Sneak Peek: First-Time Caller by BK Borison
ON OUR BOOKSHELF
First-Time Caller
by BK Borison
Preview my front-runner for Favorite Book of 2025.
I was introduced to BK Borison through her Lovelight Farms series (Amazon) — and if there’s anything to know about me, it’s that I love Christmas and romance. It was love at first sight. So when I heard that BK was publishing a book reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle, one of my all-time favorite movies, I was determined to snag a peek!
I’m so grateful to have received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book via NetGalley.
The Sneak Peek
Single mom Lucie Stone was living a fine life. She had everything she could ever want — a good job, an amazing family (no seriously, her community / found-family is next level), and the most entertaining kid. So when her sneaky daughter gets caught making a phone call she probably shouldn’t have made, Lucie finds her love-life broadcasted to all of Baltimore… and on the other end of the line is none other than Aiden Valentine, host of Heartstrings, a late-night talk show.
This is the perfect book for lovers of Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan, Sleepless in Seattle, Nora Ephron, 90s romcoms. Really, all lovers of love. I haven’t read a romcom quite this good in ages!
What Victoria Loved
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
An instant favorite! Pre-order ASAP for the perfect Valentine’s Day or March-slump read.
If you annotate your books while you read, go buy an entire pack of highlighters and pens. If you don’t annotate your books, you’re about to start. Friends, THIS BOOK WAS SO WELL-WRITTEN. I basically read every page aloud to James because I *needed* to share BK’s unworldly use of metaphor — she painted the most vivid scenes. You’ll read / hear the words, but you’ll *feel* them in every inch of your body from the squeeze of your heart to the free-fall of your stomach as it fills with butterflies.
And because this story is so beautifully written, you will also easily fall in love with the characters — Lucie, Aiden, and the long list of supporting characters — because it’ll feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends. The fact that I walked away from this book with a clear understanding of the side characters through a handful of interactions speaks volumes of how amazing BK’s character development is in this book.
The way she’s described Jackson climbing out of his car, the sheer stubbornness in his unwilling to park anywhere else. Heck! The fact that we already know the television news meteorologist (Delilah) drives a pink buggy and probably goes out of her way to bother him makes me SO eager to learn if they’ll end up together — I can already feel the tension! (Fingers crossed this is Book #2 in this series). Also the subtle demonstration of Jackson and Aiden’s closeness is so sweet— just tug at my heartstrings, why don’t you!
Then there’s Maggie. HOW MAGNIFICENTLY WAS SHE DESCRIBED as “a force of nature in the body of a petite, well-dressed woman.” From the predatory smiles (“like she can smell my fear”) to her “shrewd, all-knowing eyes” “like an angry, somewhat violent fairy.” I could FEEL the Cheshire Cat energy leaping through the page. I AM OBSESSED… and they’re just the supporting cast.
To top it off, Aiden Valen has very quickly climbed the ranks to sit among my favorite MMCs. It’s in all the small things he did, whether or not he realized the reason he was doing it was for love.
BK captures a natural cozy comfort among the friends, demonstrating the depth of their relationship through the ease of the interactions, the care they take in making sure their lives are intertwined and that they stay present and connected, and the clear investment they make to support Lucie in all ways. Also, BK presents us with the cutest family dynamic — Grayson and Lucie may not have worked out, but they remain neighbors, co-parents and best friends since they were 3! He has a really cool husband and they maintain a great relationship with their kid.
Further, BK’s inclusion of the show transcripts throughout the book were a lovely touch. It’s a fun peek into the show and the banter between Lucie and Aiden is top notch.
This slow burn will make your heart beat— it’s silly, it’s witty, it’s flirty — and it’s all built on an unexpected friendship (and pineapple pizza).
Pre-order your copy of First-Time Caller (Amazon) and read with me!
Favorite Scene
“I want goosebumps. I want to be wanted. All this time and I — I haven’t given up. I guess I’m just waiting for it to find me.”
- FIRST-TIME CALLER by BK Borison
Similar Reads & Recommendations
LOVE THROUGH A COLLEGE RADIO SHOW: Begin Again by Emma Lord (Amazon)
A new school year means a fresh start, but for Andie Rose, it’s quite a rocky beginning when all her plans crumble at her feet. This new adult romance does a beautifully nostalgic job of bringing together the unease and excitement of the first few days of college and the journey to finding oneself (and love) amidst the chaos.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
AN AUDIO-CENTRIC ROMANCE WORTH LISTENING TO: Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan (Amazon)
The queen of audio has released a masterpiece, and then she narrated the audiobook herself! This is a must-listen because in true Julia fashion, you will be transported into the story. While this romance gives us a peek behind the curtain of audiobook narration, Julia brings to life characters with so much depth as their profession weaves into their personal (and intimate) lives.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4.5/5
THINGS GET HEATED IN A CLOSET AT WORK: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Amazon)
This is the book that reminded me of my love for this trope and featured some of my favorite things: donuts, books, and one bed. Lucy and Joshua may be playing games by their own set of rules… but ultimately, you (the reader) come out victorious.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
FOR FANS OF TOM HANKS: Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey (Amazon)
Unsurprisingly, when I’m not reading romance novels, I’m binging classic rom-coms and have Hallmark movies on an endless cycle. Kerry Winfrey has written the sweetest story that brings to life the most magical rom-com moments for her main characters.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
BY THE AUTHOR: Lovelight Farms (Lovelight Farms #1) by BK Borison (Amazon)
A Hallmark Christmas movie as a romance novel. If you need an easy read, here’s your introduction to Lovelight — a magical little Christmas tree farm with a community that’s ready to open their arms to welcome you home.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 3.5/5
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
