Last New Beginning

by Krystina Rivers

Bailey Kaczmarek has three her dog, her construction company, and her very large family. After she finds out that her fiancée never stopped dating, she resolves to be content with what she has rather than search for happiness in a relationship. It’s not like she has much free time anyway.

Skye Kohl is a high-powered commercial real estate broker who spends most of her waking hours negotiating some of the largest leases in the nicest buildings in Chicago. She’s so focused on topping the list of the most influential brokers in the city that she ignores her love life.

Bailey’s and Skye’s professional and personal lives collide as they join forces on a construction project and deal with their meddling mothers, who think they’re perfect for one another. But the more they clash, the hotter their simmering attraction burns.

Genres: Lesbian, Enemies To Lovers, Lesbian Romance, Audiobook, Romance, LGBT

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Krystina Rivers has been a lover of romance novels since she was probably too young to read them and developed an affinity for lesbian romance novels after she found her first lesbian romance on a shelf in a used bookstore in 2001. Despite a lifelong desire to write romances, she never had the time to write her own until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and she no longer had to commute to the office or travel regularly for work.
Krystina grew up in Florida but, after spending six years in the military, now calls Chicago home. She works in commercial real estate and lives with her wife and their two dogs and three cats. When not working or writing, Krystina can be found reading with a glass of wine in hand, doing yoga (occasionally with a glass of wine in hand), snuggling with her fur-babies, or trying to convince herself that it is not too cold to go for a jog outside.

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real estate people.

The storyline isn't new but I still found this novel pretty enjoyable purely because the main characters have good chemistry. This story revolves around commercial real estate agent, Skye, and the owner of a construction company, Bailey and how they navigate their feelings for each other and the ups and downs of their budding romance.

The story begins with Skye and Bailey meeting in a professional setting and not liking each other very much but they change their opinion after getting to know the other on a more personal level. They find themselves attracted to each other but there are obstacles to their budding romance as Skye prefers to keep her sexuality a secret in the workplace as she thinks lesbians would be discriminated against in the real estate world while Bailey has trust issues after having been hurt in a previous relationship.

I wish they could have trashed out their issues earlier but that's a small matter as the book is still generally pretty good to read. What makes this book enjoyable, as I mentioned, the chemistry between the characters. I like the interactions between Skye and Bailey even while they were still trying to figure out and were changing their minds about whether they want to be in a relationship and particularly enjoyed the intimacy between them. It's not just the sex but also the small intimate exchanges like a lingering touch or interwining hands.

I recommend this good read with a happy ending.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Kohl is a commercial real estate agent with a hard hitting reputation. Bailey Kaczmarek owns the construction company that Skye's biggest client will be using to complete an office build out. When Bailey meets Skye they immediately clash but they will need to find a way to work together or else they will both lose this client.
I was really impressed with Rivers' first book and this was a great follow up. The character development of the MCs as well as the friends and family around them is great. There is loads of chemistry right from the beginning. Skye's brash attitude and love of getting on Bailey's nerves is so much fun. Their mothers and grandmothers add a lot to the story and I loved them and all their meddling ways. Patsy is adorable too and now I want a pocket pittie for myself. The end was satisfying if a little bit predictable and I'd have loved to have a bit more of an epilogue as that last little bit felt a bit abrupt. This was a lot of fun to read though, these characters make the book great. I absolutely recommend picking it up along with Rivers' first book if you haven't read it already.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real estate, a construction company and romance - why not?
Bailey Kaczmarek is the big boss at City Beautiful Construction which was started by her grandfather. Skye Kohl is an opiniated hot shot commercial real estate broker with the sole focus of being the best in her field.
I was looking forward to the inevitable clash between the leads then it all fell apart. A bit too much unnecessary drama. Skye was hard to like - Bailey somewhat better. With all the little clashes I couldn't get invested in the story.
What I did like: the descriptions of food and family and the ultimate star - pocket pittie Patsy.
While this read missed the mark for me, I'm sure other readers will really like it.

I rec'd a copy from Bold Strokes Books/Netgalley. My review is completely unbiased and voluntary.

[Anna Avian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The constant back and forth at some point just became tiring and superficial. One might think that two grown businesswomen would be much more resolute and willing to find ways to make their relationship work. Or to own who they are without any shame or deceit for that matter.
The last drama between the two MC's was uncalled for and I was honestly annoyed with Skye and how quickly she caved in.
An okay book overall, but not one that I will still remember in a few weeks time.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed ‘Last New Beginning’ and I’m looking forward to future realises by Krystina Rivers. The storyline, even tho not relatively new and has been ‘done’ before has powerful strong and interesting characters. I love how the family have been introduced in the storyline, there’s always something so ‘warm’ to have the older generations with their words of wisdom brought into the story. Even though I did enjoy the story, there is a lot of ‘to-ing and fro-ing between the pair, and you just want to bang their heads together and tell them to crack on with it.
All in all, Last new beginning is worthy of a read.

3.7 out of 5

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Rivers’ debut Something Between Us I was pretty excited to read her second book. While I enjoyed the book, I can’t say it was as enjoyable as her debut.

A book set in the real estate world of Chicago, a comfortable and very familiar world for the author. Skye and Bailey both work in real estate, Skye as realtor/ broker and Bailey in design/ construction. When they meet they butt heads immediately. Bailey has lots of preconceived ideas about Skye that she can’t let go throughout the book, it was annoying to me. I liked the character, but this just wasn’t a charming trait. Skye seems a tiny bit of an ice queen, that picture actually changes pretty quickly and I find that I like her best.

I think it takes a bit tooling for the characters to be together, also there is talks about spending lots of time together but we don’t read about it. At the same time they also say they don’t have enough time together and it’s entirely confusing to me. It almost feels like a few chapters have been removed and it results in a story where I miss a bit of the right flow and rushed, especially after the dark moment after 80% and the quick I love yous after….

Overall it wasn’t bad, but it was just lacking in certain parts.

*ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Lesbereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute enemies to lovers romance with Skye being a bit more of the traditional ice queen and Bailey having been burned in the past causing most of her insecurities about relationships. I feel like I learned a good amount about the real estate industry at the same time which was interesting. 4.5 stars ⭐️

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[currentlyreadingbynat]

I really liked the first half of the novel, where Bailey and Skye are sussing each other out. Both have particular opinions on the other, but their chemistry jumps from the page and they finally give in to the pull towards each other. However, there is a 'push' element to this story too, where they are in a constant back and forth on what they mean to each other and where to next. In the last quarter of the novel, I did find myself exhausted by this push/pull aspect, and I had to take some time out from the novel for a few days. When I came back to it, I liked the conclusion but wasn't as invested in their relationship.

I really liked the characterisation within this novel, from the two main protagonists to the secondary characters. This novel was packed full of well-rounded characters who all added their own bits to the story.

Overall, a chemistry packed, angst-filled romance. Looking forward to seeing what's next for Krystina Rivers.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Kohl is a commercial real estate agent, Bailey Kaczmarek owns City Beautiful Construction. The two successful career women clash from their first meeting and it doesn't get much better as they begin working together on a project. Their clashes are nothing compared to the obvious attraction simmering beneath the surface that boils over the more time the two spend together.
I really enjoyed Krystina River's debut, Something Between Us and she continues to grow as an author with this book. She gives us two strong, relationship averse women, two sets of meddlesome families and sets it in the world of real estate, a world the author knows well. Skye and Bailey have excellent chemistry and witty banter, but their families are the stars of this story for me. I loved the way they interacted with each other and the main characters as they worked to get these two stubborn women.
Last New Beginning is a well written, fun second effort from up-and-coming author, Krystina Rivers and I look forward to what she brings us next.

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Kohl is a driven commercial real estate broker in Chicago. The daughter of immigrants she enjoys negotiating leases which affords her a luxury lifestyle. Bailey Kaczmarek owns a construction company. She is the third generation to run the company started by her grandfather. Both women are busy, with little time to date. Yet, both make time for family, especially their mothers and grandmothers. They keep running into each other at a building Bailey is renovating and which Skye can’t wait to be finished so she can close on new leases. Their first encounters with each other are prickly at best. But then when their mothers meddle and set them up together maybe they can give each other a chance.

I enjoyed this sophomore novel from Rivers as I did her first book. I liked the meddling family members, Chicago being the setting, and of course Patsy the Pitty. It doesn't fall into stereotypes of having Bailey be butch as she is in construction. I like their conversations and passion too. I didn’t think the conflict works well. I It seems like the author pushes in a conflict because it is expected. And Bailey especially comes off looking like a jerk. She gives conflicting answers three times to the same issue of can she delegate in her work to allow for more personal balance. I think an epilogue helps me believe in a HEA ending. Even with my few reservations I recommend this book and will be on the lookout for Rivers next novel.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had some genuinely amusing lines, “Bailey was surprised she was twenty-nine. Judging by her youthful face and level of self-absorption, she could’ve been much younger”.
It was perfectly paced and unlike many books of late, I couldn’t wait to get back to it when real life meant I had to put it down. When I read it, even when brushing my teeth, it is always a good sign!

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great enemies to lovers book. Bailey has owned her family's construction company for 5 years, after buying out her Uncle. Her company is currently working on renovating spec floors on a commercial property. She meets Skye the high powered commercial real estate broker who is trying to sell/lease these projects. When they meet they get along like oil and water. Then, they meet again and things are a bit better, until there not. They push each others buttons. Then, they meet again and... The contrast, yet similarities they have are to numerous to list. Do yourself a favor and read the book. You'll also fall in love with their families. I give it 5 stars!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers second book is an enemy to lovers delight. Skye is a no nonsense property broker who plays by rules of the boys club that dominates the business. And she rubs the construction company owner Bailey the wrong way. But there’s more to Skye than meets the eye. As their families start to meddle, Skye and Bailey realise that their attraction may be more than superficial lust. A good plot, great dialogue and steamy scenes make for a great read. The only negative I have is the lack of epilogue. 4.5 stars.
Free ACR via NetGalley

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Krystina’s second lesbian romance novel and while it is a completely stand-alone book, it builds upon the Chicago setting she first introduced to us in her debut novel, Something Between Us. Krystina really does a great job of bringing the rich mix of people and cultures of Chicago’s neighborhoods and people to life. I also really enjoy the little tie-ins with book one because – as many of us can attest – the lesbian world is extensive and yet small all at the same time! In Last New Beginning Krystina introduces us to a cocky but loveable real estate broker named Skye and Bailey, the owner of the general contractor company doing work on the building that Skye is working to get leased out. The spark between them is immediate but it’s fun to watch these embers slowly burn wondering how long each can last before they burst into flames. With the families’ heavy involvement in the MCs’ lives, this book has a bigger cast of characters than her debut novel, but still keeps the storyline moving. Don’t be the last one to pick up Last New Beginning!

[Agirlcandream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes an author does the enemies part of an enemies to lovers trope romance a bit too well. The early clashes between Bailey, the owner of a construction/design firm and Skye, a high flying commercial real estate broker make it clear these two women have a long way to go to becoming friends much less lovers.

Their ongoing clashes get in the way of an entertaining cast of secondary characters and each woman’s aspirations to be the best in their chosen career. Fear of coming out professionally and assumptions about mixing work with a relationship feel insurmountable for this couple.

A copy of this book was received from the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambitious, singleminded career women Bailey and Skye clash almost as soon as they meet, but they have to work together, so they try to put aside their differences. Little do they know that peeling away the tension may just uncover attraction, passion, and even some inconveniently tender feelings. 

Last New Beginning is a sharp, sexy romance that is indisputably modern in that it delves into complex issues that will likely resonate with many readers, including the fight for work/life balance and the struggle to live authentically as a queer person in a professional environment and as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Skye and Bailey are empathetic and realistic characters that embody these challenges perfectly. 

“We’re too different,” Skye complains at one point, when analyzing her relationship with Bailey, yet they are strikingly similar. Both are talented and successful, both devoted to their families, and both fearful of risking their hearts. The last similarity creates one of the biggest obstacles to their happiness, but is it too big for their sizzling chemistry and intense emotional bond to surmount? Watching these characters find out the answer to this question—with the help of nosey relatives and a lovably goofy dog—is entertaining and sigh-inducing from start to finish. 

Last New Beginning is as full of heart as it is heat, and its memorable characters and passionate romance will follow readers for days to come.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

Bailey es quizá uno de los personajes más desesperantes qué he leído...

Aquí hay un inicio demasiado lento y un final demasiado rápido, no hay equilibrio en ningún lado, la historia es sosa, en extremo larga, sin dramas y muy aburrida.

[Bookista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Kohl maintains a carefully crafted persona so that she can be successful in her realtor job. Till that is, she meets Bailey who annoys her but somehow is starting to whittle away at that hard exterior.

I really liked the narrative flow of the story, it starts out a little ice queen / enemies to lovers and then a little bit of past trauma seeps in to make things interesting. Skye doesn’t start out being an immensely likable character but by the end of it all, you’re right there rooting for her. I loved the family dynamics of the two MCs and the meddling story arc was both hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.

There’s a ton of 🔥🔥 chemistry between the two and even though the angst portion makes you want to shake one of them, the end was worth the wait. I did wish there was an epilogue because after all that angst and burn the end felt a little shortened. Nevertheless this was a fun and enjoyable afternoon read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad.

[Jeroberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next one!!!!!! Loved the characters and their chemistry. ❤️

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

title: Last New Beginning
Author: Krystina Rivers

Skye and Bailey had an instant connection That was driving them both nuts . Bailey and Skye got to know each other better when they had drinks to clear the air.

Yes, it was a nice read. Enemies to lovers type of story. I really enjoyed it. Bailey was hurt from her past relationship and was having a hard time trusting Skye in the beginning.

Bailey’s Gammy was super cute. Aka her favorite person in the whole world. Babulya was also the best. Patsy was the star of the book, if I have to say the one feel the book gave me was an easy, the book just flowed so naturally, and the storyline was gripping from the first sentence. I am thoroughly impressed with how beautifully the story flowed. Ellie was a good friend to Skye.


Skye and Bailey worked on a job together due to a mutual client Ellie. It was nice to see one of the characters from her first book in this story also. Very interesting.

This was a very well written story , I enjoyed the support characters they made the story come full circle. I love Hgtv and the story line was one I really loved. Watching a building or home be develop from scratch is very intriguing. There was a definite love for the city Chicago. This story was a pleasure surprise, and I have to say I thoroughly
enjoyed this book. This is the second book that I felt connected to from page 1.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me really conflicted :
At first, both MCs judge the book based on its cover, making the relationship start on bad assumptions and on an enemies to lovers basis. The initial interactions are quite thrilling, and the development of the relationship satisfying with chemistry. The charity event chapter was my favorite : the romantic side and the intimacy were just perfect.
The fact that both of their family was meddling brought some comic situations and levity that I liked a lot. Then the evolution of their relationship was steady and healthy without the denial I was expecting, and I was nicely surprised.
The last part of the book left a bad taste in my mouth. What annoys me is that the third act break up was in fact maybe a fourth. Pulling on the string too much made Bailey not likable to me at a point where I wasn’t even rooting for her and Skye to be a together anymore. I thought Skye could do better and I even had the impression that Skye was groveling for someone who didn’t deserve it and who didn’t really see her. Maybe the repetition about the reason why Bailey shouldn’t be with Skye, or even the reason itself (Skye is like her ex) was a bit too much for me. To summarize this book : the appetizers and main course were good but the dessert wasn’t for my taste and sadly the last taste is the one that lingers. 2.5⭐/5

[lezzread · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, this was an OK read for me. I enjoyed the cheeky and adorable family members, the banters, and the sexy moments. It was endearing how both MCs loved their families deeply – one of the best things in this novel. Both Skye and Bailey also held their own charm and were quite likable once the walls they built around themselves lowered… until they became too frustrating. :(

As with other reviews, I do think the drama was a bit too much at the end. Bailey obviously needs to work through her issues and it was crazy how she had it “easy” in the end. She just spewed a bunch of could-be-empty-promises as compared to what Skye was willing to do and was slowly making steps towards doing to make things right with Bailey and to better herself as an individual. Honestly, if the story wrapped up at 80% with HEA I’d have given it a higher rating. The last 20% was quite difficult to read.

Overall, an OK book but the drama could have been handled better in my opinion.

P.S. I just found out that Krystina Rivers is a new author. This was impressive for a 2nd book. She’s a promising writer and I’ll be reading her future releases.

Thank you @boldstrokesbooks for providing me with an ARC via @netgalley for an honest review.

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a pretty nice romance, that breaks some stereotypes like the fact that the owner of the construction company, Bailey, is quite femme instead of butch and the initially most aggressive one, Skye, is the apparently very feminine real estate broker.

And in addition to this, the two of them did not start their relationship well, since Skye's aggressiveness and apparent snobbery bothered Bailey from the first moment.

But neither of them was totally what they appear to be and it is the nuances that made them feel curious and although they reluctantly tried to take a step forward in a more personal relationship. Even if it was only to please their relatives, who on both sides had the same goal: to find their better half.

This approach has given rise to creating very romantic situations for the reader, although the two of them have done the impossible not to give it that look. But the result has been really nice.

It did not lack its share of tension and drama, acceptable in any case, it complemented the story quite well.

Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be in a long term relationship but my work life takes up so much of my time that the relationship will suffer. Also, I am in a profession where being an out lesbian will hinder my success. With the support of family, the main characters need to take a deep breath and process what they perceive as important in life...work life or personal life. More importantly, who will be there for you/with you at the end.

Skye Kohl, high-powered commercial real estate broker, striving to be the best in her field with the need for relationships on the back burner. Bailey Kaczmarek, successful construction company owner and kinda sorta looking for a relationship but was burnt by her previous relationship and is afraid to put herself back out there.

What I really appreciated and enjoyed was the growth of both characters as they self-reflected and made changes as they saw fit. Although redundant at times, I could understand what the author was doing because the type of changes that needed to be made where not to be taken lightly. Day-to-day life is not easy especially when you are in a relationship.

ARC provided by Bold Strokes Inc. via NetGalley

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Kohl has made her mark as a commercial realtor, she fought for every step on the ladder to success. Now she finds herself working with another professional, Bailey Kaczmarek who represents the construction company working on the ‘Maxwell’, bringing it up to date, which makes it easier for Syke to lease the property.
For two women who basically work with the same goal in mind when it comes to fixing and leasing property. How they have never met is a mystery but now that they have, finding a way to work together without fighting will be the challenge. Not knowing the other's background they have a lot of catching up to make even a working relationship work. Anyone’s guess if they can manage, especially when both Skye and Bailey’s family are working hard to bring them together.
This is the second novel by Ms Rivers and I’m happy to say it’s every bit as good as the first. Great characters, both main and supporting. Fun, fast paced plot makes this another Rivers book I found hard to put down. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books

[Celina · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕊: ℂ𝕆ℕ𝕋𝔼𝕄ℙ𝕆ℝ𝔸ℝ𝕐. 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕂ℙ𝕃𝔸ℂ𝔼. ℝ𝕆𝕄𝔸ℕℂ𝔼. 𝔼ℕ𝔼𝕄𝕀𝔼𝕊 𝕋𝕆 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ𝕊.

📚ᴀʀᴄ📖⁠

𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘:⁠
The book cover is really pretty. I kind of liked Bailey. I am not sure about Skye. The story was ok. The dynamics between Skye and Bailey were not fun. The start was shaky and the way they kept being presumptuous about each other was really frustrating. Bailey was a little goody-goody and her ways were rather hurtful. Why they even started hating each other was really ridiculous, but hey, we all have our moments.

I was really curious when I saw "meddling mothers", those are usually fun because then you know they are not homophobes. The way Bailey turned down Skye, now that was just nasty business and the reconciliation was not that heartfelt to be worth of pain these two caused each other.

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey and Skye are both very passionate about their job. Bailey as the owner of a construction company and Skye as a high end broker. They end up at the same site and clash immediately due to their strong opinions on how things should go.

I enjoyed the banter between these two and the pull that kept drawing them back together. They don't want to date but they also can't stay away from each other and try to low-key 'hang out' as they call it.

It takes them both too many tries to let go of their baggage from past relationships and ideas on how they should live their life as the roots were planted so deep by our MC's. I like how they deal with it even though it takes them a little while.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Dr E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent romance that has some fun moments, especially around the families of the two leading characters. These were my favourite bits, so I would have liked to have seen more of the mothers, grandmother and sister in the overall story. The Ukrainian and Polish food sounds well tasty too. This connection between Skye and Bailey was a nice idea and helped to cement their attraction and subsequent relationship. Skye didn’t quite pull off an ‘ice queen’ vibe, which seemed a shame as that seemed to be an interesting part of her personality. I wasn’t entirely convinced that she was flirting to succeed either or why she had to ‘reform’ for Bailey.