it’s a warm hug you didn’t know you needed.
Conclusion
First-Time Caller is B.K. Borison’s sweetest signal yet—a romantic comedy that blends humor, heart, and heat into an irresistible tune. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance with soul.
Grab it on Amazon and let it serenade you.
In a world of static, this book is the clear, perfect call your heart’s been waiting for.
About the Author: B.K. Borison lives in Baltimore with her partner, dreaming up love stories steeped in cozy charm. A USA Today bestselling author, she’s best known for the Lovelight Farms series, blending small-town whimsy with heartfelt romance. Borison’s knack for quirky characters and tender moments shines in her latest Heartstrings series. When not writing, she’s chasing inspiration through city streets or perfecting her coffee order. Visit BKBorison.com, Goodreads, and Penguin Random House.
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FAQ Section
What is First-Time Caller about?
A single mom and a grumpy radio host spark a slow-burn romance after her daughter’s viral call to his hotline.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first in the Heartstrings series, but it stands alone.
Who is B.K. Borison?
A bestselling author of cozy contemporary romance, known for Lovelight Farms.
What’s the main theme?
Love, vulnerability, and found family, with a dash of second chances.
Is it steamy?
Moderately—it’s more sweet than spicy, focusing on emotional connection.
Who should read it?
Fans of romantic comedies, slow-burn romance, and single-mom stories.
Any content warnings?
Mild—past heartbreak and light language.
How does it compare to Lovelight Farms?
It’s urban versus rural but keeps Borison’s warm, witty vibe.
What’s unique about it?
The radio hotline premise and grumpy-sunshine pairing with a Sleepless in Seattle twist.
Why read it?
For a cozy romance that’s funny, heartfelt, and impossible to resist.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
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