First-Time Caller: A Heartfelt Romantic Comedy
BOOKS REVIEW
Chaifry
7/21/20258 min read
B.K. Borison’s First-Time Caller, the inaugural novel in her Heartstrings series, is a luminous exploration of love’s resilience, inspired by the classic romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Baltimore, this contemporary romance weaves a narrative that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern, capturing the tender vulnerabilities and irrepressible hopes of its protagonists, Aiden Valentine and Lucie Stone. Aiden, a disillusioned radio host who has lost faith in love, and Lucie, a single mother and auto mechanic yearning for connection, are brought together by a serendipitous call from Lucie’s daughter, Maya, to Aiden’s romance hotline, Heartstrings. The novel’s premise—a hopeless romantic meeting a jaded cynic—offers a compelling framework for examining the transformative power of love, community, and self-discovery.
This review argues that First-Time Caller is a must-read for its masterful blend of humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters, which resonate universally while offering a particularly poignant message for readers navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Borison’s ability to craft a narrative that is both a love letter to romantic comedies and a grounded exploration of human connection makes this book an essential addition to contemporary romance literature. Its universal themes of vulnerability, courage, and the pursuit of happiness, coupled with its vibrant cast and witty dialogue, compel readers to engage with its heartfelt narrative. This review will provide a summary of the book’s key elements, a critical analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, and a conclusion emphasizing its significance, particularly for Indian youth readers seeking stories that balance emotional authenticity with aspirational romance.
First-Time Caller centers on Aiden Valentine, the host of Baltimore’s struggling romance hotline, Heartstrings, who harbors a secret: “Love is a lie” (Borison, 2025, p. 3). Disillusioned by his parents’ fractured marriage and years of listening to callers’ romantic woes, Aiden’s cynicism threatens the viability of his show. The narrative shifts when a young girl, Maya, calls into the station, seeking dating advice for her single mother, Lucie Stone. “My mom deserves someone who will make her smile every day” (Borison, 2025, p. 25), Maya declares, sparking a viral sensation that catapults Heartstrings into the spotlight. Lucie, a skilled auto mechanic with a close-knit found family, is initially content with her life, believing “I’m fine. I’ve always been fine” (Borison, 2025, p. 42). However, the public’s sudden fascination with her love life forces her to confront her suppressed desire for romance.
As Lucie is invited to co-host Heartstrings to find her “perfect match,” she and Aiden develop an undeniable chemistry, marked by “banter that crackles like static through the airwaves” (Borison, 2025, p. 78). Their on-air interactions, filled with playful repartee, captivate Baltimore’s listeners, who begin rooting for the pair to recognize their own connection. Lucie’s vulnerability is evident when she admits, “I’m tired of trying and just want to be” (Borison, 2025, p. 112), reflecting her exhaustion from past romantic disappointments. Aiden, meanwhile, grapples with his fear of loss, shaped by his mother’s illness, as he confesses, “I don’t want to love someone who won’t be there” (Borison, 2025, p. 150). The tension between their growing attraction and personal insecurities forms the emotional core of the novel.
The supporting cast, including Maya, her father Grayson, and his husband Teo, enriches the narrative with warmth and humor. Grayson’s antics, such as “swiveling back and forth in his chair, frowning like a toddler denied a second cookie” (Borison, 2025, p. 189), provide comic relief, while Maya’s precociousness, exemplified by her quip, “Do you think I’ll get my magic?” (Borison, 2025, p. 210), underscores the novel’s theme of hope. The radio station’s quirky staff, including the beleaguered intern Hughie and the ambitious producer Maggie, add depth to the setting, with Maggie’s directive, “We need to capitalize on this chemistry” (Borison, 2025, p. 230), driving the plot forward.
As Lucie navigates a series of disastrous dates orchestrated by the station, Aiden’s protective instincts surface, particularly when he notes, “I don’t like it either” (Borison, 2025, p. 245), revealing his growing feelings. The slow-burn romance builds to a climactic moment when Aiden acknowledges, “You’re the magic, Lucie” (Borison, 2025, p. 320), affirming her worth and their connection. The novel concludes with the pair embracing their love, symbolized by Aiden’s gesture of keeping “a list of her favorite things” (Borison, 2025, p. 350), a testament to his quiet devotion. First-Time Caller is a celebration of love’s unpredictability, illustrating that “it’s a truly courageous thing to both be loved and give love in return” (Borison, 2025, p. 400).
Borison’s First-Time Caller excels in its ability to balance humor, heart, and emotional authenticity, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and contemporary. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its character development, particularly the dynamic between Aiden and Lucie. Aiden’s transformation from a cynical radio host to a man who embraces vulnerability is meticulously crafted. His internal struggle is poignantly captured when he reflects, “I don’t want to love someone who won’t be there” (Borison, 2025, p. 150), grounding his cynicism in a relatable fear of loss. Lucie, conversely, embodies resilience and quiet strength, her admission of “I’m tired of trying and just want to be” (Borison, 2025, p. 112) resonating with readers who have faced romantic fatigue. Their chemistry, described as “crackling like static through the airwaves” (Borison, 2025, p. 78), is palpable, making their slow-burn romance both satisfying and emotionally rewarding.
The novel’s dialogue is another triumph, infused with sharp wit and playful banter that elevates the romantic tension. For instance, Lucie’s teasing remark, “Do you always scowl like that, or is your face just practicing for the grumpy cat audition?” (Borison, 2025, p. 85), showcases Borison’s knack for humor that feels organic and true to the characters. The supporting characters, particularly Maya and Grayson, add depth and levity, with Grayson’s “frowning like a toddler denied a second cookie” (Borison, 2025, p. 189) injecting humor into tense moments. Borison’s ability to create a vibrant found family, as noted by reviewers who praise the characters as feeling “like family” (Joyce, as cited in Borison, 2025, back cover), enhances the novel’s emotional resonance.
The Sleepless in Seattle-inspired premise is executed with finesse, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities. The radio show setting, with its “banter that crackles like static through the airwaves” (Borison, 2025, p. 78), serves as a dynamic backdrop that amplifies the romantic tension. Borison’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, as evidenced by passages like “You’re the magic, Lucie” (Borison, 2025, p. 320), which encapsulate the novel’s hopeful tone. The novel’s pacing, while occasionally slow, allows for a deep exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys, making their eventual union feel earned. The inclusion of diverse relationships, such as Grayson and Teo’s marriage, underscores the novel’s theme that “love comes in different shades and shapes” (Borison, 2025, p. 380), broadening its appeal.
Despite its many strengths, First-Time Caller is not without flaws. One notable weakness is the novel’s length, which, at 441 pages, feels protracted in places. Some scenes, particularly those involving Lucie’s string of unsuccessful dates, linger longer than necessary, diluting the narrative momentum. For example, the prolonged description of a particularly disastrous date with a man named Elliott feels repetitive, as Lucie’s frustration is already well-established. This pacing issue, as noted by a reviewer, makes the book “longer than it needed to be” (That Artsy Reader Girl, 2025). A tighter focus on the central romance could have enhanced the narrative’s impact.
Another critique lies in the limited on-air banter between Aiden and Lucie. Given the novel’s premise, which hinges on their radio show chemistry, the lack of extended scenes showcasing their live interactions is a missed opportunity. As one reviewer observes, “Don’t tell me they are amazing together, show me” (EBookObsessed, 2025). While Borison describes their chemistry as “crackling like static through the airwaves” (Borison, 2025, p. 78), more dialogue-heavy radio segments could have amplified the novel’s charm and reinforced the public’s investment in their romance.
Aiden’s prolonged resistance to his feelings for Lucie, rooted in his fear that “I don’t want to love someone who won’t be there” (Borison, 2025, p. 150), occasionally feels overwrought. His reluctance, while understandable, sometimes stalls the romantic progression, leading to moments where the narrative feels unnecessarily drawn out. For instance, his internal monologue during a scene where he rejects a potential suitor for Lucie, saying “I don’t like it either” (Borison, 2025, p. 245), underscores his feelings but repeats an already established conflict. This repetition can frustrate readers eager for the romance to advance.
Finally, while the novel’s steamy scenes are well-written, they may be too explicit for some readers, particularly those who prefer lighter romantic content. A reviewer notes the desire for “a heads-up on which chapters to skip” for those avoiding spicier moments (That Happy Reader, 2025). While these scenes, such as one where Aiden and Lucie’s tension culminates in “sparks that fly behind the scenes” (Borison, 2025, p. 360), are integral to the slow-burn romance, their intensity might alienate readers seeking a more subdued narrative.
Why Indian Youth Readers Must Read This Book
For Indian youth readers, First-Time Caller holds particular resonance in a cultural context where romantic relationships are often shaped by societal expectations, familial pressures, and the complexities of modern dating. The novel’s exploration of Lucie’s journey as a single mother navigating love mirrors the experiences of many young Indians who balance personal aspirations with familial responsibilities. Lucie’s declaration, “I’m tired of trying and just want to be” (Borison, 2025, p. 112), speaks to the exhaustion of conforming to societal ideals of romance, a sentiment that resonates in a society where arranged marriages and dating apps coexist. Aiden’s cynicism, rooted in his fear of loss, reflects the apprehensions of a generation grappling with the impermanence of relationships in a fast-paced, digital world.
The novel’s emphasis on found family, exemplified by Lucie’s bond with Grayson and Teo, offers a powerful counterpoint to traditional notions of family prevalent in India. This portrayal can inspire young readers to embrace diverse forms of love and support, challenging rigid cultural norms. Maya’s initiative to find love for her mother, as seen in her plea, “My mom deserves someone who will make her smile every day” (Borison, 2025, p. 25), underscores the importance of agency and hope, encouraging Indian youth to advocate for their own happiness and that of their loved ones.
Moreover, the novel’s humor and banter, such as Lucie’s quip about Aiden’s “grumpy cat audition” (Borison, 2025, p. 85), provide a refreshing escape from the pressures of academic and professional life that many Indian youth face. Its nostalgic nod to Sleepless in Seattle taps into a universal longing for connection, making it relatable across cultural boundaries. The slow-burn romance, culminating in Aiden’s tender acknowledgment that “You’re the magic, Lucie” (Borison, 2025, p. 320), offers an aspirational vision of love that is both passionate and grounded, appealing to young readers navigating the complexities of modern relationships.
In a cultural landscape where romance is often idealized or stigmatized, First-Time Caller encourages Indian youth to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their pursuit of love. Its message that “it’s a truly courageous thing to both be loved and give love in return” (Borison, 2025, p. 400) serves as a rallying cry for a generation seeking to balance tradition with personal fulfillment. By reading this novel, Indian youth can find inspiration in its celebration of love’s transformative power, making it an essential read for those seeking stories that resonate with their own hopes and fears.
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison is a radiant addition to the contemporary romance genre, blending humor, heart, and nostalgia into a narrative that captivates from the first page. Its strengths—vivid character development, sparkling dialogue, and a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities—far outweigh its weaknesses, such as occasional pacing issues and limited on-air banter. Borison’s ability to craft a story that feels both like a cozy rom-com and a profound meditation on vulnerability, as encapsulated by the line “it’s a truly courageous thing to both be loved and give love in return” (Borison, 2025, p. 400), makes it a standout read. The novel’s vibrant cast, from Maya’s endearing scheming to Grayson’s comedic antics, creates a world that feels lived-in and authentic, inviting readers to invest in its characters’ journeys.
This book is highly recommended for readers who cherish romantic comedies that balance emotional depth with lighthearted charm. Its universal themes of hope, resilience, and the courage to love make it accessible to a wide audience, while its modern take on a classic premise ensures it feels fresh and relevant. For those who have ever questioned their worthiness of love or feared its risks, First-Time Caller offers a comforting reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth pursuing.