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Pure Genius #1
Hide and Seek
A computer security breach within a US defense contractor's firewalls leads investigators, Lee Brandt and beautiful, brilliant Jennifer Akihara, onto the cyber-turf of terrorists, where they are detected and targeted for elimination. Lee leads them on a desperate and prayer-filled flight for survival into the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Will Jennifer's pursuit of truth about the conspiracy, and the deepest issues of life, lead her into the clutches of terrorists, into the arms of Lee Brandt, or into the arms of the God she deems untrustworthy?
- GenresChristian
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2013
40 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Wegley
26 books109 followersH L Wegley's stories are always Christian and always inspirational, with a climate of suspense and a forecast of stormy weather. What else would you expect from a Meteorologist?
He published a high-action, romantic suspense, 4-book series through Pelican Book Group. The stories include cyber -espionage, human trafficking, and cyber terrorism, all written to CBA standards.
His award-winning, 3-book, political thriller series, with romance (also CBA-compliant), released across the year 2016. Book 1, Voice in the Wilderness, Gold Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, is currently on Amazon with numerous reviews. Book 2, Voice of Freedom, Silver Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, released in late May 2016, and Book 3, Chasing Freedom (The Prequel), released in October 2016.
In addition to his scientific publications, H. L. Wegley has published 2 non-fiction books, including his Boomer book, Colby and Me: Growing up in the '50s.
You can find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HLWegley/ and on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Wegley/e/...
In the USAF H. L. Wegley served as an Intelligence Analyst, working closely with NSA and, after obtaining a degree in Meteorology, served as a Weather Officer. Upon leaving the military, he worked as a forecaster and a Research Scientist in Atmospheric Physics, where he published scientific articles, reports, and books. After earning an MS in Computer Science, he worked more than two decades developing large-scale computing systems for Boeing before retiring in the Seattle where he resides with his wife and where he writes. He is currently finishing his 12th manuscript.
He published a high-action, romantic suspense, 4-book series through Pelican Book Group. The stories include cyber -espionage, human trafficking, and cyber terrorism, all written to CBA standards.
His award-winning, 3-book, political thriller series, with romance (also CBA-compliant), released across the year 2016. Book 1, Voice in the Wilderness, Gold Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, is currently on Amazon with numerous reviews. Book 2, Voice of Freedom, Silver Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, released in late May 2016, and Book 3, Chasing Freedom (The Prequel), released in October 2016.
In addition to his scientific publications, H. L. Wegley has published 2 non-fiction books, including his Boomer book, Colby and Me: Growing up in the '50s.
You can find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HLWegley/ and on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Wegley/e/...
In the USAF H. L. Wegley served as an Intelligence Analyst, working closely with NSA and, after obtaining a degree in Meteorology, served as a Weather Officer. Upon leaving the military, he worked as a forecaster and a Research Scientist in Atmospheric Physics, where he published scientific articles, reports, and books. After earning an MS in Computer Science, he worked more than two decades developing large-scale computing systems for Boeing before retiring in the Seattle where he resides with his wife and where he writes. He is currently finishing his 12th manuscript.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 15, 2019
Great first book!
This book introduces three characters who are in books that I have read. The way the two main characters met and interacted gives background to other books. I would suggest reading this book first... Perhaps as one of a series.
This book introduces three characters who are in books that I have read. The way the two main characters met and interacted gives background to other books. I would suggest reading this book first... Perhaps as one of a series.
September 30, 2019
SUPERB!!!!!!!!
This is an excellent book. A super, superb mystery thriller with an exciting plot. I love how it had a little surprise near the end when I thought the book was almost at the end. I look forward to the next book I read by this author.
This is an excellent book. A super, superb mystery thriller with an exciting plot. I love how it had a little surprise near the end when I thought the book was almost at the end. I look forward to the next book I read by this author.
May 5, 2020
Love It!!
Great plot..awesome characters that feel like we could become good friends. Don't want to say goodbye. Mysterious, believable, exciting action..interesting consequences for the bad guys. Never read that before.
Great plot..awesome characters that feel like we could become good friends. Don't want to say goodbye. Mysterious, believable, exciting action..interesting consequences for the bad guys. Never read that before.
September 5, 2020
HL Wegley Does it again!
This was another fantastic book by Mr Wegley. He draws you in, & keeps you on the edge of your seat. One of my absolutely favorite authors! Keep them coming! I would love to read more about Lee & Jenn.
This was another fantastic book by Mr Wegley. He draws you in, & keeps you on the edge of your seat. One of my absolutely favorite authors! Keep them coming! I would love to read more about Lee & Jenn.
April 3, 2018
The beginning of an amazing series by this author.
June 6, 2023
enjoy the read
The flow of the story was exciting and educational! I truly enjoy a book that gives God the glory! He is worthy of all praise!
The flow of the story was exciting and educational! I truly enjoy a book that gives God the glory! He is worthy of all praise!
August 8, 2013
H. L. Wegley in his new book, “Hide And Seek” Book One in the Pure Genius series published by Harbourlight Books brings us into the lives of Lee Brandt and Jennifer Akihara.
From the back cover: A computer security breach within a US defense contractor’s firewalls leads investigators, Lee Brandt and beautiful, brilliant Jennifer Akihara, onto the cyber-turf of terrorists, where they are detected and targeted for elimination.
Lee leads them on a desperate and prayer-filled flight for survival into the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Will Jennifer’s pursuit of truth about the conspiracy, and the deepest issues of life, lead her into the clutches of terrorists, into the arms of Lee Brandt, or into the arms of the God she deems untrustworthy?
The government has a problem. It has been infected with a Trojan virus that stole top-secret files. Lee Brandt, who writes computer programs, is given the unenviable task of finding and destroying this virus. To do so he finds an assistant, Jennifer Akihara. Now the hunt begins as the terrorists do not want them to succeed and chase them using chase them using weapons, highly technical equipment and explosives. ”Hide And Seek” is a thriller as both Lee and Jennifer’s lives are in great danger as they try to stay ahead of those that want them dead and still manage to stop them and the virus. On top of that it is also a romance. Mr. Wegley has given us a top-notch beginning to what looks like an excellent series. I am so glad I found this very talented author and am looking forward to his next book.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: A computer security breach within a US defense contractor’s firewalls leads investigators, Lee Brandt and beautiful, brilliant Jennifer Akihara, onto the cyber-turf of terrorists, where they are detected and targeted for elimination.
Lee leads them on a desperate and prayer-filled flight for survival into the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Will Jennifer’s pursuit of truth about the conspiracy, and the deepest issues of life, lead her into the clutches of terrorists, into the arms of Lee Brandt, or into the arms of the God she deems untrustworthy?
The government has a problem. It has been infected with a Trojan virus that stole top-secret files. Lee Brandt, who writes computer programs, is given the unenviable task of finding and destroying this virus. To do so he finds an assistant, Jennifer Akihara. Now the hunt begins as the terrorists do not want them to succeed and chase them using chase them using weapons, highly technical equipment and explosives. ”Hide And Seek” is a thriller as both Lee and Jennifer’s lives are in great danger as they try to stay ahead of those that want them dead and still manage to stop them and the virus. On top of that it is also a romance. Mr. Wegley has given us a top-notch beginning to what looks like an excellent series. I am so glad I found this very talented author and am looking forward to his next book.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 3, 2013
All Lee Brandt wants to do is say, "I told you so" when there is a significant computer security breach at the company he works for. When technologically savvy, not to mention beautiful, Jennifer Akihara steps in to give Lee a hand, they are in for a wild ride through the lush mountains of the Northwest.
For Jennifer, trust is the most important thing. As they fight for their lives, racing against the clock, Jennifer must learn to trust Lee, but Lee places his trust in Someone much more powerful than technology or quick thinking. His trust is in God and Jennifer comes face to face with true faith in action. The question is - will she see it for what it is?
I really enjoyed this novel! With it's fast paced action and romance intertwined in a believable way, I found it to be a great balance between suspense and emotion filled moments. Wegely also weaves in truth about the gospel in an understandable way. Lee doesn't force his faith on Jennifer, but rather lives it out and openly answers questions when the time come. I really appreciate the authors wonderful approach to practical Christianity!
I will say that the tech side of things was a little confusing at points - there is a lot to computers that I will probably never understand - but most times H. L. Wegely delivers the information in an understanding (if not comprehensive) way.
If you are in search of an action packed adventure with a sweet romantic side to it, Hide and Seek by H. L. Wegley is definitely the book for you!
This was originally posted on my blog:http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/04...
***
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
For Jennifer, trust is the most important thing. As they fight for their lives, racing against the clock, Jennifer must learn to trust Lee, but Lee places his trust in Someone much more powerful than technology or quick thinking. His trust is in God and Jennifer comes face to face with true faith in action. The question is - will she see it for what it is?
I really enjoyed this novel! With it's fast paced action and romance intertwined in a believable way, I found it to be a great balance between suspense and emotion filled moments. Wegely also weaves in truth about the gospel in an understandable way. Lee doesn't force his faith on Jennifer, but rather lives it out and openly answers questions when the time come. I really appreciate the authors wonderful approach to practical Christianity!
I will say that the tech side of things was a little confusing at points - there is a lot to computers that I will probably never understand - but most times H. L. Wegely delivers the information in an understanding (if not comprehensive) way.
If you are in search of an action packed adventure with a sweet romantic side to it, Hide and Seek by H. L. Wegley is definitely the book for you!
This was originally posted on my blog:http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/04...
***
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
November 8, 2013
A rare combination of gripping thriller, believable romance, and honest faith, H. L. Wegley’s Hide and Seek tells of a computer programming expert, watching high-security jobs outsourced, and gritting his teeth to avoid saying “I told you so” when things go wrong. It’s only a minor security breach, but Lee’s not quite convinced by what he finds, so calls in a favor and asks for help. When help comes in the form of a seriously beautiful, and equally seriously prickly young woman, he just hopes he can keep his hormones from turning his brain to mush at the wrong point. But Akihara has more than hormones on her mind.
Suddenly a quiet investigation of cyber-crime becomes a high-stakes car chase followed by hide and seek in the mountains. Lee’s occasional prayers from his foxhole are easily excused, but when Akihara starts listening to the prayers, it just might seem their meeting has deeper meanings than mere earthly survival.
The author succeeds in giving Lee both believable faith and believable words to share that faith, making this that rare treat of a genuinely Christian thriller, where a character’s preaching is entirely natural and unpreachy. Sure, they’re probably the author’s words too, but they feel like Lee’s, and that’s what makes it work so well.
As pleasantly surprising to this reader as Akihara’s sudden appearance was to Lee, this fast-action adventure is great fun and a genuinely enjoyable, faith-filled, edgy read.
Disclosure: I won a copy during the author’s blog tour.
Suddenly a quiet investigation of cyber-crime becomes a high-stakes car chase followed by hide and seek in the mountains. Lee’s occasional prayers from his foxhole are easily excused, but when Akihara starts listening to the prayers, it just might seem their meeting has deeper meanings than mere earthly survival.
The author succeeds in giving Lee both believable faith and believable words to share that faith, making this that rare treat of a genuinely Christian thriller, where a character’s preaching is entirely natural and unpreachy. Sure, they’re probably the author’s words too, but they feel like Lee’s, and that’s what makes it work so well.
As pleasantly surprising to this reader as Akihara’s sudden appearance was to Lee, this fast-action adventure is great fun and a genuinely enjoyable, faith-filled, edgy read.
Disclosure: I won a copy during the author’s blog tour.
January 3, 2026
H.L. Wegley's books have it all! From the beginning of the series to the end, these books are action-packed, full of suspense, with some clean romance and humor to lighten the mood! It is best to read this series in order to get the full impact. I was able to read them one after the other, and really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I felt like I was there with them in the thick of things! The author's books are clear, well-written, fast-paced...very descriptive without being boring! Excitement and suspense keep you turning pages as fast as you can read! Hide and Seek introduces us to Lee Brandt and Jennifer Akihara who determine there is a computer security breach and they must run for their lives! This book is based in Washington state /Pacific Northwest and the author is very familiar with the caves where the two were able to get ahead of their pursuers for awhile. The author used his personal knowledge as an intelligence analyst to keep everything very realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this clean, action-packed, romantic thriller! And enjoyed the entire Pure Genius series as well! I read this book in 2013 and just reread it as my first book in 2026. It is still so very good! I’m rereading all his books starting now!
June 1, 2013
More like 3.5 stars...
This book was fun and a bit of a thrill ride for the first half. Then it morphed into a romance in the second half with a short spurt of danger toward the end. The use of the term goons to describe the terrorists did take some terror out of the plot, though. It didn't sound as dangerous to me. What I liked best was the dynamics between characters including the quick wit and sense of humor they had with each other. The dialog was great. What wasn't as believable to me was the speed in which they developed feelings for each other. Even if they felt that way I don't think they would say it quite so soon. I'm sure it happens at times. The author just didn't convince me even though the hero became breathless over her beauty a hundred times. I liked the characterization overall and the way the author delved into technology. I feel like I got a mini-lesson on cyber security. That was fun. I enjoyed the spiritual part of the story, though some of it seemed a bit forced. At the same time some great points were made. Overall it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it.
This book was fun and a bit of a thrill ride for the first half. Then it morphed into a romance in the second half with a short spurt of danger toward the end. The use of the term goons to describe the terrorists did take some terror out of the plot, though. It didn't sound as dangerous to me. What I liked best was the dynamics between characters including the quick wit and sense of humor they had with each other. The dialog was great. What wasn't as believable to me was the speed in which they developed feelings for each other. Even if they felt that way I don't think they would say it quite so soon. I'm sure it happens at times. The author just didn't convince me even though the hero became breathless over her beauty a hundred times. I liked the characterization overall and the way the author delved into technology. I feel like I got a mini-lesson on cyber security. That was fun. I enjoyed the spiritual part of the story, though some of it seemed a bit forced. At the same time some great points were made. Overall it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it.
February 20, 2013
If you like fast-paced, high-stress books? Then you just might like this action-filled adventure from H. L. Wegley.
It all begins with a Government contract to write a program for some Government needs and winds up with a Trojan virus that snatched top secret files. Lee Brandt, who writes programs for the Government, finds an assistant to try to pry out the Trojan. The problem is this assistant ties up his tongue and renders him a hopeless idiot. Yes, she's that pretty.
Jennifer Akihira is incredibly intelligent and knows this hopeless idiot probably won't be much help as she tries to eject the Trojan and find the culprit or culprits.
That's before the bad guys begin to chase them. With guns. And with highly technical equipment. And explosives.
Lee leads Jennifer into a limestone cave to try to hide from the goons, but the goons find them. Sorta.
It all begins with a Government contract to write a program for some Government needs and winds up with a Trojan virus that snatched top secret files. Lee Brandt, who writes programs for the Government, finds an assistant to try to pry out the Trojan. The problem is this assistant ties up his tongue and renders him a hopeless idiot. Yes, she's that pretty.
Jennifer Akihira is incredibly intelligent and knows this hopeless idiot probably won't be much help as she tries to eject the Trojan and find the culprit or culprits.
That's before the bad guys begin to chase them. With guns. And with highly technical equipment. And explosives.
Lee leads Jennifer into a limestone cave to try to hide from the goons, but the goons find them. Sorta.
March 22, 2014
Great story!
I received this book free for an honest and fair review. I have no obligation to provide a positive one. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the debut book by this author and was quite good. The characters were well developed and believable as was the story. It had just the right combination of suspense and romance. I especially liked Jennifer as she searched for God and how the author showed her that God can be trusted every time. Based on several conversations I had with the author through Facebook, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting as good a story as I came across. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense genre.
I received this book free for an honest and fair review. I have no obligation to provide a positive one. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the debut book by this author and was quite good. The characters were well developed and believable as was the story. It had just the right combination of suspense and romance. I especially liked Jennifer as she searched for God and how the author showed her that God can be trusted every time. Based on several conversations I had with the author through Facebook, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting as good a story as I came across. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense genre.
May 30, 2014
Wow...
It's not often a book drags you in like this one does. It starts with a bang and continues at a heart-stopping pace through out its 264 pages. Asked to investigate a potential threat to national security, Lee brings in Jennifer to help. Not realising this would lead to both of them being put in life threatening danger and running for their lives.
A book that doesn't want to be put down, it'll keep your pulse racing, your fingers turning pages and your mind desperate for the sequel.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a fair review
It's not often a book drags you in like this one does. It starts with a bang and continues at a heart-stopping pace through out its 264 pages. Asked to investigate a potential threat to national security, Lee brings in Jennifer to help. Not realising this would lead to both of them being put in life threatening danger and running for their lives.
A book that doesn't want to be put down, it'll keep your pulse racing, your fingers turning pages and your mind desperate for the sequel.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a fair review
February 11, 2013
Wow! What an exciting book. The first chapter or so had some difficult to read technical computer stuff, but if you read past it--it's only in a few paragraphs, not throughout the novel--the story really comes alive and pulls you along for a heart-stopping ride.
Hide and Seek by H.L. Wegley is a definite keeper if you love suspense with a touch of romance. :)
***I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
Hide and Seek by H.L. Wegley is a definite keeper if you love suspense with a touch of romance. :)
***I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
December 2, 2013
I downloaded this story last week onto my kindle before going away on Thanksgiving break so I'd have something to read for the long car ride. However, before I left I thought I'd just take a peek. Needless to say, instead of packing... I ended up reading the whole story!
Nice plot, fast action pace, great characterization... an overall fun, suspenseful book. Can't wait to read H.L Wegley's next book in the series.
Nice plot, fast action pace, great characterization... an overall fun, suspenseful book. Can't wait to read H.L Wegley's next book in the series.
March 5, 2015
Annoying and disappointing book. Starts off with a bang continuing the suspense until 2/3 of the way through then it goes downhill from there. No climax. Becomes a romance with pages and pages and chapters and chapters of back and forth agonizing dialogue between the two people who had earlier been chased through caves for exposing a computer spying effort. Why didn't Wegley save the highest tension to the end?
April 26, 2014
You start the book with an chase scene and it just does not stop. If you're a fan of NCIS or shows like that, this is a thriller for you. Non-stop action with plenty of surprises. Just when you think it's over- it's not! This is a clean romantic thriller. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
February 4, 2013
Wow, Mr. Wegley definitely keeps you on the run and out of breath through this whole story. REad the excerpt on my blog http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog... If you liked the excerpt above, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
April 7, 2013
A page-turner if I ever read one. Wegley kept me on the edge of my seat until the final word. Loved it!
April 21, 2017
I was very impressed and captivated with this suspenseful, action-packed book from the beginning! And I loved the little bits of humor that were often thrown into the story! Some of my favorite quotes were: “prayer isn’t magic. It depends entirely on the One to Whom we pray.” And: “Sometimes it’s incredible how God answers. I think I know what’s best, and then He answers in some entirely unexpected way making it so much better…” But there were so many more! This is a VERY enjoyable book that I highly recommend!!! I won this book and his next one at a FaceBook party, and wanted to leave my own honest review of it. I was captivated & VERY impressed!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews