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

Official 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.

B.K. Borison is known for writing the Lovelight Farms series, which I haven't read yet but after this book might go back to.

This book is an adorable story about finding love when you are struggling yourself. Lucie is surrounded by love and family, but something is missing and she is waiting for that magic moment where someone enters her life and changes it. This is 'helped' along with a scheme by her twelve-year-old daughter, who calls a romance hotline to get advice for her mom. On the other side of the whole is Aiden Valentine, who has his own questions about if love is real.

When Lucie ends up spilling her hopes and dreams on air, the show's audience goes up, and they invite her to join the show. When they first meet in person, Aiden and Lucie seem to have instant chemistry, which makes helping her find a date a lot more complicated. As they navigate nosy callers, weird men and their budding feelings for each other, everything seems both in and out of reach. Aiden struggles with believing in love and allowing himself to have it, with past trauma watching his mom be sick and how that impacted his father during his life. Aiden also seems to think that 'love is always being miserable' and Lucie is determined to show him that doesn't have to be the chase.

I really adored how sweet this book was, like 'need a dentist' sweet. For not being 'great' at love, Aiden does a wonderful job making Lucie feel seen and understood. They slowly work out figuring out they are more interested in each other, and their love feels very natural. I also really enjoyed the support system Lucie has in the book. Not only does she have her daughter, but her ex and his husband, who have a fun 'best friend' vibe with her. Lucie also has the men at the shop she works at, who also seem to the cheering for her the entire time. Aiden has some swoon worthy moments, showing up to the restaurant after Lucie is stood up, keeping a note of her favorite things in his glovebox so he doesn't forgot, trying pineapple pizza because she says its the best. Ugh.

I'm not sure if the author normally does it, but I also felt like we were given hints as to who the next MCs will be, which I kind of loved. Having not read Lovelight Farms, I am excited to see how this story/books continue. I will say, there are a few spicy scenes in this book, but nothing too crazy in comparison to other books. Wouldn't give to a teenager, but wouldn't feel weird reading in public.

This book is really adorable and though it takes a while for me to feel that strongly about romance books, it does have a Sleepless in Seattle vibe to it as well! Which is really fun.

This one is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me.

First-Time Caller comes out February 11, 2025!

Goodreads