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Six Silent Sins #1

Make Me Shine

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Silent Sins - the ultimate, no-strings-attached dating program.

They promise you the perfect match.

Now, Nathan and Ella are about to find out the cost.




NATHAN

I thought this elite dating program was a good idea. After all, as a divorced man at the age of thirty-two, "blind sex" sounded like a nice distraction.

Her code name is Devon. She's my faceless fantasy. A diamond in a world full of rhinestones.

I don't know what she looks like.

I don't know where she lives.

I don't know her name.

I will never know these things.

And if I'm not careful, I might fall for a woman who's just a ghost in the dark.




ELLA

New name. New identity. Old demons.

His code name is Ross. He makes me feel alive again. Every night we share at Silent Sins, our bond grows stronger.

And he's hell-bent on meeting me in person, throwing our anonymity away, and taking me on a real date.

I want to do it.

But my demons? They never sleep.

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

218 people are currently reading
345 people want to read

About the author

Elodie Colt

50 books205 followers
Elodie Colt is a USA Today bestselling Paranormal & Contemporary Romance author from Austria. When she’s not busy writing books that go beyond run-of-the-mill alpha stories, she spends her time binge-watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster, playing the guitar, or hitting the gym. The fact that German is her mother tongue didn't keep her from giving her dream to publish in English a chance. Whatever she writes, she has one goal - to make you cry, laugh and wet at the same time ;)

connect with me: https://linktr.ee/elodiecolt

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5 stars
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4 stars
73 (28%)
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27 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews137 followers
Want to Read
August 9, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/9/2020)! 🎁
1,451 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2020
The chemistry between Nathan and Ella was hot and I liked seeing their relationship develop. And what a cliffhanger-- I look forward to reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for VoraciousReader.
2,143 reviews
April 4, 2025
1. I’m confused. The rooms where Devon and Ross met were supposed to be pitch dark so that they couldn’t see each other yet there were multiple mentions of things that they could see.
a. “the opposite door where a big shadow looms in front”
b. “he takes three steps to the side”
c. “there’s not much I can make out other than his short hair”
d. “his eyes are on me”
e. “he fishes out a tapered bottle and what looks like two champagne glasses”
f. “he cocks his head, his eyes on me”
g. “he rubs a hand over his wet suit jacket”
h. “he shakes his head”
i. “the movement drawing my gaze to his sturdy shoulders”
j. “it’s only when he towers over me that I notice he’s got a few inches on me”
None of these things would have been visible in the dark.

2. Ross knew how jumpy and scared Devon had always been; he had thought on multiple occasions that he wanted to know who had frightened her so badly and what had happened to her. Yet when Devon declined their sixth date and told him that there had been a security breach and that she was concerned for her anonymity, even though he knew that the security breach was specifically about Devon, it never occurred to him to be worried about her. Instead, he had a temper tantrum.

3. This book badly needed editing, not only for writing errors but for a huge hole in the plotline. If Devon and Ross only ever met in the dark room, how is it that he recognized the “constellation of freckles” on her back? And, if he could see her well enough to recognize the pattern of freckles, why did he not recognize her face?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie Barnes.
1,500 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2020
Ella has moved to the United States when Luka went too far and broke into her apartment and was watching her sleep. She doesn't feel safe so she doesn't leave her apartment much. Her sister Zoya is worried about her so she signs her up for a new dating app. Ella goes to the first meeting to find out what it is all about. After a few days so goes back and signs up. Nathan is the CEO of Crawford Jewelry Company and after his divorce 6 months ago, he has not dated. Carl, a customer of his is the owner of the new dating app and wants Nathan to sign up for it. After a few days, he does. He gets the top 3 matches for him and Devon is a 94% match. Now Nathan has a thing about the number 6. With him, everything important happens with the number 6. Ella and Nathan agree to meet and they both know that they will not see who the other is. Things go good for them, and the more time that Nathan spends with Ella the more that he wants to see her away from Slient Sins. On their 5th date, he asks her to see him outside of Silent Sins. She tells him that she is not ready just yet. They set up their 6th date and then she texted him, telling him that she had to cancel. She ignores his text until finally, she tells him that it is not a no, but that there are things that she has to take care of. Luka has found her and hurts anyone near her, so she cuts ties with Nathan so he doesn't get hurt.
Can Ella get away from Luka and have her real dated with Nathan or will she stay away from him?
Will Nathan get the answers to all his questions and get Ella or will he lose her for good?
This was a wonderful book that will have you from the first page to the last. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,742 reviews82 followers
February 20, 2020
★ The “Perfect Match” algorithm - A very promising & engaging first story to this series ★

—>>> Crawford Crescent CEO Nathan Crawford is still reeling from his betrayal then subsequent divorce from his ex-wife when he hits the final straw and finally takes the invite to participate in “Silent Sins,” a brand-new, exclusive, no-strings-attached service, promising “No emotional attachments, no courtship rituals, no friends with benefits. Just the benefits.” Unbeknownst to him, his best “perfect match” of 94% belonged to a woman named Ella, who was also on the fence with regards to being a part of a Silent Sins case study.

At the beginning, neither believe they have anything to lose by experimenting, so they think, until they begin to lose their hearts to each other during their exciting encounters. For this man whose life seems to be ruled by the number six, and the woman who cannot afford to stop looking over her shoulder, perhaps they really were destined to have their life paths cross. Unfortunately, their present lives do not seem to follow the harmony they feel when they are together in the dark, with so much remaining unresolved in their real lives. A very promising and engaging first story to this series!
Profile Image for Lindsy.
707 reviews16 followers
February 22, 2020
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book going into it but I’m glad I read it. I didn’t want to put this book down but I couldn’t stop reading ahead to see what was going to happen next.
The concept of this book is also super interesting because I have never read anything like it before. This isn’t just a book about blind dates; it’s “blind sex.” This book is so well written. The author thought of everything so this would actually work and sound/seem almost realistic.
I felt bad for Ella though and I wish she would have been honest with her sister from the beginning. I was really hoping Luka wasn’t going to be a big part of the story after she moved to the US but of course he has to cause more drama. I really hope things change for the better for Ella in the next story.
I really like Nathan and Nick though and the strong characters they are. They have an interesting family and background. I’m curious to learn more about them and who everyone’s real parents are. Also the LGBT representation in this book was surprising but also nice to see. I thought Zoya was a pretty cool character and really brave for what she did.
I was piecing things together in my mind as the author was dropping hints but unfortunately this story ends on a big cliffhanger so I really need the second book now.
2,498 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2020
Make me Shine by Elodie Colt was an enchanting, frightening, hopelessly romantic, and unputdownable story that kept me riveted from start to finish!!!! This is one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time. It follows Ella and Nathan. She’s a Russian interpreter…fearfully running from her past. He’s a very wealthy CEO of a jewelry empire. They meet through a new ‘dating’ app that promises anonymity.

But, they slowly fall for one another….that is, until her past catches up with her…and things turn deadly. Ends in a major cliffhanger. Man oh man!!!! What a story!!!! I was completely immersed in this book and let everything else in my life fall away until I finished….I can’t wait to read the next one!!!!! 5++++++ stars!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,544 reviews19 followers
March 6, 2020
Make Me Shine is the first book in Elodie Colt’s new Six Silent Sins series. Nathan, a divorced CEO of Crawford Jewelry Company, and Ella, newly moved to the U.S. after being stalked, find each other through theSilent Sins no strings attached dating program which promises a perfect match. They meet at Silent Sins where they use their code names (Devon and Ross) with no personal information exchanged. At their fifth time together at Silent Sins Nathan asks Ella out on a real date. At the time of the date, Ella cancels because her stalker has found her and she fears for Nathan’s safety. I recommend this creative read with its well developed characters and an intense plot with suspense, mystery, and steamy chemistry. Beware, the book ends in a cliffhanger as Nate and Ella’s story continues in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,029 reviews41 followers
May 5, 2020
Our couple meet via an exclusive dating program that promises anonymity. But as they go one more dates and events of the past begin to surface, will they cut and run or do they want to come out into the light?

This is book one of the series, so a perfect place to start. Just be warned it ends on a cliffhanger, not a good place to stop.

The story is very well written and easy to read. While this is a romance story at its heart, there is a very story element of mystery and suspense as well, particularly regarding the characters' respective pasts. Speaking of which, the characters are both well developed with good, strong cores that allows the growing chemistry between them to take root. Overall, this was an excellent story and definitely leaves you hankering for the next book.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
144 reviews
March 8, 2020
This story is about meeting on a dating app. Ella bad breakup with crazy ex. He started doing stalker tendencies and she got out of dodge. Her sister sign her up for the dating app. Nathan marriage gone bad, divorced and after a little time has passed he sign up for the dating app. They have their dates and are doing very well at this until here comes the stalker Luka back to claim what he thinks is his Ella. Silent Sins now this was very interesting to me. I could tell you all about it but whats the fun in that. This was a captivating, invigorating and entertaining story. Ella had that fight or flight scenario. Which one do you think she choose? Get the book you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 7 books16 followers
January 20, 2020
The concept of this book is fascinating to me. Imagine having a Tinder friend with benefits, minus the friend. You have no idea what they look like, and they have no idea what you look like. You don't even know each others' names, or anything the other person doesn't want you to know. Now imagine paying money to meet up with this person every once in awhile, while continuing to be able to chat in private.

Would you be able to resist getting attached to your match who takes your mind away from the rest of your life, or could you leave your feelings in the private room?

I'm giving this honest review after receiving an ARC version.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,415 reviews14 followers
February 27, 2020
This is Book 1 in the Six Silent Sins Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. I quite enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the author's writing style. It is a slow burn, steamy romance between Nathan and Ella. These characters are very different but likable, the connection strong, and the unique plot makes for an interesting read. It is a romantic adventure with drama, humor, and love, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Overall, it is a promising start to the series with heart, heat and ending in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Giofab21.
553 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2020
4.5 stars Dating in the dark, well that got my attention. Broken and looking for a connection this seems the easiest way to get that whithout getting too involved. What they both don't realize is when they're hidden their inhibitions and walls come down which leads them down the rabbit hole they were trying to avoid. With both their pasts making things more difficult you get completely drawn in the the drama along with the super hot connection. Cliffhangers are the worst, but now I'm in too far and hooked to deep not to see this through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,557 reviews
February 5, 2020
This book is well written, has a great storyline, a brilliant subject: (literally) Blind Dating, and very well created characters. From the description of their separate lives to the attraction between Ella/Devon and Nathan/Ross, and those steamy scenes....wow!
This is a great book to begin with but especially the second half! I devoured those chapters!! Until suddenly... The End....
I really recommend it, but be warned: it ends on a cliffhanger! I’m looking forward to book #2 (Watch Me Glow).

I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down once I started. I actually read it in three hours, it was that good. You can’t help but sympathize with the main character. Hearing her story I just wanted to hug her and maybe grab a shovel to help her out. I loved the storyline and the connections between her and “Ross”. There was instant love for his character, reading the first passage from his POV you can tell that he’s just as damaged as she is. I can’t wait until the next book to figure out what happens between them. Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for MaryAnne J.
35 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
Totally enthralled with this book. I enjoyed every page, not able to put it down. I found it very well written, the story flowed. No grammatical errors or improper punctuation. I loved the development of the characters and the suspense ( especially at the end). I found the plot very intriguing- blind dating and very compelling. I have to find out what happens in the next instalment ( yes there is a cliff hanger, but so what?) Elodie is a fine writer and I will definitely be reading her other books, give this book a go. I received this as an arc for an honest opinion and so now you have it
1,269 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2020
Wow! This was such a great book! It had me hooked from the beginning with what Ella was dealing with and Nathan’s complicated family life. But the two of them together...scorching hot!!! I loved the element of suspense that’s in the story. The plot is original and this book was so well written! There is a bit of a cliffhanger, which is killing me because I NEED to know what happens next!!! I’ll be waiting on pins and needles for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystal Worthington.
97 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2020
This was my first read by Elodie Colt. Started off a little slow but once Ross and Devon met, the pace quickened. Cannot believe how this story had me clinging to my seat with every word! I found myself wanting to know more. I didn't know it was going to end with a cliffhanger until BAM!!! Got slapped right in the face! Cannot wait for the story to continue. If you like suspense romance, then this story is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sara Hernandez.
49 reviews
July 1, 2020
Surprisingly good

I usually read a lot of British or American based stories with little exposure across cultures but the cover pulled me in. Two different people, both just going through the motions of living, match on a new, exclusive “dating” program geared toward a more anonymous arrangement. The concept was intriguing! The chemistry was off the charts too! Loved their complexities and unique stories though I was not at all into some of Nathan’s outbursts. Reading book 2 straight away!
Profile Image for Tonya.
139 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2021
Eeeek!! Omg this book

Nathan Crawford, hot, wealthy alone by design. With family problems and a failed marriage he figures it's all for the best
Ella, bold, beautiful alone out of necessity scared and on the run.
Enter Silent Sins where anonymity is the name of the game date in the dark. You can be anyone you want do anything you desire
What happens when your fantasy match becomes the one you can't live without and the monster you're running from catches up to you?
Nathan and Ella's journey has just started and I'm 100 percent hooked
Profile Image for Daiane Patterson.
13 reviews
August 4, 2022
This book really surprised me. When you read a lot of this theme, things gets repetitive, it’s a lot of the same. I loved the plot, the personalities of the characters.
I didn’t love Devon at first, I don’t always go for the rough on the edges female lead, but when she started opening up I got hooked on her and Nathan.

I like how the sexual scenes were not on your face all the time. It was there but it wasn’t ALL ABOUT SEX. This is something I noticed in other books from this author.

I am dying for the next one!
4,417 reviews11 followers
February 7, 2020
The true meaning of a blind date, of not knowing who the other person is, but getting all the benefits. Definite fireworks wile reading this book, first time ever read this author, and all I can say is Wow, can I have a glass of wine. Intriguing storyline that pulls you in, but we forewarned there is a cliffhanger that will make you want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,758 reviews13 followers
March 3, 2020
If you buy only one book this year, make sure it's this one! The blurb & previous reviewers have outlined the story. For me it was quite a unique story, flawlessly written, & a compelling page turner. I didn't want to put it down even to eat or for a comfort break, it was that good. Only word of warning...a cruel cliffhanger so Elodie, get cracking on Book 2, I need my fix asap! :) I was privileged to receive an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Profile Image for Crystal.
266 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2020
I like the concept behind Make Me Shine. It is well written with plenty of steamy encounters and drama. There isn't too much of a backstory of our main characters Ella and Nathan other than what we are told within the story. I suspect that as the series progresses, they will be more glimpses into the past. Just when I thought I would reach the happily ever after, I found myself on one helll of a cliffhanger. Ugh!!!! It's ok though; I'll pick up the next install to the Six Sioent Sins Series.
17.1k reviews173 followers
July 3, 2020
He has joined a dating app to find someone to spend time with, no real names are used and he quickly find the perfect one. She has found a match and now it seems he wants to meet in person. She is not so sure if that as she has demons of her own. Will they meet? Will they call in love? Will her demons ruin anything they may just haave? See if they Will finally meet

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ruth.
525 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2020
Ella and Nathan try out a new and unique dating system. Everything is kept secret, including names and faces. They are matched and decide to meet. Then Ella's past makes an unwelcome appearance. Well developed characters and background. Mystery, suspense, chemistry, romance and steam keep you riveted throughout. Looking forward to the next in the series!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,933 reviews
August 10, 2020
This is only my second novel by Ms. Colt.

Now, fully invested in Nathan and Ella's story, I have another Must Read book!

What a captivating plot, and so well done!

I did not know there would be a second part to this story, and now I have my toe tapping waiting....... Please don't make me wait too long, I must know what happens!

Engaging, wonderful escape.

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
187 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2020
Rare 5 stars to re next

I don't usually give 5 stars by this was deserving. The h was an intriguing character that was not the typical bumbling but cute office girl accidentally sleeping with her boss. This woman is dealing with serious issues yet is braver than she knows. No a wishy washy insta_love girl here. The premise is hot, the circumstances is hot, the guy is hot. He's not an arrogant jerk smirking his way throughout this book. Couldn't put it down!
34 reviews
June 9, 2021
Dragonfly girl

Pseudo names and dating in the dark is a requirement in Silent Sins dating agency and the chemistry between Devon(aka Ella) and Ross (aka Nathan) is explosive...but is it enough to overcome a stalker and heal the heart and mind of his victim ? Can't wait to find out in the next book if Nathan and his dragonfly girl can take their relationship into the light and have their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Meghan S.
233 reviews
April 26, 2023
I randomly picked this up for $1 at the local library book sale this weekend and what a find 🤣🥵
Nathan & Ella meet while using an anonymous dating app (like Love is Blind but for f**kbuddies). Leaves on a cliffhanger where N discovers E’s identity while E is fleeing from her past! Less than 300 pages and the angsty brooding build up kept me hooked.
Also loved that Ella has a forearm dragonfly tattoo cause same 🫶🏼
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews