The Bookish Ashley

If you love a cozy, heartfelt romance with a Sleepless in Seattle vibe, then First Time Caller by B.K. Borison is the perfect book to add to your TBR. With its mix of witty banter, slow-burn romance, and a delightful meddling child, this story is both charming and heartwarming.

The Setup

Aiden Valentine is a romance radio host who’s secretly lost faith in love—a bit of a professional hazard. But when a young girl calls into his show asking for dating advice for her mom, things take an unexpected turn. Suddenly, the show (and Aiden himself) is in the spotlight, and all eyes are on Lucie Stone, a single mom with a great life but a nonexistent dating history.

Lucie, who was perfectly content with her world before the public scrutiny, finds herself wondering—maybe she does want something more. But navigating romance with all of Baltimore watching is no easy feat, especially when she starts catching feelings for the broody man behind the mic.

What I Loved

✅ The Banter: Aiden and Lucie have the kind of chemistry that makes every conversation between them a delight. His grumpiness meets her warmth in a way that sparks plenty of tension and swoon-worthy moments.
✅ The Unique Premise: A romance hotline setting? A viral love-life intervention? Yes, please! It’s a refreshing take on the single-mom trope with just the right amount of rom-com magic.
✅ Lucie’s Daughter: Easily one of the book’s highlights. She’s smart, a little mischievous, and the best kind of matchmaker.
✅ The Slow Burn: If you enjoy a romance that simmers before it sizzles, this one delivers. Aiden’s reluctance and Lucie’s cautious optimism make for a compelling emotional buildup.

What Fell Just Short

🔹 Aiden’s Brooding: While I love a good grump, Aiden’s emotional walls felt a little too high at times. A bit more vulnerability from him earlier on would have made the romance even more satisfying.
🔹 The Public Spotlight Angle: The whole “Baltimore is watching” premise is fun, but it occasionally felt more of a plot device than a true obstacle. I would have loved to see more depth in how this affected Lucie’s choices.

Final Thoughts

First Time Caller is a feel-good romance that hits all the right notes. With an engaging premise, lovable characters, and the perfect balance of humor and heart, it’s a must-read for fans of cozy contemporary romance. While Aiden’s emotional journey could have been fleshed out a bit more, the book’s charm more than makes up for it.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re in the mood for a sweet, slow-burn romance with great banter and a You’ve Got Mail–esque setup, this one’s for you.