You've Been Served

May 1, 2023
In Alicia’s witty debut, frustrated California chef Simone Alexander turns to a Magic 8 Ball for guidance, leading her to leave the kitchen and head to a three-year law program in Michigan. She feels decidedly unprepared for both the Midwestern winters and the cutthroat world of law school, but who is she to ignore her destiny? On move-in day, Simone’s best friend, River, secretly asks Simone’s handsome new neighbor, Silas Whitman, to make Simone feel welcome, leading to a fast friendship outside of the classroom. In class, however, it’s a different story, with Silas sucking up to the strict professor who has it out for Simone. It’s rough going, but Simone’s relationship with Silas sees her through—even after she rejects his romantic overtures in favor of focusing on school. When Silas moves on, however, Simone worries that she made the wrong choice between love and education. Simone’s journey of self-discovery is given equal weight as the cute romantic story line, and readers will cheer her on as she comes into her own. This should win Alicia plenty of fans. Agent: Stacey Graham, 3 Seas Literary.

Starred review from April 28, 2023

DEBUT Simone has sacrificed a lot to succeed as a chef, but she abruptly exits the profession when her career does not unfold as she had hoped. Asking the universe for guidance brings Simone's nearly forgotten fallback plan, attending law school, back into play. Despite her haphazard decision-making process, Simone is committed to her new path. She knows that leaving the Bay Area for Michigan will bring changes, but Simone finds adjusting to her new life as a student far more demanding than she had anticipated. Silas, her neighbor and classmate, makes everything look easy--charming others, excelling at schoolwork, and occupying Simone's thoughts far too often. It's this last detail that Simone finds most difficult to deal with, as she struggles under the course load and unwritten expectations of law school. As she gets to know Silas, Simone realizes that there is far more to him than his good looks and magnetic personality, and her first year of law school includes a lot of lessons, many of which have nothing to do with the law. Fans of marshmallow heroes, cowboys, and slow-burn romances will enjoy this debut. VERDICT This swoonworthy romantic comedy is highly recommended for all collections.--Nicole Williams

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.