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A review by readandwright
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you Berkley Romance for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I started off 2025 with a five star BANGER of a book. I have loved B.K.’s books for years, and this feels like a bold statement, but I think this is her best so far! Or maybe it’s just that each book keeps getting better and better. This was a delightful, funny, warm, sweet, sexy read. It set the tone for the 2025 reading and I will chasing the high all year.
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 believed. 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 decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.” —NetGalley
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 believed. 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 decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Found Family—This is one of B.K.’s strengths as a writer. She creates communities that support the main characters in such gentle, authentic ways while still giving those “side characters” agency. The whole time I was wondering who’s book we were going to get next because I loved them all so much.
- The Tension—Hot. Incredible. I think I am in love with Aiden Valentine.
- The Vibes—Overall, I just really enjoyed this book because it opened up a new world that was real, but cozy, romantic but not cheesy, and welcoming. I want to listen to their radio show/podcast!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Nothing—Like i said, a five star banger. I have nothing to nit pick.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
cancer, sick parent, grief, pregnancy (past)