Challenge Corner discussion

A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she's as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending... even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

To Ch 5: I'm loving the start of this. I'm enjoying both Aiden and Lucie's perspectives, including how they met and that initial conversation. (view spoiler)[I know if I had been listening to the radio that night, I would have been popping popcorn for that one hour emotional deep dive. I also love that Lucie is a mechanic, as a bit of a car girl myself, and that she has a 12-yo daughter. I can't wait to get further in this one tomorrow! (hide spoiler)]

To Ch 14: There are so many things to love about this! 💖 Like how Aiden (view spoiler)[clearly doesn't want to find Lucie guys to date, because he's so into her!! And I loved the background story of how Lucie got her job at the shop, and how close she is with the men that work there. Lucie just picked her first date, a guy named Everett, who I am guessing is the Classic Chevy truck guy. We'll see!! (hide spoiler)]

To Ch 19: OMG 💖 (view spoiler)[the pining!!! I am swooning. Everything about their not date and the morning after...yessssss (hide spoiler)]

To Ch 28: (view spoiler)[Admittedly, I did find the tow truck set-up sexy as hell. Also, so cute he made her the fort in the living room to eat their pizza, but that sex scene went on too long 😝🤣 (hide spoiler)]

Done! This was so cute! (view spoiler)[Some of the miscommunication bits towards the end weren't really for me, but the book would have been a lot shorter without them, so I understand why they were necessary. Overall, I feel like this was just super cute. I loved all the different kinds of relationships and types of love displayed throughout ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

I will also try to read it !

Isabel wrote: "I will also try to read it !"

It's so cute, Isabel!

I didn't actually have it pre-ordered like I thought so I'm waiting on a library copy that should be any day now.

i'm reading this in March !! <33

Same!

Hopefully starting this next weekend

Will be starting this next week

I’m starting tomorrow

Finally started this one

Chapters 1-8 (view spoiler)[ I’m not sure how I feel about this yet. I want more background between Lucie and Grayson. I mean I know they have know each other since they were little and they have a kid together, but that’s about it. Seems a little strange their relationship and I don’t feel like it was explained yet. Now Aiden, I’m not sure what his deal is yet either. I get that his mom had cancer, but he still seems to be a certain way and I don’t know the reason why. The characters aren’t as fleshed out as I need them to be by this point in the book; however, the story so far is interesting and I liked how Lucie has been helping people without her even knowing it by just talking on the radio. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 9-16 (view spoiler)[This is cute, but I still want more from it. Like now we know that she never loved Greyson and her parents kicked her out for getting pregnant, but I still don’t understand why they were together in the first place. Sad that her dates are getting so bad. But it’s clear that Aiden really likes her and cares about her. Hopefully they get it together and realize they should just be together. Overall, it’s cute but not amazing so far. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 17-24 (view spoiler)[Im really liking their banter. I still have no idea what’s wrong with Aiden that he can’t be what she needs and that they just need to “have fun.” Seriously his backstory doesn’t make sense with that. But other than that this is cute. I’m wondering how he will tell her that she doesn’t need to do the show anymore. (hide spoiler)]

How is this one going?
I just noticed the thread and might join you before April ends.

Grace wrote: "How is this one going?
I just noticed the thread and might join you before April ends."

I finished last night and kind of have mixed feelings about it. It was cute though.

Finished (view spoiler)[Im so unsure about this one. It was too rushed at the end when we finally found out why Aiden didn’t think he was good enough. But telling Lucie he wasn’t good enough is still completely different than pushing her away because he doesn’t want feelings or to get hurt. I feel like it was way too late at that point and the whole trying to get her to go on a date with the car guy was stupid. The book was cute, but I just didn’t love the ending and didn’t feel like his reasoning and the quick turn around was convincing. (hide spoiler)]

I'm finally going to actually read this one in May.

I plan to maybe read this in May 🤞🏻

keeping this thread going

Grace wrote: "keeping this thread going"
Did you want to set a later date for us to read it? I realistically am not going to get to it in the next two weeks.

I am feeling the same, it keeps getting pushed with me.
Do you have a date in mind? or do you want us to talk when we're ready for it?

No date in mind but maybe set something mid June so we do eventually get to it?

I had randomly moved it to 17 June on my calendar (when I was trying to put it down).

Does that work?

Yes it does, I'll reset for then tomorrow.

great!! thanks Jess

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RESTARTING JUNE 17th, 2025

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Might start early with this one!

I wish this was duet narration...

Male narrator is fine so far, not exceptional
Female narrator I'm just figuring out

=> chp 3

I like the small bits at the end of the chapters
Seems those are duet

(view spoiler)[
Starting off strong.
Really intrigued to see how this will move forward.
And it seems conversation is a big part of the story so we will see how she will carry the book with heavy conversation, I'm here for that. (hide spoiler)]

I just realised I'm too immersed and forgot to post updates.
I'm up to chp 16

This is very cute and I caught myself smiling unsuspectingly a lot

=> chp 17

(view spoiler)[
I definitely see their connection and feel how unconventionally beautiful as characters they are.
Their chemistry is natural, and they are great together, but both need healing and I want to see that

I feel bad for Lucie's missed dates...
It's even sadder that these men know exactly what to say to get the woman but are not willing to make the effort in real life.

I love all the cozy vibes and the homey relationship they have, but I need a tiny bit info on why and how her and Grayson got together and got pregnant (hide spoiler)]

=> chp 24

(view spoiler)[
Like I understand him being wounded, but he believed in love once when he started the show and that was after his mom was hospitalised.
I remember him saying how he watched his dad break for love when he was 8 y.o. or smtg like that
I feel I am missing something? Like not understanding why he won't try to be serious (hide spoiler)]

Decided to jump in on this one this evening!

I'm getting a standard contemporary romance vibe right now (there's definitely a better way to describe it but here we are haha). Nothing crazy exceptional, but I am enjoying it. I think it's exactly what I needed.

Grace wrote: "=> chp 3
..."

(view spoiler)[I've really enjoyed the start of it so far. I'm getting these cute, wholesome vibes from it. I've been in a rut, and I think this type of book is what I need, an easy, not too heavy read.

I love that her daughter called for her. I was intrigued right from the start. I think it's an interesting premise. (hide spoiler)]

Grace wrote: "I just realised I'm too immersed and forgot to post updates.
I'm up to chp 16

This is very cute and I caught myself smiling unsuspectingly a lot"

Only at chapter 7, but I find I'm having the same reaction. It's flying by and I'm not even noticing.

Brittni wrote: "Decided to jump in on this one this evening!

I'm getting a standard contemporary romance vibe right now (there's definitely a better way to describe it but here we are haha). Nothing crazy except..."


I actually think it's exactly that, but I will add the unconventionally beautiful and warm

=> chp 27

(view spoiler)[
I don't know if it's me (I seem to be very picky with my books lately and bothered by the most minor of things) but

for a second there I disconnected.
I am tired of Aiden saying how he can't give her what she wants and how he has all these intense feelings but he just can't be with her and what she needs.
Like why?
Is it just that he's scared of commitment and being hurt by love later on?
It's obvious she made him believe in love again and that she is affecting all this positive and warm change in him, so why is he so reluctant?

The fact that I don't quite understand it and that it's still there at 80% is making me feel tired. (hide spoiler)]

Ashlyn wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

I completely agree

I’m starting this in a couple of days.

This is my next book.

End of chapter 3

It’s giving me Sleepless in Seattle vibes so far.

End of chapter 11 (view spoiler)[I am loving this. I bet he will end up taking her on a picnic and bring her fountain pop and daisies 🥰 (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ Ski-ball is the BEST date. I know it wasn’t an “official” date but this impromptu date was perfect. I took a freshman to my junior prom and we went to Chuck-E-Cheese and played ski-ball. He was just a friend but we had the best time. (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 21 (view spoiler)[ Now I’m getting aggravated at Aiden for telling her he’s not what she’s looking for. Ugh. I wanna smack him up side the head. (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ Her picking him up for a tow. I love it! I love that she has an unconventional job for a woman. It’s so badass. (hide spoiler)]