First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison Series: Heartstrings #1
Published by Berkley on 02/11/25
Genres: Romantic Comedy
Format: Paperback
Pages: 420
Source: Purchased
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Lucie Stone is doing her best, but her busy life leaves no room for romance. That is, until her sneaky twelve-year-old daughter decides to take matters into her own hands. Wanting her mom happy and in love, she calls Heartstrings, a struggling Baltimore love hotline, for advice from Aiden Valentine.
Aiden has lost faith in love, making his job at Heartstrings a nightly grind. That is, until Lucie gets on the line. There’s something about her that intrigues him in a way no one has in a long time.
After their on-air session goes viral, Lucie agrees to let Aiden help her find love. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they both start wondering if maybe, just maybe, love is right in front of them.
Table of Contents
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About First Time Caller
Lucie Stone is doing her best, but her busy life leaves no room for romance. That is, until her sneaky twelve-year-old daughter decides to take matters into her own hands. Wanting her mom happy and in love, she calls Heartstrings, a struggling Baltimore love hotline, for advice from Aiden Valentine.
Aiden has lost faith in love, making his job at Heartstrings a nightly grind. That is, until Lucie gets on the line. There’s something about her that intrigues him in a way no one has in a long time.
After their on-air session goes viral, Lucie agrees to let Aiden help her find love. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they both start wondering if maybe, just maybe, love is right in front of them.
Tropes in First Time Caller
🩷 Found Family
🩷 Forced Proximity
🩷 Single Parent
🩷 Grumpy Sunshine
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Witty Banter
🩷 Slowburn
My Review
First-Time Caller is a love letter to the classic romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle. As a longtime fan of Nora Ephron’s movies, I just had to pick this one up.
B.K. Borison takes the beloved story and adds her own unique spin. There are plenty of nods to the original that will delight nostalgic fans, but it never feels like a mere replica. It strikes the perfect balance of being familiar enough to satisfy that romantic nostalgia while still feeling fresh and original.
That said, I did have a bit of an issue with pacing, which is why I had to knock off a star. I found myself completely swept up in Lucie and Aiden’s will-they-won’t-they dynamic, but their relationship took too long to reach a satisfying conclusion.
Additionally, Aiden’s fear of commitment felt a bit unclear to me. The obstacles he created just didn’t resonate, especially when compared to how expertly Emily Henry weaves childhood trauma and its resolution into her stories. This book could have used that depth.
Overall, First-Time Caller is a delightful, low-stakes summer read. If you’re a devoted fan of Nora Ephron’s romantic magic or love a good modern twist on a classic, I definitely recommend adding it to your summer TBR!
Final Thoughts
The moment I spotted this book’s adorable cover, I knew I had to add it to my shelf. I’m so glad I did, because within its pages, I discovered a delightful romance that I devoured in one sitting.
First-Time Caller is a charming, nostalgic tribute to the classic romantic comedies I love, infused with just enough of the author’s unique flair to keep it feeling fresh and engaging. If you’re a devoted Nora Ephron fan or simply enjoy a well-crafted modern twist on a beloved trope, I highly recommend adding First-Time Caller to your TBR!
Free Printable
As a special thank you for reading, I am sharing a free printable of the bookmarks I created for this series. Please feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or issues. Happy Reading!