5 Gutted Reasons to Read First Time Caller BK Borison

Okay, let’s get one thing straight. I’m a reader, not a listener. I tried the whole audiobook thing, and let me tell you, hearing a steamy scene narrated out loud while I’m trying to do dishes? My heart just about stopped.

It’s one thing to have your imagination run wild when you’re curled up with a book, but hearing that in my kitchen was a full-body cringe I couldn’t escape. That’s why I need a book like First Time Caller by BK Borison—a story so witty, heartfelt, and deliciously steamy that it pulls you in completely, and you don’t have to hear it from some stranger’s mouth. This is the kind of romance that makes you forget everything else exists.

Heartfelt & Steamy: First Time Caller by BK Borison and More

BK Borison has this insane ability to craft stories that feel like a warm hug and a shot of whiskey all at once. First Time Caller is the perfect entry point into her world—a place where the radio banter is as sharp as the chemistry is electric, all wrapped up in that irresistible Baltimore charm. It’s pure magic.

First Time Caller

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 3.94–4.10 (171k+) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

The radio banter in this book had me grinning at the pages like an idiot, totally caught off guard. The way Aiden and Lucie connect over the airwaves is so intimate and charged, you can feel the sparks flying through the pages. It’s that whiplash between the flirty fun and the sudden, soul-baring vulnerability that leaves you feeling completely gutted—and then desperate for more.

At its heart, this is a Baltimore romance about a charming local radio host who’s fallen out of love with love and the single mother mechanic whose daughter calls into his romance hotline asking for dating advice for her mom.

When their conversations go viral, Lucie is invited to co-host Heartstrings to find love on air. As they work together, their connection deepens, but the secrets they’re both keeping threaten to tear everything apart before it can even truly begin.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves witty dialogue that crackles with chemistry and a heartfelt connection that feels earned. If you’re looking for one of the best grumpy sunshine romance books that is equal parts sweet, steamy, and emotionally satisfying, you’ve found it.

Business Casual

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 4.4 (25k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 2 of 4

I’m not kidding, the tension in this book is physically uncomfortable. The slow-burn in Business Casual is absolutely exquisite, a masterclass in building anticipation until you are practically begging for them to just kiss already. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic is pure, addictive torture.

This workplace romance throws two complete opposites together and forces them to cooperate, leading to some of the best banter you will ever read. Every interaction is layered with unspoken feelings and simmering attraction, all set against the backdrop of the Lovelight Farms universe that fans know and adore.

If you’re already a fan of Borison’s interconnected world, this is a no-brainer. It delivers that signature blend of witty characters and deep emotional currents that makes her books so unforgettable. It’s the perfect follow-up to get your next fix.

💬 Reader Quote: “OMG the radio banter had me blushing from page one, but that slow-burn tension killed me—worth every sleepless night!”

Cozy & Emotional: Small-Town Romance Gems

There’s something uniquely comforting about small-town romances. It’s the sense of community, the cozy settings, and the feeling that you know every single person in the story. These books wrap you in a blanket of heartfelt emotion and don’t let go.

Iris

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 4.3 (18k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

This book is a gut-punch of pure emotion. It’s a tender, achingly beautiful friends-to-lovers story that will tug on every single one of your heartstrings. The emotional vulnerability here is so raw and real, it feels like you’re right there with them.

Iris follows two lifelong best friends who have spent years dancing around the true depth of their feelings for one another. Set in a charming small town, they are finally forced to confront what’s between them, navigating the terrifying and beautiful transition from friends to something much, much more.

For readers who live for emotional depth and cozy, atmospheric settings, this book is a masterpiece. It’s a quieter, more character-driven romance that proves you don’t always need high drama to create an unforgettable love story.

Done and Dusted

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.1 (45k) | 🌶️ 4/5 | 📚 Book 1 of 3

Hold on to your cowboy hats, because this one is a wild ride. Done and Dusted is a spicy, angsty romance that grabs you from the first chapter and refuses to let you go. The chemistry is feral, the angst is thick, and the payoff is worth every second of the emotional turmoil.

This story drops you into the world of a rugged small-town cowboy who is battling his own demons when love walks back into his life. It’s a story of second chances, personal struggles, and a love so powerful it can heal the deepest wounds.

If you’re craving a small-town romance with a serious kick, this is it. It’s perfect for fans who aren’t afraid of a little angst and want their love stories served up extra spicy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

For more authors who master this kind of intense storytelling, Explore the best dark romance authors on our site.

Flirty & Tropical: Books with Sleepless in Seattle Vibes

Sometimes you need a romance that feels like an escape. These are the books that transport you somewhere else, blending that flirty, heartfelt connection of a classic rom-com with settings that are just as swoon-worthy as the love interests.

The Paradise Problem

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.2 (35k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Standalone

This book is pure, sizzling fun. It’s a tropical fake-dating romance that absolutely sizzles with chemistry from start to finish. The banter is top-tier, the setting is gorgeous, and the forced proximity will have you fanning yourself.

The Paradise Problem follows two strangers who agree to pretend to be a couple for a tropical wedding, each with their own personal reasons for the charade. But as they navigate the white sand beaches and meddling family members, the line between fake and real begins to blur in the most delicious way.

This is the ideal read for anyone who loves a steamy, heartfelt romance that feels like a vacation. If you’re looking for a book with exotic settings, high-stakes emotional tension, and plenty of spice, pack your bags for this one.

If you’re on the hunt for more reads that bring the heat, check out our list of Spicy dark romance books to spice up your shelf.

Why We Love Grumpy Sunshine & Small-Town Tropes

There’s a reason we keep coming back to these tropes time and time again—they just work. They tap into something fundamental about human connection, creating stories that are both intensely relatable and wonderfully escapist. The dynamic tension is simply addictive.

• Grumpy Sunshine: This is the ultimate opposites-attract fantasy. The contrast between the broody, cynical grump and the bright, optimistic sunshine creates an undeniable magnetic pull. And that moment—that tiny crack in his armor when the grump starts to soften? It’s a gut-punch of validation that makes the whole thing worth it.
• Small-Town Romance: These settings feel like a character in themselves. The cozy, interconnected community provides a sense of belonging and safety, making the central love story feel even more grounded and intimate. You get invested not just in the couple, but in the entire town.
• Forced Proximity: There is no better way to heighten emotional and physical tension than by trapping two people together. Whether it’s sharing a small cabin, being stuck in an elevator, or working on the same project, this trope forces characters to confront their feelings head-on, and we are so here for it.

💡 Quick Recap:

• Grumpy Sunshine
• Small-Town Romance
• Forced Proximity

Spice & Safety: What You Need to Know

I’m all for diving headfirst into an emotional story, but it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into. Understanding a book’s spice level and potential triggers ensures you can protect your heart and have the best possible reading experience. Because let’s be real, you have to protect your own head space.

⚠️ Note on Triggers: “First Time Caller” centers on a single mother navigating public romance and a cynic-to-believer journey. While emotionally rich, the book doesn’t prominently feature grief or parental loss as central triggers. Readers should note the miscommunication trope and the vulnerability of shared public dating experiences.

FAQ

Is “First Time Caller” a spicy book?

Yes, it definitely is! The first time caller spice level is a solid 2/5. It features romantic scenes that are well-written and perfectly balanced with the book’s heartfelt emotional depth. The story and emotional connection come first, but the steam is absolutely there.

What is “First Time Caller” about?

It’s a contemporary Baltimore romance by BK Borison about a radio host named Aiden Valentine who hosts a romance hotline but has fallen out of love with love. When a young girl calls the station asking for dating advice for her single mother Lucie, the interview goes viral, and their lives change forever.

Is “First Time Caller” a standalone book?

No, First Time Caller is Book 1 in the Heartstrings series. However, you can absolutely read it as a standalone and have a complete, satisfying experience, as it features its own self-contained romance arc between Aiden and Lucie. Most readers enjoy it on its own just fine!

What are the book tropes in First Time Caller?

The main First Time Caller book tropes are Grumpy Sunshine (he’s a cynic, she’s hopeful), Single Parent, and Forced Proximity (they become co-hosts). It also has strong workplace romance vibes and a heartfelt small-town feel, even though it’s set in Baltimore.

What is the BK Borison Heartstrings series order?

The BK Borison Heartstrings series order is chronological, following a new couple in each book. The series begins with First Time Caller (Aiden and Lucie), followed by Business Casual (Mateo and Evie). The interconnected world makes reading them in order extra satisfying!

The Final Word

At the end of the day, books like First Time Caller by BK Borison are why we read romance. They give us that perfect cocktail of wit, steam, and soul-deep connection that leaves a permanent mark on our hearts. They remind us that even in the quietest small towns, the most epic love stories can unfold. So go ahead, pick one up and get lost in the magic. You can find even more heartfelt romances to get obsessed with right here on BooksAlchemy.