Book Title: First-Time Caller
Author: B.K. Borison
Publisher: McMillan
Number of Pages: 449
ISBN: 1420526170
Date Published: Jun. 25, 2025
Book Review
B.K. Borison’s “First-Time Caller” centers on Aiden Valentine, a cynical late-night radio host in Baltimore whose romance show, Heartstrings, is rapidly losing listeners. His quiet routine flips upside down when twelve-year-old Maya calls the station to fix up her mother, Lucie Stone, a single mom and auto mechanic. Their chaotic live conversation quickly goes viral, prompting station management to bring Lucie on air to date local callers. Naturally, real sparks fly between the grumpy host and his reluctant co-host instead.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its warm, witty dialogue and authentic emotional depth. Borison writes interactions that feel genuinely human, capturing the messiness of adult loneliness and the fear of opening one’s heart again. Lucie is a deeply refreshing lead—pragmatic, funny, and grounded by her mechanic career and her sweet bond with her daughter. The supporting cast, from quirky station staff to protective auto shop coworkers, adds plenty of humor and life to the Baltimore setting.
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However, the book is not without its minor flaws. The plot relies heavily on well-worn romance tropes, making the broader story arc quite predictable from early on. The central conflict feels somewhat artificially stretched when Aiden repeatedly hides his obvious feelings and pushes Lucie toward other men on air, despite their undeniable chemistry. While this miscommunication fuels the drama, it occasionally slows down the pacing in the middle chapters.
Overall, “First-Time Caller” is a cozy, lighthearted story that balances humor with genuine heart. While it does not break entirely new ground in the romantic comedy genre, its charming characters and natural voice make it a fast, enjoyable read.
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