Kisses, Lies, & Us

And Us #1

by Willa Drew

A wannabe film student walks into a bar with a fake ID and orders a drink…yes, sometimes my life does feel like a joke.

Take tonight. Abandoned by my dad at a swanky resort, I search for a little fun of my own. Trying an Old Fashioned at the hotel bar might be what I need to reset my lonely night in LA.

Cue Sarah, a beautiful bartender who tells it like it is. She’s a struggling screenwriter, and I’m about to typecast myself as the hero in her story.

Only this once I decide to actually be myself—except for that whole fake ID part. She must like me for me because next thing I know, she invites me to a party.

We laugh. We talk. We kiss.

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Slow Burn, Christmas, Novella

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2023

About the author

Two authors. Two countries. One obsession with love stories.

Willa Drew’s contemporary slow-burn romances are full of feels, playful banter, and high-stakes emotions. Their globetrotting characters fight for love as they discover who they are and where they belong.

Willa, a proud Canadian and devoted Leafs hockey fan, and Drew, a Russian-American with a lifelong love of languages, always search for the perfect words to capture heartbreak and connection.

Their books guarantee swoon-worthy kisses and happily ever afters.

Hang out with us on all the socials @willadrewauthor or get sign up for our newsletter at www.willadrew.com and get updates sent right to you.

Reviews

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'No se puede vencer el hogar dulce hogar. Y yo he encontrado mi hogar. Sara es su nombre.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




🎄Kisses, Lies, & Us de Willa Drew Seríe Falling for The Liar libro 1✨

Argumento:

🎀Un aspirante a estudiante de cine entra en un bar con una identificación falsa y pide un trago... sí, a veces mi vida parece una broma.

Toma esta noche. Abandonado por mi padre en un elegante centro turístico en Nochebuena, busco un poco de alegría navideña propia. Probar un Old Fashioned en el bar del hotel podría ser lo que necesito para reiniciar mi noche solitaria en Los Ángeles.

Cue Sarah, una hermosa camarera que dice las cosas como son. Ella es una guionista en apuros, y estoy a punto de encasillarme como el héroe de su historia.

Solo esta vez decido ser yo mismo, excepto por toda esa parte de la identificación falsa. Le debo gustar porque lo siguiente que sé es que me invita a una fiesta.

Reimos. Hablamos. Nos besamos.

Sarah puede ser la única persona que ve mi verdadero yo... pero eso no significa que sepa toda la verdad sobre de quién se está enamorando.

Si te gusta la identidad secreta, las películas, las almas gemelas, las amistades entre amantes y la persona adecuada en el momento equivocado, el nuevo romance para adultos, Besos, mentiras y nosotros, el primer libro de la serie Falling for the Liar es para ti. Cada una de las cinco historias de la serie gira en torno a una gran fiesta durante un año en la vida de Sarah y Nick y ofrece una montaña rusa de emociones y aventuras.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️WOW! Este fue una pequeña historia acompañada con toda una banda sonora navideña!

El romance fue lindo y ligero. Hay atracción instantánea, con momentos dulces y quemadura lenta. Me encantó el meet cute y por supuesto que el protagonista se pareciera a Shawn Mendes♥️ Por eso el nombre falso del ID, no?

Sarah era increíble, un personaje interesante con mucha fuerza y sueños por cumplir el LA. Espero que logre escribir con éxito su guión luego de hablar con Nick.

Nick vive una vida muy falsa y nada feliz. Él no muestra su verdadero yo. Vive con su padre que me pareció un imbécil y su madre débil por estar con alguien con ese temperamento. Es un chico que quiere liberarse de su familia. Hay problemas ahí pero no dice cuáles son, quizás en el próximo libro se desarrolle la historia personal de Nick.

Me gustó que con Sarah él fuera su yo real. Tenían mucho en común y la química era palpable, sentí que cuando se encontraron hicieron un click espectacular!

Ese final fue fatal para mí corazón, me encantó pero me deja con ganas de seguir esta historia. Apoyando a Nick y Sarah para que vuelvan a encontrarse! Qué hará Sarah cuando se entere que le mintió?

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review  - Kisses, Lies, & Us
Author: Willa Drew

What an excellent introduction to Nick and Sarah!  A chance encounter at a resort bar during the holidays leads to a steamy kiss!   There is great chemistry between them, and the conversation flows easily.  There is one big issue, though; Nick isn't being honest about who he really is.  I'm curious about where this will go.  I look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Willa Drew, who gave me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a single love story told in a serial style over several novellas set on holidays throughout one year. This book involves the meeting of Nick and Sarah in the LA resort bar that she works at. It’s a cute story and left me definitely wanting to see how they connect next. They didn’t have much time together, but their chemistry was obvious. It’s a quick read. There is no intimacy, but there is clear innuendo and a fairly frequent amount of significant harsh language.

[Liz | lizzuplans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again a book with some fab character building. The scene was set in book 1 and here in book 2 we pick things up about two months later. I am for sure getting invested in the story and romance, and the various near-misses have me leaving wanting more.

I still do make myself read, but hopefully that will be over in the next book!

I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute start to the series! For someone who normally isn’t a fan of cliffhangers or novellas it really surprised me that I liked it as much as I did - great job!

[Ashley Whalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was way too short for me lol! I absolutely loved it but it definitely left me wanting the next one! Well played!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abandoned by his dad on Christmas Eve, Nick ends up in a bar using his fake ID to get a drink. He meets Sarah, the bartender, who he immediately connects with. Because of his fake ID…she thinks he’s older, and that his name is Shawn. They have a lot in common, and she seems to like him, inviting him to a party. He feels like she sees the real him, but is it really HIM that she likes?

As with all Willa Drew stories, the achingly perfect slow-burn is gorgeous. Even in a short novella!

Btw, I’ve discovered this year that I love Novellas! And this one has all the beginnings to a fantastic series!!!

This is Book 1 in the “Falling for the Liar” series, and it does not disappoint. My only issue is that I’m impatient and wanna read the rest right now!

I love the two main characters, Sarah and Nick/Shawn, and so can’t wait to see what happens with them next! There’s so much I wanna say but I don’t want to give anything away!!!!

Follow Willa Drew and sign up for their newsletter at willadrew.com 💕

[ChaoticKT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kisses, Lies, & Us kicks off Willa Drew’s Falling for the Liar Series. Book 1 is short but sweet, with a smidgen of sexy and just enough sizzle to keep readers wanting more. Highly recommend this for a quick, satisfying start to a clear and obvious soulmates series!

The story feels as young as the characters and their instant chemistry is just as fast at this read is, allowing readers to fall in love with their quick romance as swiftly as they fall for one another. They have a head-over-heels, knock you on your ass kind of chemistry.

Willa Drew leaves the characters at the climax of their night, desperate for more—and her readers are right there with them. She’s set the scene for far more in the next installment. This is just the sizzle before the spark really ignites. Can’t wait to dig in to part 2!

[Nuzka Dya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, frankly, After reading We Blend, I wasn't interested in getting to know more about Nick and Sarah, I'm more into El and Will. But I feel like why not give it a try and get some new vibes? So, yeah I have no regret to read this one it just made me more curious since the ending was a cliffhanger 😭 just like another book from this author, She loves to make her readers in a big wondering!!
So what? I'm now in love with Nick and Sarah and am absolutely willing to dive more into their story!
Can't wait for the next book to release!

[Samantha Pfeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of five in a series, and it did not disappoint! It felt like a slow burn romance movie that was playing in my head. I didn’t want it to end! Everything was detailed so well, and I adored the chemistry between Shawn/Nicky and Sarah.

It’s a quick, easy read that truly leaves you wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series so I can find out what happens next! I was a little upset that the build up didn’t lead to more (albeit it was an amazing kiss), but I honestly am happy with the way the storyline unfolded. Highly recommend checking this series out!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to Know Each Other . . .

Nick (“Shawn”) and Sarah have wonderful chemistry between them in this slow burn story. Nick, a newly-minted 19-year-old, is dumped by his dad on Christmas Eve at a resort until he finishes his meeting. Nick heads for the bar with a fake ID that shows his name as Shawn and meets bartender Sarah. The two get along well, but when will he tell her his real identity because things seem to be heating up fast between them?

[Olga Ayon · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow to combustion ❤️‍🔥

The build up to the ending is everything. The reader believes they know what to expect from this story but knowing where you are going, is not the same as how you got there.

I loved the buildup to the end and the way the characters fall into each other. It may be just a moment in time but this moment is one of those that leaves a mark in the soul.

Beautifully written.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick uses a fake ID to get into the resort bar while he father is in a meeting. He meets Sarah as she bartends and the sparks fly. Both are involved in the film industry so chatting is easy. He has to leave when he father finishes but will they see each other again? Will his lies about his name and age matter? Very intriguing and can not wait to see where this storyline goes from here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She moves it quickly and smoothly and leaves you with wanting more. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was really well done, it had a great concept and does a great job in the romance genre. I'm glad I was able to read this and enjoyed what Willa Drew wrote. It was a nice change to read a good romance book. It was a great start to the Falling for the Liar series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella depicts the first meeting between Nick and Sarah when they are 19. The blurb pretty much tells the story. There is a lot of interaction and banter. But the story ends quickly and I guess we need the next book to see if they meet again and have a future.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kisses, Lies, and Us
Book 1 of Falling for the Liar
Willa Drew

Soft ending. Nick/Shawn and Sarah, are well written and nicely developed. I cannot wait for book two to see what other adventures they get up to. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thea Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun start to a good series! This Christmas-time story was a little short for a novella for my taste, but it had me hooked and ready to read book 2 as soon as I was finished.

Will Drew spend their time (their, because Willa Drew is two authors penning these together) weaving beautiful thoughts from both Nick and Sarah to make you feel compelled to keep reading about their connection.

[A. Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear I played the entire book as a movie in my head. The clarity in the writing is perfection! I’m so excited to see how the character relationships develop! I can already sense all the drama we need from not divulging your actual age to falling for someone you don’t know! I’m hooked!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissed, Lies, and Us by Willa Drew is a good, and enjoyable slow burn friends to lovers holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and setting. The characters are likable and realistic. It ends in a to be continued, leading in to the next. So far so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Willa Drew]

Available here

Watch the book trailer for this right person/wrong time, holiday romance here

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and complex characters to follow along on this journey. There are a few twists and turns in this story that add to the anticipation of what's going to happen. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nick and Sarah! What a lovely holiday tale, I loved their chemistry so much! I am curious about the next books and what will happen. The ending has me hooked big time. Willa Drew is amazing and writes amazing books that leave you wanted more. I recommend this series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and interesting start to a new story! The scene building was lovely and the characters seem to have some secrets I look forward to learning in future books.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute beginning to Nick and Sarah’s story with great chemistry and fantastic writing from Willa Drew as expected!

[Blanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you this is quick slice of just wholesomeness and cuteness. Definitely a good palette cleanser

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'No se puede vencer el hogar dulce hogar. Y yo he encontrado mi hogar. Sara es su nombre.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




🎄Kisses, Lies, & Us de Willa Drew Seríe Falling for The Liar libro 1✨

Argumento:

🎀Un aspirante a estudiante de cine entra en un bar con una identificación falsa y pide un trago... sí, a veces mi vida parece una broma.

Toma esta noche. Abandonado por mi padre en un elegante centro turístico en Nochebuena, busco un poco de alegría navideña propia. Probar un Old Fashioned en el bar del hotel podría ser lo que necesito para reiniciar mi noche solitaria en Los Ángeles.

Cue Sarah, una hermosa camarera que dice las cosas como son. Ella es una guionista en apuros, y estoy a punto de encasillarme como el héroe de su historia.

Solo esta vez decido ser yo mismo, excepto por toda esa parte de la identificación falsa. Le debo gustar porque lo siguiente que sé es que me invita a una fiesta.

Reímos. Hablamos. Nos besamos.

Sarah puede ser la única persona que ve mi verdadero yo... pero eso no significa que sepa toda la verdad sobre de quién se está enamorando.

Si te gusta la identidad secreta, las películas, las almas gemelas, las amistades entre amantes y la persona adecuada en el momento equivocado, el nuevo romance para adultos, Besos, mentiras y nosotros, el primer libro de la serie Falling for the Liar es para ti. Cada una de las cinco historias de la serie gira en torno a una gran fiesta durante un año en la vida de Sarah y Nick y ofrece una montaña rusa de emociones y aventuras.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️WOW! Este fue una pequeña historia acompañada con toda una banda sonora navideña!

El romance fue lindo y ligero. Hay atracción instantánea, con momentos dulces y quemadura lenta. Me encantó el meet cute y por supuesto que el protagonista se pareciera a Shawn Mendes♥️ Por eso el nombre falso del ID, no?

Sarah era increíble, un personaje interesante con mucha fuerza y sueños por cumplir el LA. Espero que logre escribir con éxito su guion luego de hablar con Nick.

Nick vive una vida muy falsa y nada feliz. Él no muestra su verdadero yo. Vive con su padre que me pareció un imbécil y su madre débil por estar con alguien con ese temperamento. Es un chico que quiere liberarse de su familia. Hay problemas ahí pero no dice cuáles son, quizás en el próximo libro se desarrolle la historia personal de Nick.

Me gustó que con Sarah él fuera su yo real. Tenían mucho en común y la química era palpable, sentí que cuando se encontraron hicieron un click espectacular!

Ese final fue fatal para mí corazón, me encantó pero me deja con ganas de seguir esta historia. Apoyando a Nick y Sarah para que vuelvan a encontrarse! Qué hará Sarah cuando se entere que le mintió?

[Maisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest, I didn't like the book when I first started reading. Within the first couple of pages, this book reminded me why I rarely read books from a male perspective. Anyway, I decided to give it a fair chance because I was bored and already here. Boy was I surprised at how pretentious Nick and Sarah came across. I'm all for people having their little quirks, but these two are something else.

And Sarah was out here falling for the bare minimum. I'm not saying Nick is a bad person or anything. He acted exactly how a guy would act when first meeting someone they're interested in. Sarah just reminded me of those women who would praise a guy for apologizing to her because she's been treated like trash all the time. This was a nice little read. Nick annoyed me a lot but that's just because I decided I didn't like him when I realized he was lying. Sarah annoyed me too but that was because I could barely find her tolerable.

From the start, I was already annoyed. Teenage boys (honestly can't remember if he was actually 19) annoy me so bad. This is coming from a 19-year-old. When Sarah decided he wasn't all that bad, all I could think was we're still accepting the bare minimum nowadays. It was funny to me. I'm thankful for this book because it kept me company while I couldn't sleep. Nick made me laugh because he was so pretentious. Sarah too. They reminded me of those art kids we would make fun of. We were art kids ourselves so that is saying a lot. The progression was fine but I can't help feeling unsatisfied. Maybe it's because I'm unaccustomed to reading such short books. I enjoyed it though.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my! Well, Nick started off digging himself into a bit of a whole here. Who would have thought simply using a fake ID was going to cause so much trouble? He just wanted to kick back and enjoy a drink while waiting for his dad to finish his stupid meeting. Never anticipated he would meet such a knockout, or that he would want to change his M.O. 180' and actually be honest with a girl! (Gee, novel idea genious!)

Now said knockout thinks his name is Shawn, not Nick, and he's not sure how to break it to her. Add to it that he would rather spend his last night in town with her rather than flying with his parents, and Nick is in a jam.

Sarah enjoys the excitement she sees in Nick. She remembers feeling the same all to well. L.A. and the constant rejection has a way if sucking that optimism right out of you. She can't make herself kill that look of wonder and awe. He will learn on his own soon enough.

Will they get to spend any time alone away from others before Nick's buligerant father buts his nose in? Will they find a way to reconnect in the future? You got to read this story. Pick your copy up today. Don't miss the ride! Happy Reading 📚