{"id":2904,"date":"2025-05-16T13:26:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T13:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2904"},"modified":"2025-05-16T13:26:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T13:26:20","slug":"jilted-by-vi-keeland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2904","title":{"rendered":"Jilted by Vi Keeland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vi Keeland, the #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels, delivers a delightful and emotionally resonant story<\/a> in \u201cJilted.\u201d This slow-burn romance perfectly captures the journey of healing after heartbreak while finding unexpected love. As someone who has devoured Keeland\u2019s previous works like \u201cThe Invitation\u201d and \u201cAll Grown Up,\u201d I approached \u201cJilted\u201d with high expectations\u2014and I wasn\u2019t disappointed.<\/p>\n

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 fianc\u00e9 Josh. When Sloane gets roped into being a bridesmaid at the wedding she\u2019s 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\u2019s boss\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Strengths: Chemistry That Sizzles Off the Page<\/h2>\n

What immediately draws readers into \u201cJilted\u201d by Vi Keeland is the palpable chemistry between Sloane and Wilder. From their first encounter, their banter crackles with tension and humor:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had on a different dress earlier. So the accident must\u2019ve happened recently then?\u201d<\/h4>\n

\u201cAccident?\u201d<\/h4>\n

\u201cI\u2019m assuming there\u2019s a giant wound under there, since you thought it was a good idea to put that dress on instead.\u201d<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Character Development: Depth Beyond the Tropes<\/h2>\n

What elevates \u201cJilted\u201d above standard romance fare is Vi Keeland\u2019s careful attention to character development:<\/p>\n

Sloane\u2019s Journey<\/strong>: Rather than portraying her as simply a jilted bride, Keeland gives Sloane complexity. Her love of weddings stemming from her mother\u2019s renewal ceremony before her death adds meaningful backstory. Her struggle with trust issues<\/a> feels earned rather than manufactured for plot convenience.
\nWilder\u2019s Evolution<\/strong>: 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.
\nSupporting Cast<\/strong>: The novel benefits from well-drawn secondary characters. Sloane\u2019s protective brothers, her father with Parkinson\u2019s, Wilder\u2019s little brother Lucas, and Sloane\u2019s niece Olivia all contribute meaningfully to the narrative rather than existing solely as plot devices.<\/p>\n

Emotional Intelligence: Handling Heavy Topics with Care<\/h2>\n

Keeland doesn\u2019t shy away from difficult subjects, addressing them with sensitivity and nuance:<\/p>\n

Grief and loss<\/strong>: Both protagonists have experienced profound loss\u2014Sloane with her mother and almost-marriage, Wilder with his high school girlfriend and mother.
\nHealth challenges<\/strong>: The portrayal of Sloane\u2019s diabetes and her father\u2019s Parkinson\u2019s disease adds realistic complications without becoming defining characteristics.
\nDeception and trust<\/strong>: The theme of rebuilding trust after betrayal<\/a> runs throughout the novel, handled with emotional intelligence.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Setting and Structure: A World of Weddings<\/h2>\n

The novel\u2019s framework\u2014following Sloane and Wilder through a series of weddings they must attend\u2014provides 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s luxurious London penthouse and Sloane\u2019s cozy walk-up apartment effectively illustrates their different worlds.<\/p>\n

Areas for Improvement: Predictable Moments and Timing Issues<\/h2>\n

While \u201cJilted\u201d by Vi Keeland is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it\u2019s not without flaws:<\/p>\n

Predictable Plot Points<\/strong>: Some developments, like Sloane\u2019s pregnancy and Wilder\u2019s initial retreat, follow familiar romance tropes. While Keeland executes these well, more surprising twists might have elevated the story further.
\nPacing Inconsistencies<\/strong>: The timeline occasionally feels rushed, particularly in the latter half. Wilder\u2019s decision to move to New York and purchase a brownstone next door to Sloane happens with whiplash-inducing speed that stretches credibility.
\nConvenient Coincidences<\/strong>: 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.
\nLimited Exploration of Career Implications<\/strong>: The potential complications of their relationship given their professional connection (Wilder being the son of Sloane\u2019s boss) receives minimal attention, which seems like a missed opportunity for additional conflict.<\/p>\n

Fresh Perspective: Subverting the Playboy Trope<\/h2>\n

What makes \u201cJilted\u201d stand out in the crowded romance genre is Vi Keeland\u2019s willingness to subvert expectations. Wilder isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Sloane isn\u2019t saved by Wilder\u2019s love\u2014she maintains her independence and agency throughout. When she discovers she\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Who Will Love This Book<\/h2>\n

\u201cJilted\u201d by Vi Keeland will appeal to:<\/p>\n

Fans of slow-burn romances with substantial emotional depth
\nReaders who enjoy workplace\/professional adjacent romances
\nThose who appreciate complex characters with meaningful backstories
\nAnyone who\u2019s experienced heartbreak and believes in second chances
\nReaders who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope with genuine development<\/p>\n

If you enjoyed Emily Henry\u2019s \u201cBeach Read\u201d or Christina Lauren\u2019s \u201cThe Unhoneymooners,\u201d Keeland\u2019s balanced approach to humor and emotional depth will resonate with you.<\/p>\n

Final Verdict: A Heartfelt Journey Worth Taking<\/h2>\n

\u201cJilted\u201d by Vi Keeland offers readers a satisfying combination of sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and character growth<\/a>. Keeland\u2019s strength lies in creating protagonists who feel like real people with authentic struggles, making their journey to love all the more rewarding.<\/p>\n

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, \u201cJilted\u201d distinguishes itself through Keeland\u2019s confident writing and genuine emotional resonance.<\/p>\n

The novel delivers on its promise of a slow-burn, swooning romance while offering something more substantial\u2014a 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, \u201cJilted\u201d provides a reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.<\/p>\n

As Wilder tells Sloane near the end: \u201cIt\u2019s not the ending; it\u2019s only the beginning. And this story will last a lifetime.\u201d<\/strong><\/em> The same could be said for the impression this novel leaves on its readers\u2014a beginning of appreciation for Keeland\u2019s storytelling that will likely lead to exploring more of her backlist and eagerly anticipating her future works.<\/p>\n

Similar Books To Try If You Enjoyed \u201cJilted\u201d<\/h2>\n

If you connected with the emotional journey in \u201cJilted,\u201d consider these comparable titles:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hating Game\u201d by Sally Thorne
\n\u201cBeach Read\u201d by Emily Henry
\n\u201cThe Unhoneymooners\u201d by Christina Lauren
\n\u201cThe Ex Talk\u201d by Rachel Lynn Solomon
\nKeeland\u2019s collaborations with Penelope Ward, such as \u201cHate Notes\u201d or \u201cRebel Heir\u201d<\/p>\n

Each offers the perfect blend of chemistry, emotional depth, and satisfying character growth that makes \u201cJilted\u201d such an enjoyable read.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vi Keeland, the #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels, delivers a delightful and emotionally resonant story in \u201cJilted.\u201d This slow-burn romance perfectly captures the journey of healing after heartbreak while finding unexpected love. As someone who has devoured Keeland\u2019s previous works like \u201cThe Invitation\u201d and \u201cAll Grown Up,\u201d I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bookreviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2904"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2904\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}