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Elegant Series #1
Elegant Retribution
Teased and taunted all her life, Lilijana Bartholomew found herself pregnant, beaten and alone.
She thought he had loved her.
Little had she known, it was all part of his sick little game.
Toying with the business card in her hand, could she call on a perfect stranger and ask for help?
What did she expect from him? Rescue? Protection? Escape?
Denim Gargliano, is a powerful, well respected businessman.
Everyone wants to be his friend or be a part of his success.
Everyone wants to be him
When a dark haired girl sweeps into his life unexpectedly, his world is turned upside-down.
He knows he must be careful. Allowing someone into his world leaves them both vulnerable.
However, nothing and no one will stand in his way when it comes to protecting the ones he loves.
She thought he had loved her.
Little had she known, it was all part of his sick little game.
Toying with the business card in her hand, could she call on a perfect stranger and ask for help?
What did she expect from him? Rescue? Protection? Escape?
Denim Gargliano, is a powerful, well respected businessman.
Everyone wants to be his friend or be a part of his success.
Everyone wants to be him
When a dark haired girl sweeps into his life unexpectedly, his world is turned upside-down.
He knows he must be careful. Allowing someone into his world leaves them both vulnerable.
However, nothing and no one will stand in his way when it comes to protecting the ones he loves.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2017
193 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Tee Smith
29 books458 followersTee Smith lives in a small town in country Western Australia.
Her four children are all grown and she recently became a proud grandma.
Her novels are primarily romantic suspense. She reads almost everything, but loves nothing more than a good psycho-thriller.
Her four children are all grown and she recently became a proud grandma.
Her novels are primarily romantic suspense. She reads almost everything, but loves nothing more than a good psycho-thriller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 10, 2017
Puerile, clunky writing with TSTL characters
Was this written by a 14-year old? Aside from plurals masquerading as possessive, stilted dialogue, and myriad information dumps, the heroine displays practically bipolar behavior, by turns weeping, resentful, arrogant, suspicious, and too stupid to live. The hero is a cardboard character with no real depth and a corresponding level of idiocy written in such a manner as to attempt to portray a criminal as a nice guy. The story also tries to pass itself off as a May-December romance, but the TSTL heroine is 19 and the hero is 28. Don't waste your time. If you want to read a good mafia romance, try Roxie Rivera's books.
Was this written by a 14-year old? Aside from plurals masquerading as possessive, stilted dialogue, and myriad information dumps, the heroine displays practically bipolar behavior, by turns weeping, resentful, arrogant, suspicious, and too stupid to live. The hero is a cardboard character with no real depth and a corresponding level of idiocy written in such a manner as to attempt to portray a criminal as a nice guy. The story also tries to pass itself off as a May-December romance, but the TSTL heroine is 19 and the hero is 28. Don't waste your time. If you want to read a good mafia romance, try Roxie Rivera's books.
May 30, 2018
3.5 stars
This was a good book not really great.. fell short on a few things that would have made it better but I would read another from this author.
This was a good book not really great.. fell short on a few things that would have made it better but I would read another from this author.
added-it
February 3, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (2/3/2021)!🎁
February 22, 2017
** Received on behalf of the author for an honest review **
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Lilijana has had a hard life. Her mother is dead and she lives with her alcoholic father. She is always on the receiving end of taunts from the local school girls. But what makes Lily's life worse, she's just found out she's pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
Enter Denim. The man you call if you need help. A total stranger, until the night Lily desperately needs him to rescue her.
And rescue her, he does, in every sense of the word.
A fast paced novel that will have you guessing and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Congratulations Tee, on yet another sensational book.
A massive 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Lilijana has had a hard life. Her mother is dead and she lives with her alcoholic father. She is always on the receiving end of taunts from the local school girls. But what makes Lily's life worse, she's just found out she's pregnant and the father wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
Enter Denim. The man you call if you need help. A total stranger, until the night Lily desperately needs him to rescue her.
And rescue her, he does, in every sense of the word.
A fast paced novel that will have you guessing and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Congratulations Tee, on yet another sensational book.
A massive 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 2, 2017
❤❤❤❤❤❤ I had the pleasure of reading Elegant Retribution as a beta reader and I absolutely love it. Would I recommend this book yes indeed. There is so much more to this book, each character grows throughout the book and you will be amazed.
Denim just catches your heart from the start with his kindness to others but underneath he is a badass not to be messed with.
Denim just catches your heart from the start with his kindness to others but underneath he is a badass not to be messed with.
March 2, 2017
Omg what a read, I couldn't put it down. This book was amazing, you can't help but get wrapped up in the storyline, you just have to know what's going to happen next. If you like pure simple romance wrapped up in a thrilling story this is the book for you. This review was given on behalf of Amo and Sarah's book corner
April 14, 2018
Amazing Read
Lili is a young woman who found herself pregnant and betrayed. Denim offers his help the first time he meets her. When she takes him up on his offer, what will happen between the two?
This is the first book by Tee Smith that I have read, and she hooked me on page one with the story of these two. From the storyline to the character development, this was a book that I just could not out down.
Lili is a young woman who found herself pregnant and betrayed. Denim offers his help the first time he meets her. When she takes him up on his offer, what will happen between the two?
This is the first book by Tee Smith that I have read, and she hooked me on page one with the story of these two. From the storyline to the character development, this was a book that I just could not out down.
May 14, 2018
Disappointing
Was okay until the last few chapters. Was it necessary and/or considered okay to have the main characters commit murder and go on their merry way?
Was okay until the last few chapters. Was it necessary and/or considered okay to have the main characters commit murder and go on their merry way?
March 5, 2017
Lilijana is half Vietnamese and half white and Denim is white.
I enjoyed the story and the couple. I thought it was a good read. I would have liked to see some more action in the story since Denim was a Boss. However, still a good read. My first by this author.
I enjoyed the story and the couple. I thought it was a good read. I would have liked to see some more action in the story since Denim was a Boss. However, still a good read. My first by this author.
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed the story line in Elegant Retribution. However I have mixed feelings regarding some of the wording that was used in the book. For example, there was a part in a hospital where there is an operation happening. The nurse stated no one was allowed in the operating theatre. I have never heard an operating room, called a theatre. Could be an age and cultural thing. The setting of the book takes place in Australia. I have never been, to know which side of the car they drive on. Here in the United States the drivers are on the right. In the book the driver was on the left. Little things that I would have to stop and look up while reading. Now, for the story review. Lilijana Bartholomew and Denim Gargliano are two unlikely people who meet. Out front of an abortion clinic. Lilijana was teased all her life. Peers her own age called her Lilijana Banana, slant eyes (she was part Vietnamese) and so one. She had a crush on a boy named Lewis for as long as she can remember. He decided to give her attention for the fun of it, knowing she liked him a lot. He took advantage of her crush. They had sex, she was pregnant. He wanted her to get an abortion. Lili couldn’t’ go through with it. Lewis was mad that she didn’t. Her dad found out and really laid into her. She left her home at a naive 19 years old. Something else had to be better than where she was living. Denim was a wealthy 28 year old who runs a few strip clubs and such. The Gargliano family is well respected around the area. Known for Gun moving and helping out local businesses out when they were in a bind. Denim gave Lili his card, and told her if she ever needed any assistance or help to give him a call. It so happened she did. Denim fought his attraction to Lili for a while, she took a job working for him in the office of one of his strip clubs. Eventually, his feelings couldn’t be contained. He let Lili know his feelings for her. There are a series of events that take place that add a lot of excitement to the book. Without explaining all of those in detail, you will have to read Elegant Retribution to know what happens.
March 6, 2017
Lilijana met Denim while she was in the midst of making the toughest decision of her life. He couldn’t stay long, but gave her his card in case she ever needed help with anything. Lilijana wasn’t one to ask for help. Teased and bullied all her life, she knew better than to trust a stranger. She couldn’t even count on the people who were supposed to love her, why on earth would a stranger want to help her?
Soon though, she finds herself in a desperate situation and she calls Denim’s number. She’s not sure what to expect from him, but she has few options right now to protect herself and her unborn baby.
Denim has a bit of a white knight complex, which is ironic considering he’s a very successful businessman with ventures both above and below board. However, he has the money and the power available to help others and he uses it to his advantage.
I’d never read anything by this author, so I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the unique storyline, the developed and damaged characters and the hope for a happy ending. You couldn’t help but hope for happiness for the young Lilijana, having been through so much hardship in her short life.
Will Denim be the one to give her a happy ending? Can she feel safer with a stranger than with her own father? Are the feelings that she’s feeling towards Denim genuine or is it just gratitude showing itself as love? Is Denim able or willing to settle down? His fast paced, dangerous life leaves little room for romance or family.
While I was rooting for Lilijana right from the first page, I also found myself rooting (and swooning) for Denim as the story progressed. Ugh, that Christmas present? I cried…
This is an entertaining mob romance, with suspense, violence, steamy sex and deep characters that you will grow to love. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
HEA. Standalone. No cliffhanger.
Soon though, she finds herself in a desperate situation and she calls Denim’s number. She’s not sure what to expect from him, but she has few options right now to protect herself and her unborn baby.
Denim has a bit of a white knight complex, which is ironic considering he’s a very successful businessman with ventures both above and below board. However, he has the money and the power available to help others and he uses it to his advantage.
I’d never read anything by this author, so I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the unique storyline, the developed and damaged characters and the hope for a happy ending. You couldn’t help but hope for happiness for the young Lilijana, having been through so much hardship in her short life.
Will Denim be the one to give her a happy ending? Can she feel safer with a stranger than with her own father? Are the feelings that she’s feeling towards Denim genuine or is it just gratitude showing itself as love? Is Denim able or willing to settle down? His fast paced, dangerous life leaves little room for romance or family.
While I was rooting for Lilijana right from the first page, I also found myself rooting (and swooning) for Denim as the story progressed. Ugh, that Christmas present? I cried…
This is an entertaining mob romance, with suspense, violence, steamy sex and deep characters that you will grow to love. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
HEA. Standalone. No cliffhanger.
March 2, 2017
This was a interesting read very unique it would be the first book by Tee Smith that I'v had the pleasure of reading and I know I will be reading more from . This starts out with the heroine really needing someone she is about to do something but a handsome stranger intervenes and changes the course of her life . Once he comes the rescue after having a really bad day Lilijana doesn't know what to think of her savior or what he would want in return . I felt so bad for Lilijana with the way she grew up and then to be tricked into doing something no person should ever have done to them . Denim was an interesting hero he is drawn to Lil from the very beginning he becomes very protective and possessive of her . The chemistry was super intense and when they are in the same room you can fell the sparks that they create . towards the end I did not know what was going to happen so many emotions when threw me for the last couple of chapters . I know I will be reading more by Tee Smith
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero = 9
heroine = 9
secondary characters = 8
chemistry = 10
steam = 7
character development = 10
pacing = 10
enjoyment =8
writing style =10
storyline =10
romance =8
darkness level =7
humor =5
pov= dual
cover =10
stars = 4
author = 8
would I recommend this book =yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero = 9
heroine = 9
secondary characters = 8
chemistry = 10
steam = 7
character development = 10
pacing = 10
enjoyment =8
writing style =10
storyline =10
romance =8
darkness level =7
humor =5
pov= dual
cover =10
stars = 4
author = 8
would I recommend this book =yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
March 2, 2017
*3.5 Star review*
While there was much to be enjoyed about this book, certain aspects fell flat to me. In Elegant Retribution, we meet Lili and Denim. Lili is a young woman at 19, who has been through a lot of sorrow and heartbreak. Denim is a successful man, with a bit of a hero complex.
Certain parts of the book pertaining to Lili and why she is the way she is were done beautifully. Lili, to me, is a well developed character, who is just trying to find herself and her place in the world. Denim is tough, loyal, and while well meaning, he can be over the top with his protective nature.
Where my issue came in was the chemistry between the characters. I had trouble seeing the connection between the characters. I couldn't feel what was between them to make them want to be with each other. The communication was lacking and it distracted me from their story at times.
Overall, Elegant Retribution was a fairly good book. It takes place in Australia, which is a unique setting. The cast was well thought out, diverse, and strong. I enjoyed the realism into the harsh realities of life that was a large basis of the book.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
While there was much to be enjoyed about this book, certain aspects fell flat to me. In Elegant Retribution, we meet Lili and Denim. Lili is a young woman at 19, who has been through a lot of sorrow and heartbreak. Denim is a successful man, with a bit of a hero complex.
Certain parts of the book pertaining to Lili and why she is the way she is were done beautifully. Lili, to me, is a well developed character, who is just trying to find herself and her place in the world. Denim is tough, loyal, and while well meaning, he can be over the top with his protective nature.
Where my issue came in was the chemistry between the characters. I had trouble seeing the connection between the characters. I couldn't feel what was between them to make them want to be with each other. The communication was lacking and it distracted me from their story at times.
Overall, Elegant Retribution was a fairly good book. It takes place in Australia, which is a unique setting. The cast was well thought out, diverse, and strong. I enjoyed the realism into the harsh realities of life that was a large basis of the book.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
March 8, 2017
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
I absolutely loved reading this book! This is one of those books that you can't help but read until you can't read it any longer because you have ran out of pages to turn. So what would you do if you had nowhere to go, and the only thing that could save you is a business card? Would you call the number on the card, or would you chance with the life that you currently have?
This is the first book by Tee Smith that I have read, and I can tell you that it isn't going to be the last! I was captivated from the moment that I started this book! Tee really knows how to draw the reader in. I can't wait to read more by Tee!!
I absolutely loved reading this book! This is one of those books that you can't help but read until you can't read it any longer because you have ran out of pages to turn. So what would you do if you had nowhere to go, and the only thing that could save you is a business card? Would you call the number on the card, or would you chance with the life that you currently have?
This is the first book by Tee Smith that I have read, and I can tell you that it isn't going to be the last! I was captivated from the moment that I started this book! Tee really knows how to draw the reader in. I can't wait to read more by Tee!!
December 31, 2017
Mary Harden
I loved this book. The people in it was real. So many writer don’t write about real live. Many of us have had people be mean to us over thing that we cann’t help. This writer has made me feel like a part of the book. I will be looking for other books by this writer. Please take the time to read this. It will be worth your time.
I loved this book. The people in it was real. So many writer don’t write about real live. Many of us have had people be mean to us over thing that we cann’t help. This writer has made me feel like a part of the book. I will be looking for other books by this writer. Please take the time to read this. It will be worth your time.
March 4, 2017
I love, love, love this story. I still want to know about some things, but they were left unanswered. This story is very fast paced from the very beginning. I loved Lili being a badass. The way the book ended was spectacular. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
December 31, 2017
Great read
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really enjoyed the story. It is a fast paced, suspenseful romance that will make you fall in love with the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really enjoyed the story. It is a fast paced, suspenseful romance that will make you fall in love with the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone.
October 5, 2018
Wow
Wow what a read. This book was great. Loved how strong Lili turned out. Even glad she stood up for herself. Love Denim and Lili together they were made for each other.. Fantastic book.
Wow what a read. This book was great. Loved how strong Lili turned out. Even glad she stood up for herself. Love Denim and Lili together they were made for each other.. Fantastic book.
November 5, 2017
What a good book . I had a hard time putting it down . Loved both characters and the story line. Well done Tee
❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 26, 2018
This is one of those Dark Romance type books with a questionable Hero, Damin, and an innocent young girl, Lilijana. The more I read the book, the less I liked it. By the title I should have now, this book would have revenge, but there was nothing "elegant" about it. If you think some of Lilijana's goodness is going to rub off on Damin, you would be wrong. I expected Damin's actions, as he I knew he was a controlling man with a dark side, but I was totally shocked by the Lilijana's actions at the end of the book. My gosh, what had Damin done to that young lady! It just turned me off, and that is the reason for the 2 Star Rating.
September 20, 2017
4.5 Stars
A great second chance, fast paced, love affair. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I read this book in one setting but was not entirely happy with some parts where there seemed to be some skips in the story. The ending seemed like a quick wrap up and I just wanted more. But overall it is a good read and I will be reading more books from this author.
A great second chance, fast paced, love affair. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I read this book in one setting but was not entirely happy with some parts where there seemed to be some skips in the story. The ending seemed like a quick wrap up and I just wanted more. But overall it is a good read and I will be reading more books from this author.
September 5, 2017
Great Read
I loved the synopsis, so I decided to give this book a chance. I'm so glad I did! I loved the storyline and I loved he characters. This book had a HEA but is was not predictable.
I loved the synopsis, so I decided to give this book a chance. I'm so glad I did! I loved the storyline and I loved he characters. This book had a HEA but is was not predictable.
September 6, 2017
Fabulous
I really enjoyed this story. Such a emotional storyline.
Great characters . I highly recommend reading this story.
Heartbreaking at times , action ,and thank goodness a H. E .A .
I really enjoyed this story. Such a emotional storyline.
Great characters . I highly recommend reading this story.
Heartbreaking at times , action ,and thank goodness a H. E .A .
July 31, 2018
Lilijana...wanna a banana?
Was always the taunting that classmates threw at her. Mostly by Jenny and her boy friend Lewis.
Lewis even told her he loved her, that he hated Jenny, and he got her pregnant.
Running away when her father beat her, to the man who said he helps people!
Was always the taunting that classmates threw at her. Mostly by Jenny and her boy friend Lewis.
Lewis even told her he loved her, that he hated Jenny, and he got her pregnant.
Running away when her father beat her, to the man who said he helps people!
September 25, 2019
Mrs .G
You know you boots have a Mr. G. To have be Mrs. G. Lili and Denim are perfect for each other. This book was great. A little chaos and a little revenge. And finding love. Like I said a great book.
You know you boots have a Mr. G. To have be Mrs. G. Lili and Denim are perfect for each other. This book was great. A little chaos and a little revenge. And finding love. Like I said a great book.
June 5, 2021
Read the prequel and decided to read book 1 in the series. It was an interesting read and the characters were different than I expected them to be. Quite a few surprises at the end. Not your traditional HEA but still a good read.
May 11, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed the book very much. Would like to read more books by this author. Always waiting to see what comes next.
I really enjoyed the book very much. Would like to read more books by this author. Always waiting to see what comes next.
October 3, 2021
OMG loved it can't wait till I can get more of the series
May 10, 2017
Review: I want to avoid spoilers here so I will try not to say too much. I really loved this story. I've come to expect a great plot surrounding wonderful characters whenever I pick up a Tee Smith book and the first book in the Elegant series was no exception.
Denim and Lili were great characters. Denim was strong and compassionate, he was sexy and also a bit hard headed. I wanted to shake him just about as much as I wanted to kiss him and I loved it. I love a male character with flaws especially when those flaws are all driven by his compassion and just a bit of naivety in ways of the heart.
Lili was that perfect combination of strength and delicateness that it so rare to find in a female lead. She was young and naive but she had also seen a lot of pain and heartache in her short life. Her response to her tough upbringing was beautiful. In some way she was hardened to it, she had a tough outer shell and a defiant sense of self. Lili didn't bend easily to the whims of others. In some ways this was to her detriment. Thus the naivety, Lili was stubborn and sometimes childlike in her refusal to accept assistance. But she was brave, and eventually willing to look past her past and open her heart to promises of the future.
Of course as wonderful as the emotional base for these characters was, it wasn't nearly the whole story. From the opening pages the plot moved along swiftly. I won't talk specifics on this because I think the events of this story are best read organically the way the author intends.
Ultimately this was a good read. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others. I look forward to more from this author and from this series.
Denim and Lili were great characters. Denim was strong and compassionate, he was sexy and also a bit hard headed. I wanted to shake him just about as much as I wanted to kiss him and I loved it. I love a male character with flaws especially when those flaws are all driven by his compassion and just a bit of naivety in ways of the heart.
Lili was that perfect combination of strength and delicateness that it so rare to find in a female lead. She was young and naive but she had also seen a lot of pain and heartache in her short life. Her response to her tough upbringing was beautiful. In some way she was hardened to it, she had a tough outer shell and a defiant sense of self. Lili didn't bend easily to the whims of others. In some ways this was to her detriment. Thus the naivety, Lili was stubborn and sometimes childlike in her refusal to accept assistance. But she was brave, and eventually willing to look past her past and open her heart to promises of the future.
Of course as wonderful as the emotional base for these characters was, it wasn't nearly the whole story. From the opening pages the plot moved along swiftly. I won't talk specifics on this because I think the events of this story are best read organically the way the author intends.
Ultimately this was a good read. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others. I look forward to more from this author and from this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews