B.K. Borison’s First-Time Caller is a tender and witty romance that follows the unexpected connection between Aiden Valentine, a weary late-night radio host who has lost faith in love, and Lucie Stone, a single mother who still believes in magic despite her own setbacks. Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic romance of Sleepless in Seattle, Borison crafts a narrative filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry.
As the first book in the Heartstrings series, First-Time Caller introduces readers to a world where love isn’t just about meet-cutes or dramatic declarations—it’s also about timing, resilience, and choosing to open one’s heart again. The upcoming second book in the series, And Now, Back to You, promises to continue exploring these themes, likely with more of the same warmth and charm.
First-Time Caller has received praise for its cozy atmosphere and engaging banter, but it isn’t without its flaws. Let’s dive deep into what makes this book both compelling and imperfect.
Plot Summary: When Love Calls Unexpectedly
Aiden Valentine spends his nights hosting Heartstrings, a romance hotline where listeners call in for advice about love. The irony? Aiden has quietly fallen out of love with love itself. After years of listening to heartbreak, complaints, and petty grievances, he’s jaded. His once-charming persona on the show has dimmed, and even his best friend Jackson is starting to notice.
Then one night, a surprising call changes everything.
Maya, a precocious twelve-year-old, dials into Heartstrings with an unusual request—she wants help finding her mother, Lucie, a boyfriend. This innocent yet bold move sets off a chain of events that forces both Aiden and Lucie into the public spotlight. Suddenly, everyone in Baltimore is invested in Lucie’s love life.
Lucie, a capable and fiercely independent woman, isn’t looking for romance—at least, that’s what she tells herself. Between raising Maya and working as a mechanic, she doesn’t have time for dating. But as her interactions with Aiden grow beyond the radio waves, the sparks between them become undeniable.
Aiden finds himself drawn to Lucie in a way that shakes him to his core. She challenges his cynicism, makes him laugh, and—most unexpectedly—makes him want to believe again. But as they navigate the pressures of public scrutiny and their own personal doubts, they must decide whether their connection is just a fleeting moment or something truly worth holding onto.
Character Analysis: Opposites That Fit Like Puzzle Pieces
Aiden Valentine: The Cynic Who Can’t Help Falling
Aiden is an interesting contradiction—sarcastic yet sincere, grumpy yet soft in all the right places. His cynicism about love is understandable, given his years of hosting a romance radio show where callers mostly vent about their partners instead of celebrating love. However, beneath his jaded exterior, he is inherently kind and protective. His dry humor and introspective moments add depth to his character, making him more than just a brooding romantic lead.
One of Aiden’s strongest character arcs is his slow realization that love isn’t a fairytale—it’s a choice. His journey from reluctant observer to active participant in love is one of the most rewarding aspects of the novel. However, there are moments when his self-sabotage feels frustrating, as he resists happiness even when it’s right in front of him.
Lucie Stone: The Woman Who Still Believes in Magic
Lucie is an incredibly relatable protagonist. She’s hardworking, funny, and fiercely protective of her daughter, Maya. Her belief in love, despite past disappointments, makes her a perfect foil to Aiden’s skepticism.
What makes Lucie stand out in the sea of romance heroines is her refreshing realism. She doesn’t pine over love lost or feel incomplete without a partner—she simply wants something real. Her internal conflict is beautifully layered, as she struggles with the idea of putting herself out there again.
Her chemistry with Aiden is built on witty banter and quiet moments of understanding, rather than just physical attraction. It’s in the way she challenges him, makes him laugh, and forces him to rethink his pessimistic worldview.
Maya: The Ultimate Matchmaker
Maya is the kind of child character that’s hard to pull off—precocious without being annoying, wise beyond her years yet still believably twelve. Her role in setting up her mother with Aiden feels organic, and she provides some of the novel’s most heartwarming moments.
Writing Style: Borison’s Signature Blend of Humor and Heart
B.K. Borison has a distinct talent for crafting dialogue that feels natural and engaging. The banter between Aiden and Lucie is chef’s kiss—witty, playful, and full of underlying tension. The humor is never forced, and the chemistry crackles in every interaction.
What Borison does exceptionally well is balance humor with emotional depth. While the novel is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, there are also quiet, reflective scenes that make the characters feel real. Aiden’s struggles with his beliefs about love and Lucie’s cautious optimism give the book a layer of emotional resonance that elevates it beyond a simple rom-com.
However, there are moments when the pacing feels a bit uneven. The first half of the book is near perfection, but the latter half slows down, particularly when the focus shifts more to external conflicts rather than the development of Aiden and Lucie’s relationship.
Themes: Love, Hope, and Taking a Chance
1. Love Isn’t Always What You Expect
Both Aiden and Lucie enter this story with preconceived notions about love—Aiden thinks it’s all a lie, while Lucie wants the kind of romance that feels like magic. Through their relationship, the book explores how love is often found in the most unexpected places.
2. Vulnerability as Strength
Lucie’s initial hesitation about the show stems from a fear of being vulnerable. However, she learns that allowing herself to want love doesn’t make her weak—it makes her brave.
3. Found Family and Community
From Lucie’s relationship with Maya to Aiden’s friendships at the station, the novel highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly know and support you.
Critique: Where First-Time Caller Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the book isn’t without flaws.
- The ending feels slightly rushed. While the slow burn between Aiden and Lucie is deliciously drawn out, the resolution of their relationship could have used more time to breathe.
- Aiden’s cynicism occasionally overstays its welcome. While it makes sense for his character, there are moments where his stubbornness feels repetitive.
- Some side characters could have been fleshed out more. Jackson, in particular, is a great source of comedic relief, but his role in the story remains mostly surface-level.
Final Verdict: A Comfort Read With Genuine Heart
First-Time Caller is a charming and cozy romance that delivers both humor and heartfelt emotion. Aiden and Lucie’s slow-burn romance is full of banter, growth, and vulnerability, making it a satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren
- Readers who enjoy grumpy-sunshine dynamics
- Anyone looking for a romance with depth and humor
Books to Read If You Loved This One:
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
While not perfect, First-Time Caller is a book that will leave you with a full heart and a smile on your face. With And Now, Back to You on the horizon, B.K. Borison has set the stage for another swoon-worthy romance, and I, for one, can’t wait to tune in.
