I recently finished reading First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison, and I must say, it was a delightful experience that truly lived up to its buzz as an Instant New York Times Bestseller. I’m a sucker for contemporary romances, especially those with a quirky twist, and the premise of a lovelorn radio host and a single mom navigating their feelings via a late-night romance hotline caught my attention immediately.
The story revolves around Aiden Valentine, who, as a romance hotline host in Baltimore, grapples with his own disillusionment about love. Enter Lucie Stone, a single mother and skilled mechanic, who inadvertently becomes part of a viral broadcast when her daughter calls in for advice about her love life. What ensues is a charm-laden narrative filled with heartwarming moments, witty banter, and the slow burn of budding romance.
One of the standout elements of the book was the immersive plot and the rich character development. Many readers have praised the chemistry between Lucie and Aiden, and I wholeheartedly agree. Their interactions are laced with a charming awkwardness that puts a smile on your face. I found myself drawn to how relatable Lucie is as a single mom trying to navigate her happiness amidst the noise of public scrutiny. The moments where she grapples with whether she truly wants love or if she’s just fine without it are beautifully conveyed.
Additionally, the radio show transcripts inserted at the start of chapters added a delightful, unique touch to the narrative. They felt like real broadcasts, grounding the story in its own charming universe and inviting readers into the characters’ lives almost as if we were eavesdropping. These transcripts lightened the tone and sometimes had me giggling out loud, just as some reviews suggested.
However, there were a couple of drawbacks during my reading. The pacing felt uneven at times, especially towards the beginning and middle, where it seemed to drag a bit for me. I can understand why some readers, like one reviewer who said it felt "a bit long for a romance," might feel this way. I sometimes yearned for a quicker progression in the love story, especially since Aiden and Lucie are such magnetic characters. It took a while for the stakes to build around their romance, and I found myself longing for more tension and buildup.
The ending, though, brought everything full circle in a profound way that felt earned, highlighting the emotional depth that Borison clearly works to achieve throughout the novel.
On the plus side, the side characters added a humorous component to the story, especially Lucie’s daughter, Maya, who is incredibly witty and often injects a sense of joy and innocence into the adults’ complicated lives. Lucie’s healthy co-parenting relationship with her ex was another refreshing layer to the story, showcasing the multifaceted nature of modern family dynamics.
One specific line that resonates with me is when Lucie reflects on wanting passion and excitement, saying, “It’s a good thing to want attention and affection. I don’t want to settle for anything less than that.” This theme of self-worth in romantic relationships echoed throughout the book and left a lasting impression.
Overall, I would rate First-Time Caller a solid 4.5 out of 5. It’s a charming, engaging read that balances humor with emotional authenticity. Borison has crafted an authentic contemporary romance that reminded me just how wonderful love can be, even when one faces their own jadedness.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a unique plot and genuinely relatable characters, I highly recommend giving this book a read. Whether you’re a hardcore romance fan or exploring the genre for the first time, First-Time Caller is worth your time. It’ll leave you smiling, swooning, and maybe even reflecting on your own love life in the process!