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Alaska #1
Whitewater Rendezvous
Danger, destiny, and romance on the river.A wilderness kayak adventure brings together two very different women—Chaz Herrick, a laid-back outdoorswoman, and Megan Maxwell, a workaholic news executive. As they battle the challenges of nature for survival, they discover that true love may be nothing at all like they imagined.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
14 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Kim Baldwin
32 books241 followersKim has made her living as a writer for more than three decades, working as an Emmy-winning journalist in network news for twenty years before she began penning fiction. She resides in a national forest in Michigan, with few neighbors and a long drive to get to the nearest airport, movie theater, or ethnic restaurant. She never imagined herself a novelist, her first book, Hunter’s Pursuit, was written as a way to fight off cabin fever during a long winter and was sent off to a publisher at the encouragement of friends. The positive feedback she received from readers hooked her to continue writing more romantic lesbian adventures.
Travel is a major obsession. Kim first went to Europe at age fourteen, traveling with her parents on a five week excursion through a dozen countries. Four years later, she returned as part of a singing and dancing troupe, performing in town squares and castles and staying with local families.
The decades since have been filled with many more far-flung excursions... riding a camel at the Pyramids of Giza, crossing the U.N. green line at Cyprus, dogsledding above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, watching Paris awaken from atop Notre Dame Cathedral, motorcycling the Blue Ridge parkway, watching shuttles launch from a kayak near Cape Canaveral, skiing Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, climbing Diamondhead in Hawaii. Her travels and journalism background provide great fodder for her novels. And her younger years in community theater have paid off in her new passion--narrating audiobooks.
Kim is a member of PAN (Published Author’s Network), Romance Writers of America, and the Rainbow Romance Writers, Chapter #217 of the RWA. She's also a 2008 Recipient of an Alice B. Readers Appreciation Award The Alice B. Medal: This award is given annually to living writers who have careers distinguished by consistently well-written stories about lesbians. The award is given once, only, in appreciation of career achievement. (from the author's website)
Travel is a major obsession. Kim first went to Europe at age fourteen, traveling with her parents on a five week excursion through a dozen countries. Four years later, she returned as part of a singing and dancing troupe, performing in town squares and castles and staying with local families.
The decades since have been filled with many more far-flung excursions... riding a camel at the Pyramids of Giza, crossing the U.N. green line at Cyprus, dogsledding above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, watching Paris awaken from atop Notre Dame Cathedral, motorcycling the Blue Ridge parkway, watching shuttles launch from a kayak near Cape Canaveral, skiing Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, climbing Diamondhead in Hawaii. Her travels and journalism background provide great fodder for her novels. And her younger years in community theater have paid off in her new passion--narrating audiobooks.
Kim is a member of PAN (Published Author’s Network), Romance Writers of America, and the Rainbow Romance Writers, Chapter #217 of the RWA. She's also a 2008 Recipient of an Alice B. Readers Appreciation Award The Alice B. Medal: This award is given annually to living writers who have careers distinguished by consistently well-written stories about lesbians. The award is given once, only, in appreciation of career achievement. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 20, 2018
A nice, sweet and enjoyable romance in a wonderful setting. Was I liked very much, was the describing of the breathtaking landscaping of Alaska, I could imagine the sculpted landscape and almost smell the fresh air. I wanted to pack my stuff, get on the plane and join this group of women on their adventures.
The main characters are loveable and the romance is very sweet, without angst and artificial drama. The secondary characters are a great bunch of friends. Despite the instant attraction, it’s more of a slow burn romance with a wonderful love scene.
I recommend this book to all the romance lovers.
My rating 4.25 stars.
The main characters are loveable and the romance is very sweet, without angst and artificial drama. The secondary characters are a great bunch of friends. Despite the instant attraction, it’s more of a slow burn romance with a wonderful love scene.
I recommend this book to all the romance lovers.
My rating 4.25 stars.
August 10, 2018
4 stars. Extremely predictable, but well executed. And the chemistry is sizzling between the leads.
January 1, 2019
Good read with lots of Alaska in it-which I knew it would and happy to read about. If you don't like setting description then this may get frustrating. Got to listen to another one of the series and liked it, this one did not disappoint either. The initial spark was a little off from my point of view but recovered and ended up being a nice story at the end. Will read the last of the series.
January 4, 2016
Not my usual thing, but I truly loved this and will come back to it. The characters are great (main and supporting), the romance is lovely, and I really liked that Alaska is so powerful that it's a character too.
January 29, 2015
This was a very very nice story, and my first one by Kim Baldwin. I'll definitely read more by her.
It reminded me a lot of Gerri Hill's novels. The wilderness, the incredible chemistry between both women, the action, the hot sex scenes, the really romantic conception of love, and even the (maybe rushed) typical lesbian U-haul finish.
Despite being a predictable story which at times borders on cheesy, it's a very well written one, with sweet characters that are perfectly imperfect, and an overall very well paced romance that keeps the reader interested.
I also liked the supporting characters. And man, the setting is incredible! Makes you want to book a flight to Alaska, indeed.
I would have maybe liked a bit more angst and a bit more insight on how their feelings grow in the months following the trip.
But anyway, great read!
It reminded me a lot of Gerri Hill's novels. The wilderness, the incredible chemistry between both women, the action, the hot sex scenes, the really romantic conception of love, and even the (maybe rushed) typical lesbian U-haul finish.
Despite being a predictable story which at times borders on cheesy, it's a very well written one, with sweet characters that are perfectly imperfect, and an overall very well paced romance that keeps the reader interested.
I also liked the supporting characters. And man, the setting is incredible! Makes you want to book a flight to Alaska, indeed.
I would have maybe liked a bit more angst and a bit more insight on how their feelings grow in the months following the trip.
But anyway, great read!
June 15, 2016
O.M.G!
I loved this book. The time the author spent describing Alaska is absolutely breath taking. It makes you want to pack up and go now! The storyline is excellent as well. Great book. Great author. And wow just WOW! I can't express how much this book affected me. I'm off to find some more. Read you won't be disappointed.
I loved this book. The time the author spent describing Alaska is absolutely breath taking. It makes you want to pack up and go now! The storyline is excellent as well. Great book. Great author. And wow just WOW! I can't express how much this book affected me. I'm off to find some more. Read you won't be disappointed.
April 2, 2023
So it turns out that Whitewater Rendezvous is my 1,000th book read here on Goodreads. I would have liked this milestone to maybe feature a much more memorable book, but Whitewater Rendezvous it is.
As far as the world of sapphic romances goes, Whitewater Rendezvous is pretty standard fare, but there's probably not much here that's going to wow a reader, except for the Alaska backdrop. This is an older novel for the genre, releasing in 2007, and it definitely feels dated, especially when it comes to the concept of consent, which made a couple of scenes uncomfortable to read by today's standards. And, given the time frame, the love story happens way too quickly. But a kayaking whitewater adventure with a sapphic romance in the Alaskan wilderness was its own treat.
As far as the world of sapphic romances goes, Whitewater Rendezvous is pretty standard fare, but there's probably not much here that's going to wow a reader, except for the Alaska backdrop. This is an older novel for the genre, releasing in 2007, and it definitely feels dated, especially when it comes to the concept of consent, which made a couple of scenes uncomfortable to read by today's standards. And, given the time frame, the love story happens way too quickly. But a kayaking whitewater adventure with a sapphic romance in the Alaskan wilderness was its own treat.
December 11, 2021
Good story and writing but the sketchy consent made it lose a whole star for me.
February 22, 2017
3.5 but putting it on the 3 side. Lacking something that would've made it truly great.
July 22, 2018
This is such a great book. I really like both main characters. They are really hit it off. I really enjoy how they first saw each other, the attraction was there but they were holding back. Ohh and i really like when Megan started to go after Chaz. Man, they are adorable together. And the adventure and the description of Alaska really made me want to visit it some day. I really enjoy this book.
April 18, 2014
Uh, I have to say this is one cute story, just as I like them ;) So all thumbs up for Megan's and Chaz's encounter on a river in Alaska (what a setting, it makes me want to book a flight right now!)
January 13, 2021
Alaska!
Alaska is one of those destinations that always draw me in. I've never been, but I enjoy living vicariously through the characters who have been.
Whitewater started us off in the city of Chicago where we met Megan, the dominant, tightly-wound executive for some television network. From the get-go, she annoyed the ever living crap out of me. She reluctantly agreed to go on vacation with her friends which already put her in a sour mood, but then her mood worsened when she met Chaz, the handsome, charming guide for their whitewater trip. Chaz reminded Megan of her ex and she figured the best way to handle that was to be a b*tch and to keep her distance. As if any of that was Chaz's fault. As the story progressed, Megan's demeanor shifted slightly toward the cute butch and she started to show some semblance of a human being under all that frost. Chaz was delightful, witty, intelligent, and so at ease with everything she did. Alaska was in her blood, basically. As the attraction grew between both women, I still couldn't fully warm up to Megan because of how she talked about Chaz behind her back to her friends. She treated the idea of hooking up with Chaz as no big deal and just something fun to do while exploring the state. Chaz was looking for stability and a romance that wouldn't run away after one night.
I really liked this story, I appreciated the author's descriptive detail toward all the wildlife and the flora and fauna. It's clear Baldwin had either done extensive research on rafting and everything else that comes with it, or they have experienced it themselves. Either way, I felt I was getting a lesson right along with the women on the trip. I would have rated this a fiver, but I couldn't get past the fact that two of the women, Megan included, acted sexually aggressive toward Chaz. It's okay to compete for the attention of someone, but in my world, it is never okay to force yourself on that person after they've told you no. I was not impressed with how Megan came on to Chaz, and it utterly broke my heart that Chaz was thinking she was part to blame for Megan's behaviour. It was gross. It's what men do to women all the time, and when they do, they're reprimanded, punched, berated, and even charged in some cases. Why was it okay for a woman to act this way toward another woman? I don't get it.
An adventurous read with some action outside the tents as well as in.
Alaska is one of those destinations that always draw me in. I've never been, but I enjoy living vicariously through the characters who have been.
Whitewater started us off in the city of Chicago where we met Megan, the dominant, tightly-wound executive for some television network. From the get-go, she annoyed the ever living crap out of me. She reluctantly agreed to go on vacation with her friends which already put her in a sour mood, but then her mood worsened when she met Chaz, the handsome, charming guide for their whitewater trip. Chaz reminded Megan of her ex and she figured the best way to handle that was to be a b*tch and to keep her distance. As if any of that was Chaz's fault. As the story progressed, Megan's demeanor shifted slightly toward the cute butch and she started to show some semblance of a human being under all that frost. Chaz was delightful, witty, intelligent, and so at ease with everything she did. Alaska was in her blood, basically. As the attraction grew between both women, I still couldn't fully warm up to Megan because of how she talked about Chaz behind her back to her friends. She treated the idea of hooking up with Chaz as no big deal and just something fun to do while exploring the state. Chaz was looking for stability and a romance that wouldn't run away after one night.
I really liked this story, I appreciated the author's descriptive detail toward all the wildlife and the flora and fauna. It's clear Baldwin had either done extensive research on rafting and everything else that comes with it, or they have experienced it themselves. Either way, I felt I was getting a lesson right along with the women on the trip. I would have rated this a fiver, but I couldn't get past the fact that two of the women, Megan included, acted sexually aggressive toward Chaz. It's okay to compete for the attention of someone, but in my world, it is never okay to force yourself on that person after they've told you no. I was not impressed with how Megan came on to Chaz, and it utterly broke my heart that Chaz was thinking she was part to blame for Megan's behaviour. It was gross. It's what men do to women all the time, and when they do, they're reprimanded, punched, berated, and even charged in some cases. Why was it okay for a woman to act this way toward another woman? I don't get it.
An adventurous read with some action outside the tents as well as in.
December 29, 2019
I'd say a fair 3.5. I read this in a single sitting and once again loved the Alaskan setting. The two main characters certainly had chemistry, but I couldn't help but feel some parts of the novel were a little unrealistic. I know it's fiction, but I'm not sure even Bear Grylls would be up for a night of passion after a near drowning, sprained shoulder, smacking his head so hard on a rock without a helmet it could be heard over the rush of water and require stitches, passing out, being carried down stream and sucked into a whirlpool, spat out further down stream and then require evacuation...delayed of course to allow the night of passion. It also seemed to end rather abruptly and conveniently, but that just might be me. I expected a few more obstacles to be thrown into the path of happiness. I did enjoy most of the book, and it was a quick, easy read, but it did feel like a lot of preparation and build up for a questionable climax and relatively swift ending. I would recommend it but suggest readers not read it with a critical eye like I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
Wilkommen, welcome to my 2021 rereads season. Here we have Whitewater Rendezvous, an old—dare I say it?—classic.
This book is good execution of a simple plot. The characters are unique, the setting is fresh and the chemistry is definitely present and accounted for. I really like how Baldwin takes the time to properly flesh out moments that are typically glossed over in this kind of romance. The book takes its time to make you feel like you truly are sitting round a fire with old friends, playing silly games. Even after the vacation is over, we get to see the couple try long distance. They are so sweet to each other once they get together. Such a good wrap up to a story, too.
In a word, this book is Satisfying.
*There are a couple of moments that didn’t age well and are problematic within the world of the book as well.
(I want the young gen of authors to take note on how to satisfactorily wind down a story)
Also, also, I love Chaz.
This book is good execution of a simple plot. The characters are unique, the setting is fresh and the chemistry is definitely present and accounted for. I really like how Baldwin takes the time to properly flesh out moments that are typically glossed over in this kind of romance. The book takes its time to make you feel like you truly are sitting round a fire with old friends, playing silly games. Even after the vacation is over, we get to see the couple try long distance. They are so sweet to each other once they get together. Such a good wrap up to a story, too.
In a word, this book is Satisfying.
*There are a couple of moments that didn’t age well and are problematic within the world of the book as well.
(I want the young gen of authors to take note on how to satisfactorily wind down a story)
Also, also, I love Chaz.
January 17, 2020
Nice romance in a setting that makes me want to go kayaking immediately, with descriptions that makes me think the author has either done extensive research or been kayaking a lot herself. Honestly, I was disappointed when the plot started to focus more on the romance than the kayaking trip, since the romance was very basic.
February 3, 2021
Adventures, attitudes & attractions in Alaska
Adventures, attitudes & attractions in Alaska as six friends go on a week long whitewater kayaking trip in the beautiful unspoiled nature & the feeling of the wild comes from more than just the wilderness.
Adventures, attitudes & attractions in Alaska as six friends go on a week long whitewater kayaking trip in the beautiful unspoiled nature & the feeling of the wild comes from more than just the wilderness.
August 7, 2025
This book has a great plot and excellent character development. You know these women. They exist in real life. It was fun to read and learn about what its like to go kayaking in the Alaska wilderness plus it's full of amazing women and torrid romance. Highly recommend. 10/10
February 22, 2022
Good book just wished we had a bit more of them together at the end
August 25, 2024
Major consent issues. Was this suppose to be like a d/s dynamic? It wasn't. Only yes means yes, even in fiction. DNF
November 9, 2021
I found this book fairly bland and not very memorable.
January 25, 2016
3.5
Nice story, a little bit cheesy, but it did kept me awake all night. There are predictable moments, not many angst, but the characters are likable, especially Chaz.
Great description of the sceneries in Alaska. I really like the two main characters' interaction, I think that's what attracted me the most in this book.
The ending is kinda abrupted. And don't get me wrong, it is not a cliffhanger in anyway whatsoever, but I was so looking forward to the future of these main characters.
There are just so many things that could have been expand more. For example, Megan's friends, Megan's ex-wife, and the family etc.
Nice story, a little bit cheesy, but it did kept me awake all night. There are predictable moments, not many angst, but the characters are likable, especially Chaz.
Great description of the sceneries in Alaska. I really like the two main characters' interaction, I think that's what attracted me the most in this book.
The ending is kinda abrupted. And don't get me wrong, it is not a cliffhanger in anyway whatsoever, but I was so looking forward to the future of these main characters.
There are just so many things that could have been expand more. For example, Megan's friends, Megan's ex-wife, and the family etc.
June 27, 2019
I started this book via Audible because the characters were mentioned at the end of another book (Breaking the Ice). I was curious to see how the relation developed between the characters during the vacation adventure setting of kayaking in the Alaskan wilderness. I was a decent book bat a bit rushed in my opinion. What saved it for me was the last couple chapters with show the characters trying to make their budding relationship work in a bit of a realistic light. I was glad they had to work at it and there was thought put into their decisions rather than just holding hand and riding off into the sunset.
March 17, 2014
Meh. 2.5 stars. Read this because I found Kim Baldwin's short version of the story and felt like it was unfinished, so I was kind of pleased to come across a full-length version. Unfortunately this seemed to go on too long and the characters became more and more annoying. Not as good as her other novels.
October 26, 2010
This has been out a while, but it's still my favorite of Kim Baldwin's standalone romances. The characters are appealing, the trip through Alaska fascinating and the romance endearing. You'll find yourself rooting for these two sexy women all the way through the book.
January 14, 2013
Very enjoyable reading. You'll root for all the gals in it, but especially Chaz and Megan. The scenery description makes me want to go visit Alaska very badly. I can't fathom how beautiful the state must be. Highly suggested read.
January 6, 2013
I picked this up after reading two other books by this author. Love her descriptions of Alaska. The relationship part of the book is ok, the two main characters do seem to suffer from a lot of misunderstandings. 4 stars for the setting.
April 3, 2010
This book has some good action, a good story, and some good lovin'. My review is located at www.lezficrev.blogspot.com
October 9, 2010
An Author that you want to read all of her literary work. This was the first novel of Kim's that I had read and is a favorite of mine...
April 12, 2013
Great story of two people falling in love. Story is better than the writing which is kind of cheesy/mediocre.
August 7, 2013
Excellent. Beautiful scenery. Great characters and writing. A really good book. My first Kim Baldwin (I know!!! Shame on me.), not disappointed anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews