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The Pack #1
One Eye Open
The nature of the beast...
That was all DEA agent Carson Turner had thought of since his partner had murdered his family. Then, just as the trail of evidence went cold, his enemy's beautiful sister, Brenna Lupe, appeared, offering him the chance for more than revenge. She gave him a chance for justice.
Brenna felt as if a silver bullet had been launched at her heart. Until now, she'd always been aware of her brother's whereabouts. With that gone, she had to make a deal with his sexy former partner. But being around Carson--touching him--brought her untamed side to the surface. With the full moon finally shedding light on their investigation and her brother in their sights, would Carson forgive the deception of a real she-wolf?
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 18, 2004
6 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Karen Whiddon
207 books131 followersKaren Whiddon spun fanciful tales for her younger brothers as early as the age of eleven. Growing up in the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she found enough magic in the rugged peaks to keep her imagination fueled for years.
Now making her home in North Texas, she shares her life with her hero-like husband and three doting dogs. She writes paranormal tales for Harlequin Nocturne including the popular Pack series and romantic suspense stories for Harlequin Romantic Suspense.
She's also written Fae novels for Lovespell and a long time ago, she wrote five Precious Gem Romances for Kensington publishing. These she now owns again and has put them up for sale on Amazon.com among other places
Now making her home in North Texas, she shares her life with her hero-like husband and three doting dogs. She writes paranormal tales for Harlequin Nocturne including the popular Pack series and romantic suspense stories for Harlequin Romantic Suspense.
She's also written Fae novels for Lovespell and a long time ago, she wrote five Precious Gem Romances for Kensington publishing. These she now owns again and has put them up for sale on Amazon.com among other places
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 26, 2016
But, unable to resist, she gave an experimental wiggle against him, as though she were only a helpless human female, trying to free herself.
I'm very picky about romance novels.
Brenna (this seems to be a popular romance heroine name) is a werewolf. Her twin brother Alex is missing. She gets 'seized' by DEA agent Carson who is hunting her brother because he's convinced her brother murdered his wife and five-year-old daughter.
Alright, let's break this down.
THE GOOD:
1.) The book isn't boring or stupid.
2.) Werewolves!
3.) Brenna is sexually aggressive.
She wanted more, wanted to strip off her clothes and his, then wrap herself fully around him, belly to belly.
She is the one who initiates sexual activity. She is the one seducing and convincing Carson to have sex with her.
Without hesitation she removed her bra and panties, thrilling to the fell of herself naked, desirable, powerful and aroused.
4.) But when the melody on the radio switched to Liszt's "Hungarian Fantasy," she swung around in her seat to face him.
Naming specific music in books always earns you points from me.
THE BAD:
1.) Brenna is powerful and strong. This is a perfect opportunity to 'flip the script' so to speak and make a female (FOR ONCE) the sexually dominant one.
Imagine this:
He shivered as she looked directly into his eyes. She was so commanding. Yet he wasn't afraid. He wondered what it would be like if she held him close, her strong and powerful body covering his.
Unfortunately, this is SUPER-SUPER-RARE in romance novels because men ALWAYS have to be the dominant, aggressive one. It's seen as 'unmanly' if a female is the more sexually aggressive and more physically powerful one.
The book DOES try to touch on this topic. Brenna is definitely stronger than Carson, and she's got heightened senses. She IS sexually aggressive. He is the one saying 'no' and backing away from her in sexual encounters, SHE is the one trying to convince him to go to bed with her via kissing.
However, this being a Harlequin line, the issue isn't taken far enough to suit me. Instead of sitting back and allowing Brenna to take the sexual lead here, Whiddon insists on describing Carson as "all man" and "alpha" and ridiculous stuff like that when we all know Brenna could rip out his throat any time she wanted. Roll with that! I wish they had rolled with that.
Brenna let that pass. Carson had no idea what he was dealing with. Most men took one look into her eyes and knew better than to toy with her.
2.) My biggest problem with this book is that Carson is pretty unlikable. I did NOT see why Brenna would fall in love with him. He's dour, angry, snappish, insulting, suspicious, and occasionally scolding.
Instead of complying, she glared at him. "How do you do that?"
"How do I do what?"
"Make me feel like a little kid who's just been chastised."
If any man made me feel like a scolded child, our chances of having sex would drop to zero. I can never understand why romance heroines put up with this shit.
Carson is also stupid. Stubbornly stupid. Brenna is running circles around him mentally. And that's not attractive, especially combined with his personality.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
Pretty boring. I mean, not bad, but pretty dull. Carson suggests sensibly that they use a condom, she hurriedly shuts that down. After having condomless sex with him, she's like, "I could be pregnant." NO SHIT. I just don't understand AT ALL why she wouldn't take his suggestion and use a condom. WHY? Romances usually do this kind of stupid shit in order to have an excuse for the heroine to get pregnant, but I hate it. It didn't make any sense.
Tl;dr - An okay romance novel. It was just okay. I'm interested in werewolves, but this book wasn't sexually or narratively strong enough to warrant a higher rating from me.
I'm very picky about romance novels.
Brenna (this seems to be a popular romance heroine name) is a werewolf. Her twin brother Alex is missing. She gets 'seized' by DEA agent Carson who is hunting her brother because he's convinced her brother murdered his wife and five-year-old daughter.
Alright, let's break this down.
THE GOOD:
1.) The book isn't boring or stupid.
2.) Werewolves!
3.) Brenna is sexually aggressive.
She wanted more, wanted to strip off her clothes and his, then wrap herself fully around him, belly to belly.
She is the one who initiates sexual activity. She is the one seducing and convincing Carson to have sex with her.
Without hesitation she removed her bra and panties, thrilling to the fell of herself naked, desirable, powerful and aroused.
4.) But when the melody on the radio switched to Liszt's "Hungarian Fantasy," she swung around in her seat to face him.
Naming specific music in books always earns you points from me.
THE BAD:
1.) Brenna is powerful and strong. This is a perfect opportunity to 'flip the script' so to speak and make a female (FOR ONCE) the sexually dominant one.
Imagine this:
He shivered as she looked directly into his eyes. She was so commanding. Yet he wasn't afraid. He wondered what it would be like if she held him close, her strong and powerful body covering his.
Unfortunately, this is SUPER-SUPER-RARE in romance novels because men ALWAYS have to be the dominant, aggressive one. It's seen as 'unmanly' if a female is the more sexually aggressive and more physically powerful one.
The book DOES try to touch on this topic. Brenna is definitely stronger than Carson, and she's got heightened senses. She IS sexually aggressive. He is the one saying 'no' and backing away from her in sexual encounters, SHE is the one trying to convince him to go to bed with her via kissing.
However, this being a Harlequin line, the issue isn't taken far enough to suit me. Instead of sitting back and allowing Brenna to take the sexual lead here, Whiddon insists on describing Carson as "all man" and "alpha" and ridiculous stuff like that when we all know Brenna could rip out his throat any time she wanted. Roll with that! I wish they had rolled with that.
Brenna let that pass. Carson had no idea what he was dealing with. Most men took one look into her eyes and knew better than to toy with her.
2.) My biggest problem with this book is that Carson is pretty unlikable. I did NOT see why Brenna would fall in love with him. He's dour, angry, snappish, insulting, suspicious, and occasionally scolding.
Instead of complying, she glared at him. "How do you do that?"
"How do I do what?"
"Make me feel like a little kid who's just been chastised."
If any man made me feel like a scolded child, our chances of having sex would drop to zero. I can never understand why romance heroines put up with this shit.
Carson is also stupid. Stubbornly stupid. Brenna is running circles around him mentally. And that's not attractive, especially combined with his personality.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
Pretty boring. I mean, not bad, but pretty dull. Carson suggests sensibly that they use a condom, she hurriedly shuts that down. After having condomless sex with him, she's like, "I could be pregnant." NO SHIT. I just don't understand AT ALL why she wouldn't take his suggestion and use a condom. WHY? Romances usually do this kind of stupid shit in order to have an excuse for the heroine to get pregnant, but I hate it. It didn't make any sense.
Tl;dr - An okay romance novel. It was just okay. I'm interested in werewolves, but this book wasn't sexually or narratively strong enough to warrant a higher rating from me.
April 16, 2010
DEA agent Carson Turner is on the hunt for Alex Lupe whom he believes killed Turner's family. When Brenna, Alex's sister, finds Carson, Carson kidnaps her to use as bait to flush out Alex. The ensuing search is intense. Carson has totally cut himself off from human contact and wants to die - just like his family. Brenna, not human at all but a wolf shifter, hasn't seen or heard from Alex in six months but instinctively knows that he didn't do what Carson claims.
The growing relationship, the thawing of Carson's heart and the meeting with Alex all tell a remarkable story. I really liked Carson, wounded hero or not, he is an amazing man and perfect for Brenna. I can't wait to read Alex's story in One Eye Closed.
The growing relationship, the thawing of Carson's heart and the meeting with Alex all tell a remarkable story. I really liked Carson, wounded hero or not, he is an amazing man and perfect for Brenna. I can't wait to read Alex's story in One Eye Closed.
August 8, 2010
A sister desperate to find her twin brother when her twin-sense leads her to believe he's in trouble and an angry desperate man searching for his ex-partner who he believes murdered his wife and daughter whilst on an undercover operation together. The man they're looking for is one and the same but have different views on his character.
Nothing is what it seems. Who is right? Is Alex a loving and caring brother who would never hurt anyone or is he the cold-blooded killer his ex-partner believes him to be?
While arguing about this Carson and Brenna in their hunt for same man start to develop feelings for one another but will they survive the hunt for their quarry? Will Carson take revenge and kill his new love's brother? Can he deal with Brenna's true nature and live happily ever after?
Nothing is what it seems. Who is right? Is Alex a loving and caring brother who would never hurt anyone or is he the cold-blooded killer his ex-partner believes him to be?
While arguing about this Carson and Brenna in their hunt for same man start to develop feelings for one another but will they survive the hunt for their quarry? Will Carson take revenge and kill his new love's brother? Can he deal with Brenna's true nature and live happily ever after?
July 7, 2020
Brenna has not heard from her twin brother, Alex, in months. In desperation, she takes a leave from her job to track him down. When she learns someone else is searching for Alex, Brenna can't believe her good luck. Unfortunately, her attitude sours after she learns that Carson and Alex were once partners in the DEA and that Carson believes Alex murdered his wife and child. Brenna had no idea her twin was working for the DEA, but she refuses to believe he's a cold-blooded killer. Carson doesn't want the extra baggage of Brenna around, but he realizes that she may be the bait he needs to draw Alex to him. Getting wind that the drug-dealing motorcycle gang that Alex had infiltrated is about to make a huge deal, Carson follows their trail to a small town. Along the way, Brenna continues to maintain that Alex is innocent. The two of them end up in more danger than they'd bargained for, but Brenna has an ace up her sleeve.
As paranormal romance goes, this was okay. The action took place over the course of about a week, which makes the inevitable falling in love by the end a bit incredible, but such is the case with these shorter, contemporary romances. I was disappointed that the shifter aspect of it was minimal at best.
The book was just okay. Average score.
As paranormal romance goes, this was okay. The action took place over the course of about a week, which makes the inevitable falling in love by the end a bit incredible, but such is the case with these shorter, contemporary romances. I was disappointed that the shifter aspect of it was minimal at best.
The book was just okay. Average score.
June 10, 2025
Read August 2024
A Basic Wolf-Shifter Romance
(bland & easily forgotten)
I initially thought Book 6 was a standalone, but I realized the characters and stories are connected. So, I paused Book 6 to go back and read this one first.
Overall, I found book one to be okay. It started interestingly, but I struggled to continue in the middle and had to skim to finish. The characters and the plot weren't engaging, and I didn't feel connected to them. The love between the MCs seemed abrupt, and when they finally expressed their feelings, it felt flat. The single sex scene lacked passion and steam. 🥱
The world building is non-existent. As a result, I felt like I was thrown into the story.
★ Alex (the h's twin brother), interested me the most. His book is next—I hope it's better than this one.
🐶 Brenna takes a puppy found at a crime scene, and names it Phelan. The puppy, not acting like a real animal or being treated like one, is a cute accessory.
🇲🇨🇸: (no ages given)
Brenna (wolf-shifter), is a small and spunky librarian from a small town in New York. She's looking for her brother Alex, who she knows is in danger.
Sad Story: She was engaged to Jeff, a human. He couldn't handle hearing that she was a shifter, so he drove off upset and died in a head-on collision.
Carson (human) is a DEA agent, out on medical leave. For 18 months, he's been looking for Alex, his former friend and partner. He'll either arrest or kill him.
Sad Story: While undercover with Alex, Carson accidentally blew his cover. His wife and young daughter were killed at home, and he was also shot and nearly died. The last thing he recalls is seeing Alex with a gun. After recovering in the hospital, Carson sought vengeance and went after Alex.
Brenna didn't know her brother was a DEA agent; he has a marketing degree. While searching for Alex, she learns that Carson is also looking for him. Despite their distrust, they team up, with Carson planning to use Brenna to lure Alex out. Brenna works to convince him that Alex is innocent.
Both are lonely and spend time together in rundown motels, with a few brief action scenes during their search. Their doubts about Alex grow—is he guilty or innocent?
They develop a strong attraction, but Carson repeatedly pushes Brenna away, feeling guilty for surviving after losing his family. Meanwhile, Brenna struggles to control her wolf, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to not shifting in a long while. When she finally shifts to save them, Carson's acceptance shocks her—he's only mildly surprised. The story ends with him promising to cherish and love her with all his heart—HEA.
The Truth About Alex:
The final action scene is at the Hades' Claws biker compound.
❗🅴🆁🆁🅾🆁: Over a year or less than a year?
Brenna says: "Alex disappeared over a year ago."
Later, Carson asks her - "How long did you say it was since you last saw Alex?"
Brenna replies: "Less than a year. Six months."
🧛🏻♂️ Vampires are briefly mentioned.
A Basic Wolf-Shifter Romance
(bland & easily forgotten)
I initially thought Book 6 was a standalone, but I realized the characters and stories are connected. So, I paused Book 6 to go back and read this one first.
Overall, I found book one to be okay. It started interestingly, but I struggled to continue in the middle and had to skim to finish. The characters and the plot weren't engaging, and I didn't feel connected to them. The love between the MCs seemed abrupt, and when they finally expressed their feelings, it felt flat. The single sex scene lacked passion and steam. 🥱
The world building is non-existent. As a result, I felt like I was thrown into the story.
★ Alex (the h's twin brother), interested me the most. His book is next—I hope it's better than this one.
🐶 Brenna takes a puppy found at a crime scene, and names it Phelan. The puppy, not acting like a real animal or being treated like one, is a cute accessory.
🇲🇨🇸: (no ages given)
Brenna (wolf-shifter), is a small and spunky librarian from a small town in New York. She's looking for her brother Alex, who she knows is in danger.
Sad Story: She was engaged to Jeff, a human. He couldn't handle hearing that she was a shifter, so he drove off upset and died in a head-on collision.
Carson (human) is a DEA agent, out on medical leave. For 18 months, he's been looking for Alex, his former friend and partner. He'll either arrest or kill him.
Sad Story: While undercover with Alex, Carson accidentally blew his cover. His wife and young daughter were killed at home, and he was also shot and nearly died. The last thing he recalls is seeing Alex with a gun. After recovering in the hospital, Carson sought vengeance and went after Alex.
Brenna didn't know her brother was a DEA agent; he has a marketing degree. While searching for Alex, she learns that Carson is also looking for him. Despite their distrust, they team up, with Carson planning to use Brenna to lure Alex out. Brenna works to convince him that Alex is innocent.
Both are lonely and spend time together in rundown motels, with a few brief action scenes during their search. Their doubts about Alex grow—is he guilty or innocent?
They develop a strong attraction, but Carson repeatedly pushes Brenna away, feeling guilty for surviving after losing his family. Meanwhile, Brenna struggles to control her wolf, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to not shifting in a long while. When she finally shifts to save them, Carson's acceptance shocks her—he's only mildly surprised. The story ends with him promising to cherish and love her with all his heart—HEA.
The Truth About Alex:
The final action scene is at the Hades' Claws biker compound.
❗🅴🆁🆁🅾🆁: Over a year or less than a year?
Brenna says: "Alex disappeared over a year ago."
Later, Carson asks her - "How long did you say it was since you last saw Alex?"
Brenna replies: "Less than a year. Six months."
🧛🏻♂️ Vampires are briefly mentioned.
October 14, 2020
Worst book of the year, this is cringe-worthy bad, glad I didn't pay money for this very sad my library did, someone should pay people to read this book bad. If you are going to publish anything get an editor and for fuck's sake a proofreader or two, this reads like a hack job first draft that someone threw together overnight before their deadline and immediately went to print.
Plot...um what plot? Continuity issues abound, holes in the story/logic of the characters big enough to drive a semi through. Not to mention their outlines since they aren't fully fleshed out and that is all they are, outlines of real people. Characters were too stupid to live, I wanted to wack them over the head with a club and shake them until they could have more than one repeating thought. All they think and talk about repeatedly for the entire book is how bad/good (depending on which MC's pov it is) another character is based on how they feel not the character's actual actions or evidence/proof of action and then of course the whole thing of sex as in we shouldn't but we just can't help it thing. (Note yes you really can help it, I am getting so sick of this troupe). I would have left the male MC in the dust shortly after meeting him, after cutting his tongue out for the repeated dialogue....all he can say is how he wants revenge on someone for something he can't even remember so has made up an event in his mind. The female MC gets a sentence about being an Alpha female, so strong and smart and independent but really only whines, flirts because wow that male MC is sexy in his stupidity, and becomes a stupid doormat and be talked down too and lead around by the nose and ignore logic. (I want my strong females I was promised but keep ending up with a pile of goo with no brains and no will/backbone).
I want the time I spent reading this absolute pile of trash back and I wish the library I borrowed it from hadn't spent a single penny on this crap that calls itself a story.
Plot...um what plot? Continuity issues abound, holes in the story/logic of the characters big enough to drive a semi through. Not to mention their outlines since they aren't fully fleshed out and that is all they are, outlines of real people. Characters were too stupid to live, I wanted to wack them over the head with a club and shake them until they could have more than one repeating thought. All they think and talk about repeatedly for the entire book is how bad/good (depending on which MC's pov it is) another character is based on how they feel not the character's actual actions or evidence/proof of action and then of course the whole thing of sex as in we shouldn't but we just can't help it thing. (Note yes you really can help it, I am getting so sick of this troupe). I would have left the male MC in the dust shortly after meeting him, after cutting his tongue out for the repeated dialogue....all he can say is how he wants revenge on someone for something he can't even remember so has made up an event in his mind. The female MC gets a sentence about being an Alpha female, so strong and smart and independent but really only whines, flirts because wow that male MC is sexy in his stupidity, and becomes a stupid doormat and be talked down too and lead around by the nose and ignore logic. (I want my strong females I was promised but keep ending up with a pile of goo with no brains and no will/backbone).
I want the time I spent reading this absolute pile of trash back and I wish the library I borrowed it from hadn't spent a single penny on this crap that calls itself a story.
May 24, 2015
Librarian Brenna can 'feel' her twin brother is in danger, so she goes out looking for him... and finds herself with DEA Carson Turner - her brother's ex-partner.
18 months earlier, Carson's family was killed - he was shot in the back - and he knew that Alex was there... after physically recovering, after no word from Alex... after guilt and anger over his family overrule him, he goes hunting for Alex - tracking the motorcycle/drug & gun running gang he runs with...
and though he can't figure out how, he knows Brenna is the key - he doesn't trust her at first... he doesn't believe her... but bit by bit he does... and finds himself drawn to her... and soothed by her... enflamed by her... considering other possibilities to Alex' behavior...
They track him to a town hosting an annual motorcycle weekend - he tries to warn them away - wanting Brenna gone and safe...
And are there on the night of a big DEA takedown, led by Alex undercover... and they work together to get free... ahhh
18 months earlier, Carson's family was killed - he was shot in the back - and he knew that Alex was there... after physically recovering, after no word from Alex... after guilt and anger over his family overrule him, he goes hunting for Alex - tracking the motorcycle/drug & gun running gang he runs with...
and though he can't figure out how, he knows Brenna is the key - he doesn't trust her at first... he doesn't believe her... but bit by bit he does... and finds himself drawn to her... and soothed by her... enflamed by her... considering other possibilities to Alex' behavior...
They track him to a town hosting an annual motorcycle weekend - he tries to warn them away - wanting Brenna gone and safe...
And are there on the night of a big DEA takedown, led by Alex undercover... and they work together to get free... ahhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
The beginning was great. After a while, things started to get repetitive, but I was still hooked to see what happened.
The ending was a bit... disappointing. Don't worry, it was a HEA, but the execution felt rushed, and I couldn't understand why
3.5 stars
The chemistry was good. I would say the chemistry made half the story.
The ending was a bit... disappointing. Don't worry, it was a HEA, but the execution felt rushed, and I couldn't understand why
3.5 stars
The chemistry was good. I would say the chemistry made half the story.
February 8, 2009
IMO it was a nice little book that seemed a little short on action for a shifter book.
Description from the author's site:
Primal desires... dangerous lies
When her twin brother Alex turns up missing, shape-shifter Brenna Lupe locates his former partner, Carson Turner, only to find out Carson is hunting Alex too—but for different reasons. Seeking revenge for the death of his family, Carson believes Alex is responsible. In the midst of undercover drug deals and bikers, can Brenna prove him wrong, and show him that love is once again possible? Will love be enough for Carson to accept her dual nature and reach out for the happiness that is within his grasp?
It is the first [I think:] in The Pack series.
Description from the author's site:
Primal desires... dangerous lies
When her twin brother Alex turns up missing, shape-shifter Brenna Lupe locates his former partner, Carson Turner, only to find out Carson is hunting Alex too—but for different reasons. Seeking revenge for the death of his family, Carson believes Alex is responsible. In the midst of undercover drug deals and bikers, can Brenna prove him wrong, and show him that love is once again possible? Will love be enough for Carson to accept her dual nature and reach out for the happiness that is within his grasp?
It is the first [I think:] in The Pack series.
June 30, 2015
A Page-Turning Thriller
This narrative starts off with a bang. Carson Turner, a rogue DEA Agent, is on the hunt for a man, who killed his family. When Carson fines the man’s sister, Brenna, who believes her brother would never commit such an atrocity, the story unravels into action packed roller coaster scenes, twists and turns, vile characters that you would never want to meet in a dark alley, drug trafficking, gang violence, murder and mayhem. The dynamics between Brenna and Carson are unpleasant at best. If you enjoy story lines with a werewolf/shape-shifter theme and hot sexual tension, then you will certainly enjoy this well-written, page-turning novel and an ending you ill never see approaching.
This narrative starts off with a bang. Carson Turner, a rogue DEA Agent, is on the hunt for a man, who killed his family. When Carson fines the man’s sister, Brenna, who believes her brother would never commit such an atrocity, the story unravels into action packed roller coaster scenes, twists and turns, vile characters that you would never want to meet in a dark alley, drug trafficking, gang violence, murder and mayhem. The dynamics between Brenna and Carson are unpleasant at best. If you enjoy story lines with a werewolf/shape-shifter theme and hot sexual tension, then you will certainly enjoy this well-written, page-turning novel and an ending you ill never see approaching.
July 17, 2012
Bit my nails, just a bit, in this book. A nail bitter is always at least a 4 Star:) It is not a style of book I want to read though, so for style alone I would give a 3, so 3.5 stars. The focus was on illegal, horrible behavior by humans and it's effects and is not my cup of tea; too dark.
Read
August 16, 2008One Eye Open (The Pack, No.1) (Sihouette Intimate Moments, No. 1301) by Karen Whiddon (2004)
July 28, 2011
TERRIBLE
July 4, 2012
Good story but too short!
May 10, 2015
so disappointing...
March 14, 2013
This was pretty good. Good suspense throughout the book. Carson is a perfect hero (emotionally wounded and helped by love) and Brenna a perfect heroine.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews