Tempting Dusty

The Temptation Saga #1

by Helen Hardt

Dusty O’Donovan doesn’t fear a feisty stud bull deemed untamable. The accomplished rider knows life presents much more fearsome challenges. The animal’s owner, Zach McCray, is offering half a million dollars to anyone who can stay on him for a full eight seconds. That purse would go a long way to help Dusty and her brother rebuild their nearly bankrupt ranch.

Will Zach let a woman ride his bull? Not likely. Still, the headstrong Dusty intrigues him. Her father worked on the McCray ranch years ago, and Zach remembers her as a little girl when he was a cocky teen. Times change, and now she’s a beautiful and desirable young woman. A few passionate kisses leave Zach wanting more, but will Dusty’s secrets tear them apart?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Westerns, Fiction, Erotica, Contemporary

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2016

About the author

#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.

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Reviews

[Destiny Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Tempting Dusty(Temptation Saga Book 1), all about Dusty O'Donovan a twenty-three year old girl who is a bull whisperer & Zach McCray a thirty year old cowboy/rancher who knew Dusty's family when she was six years old & her dad worked for the McCrays! The O'Donovan's left Denver because their mother Mollie was dying from Leukemia, and her family wanted her to come home and die in Montana! The author wrote an amazing story about a young stubborn girl and the cowboy who literally fell in love the moment he laid eyes on her after seventeen years! This book kept my attention from page one until the last and I haven't been able to put it down! I can't wait to read book two!!! I love Helen !!!!

[Wendy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

If is wasn't free I wouldn't have read this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. When I first started it, it took me a couple of chapters before I really got into the book but by the time I finished I was wishing I had the second one in the series here to start reading.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and story line. I would of liked the story line to be more in-depth. the story felt really rushed and didn't feel the full potential was explored. The min issue I had with this book was how it was written. the writing felt all over the place going from speaking in first person, to third person and it just didn't flow easily. I will still however continue to read the temptation series although I doubt I'll be going to re-read the series.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed, sexy, fun and emotional journey filled with exciting and engaging charters, witty and fun dialog, heart racing twists, thrilling turns and so much passion. Was an edge of your seat, highly entertaining read from beginning to end.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

This was my first time reading this author, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started it. The book kept me engaged enough to want to continue reading the author's work, but I had a few issues with it.

I hated all the secrecy that the characters kept engaging in! It was like they really didn't want to be open with one another! The story was also a little too fast paced, so we didn't get as in depth with the characters as I would have liked. The romance was a bit rushed, but fully developed and took advantage of the background information we're given and turned the romance into a logical progression for these characters.

All things considered, I'll likely give the author another chance, but I am not certain I will finish this series.

[~Mandi~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempting Dusty
Temptation Saga # 1
Helen Hardt
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sweet and emotional romance from a great author. I keep enjoying her books more and more each time I read one.
This was Zach and Dusty’s story. They knew each other growing up and reunited at a rodeo.
Once Zach found Dusty again he was not letting her get away. Especially since she stole his heart.
Really enjoyed all the feels this story had. Can’t wait to read Dallas’ story next. He’s got to find an amazing someone the second time around.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Cailee Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read. Light stuff.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Helen Hardt does not disappoint. This is the first in her Temptation Saga. As in all of Helen's books she draws you into the main characters of her book emotionally. Dusty and Zach met many years ago when they were both much younger. The chemistry was apparent, but they each went their own way. They end up seeing each other again years later, and the attraction is still there. As well as being a very sexy story, Helen also delves into the strong emotional connect these 2 have. I would highly recommend this book, as well as all the books in the saga.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story I read in one sitting. It was very enjoyable and a quick
Read about Dusty O’Donovan and Zach McCray. Dusty is a rodeo rider
Who needs the money for her ranch and treatment for her cancer. Zach
Won’t let her ride his bull. It is a tale full of seductive scenes and is the first
In the series. Wish I had the second story to continue reading about the
McCray brothers. Enjoy!

[Jackie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good....but

I enjoyed the storyline. Went a bit fast for me, but all and all a good book. Looking forward to reading book 2.

[Opalsbookjems · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Bree Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the Romance Takeover Readathon. I'd seen this author at a few book conventions and purchased this book and a couple others, but hadn't picked any up until now. And, unfortunately, I didn't love this one.

This is a childhood friends to lovers cowboy romance about a girl who discovers that someone is offering a cash prize to anyone who can stay on his wild bull for longer than 6 minutes. Since she needs the money and she considers herself a bull-whisperer, she decides to give it a shot only to discover that it is her childhood friend who owns the bull.

This was far too insta-lovey to me. It started off with a lot of potential. The hero was intriguing because of his relationship to the heroine from childhood. He lost a lot of his mysteriousness that was appealing to me because of the instalove romance. The two were immediately all over each other before there was even a hint of chemistry. Also, I'm kind of over the super inexperienced heroine paired up with the playboy hero. This book also ends with one of my least favorite tropes.

Overall, everything that I liked about this book was overpowered by all the things I don't typically like in books.

I do plan on giving this author another chance, there was nothing wrong with the writing at all - or even the story - just the elements within the story that I'm not a huge fan of.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ok for me. You could tell rather quickly that this was going to be an insta-love book. And while I'm not opposed to those, I felt like this book needed 50 more pages. I enjoyed Dusty for the most part but all her running away kinda gets old after so many times. Zach on the other hand I loved! I mean he's a cowboy, do I need to say more?

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just realised I hadn’t left a review for this book yet! I absolutely loved this book! Such an amazing start to a series and another amazing book written by the fabulous Helen Hardt, she honestly never disappoints! As always, she delivers an incredible love story with a few twists.


Zach and Dusty met when they were young but as kids they went their separate ways, only to be reunited years later at a rodeo. The chemistry between the two is intense and I could honestly feel it as I read this book. That’s what I loved about it so much. Helen is great at pulling you in and making you fall hard for the main characters and that’s exactly what she did with these two.


There really isn’t much I can say that won’t give away the story, but I will tell you that this will be one hell of a ride and those that love Helen’s books will love this one. I highly recommend it!

It’s slightly fast paced, absolutely captivating, addictive, hot and steamy with a twist or two. MUST READ!

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars I found this book to be a bit better than the Steel Brothers but not by much.

Things I disliked:
I’m a little tired of the instalove going on. I’m all for attraction and knowing you want someone but I believe love takes a little longer than a week to develop.
Having sex with someone unprotected just because they say “I’m clean”
A woman thinking she’s infertile because she has an irregular cycle
And what is with the darlins??? If I had a dollar for every time it was said I could buy the whole series.

Things I liked:
Maybe because I’m a Southern girl 🤷‍♀️ I did enjoy the rodeo and cowboy aspects of the book.
Diablo the bull
The fact that Dusty was a bull whisperer
That it had a happy ending

If I can get the rest of the series through my Overdrive library app I may continue on with it.

[Michelle Cage · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by this author and I loved it. I loved the relationship between Dusty and Zach, and the fire that Dusty had to me made the story. The relationship.was quick but considering these two knew each other when they were younger made it believable. So if hot, succesful, alpha cowboys are your thing then this book is a good fit for you. I am off to read book two, bring on more cowboys yee haw.

[Brittany W. · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this 0 stars, I swear I would. This book was super cheesy. I don’t even care for romance much but this was way worse than the typical romance novel. I’m appalled at the ratings of this book.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was almost zero plot development and the interactions between the main characters was just very forced and way too quick. I think I ended up skimming the love scenes they were so cliche
Waste of time and money.

[Book wonderer · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️✨/5

Great plot but it was way too rushed, it killed any chance of getting to really know the characters or connecting to them. I wish it was a bit slower, with more depth. All in all it was an okay fast read.

[Pamela Longham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story and Dusty and Zach are a great couple. Helen has done a amazing book. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

[Tiffany {Beyond the Stars Books} · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wild ride. Utterly heart wrenching. Emotional rollercoaster.

Zach and Dusty first met as children through their siblings having been best friends. Dusty's family moved away and now they are coming together again for the first time in many, many, years.
The rodeo is in full swing and Dusty has her eye on Zach's bull (literally) and the money on the ride that will help save the family ranch. As Dusty and Zach grow closer, Zach is learning that not everything is as it seems with Dusty.

From start to finish, this novel took me four hours. Four. I was so enraptured with these characters. I felt Zach's frustration, his confusion, his pain. I was there with Dusty in her sadness and just feeling her heart break over and over for her struggles and not wanting to involve Zach and put that on him.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a tear jerker romance with a happy ending!

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zack McCray & Dusty O’Donovan

The opening was promising. Dusty and Sam as kids, having to leave the McCray ranch due to their mother's illness. I enjoyed the blood brother's thing, and from that small interaction between Dusty and Zach when they were kids, you just know. It wasn't anything untoward, just a sweet little exchange.

Now it's 17 yrs later and the McCrays and O'Donovan's run into each other at a rodeo. Things pick up like no time has passed, except now Zach is noticing what an attractive woman Dusty turned out to be, and he doesn't waste much time letting her know.

The problem: Dusty is hiding some things, so she keeps running. Zach keeps going back for more only to have a running Dusty.

Their around one another long enough for the readers to get some spicy scenes, and to evidently fall in love.

Something was missing for me. I can't explain it exactly, but I found myself rolling my eyes several times due to these characters. That is not a good thing.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Rating 3.5 stars

The start to the Temptation Saga was fun. Though there were some convenient parts to the plot, this childhood friends to lovers situation centered around a rodeo. I really liked the introduction to the families that will clearly be involved in the series.

Content warning for suicide and cancer.

[kaelasbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything Helen Hardt writes is so good to read. I fly through her books every time and this series started off the same way for me. I loved Zach in the book and how open and deeply he cared for Dusty. Dusty annoyed me at parts, but surprise surprise I still teared up a bit!

[Shaughnessy Robitaille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Might officially be the fastest I've ever seen a couple move, but okay! haha.. I will say I've read a string of books this year that use the term of endearment "darlin" and I'm getting a little sick of it 🤣 though this one is a cowboy so it's at least fitting. Quiite spicy!

[Rose Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love love love Dusty and Zach!! And I wanted to throttle Angelina and Chelsea! Such a fantastic love story with a HEA. The love scenes were hot hot hot.

[Selenity Jade (Coffee Addicts Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent enough story that I enjoyed it, but the plot and characters weren't terribly memorable.

[Verna Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempting Dusty by Helen Hardt is such a fun read that leads you on an emotional journey about finding love when you least expect it.

Dusty O’Donovan is such a fierce and wonderful character. I really enjoyed getting to know her through the book. My heart went out to her though with everything she was going through. She dealt with loss at such a young age and then to learn her own fate may be out of her hands. It was such a heartbreaking realization for her. But she never once let it keep her down. She stood her ground and proved that no matter what, she could overcome it all, especially with the love of her family and riding bulls.

Zach McCray is a man on a mission once he meets up with Dusty again years later. His pull to her and their chemistry is sensational. I couldn’t get enough of their relationship. It was so thrilling and there was never a dull moment. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cowboy romance.

I give Tempting Dusty by Helen Hardt 4 out of 5 EVERYTHING STARS!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book in the temptation saga. on a quick look over the books from Helen Hardt ... i have read 2 of her books and they are both not in order ... jumping around different series ... love her book covers. let me tell ya ... i am still confused how i keep getting these (i have 4 email addresses and no one of them is connected to this company? who was sweetest enough 2 send me these? so weird. did i enter into a contest or something?? so odd??!) "Luv Book Boxes" 2nd one i have gotten ...this book was full of amazing goodies ... so that is the point ...the books you get in these boxes are remade for the company ...totally different covers ... i have read the book by Jasinda Wilder (i mean who the heck doesn't know her Badd Brothers series, or the newest Goode Girls series?? i am totally on those big time, so i will have to pass on that first book to some1 unfamiliar with that series, so good, that is where it all started. a book by Alison Mello "Shattered Souls: To Love and Serve: Book 1", some jelly beans, a reusable straw, some book marks, blow up cup holder look like a palm tree when u r on the pool this summer, a bag to shop with or hold your books, deck of cards, i love CARDS, missing playing solitaire, i am totally old school. what am i missing?? i dated a Dusty (David, it was extremely hard to call him his real name, he will always be a Dusty to me. kind of like my brother is Billy ...never his real name. nicknames are the best.) i don't real hand held books much, usually my kindle is my way of reading ... so i love getting or entering into Goodreads giveaway or other i find other locations, through newsletter or whatnot. so i love checking out the fonts they pick ... wonder if that the author decision or publisher? any who ... Helen Hardt is a great author, i enjoy her writing style. and will pick up others soon enough ... i hope??! she is not on KU so that mean i have to pay out of pocket ... or even more than the KU monthly cost. i'll see??!? check this out. enjoyable.