What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild at Heart #1
Sanctuary
“I always wanted to try out being bisexual.”
After a messy divorce leaves him moving across the country to his aunt’s wildlife sanctuary, the last thing Ryan expects is to meet a friendly zoologist with a pretty smile… and a pet tiger. Worse, when his attempts to secure an important donation for the sanctuary end in volunteering for a weekend away, he’s left having to pretend to be Oscar’s boyfriend.
Ryan’s always been a little bi-curious, and now he’s all alone with a hot gay man he definitely feels a spark with.
When the inevitable happens and they fall into bed together, Ryan doesn’t expect it to last past the weekend--Oscar can do better, right? And he’s leaving once his divorce settlement comes through, anyway.
But there’s more between them than one hot experiment, a connection neither man can deny.
Can the two of them find their happily ever after? Or will Ryan’s fear that he’s not enough get the better of him?
Sanctuary is a complete gay romance with a HEA ending. It contains: a tiger called Spot, a few eccentric rich people, explicit sex scenes, lots of alligators, and true love conquering all.
After a messy divorce leaves him moving across the country to his aunt’s wildlife sanctuary, the last thing Ryan expects is to meet a friendly zoologist with a pretty smile… and a pet tiger. Worse, when his attempts to secure an important donation for the sanctuary end in volunteering for a weekend away, he’s left having to pretend to be Oscar’s boyfriend.
Ryan’s always been a little bi-curious, and now he’s all alone with a hot gay man he definitely feels a spark with.
When the inevitable happens and they fall into bed together, Ryan doesn’t expect it to last past the weekend--Oscar can do better, right? And he’s leaving once his divorce settlement comes through, anyway.
But there’s more between them than one hot experiment, a connection neither man can deny.
Can the two of them find their happily ever after? Or will Ryan’s fear that he’s not enough get the better of him?
Sanctuary is a complete gay romance with a HEA ending. It contains: a tiger called Spot, a few eccentric rich people, explicit sex scenes, lots of alligators, and true love conquering all.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2018
193 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Sean Ashcroft
44 books460 followersSean Ashcroft likes rainy days, white hot chocolates (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and boys kissing in books. He currently resides in Australia, all the way down at the bottom of the mainland in a sleepy little seaside town.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 22, 2019
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Listen... These guys are too perfect to be real, we all know that.
Now ask me if I care?
Nope. Not a bit.
It's a pure popcorn novel - it isn't going to tax your brain or your emotions, but it's perfect for a beach read and it'll leave you smiling.
Listen... These guys are too perfect to be real, we all know that.
Now ask me if I care?
Nope. Not a bit.
It's a pure popcorn novel - it isn't going to tax your brain or your emotions, but it's perfect for a beach read and it'll leave you smiling.
November 20, 2018
Sexy, Sweet & Animals...Oh My!
A divorce, a tiger name Spot and new born alligators are all parts of the Ryan & Oscar love story. I liked the MCs, the storyline and animals (long distance, that is!😉). This is a lite fun, sexy romance.
A divorce, a tiger name Spot and new born alligators are all parts of the Ryan & Oscar love story. I liked the MCs, the storyline and animals (long distance, that is!😉). This is a lite fun, sexy romance.
September 25, 2018
Animals have a way of warming your heart
Their live is unconditional and you can’t help but be drawn in. Falling in love with their caregivers goes without saying but I loved the way things were tentatively approached with these two.
Great story with lots of animals to love!
Their live is unconditional and you can’t help but be drawn in. Falling in love with their caregivers goes without saying but I loved the way things were tentatively approached with these two.
Great story with lots of animals to love!
November 20, 2018
It was ok. Nothing much really happens.
October 17, 2018
When Ryan is waiting for his divorce to finalize and him to get his settlement, he moves to his aunt's wildlife sanctuary to work as a business manager until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life. The first person he meets is Oscar, a zoologist, who is part of the small operation. While Oscar is attracted to Ryan, Ryan, still hurting from his divorce, comes to the realization that Oscar is a handsome man. To secure a donor for the sanctuary, Ryan and Oscar pose as boyfriends and spend the weekend checking out the wildlife near the donor's home. Their pretend relationship soon becomes real when Rylan admits to himself and Oscar that he's bisexual. There are rough patches as both men learn how to move on from past hurts, but in the end, there HEA is perfect!
September 29, 2018
Ryan and Oscar
This about finding the right person to love.
Then trusting and believing in that connection.
They both suffered heart break in previous relationships and wanted to make this one work without pressure.
From having a fake relationship for a weekend charity to actually finding a connection
This about finding the right person to love.
Then trusting and believing in that connection.
They both suffered heart break in previous relationships and wanted to make this one work without pressure.
From having a fake relationship for a weekend charity to actually finding a connection
January 4, 2022
Sometimes one just needs a story where things run according to a very satisfying plan. Sean Ashcroft delivers the familiar structure of a romance, but adds in enough interesting and unusual aspects to add extra interest. Sometimes the thought processes are spun out a tad too clearly, but the familiar warm glow created by the sexy lead characters makes up for anything less significant.
Bekend? Ja. Gerieflik bekend? Ja. Genoeg interessante detail om die aandag te behou? Ja. Emosionele gedagteprosesse dalk soms té deeglik uitgespin? Jawel. Maar vermaaklik en genietbaar, ’n storie wat jou tevrede laat met sexy hoofkarakters en veel passie en pret? Oooooo ja!
Bekend? Ja. Gerieflik bekend? Ja. Genoeg interessante detail om die aandag te behou? Ja. Emosionele gedagteprosesse dalk soms té deeglik uitgespin? Jawel. Maar vermaaklik en genietbaar, ’n storie wat jou tevrede laat met sexy hoofkarakters en veel passie en pret? Oooooo ja!
September 20, 2018
Cute story! Really lovely 😊
September 21, 2018
Loved this book
It's a great story...really really loved the chemistry between Ryan and Oscar. Thankyou can't wait for the next book maybe Finn's story?
It's a great story...really really loved the chemistry between Ryan and Oscar. Thankyou can't wait for the next book maybe Finn's story?
August 14, 2020
This sweet piece of fluff is definitely a necessary beach read!
October 6, 2018
A series of miscommunications between two potentially interesting characters of indeterminate age, at an indeterminate place, surrounded by a few random secondary characters. Nothing was fleshed out, there was no story, no plot - nothing.
May 29, 2019
Just Crosses the Line
There are two things I am really tiring of in m/m genre: So many are gay-4-you and so many of the covers are completely misleading as to which character is supposed to be there. Thus, it has to be a very well written and logically plotted book for me to rise above the three star level, and in this case author Ashcroft has helped me along because it scores on both those points.
Ryan is the straight man who is escaping a bad marriage in New York City to a woman who was a friend first and then maybe wife but never a lover. He lands in south Florida at his aunt's animal sanctuary to ostensibly relieve stress and help her out of a tough financial bind because, as it turns out, he is an accountant.
Upon arrival Ryan is greeted by one of the staff, a trained zoologist named Oscar who is sitting idly on a porch with a rather docile appearing tiger, and not only does Ryan freak out, but Oscar finds him amusing and pretty hot. Ryan couldn't care less about how Oscar feels about him, and isn't aware he's gay, until we are moving along into what turns out to be a cute, and eventually very spicy, story.
My problem with the cover is that it cannot possibly be Oscar, who is aptly described as having dark, curly hair and is not exactly a hunk but is athletically built. Nor does it match any description of the meek accountant Ryan who is basically not described at all except that he his about five inches taller than Oscar. So, I guess I will have to concede that Ryan is on the cover, but I would have never guessed he looks like that if a tiger were there instead.
As for the gay-4-you scenario, it begins in Ryan's mind as sort of a welcomed afterthought, which this reader found a bit strained. But it progressed logically and sweetly until the expected misunderstanding blows a hole in a relationship that is surrounded by alligators, crocodiles, snakes and one cute tiger.
Fortunately no humans were hurt along the way to an HEA.
There are two things I am really tiring of in m/m genre: So many are gay-4-you and so many of the covers are completely misleading as to which character is supposed to be there. Thus, it has to be a very well written and logically plotted book for me to rise above the three star level, and in this case author Ashcroft has helped me along because it scores on both those points.
Ryan is the straight man who is escaping a bad marriage in New York City to a woman who was a friend first and then maybe wife but never a lover. He lands in south Florida at his aunt's animal sanctuary to ostensibly relieve stress and help her out of a tough financial bind because, as it turns out, he is an accountant.
Upon arrival Ryan is greeted by one of the staff, a trained zoologist named Oscar who is sitting idly on a porch with a rather docile appearing tiger, and not only does Ryan freak out, but Oscar finds him amusing and pretty hot. Ryan couldn't care less about how Oscar feels about him, and isn't aware he's gay, until we are moving along into what turns out to be a cute, and eventually very spicy, story.
My problem with the cover is that it cannot possibly be Oscar, who is aptly described as having dark, curly hair and is not exactly a hunk but is athletically built. Nor does it match any description of the meek accountant Ryan who is basically not described at all except that he his about five inches taller than Oscar. So, I guess I will have to concede that Ryan is on the cover, but I would have never guessed he looks like that if a tiger were there instead.
As for the gay-4-you scenario, it begins in Ryan's mind as sort of a welcomed afterthought, which this reader found a bit strained. But it progressed logically and sweetly until the expected misunderstanding blows a hole in a relationship that is surrounded by alligators, crocodiles, snakes and one cute tiger.
Fortunately no humans were hurt along the way to an HEA.
September 23, 2018
Main Characters: Ryan and Oscar
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Loved these 2 m/c and the premise of the book. Ryan just getting over a messy divorce and goes to help his Aunt save her animal sanctuary and meets Oscar. Ryan is somewhat Bi-curious and Oscar can help him out with that. Oscar was the more confident of the two. Ryan definitely not so much. I loved the way Oscar was with Ryan and all the animals in the sanctuary. You gotta love an animal named Buttercup. Very porn worthy sex scenes. This is a book that was hard to put down. This is a contemporary m/m romance with a hea ending. Highly recommend it.
March 21, 2023
Low angst
Bi-awakening
Forced proximity
Fake Boyfriend
Spicy
Dual first person POV
Oscar and Ryan were so sweet together. Ryan needed Oscar's hugs and kind reassurances, and Oscar needed someone who would love him unconditionally. These two find each other by chance, and then get stuck together for a weekend as pretend boyfriends which turns out to be extremely beneficial... The problem, I'll admit, annoyed me a bit but it didn't take away from the story or upset me so I still loved the book.
Big happy reaction from me for how Ryan described his first crush on another man- he thought it was just an intense feeling of friendship until that man hurt him. *Sigh* yes, that is exactly how it feels to some when clueless about your own sexuality. Seeing it in writing did a lot of wonderful things to my heart.
Also, the sex in this book (and the entire series to be honest) was incredibly well written. I'm not one to get lost in smut but Sean really outdid himself with these books. It's not erotica but it's obviously written by a man and I found myself nodding at small details I never see in other books. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Another wonderful book from Sean Ashcroft. I definitely recommend!
Bi-awakening
Forced proximity
Fake Boyfriend
Spicy
Dual first person POV
Oscar and Ryan were so sweet together. Ryan needed Oscar's hugs and kind reassurances, and Oscar needed someone who would love him unconditionally. These two find each other by chance, and then get stuck together for a weekend as pretend boyfriends which turns out to be extremely beneficial... The problem, I'll admit, annoyed me a bit but it didn't take away from the story or upset me so I still loved the book.
Big happy reaction from me for how Ryan described his first crush on another man- he thought it was just an intense feeling of friendship until that man hurt him. *Sigh* yes, that is exactly how it feels to some when clueless about your own sexuality. Seeing it in writing did a lot of wonderful things to my heart.
Also, the sex in this book (and the entire series to be honest) was incredibly well written. I'm not one to get lost in smut but Sean really outdid himself with these books. It's not erotica but it's obviously written by a man and I found myself nodding at small details I never see in other books. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Another wonderful book from Sean Ashcroft. I definitely recommend!
September 23, 2018
I Loved Spot ... and Buttercup!
Who wouldn't want a house cat- like tiger and a 70 pound Burmese python around the house? We not as pets, exactly. They were rescued and were living out their lives at Aunt May's animal sanctuary in rural Florida. In much the same way, Ryan and Oscar rescue each other from difficult pasts that have defined their lives today. But changing those definitions is tricky business, just like saving the sanctuary will be. Are they up to the task? Only time - and lots of patience on both their parts will tell! Another great read by one of my favorite authors. Keep up the fantastic work, Sean!
Who wouldn't want a house cat- like tiger and a 70 pound Burmese python around the house? We not as pets, exactly. They were rescued and were living out their lives at Aunt May's animal sanctuary in rural Florida. In much the same way, Ryan and Oscar rescue each other from difficult pasts that have defined their lives today. But changing those definitions is tricky business, just like saving the sanctuary will be. Are they up to the task? Only time - and lots of patience on both their parts will tell! Another great read by one of my favorite authors. Keep up the fantastic work, Sean!
November 14, 2018
This book came highly recommended. Was it good? No. There were so many missed opportunities. It was a romance set in an animal sanctuary and almost no animal issues to speak of (a couple, maybe, but not nearly enough when you consider this happens in an animal sanctuary!!!). The sexy bits were fine but how many guys go from straight to saying "I love you" to a gay man in the course of two weeks? Please. This book was too short with not enough character development or time spent on progression for the romance. For me, it was way too unbelievable.
Will I read it again? No. Best thing about the book was its cover!
Will I read it again? No. Best thing about the book was its cover!
September 20, 2018
Enjoyable & emotional!
I’ve never read a book by this author that I didn’t like and this is no exception. As always it’s a well done story that flows well and hits all the notes. The unusual setting and animal “characters” were a nice touch. I found Ryan very relatable as a person and really connected to some of his thoughts-very realistic. Oscar & Ryan’s chemistry was great and their coming together and forming a relationship was sweet and sexy at exactly the right times. Overall definitely a recommended read!
I’ve never read a book by this author that I didn’t like and this is no exception. As always it’s a well done story that flows well and hits all the notes. The unusual setting and animal “characters” were a nice touch. I found Ryan very relatable as a person and really connected to some of his thoughts-very realistic. Oscar & Ryan’s chemistry was great and their coming together and forming a relationship was sweet and sexy at exactly the right times. Overall definitely a recommended read!
January 1, 2024
This was amazing. I mean, I'm here for books that take place in Florida in general because I'm trapped here and the idea that sweet things can happen in this hell-state give me life. But give me a super sweet romance with an awkward introvert, a snarky zoologist, and an animal sanctuary--all of which are in need of some love--and I am *here* for it. Bi/gay/queer awakenings are so hit or miss with me but this was done with very little angst and I adored it. Will be excitedly diving into the rest of the series very soon.
November 26, 2018
Sweet Romance
Ryan has just emerged from a really messy divorce and is questioning himself in so many ways - wondering if he may be bi is just one of them. Oscar is a zoologist who absolutely adores his animals - and sex! The story of their romance was really sweet. Loved how Oscar helped to reassure Ryan and helped to build his self confidence. I loved Spot the Tiger and Buttercup the python. Such a lovely story!
Ryan has just emerged from a really messy divorce and is questioning himself in so many ways - wondering if he may be bi is just one of them. Oscar is a zoologist who absolutely adores his animals - and sex! The story of their romance was really sweet. Loved how Oscar helped to reassure Ryan and helped to build his self confidence. I loved Spot the Tiger and Buttercup the python. Such a lovely story!
September 20, 2018
Amazing story that captivated me right from the beginning and would not let me put it down! Oscar and Ryan are incredibly hot together and make a perfect pair. I really like how patient and caring Oscar is with Ryan. Spectacular story that I definitely recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 22, 2018
Ashcroft magic
One of the things I love about Sean Ashcroft's books is the utterly adorable characters he creates. And Sanctuary does not disappoint - the protagonists Ryan and Oscar are great. I'd love to meet them. Add in a tiger called Spot and a snake called Buttercup, and the animal sanctuary setting forms the perfect backdrop. Hugely entertaining.
One of the things I love about Sean Ashcroft's books is the utterly adorable characters he creates. And Sanctuary does not disappoint - the protagonists Ryan and Oscar are great. I'd love to meet them. Add in a tiger called Spot and a snake called Buttercup, and the animal sanctuary setting forms the perfect backdrop. Hugely entertaining.
September 22, 2018
Good book
I love Sean Ashcroft's books and this book is no exception and is perfect for a Saturday comfort read. It has a sweet tiger called Spot, baby alligators and a Burmese python. Ryan is getting a divorce and til he gets his settlement, he's staying with his aunt where he meets Oscar. This is a sweet story with HEA.
I love Sean Ashcroft's books and this book is no exception and is perfect for a Saturday comfort read. It has a sweet tiger called Spot, baby alligators and a Burmese python. Ryan is getting a divorce and til he gets his settlement, he's staying with his aunt where he meets Oscar. This is a sweet story with HEA.
October 8, 2018
Sanctuary a place or a feeling?
Watching the way Ryan and Oscar's relationship unfolded was fun. Finn knew Oscar the best and he had fun teasing him from the start. Ryan came in as a wounded animal and was healed over time by love and patience. My favourite character was Spot. It must be cool having a jungle cat like a house pet.
Watching the way Ryan and Oscar's relationship unfolded was fun. Finn knew Oscar the best and he had fun teasing him from the start. Ryan came in as a wounded animal and was healed over time by love and patience. My favourite character was Spot. It must be cool having a jungle cat like a house pet.
November 8, 2018
Cute and sexy
Oscar and Ryan’s relationship is supposed to be temporary while Ryan gets back on his feet from his divorce. Well, Ryan falls for more than just the animals at the animal sanctuary his aunt owns.
If you want a sweet but sexy story with low angst, jump in. Plus you’ll love Spot, Buttercup, and Lucy.
Oscar and Ryan’s relationship is supposed to be temporary while Ryan gets back on his feet from his divorce. Well, Ryan falls for more than just the animals at the animal sanctuary his aunt owns.
If you want a sweet but sexy story with low angst, jump in. Plus you’ll love Spot, Buttercup, and Lucy.
February 18, 2019
2.75⭐️
Sanctuary was super sweet, cute, fluffy, light, but seriously lacking in depth, character development and plot.
If you're looking for a sugary sweet escapist read, this would be a good choice. Just don't go in expecting to be dazzled by plot or character dynamics.
**Side note...In the United States, tires on a vehicle is tires rather than tyres; so on and so forth.
Sanctuary was super sweet, cute, fluffy, light, but seriously lacking in depth, character development and plot.
If you're looking for a sugary sweet escapist read, this would be a good choice. Just don't go in expecting to be dazzled by plot or character dynamics.
**Side note...In the United States, tires on a vehicle is tires rather than tyres; so on and so forth.
November 22, 2021
I absolutely loved reading Ryan and Oscar's story so much.
I love the idea of a wildlife sanctuary in South Florida. Spot was just the sweetest big cat ever; of course there was also Buttercup the albino Burmese python.
Of course I just loved the sweet way both Ryan and Oscar fell for each other too. So swoon worthy too.
I love the idea of a wildlife sanctuary in South Florida. Spot was just the sweetest big cat ever; of course there was also Buttercup the albino Burmese python.
Of course I just loved the sweet way both Ryan and Oscar fell for each other too. So swoon worthy too.
October 1, 2018
I thought Sanctuary was a sweet, fast-paced story. It was a cute ‘pretend boyfriend’ story and Ryan and Oscar were likable. I liked the setting at a zoo in Florida. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend this story.
October 18, 2018
Cute. Ryan and Oscar has some great chemistry and the animal sanctuary was pretty sweet. Super predictable and almost no angst. For what it was, a mild story of two men finding love, it’s good. Just not exactly what I was looking for, exactly.
November 4, 2018
Pretty good!!
Love the Sanctuary!! I started with the second book in the series, so was good to find out about Ryan and Oscar...Loved them..especially Oscar, he was honest with his feelings..Loved it!!
Love the Sanctuary!! I started with the second book in the series, so was good to find out about Ryan and Oscar...Loved them..especially Oscar, he was honest with his feelings..Loved it!!
June 21, 2019
Loved it!
Another great book by Sean Ashcroft. This book drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Ryan and Oscar and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!
Another great book by Sean Ashcroft. This book drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Ryan and Oscar and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews