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.