#first time caller book

[iramreads]

this here, friends, is an absolute wholesome book

[ohwarnette]

first-time caller by b. k. borison

i like that. thinking that I’m worth paying attention to. something ordinary made extraordinary by the person you’re sharing it with.

playlist. (part one) (part three)

[margielalalove]

“I think books are sexy,” she says very seriously. “No one at school has quite lived up to Aragorn yet.”

B.K. Borison, First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)

[phantomdialogue]

˗ˏˋ. ݁₊ ✶ ˖ 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐛.𝐤. 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 - 𝟔/𝟓 ☆ . ݁ ˖ˎˊ˗

release date: february 11, 2025

premise: aiden valentine hosts baltimore's romance hotline, heartstrings, but he has found a problem with his job. he's fallen out of love with love... until one night a 12-year old calls into the station asking for dating advice for her mother, lucie stone. when their conversation goes viral, everyone is rooting for lucie to find love, including aiden. but finding her that love might prove harder than he thought.

couple(s): aiden valentine and lucie stone

tropes: grumpy x sunshine, hopeless romantic x doesn't believe in love, workplace romance, single mom, forced proximity, red string, opposites attract, found family

content warnings: many conversations about cancer/illness, some misogyny

review below!

review:

this is the best new romance of 2025. i can say that with confidence and it's only february. this was just the all around perfect book. it gets 5 stars in every single ranking category i can think of. it's the perfect plot with just enough of that cheesy romcom goodness but still a very serious undertone that works so well with it. the setting is adorable and very picturesque and fits the whole vibe. it's so vivid and you truly read this book and feel like you're watching a movie because of how clear you can picture everything.

this is a book that i can happily say SHOULD be and is dual pov. it works so so incredibly well with this author's writing and these characters. i actually think this story would be ten times weaker without it. getting to go back and forth between these characters and seeing how they see each other and the situations they're in really just works with what the book is tackling. there isn't a "preferred" pov either. you want to read both of them throughout the whole book. you're never starting a new chapter and thinking "damn i wish this was in the other character's pov". you're attached to both of them so much and it's truly wonderful.

the characters are amazing. every last one of them you fall in love with. this is truly a masterclass in creating an ensemble cast. every single character you can picture so clearly in your head without even having extremely detailed descriptions of the characters. they all have an important role in the story and they push along the plot and the characters and there truly is no character that i would get rid of without thinking there would be considerable damage done to the story. and even with the ensemble, these main characters stick out so beautifully.

aiden valentine. number one book boyfriend of the year. i'm calling it now. again, it's only february and the ranking has been called. he is just the perfect mmc. he has a past that affects him still to this day and he deals with it in such a human realistic way. you grieve with him and you feel for him and i can't decide if that's fully because of the character himself or if it's because of how b. k. borison approached writing him. getting to read his pov and really understand his thought process makes you feel so much more connected to him. i think if you read the ending conflict only from lucie's pov, it would feel out of character but reading parts of it from his pov makes it make so much sense and i appreciate that so much.

i adore lucie. first off, tall girl representation and she's a single mom. i love her. i love her so much. i'm not ranking the girls i read this year but if i was, she'd be right up in the number one spot so far. she's just such a powerhouse of a character and getting to watch her change and grow and develop as a person throughout the story is so beautiful and i truly loved every second of it. her pov really helps you understand what she's thinking and what the whole journey she goes on means for her and i loved it so much. i will sing her praises over the rooftops forever. she's a powerhouse fmc and deserves so much love.

i can't begin to even process this book in the slightest because i'm going to be thinking about it constantly. i am so incredibly attached to these characters and i love them alarmingly so. i think that aiden really spoke to me in his struggles with life and grief and all of his internal angst and i will love him forever. lucie's outlook on life and love also is sticking with me for so long. this book really just hooks you from the very first chapter and it's got so much love and heart in it that you can't help loving every second of reading it. i know this is listed as #1 in a heartstrings series and i truly hope the author writes more about any of these characters because it wasn't just the main characters that i fell in love but the whole story and cast and setting and just general vibe of it as well.

my ratings:

characters - 5 ☆ - believable, change and grow, memorable, minor characters stand out, multilayered, original, strong relationships, relatable

plot - 5 ☆ - addictive, fast-paced, satisfying conclusion, steady pacing, well-structured

setting - 5 ☆ - atmospheric, idyllic, lush, nostalgic, realistic, picturesque, vivid descriptions

writing style - 5 ☆ - beautifully written, descriptive, funny, original, witty

favorite quotes (some spoilers here, of course, but minimal):

It feels like every time I get my hopes up for something good, reality comes out swinging. I don't know how to be a hopeful person anymore.

Aiden Valentine: Flowers die. Everything dies. Caller: I thought this was a romance hotline.

"There's nothing to fix, Lucie."

"I hate it. It's like everyone is doing some dance that I never learned the steps to. I'm clueless, and I'm not using that as an excuse. I am genuinely clueless. I don't understand all of the... stuff you have to sift through before you can be yourself."

It's not the words she says, but the way she says them. Quiet. Embarrassed. Like somehow it's her fault she hasn't found what she's looking for yet.

And somewhere out there, Lucie is sitting on her kid's bed. Talking to me.

"When the whole world tells you you're silly for wanting the things you want, you start to believe them. You start to think you're not worth it. That if the things you're waiting for do exist, they're not someone like you."

"I don't want to waste my time on things that don't feel like everything I've always wanted for myself."

I think sometimes I get so caught up in the roles assigned to me--mother, employee, daughter--that it's easier to shrink down the things that hurt and set them to the side. I never want anyone to worry.

"I'm not lonely, honey. There's way too many people in our lives for me to be lonely." Maya squeezes my hand back. "You don't have to be alone to be lonely."

I wish there was a guidebook for this. An instruction manual that could tell me how to take myself apart and put everything back together so I'm good as new. I wish I knew how to make sense of my pieces.

When a woman got on the line and said she believed in magic and I thought maybe I could believe in it too.

"She might. And you'd deserve it too. I swear to god, you've regressed to the emotional aptitude of a high-schooler." "I'd give high schoolers a little more credit."

I wish I had two emotional support cookies.

I've never felt like I've been able to be anything other than okay, not while my mom has been the furthest thing from it.

"I don't think you want me in your mouth."

I didn't think I was talking to a six-foot-something man with perpetual bedhead and a penchant for dentistry innuendo.

"Maybe watching you fall in love with someone will give my cold, dead heart some hope."

Hot, my brain supplies. Also, kind of a disaster. I'm not entirely confident he knows how to talk to people when he's outside the booth. He hosts a radio show about love, but he doesn't believe in it himself and he wants me to help him remember how. I think. I keep sharing things with him I don't mean to. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

My coffee, which she managed to find again despite its new hiding place.

But something keeps me still. Maybe it's the look on her face or maybe it's the way she's holding her body a little too tight. Like she's never let herself think of these things before. Like she's never let herself want them.

"You still haven't gotten to the good stuff," she says, and I believe it. I believe with Lucie, there's only good stuff.

"I think books are sexy," she says very seriously. "No one at school has quite lived up to Aragon yet."

It's her choice. All of this is her choice. I'm not going to let anyone bully Lucie into doing anything she doesn't want to do.

"Who the fuck made you cry?"

She looks tired, burned-out, like the weight she's been carrying around has suddenly become too heavy to bear. I want to wrap her in a blanket and make her some of my secret coffee.

He keeps looking at me. The same steady, studying look he always seems to be giving me. Like I'm an equation he can't figure out. Or a particularly interesting constellation that he's trying to orient himself with.

"I think you're the magic."

Grayson Harris: Listen up, lizards. There's a new daddy in town. Aiden Valentine: Oh, boy.

"Ah, Lucie." Aiden smiles, his fingers fanning out wide against my back. "I'd know you anywhere."

"I started to see this common thread with callers. How love could make them miserable. How it could tear them to absolute pieces. And once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. I think I started waiting for it. Bracing myself for it. It felt easier that way."

Sometimes I think I hear her voice twisting through my dreams. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I feel like she should be in the space next to me, her laugh ringing in my ears.

"Lucie," I whisper. I think I'm begging, but I have no idea what for. To let me go. To drag me closer. I don't know.

"Anyone who's listened to you guys on the radio for longer than thirty seconds can tell there's something going on between you two, Lucie. He called me the wrong name like sixteen times."

What am I going to do with all this information when she's gone? All these tiny data points of Lucie.

I dream of rough laughter and coffee beans hidden in cookie tins, Aiden's voice in my ear and his firm hands on my hips.

"We're having a conversation"... "Words are happening." "Not many of them."

"Because you said it was your favorite," I admit, "And I want your favorite to be my favorite."

"I remember all the things you've said."

Burn myself into her the way she's burned into me.

The first thing he did when he woke up was smile at me.

"You tell me all the time you have all the love you need. That you're fit to burst with our family and all the people in it. But I thought, maybe just this once, you could have all the love you deserve too."

"It was never a choice, Aiden."

My heart knows the sounds of him before my head can catch up.

"Long-time listener, first-time caller."

"It's not about deserving," I say, my throat tight. "If someone gives you something, you have it. You don't have to earn it."

The almost and the maybes and the what-ifs. The universe lining up for one perfect moment and handing me her.

[jojotier]

Picked up first time caller by b k borison and high key knew immediately it wasn't for me. Not that it's like all that badly written or anything- on a mechanical level it all works and the call is exactly the kind of thing an impulsive 12 yr old would do- but there's just something about the spiel Lucie gives about dating. Like obviously I know dating can be a profoundly isolating thing, especially when you don't know the steps and shouldn't have to do them, and I empathize with not wanting to do any more work in that space, but the idea that she just wants Sparks. To just Know first thing that she's in love and not have to work for it. There's something so profoundly sad in that.

And like obvs it's a romance book. The wish fulfillment is to not have to work at a relationship- to get the sparks and the feeling that you can take on the world because you found The One- but it's like. When was the last time I read a romance novel where the characters focus on actually Building a relationship, not knowing whether this is forever but still Choosing This, without the instant gratification of knowing they're soulmates or something?

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle–inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

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 believed. 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 decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

Review:

A hopeless romantic searching for romance finds herself on a dateline radio show.... with a cynical radio host... who just might be the perfect guy for her. Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, this is a cozy romance about a an unexpected romance happening between two people who meet in an unexpected way. Aiden Valentine is the radio host of Heartstrings, a dating advice radio talk show... his secret? He doesn't believe in love anymore and doesn't want any part of it. Yet despite his show's ratings going down... he randomly gets a call at night from a young girl asking for dating advice for her mom... and this spirals and goes viral. Lucie Stone thought her life was fine: she's got a good job, she has an adorable daughter, and she's still best friends with her ex and his new partner, all happily coparenting and living in peace... the only thing is that she's given up on dating. When Lucie's daughter calls into the show and Lucie explains that she's looking for "magic" and won't settle for anything less than romance, she goes viral and the radio show invites her onto it. Heartstrings offers Lucie a spot on the show with Aiden in which the show will help her find her Mr. Right... yet the more time she spends with her handsome yet cynical cohost... she's starting to think that Mr. Right... might be right next to her if only he would open his heart up. Aiden knows he shouldn't be crushing on Lucie, that he's not the guy she's looking for... but his heart has something else to say about that and every day he's falling harder for her... but is he brave enough to tell her or will he lose her to someone else? This was such a cute and charming rom com. I've been a huge fan of B.K. Borison's books and writing and this Sleepless in Seattle inspired romance was perfection. Lucie and Aiden had so much chemistry and banter, and I would honestly love for this book to be made into a movie because it would be so so cute. This book just had me smiling while reading it and giggling over how sweet it was. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a cute heartfelt romance!

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[yellowlikedaisy]

Some of my recent book purchases!

[pokimoko]

The One-Way Waltz of the Moth and the Wild Flame (and the Incident of the Authorial Intrusion) - A Good Omens Fic

Written by pokimoko

Chapters: 1/1

Word Count: ~25K

Fandom: Good Omens (TV)

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens), Crowley & Muriel (Good Omens), Crowley & Nina (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens) & Original Character(s)

Characters: Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale (Good Omens), Muriel (Good Omens), Original Characters, (who is technically not an original character but I've got to keep some secrets ;) ), Nina (Good Omens), Background & Cameo Characters

Summary: A story in which Crowley does not prevent forest fires, a radio sends out thoughts and prayers, an angel misuses the emergency contact, the local duck population invents socialism, trees are threatened to varying degrees of success, a waltz is indeed played, and an author considers the nature of tragedies.

Tags: Ineffable Divorce | Aziraphale and Crowley Break Up (Good Omens), Post-Break Up, POV Crowley (Good Omens), Emotional Hurt, He/Him Pronouns For Crowley (Good Omens), They/Them Pronouns for Muriel (Good Omens), Crowley & Muriel Friendship (Good Omens), Angst and Humor, Crowley-centric (Good Omens), Canon Continuation, Post-Season/Series 02, Post-Episode: s02e06 Every Day (Good Omens), Pre-Season/Series 03, No Aziraphale Slander Here but it is also Crowley's POV so expect at least some Thoughts, Angry Crowley (Good Omens), Running Away, Both in the Emotional and Literal Sense, Because You Don't Have to Deal with Your Romantic and Personal Issues in Washington State. Obviously, (incorrect: you very much do), Crowley is a Mess (Good Omens), (even if he won't admit it), Crowley Loves Aziraphale (Good Omens), (another thing he won't admit), Aziraphale Loves Crowley (Good Omens), They're just being stupid, Not A Fix-It, References to God(s), Romantic Angst, America, United States, Fire Lookout, Remember Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires (Unless You Are Anthony J. Crowley), hey is it healthy to repeatedly relive a past trauma to deal with a breakup? asking for a friend, Scene: The Bookshop Fire (Good Omens), Fire, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Isolation, When You're Trying to Cope Badly in the American Wilderness but People Keep Talking to You, Radio, Inspired by Firewatch (Video Game), Character Study, Crowley and the Woes of Being In a Narrative That Won't Let You Go, (Fleabag voice) This is a Tragedy, But oh? What's this?, Angst with a Happy Ending, Ambiguous/Open Ending

[rissyrosie]

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

Book Rating: 4.5

—————————————

I really enjoy B.K.'s writing, and although I wasn't initially aware that this story featured a single parent trope (one I'm not particularly fond of) I became a fan through the 'Lovelight Farm' series, which made me appreciate this book even more. It was a charming and somewhat cheesy radio show romcom that delivered beyond my expectations. While I felt a bit frustrated with the male character at times, particularly when he seemed uncertain about what he wanted, I ultimately grew to love him even more for the thoughtful things he did for Lucie.

[ohwarnette]

first-time caller by b. k. borison

i want your favourite to be my favourite.

playlist. (part one) (part two)

[beckysbook5]

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

Aiden Valentine has a 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,…

[abackwardstakeonthebookofjob]

First-Time Caller, B. K. Borison

˗ˏˋ ★★★☆☆ˎˊ˗

(read Mar 26-27, book 22 of 2025)

Can't say I love when the third act conflict is just "MMC lacks self awareness and won't communicate like an adult." Especially when the FMC was already doing all the heavy lifting to make a relationship exist at all. Yet the premise, female lead, and supporting cast were very enjoyable, so I'm willing to try Borison again.

[island-in-ignorance]

Glad I picked up First Time Caller. It's healing the holes in my soul made by Sunrise on the Reaping.

We need more romance books where the man is hopelessly down bad for the girl.

[infinite-reads]

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

5/5. I picked up this book because my friend told me it’s based on Sleepless in Seattle (one of my all-time favorite movies). I am so glad I picked it up.

Was I giggling and kicking my feet all throughout? YES Did I tear up a bit? Again, yes. Did I read it all in one sitting? Yes, I freaking did. Am I a bit sleep-deprived from staying up? Yes, but totally worth it, haha. Am I writing this review while I’m watching Sleepless in Seattle? Yes, I am <3

This book had one of my favorite things ever—two idiots in love, completely oblivious, while literally everyone else knew before they did. Like all the listeners, I was rooting for Aiden and Lucie. In the movie, one of the things that makes Annie stand out to Jonah is that she includes him in the letter to Sam. Similarly, in the book, Aiden knows that Lucie and Maya are a package, and he is all in. He wants her people to be his people, too. I adored him for that.

And that ending? That ending.

When Lucie asks him what he’s thinking about, and he tells her her, but in his mind, he’s also thinking:

“… About this tiny café across from her house and all the places we almost met. About the right time, the right place, the right moment. I’m thinking about the way her hand fits in mine, and the way my heart drums out a beat that matches her name. Lu-cie. Lu-cie. Lu-cie. The almosts and the maybes and the what-ifs. The universe lining up for one perfect moment and handing me her. I got so fucking lucky.”

The whole time, I was thinking about Sam and Annie. That same feeling of fate, of almosts and what-if. They could have met so many times before, but it all led to that one moment in the Empire State Building. That was where they were supposed to meet, and their story started there. When they touched hands, they knew, we knew, that what they felt was magic. The ending of the book gave me the exact feeling I get every time I watch the ending of Sleepless in Seattle: like my heart is about to burst out of my chest, my eyes get teary, and all I feel is love.

Did I realize at the end of this that I’m such a freaking hopeless romantic? Yes, I did.

[kirbydreamzzz]

YEAH!!!! YEAH!!!!

[8bitjoy]