Josie Burns is snarky, sober, and stuck. Resentfully taking a restaurant job to keep a roof over her head, the fresh-out-of-rehab graphic designer can't stop longing for the family life she lost when her brother died. But her search for stability stumbles after a tattooed sous chef turns out to be just her flavor of bad boy. Gabe Soto hungers for a chance to pave his own way. But working under the radar gets complicated fast when the gorgeous new hostess gives him the cold shoulder and sets off sparks that are anything but professional. And every taste of her spicy attitude has him wondering if he should get out of the kitchen… or turn up the heat. Struggling to keep a lid on her emotions, Josie brims with remorse when her hasty actions lead to disaster for the talented rebel. And though sharing tender secrets makes him yearn for more, Gabe worries he’s misinterpreted their growing bond. Can they help each other discover the perfect fusion of peace and passion? Straight Up, No Chaser is the sizzling fifth standalone book in the Mouthwatering contemporary romance series. If you like steamy slow burns, quick-witted banter, and generous splashes of comedy, then you’ll adore Thea Lambert’s scrumptious story.