"Stolen Secrets" by Denise Diana Huddle

I have written about some books on this site. Most of them have been children's books. Books are great for adults to read with their kids, but what happens when the kids are gone, and you finally have a couple of moments to yourself? Do you want to read another children's book, or are you ready to read something that is geared more towards adults?

"Stolen Secrets" by Denise Diana Huddle

Denise Diana Huddle has worked as an oil landman and then as a private investigator specializing in the oil and gas industry. She has taken her experience in both careers to create a story about an environmentalist ranch manager, Sarah Chandler, who has her hands full with a chauvinistic tool pusher and a fire on the land she's in charge of. Her book, "Stolen Secrets", is the first of her "Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy".

Ranch manager Chandler begrudgingly works with Ethan Tanner, a retired special forces officer working as landman for the White Stag Oil Company, to make sure White Stag drills with minimal damage to the land she's responsible for. Sarah never wanted White Stag there in the first place, but her boss, Bobby Joe Jackson heard the sound of cash instead of the woman he pays to keep things running, and Sarah is stuck with another undesirable job.

Sarah soon finds out that dealing with Tanner isn't the worst thing in the world. The landman is certainly easy on the eyes. Over time Sarah needs to remind herself that this is a professional relationship, and no matter how much she hates oil companies, there are disarming moments between her and Tanner multiple times in the book. Sexual tension builds between the environmentalist and the landman. Will Sarah forget her hatred towards the oil company and its past sins committed against the planet and the innocents that inhabit it? Will she give in to the looks and charm of a tanned, muscular military veteran who has served his country overseas and roped cattle back home?

Can Sarah Chandler Catch a Break?

If only this was all she had to deal with. Sarah's brother, Stone is missing, and the tight-knit relationship of the sheriff's department and the rest of the county government doesn't seem interested in investigating it any further than a rumor of defection to a country with whom the United States has no extradition. The only thing Sheriff Joe Earl Blackwood cares about is a house deed that somehow went unnoticed when Stone's truck was being cleaned out. Ignoring the demands of Sarah and her attorney, Blackwood and his deputies head back to headquarters, continuing their pursuit for "justice" and for Stone.

Despite her contempt and distrust, there is no denying how handy Ethan's toned and muscular arms can be when it comes to dodging bullets and the occasional hunting arrow. His sharp mind also comes into play when a house mysteriously catches fire. Ethan's bravery comes into play many times during the novel's unfolding. Oil workers and Sarah are all happy to see the hero in the right place at the right time during brush fires and gunfire.

"Stolen Secrets" is the first installment of Huddle's "Deadly Secrets" trilogy. The intricacies of the oil business and the palm-greasing between the wealthy and the power brokers make things a little tough to navigate for two people who just want to do their job and go home. Greed for money and power make going home a challenge for Sarah and Ethan. Not only must they fight crooked people in a small town, but they must also fight their feelings when they are alone at night.

A Book for the Adults

"Stolen Secrets" is a story that is full of adventure and danger. You'll find yourself rooting for Sarah as she faces obstacle after obstacle in the story. Ethan is an oil employee who's trying to keep his job and maybe even get promoted. He's a flawed man who wants to live a civilian life, but those flaws may make it hard for Sarah, and the reader to like and empathize with him. No matter how attracted Sarah may be, what's behind the looks and charm might be enough for her to quit him, and the oil business, for good.

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