What Happens In The End? : One car. Two strangers. A thousand miles to figure it out.

by Laura Tapper

After being forced to share a car from New York to California, strangers Harper and Connor embark on a cross-country drive that will test their patience, stir up the past, and force them to confront what they truly mean to each other.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

More 4 1/2 🌟 Two strangers, one car ride and a journey that will change their lives.
What Happens In The End is an enemies to lovers romance featuring Harper and Connor who meet after being stranded at the airport after booking the same rental car. This reminds me of a Hallmark movie with all the emotional twists. It was a quick enjoyable read and I wish it could have been a bit longer. I would have adored an epilogue as I’m a sucker for knowing what happens later in their lives together and what their future looked like. I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Megan Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was able to read this as an ARC, my first one ever! What Happens in the End is not my usual genre so i really took my time to think about my rating.

This book would be a perfect read for those who love a “hallmark” style romance. This road trip romance had forced proximity, tension, emotional trauma, miscommunication and as many disasters as you could possibly imagine. From flat tires to jail time to surprise encounters with Ex-partners, a lost calf and a stray puppy you will definitely be on your toes.

I’m learning that I personally am becoming less of a vibes reader and reading more critically so there were a few inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the plot that I picked up on because of that.

I also think maybe a trigger warning could be helpful for some readers as there were some scenes that could potentially trigger some (assault, emotionally/mentally abusive ex-bf stalking the FMC).

Overall I think this book will be well loved by its target audience!

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two strangers, a car, and the messiest road trip anyone can imagine. And what do you get? A surprisingly wonderful love story. I am not usually a romance reader, but this one landed in all the right ways.

Even with all the chaos, I found myself laughing through most of the book. Harper felt incredibly real. She is sharp, witty, sarcastic, and full of a beautiful heart that feels everything deeply. It genuinely felt like I was right there beside her.

Harper’s history with Nate resonated with me in a very personal way. As someone who has gone through DV, those parts were both painful and hopeful. The author handled heavy topics with so much care and compassion. There were moments that hit hard, but in the best, most meaningful way.

And that first chapter? Absolutely nailed it. I was hooked right away. For a debut novel, this was genuinely impressive.

The writing is clear and easy to follow. At times it becomes a little repetitive and leans more toward telling rather than showing, but I still enjoyed it a lot.

A messy, heartfelt, funny road-trip romance with emotional depth and a whole lot of charm.

[enchantedmelreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

one wild roadtrip

5⭐️
🚙Strangers to lovers
❤️Slow burn
🚙Stalking (not the MMC)
❤️Close proximity
🚙Opposites attract
❤️Closed door romance

For now, they were two people on the road, headed in separate directions but sharing the same journey.


This was an amazing debut novel by Laura Tapper!

Talk about a road trip from hell—everything that could go wrong did go wrong for Connor and Harper from the start. Connor is such a grump, and I loved every minute of it, while Harper’s snarky comebacks were gold. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book, it felt genuine and authentic. I definitely wasn’t expecting some of the challenges they faced along the way. The story kept me guessing and engaged the entire time. Definitely recommend!


Harper turned her eyes to the road. “Nothing, apparently. I guess brooding is your love language.”

[Barbara Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One car. Two strangers. A thousand miles to figure it out.

This was such a cute, quick read! It’s strangers to lovers, close proximity, slow burn, closed door romance.

Sometimes I need a no spice romance and this one hit the spot right on!

I would absolutely HATE having a road trip anything like theirs. If it could happen, it did! The amount of obstacles that Harper and Connor went through on their trip kept me on my toes. It all brings the characters to learn to trust each other and see each other for who they are. I loved watching the relationship grow throughout the book.

This gave me Hallmark movie vibes all the way and I am here for it.

Amazing job Laura!

[Cara Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me the best Hallmark Movie vibes. I would Love to see this made into a movie.
It is a short and sweet book, I was able to read it in one day. But that doesn’t make it any less amazing.
The journey is fun! The characters are both great I loved their little journey! I wish it could’ve been longer but I’m also happy with it because it gave me a refreshing cozy quick read.
If you love enemies to lovers this is a great book for you.
Laura did a great job with this book!
Give it a chance to find out “What Happens in the End”. ♥️♥️♥️

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! I loved the character depth, the story depth, and the pace of this book. It is very well written and both of the main characters were great. I love how Harper and Connor's relationship wasn't simple because of their pasts and external complications. I liked how both of them grew as people and also as a couple. This is truly a great debut and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romance and complex characters.

[Thomasina Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute romcom read! I was turning the pages until the very end.
This novel follows the journey of Connor and Harper as they find themselves stranded at the airport with no flight options and only one rental car--for them to share!
An epic road trip ensues, with forced proximity, touch her and die, and other situations that build the tension between these two star-crossed lovers. I really enjoyed this, and I'm eager to read other books by Laura Tapper.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good time. I love messy characters. I also love crazy things happening just because sometimes life really does feel like there’s absolutely no way things can get worse and then sometimes…they do! I was totally invested in both Harper and Connor. A delightful easy read, that made me laugh, roll my eyes at some of the absurdity, and root for both characters.

[Nick Constantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, fun read.