What do you think?
Rate this book
New Beginnings
Me? A scholarship girl.
Him? A Harvard graduate, trust fund guy.
Me? Looking for a fresh start.
Him? Mr. CEO of a huge company.
Should I say... complete opposites?
I think that would be appropriate.
And a good thing, considering my past.
You see...
I tend to attract a-holes.
In all pretty shapes and sizes but a-holes, nonetheless.
I credit that to my uncontrollable natural curves.
My ex, for instance, was a stalker.
He violated my boundaries and left me feeling...
Well, you get the point.
I moved to the glitz and glam of Manhattan after that whole ordeal.
A fresh beginning was what I wanted.
But instead, I run into my new boss...
Aka my Mr. Opposite.
Also, the guy I graduated with.
And turns out, the guy that harbored a secret crush on me.
But there was no way we could be that different and find the same path in life, right?
Or could we?
Him? A Harvard graduate, trust fund guy.
Me? Looking for a fresh start.
Him? Mr. CEO of a huge company.
Should I say... complete opposites?
I think that would be appropriate.
And a good thing, considering my past.
You see...
I tend to attract a-holes.
In all pretty shapes and sizes but a-holes, nonetheless.
I credit that to my uncontrollable natural curves.
My ex, for instance, was a stalker.
He violated my boundaries and left me feeling...
Well, you get the point.
I moved to the glitz and glam of Manhattan after that whole ordeal.
A fresh beginning was what I wanted.
But instead, I run into my new boss...
Aka my Mr. Opposite.
Also, the guy I graduated with.
And turns out, the guy that harbored a secret crush on me.
But there was no way we could be that different and find the same path in life, right?
Or could we?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2022
232 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 18, 2022
It was good but it felt unfinished... when I got to the end, I was like, is that it? .. so disappointing. I really expected more.
January 16, 2022
Welp, it was going to be 4+ stars... but then something happened at the end of the book that took away two chapters with the explanations needed? Was it that the author wanted to write a cliffhanger and didn't know how? Do we have to expect another book to know the final developments? Just a weird sequence of events?
Guesses and more guesses, but not a resolution to the plots happening in the storyline of "New Beginnings".
Guesses and more guesses, but not a resolution to the plots happening in the storyline of "New Beginnings".
January 9, 2022
5 Stars until the end.
New Beginnings by Lydia Hall is a great read by a new author that I found by accident. This book was great 5 star easy Saturday read for me until the book ends abruptly. So many unanswered questions about our hero and heroine from their relationship to their employees, coworkers, and family. What happens????
New Beginnings by Lydia Hall is a great read by a new author that I found by accident. This book was great 5 star easy Saturday read for me until the book ends abruptly. So many unanswered questions about our hero and heroine from their relationship to their employees, coworkers, and family. What happens????
January 7, 2022
Good book bbbbuuuutttt……
I liked the book, but I was disappointed about the end of the book. I felt there was a lot unsaid about the characters.
I liked the book, but I was disappointed about the end of the book. I felt there was a lot unsaid about the characters.
January 7, 2022
Scarlett is recently divorced from Ben who was always jealous and controlling and has resorted to violence lately. James is an old acquaintance from her student days and her new boss. He asks her to be his fake fiancee for an alumni event. This is where it gets complicated because the fake relationship causes more problems than it solves. The press gets wind of the engagement, there's a lot of tension and awkwardness, at work because James hired someone he is allegedly in a relationship with (there are some people who are surprisingly keen to get into a conflict with the boss's girlfriend), and Scarlett's ex gets more threatening and stalkerish. They deal with things together but it takes James and Scarlett a while to admit to any feelings (it's quite sweet when he finally does). Sadly it seems it's a bit easier to deal with.an abusive ex if you have a
I love a great fake relationship trope story but it needs to be motivated a bit better than this. Maybe your professional reputation or a billion dollar inheritance is at stake, or you can't bear to go alone because your ex will be at the party with their new spouse, you've always been in love and the fake relationship is your sneaky way of getting The One to kiss you, your grandma's last dying wish is to see you engaged, or somehow getting married will allow you to save a bunch of endangered otters. Something, I don't care what but there has to be something that makes it make sense . This is just a fake relationship without a cause. There is absolutely nothing at stake for James to need a fake fiancee. He just didn't want to go to the event single because he didn't want women hitting on him. But he was a grown man who could have left early, taken a date, told them he wasn't interested. He spared no thought about the explanations he'd have to give afterwards.
Steam level: It's good whenever they get around to it.
The writing flows well and it's well edited and easy to read. Pet peeve: The number of times they titter. Seriously, I'm not kidding, I did a search and the word "titter" is here twice as often as "says". There's that old writer's adage about killing your darlings and at that point I would kill titter or at least strongly suggest it take early retirement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a great fake relationship trope story but it needs to be motivated a bit better than this. Maybe your professional reputation or a billion dollar inheritance is at stake, or you can't bear to go alone because your ex will be at the party with their new spouse, you've always been in love and the fake relationship is your sneaky way of getting The One to kiss you, your grandma's last dying wish is to see you engaged, or somehow getting married will allow you to save a bunch of endangered otters. Something, I don't care what but there has to be something that makes it make sense . This is just a fake relationship without a cause. There is absolutely nothing at stake for James to need a fake fiancee. He just didn't want to go to the event single because he didn't want women hitting on him. But he was a grown man who could have left early, taken a date, told them he wasn't interested. He spared no thought about the explanations he'd have to give afterwards.
Steam level: It's good whenever they get around to it.
The writing flows well and it's well edited and easy to read. Pet peeve: The number of times they titter. Seriously, I'm not kidding, I did a search and the word "titter" is here twice as often as "says". There's that old writer's adage about killing your darlings and at that point I would kill titter or at least strongly suggest it take early retirement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest opinion.
Although in all honesty, it took me a while to get going with the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. Even if it seems like your regular love story, and in a way it is, it’s also more than that. You have these characters who, though they seem really different, They share pretty much the same life experience but the difference relies in the way both of them have gone through it.
Scarlett is such a lovely character, she has been through a lot yet she doesn’t let that dominate her life, her optimism doesn’t feel fake, it feels true to her nature and Jamie sees it. Talking about Jamie, one of the things I love about him is that he doesn’t seem cynical, he just feels like somebody who hasn’t been able to stop and cope with what happened with his parents and that’s the reason why he seems really closed off but it’s really lovely to see with the flashbacks how He has always have a soft spot for Scarlett.
I don’t think that the flashbacks are my favourite part of the book but they definitely cover one part of it because Jamie is such a hopeless romantic yet he hides it and I think that the way his friends teased him about it it’s such a funny thing. I’m glad that both of them managed to build something that feels honest and true and although Jamie sometimes feels a little bit of regret of how things could’ve been in college I think that both of them had to grow in order to be together in the end.
I’m glad that the situation with Scarlett‘s ex husband got fixed hopefully but I am intrigued about Mel and the way that she’s been manipulating everybody, that’s why I am wondering if we are going to get a second or third part of the story. The ending does feel a little bit abrupt and I remember I screamed when I turned the page in the book was over because it’s a really good reading so hopefully this is the start of the story, like the book says, a new beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although in all honesty, it took me a while to get going with the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. Even if it seems like your regular love story, and in a way it is, it’s also more than that. You have these characters who, though they seem really different, They share pretty much the same life experience but the difference relies in the way both of them have gone through it.
Scarlett is such a lovely character, she has been through a lot yet she doesn’t let that dominate her life, her optimism doesn’t feel fake, it feels true to her nature and Jamie sees it. Talking about Jamie, one of the things I love about him is that he doesn’t seem cynical, he just feels like somebody who hasn’t been able to stop and cope with what happened with his parents and that’s the reason why he seems really closed off but it’s really lovely to see with the flashbacks how He has always have a soft spot for Scarlett.
I don’t think that the flashbacks are my favourite part of the book but they definitely cover one part of it because Jamie is such a hopeless romantic yet he hides it and I think that the way his friends teased him about it it’s such a funny thing. I’m glad that both of them managed to build something that feels honest and true and although Jamie sometimes feels a little bit of regret of how things could’ve been in college I think that both of them had to grow in order to be together in the end.
I’m glad that the situation with Scarlett‘s ex husband got fixed hopefully but I am intrigued about Mel and the way that she’s been manipulating everybody, that’s why I am wondering if we are going to get a second or third part of the story. The ending does feel a little bit abrupt and I remember I screamed when I turned the page in the book was over because it’s a really good reading so hopefully this is the start of the story, like the book says, a new beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2022
This is one cute love story about Scarlet and James who attended college together but never were friends until years later. Scarlet ends up married then divorced from her college boyfriend who has not been kind or loving to Scarlet over the years. Scarlet has an interview and apartment hunting set up in NY City and the night prior she goes to a bar for a drink to relax. James notices Scarlet and goes over to have a drink and they have a great conversation. The next day on her way to the interview James and Scarlet see each other in the elevator and James ends up giving Scarlet a recommendation. At one point James and Scarlet offer each other help with something in their personal lives. Scarlet is a hard worker that keeps to herself learning to starting over on her own. There are those out to cause problems for Scarlet and once James finds out he finds a way to deal with it. These two have an undeniable attraction and they take their time acting on it so when they do it’s explosive! This is one quick enjoyable story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
Non sono solita scrivere recensioni. Uso Goodreads più per completare la mia challenge annuale e per spingermi al massimo nella lettura.
Il mio genere preferito è il rosa e ne ho letti parecchi.
Fatta questa premessa parto con l'analizzare il libro e a fare una recensione il più onesta possibile.
Ho dato due stelle anche se in partenza ne avrei date 4 anche ben volentieri.
Ho cercato di sorvolare sulla traduzione anche se ha reso per lo più il libro un casino da leggere, la protagonista molte volte veniva chiamata Rossella ed altre Scarlett, ho impiegato un pò a capire chi fosse chi.
Il libro è ben scritto e anche se parliamo del solito cliché, che volontariamente cerchiamo da leggere, questo aveva del potenziale.
Alla fine però mi sono dovuta ricredere.
Sono arrivata al capitolo trenta in cui qualcosa era successa ma nulla di così avvincente da potersi considerare finale.
Sono rimasta con un sacco di domande: Che fine ha fatto Liam? Melinda? La loro relazione come è proceduta?
Si sarebbe potuto salvare se solo non fosse finito così.
Il mio genere preferito è il rosa e ne ho letti parecchi.
Fatta questa premessa parto con l'analizzare il libro e a fare una recensione il più onesta possibile.
Ho dato due stelle anche se in partenza ne avrei date 4 anche ben volentieri.
Ho cercato di sorvolare sulla traduzione anche se ha reso per lo più il libro un casino da leggere, la protagonista molte volte veniva chiamata Rossella ed altre Scarlett, ho impiegato un pò a capire chi fosse chi.
Il libro è ben scritto e anche se parliamo del solito cliché, che volontariamente cerchiamo da leggere, questo aveva del potenziale.
Alla fine però mi sono dovuta ricredere.
Sono arrivata al capitolo trenta in cui qualcosa era successa ma nulla di così avvincente da potersi considerare finale.
Sono rimasta con un sacco di domande: Che fine ha fatto Liam? Melinda? La loro relazione come è proceduta?
Si sarebbe potuto salvare se solo non fosse finito così.
February 13, 2022
New beginnings
This is the first book by this author that I've read and it definitely won’t be the last one. This is the story of Scarlet and James, these two characters are old acquaintances from college but aren't friends to later on. Their romance is just so cute and romantic between them. This is a fake fiancee genre of romance read, but this is so much more and has a well developed character and story line. I will definitely be going on to read more from this author in the future.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 06 Jan 2022
Print length - 276 pages
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
January 4, 2022
3.5*
Scarlett can finally be her own woman, she has gotten away from her controlling ex-husband now she just needs to get this job in a new town for her life to get back on track, but she was expecting the CEO to be none other than the guy she saw around college but other than a couple of brief interactions didn't really have a lot to do with, but James remembers Scarlet and he can't believe she is now working for him. From scorned ex's to untrustworthy colleagues New Beginnings has it all.
'We Are Made One with What We Touch and See'. A Harvard reunion, a little white lie and a hidden crush from those college years, are the backbone, for this enjoyable read from Lydia Hall.
Scarlett can finally be her own woman, she has gotten away from her controlling ex-husband now she just needs to get this job in a new town for her life to get back on track, but she was expecting the CEO to be none other than the guy she saw around college but other than a couple of brief interactions didn't really have a lot to do with, but James remembers Scarlet and he can't believe she is now working for him. From scorned ex's to untrustworthy colleagues New Beginnings has it all.
November 14, 2022
If only I would have skipped the first chapter. Talking to his MOM about his plans to have birthday sex with his Booty Call that night was weird. Reading repeatedly about how he’s fantasizing about the sex he’s going to have with “Amber”. We also learn that he has so many women his mother can’t keep track of their names. I don’t want to think about the main characters having sex with other people. I don’t want to dislike the MMC in the first few chapters. It takes a lot to overcome my dislike for a manwhore.
Why did it just end? No real closure. I was hoping to hear what happened to the mean girls. I’ll just assume they are in love and everything worked out because he went to her for sex.
Why did it just end? No real closure. I was hoping to hear what happened to the mean girls. I’ll just assume they are in love and everything worked out because he went to her for sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I thought this was a cute romance. Scarlett and James meets again years later and it turns out that she applied for a job at his company. She agrees to help him out by pretending to be his fake fiancee for an event that is then blown out of proportion. While I thought Scarlett and James had good chemistry together, their romance was a bit slow going which made me wonder if it was going to happen. There were a few things that weren't really explained that I would've loved to know more about, but otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
I thought this was a cute romance. Scarlett and James meets again years later and it turns out that she applied for a job at his company. She agrees to help him out by pretending to be his fake fiancee for an event that is then blown out of proportion. While I thought Scarlett and James had good chemistry together, their romance was a bit slow going which made me wonder if it was going to happen. There were a few things that weren't really explained that I would've loved to know more about, but otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
January 5, 2022
The title is more than adequate as Scarlett is indeed at a new beginning in her life: she returns to her personal life after a marriage and divorce that brought her down. Without realizing it, she also opens up new perspectives for James, whom she reunites with when they vaguely knew each other in college.
The story is well written, tender, sometimes hot. It is sometimes intense because of the professional pressure Scarlett is under, but also in her personnal life by the pressure from her ex-husband. The character of James is clearly more saving, perhaps even too perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
The story is well written, tender, sometimes hot. It is sometimes intense because of the professional pressure Scarlett is under, but also in her personnal life by the pressure from her ex-husband. The character of James is clearly more saving, perhaps even too perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 17, 2022
Scarlett is looking for a fresh start. Always the optimist, a new job in a new city with a new boss until she realizes that the fresh start she wanted may not be possible. Scarlett learns that her new boss is really someone from her past. James was an acquaintance from college. Similar experiences draw these two to each other in a time when James wants to have stability in his life. An undeniable attraction to each other has James asking Scarlett a very important question.
This second chance romance for the hopeless romantic in every reader. Give it a shot, read with an open mind, and be willing to let the romance take over.
This second chance romance for the hopeless romantic in every reader. Give it a shot, read with an open mind, and be willing to let the romance take over.
January 6, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
It's told from the POV of CEO James and his secret crush Scarlett.
After 10 years in an abusive marriage, Scarlett finally manages to escape the clutches of her ex husband and starts over again.
She runs into James and discovers he had a secret crush on her at college!!
Fab storyline, brilliant characters but the ending was cut a bit short, no I love you's so disappointing, shame really!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's told from the POV of CEO James and his secret crush Scarlett.
After 10 years in an abusive marriage, Scarlett finally manages to escape the clutches of her ex husband and starts over again.
She runs into James and discovers he had a secret crush on her at college!!
Fab storyline, brilliant characters but the ending was cut a bit short, no I love you's so disappointing, shame really!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2022
Scarlett is going to NYC to start over after getting out of her abusive marriage. At her new job is James who she knew in college and now he's the boss. James had a major crush on her in college I wonder how he feels now. Scarlett's ex is still stalking her is she ever going to get to be happy with anyone else? You really need to read this sweet and crazy story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2024
Malo.
Hay muchas cosas que no tienen lógica, como por ejemplo, el hecho que SIN SER AMIGOS ella no solo le cuente los problemas con su ex, sino que le cuente que dicho ex piensa que él está enamorado de ella, con que objetivo? Me había gustado en un comienzo pero la verdad que la protagonista parecía una idiota llorona que no piensa las cosas que hace, si bien no justifico el trato que recibía por las empleadas de la empresa, terminó haciendo al pie de la letra lo que ellas la acusaban en un principio, y me resultó decepcionante. Me esperaba otra cosa.
Hay muchas cosas que no tienen lógica, como por ejemplo, el hecho que SIN SER AMIGOS ella no solo le cuente los problemas con su ex, sino que le cuente que dicho ex piensa que él está enamorado de ella, con que objetivo? Me había gustado en un comienzo pero la verdad que la protagonista parecía una idiota llorona que no piensa las cosas que hace, si bien no justifico el trato que recibía por las empleadas de la empresa, terminó haciendo al pie de la letra lo que ellas la acusaban en un principio, y me resultó decepcionante. Me esperaba otra cosa.
January 6, 2022
Scarlett is just getting out of a bad marriage, she got herself a new job and apartment. James is the boss and afraid of commitment. Scarlett and James knew each other in College and James had a crush. This book is great you get the second chance love, the stalking ex and the crazy would be girl/coworker.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2022
Recently freed from an abusive spouse Scarlett is starting over. James who she went to Harvard with had a crush on Scarlett. Now she is working for James, and he wants to protect her when her crazy ex reappears causing her problems. Then someone at work is working to keep them apart. Can they over come everything and be together? I have read all of Lydia Hall’s books and always enjoy reading.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2022
This was such a good story and well written book about James and Scarlett who first met as students at Harvard and later Scarlett came to work at his company. Only thing I would have liked was for the book to go a little farther at the end. I wasn’t ready for their story to end. In fact a second book could be written about them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2022
This is a good read. Scarlett is starting over after leaving an abusive relationship and starts to work for James. He has a secret crush on her and does whatever he can to protect her from her ex when he comes back to start trouble. There is someone lurking around to try to keep James and Scarlett apart. I was a little disappointed at how it ended, some unanswered questions. I am new to Lydia Hall and I like her so far, can't wait to read more from her.
April 9, 2022
Unfinished ending
This book started good and had a good plot leading up to the end. There was good character develop and good back history however, there are alot of questions left unanswered. There was a climax but didn’t finish the plot. Seemed to abruptly end and left me confused. I had to go look to see if there was a second book I needed to read to get answers but currently doesn’t seem like there is.
This book started good and had a good plot leading up to the end. There was good character develop and good back history however, there are alot of questions left unanswered. There was a climax but didn’t finish the plot. Seemed to abruptly end and left me confused. I had to go look to see if there was a second book I needed to read to get answers but currently doesn’t seem like there is.
January 8, 2022
A good opposites attract story that has these two coming together and finding out that one had a crush on the other in school and her recently divorced from a controlling abusive man can they manage to remain together through all the differences and find their way together
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2022
ehhhh good story but no conclusion
I enjoyed the story line but the abrupt ending with no conclusion really has me not liking it as much as I would. Like what happened to them?! Did they commit long term? What happened the to the conversation with her boss and Jamie!!? So many questions unanswered
I enjoyed the story line but the abrupt ending with no conclusion really has me not liking it as much as I would. Like what happened to them?! Did they commit long term? What happened the to the conversation with her boss and Jamie!!? So many questions unanswered
January 25, 2022
this book is not good for ocd at all
Jamie and Scarlett could have been so good. In fact at times they were almost there. The book had mean people all around Scarlett all these things happen but nothing gets finished. What happened to Benjamin? Liam? Mel? Did Jamie and Scarlett get together or was their hookup at the end supposed to be the HEA? So ya wasn’t the book for me.
Jamie and Scarlett could have been so good. In fact at times they were almost there. The book had mean people all around Scarlett all these things happen but nothing gets finished. What happened to Benjamin? Liam? Mel? Did Jamie and Scarlett get together or was their hookup at the end supposed to be the HEA? So ya wasn’t the book for me.
January 30, 2022
This is a second chance romance. A man who had a crush on a girl in college takes a chance when he meets up with her years later. He has to take it slow because she is trying to recover from her divorce. So, he befriends her. This story is well written, and very dramatic. The characters are well written and our billionaire is quite lovable.
September 26, 2022
the ending slays me
Would love to get a 5 star the books deserves it but the ending isn’t satisfying at all. So much left I known. What happened to the others that make this plot what it is. Ugh be aware we don’t know what happens to the ex the coworkers and what happens to the main characters in the end. So sad
Would love to get a 5 star the books deserves it but the ending isn’t satisfying at all. So much left I known. What happened to the others that make this plot what it is. Ugh be aware we don’t know what happens to the ex the coworkers and what happens to the main characters in the end. So sad
June 15, 2025
Titter??
Really enjoyed reading this, until the over use and the use of the word titter, nearly gave up reading. Hence the 4 stars. The characters are good as is the plot line, but titter in the use as expression describing different emotions, completely wrong as far as I was concerned.
Really enjoyed reading this, until the over use and the use of the word titter, nearly gave up reading. Hence the 4 stars. The characters are good as is the plot line, but titter in the use as expression describing different emotions, completely wrong as far as I was concerned.
January 5, 2022
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Beautiful romance when Scarlett finds herself after her divorce from a abusive ex getting a new job for Jamie Martin a man from her past .
January 6, 2022
Can complete opposites really make a relationship work? Can you really be so different but want the same things and each other? Check out this great read to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews