I want to start another brand-new SoA game and carry on into ToB. I have finished SoA with a Kensai and don't really want to take him through ToB yet. I have started a new game with an Assasin (I don't know how I feel about this kit yet...) I beat the game with a party consisting of:
PC-Kensai
Minsc
Jahiera
Anomen
Keldorn
Nalia (a VERY annoying NPC, IMHO)

Any suggestions on classes to pick...new characters to take...new romances to explore,etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Why don't you try an evil party and take Viconia as a love interest. That way you get Korgan (best fighter), and Edwin (best mage). I've never managed to do an evil party before, I guess I'm just too much of a goody goody guy.