Jilted at the Altar

Sloane Carrick, a lifelong romantic and wedding magazine writer, is left standing at the altar by her fiancé, Josh. The trauma shatters her faith in love and weddings, turning her once-dream job into a daily reminder of heartbreak. Surrounded by her loving but meddlesome family, Sloane struggles to regain her footing, her optimism curdled by betrayal. The pain is compounded by the loss of her childhood dog, Buddy, the day after her failed wedding, symbolizing the end of innocence. Sloane's world is now colored by cynicism, and her passion for weddings is replaced by a biting wit and a guarded heart, setting the stage for her journey of healing and rediscovery.

Wedding Cynic Meets Charmer

Assigned to cover a high-profile wedding, Sloane is paired with her flamboyant photographer friend, Elijah. At the event, she collides—literally and figuratively—with Wilder Hayes, a striking, cocky groomsman with a British accent and a magnetic presence. Their banter is sharp, laced with flirtation and mutual challenge. Sloane's defenses are up, but Wilder's confidence and humor chip away at her walls. The wedding's chaos, from bridezilla antics to spray-tanned bridesmaids, mirrors Sloane's internal turmoil. Yet, amidst the absurdity, a spark ignites between Sloane and Wilder, hinting at the possibility of something real beneath the surface.

Forced Bridesmaid, Fateful Encounter

When a bridesmaid drops out last minute, Sloane is strong-armed into donning a hideous purple dress and fascinator, standing out in all the wrong ways. Paired with Wilder for the ceremony, their playful antagonism deepens into genuine attraction. Wilder's teasing and Sloane's sass create a charged dynamic, each pushing the other's buttons. The forced proximity and shared exasperation with wedding absurdities break down Sloane's resistance. As they walk the aisle together, the chemistry is undeniable, and Sloane feels alive for the first time since her heartbreak, even as she tries to convince herself it's just a fleeting distraction.

Tequila, Banter, and Chemistry

Post-ceremony, Sloane and Wilder's flirtation escalates over drinks. Their conversation is a dance of vulnerability and bravado—Wilder reveals his transatlantic life and family complications, while Sloane shares her disillusionment with love and her job. The tequila-fueled honesty exposes wounds and desires, drawing them closer. Wilder's charm is both infuriating and intoxicating, and Sloane's wit keeps him on his toes. The night's energy is electric, culminating in a playful bet involving cupcakes and a promise of a kiss, setting the stage for a pivotal, intimate moment that neither can forget.

Coat Closet Confessions

In a quiet coat closet, Wilder presents Sloane with a coveted cupcake, honoring their earlier bargain. The playful gesture turns passionate as they share a searing kiss, their chemistry erupting in a private, messy embrace. The moment is interrupted by the mother of the bride, adding embarrassment to exhilaration. The encounter leaves both reeling—Sloane is shaken by how deeply she feels, while Wilder is surprised by his own longing. The coat closet becomes a symbol of their impulsive connection, a secret that lingers in their thoughts and complicates their professional and personal boundaries.

Social Media Scandal

The next day, Sloane discovers she accidentally posted a risqué photo from the wedding on the magazine's Instagram, causing a viral sensation. Fearing for her job, she braces for the worst, only to be offered a new assignment: covering a year-long series of weddings for a group of Harvard fraternity brothers, including Wilder. The professional stakes are high, and the prospect of repeated encounters with Wilder is both thrilling and terrifying. Sloane's personal and professional lives collide, forcing her to confront her feelings and the possibility of a second chance at love.

The Wedding Series Assignment

Sloane and Elijah are tasked with chronicling twelve interconnected weddings, ensuring regular contact with Wilder and his circle. The assignment is both a career opportunity and an emotional minefield. Sloane's initial resolve to keep things professional is tested as she and Wilder cross paths at each event, their connection deepening with every encounter. The series becomes a backdrop for their evolving relationship, with each wedding reflecting a stage in their own journey—hope, jealousy, vulnerability, and growth. The assignment forces Sloane to confront her fears and desires, and to decide what she truly wants.

Family, Loss, and New Dreams

Sloane's family history—her mother's death, her father's illness, her brothers' protectiveness—shapes her worldview and her reluctance to trust. Wilder's own past is marked by loss: a high school girlfriend's tragic death, a manipulative ex, and a fractured family. Both carry scars that make intimacy difficult. Yet, their shared experiences of grief and responsibility create a bond. Sloane's role as aunt and caretaker, and Wilder's as guardian to his younger brother, reveal their capacity for love and sacrifice. Together, they begin to imagine new dreams—of family, belonging, and a future not defined by the past.

The Man Moratorium

Still reeling from her failed engagement, Sloane imposes a "man moratorium," swearing off relationships for a year. Wilder, notorious for his short-term flings, is both intrigued and challenged by her resolve. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath the surface, each encounter testing Sloane's willpower and Wilder's patience. The moratorium becomes a battleground for control and vulnerability, as Sloane grapples with her fear of repeating past mistakes and Wilder confronts his own capacity for commitment. Their push-pull dynamic is both frustrating and exhilarating, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance.

Stalking, Secrets, and Stirrings

Wilder, unable to shake his fascination with Sloane, follows her online presence, misinterpreting clues about her relationship status and feeling betrayed. Sloane, meanwhile, is haunted by her ex's social media, unable to fully let go. Their mutual stalking reveals deep insecurities and a longing for connection. Miscommunications and assumptions threaten to derail their budding relationship, but also force honest conversations about trust, jealousy, and the courage to move forward. The digital age amplifies their anxieties, but also offers opportunities for vulnerability and reconciliation.

Past Wounds, Present Fears

As Sloane and Wilder grow closer, their unresolved traumas—her abandonment, his betrayal by an ex—cast long shadows. Therapy sessions, family interventions, and candid confessions bring their fears to light. Sloane's struggle to trust herself and others, and Wilder's fear of being hurt again, create obstacles to intimacy. Their journey is marked by setbacks and breakthroughs, as they learn to communicate, forgive, and take risks. The past is ever-present, but so is the possibility of healing and new beginnings.

Crossing Paths, Crossing Lines

At subsequent weddings, Sloane and Wilder's relationship is tested by jealousy—old flames, flirtatious guests, and the ever-present threat of public scrutiny. Misunderstandings and insecurities flare, leading to arguments and reconciliations. Sloane's fear of not fitting into Wilder's glamorous world, and Wilder's discomfort with her guardedness, come to a head. Through honest conversations and acts of vulnerability, they begin to trust each other, learning that love requires both courage and humility. Their connection deepens, moving from physical attraction to emotional partnership.

The London Invitation

Wilder invites Sloane to London, offering her a glimpse into his world and his heart. The trip is a whirlwind of romance, sightseeing, and self-discovery. Wilder's thoughtful gestures—upgrading her flight, arranging a wardrobe, sharing his favorite places—show his commitment. Sloane, initially overwhelmed, finds herself falling for him, despite lingering doubts. Their time together is transformative, breaking down barriers and building a foundation for something real. The London chapter marks a turning point, as both begin to envision a shared future.

Fairy Tale or Fantasy?

The magic of London is tempered by real-life challenges—lost luggage, family obligations, and the ever-present specter of Sloane's past. Wilder's grand gestures and Sloane's cautious optimism create a delicate balance between fantasy and reality. Their relationship is tested by external pressures and internal fears, but also strengthened by moments of joy, laughter, and genuine connection. The question looms: can their love survive outside the bubble of romance, in the messy, unpredictable world of real life?

Jealousy, Insecurity, and Truths

Back in New York, Sloane and Wilder's relationship is rocked by jealousy and insecurity. Encounters with exes, misunderstandings, and the pressures of public life strain their bond. Sloane's fear of being hurt again leads her to push Wilder away, while Wilder's own trust issues resurface. A drunken night and a confrontation with a rival bring their issues to a head, forcing both to confront their deepest fears and desires. Through honest dialogue and mutual support, they begin to rebuild trust, learning that love requires both vulnerability and resilience.

The Seizure and the Secret

Sloane suffers a diabetic seizure, terrifying Wilder and her family. The incident brings their vulnerabilities to the forefront, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of support. In the aftermath, Sloane discovers she is pregnant—a revelation that fills her with both joy and dread. Unsure how to tell Wilder, she grapples with the weight of the secret, fearing his reaction and the possibility of facing motherhood alone. The crisis becomes a catalyst for growth, forcing Sloane to confront her fears and make difficult choices.

Pregnant and Alone

Sloane's pregnancy becomes a lonely journey as she waits for the right moment to tell Wilder. His initial reaction—shock and withdrawal—devastates her, confirming her deepest fears. She turns to her family for support, finding strength in their unconditional love. The experience forces Sloane to reevaluate her priorities, embracing the possibility of single motherhood and redefining her sense of self. The loneliness is profound, but so is the resilience she discovers within herself.

Facing the Past, Choosing the Future

Wilder, haunted by his own past betrayals and losses, confronts his fears and returns to Sloane, ready to take responsibility and build a future together. He shares the truth about his traumatic history, and together they begin to heal. Sloane, empowered by her journey, forgives him and herself, choosing hope over fear. Their reunion is marked by honesty, vulnerability, and a renewed commitment to each other and their child. The past no longer defines them; instead, it becomes the foundation for a stronger, more authentic love.

Second Chances and New Beginnings

Sloane and Wilder embrace their new life—buying a home, blending families, and preparing for parenthood. Their wedding is a celebration of resilience and hope, held in a place that symbolizes survival and renewal. Surrounded by loved ones, they commit to a future built on trust, laughter, and shared dreams. The story ends not with a fairy tale, but with the promise of a real, imperfect, and enduring love—a testament to the power of second chances and the courage to begin again.

Characters

Sloane Carrick

Sloane is a wedding magazine writer whose lifelong obsession with love and happily-ever-afters is shattered when she's jilted at the altar. Her trauma leaves her guarded, sarcastic, and deeply insecure, yet she remains fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Sloane's journey is one of rediscovering trust—in herself and others—while navigating the messy realities of love, loss, and vulnerability. Her relationships with her brothers, her role as an aunt, and her professional ambitions reveal a woman striving for both independence and connection. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the support of those around her, Sloane learns to embrace imperfection, take risks, and open her heart to new possibilities.

Wilder Hayes

Wilder is a dual-citizen, former professional rugby star, and the son of a media mogul. Outwardly confident, witty, and irresistible, he hides deep wounds from past betrayals—a high school sweetheart's death and a manipulative ex who faked a pregnancy. Wilder's fear of vulnerability manifests as commitment-phobia and a string of short-term flings. Yet, beneath the bravado, he is fiercely loyal, protective, and capable of profound love. His relationship with his younger brother, Lucas, and his devotion to Sloane reveal a man yearning for family and belonging. Wilder's arc is one of confronting his fears, embracing honesty, and choosing love over self-protection.

Elijah Kim

Elijah is Sloane's best friend and work partner, a talented photographer with a flamboyant style and a sharp wit. He provides emotional support, tough love, and much-needed levity throughout Sloane's journey. Elijah's confidence and authenticity challenge Sloane to be true to herself, while his own romantic escapades mirror the story's themes of risk and reward. As a bridge between Sloane's personal and professional worlds, Elijah is both confidant and catalyst, pushing her to confront her fears and seize happiness.

Will Carrick

Will is Sloane's older brother, a firefighter and widower raising his teenage daughter, Olivia. His gruff exterior masks a deep well of love and vulnerability. Will's experiences with loss and single parenthood make him both a source of wisdom and a cautionary tale. His protectiveness sometimes borders on overbearing, but his loyalty is unwavering. Will's journey parallels Sloane's, as both learn to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings.

Olivia Carrick

Olivia is Will's daughter and Sloane's niece, a smart, creative, and independent young woman. Her budding friendship (and crush) on Lucas, Wilder's brother, mirrors the main romance, highlighting themes of first love, family, and resilience. Olivia's relationship with Sloane is both sisterly and maternal, providing a glimpse into Sloane's nurturing side and the importance of chosen family.

Lucas Hayes

Lucas is Wilder's much younger half-brother, a talented artist with a penchant for mischief. His struggles with authority and identity reflect Wilder's own journey, and his friendship with Olivia offers hope for the next generation. Lucas's presence grounds Wilder, reminding him of his responsibilities and the importance of family.

Josh

Josh is Sloane's ex-fiancé, whose betrayal and abandonment at the altar haunt her throughout the story. His eventual attempt at reconciliation forces Sloane to confront her past, recognize her growth, and choose her own happiness over nostalgia or guilt. Josh embodies the dangers of settling and the necessity of moving forward.

Harry Carrick

Sloane's father, Harry, is a retired NYPD captain battling Parkinson's. His resilience, humor, and unconditional love anchor the family. Harry's own experiences with loss and remarriage provide perspective and guidance for Sloane, reminding her of the enduring power of love and the importance of second chances.

Dr. Connolly

Dr. Connolly is the ER doctor who treats Sloane after her seizure and delivers the news of her pregnancy. Her compassion, wisdom, and personal experience as a single mother offer Sloane comfort and clarity during a time of crisis. Dr. Connolly's presence underscores the story's themes of support, choice, and self-acceptance.

Andrew Emerson

Andrew is Wilder's childhood best friend and legal counsel, providing both comic relief and sage advice. His own struggles with fidelity and honesty mirror Wilder's journey, offering a counterpoint to the main romance and highlighting the complexities of love, trust, and forgiveness.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Alternating Timelines

The novel alternates between Sloane and Wilder's perspectives, offering insight into their internal struggles, desires, and growth. Flashbacks to Wilder's past relationships and traumas provide context for his present fears, while Sloane's therapy sessions and family interactions reveal her emotional landscape. This structure deepens empathy, builds suspense, and allows for nuanced character development.

Forced Proximity and Repeated Encounters

The year-long wedding series assignment ensures Sloane and Wilder are repeatedly thrown together, creating opportunities for both conflict and intimacy. Each wedding serves as a microcosm of their evolving relationship, reflecting broader themes of love, loss, and renewal.

Symbolism of Weddings and Dresses

Weddings, dresses, and rituals symbolize both the fantasy and reality of love. Sloane's journey from jilted bride to happily married woman mirrors her evolving relationship with these symbols—moving from cynicism to hope, from fantasy to authentic connection.

Social Media and Public Scrutiny

Viral mishaps, online stalking, and the pressures of public image amplify the characters' insecurities and force honest conversations about trust, privacy, and authenticity. The digital landscape serves as both obstacle and opportunity, reflecting the complexities of contemporary romance.

Family as Foundation and Foil

The characters' families—both biological and chosen—shape their identities, fears, and dreams. Intergenerational trauma, sibling bonds, and parental wisdom provide both support and challenge, highlighting the importance of community and the possibility of healing.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

Flashbacks to Wilder's past relationships and Sloane's childhood dreams foreshadow the challenges they face and the growth they achieve. Parallel storylines—Olivia and Lucas's budding romance, Will's journey as a single parent—reinforce the novel's central themes and offer hope for the next generation.

Analysis

Jilted is a contemporary romance that deftly balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, offering a nuanced exploration of love in the aftermath of betrayal. Through the intertwined journeys of Sloane and Wilder, the novel examines the scars left by past wounds and the courage required to risk vulnerability again. The story's structure—alternating perspectives, flashbacks, and a year-long wedding series—mirrors the messy, nonlinear process of healing and growth. Weddings, both as fantasy and reality, serve as a powerful metaphor for transformation, challenging the characters to redefine their dreams and embrace imperfection. The novel's modern setting, with its emphasis on social media and public scrutiny, adds depth and relevance, highlighting the unique pressures of contemporary relationships. Ultimately, Jilted is a celebration of second chances, chosen family, and the resilience of the human heart. It reminds readers that true love is not about fairy tales or flawless beginnings, but about the willingness to show up, forgive, and build something real—one imperfect, beautiful day at a time.

Last updated: October 20, 2025