Vi Keeland, the #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels, delivers a delightful and emotionally resonant story in “Jilted.” This slow-burn romance perfectly captures the journey of healing after heartbreak while finding unexpected love. As someone who has devoured Keeland’s previous works like “The Invitation” and “All Grown Up,” I approached “Jilted” with high expectations—and I wasn’t disappointed.
The novel follows Sloane Carrick, a writer for Bride magazine whose dream job turned into a nightmare after being abandoned at the altar by her fiancé Josh. When Sloane gets roped into being a bridesmaid at the wedding she’s covering due to a last-minute emergency, she meets the arrogant but undeniably attractive Wilder Hayes, who happens to be the son of her boss’s boss’s boss. Their bickering leads to an unexpected makeout session in a coat closet, setting the stage for a relationship that challenges both their perceptions of love and commitment.
Strengths: Chemistry That Sizzles Off the Page
What immediately draws readers into “Jilted” by Vi Keeland is the palpable chemistry between Sloane and Wilder. From their first encounter, their banter crackles with tension and humor:
“You had on a different dress earlier. So the accident must’ve happened recently then?”
“Accident?”
“I’m assuming there’s a giant wound under there, since you thought it was a good idea to put that dress on instead.”
Their interactions feel authentic and layered, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying. Keeland excels at creating memorable meet-cutes, and the coat closet scene at the wedding is both steamy and sweet, showcasing her talent for balancing heat with heart.
Character Development: Depth Beyond the Tropes
What elevates “Jilted” above standard romance fare is Vi Keeland’s careful attention to character development:
- Sloane’s Journey: Rather than portraying her as simply a jilted bride, Keeland gives Sloane complexity. Her love of weddings stemming from her mother’s renewal ceremony before her death adds meaningful backstory. Her struggle with trust issues feels earned rather than manufactured for plot convenience.
- Wilder’s Evolution: Initially presented as a typical playboy, Wilder gradually reveals layers of vulnerability. His backstory involving the loss of his high school girlfriend Alyssa and the fraudulent pregnancy with Whitney provides context for his fear of commitment without excusing his behavior.
- Supporting Cast: The novel benefits from well-drawn secondary characters. Sloane’s protective brothers, her father with Parkinson’s, Wilder’s little brother Lucas, and Sloane’s niece Olivia all contribute meaningfully to the narrative rather than existing solely as plot devices.
Emotional Intelligence: Handling Heavy Topics with Care
Keeland doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, addressing them with sensitivity and nuance:
- Grief and loss: Both protagonists have experienced profound loss—Sloane with her mother and almost-marriage, Wilder with his high school girlfriend and mother.
- Health challenges: The portrayal of Sloane’s diabetes and her father’s Parkinson’s disease adds realistic complications without becoming defining characteristics.
- Deception and trust: The theme of rebuilding trust after betrayal runs throughout the novel, handled with emotional intelligence.
A particularly moving scene occurs when Sloane has a diabetic seizure and Wilder confronts his fear of losing someone he loves. This crisis point feels earned rather than contrived, serving as a catalyst for character growth rather than mere drama.
Setting and Structure: A World of Weddings
The novel’s framework—following Sloane and Wilder through a series of weddings they must attend—provides a clever structure that keeps the narrative moving forward while highlighting their evolving relationship. Each wedding marks a milestone in their journey, from antagonistic attraction to deeper emotional connection.
Keeland also excels at creating a sense of place. Her descriptions of venues like St. Dunstan in the East (the ruined church garden in London) and the New York Public Library add texture and visual appeal without overwhelming the narrative. The contrast between Wilder’s luxurious London penthouse and Sloane’s cozy walk-up apartment effectively illustrates their different worlds.
Areas for Improvement: Predictable Moments and Timing Issues
While “Jilted” by Vi Keeland is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it’s not without flaws:
- Predictable Plot Points: Some developments, like Sloane’s pregnancy and Wilder’s initial retreat, follow familiar romance tropes. While Keeland executes these well, more surprising twists might have elevated the story further.
- Pacing Inconsistencies: The timeline occasionally feels rushed, particularly in the latter half. Wilder’s decision to move to New York and purchase a brownstone next door to Sloane happens with whiplash-inducing speed that stretches credibility.
- Convenient Coincidences: The series of weddings involving the same group of friends feels somewhat contrived as a plot device, though it serves its purpose well in creating opportunities for the couple to interact.
- Limited Exploration of Career Implications: The potential complications of their relationship given their professional connection (Wilder being the son of Sloane’s boss) receives minimal attention, which seems like a missed opportunity for additional conflict.
Fresh Perspective: Subverting the Playboy Trope
What makes “Jilted” stand out in the crowded romance genre is Vi Keeland’s willingness to subvert expectations. Wilder isn’t simply a playboy reformed by the right woman; his past relationships have left him genuinely scarred. His character arc involves confronting real trauma rather than just getting over a fear of commitment.
Similarly, Sloane isn’t saved by Wilder’s love—she maintains her independence and agency throughout. When she discovers she’s pregnant, she makes peace with the possibility of raising the child alone, demonstrating growth from her previous relationship where she defined herself through her partner.
Who Will Love This Book
“Jilted” by Vi Keeland will appeal to:
- Fans of slow-burn romances with substantial emotional depth
- Readers who enjoy workplace/professional adjacent romances
- Those who appreciate complex characters with meaningful backstories
- Anyone who’s experienced heartbreak and believes in second chances
- Readers who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope with genuine development
If you enjoyed Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” or Christina Lauren’s “The Unhoneymooners,” Keeland’s balanced approach to humor and emotional depth will resonate with you.
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt Journey Worth Taking
“Jilted” by Vi Keeland offers readers a satisfying combination of sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and character growth. Keeland’s strength lies in creating protagonists who feel like real people with authentic struggles, making their journey to love all the more rewarding.
What could have been a standard romance is elevated by thoughtful attention to character development and a willingness to address difficult emotions. While following some familiar romance patterns, “Jilted” distinguishes itself through Keeland’s confident writing and genuine emotional resonance.
The novel delivers on its promise of a slow-burn, swooning romance while offering something more substantial—a thoughtful exploration of how past traumas shape our ability to trust and love again. For both dedicated Vi Keeland fans and newcomers to her work, “Jilted” provides a reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
As Wilder tells Sloane near the end: “It’s not the ending; it’s only the beginning. And this story will last a lifetime.” The same could be said for the impression this novel leaves on its readers—a beginning of appreciation for Keeland’s storytelling that will likely lead to exploring more of her backlist and eagerly anticipating her future works.
Similar Books To Try If You Enjoyed “Jilted”
If you connected with the emotional journey in “Jilted,” consider these comparable titles:
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
- “The Ex Talk” by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- Keeland’s collaborations with Penelope Ward, such as “Hate Notes” or “Rebel Heir”
Each offers the perfect blend of chemistry, emotional depth, and satisfying character growth that makes “Jilted” such an enjoyable read.