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The Jilted Bride: A Romance Short
When I show up to the tiny island off Redbeard Cove for my wedding day, I'm so early it's just me and the big, quiet rose gardener. I always need a little time to breathe, and his gorgeous garden is the perfect place to do it.
But when I discover my groom's here early too—along with his hairdresser...in a broom closet—I have nowhere to run. In desperation, I beg the gardener to take me somewhere I can breathe.
As it turns out, the gardener's got a sanctuary on the other side of the island. It's got roses, endless air, and a view of the sparkling sea.
But most of all, it's got him—a man I didn't know I'd met once before. A man who's big and rough, but has the most tender hands I've ever known.
I ask him to help me forget. But I think this moment might be one I'll remember forever.
Could being the jilted bride be the thing that breaks me? Or will it end up giving me the greatest gift of my life—a love where I can finally breathe?
The Jilted Bride is a short, achingly sweet standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Claire Wilder. A knight in shining armor, runaway bride + virgin hero, forced proximity romance. The story is loosely connected to Claire's Redbeard Cove series and can be read at any time. There are no spoilers for that series, which starts with Here & There.
But when I discover my groom's here early too—along with his hairdresser...in a broom closet—I have nowhere to run. In desperation, I beg the gardener to take me somewhere I can breathe.
As it turns out, the gardener's got a sanctuary on the other side of the island. It's got roses, endless air, and a view of the sparkling sea.
But most of all, it's got him—a man I didn't know I'd met once before. A man who's big and rough, but has the most tender hands I've ever known.
I ask him to help me forget. But I think this moment might be one I'll remember forever.
Could being the jilted bride be the thing that breaks me? Or will it end up giving me the greatest gift of my life—a love where I can finally breathe?
The Jilted Bride is a short, achingly sweet standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Claire Wilder. A knight in shining armor, runaway bride + virgin hero, forced proximity romance. The story is loosely connected to Claire's Redbeard Cove series and can be read at any time. There are no spoilers for that series, which starts with Here & There.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2026
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Claire Wilder
30 books468 followersUSA Today bestselling author of spicy small-town romance featuring
- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA
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Where to find me:
Website: clairewilder.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clairewilderbooks
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Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras
- Relatable women who always support each other
- Strong, sexy wounded men
- A sometimes rocky but always steamy road that always leads to a guaranteed HEA
Get a free book unavailable in stores when you sign up for my newsletter: clairewilder.com/subscribe
Where to find me:
Website: clairewilder.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clairewilderbooks
Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/claire-wilder
Amazon: amazon.com/author/clairewilder
Bonus Material: clairewilder.com/extras
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 29, 2026
“The Jilted Bride” by Claire Wilder is a short novella set in the same universe as her Redbeard Cove series, and it features main characters Maggie and Clint, who manage to find love in the midst of some unexpectedly terrible circumstances.
Maggie and Clint’s story was adorably sweet, but it was definitely full of a lot of pain and healing as well. Maggie may have never found Clint if she hadn’t called off her wedding, but their chemistry is undeniable, and I was hoping they’d find happiness together. All in all, I’m glad I gave this novella a chance!
Maggie and Clint’s story was adorably sweet, but it was definitely full of a lot of pain and healing as well. Maggie may have never found Clint if she hadn’t called off her wedding, but their chemistry is undeniable, and I was hoping they’d find happiness together. All in all, I’m glad I gave this novella a chance!
March 2, 2026
The Jilted Bride by Claire Wilder is a quick, sweet read perfect for spring time!
Maggie finds her fiance in a closet with another woman on their wedding day, and ends up in the arms of another man that afternoon. A man who cherishes her, holds her dear, and has been pining for her for over a decade.
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance especially when it's served with a helping of revenge!!
Maggie finds her fiance in a closet with another woman on their wedding day, and ends up in the arms of another man that afternoon. A man who cherishes her, holds her dear, and has been pining for her for over a decade.
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance especially when it's served with a helping of revenge!!
March 3, 2026
Maggie y Clint🌹
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Jilted Bride de Claire Wilder
Argumento:
Cuando llego a la pequeña isla frente a Redbeard Cove para mi boda, llego tan temprano que solo quedamos yo y el gran y tranquilo jardinero de rosas. Siempre necesito un poco de tiempo para respirar, y su precioso jardín es el lugar perfecto para hacerlo.
Pero cuando descubro que mi novio también ha llegado temprano, junto con su peluquera... en un armario de escobas, no tengo adónde ir. Desesperada, le ruego al jardinero que me lleve a un lugar donde pueda respirar.
Resulta que el jardinero tiene un santuario al otro lado de la isla. Tiene rosas, aire puro y vistas al mar resplandeciente.
Pero, sobre todo, lo tiene a él: un hombre que no sabía que había conocido antes. Un hombre grande y rudo, pero con las manos más tiernas que he conocido.
Le pido que me ayude a olvidar. Pero creo que este momento podría ser uno que recordaré para siempre.
¿Será que ser la novia abandonada es lo que me destroza? ¿O acabará dándome el mejor regalo de mi vida: un amor que me permita finalmente respirar?
La Novia Abandonada es una novela romántica independiente, corta y conmovedora, de la autora superventas del USA Today, Claire Wilder. Un caballero de brillante armadura, una novia fugitiva y un héroe virgen, un romance de proximidad forzada. La historia está ligeramente relacionada con la serie Redbeard Cove de Claire y se puede leer en cualquier momento. No hay spoilers de esa serie, que comienza con Here & There.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance con atracción instantánea, novia en fuga, héroe virgen, proximidad forzada, pueblo pequeño costero.
Era imposible no caer completamente enamorada de Clint! él era sordomudo, un gigante dulce y tímido que prefería vivir su soledad en su cabaña con su jardín de rosas y su gata llamada Barbara. Siempre estuvo enamorado de Maggie en secreto. Maggie era un bibliotecaria, amante de los libros con una personalidad tranquila. Me gusto su fortaleza y corazón. No entendí como no se dio cuenta de las verdaderas intenciones de su prometido pero cuando descubre su infidelidad lo desenmascara delante de todos. Ese fue un momentazo! Era obvio que estaba detrás de su dinero.
Me gustó el lugar en la isla, podía imaginarme las vistas. El amor instantáneo se sintió especial sobre todo cuando se contó la historia de que los protagonistas ya se habían conocido cuando eran niños, que por cierto fue una historia super linda. Disfrute de los momentos de Maggie y Clint, la ternura y la pasión.
Esta es una novela corta que sorprendentemente se sintió completa, estaba totalmente enganchada a la historia de amor de Maggie y Clint, el final me dejó sonriendo y con ganas de volver a leerla!
January 23, 2026
Kindle Unlimited: No
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: Claire Wilder
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Perspective
Main Couple: Maggie and Clint
Trope(s): Small Town
Jilted Bride is a short, but oh so sweet read. This book is part of Claire’s Redbeard Cove Series. It is not necessary to have read the series to enjoy this book. If you want to curl up with a romance that will make your heart sing, take a chance with Maggie and Clint.
It is Maggie’s wedding day. On a little island off the coast of Redbeard Cove- this place called to her when her and her fiancé toured it.
Needing some reassurance she decides to seek him out, only to find him with the hairstylist, and not getting his hair done.
Her local pastor fiancée. Who stands to lose a lot if word gets out about his infidelity.
The gardener who witnessed her humiliation offers her a safe place to hide.
His little cottage is right out of her dreams.
Her white knight is mute and deaf, but Maggie feels closer, safer, and more attracted to him than she did her fiancé.
Maggie has been following the rules and people pleasing her whole life.
Now all she wants is to let this stranger help her forget.
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: Claire Wilder
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2/5 🌶
POV: First Person Perspective
Main Couple: Maggie and Clint
Trope(s): Small Town
Jilted Bride is a short, but oh so sweet read. This book is part of Claire’s Redbeard Cove Series. It is not necessary to have read the series to enjoy this book. If you want to curl up with a romance that will make your heart sing, take a chance with Maggie and Clint.
It is Maggie’s wedding day. On a little island off the coast of Redbeard Cove- this place called to her when her and her fiancé toured it.
Needing some reassurance she decides to seek him out, only to find him with the hairstylist, and not getting his hair done.
Her local pastor fiancée. Who stands to lose a lot if word gets out about his infidelity.
The gardener who witnessed her humiliation offers her a safe place to hide.
His little cottage is right out of her dreams.
Her white knight is mute and deaf, but Maggie feels closer, safer, and more attracted to him than she did her fiancé.
Maggie has been following the rules and people pleasing her whole life.
Now all she wants is to let this stranger help her forget.
January 28, 2026
Such a beautiful. sweet and heart-warming novella that will find a place in your heart. Ms. Wilder delivers the captivating love story of Clint and Maggie. These two souls have a connection but it was at the expense of Maggie finding her fiancé, who happens to be the pastor, in a closet with her hairdresser. Clint, the Island groundskeeper, who also happens to be deaf, ends up being her knight in shining armor. He fits the description of a swoon-worthy man who will have you falling in love with. These two are soulmates and when we find out about their past, it makes sense.
The Jilted Bride is one love story I will be re-reading.
The Jilted Bride is one love story I will be re-reading.
January 23, 2026
This book was so unexpected and touching.
Maggie is mortified to find her fiancé with another woman in a closet on their wedding day. Trapped on the tiny island she just wants to get away. She doesn’t expect the gardener to be her shining knight and help her to get away.
As a deaf mute Clint has learned to read lips and situations far better than most so when he sees what has happened to Maggie he immediately becomes her hero.
Little does Maggie know that Clint has a secret she may find extraordinarily interesting.
I was given an ARC and freely offer this review.
Maggie is mortified to find her fiancé with another woman in a closet on their wedding day. Trapped on the tiny island she just wants to get away. She doesn’t expect the gardener to be her shining knight and help her to get away.
As a deaf mute Clint has learned to read lips and situations far better than most so when he sees what has happened to Maggie he immediately becomes her hero.
Little does Maggie know that Clint has a secret she may find extraordinarily interesting.
I was given an ARC and freely offer this review.
January 24, 2026
Gorgeous!
I absolutely loved this short and sweet novella. It was utterly gorgeous, captivating, tender, swoony, steamy and delicious. Clint and Maggie were an absolutely delightful pair. Their story was told with such beautiful care and sensitivity I had tingles throughout and fell in love with them more and more with every page. It was so good in fact, that I immediately re-read it in one sitting as I was not ready to leave the glorious world the author had brought to life.
I was so lucky to receive a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I absolutely loved this short and sweet novella. It was utterly gorgeous, captivating, tender, swoony, steamy and delicious. Clint and Maggie were an absolutely delightful pair. Their story was told with such beautiful care and sensitivity I had tingles throughout and fell in love with them more and more with every page. It was so good in fact, that I immediately re-read it in one sitting as I was not ready to leave the glorious world the author had brought to life.
I was so lucky to receive a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 24, 2026
The most perfect short read for a winter afternoon!! After booking-loving, introvert, Maggie finds her hoity-toity, preacher/fiancée doing it with his hairdresser on their wedding day, she runs into the most gorgeous gardens & the most gorgeous gardener!!! Cliff is a deaf, mute but can read lips. He backs Maggie up when she tells the cheater is scram!! And you’ll definitely have to read for Cliff & Maggie’s HEA!!!
January 26, 2026
This book is one of the rare books that stay with you for a while after reading it and you keep thinking how wonderful it is. I absolutely loved this book!! I fell in love with Clint from the first moment he appeared in Maggie’s life. To tell you how beautiful this story is to read is impossible. I will just say this is a book that I will not forget any time soon! I would give it more than 5 stars if it were possible!
January 23, 2026
Sweet, swoony romance.. Love Clint. He's such a sweetie.
January 23, 2026
Short and sweet - perfect for a cold winter night. And you can't help but fall for Clint.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews