Honest Review of Jilted by Vi Keeland: Flirty Banter

Weddings, Workplaces, and Wasted Potential? Let’s Talk Jilted

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Tropes: Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Boss’s Son, Cocky Hero, Jilted Bride

Spice Level: 2.5/5

Spice Style: Flirty and suggestive, with one early steamy scene, but overall a very slow burn with fade-to-black moments

Just a little disclaimer: This review is totally based on my personal reading experience—and yours might be completely different, and that’s 100% okay. One of the things I love most about this community is how diverse our reading tastes are. What didn’t quite click for me might be exactly what you’re craving in a romance right now. That’s the beauty of books—there’s something out there for everyone. So whether you adored Jilted or felt the same way I did, I’d love to hear your thoughts. No gatekeeping here—just book-loving, opinion-sharing fun. 💕

After my emotionally chaotic spiral from reading Kiss of the Basilisk (see earlier post for that emotional spiral), I was in desperate need of a romance palate cleanser—something light, steamy, and easy to sink into without bracing for heartbreak. Jilted by Vi Keeland seemed like the perfect choice. A jilted bride? A charming, cocky love interest? Forced proximity with workplace tension? Sign me up.

And while Jilted did check some of those boxes and delivered a few enjoyable moments, I ultimately walked away feeling a bit underwhelmed.

The Setup Had Me Hooked

The premise had rom-com gold written all over it. After being left at the altar, Sloane is doing her best to hold it together—despite working at a bridal magazine where her job involves daily exposure to wedding dresses, love stories, and newlywed bliss. Salt in the wound, right?

Enter Wilder Hayes: a former pro athlete, serial flirt, and son of Sloane’s boss. He’s assigned to assist with a high-profile wedding project, and—of course—he gets paired with Sloane. The two clash immediately, sparks fly, and a surprise steamy moment in a coat closet sets the tone for their reluctant partnership. Just when Sloane thinks she can write him off as a one-time mistake, Wilder shows up at her office, ready to work side-by-side.

Let the slow burn forced proximity begin.

Great Tropes, Lukewarm Execution

I love a good “he falls first” romance—when it’s done right, it adds delicious tension and emotional depth. And Vi Keeland does give us glimpses of Wilder being all in, often before Sloane even realizes what’s happening. He’s attentive, flirty, and clearly intrigued by her. But here’s where the execution fell short for me: the slow burn didn’t really simmer—it just kind of…sat there.

The early makeout scene? Hot, no question. But that spark never quite reignited. The chemistry fizzled as the story went on, and the romantic build-up lacked the emotional tension I typically crave in a slow burn. I kept waiting for that moment—the one where everything clicks and the emotional stakes feel real—but it never fully arrived.

For comparison, if you're looking for better-executed slow burn dynamics, I’d recommend something like Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino or The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, both of which masterfully build anticipation and emotional tension.

Character Potential That Didn’t Fully Bloom

Sloane had a ton of potential. A heartbroken woman rebuilding herself after a public humiliation? That’s some rich emotional soil to dig into. And Wilder, despite his playboy energy, hinted at deeper layers—a complicated past, family baggage, vulnerability beneath the charm. I wanted to love them. But both characters ended up feeling more like sketches than fully fleshed-out people.

Sloane often came across as passive, and her internal emotional journey—grieving her broken engagement, figuring out what she really wants—was barely touched on. I wanted to feel her heartbreak, her healing, her growth. Instead, she remained pretty static throughout the story.

Wilder was fun, and sure, I enjoyed his witty banter and relentless charm. But beyond that, there wasn’t much complexity. His character arc was minimal, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were supposed to find him swoon-worthy simply because he was confident and hot. (Though, let’s be honest, that does work sometimes.)

If you enjoy cocky-but-lovable heroes done well, check out The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas, where the character development runs deeper.

Writing Style & Pacing

Vi Keeland’s writing is reliably readable—accessible, light, and peppered with sharp dialogue. Her humor shines in several scenes, and she knows how to craft banter that feels natural. That said, the pacing felt uneven in Jilted. After the initial spark, the story dragged in the middle, and I found myself skimming through long sections of workplace scenes that didn’t push the plot or the relationship forward.

The ending also wrapped up a little too neatly for me. I wanted a bit more emotional payoff or conflict resolution. As a reader, I never felt like either character had to fight for the relationship or confront anything especially difficult—which made the final HEA feel a little hollow.

Looking for a romance that delivers banter and payoff? Try Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score—a big book, but one that earns every swoony moment.

Spice Rating Breakdown

Let’s talk spice, because I know we’re all wondering: how hot is it, really?

• Spice Level: 2.5/5

• Steamiest Moment: One early scene in a coat closet sets the tone with some heat and tension.

• Overall Vibe: Suggestive and playful, but the slow burn quickly cools to fade-to-black territory.

If you’re looking for something spicier, check out my 20 Steamy Contemporary Romance Books roundup post—there’s definitely more heat (and swoon) to be found there.

Final Thoughts

Jilted is a breezy, low-stakes romance that might hit the spot if you’re looking for something light and easy to read between heavier books. The premise had all the right ingredients—forced proximity, a cocky hero with hidden depth, and a heroine trying to reclaim her confidence—but the emotional payoff felt a bit undercooked.

It’s not a bad book. It’s just not a standout one. If you're already a Vi Keeland fan, this might be a fun weekend read. But if you’re new to her work and looking for something with more chemistry, character growth, and memorable moments, I’d recommend starting with one of her stronger titles.

You can check out more reader reviews on Goodreads or grab a copy of Jilted on Amazon. It is available through Kindle Unlimited if you want to give it a try.

About the Author: Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author known for her witty, addictive contemporary romance novels that blend humor, heat, and heart. With over 30 books published, Keeland’s stories frequently feature strong heroines, irresistible alpha heroes, and just the right amount of angst.

A former attorney from New York, Vi left the legal world to pursue her passion for storytelling—and romance readers everywhere are better for it. Her books have been translated into more than twenty-five languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Whether you’re new to her books or a longtime fan, Vi Keeland’s blend of charm, sass, and steamy romance has earned her a dedicated following in the romance community.

I do enjoy Vi Keeland’s writing style—it’s accessible, often funny, and her heroes are usually top-tier charmers. Some of her previous books that I’ve enjoyed more include:

• The Invitation (great chemistry and character depth)

• Egomaniac (a classic Keeland hero: infuriating but irresistible)

• Inappropriate (strong banter and emotional payoff)

What did you think of Jilted?
Did Wilder win you over or fall a little flat? I’d love to hear your take! Drop your thoughts in the comments—especially if you’re a Vi Keeland fan. What’s your favorite book of hers? Or if you’re new to her work, which one are you starting with? Let’s talk book boyfriends, slow burns, and everything in between.