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Vain
Danger doesn’t always smack you in the face; sometimes, it sneaks up behind you when you’re not looking.
That was true for actress Matilda Carson, at least.
She had no idea that behind the smiley-faced notes she’d been receiving was a disturbed man courting infamy until it was too late.
While her attacker goes on trial, Matilda retreats to her home to heal, hiding away from the media circus surrounding her.
Two years after the dust settles, and with other scandals stealing the headlines, she’s finally ready to put herself back out there.
But when a smiley-faced note turns up at her home, a sense of Deja Vu has Matilda calling in Price Security for protection.
When Aiden Church volunteers to guard Matilda, he’s expecting to meet a pampered princess who is too stubborn to listen to reason.
And for once, he’s happy to be wrong.
While the smiley-faced notes mark the start of yet another twisted game, a love story unfolds amid the chaos of car chases and gunfights that spill over from the movie set into real life.
Can a small-town hero navigate the dark side of fame to outsmart the stalker, or will this copycat finish what his predecessor started?
And all while the whole world watches on with bated breath.
Author’s note: The Tempest Series is set in the same world as my Underestimated series. However, only Cautious slips into the Underestimated timeline; the rest of the series will run on its own timeline, parallel to the same world stories.
The Tempest Series can be read as a complete stand-alone series, but if you’d like to read it in conjunction with the other books set in this world, I’ve included the reading order Queen Of CarnageThe Princess Of ChaosRicochetCautiousThe Reign of KingsThe Heir of ShadowsThe Crown of FoolsThe Mercy of DemonsTainted OathsTwisted VowsToxic WhispersDulceReeseThe Throne of LiesLollieSugarThe Brutal StrikeThe Harsh BiteThe Echo of ViolenceThe Wicked StingThe Lethal TouchRest In PiecesThe Good girlThe First Cut
That was true for actress Matilda Carson, at least.
She had no idea that behind the smiley-faced notes she’d been receiving was a disturbed man courting infamy until it was too late.
While her attacker goes on trial, Matilda retreats to her home to heal, hiding away from the media circus surrounding her.
Two years after the dust settles, and with other scandals stealing the headlines, she’s finally ready to put herself back out there.
But when a smiley-faced note turns up at her home, a sense of Deja Vu has Matilda calling in Price Security for protection.
When Aiden Church volunteers to guard Matilda, he’s expecting to meet a pampered princess who is too stubborn to listen to reason.
And for once, he’s happy to be wrong.
While the smiley-faced notes mark the start of yet another twisted game, a love story unfolds amid the chaos of car chases and gunfights that spill over from the movie set into real life.
Can a small-town hero navigate the dark side of fame to outsmart the stalker, or will this copycat finish what his predecessor started?
And all while the whole world watches on with bated breath.
Author’s note: The Tempest Series is set in the same world as my Underestimated series. However, only Cautious slips into the Underestimated timeline; the rest of the series will run on its own timeline, parallel to the same world stories.
The Tempest Series can be read as a complete stand-alone series, but if you’d like to read it in conjunction with the other books set in this world, I’ve included the reading order Queen Of CarnageThe Princess Of ChaosRicochetCautiousThe Reign of KingsThe Heir of ShadowsThe Crown of FoolsThe Mercy of DemonsTainted OathsTwisted VowsToxic WhispersDulceReeseThe Throne of LiesLollieSugarThe Brutal StrikeThe Harsh BiteThe Echo of ViolenceThe Wicked StingThe Lethal TouchRest In PiecesThe Good girlThe First Cut
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
60 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 16, 2025
♥️Bodyguard
♥️Forced Proximity
♥️Found Family
♥️Romantic Suspense
There is a reason that Candice Wright is one of my favorite authors…her stories always suck me in and keep me guessing until the end. I always think I know who the villain is and every time I’m proven wrong! This book gave me thriller vibes and was so dang good!
Aiden is hired to be the bodyguard of movie star Matilda. But he quickly discovers that she’s nothing like the media portrays her. As he breaks down her walls, he realizes she’s not the spoiled actress he expected, but someone much more complex and worth protecting. Tilly has suffered through several traumatic events over the past few years, and just when she finally feels safe enough to step back into the real world, things start happening again. The danger feels all too familiar and far too close.
I absolutely loved Aiden and how protective he was of Tilly from the moment they met. He would do anything to keep her safe, and she knew deep down she could trust him. Their bond felt real, raw, and exactly what both of them needed.
♥️Forced Proximity
♥️Found Family
♥️Romantic Suspense
There is a reason that Candice Wright is one of my favorite authors…her stories always suck me in and keep me guessing until the end. I always think I know who the villain is and every time I’m proven wrong! This book gave me thriller vibes and was so dang good!
Aiden is hired to be the bodyguard of movie star Matilda. But he quickly discovers that she’s nothing like the media portrays her. As he breaks down her walls, he realizes she’s not the spoiled actress he expected, but someone much more complex and worth protecting. Tilly has suffered through several traumatic events over the past few years, and just when she finally feels safe enough to step back into the real world, things start happening again. The danger feels all too familiar and far too close.
I absolutely loved Aiden and how protective he was of Tilly from the moment they met. He would do anything to keep her safe, and she knew deep down she could trust him. Their bond felt real, raw, and exactly what both of them needed.
August 8, 2025
Candice Wright has wrecked me once again. Vain will keep you turning the pages and guessing about who the real villain is throughout the book. Each time I thought I had it figured out, BAM, another curve was thrown into the mix. I absolutely LOVE Candice’s written style. The characters jump off the page, and you feel like you’re living the story with them. I felt everything with this book: Sad, elated, pissed, annoyed, damaged, and excited. This book definitely gave me all the feels.
Aiden is sent to be a bodyguard for Hollywood’s sweetheart, Tilly, but not everything is as it seems. The spoiled actress he thought he was going to have to protect is a far cry from who he actually meets. Nothing like the tabloids and media portray her to be, Tilly has her own traumatizing secret she’s keeping. She keeps everyone at arm’s length. Will Aiden break down her walls and show her that love can strike at any time, or will she sink further into herself?
This is definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. If you haven’t picked up any of Candice’s books yet, what are you waiting for?? You’re only hurting yourself by not discovering such great, vivid stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting more.
Aiden is sent to be a bodyguard for Hollywood’s sweetheart, Tilly, but not everything is as it seems. The spoiled actress he thought he was going to have to protect is a far cry from who he actually meets. Nothing like the tabloids and media portray her to be, Tilly has her own traumatizing secret she’s keeping. She keeps everyone at arm’s length. Will Aiden break down her walls and show her that love can strike at any time, or will she sink further into herself?
This is definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. If you haven’t picked up any of Candice’s books yet, what are you waiting for?? You’re only hurting yourself by not discovering such great, vivid stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting more.
August 18, 2025
Candice is one of my faves and I’ve devoured every books she’s written. This one went down as smooth as the rest of them.
Matilda/Tilly, Hollywood starlet, Aiden, small town bodyguard. Both dealing with different levels of trauma, one from past relationship the other from a stalker that she survived.
Aiden falls immediately upon meeting her, the need to protect and have her all to himself, on an obsessed level.
Tilly knows there’s something there that could blossom into more. What she is certain of, Aiden makes her feel safe and she trusts him more than people she’s known for years.
The return of her stalker ( I was shocked by the reveal), continuing to survive her trauma, and finding purpose in a special someone, Tilly figures out what’s important and where she wants her life to be.
The found family was so genuine and heartwarming. The cast of characters were bonded for life and made you want to be a part of it. I loved everything about the small town and the people that make up Aiden’s “village”, because it does take a village.
I love all of Candice’s books, but some touch me more than others. There were so many aspects that made this story special and for that reason, it will stay with me.
Matilda/Tilly, Hollywood starlet, Aiden, small town bodyguard. Both dealing with different levels of trauma, one from past relationship the other from a stalker that she survived.
Aiden falls immediately upon meeting her, the need to protect and have her all to himself, on an obsessed level.
Tilly knows there’s something there that could blossom into more. What she is certain of, Aiden makes her feel safe and she trusts him more than people she’s known for years.
The return of her stalker ( I was shocked by the reveal), continuing to survive her trauma, and finding purpose in a special someone, Tilly figures out what’s important and where she wants her life to be.
The found family was so genuine and heartwarming. The cast of characters were bonded for life and made you want to be a part of it. I loved everything about the small town and the people that make up Aiden’s “village”, because it does take a village.
I love all of Candice’s books, but some touch me more than others. There were so many aspects that made this story special and for that reason, it will stay with me.
August 9, 2025
Wow... What a ride! From laughter one moment to gasping the next to crying right after, Vain will take you where you are not prepared to go. My heart almost beat out of my chest in anticipation. At points, my feet were kicking in glee. The tragedies had me grabbing my tissues and hugging my pillow. Matilda and Aiden were so perfect for one another—the bodyguard from a small town, sent to protect the movie star from an unhinged person who was making their life a living hell, was **chef's kiss**. The suspense tore the breath from my throat. This author has always been able to drag me through a range of emotions with their writing, and Vain went above and beyond my greatest expectations. The found family aspect throughout gives you the warmest hug when characters from previous books pop up, reuniting to support each other and catch up on events, and hinting at what is to come. I can not wait to read more from Ms. Wright and her cast of multifaceted characters.
August 11, 2025
Candice just writes the stories I like to read.
So I read my very first book of Candice’s in 2022, it was the first book in this series, and that’s all it took for me to become a fan. She has a gift for writing romantic suspense, and that’s not an easy genre to write.
In book 2 we get Aiden and Tilly’s story. Aiden is part of Price Security and has been sent to be a bodyguard for Matilda, a Hollywood startlet with a stalker. When he gets there he meets Tilly, and sees the woman behind the persona and he falls, he falls hard. What comes next is an adrenaline filled ride with twists and turns that you will never see coming.
I devoured this book, I love these “calendar boys” of Price Security. I will never miss a chance to read a book by Candice, whether it’s a small town/bodyguard story or a why choose/biker story I know I will be in for a wild ride. Don’t miss out on this series, there are only two books so far but I know there are more to come!
So I read my very first book of Candice’s in 2022, it was the first book in this series, and that’s all it took for me to become a fan. She has a gift for writing romantic suspense, and that’s not an easy genre to write.
In book 2 we get Aiden and Tilly’s story. Aiden is part of Price Security and has been sent to be a bodyguard for Matilda, a Hollywood startlet with a stalker. When he gets there he meets Tilly, and sees the woman behind the persona and he falls, he falls hard. What comes next is an adrenaline filled ride with twists and turns that you will never see coming.
I devoured this book, I love these “calendar boys” of Price Security. I will never miss a chance to read a book by Candice, whether it’s a small town/bodyguard story or a why choose/biker story I know I will be in for a wild ride. Don’t miss out on this series, there are only two books so far but I know there are more to come!
August 14, 2025
Candice did it again!!! She brought me another fantastic book!!!
I devoured it too!! Of course, I love the falling in love with your bodyguard trope, but this book was so much more!!!
It was filled with suspense, mystery, and danger. There were tons of feels throughout, a bit of humor, along with some delicious spice.
I loved both Aiden and Matilda.
Matilda for her resilience and courage. She was also kind and loving. It made me so happy to see her growth and realize that she was beautiful just as she was.
I fell in love with Aiden quickly. He was encouraging and protective. He helped Tilly so much. His love for her made me swoon.
In the end, we do find out who the stalker was and crazy things are revealed. I did have a few suspicions. I was right about some, but shocked by others.
As I said before, what a fantastic read!
I devoured it too!! Of course, I love the falling in love with your bodyguard trope, but this book was so much more!!!
It was filled with suspense, mystery, and danger. There were tons of feels throughout, a bit of humor, along with some delicious spice.
I loved both Aiden and Matilda.
Matilda for her resilience and courage. She was also kind and loving. It made me so happy to see her growth and realize that she was beautiful just as she was.
I fell in love with Aiden quickly. He was encouraging and protective. He helped Tilly so much. His love for her made me swoon.
In the end, we do find out who the stalker was and crazy things are revealed. I did have a few suspicions. I was right about some, but shocked by others.
As I said before, what a fantastic read!
August 8, 2025
I needed a book like this to get me out of a slump! Candice never disappoints. From start to finish you fall in love with Aiden, and his fierce need to protect, love, and keep Matilda for the rest of his life. She has had a scary and tragic last couple of years, and you honestly don’t know who you can trust. I love the suspense, and twists and turns her stories always take. They keep you guessing and there’s always a shock at the end. This was a beautiful story and I hope in the next book we still get a glimpse of these guys and how their life is coming along
August 20, 2025
Vain is a standalone that follows Matilda Carson, the life long movie star, and her reluctant personal bodyguard, Aiden. From the first chapter, it's obvious that there is a lot of depth to the main characters despite how they may be perceived by everyone around them. This book had me on my toes as this couple navigated their trauma and found their way to each other. I devoured every twist of the plot line, the heartfelt moments, and the deep feelings that Wright likes to finagle out of us. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her writing. I’m ready for whatever comes next!
August 10, 2025
I both love and despise Candice right now, because of the characters that live in her head that played out in this book. Never have I ever wanted to blink myself into a story as much as I did this one!! Well she always makes me ride the roller coaster of emotions, she left no piece of track hidden on this journey. I did not even remotely expect for this and the way it did. I think my jaw still hurts from the amount of times it dropped. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
August 10, 2025
Some books you never knew you needed, until you read them. This was Vain for me! Matilda & Aiden might be the most opposites in their life, but they are perfect for each other in every way. This insta-Love bodyguard romance will tug at your heart strings and make you swoon.
I also love how Candice ties her series together. This is the second book in the series, so if you haven't read the first go check it out!
4.5/5 stars
I also love how Candice ties her series together. This is the second book in the series, so if you haven't read the first go check it out!
4.5/5 stars
August 12, 2025
Matilda is an amazing strong woman that has been thru the ringer her whole life. Starting young with acting and moving up in the world fast and strong. Aiden is hired from price security bc a horrible incident happened to Tilly. When he got to the house, Marley and Greyson showed him the ropes and rules. He finally met Tilly and all bets are off. Sparks fly and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
August 14, 2025
Candice Wright has done it again with Vain. From the very first page, you are pulled into a world so vivid and addictive that you never want to leave. Her writing just flows, making every scene easy to picture and every moment feel real.
By the time you finish Vain, you are not just in love with the characters, you are hooked on the whole world she has built. It is a story that sticks with you, and you cannot help but wish there was more.
By the time you finish Vain, you are not just in love with the characters, you are hooked on the whole world she has built. It is a story that sticks with you, and you cannot help but wish there was more.
August 17, 2025
Wow, Candice just gave me all the feels on this one. I thougth Cautious was good, but Vain is even better. We get to see our old friends from Cautious again and even another familar face from her other works. This was Tilly and Aiden’s story and it was so damn good I didn’t move from my spot until I devoured the entire book. Do yourself a favor and read this series. Don’t forget to read the Underestimated series if you haven’t, too!
August 30, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing! I always love how Candice can weave so many twists and turns all the while keeping you guessing. Matilda is a traumatized woman who is working her way out of the dark. She hires Aiden as personal security and the chemistry between the two is absolutely outstanding. Aiden is the thoughtful, caring, and most understanding man a girl could ever dream of. Gah! I loved this thing start to finish.
August 11, 2025
“And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the tale of how my ovaries exploded.”
Another book where Candice pulls me into her world and refuses to let me leave. But why would I want to?
Tilly and Aiden’s story was the romantic thriller of the hour, with all your friends along for the ride. I laughed, I cried, I felt all the feelings, and will happily do it all again.
Another book where Candice pulls me into her world and refuses to let me leave. But why would I want to?
Tilly and Aiden’s story was the romantic thriller of the hour, with all your friends along for the ride. I laughed, I cried, I felt all the feelings, and will happily do it all again.
August 18, 2025
Oh boy does this book drag you through the emotional wringer! Aiden is sent to be a bodyguard to movie star Tilly (Matilda). She's been dragged through a series of traumatizing events that she thought were finally over until things kicked off again. Tilly has pretty much locked herself away only coming out to work to protect herself. Only for Aiden with his sweet, caring & easy going nature to slowly bring Tilly out of her shell.
The relationship that they had gradually built up between them was endearing to read as well as steamy too. I loved the pop up of other characters from the series who each gave a bit of comedic highlights. I'm loving this series so much and Tilly's story was a brilliant addition to it.
The relationship that they had gradually built up between them was endearing to read as well as steamy too. I loved the pop up of other characters from the series who each gave a bit of comedic highlights. I'm loving this series so much and Tilly's story was a brilliant addition to it.
August 16, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. Anything from this author I know I will enjoy. This one was no exception. The characters were fantastic and absolutely perfect for one another. But man the twists and turns and the full gambit of emotions this book provoked were what made it one of the best I have read this year. Fantastic book, fantastic author. Another I need a physical copy of for my shelf!
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January 5, 2026Love this author but for me personally at this time, I couldn’t vibe with the insta-love bodyguard romance that was happening.
The storyline, the plot, the characters all so intriguing and beautiful but it’s just me personally being in a funk and not connecting.
I will try this again sometime later in the year.
The storyline, the plot, the characters all so intriguing and beautiful but it’s just me personally being in a funk and not connecting.
I will try this again sometime later in the year.
August 14, 2025
Sweet & Spicy
Really good suspense story with a wrapping of romance. Adien and Tilly were both great characters and the supporting cast was the cherry on top. Keep it coming please!
Really good suspense story with a wrapping of romance. Adien and Tilly were both great characters and the supporting cast was the cherry on top. Keep it coming please!
August 15, 2025
Love Aiden and Tilly’s love story!! I couldn’t predict where it went…it was so heartbreaking 💔 the visit from Reese was funny I wonder if she’ll get together with Lolli 😂 Kellan and the guys made ma laugh it was really good 😊 can’t wait for Kellan to get knocked on his ass 😂😂
August 17, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. The story between Adien and Tilly was amazing. This book was full of twist and turns, romance and the happily ever after we all love. I would definitely recommend this book. You wont be disappointed!.
August 20, 2025
Aiden is hired as a bodyguard for Tilly. She has experienced some trauma and a stalker not to mention a leech and irritating mother. She and Aiden have a connection despite her need to retreat with discomfort due to her trauma. It had some suspense and some loss but loved it.
September 6, 2025
Candice Wright is amazing! All of her books are fabulous and this one is no exception. Great characters, with visits from crossover friends. Full of mystery, excitement, sexiness and a good dose of hilarity. This is shaping up to be a fantastic series and I’m looking forward to the next book!
August 17, 2025
Great read! I love the bodyguard aspect, and Tilly is amazing. Aiden is awesome- I love him so!!! I really enjoy reading about other characters in this series too. Absolutely loved it!
August 17, 2025
great
I loved this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was so good! I loved Tilly and Aiden’s story and can’t wait for more of the calendar boys!
I loved this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was so good! I loved Tilly and Aiden’s story and can’t wait for more of the calendar boys!
August 29, 2025
Crying!
I never cry while reading, this book was the exception. My heart!! I loved it, glad to be back in Tempest. Can't wait for the next book
I never cry while reading, this book was the exception. My heart!! I loved it, glad to be back in Tempest. Can't wait for the next book
February 2, 2026
Great read
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
September 4, 2025
Can you truly trust those you love ?
Well Candice sure does know how to make us go down the Rabbit hole. The story starts with a recluse Hollywood star who gets over a stalker Trauma by going back to work. It starts with sparks flying between her and the new security detail. Hmmm delish description.. sorry got distracted anyway things start to escalate again and she thinks the wrong person was put in jail. Not to mention her current security detail has issues with the new hire. There are a few suspects to look at but wow Candice spun us on a coin and we didn’t see the ending till the last few chapters well played !! Epic plotting. Defo recommend this read but you might need some tissues too
Well Candice sure does know how to make us go down the Rabbit hole. The story starts with a recluse Hollywood star who gets over a stalker Trauma by going back to work. It starts with sparks flying between her and the new security detail. Hmmm delish description.. sorry got distracted anyway things start to escalate again and she thinks the wrong person was put in jail. Not to mention her current security detail has issues with the new hire. There are a few suspects to look at but wow Candice spun us on a coin and we didn’t see the ending till the last few chapters well played !! Epic plotting. Defo recommend this read but you might need some tissues too
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews