Appley Ever After: A Road Trip, A Runaway Bride, And A Perfect Fall Honeymoon

by Elle Mureeci

A Road Trip, A Runaway Bride, And A Perfect Fall Honeymoon With…The Best Man?

Hadley

Getting left at the altar? Not exactly the fairytale ending I planned.

But I’m not crying into my wedding cake. I’m taking the honeymoon anyway—even if that means sharing it with the best man. Gabe’s sunshine in suspenders, hopelessly loyal, and way too good at making me laugh when I should be sulking.

This trip was supposed to be a break from heartbreak. So why does it feel like I’m falling in love?

Gabe

Look, I didn’t mean to become the accidental honeymoon date. But when Hadley’s ex bailed mid-vows, I couldn’t let her face the romantic cider mill tour alone.

Now we’re road-tripping through the world’s coziest towns, sharing beds, and maybe—definitely—catching feelings.

She thinks I’m just the best man. I think it's high time she realizes her future's already riding shotgun.

Genres: Autumn, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[Lychee]

3.5 short, sweet, and spicy. Goes from 0 to kids real fucking fast
Gabe reminds me too much of one of my exes who was my best friend in high school. He’s so unserious and spontaneous and unbelievably kind

Book read for Dekalb County 100 Books in 100 Years 2025 reading challenge, item 48, A Book About a Road Trip 67/100

https://dekalblibrary.org/100-years-1...

[Chelsey Bitonti]

Very cute fall short story 🧡🍂

[angelpompom]

As cute as the last but fall themed🤭🧡!!

3.5 stars✨

[Rachel Santillan]

Short (like, can read on a lunch break short) sweet, and just a cup of fall with a dash of spice.

[McKenna Wardle]

3.5 stars
This was cute. Very Hallmark type of story, girl gets dumped and then ends up going on her honeymoon still, but with the best man…. Then y’all know what happens next one bed and a roadtrip across the country.
But it was still a light enjoyable read.

[Emily McCuaig]

well that was fast lmao
you knew what you want and boy you got her

[Stephanie Blatz]

Loved it!!

Really loved this quick spicey read. Ditched at the alter, Hadley doesn’t know what to do, but her now ex’s best man swoops in to take her on the honeymoon she meticulously planned. Gabe makes her laugh and forget the man who walked away. Hadley quickly realizes Gabe sees her in a way that her ex never did and that getting left at the altar Gave her the best gift ever, and the best man too. ❤️

[Vanessa Shoemaker]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

This was such a cute, fun, and easy read! 💕 Even though it was a short book, I absolutely loved it. The story pulled me in right away, and I loved the unexpected romance and the chemistry between Hadley and Gabe. It was funny, sweet, and had all the cozy, feel-good vibes I look for in a romance.
🍁🍂🎃

I honestly wish it had been a little longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end! Definitely a quick read when you want something light, romantic, and entertaining. 💗📖

[BrittBurnett]

The second I saw the title of this book I had to add it to my fall tbr. It was my first fall read this year and it did not disappoint. Cider drinking, cute and cozy B&Bs and everything else you could love about fall. The characters were lovable, their relationship was cute and the vibes were perfect

[Taylor]

This is equivalent to all the One Direction fanfiction I read as a kid except I didn't have to read it on my iPod Touch in the comment sections of Instagram. In my opinion, it's better writing than fanfiction, but still just as cheesy. Honestly, I was laughing the whole time and I LOVED EVERY SECOND! I ATE THAT SHIT UP AND I ALWAYS WILL

[Jennie]

cute fall book

Omg this was the cutest novella ever. It was short and sweet but I don’t feel like I missed anything. Would I love to have more of these characters absolutely! They were funny and well written and just down to earth. It was a perfect read for the weather slowly changing.

[Cheyenne Fansher]

Wedding Disaster —> Memorable Honeymoon

This was the cutest fall wedding / honeymoon short story!
When one door closes, another opens. Take full advantage and follow your heart!
I loved that the story was not rushed, and ended realistically.
Spice 🌶️
Banter 🙌🏼
Ex’s best friend trope

[Candy]

Cute, quick, and fun.

[Gianna]

cute short read!

[Jessica Dudgeon]

Super cute short story that actually seemed like a movie. Very good quick read.

[Natalie Campbell]

I don’t even know where to start with this mess

[Kristina Rose]

What a short fast-paced read! Did it for the fall vibes and it did not disappoint. Still lost at how quickly it all happened compared to other books I’ve read.

[Ashley]

Ends in pregnancy like the first one. Do all of them??

[Stephanie Abelli]

Very cute

This is a very cute runaway bride fake relationship romance. It was short and sweet with good spice. Loved it.

[Izzy]

Really wish this was a full-length novel. super cute and the characters are easy to fall in love with.

[gracee :)]

2.5 stars

fast, cute fall read

lost .5, simply for the pregnancy trope in the 2nd to last chapter.

[April Golombek]

Quick, cute read - perfect for fall.
Like a Hallmark movie on fast forward, this had all the right ingredients and just a touch of since.

[Reagan Tenenbaum]

cute!!

[Krystal]

Super short and cute! A little more back story would’ve made this even better. I wonder how much of this is trauma bonded and I think back story would’ve cleared that up.

[Kristina Polino]

3.75 ⭐️

[Kim Rahr]

I fully enjoyed this sweet little fall romance. I loved Gabe and Hadley’s story. I was rooting for Hadley from the beginning and I’m glad she made the best out of a horrible day.

[Maelee D]

no

[readwithk]

3.75⭐️ fast paced

🌻novella
🌻road trip
🌻close/forced proximity