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

by Alise Marie | Apr 23, 2025 | Book review

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’s First Time Caller offers a heartwarming premise and a cast of characters that are easy to care about. At the center of the story is a single mom whose daughter calls into a late-night romance hotline in an attempt to help her mother find love. What unfolds is a tender, character-driven romance filled with humor, family dynamics, and emotional depth.

The book leans into a grumpy x sunshine workplace romance, with excellent chemistry between the leads and a slow-burn progression that feels genuine. This book shines when it comes to character development—the people in this story feel real, their struggles relatable, and their emotional arcs well-crafted. The radio show transcripts add a unique and entertaining narrative touch, breaking up the traditional storytelling format in a fun and creative way.

One of the strongest elements of First Time Caller is the focus on family. The relationship between mother and daughter adds warmth and complexity, grounding the romantic storyline in something deeper than just chemistry. It’s a story about second chances—not just in love, but in how people rebuild their lives and open themselves up again.

That said, the pacing can feel uneven. While the premise is engaging and the first half of the book moves with momentum, things begin to slow once the romance is fully established. There’s not much conflict beyond the central relationship, which makes the latter chapters feel a bit stretched. Although the characters remain likable throughout, the story could have benefited from a tighter plot and more external stakes.

Overall, First Time Caller is a sweet, feel-good romance. While the pacing may falter in the second half, the well-written relationship dynamics make it an enjoyable read overall. It’s easy for me to want to recommend this to fans of contemporary romance—but it may not be one that you will want to reread or revisit.