Tell Me No

Grovewood Ink #3

by Sage St. Claire

Breaker Aurora Harding is an angel, perfection personified. The queen of my soul, invader of every thought I ever have. They tell me I’ll ruin her. That the evil that saturates my soul will taint her forever. But they don’t see the little hellion that hides beneath her gorgeous smile. If they only knew, she’s the one who ruined me. Aurora To everyone in this town, Jason Negan is a monster. The thing mothers warn their children about, a wildfire waiting to consume me. They’re not wrong, but I’m a willing victim. I want his darkness and strength, his chaos and confusion. I want this man to raze me to the ground and dance on the ashes.


Tell Me No is Book 3 in the Grovewood Ink series, an age-gap romance. This book can be read as a standalone, however the experience will be enhanced by reading the previous books in this series. This novel contains content intended for a mature audience only. Due to explicit language, graphic sexual situations, detailed depictions of violence, and other possible triggers, reader discretion is advised.

280 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2023

Reviews

[Sara Michaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book in the Grovewood Ink Series.. and I will say, I was NOT disappointed.

This book was amazing. The storyline been Aurora and Breaker is probably one of my favorites of this series. The true, RAW emotion is 100% there. The characters are just as amazing and badass as I had a feeling they would be from previous books in the series.

This book keeps you flipping pages and not even realizing the time that is passing you by as you get wrapped up in it.

Spice.
Age gap.
Grumpy/Sunshine
All the things you never knew you wanted in a book ;)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from Sage St. Claire and this being the third book in the series, did not disappoint. The Grovewood Ink crew back again with Jason and Aurora's story. The storyline was engaging (read it in a day it was that good) - the characters are described so well you feel like you are a part of the story. I can't wait to see what happens next in Grovewood.
*age gap
*grumpy sunshine
*touch her and die
*the spice is *chefs kiss*
🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Age Gap
- Brother's Best Friend
- Touch her and die vibes
- Only smiles for her
- Ex-marine

After reading the content warnings, I was a little hesitant to start this one due to my own past traumas, but I am so glad I gave it a chance. Aurora's trauma was handle excellently, and I loved how strong of a FMC she was. And even though Breaker is total badass I really appreciated his "touch her and die" vibes, but also that he understood what she needed enough to sit back and let her fight her own battles at times too.

In my opinion there wasn't a lot of plot throughout this book, but I still enjoyed it. The first half is mainly focused on the will they/won't they connection between
Breaker and Aurora as well as getting more interactions with the couples from the previous books (I recommend reading those first). The second half has a bit more of the drama and I personally wish it would have lasted a bit longer.

Overall Tell Me No was a quick read with a good amount of spice and I enjoyed it. I can't wait to see who or what is to next to come for the residents of Grovewood!

I voluntarily received an eARC for this book and the rating and honest opinions are solely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

[Lauren Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage St. Claire does it again!! ❤️ I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. The characters in the book are my favorite yet.

This is an age gap romance with a touch her and die trope. 😍😍😍

The FMC is newish to town and comes with a history in tow. The MMC is a tattooed, protective, ex marine bad ass with his own past and present darkness that tries to drag him down. Lots of romance and spicy scenes. 🖤

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this eARC in return for my honest review, by the author.

Once again Sage St. Claire has taken a choke hold on me and pulled me in from the very beginning! This book is hands down one of her best so far! Though you can’t go wrong with any book in The Grovewood Ink series.

The character development is on point, the storyline is intense with a lot of action, lots of love and some spicy steamy moments that leave you breathless!

Once the book is released I will come back for my full review, but don’t want to share spoilers yet.

5/5⭐️
5/5🌶️

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

T⃩e⃩l⃩l⃩ m⃩e⃩ n⃩o⃩ b⃩y⃩ S⃩a⃩g⃩e⃩ S⃩t⃩ C⃩l⃩a⃩i⃩r⃩e⃩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5

I received this from Morgan Leigh PA, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 3rd book in the Grovewood Ink series.

Breaker is a former Marine, a morally gray character, who I couldn’t get enough of. We got glimpses of him before, but I feel even more for him, after reading his and Aurora’s story.

Aurora, “Rory”, lives her live anxious. After a brutal betrayal when she was 18, she’s lived in fear since. I appreciate that Rory struggled with her mental health, it had me connecting with her even more.

Tropes included
- age gap
- Brother’s best friend
- Grumpy/ sunshine
- Touch her and die
- Spicy

[Michelle Wells hissong · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️📖 ARC book review📖⭐️

“Tell Me No” - Sage St Claire

☀️grumpy sunshine ☀️
‼️touch her and die ‼️
🖤age gap🖤

This one pulls you in from the moment you open it!
Rory with all of her sass comes to town running from some things.
Breaker is a big grumpy badass, with a huge heart.
Together they make the PERFECT PAIR.
They are all the things you expect from grumpy sunshine and more!
You CANNOT go wrong with any of the Grovewood Ink series.


Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Age Gap
-Touch her and die
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Brothers Best Friend

Obsessed with the Grovewood Ink series! Each book just gets better and better. This one is definitely my new favorite. Breaker is just perfection 🥵. I love how much we get to see of the characters from the first two books. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Kailain Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy. I really, really loved this book. It gives you a tale of strength and love all wrapped into one book. It left me wanting to read more about Aurora and Breaker.

[Hali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this ARC and was so excited to read the third book in The Grovewood Series. This book has the perfect amount of spice, thrill, and romance that kept me turning through the pages 🔥

[Amanda Grier · Rating 4 out of 5]

** ARC review **

This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I love the dynamic between all of the characters and not just the leads Jason & Aurora.

Aurora “Rory” was a strong female lead despite her last and troubles she is of has faced. Not only that, but she was feisty and was not afraid to speak her mind. I loved her display of loyalty to all of those who were important to her

Jason “Breaker,” is an ex marine who has a dangerous job, and like Rory, a dark past. He has this insane connection with Rory but does not feel as if he is good enough and with his job, feels like he couldn’t possibly bring someone else into the mix. But once he cracked, he was not afraid to show Rory and everyone else how he felt about her. He was honest, loving and oh so sweet.

You have age gap, grumpy sunshine, brothers best friend, and the whole touch her a die vibes.

All in all, you have a great story on strength, love, and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the person they love. Would definitely recommend.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes Queen! Im totally invested in this series. I Dont know how but these gets better each book Sage writes! Daddy Breaker and Rory finallyyyy get their HEA!

[justine_justreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

This story was so beautiful to read I know it’s the author’s third book in this series and never read anything written by her but this book didn’t disappoint me the characters building was on point. The passion that breaker and Aurora have for one other is out of this world. breaker is so possessive and will kill any person that hurts want is his but also has a big heart to the people he cares for. Aurora is a very strong FMC and know what she wants even though she working out her demons from her past she still head strong and doesn’t give a crap to anyone.

[nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received it as an ARC and I can honestly say it didn't disappoint at all! This story had the perfect amount of romance and thrill, and the author's writing kept me hooked from the very start 🤩

[Kam Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

💙 Age Gap
💙 Touch Her and Die
💙 Brothers Best Friend
💙 Grumpy Sunshine




I have been in love with Breaker since his first appearance in book 1 🤍
I knew his story would be my favorite. He drips in beautiful darkness and I couldn’t wait 🥵 Sage Motherfucking St Claire did not disappoint. She gave us a taste of her writing a dark romance and AHHHHH I can’t contain my excitement for this one!!!

Breaker and Rory’s chemistry throughout the Grovewood Ink journey has been unmatched, they were about to combust 🔥

Breaker is a ex marine. Dark and rough around the edges morally grey man who has a hard time recognizing or accepting that he can be loved due to his past. Oh fun fact, and his favorite meal is breakfast 😈
Aurora (Rory) faces an unfortunate and ultimate betrayal at 18 that throws obstacles of anxiety and mental health struggles in her life with demons stealing away her love to dance. Nonetheless, she watches the ones around her so in love hoping for her time to come. 🫶🏼

Because she is an independent, sharp tongue firecracker that won’t let any man or woman tell her what to do….Breaker is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They are just made from the same mold. She is his greatest weakness and in his line of work that means someone will be after his greatest weakness. But he will stop at nothing to protect her and keep her safe. He wants nothing more than to give her the things in life she’s always wanted. She wants to be the light to his darkness and make him feel worthy 🤍

They just have this all consuming effortless love and I am just obsessed with them! 😻

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so honored for the opportunity to read an ARC of Sage’s upcoming release. I will say, I have not read the first two books in the Grovewood Ink series and while I felt like I was missing a little history, it wasn’t enough for me to not immediately fall in love with this book.

I really really liked Rory and Breaker’s (Jason) relationship. He thought that not perusing anything with her was the best thing for them both, when in reality he didn’t realize just how much he needed her. I also can’t fault a girl for knowing exactly what she wants to; Rory knew that Breaker was it for her.

The action had me on the edge of my seat; even though I knew our girl was gonna make it. I did quite expect her to mostly save herself- but Rory was not going down without a fight.

I do feel like this could be read as a stand alone, but be warned you won’t get the full background of all of these characters. Personally, I don’t feel like it took anything away from the story or it’s power to suck you in!

[Amanda Mijares❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Grovewood Ink Series & I gotta say this is my absolute favorite. Love the playlist and this song especially! Breaker & Rory took over my heart. 😭
It literally gets better and better with each book & I’m just captivated!
Sage does not disappoint. This author has a way of reeling you in & making you want more and more. 👏🏼

We have Aurora (Rory) who has been through a traumatic situation & hasn’t been able to truly go back to how she was before & truly enjoy her love for dance. Definitely has taken a toll on her mental health. She is however a force to be reckoned with & draws the attention of our leading man.
We then have Jason (Breaker) who is a ex-marine & just like Rory, he too has demons & his work helps him to release them. He thinks he is unworthy of love due to his past. However, His outlook on life & love changes & his tough exterior starts to crumble.

Will she be able to fully break down his walls as well as him for her? Will they get their chance at happiness or will something along the way wreck everything?
They get each other more than they know & they both definitely deserve to have that love that they are constantly surrounded by (their friends).
The spice is just HOT. Daddy breaker is just 😮‍💨🥵
Overall an amazing read! It can be read as a standalone but highly recommend to read the two before this one! You won’t regret it! 🔥
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 4/5

[Iskra Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my ..


I can’t believe this is a first time read from the author by me.
I’m actually upset I missed two great books, and just now discovered them.


Anyway.
I’ll be catching onto her backlist, asap!

Tell Me No - is filled with thrills, suspense, steamy spice! Gave me goosebumps, on numerous occasions!

Character growth, and the chemistry, is so off the charts.. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
So, without spoiling /anything/.
Settle down, for the journey you’ve been waiting for.


4,5/ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Breaker - HOTDAMN - this man can do no wrong.
Aurora’s sass was flawless. 💁‍♀️
Check the triggers!

Tropes:
Age gap
Hitman
Trauma
Possessive alpha
Touch her & you d!e

So happy I signed on to arc read this!
Thank you for letting me be part of them. ❤️

[Gigi ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed! Really! Jason Negan has my fucking heart! Ex Marine, a mercenary/sniper, and older how can't you not love him aaaah! The touch her and you die trope in this one is literally so perfect! The way he didn't even blink when it came to save Rory is so hot!

Aurora is a force of nature and so resilient!!! I loved how she took no shit from anyone and especially Jason! She has him wrapped around her finger from the moment they met! They were made for eachother!!!

I loved literally every one from the crew!!!!

The epilogue was *chef's kiss*, everyone got what they deserved!!!!

Can't wait for the next one!!

Thank You Sage and Morgan for the ARC 🙏🏻

[Mariel G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️

💭: Let me tell y’all I’ve been following this series since book one and by far Breaker & Rory are my absolute favorite couple ❤️ I was giggling and kicking like a hs girl when they finally got together 🥹 Lord Jesus I felt their love sooooo strong…

This series brings me so much joy I truly love it ❤️

[Shelley Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for an Arc review. This was my first time reading from this author. The book was very enjoyable. The story is about ex-marine Jason “Breaker” and Aurora. Jason is an ex marine with a job that is gruesome and very dangerous, therefore he doesn’t want to bring anyone into the dangerous world. He falls for Aurora, who is is best friends little sister. She moved here to escape a past that has a hold on her mentally. They both fall very hard and fast, but he has many reservations based on his line of work. The story flowed well and contained a lot of angst and steam. It also included a lot of supporting characters, which I assume tie well into the series. I am looking forward to reading the rest!

[McKenzie Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast and emotional read in the Grovewood Ink series. These books are standalones, but I recommend reading them in order.

As always, read trigger warnings before starting a new book. This one is filled with some hefty ones, including multiple mentions of SA.

I love Sage St. Claire, and reading her Grovewood Ink series has been great. If you're looking for an insta love/ insta love vibe, definitely read this book. We get glimpses of Rory and Breaker in the previous books, so going into to the story, we know they're going to have an epic love story (and boy do they).

Age gap romance
Brother's best friend
Insta lust
Insta love
Kidnapping
Murder

This book will have your heart pounding in different ways.

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an arc of this for an exchange of an honest review. I felt the first half of the novel everything happens right away which is completely fine for a romance book. I think the characters Aurora and Breaker did have chemistry. I just didn't get the slow burn I was hoping for. I am a fan of the spice in the novel I felt it was well done and fit the characters and the plot well. I also was a fan of the Mafia aspect that was brought into the book by the last 75% percent of the book. I also loved the found family aspect of the friend group and how everyone was intertwined together. Overall, I feel the book was well done and well put together and the author did a fantastic job at forming the chemistry with the characters and the passion between them.

[Leslie Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Sage St. Clair for an early ARC of her third installment in the Grovewood Ink Series. I absolutely adored Emmett and Kelsea’s story, but there was just something tender and sweet about Breaker & Aurora’s story.

Continuing the series, we finally get the story between Aurora and Breaker, which we’ve seen hints of in the last book.

The banter and tension sucked me right in, just like with other books. And I was totally here for the age gap/brother’s best friend/touch her and you die romance.

Rory is a badass, a spitfire that calls it like it is. She says what’s on her mind, regardless of the consequences. She’s a “take no shit” kind of girl. And Breaker is the quiet ex-marine sniper, who’d rather spend his days behind a computer or taking justice into his own hands.

No matter who’s story I read, I have found myself relating to the characters in some way. Another trauma-filled past that made this emotional read incredibly interesting. I loved getting more information dumps on the other couple’s lives and I have become obsessed with this found family.

If you love age gap romances, brother’s best friend, touch her and you die, protector trope, suspense thriller, tattooed men, a little trauma with your spice, grumpy/sunshine characters and found family you’re going to want to add this series to your list.

I can’t wait for more stories in this series by this author. Thank you again Sage for this ARC! I can’t wait to have the physical copy in my hand.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have book 3 in the series and this time it is Rory and Breakers story. We still get to see plenty of our other favorites throughout the book but we finally get insight on why Rory showed up to Elijah’s. Rory is Elijah’s little sister and this time karma comes back to smack Elijah straight on the head. I mean he did fall in love with his best friends sister so of course karma was going to make his sister fall in love with his other best friend. We also got to see Breaker’s deal and why he so secretive. I mean it’s good but he definitely leads a dangerous life. I really did like this story more than the other two but still I feel like I was missing just a little something. I just wanted more but I don’t know what. Maybe it’s just because I’m used to reading really dark romance that I’m not used to the small town romance but I don’t know. I still give it 4 stars because it’s really good and I would definitely recommend this for people who aren’t into the horrible dark stuff like me lol. Still it’s nice to read something more light hearted from time to time.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora turns 21 and I guess Breaker decides it's the right time to stop fighting his attraction to her, even though he's quite a bit older than she is, and her brother's best friend. And he has a dangerous job.
The first half of the book is the story of them getting together and becoming a couple. The last 25% of the book is a thriller/mystery. I really liked their right knit friends group.
This is my first read of this series and of this author. 4 stars

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

《3.75☆》

This was very fast-paced and had quite a bit of action. I enjoyed the age gap and found family tropes in this. Aurora is a strong spit fire of a FMC and it was really great to see her overcome her traumatic past. I thoroughly enjoyed Breakers "touch her and d!e" attitude and how he melts for her and supports her.

This is technically considered a stand-alone in the Grovewood Ink series and while it definitely can be enjoyed that way, I found myself missing important character connections and bonds from not reading the first 2 books in the series. This almost came across as insta-love without the premise of the previous stories, which can throw off the whole plot. I do think I'll go back now and read the first 2 books just to get the full picture.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶🌶
HEA
❗️Small Spoiler & Safety Warning❗️

📌Safety/ Triggers: Sexual Assault/Rape (Off-page but detailed recollection) Violence & Murder (on-page) Kidnapping (on-page)

📌 No Cheating/Sharing

📌 No OWD

📌 OMD: OM makes repeated attempts to get with h, but she shuts him down.

📌 No Separation/Third-act breakup

[Elyse King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this whole series and this book definitely did not disappoint!

I love that these 2 broken souls found love in each other and worked to heal. Rory is a spitfire female and I love that so much. Breaker letting her handle her obstacles on her own as much as possible is a testament to how much he loves and respects her.

I 100% recommend this book, heck the whole series, to everyone to read!!

[Cristin Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another author had me sucked in by the very first chapter. Everything about this book had me on the edge of my seat. The ups the downs, I was completely committed to this. The characters are completely relatable and you can definitely submerge yourself into their world. Sage St. Claire is one of those authors you'll keep coming back to!