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Omar Zagouri #0.75
First Heist
**Top 5 Amazon Bestseller in Mystery, Thriller & Suspense**
An Omar Zagouri Short Story: FIRST HEIST by USA Today Bestselling author H.B. Moore
Mia Golding, an undercover agent is about to make a handoff to co-agent, Omar Zagouri. But before she can complete her assignment, her cover is blown, and she finds herself escaping with Omar. The only problem is, her boss warned her about Omar and his sketchy history of landing himself in the middle of danger. After losing her mother in an attack planned for Mia, pulling off any heist with a man like Omar is the last thing she needs for her career . . . or her life.
Full-length novels in the Omar Zagouri Thriller Series:
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
An Omar Zagouri Short Story: FIRST HEIST by USA Today Bestselling author H.B. Moore
Mia Golding, an undercover agent is about to make a handoff to co-agent, Omar Zagouri. But before she can complete her assignment, her cover is blown, and she finds herself escaping with Omar. The only problem is, her boss warned her about Omar and his sketchy history of landing himself in the middle of danger. After losing her mother in an attack planned for Mia, pulling off any heist with a man like Omar is the last thing she needs for her career . . . or her life.
Full-length novels in the Omar Zagouri Thriller Series:
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
83 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
H.B. Moore
35 books340 followersHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She writes historical novels and thrillers under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact
Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books
Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner
Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact
Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books
Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner
Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 19, 2019
3.5 stars. This novelette is a Kindle freebie, and is a prequel to H.B. Moore's series of Omar Zagouri spy suspense novels about a rebellious spy, Omar, and Mia Golding, another undercover agent who first meets Omar in this story, set in Jerusalem. Luckily they're working for the same agency; not so luckily, Omar's free-wheeling and independent ways don't sit too well with their handlers.
Mia is supposed to hand off a key to Omar so he can complete an assignment of recovering some priceless historic treasures, but the stories she's heard about him make her leery of trusting him with the key. As the story opens, she's watching him in a club one evening, flirting with a woman. While Mia is trying to decide whether to make the hand-off, their cover is blown. Omar grabs Mia and they're off on the run, trying to avoid the bad guys while working out a way to complete the assignment. Mia's not sure about Omar, but there's a definite attraction there, and somehow he convinces her to go along with his plan.
It's light, quick and a bit superficial, but an enjoyable read. PG rated - pretty mild stuff for a thriller about undercover agents. I think this would be a good introduction to the Omar Zagouri series, for anyone interested in it.
Mia is supposed to hand off a key to Omar so he can complete an assignment of recovering some priceless historic treasures, but the stories she's heard about him make her leery of trusting him with the key. As the story opens, she's watching him in a club one evening, flirting with a woman. While Mia is trying to decide whether to make the hand-off, their cover is blown. Omar grabs Mia and they're off on the run, trying to avoid the bad guys while working out a way to complete the assignment. Mia's not sure about Omar, but there's a definite attraction there, and somehow he convinces her to go along with his plan.
It's light, quick and a bit superficial, but an enjoyable read. PG rated - pretty mild stuff for a thriller about undercover agents. I think this would be a good introduction to the Omar Zagouri series, for anyone interested in it.
July 28, 2016
I haven't read all the books in the Omar Zagouri series but I am making my way through them and am really enjoying every aspect of them. I started mid-series so it was fun to go back and read this novella which is shown through Mia's eyes and is the background for her and Omar meeting. It really gave me a good perspective on these characters.
It was a pretty fast-paced shorter read but all in all just hooked me further into this series.
Mia has recently returned to Jerusalem after taking several jobs in hopes of avoiding the area, but mostly avoiding the memories that being there brings back. She is supposed to meet Omar and pass along a key but ends up surveying him and finds herself pretty intrigued by him. Is he really as good as he seems, on paper reports and from what she's observed, or is it all a front?
Mia is instantly caught up in some intrigue on a job that happened differently than planned and finds herself working closely with Omar. They both are starting to feel sparks but not quite sure what to do with said sparks.
Omar eventually reveals some information to Mia about the last job she worked in Jerusalem and about the heartache that followed after the job. Yes, I'm being vague on purpose here. ;-) This info sends the two on another search and mission off grid.
Will they survive? Ok that's a silly question seeing as how there are several books after this prequel... But it was a fun thought to throw out there.
All in all it was another great read from this author. I instantly jumped into reading Slave Queen, the newest Omar book that is set to release the end of August, after finishing First Heist. I don't want to put it down now though, it's weaving two stories together, one ancient and one modern and is very well written. Ok I won't go on writing a review about a different book for this book's review. Silly me, I just got a little excited about this series and characters. If you haven't read any others in this series you are in for a treat. I need to go back and read Finding Sheba, the first Omar book. But you really would be fine reading this novella before or after any of the others. The books can be read alone, which I did, but are probably better read in order because there are references to previous events that you may want to know about.
This novella was originally released in the Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection but now has just been released as an individual novella.
It's a clean read, some mild kisses a little bit of fighting but nothing graphic.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
It was a pretty fast-paced shorter read but all in all just hooked me further into this series.
Mia has recently returned to Jerusalem after taking several jobs in hopes of avoiding the area, but mostly avoiding the memories that being there brings back. She is supposed to meet Omar and pass along a key but ends up surveying him and finds herself pretty intrigued by him. Is he really as good as he seems, on paper reports and from what she's observed, or is it all a front?
Mia is instantly caught up in some intrigue on a job that happened differently than planned and finds herself working closely with Omar. They both are starting to feel sparks but not quite sure what to do with said sparks.
Omar eventually reveals some information to Mia about the last job she worked in Jerusalem and about the heartache that followed after the job. Yes, I'm being vague on purpose here. ;-) This info sends the two on another search and mission off grid.
Will they survive? Ok that's a silly question seeing as how there are several books after this prequel... But it was a fun thought to throw out there.
All in all it was another great read from this author. I instantly jumped into reading Slave Queen, the newest Omar book that is set to release the end of August, after finishing First Heist. I don't want to put it down now though, it's weaving two stories together, one ancient and one modern and is very well written. Ok I won't go on writing a review about a different book for this book's review. Silly me, I just got a little excited about this series and characters. If you haven't read any others in this series you are in for a treat. I need to go back and read Finding Sheba, the first Omar book. But you really would be fine reading this novella before or after any of the others. The books can be read alone, which I did, but are probably better read in order because there are references to previous events that you may want to know about.
This novella was originally released in the Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection but now has just been released as an individual novella.
It's a clean read, some mild kisses a little bit of fighting but nothing graphic.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
July 23, 2019
This is was a good prequel novella to the Omar Zagouri thriller action series. Non-stop how are they going to get out of this action! I really appreciated that even though Omar was a highly skilled gorgeous looking undercover agent that was liked and wanted by all the women, that he refreshingly wasn't a serial womanizer. He wouldn't even kiss a woman unless he had authentic romantic feelings and intentions. And then only with permission. This made him seem only even more hotter on the page to me. I plan on reading the rest of this action thriller series.
Language: No profanity.
Violence: No graphic violence.
Sensuality content: Clean. Was mentioned in the beginning that Mia, the other undercover agent, used to have one night stands in the far past before the events of this book, but had quit and she had no desire for them any more. Mild innuendo humor. Smoldering kisses and embracing right after the completion of a mission.
Source: First Heist is part of my personally downloaded library as a freebie to introduce the series to readers. Still is a freebie at the date of this review. It can also be found as part of the A Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection.
Language: No profanity.
Violence: No graphic violence.
Sensuality content: Clean. Was mentioned in the beginning that Mia, the other undercover agent, used to have one night stands in the far past before the events of this book, but had quit and she had no desire for them any more. Mild innuendo humor. Smoldering kisses and embracing right after the completion of a mission.
Source: First Heist is part of my personally downloaded library as a freebie to introduce the series to readers. Still is a freebie at the date of this review. It can also be found as part of the A Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection.
October 16, 2016
3.5 stars
This novella is full of action. From the moment that Mia sees Omar across the room the two are running for their lives, literally.
It is obvious that this novella is part of a larger series of books. This is meant to serve as an introduction to the characters and their relationship. I have not read the other books in the series, so for me it was interesting. It has peaked my interest in reading the series.
This novella is full of action. From the moment that Mia sees Omar across the room the two are running for their lives, literally.
It is obvious that this novella is part of a larger series of books. This is meant to serve as an introduction to the characters and their relationship. I have not read the other books in the series, so for me it was interesting. It has peaked my interest in reading the series.
February 24, 2017
This book makes me want to go back and read the Heist Society series by Ally Carter again, which I loved.
Action packed, and suspenseful and I really liked Mia & Omar.
Would've given it 4 stars but there was a couple of things in there that didn't need to be.
Moral Note: Talk of waking up with men in her bed and how it became annoying, and then Omar mentions he wasn't going to sleep with someone...other than those, it was clean language, and suspense, but no graphic violence.
Action packed, and suspenseful and I really liked Mia & Omar.
Would've given it 4 stars but there was a couple of things in there that didn't need to be.
Moral Note: Talk of waking up with men in her bed and how it became annoying, and then Omar mentions he wasn't going to sleep with someone...other than those, it was clean language, and suspense, but no graphic violence.
June 13, 2022
A very short story that serves as a prequel to the Omar Zagouri series. It introduces us readers to Omar the rebellious secret agent in a fast-paced little adventure.
December 18, 2016
First Heist (An Omar Zagouri Thriller) by H.B. Moore is a short story and seems to be the prequel to her wonderful Omar Zagouri series. I have read some of the other books and had never gotten around to reading the first to see how this started so I am glad I did. It is action packed, full of intrigue, thrills, suspense, and romance. A wonderfully exciting short story that gets the reader pumped up for the series. I missed one of the books in the series and now I am going to go back and have to find it, lol. Great job! I received this for a honest review.
July 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the main characters, Omar and Mia. There's great chemistry between them. Full of action and romance. The book ended too soon for me. I want more! Looking forward to the next book.
August 2, 2016
Loved this Novella! Short intro to Omar and Mia, and how they met.
That being said, it wasn't incredibly deep. Quick mutual attraction, and some crazy action scenes being chased, escaping a compound, and getting attacked. For me I enjoyed the suspense, the quick scenes, and knew when I picked up a novella, it wouldn't be really deep with the relationship development. Very intense, fast paced, and enjoyable! I loved how Omar 'saw' Mia's need and worked out some closure for her with it.
Loved the action scenes, and Mia and Omar had great chemistry. A quick fun read, told from Mia's point of view. I think a winner for anyone who likes suspense, with some romance mixed in.
Clean, Romance, Suspense. While this is part of a series, it is a stand alone, and could be read on it's own.
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
That being said, it wasn't incredibly deep. Quick mutual attraction, and some crazy action scenes being chased, escaping a compound, and getting attacked. For me I enjoyed the suspense, the quick scenes, and knew when I picked up a novella, it wouldn't be really deep with the relationship development. Very intense, fast paced, and enjoyable! I loved how Omar 'saw' Mia's need and worked out some closure for her with it.
Loved the action scenes, and Mia and Omar had great chemistry. A quick fun read, told from Mia's point of view. I think a winner for anyone who likes suspense, with some romance mixed in.
Clean, Romance, Suspense. While this is part of a series, it is a stand alone, and could be read on it's own.
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 27, 2016
I don't know if this book is part of a larger series or not, but it wasn't very long. Maybe it's a novella? The characters were interesting to read, but by the time I figured them out, the book was over. I did like the characters and the plot, but this book seemed to be missing something.
I received this ebook for free in return for a free review.
I received this ebook for free in return for a free review.
September 17, 2016
Super quick read but it was still a great Omar Zagouri story like the rest! I loved learning about Mia and the beginning of her relationship with Omar.
February 1, 2019
After recently reading Slave Queen, I wanted to dive into more of the Omar Zagouri mysteries, so, I picked up the prequel to the series-arc. I found it to be very much what I had hoped for... This is where Omar and Mia meet up for the first time. It was told through Mia Golding's point-of-view where the previous book was from Omar's side... So I hadn't been able to glean how she felt about working with him and if she reciprocated any of his feelings... It's really fun to see them solving this first caper together and to know that he excited her from the very beginning...
March 5, 2025
one determined short story...
if I had checked, I would have taken a bye! on this one, so set against waste-of-time efforts as I am. this tale has no character development and thus, no believable dialogue. it's almost all nothing but action narratives with even less background establishment. I read the whole thing but couldn't explain who the main actors were or why they did what they did. it reads like a reject script from the old Get Smart series with Emma Peele's POV. cover art is intriguing, but reading past the pretty was just a confusing waste of time. don't...
if I had checked, I would have taken a bye! on this one, so set against waste-of-time efforts as I am. this tale has no character development and thus, no believable dialogue. it's almost all nothing but action narratives with even less background establishment. I read the whole thing but couldn't explain who the main actors were or why they did what they did. it reads like a reject script from the old Get Smart series with Emma Peele's POV. cover art is intriguing, but reading past the pretty was just a confusing waste of time. don't...
June 5, 2017
I haven't read any of this series before
I read this wondering if I would enjoy this series and this story was free. While I didn't enjoy the story a lot it did leave a positive enough impression that I wouldn't be averse to reading one of the novels in this series. We'll see.
The love story seems unrealistic to me, and the thriller part of the story seemed a bit to easy or at least quick to satisfy me, but that may have been in the nature of being a short story.
I read this wondering if I would enjoy this series and this story was free. While I didn't enjoy the story a lot it did leave a positive enough impression that I wouldn't be averse to reading one of the novels in this series. We'll see.
The love story seems unrealistic to me, and the thriller part of the story seemed a bit to easy or at least quick to satisfy me, but that may have been in the nature of being a short story.
Want to read
October 20, 2017Love to read!!!!
This was a short read, but I loved it from the start. I already feel like I am getting to know Omar and Mia, and I like them. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
This was a short read, but I loved it from the start. I already feel like I am getting to know Omar and Mia, and I like them. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
June 26, 2024
This action-packed novella is everything you need for a quick fix of espionage and excitement!
Fast paced but complex, this short story rides the line between enough context to put the reader in the story while not getting too bogged down with exposition.
Quick, fun read!
Fast paced but complex, this short story rides the line between enough context to put the reader in the story while not getting too bogged down with exposition.
Quick, fun read!
May 13, 2025
super short
When you get a book on Kindle, you often don’t know how long it is. This was a novelette. I was surprised it was in and out and over so early. The writing was decent, though it was pretty predictable.
When you get a book on Kindle, you often don’t know how long it is. This was a novelette. I was surprised it was in and out and over so early. The writing was decent, though it was pretty predictable.
May 27, 2017
This book has everything: Intrigue. Action. Suspense. Spies. Terrorists.
It is excellent. Highly recommended.
It is excellent. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2017
I think there was just too much going on. and Mia seemed a bit helpless which I don't like in a female spy
September 27, 2017
Fabulous!!
What a terrific story. The fact that it took place in Israel made it even better. Can't wait to read the next one.
What a terrific story. The fact that it took place in Israel made it even better. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 10, 2018
Fun little read. I didn't realize going into it that it's a prequel of some kind, so perhaps good to read either with that in mind, or after you've read some of the others in this series.
May 28, 2018
Thrills and chills!
A wonderful new and exciting author (to me) to be added to my favorites list. I'm starting on my next book by Ms Moore now.
A wonderful new and exciting author (to me) to be added to my favorites list. I'm starting on my next book by Ms Moore now.
March 21, 2019
So this is what a Goodread is....
I was reading along, chapter to chapter, when I heard the reading text to speech stop. I had drifted off. Amy (GR8) made for a good narrative.
I was reading along, chapter to chapter, when I heard the reading text to speech stop. I had drifted off. Amy (GR8) made for a good narrative.
April 9, 2019
Should probably read the rest in the series. Let's see.
January 16, 2023
An exciting quick read
The author has created a unique and exciting plot to go with a interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created a unique and exciting plot to go with a interesting group of characters making this hard to put down
January 7, 2025
First Contact
Better as a novella. Quick to the point, some action. Interesting people. Not the draw back into history. What’s next?
Better as a novella. Quick to the point, some action. Interesting people. Not the draw back into history. What’s next?
May 1, 2025
Just so-so. Sort of predictable. Moves along quickly though
October 5, 2016
I always enjoy reading books by H.B. Moore. I occasionally have the opportunity to read books for free for an honest review and apparently I’d already read First Heist. What’s weird is that I couldn’t remember very much of this book so this was the perfect opportunity to read it again. First Heist was originally included inside another compilation of novellas which means it’s a quick read with a lot of action. The characters are fun and real. I like how Moore writes them with quirks and shows that they’re human. She also includes a little sarcasm and humor but leaves it to the reader to pick up these subtle things believing we’re intelligent enough to understand.
4 Stars. Clean.
4 Stars. Clean.
October 14, 2016
First Heist is a short story by H.B. Moore. In this introductory short story, Agent Mia Golding has been instructed to make what should be a straightforward handoff to her fellow agent, Omar Zagouri. Mia recently returned to Jerusalem after a 4-year hiatus and doesn’t expect any surprises, even though her handler warned her that Omar had a knack for landing himself into complicated situations. When her cover gets blown, she is drawn into one of Omar’s elaborate capers to save the op.
H. B. Moore does an excellent job in linking the immediate dilemma with a past incident that haunts Mia. Mia suffered a terrible loss that left her distrustful. The last thing on her agenda was to be drawn to an impulsive agent. Omar’s unconventional tactics put Mia on edge as he unleashes his charismatic personality in an effort to put her at ease. Mia is a disciplined, by the book agent, while Omar is the master of improvisation. Moore eloquently creates interactions between vastly contrasting characters, despite their diverse tactics. Mia and Omar manage to develop a complimentary relationship. Omar is the secret operative that always comes up with an exhilarating, but convincing Plan B. First Heist: An Omar Zagouri Thriller was a compelling fast paced thriller that the adventure seeking reader would enjoy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
H. B. Moore does an excellent job in linking the immediate dilemma with a past incident that haunts Mia. Mia suffered a terrible loss that left her distrustful. The last thing on her agenda was to be drawn to an impulsive agent. Omar’s unconventional tactics put Mia on edge as he unleashes his charismatic personality in an effort to put her at ease. Mia is a disciplined, by the book agent, while Omar is the master of improvisation. Moore eloquently creates interactions between vastly contrasting characters, despite their diverse tactics. Mia and Omar manage to develop a complimentary relationship. Omar is the secret operative that always comes up with an exhilarating, but convincing Plan B. First Heist: An Omar Zagouri Thriller was a compelling fast paced thriller that the adventure seeking reader would enjoy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2016
Action, romance and intrigue.
I'm hooked nicely after reading this introduction to the Omar Zagouri series. Really reminded me of Matthew Reilly's Jack West, with a dash of James Bond and Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt.
Action, great one-liners, an intriguing covert agency and a budding romance. A wide and enjoyable sweep covered in this thriller novella.
Well written, likeable characters and the atypical background setting of Jerusalem all added to the enjoyable read.
Not a great deal of information on the agency they are working for in this short novella, but I assume that aspect will be developed more fully in the following novels and look forward to discovering its details.
This is a series well worth following if this intro novella is any indication!
Definitely recommended.
Note: I received a copy from the author via Ebooks for Review in return for my honest opinion.
I'm hooked nicely after reading this introduction to the Omar Zagouri series. Really reminded me of Matthew Reilly's Jack West, with a dash of James Bond and Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt.
Action, great one-liners, an intriguing covert agency and a budding romance. A wide and enjoyable sweep covered in this thriller novella.
Well written, likeable characters and the atypical background setting of Jerusalem all added to the enjoyable read.
Not a great deal of information on the agency they are working for in this short novella, but I assume that aspect will be developed more fully in the following novels and look forward to discovering its details.
This is a series well worth following if this intro novella is any indication!
Definitely recommended.
Note: I received a copy from the author via Ebooks for Review in return for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews