A romance setting that's too often underutilized is the amusement park. I worked at my city's zoo for four years and these types of books always bring back the enjoyment I felt working there. The energy, smells, food, and wily general public all culminate into an exciting workplace. Thrill Ride is about theme park expert Charlotte whose love life mirrors the roller coasters she reviews on the side. Her family owns a small theme park in Ohio, yet she just lost her dream job at a huge corporation whose mascot may or may not be rodent related. I do enjoy when books create unique fictional properties, but it's ok to say Disney. We're all thinking it. Unless it's a matter of copyright, I get it.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and immersion of the theme park, but it was the beginning that lost me. There was too much emphasis on the heroine's ex-boyfriend and not enough on the new love interest. I swear the first few chapters were her just proving what a terrible person he was and not focusing on her own journey. Sad to say that Charlotte did indeed not pass the Bechdel Test. The first few encounters with the hero were also painfully awkward. There was no spark and the heroine was trying way too hard. I got secondhand embarrassment from these two talking about pastries.

Thrill Ride was a unique romance that catered to my love of theme parks and everything it contains. I wish her former flame had a smaller role and Charlotte had a stronger backbone. Also, a tiny thing irked in the first chapter claiming it was 80 degrees in Florida during January. Girl, as someone who's lived here for 30 years, that's not true. Doing a quick weather check could have solved that. Regardless this was an interesting book, but it was no Thrill Ride.

thank you to netgalley and amy ratcliffe for the arc of thrill ride! I absolutely devoured this book and read it in under 24 hours. the setting is so unique - i've never read a romance book set in a theme park - and that along had me hooked from the start.

Our FMC, Charlotte, is the perfect mix of creative genius and corporate weapon, and I loved seeing a strong woman who was dedicated to her work and knew her field. Gregory, the MMC, was equally as driven, and it was so fun to see these two get together. This book felt very nostalgic, wholesome, and fun to me, and really brought back memories of my childhood at our local theme parks.

I definitely cannot recommend this enough, and I'm so excited for release day!

It was cute but it seemed more focused on the technical sides of running a theme park and I don’t read to read about how a job is done.

The characters were easy to connect to but the romance was very mild throughout the whole book and was very clearly not the focus.

When I finished this book and I thought about everything I had read I just sort of said “meh” it was ok , not bad but definetly something I didn’t enjoy all that much either .

Thank you Netgalley Kensington Publishing | Kensington for the arc

This book was wonderful! If you are looking for a closed door version of the fine print, then this book is for you! You should definitely read this book!

A romance in an amusement park setting? Yes! I liked this way better than The Fine Print which is popular.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC gifted in exchange for my honest review.

Thrill ride is a cute closed door romance set around Charlotte who works for her families amusement park and Gregory who has been brought in as an investor to help out/bring more profits into the business.
While slow to start, this ended up being a quick read. Not too much drama or conflict.

3.75 stars.

Charlottes love for Lands of Legend proves to be too much for many people, even her family. I truly admire her love and hard work to keep the theme park open and thriving. The way she sets out to give Gregory the real experience so he can understand the importance to it all. I related all too well to Gregory getting on that roller coaster! Their connection is evident and I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved. Would have loved to have seen more from them and their relationship.

Cute romance with theme parks involved? Adorable. Would recommend for an easy read. Thanks for the ARC.

I must be up front to say I am not a romance lover.
I picked up this book completely because of the setting and the job of main character Charlotte.
As an avid theme park enthusiast I was quickly engaged, and this book has lots to nerd out about when it comes to how to run a theme park and create themed lands. I'm so envious of Charlottes job!

I liked the plot, also the start of the romance plot was sweet and engaging, which surprised me!
But towards the climax I lost my interest a bit, feeling like some rash decisions and the end just came a bit too quick and easy.
But all in all, it is an entertaining read, and a perfect palate cleanser if you're into theme parks and want to dip your toes into the romance genre!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Third Person Narrative, Single POV
FMC: Charlotte
MF Romance, Closed Door

As someone who has a massive appreciation, passion, and even some work history with a well-known theme park, it was fun to read the relatable similarities between DreamUs. I loved that the difference between an amusement park and a theme park was a huge part of this storyline. With that said, judging by the title and cover of this book I had put off reading this book at first because I thought it was centered around amusement parks. Not everyone is going to be bothered by something like that though but just wanted it out there for any other theme park enthusiasts who are hesitant to start this one.

It was a slow burn and we get just a glimpse of the sensual chemistry between her and Gregory. I was let down that it was closed door because I really think the author is capable of writing us steamier scene with these two. With that said, the relationship growth between Charlotte and Gregory missed the mark for me. I appreciated each of their individual character development but I wish we had more detailed examples of their compatibility with each other and saw them more on a deeper level.

I didn’t find myself captivated too much and being pulled into the story as much as I was hoping. It took me awhile to finish because it just wasn’t grabbing my attention. I’m bummed because there’s some opportunity there in the sub-plots even for a more gripping, tense, exciting storyline.

*SPOILERS*
I was frustrated at how dramatic and hastily she made big decisions. Especially having not learned from the past, it gave off a level of maturity. You’d follow your cheating ex to work a dream job under him rather than grow a backbone and speak up louder to your family, or communicate clearer with the guy you’re in love with? That bit really bothered me and I lost a little respect for her to be honest.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an electronic ARC of this book exchange for my honest review!

This book is a delightful, fun read with a perfect blend of business and romance. Charlotte is a thrill ride designer who’s been hit with a series of life blows—losing her job, getting dumped, and finding out her childhood theme park is struggling. Enter Gregory, a buttoned-up investor who’s never even been on a roller coaster. The tension between them is palpable at first, with Charlotte determined to show Gregory the magic of the park, but what starts as a professional challenge quickly turns into something much more personal. Their chemistry grows as Gregory loosens up and starts to embrace the magic of Lands of Legend, making their relationship really fun to watch unfold.

What I loved about this book is how it combines the sweetness of a small-town setting with the excitement of theme park magic. It’s full of humor, heart, and a lot of twists as Charlotte is forced to choose between her career and a shot at love. The pacing is great, and the characters are relatable, especially as Charlotte starts to rethink what success and happiness really mean. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with a bit of nostalgia and some fun, unexpected moments, this is definitely a book to pick up!

If you love slow burn romances and amusement parks, you'll love this one! The overall story was charming and the two main characters were great together- I definitely felt their chemistry!

I didn't hate this book but it was definitely a slow burn and I am not usually one for slow burns. Overall, it ended up being okay for me. I was excited to read this because I love amusement parks and I thought it would be a good read based around that.

Charlotte grew up around her family's theme park her whole life and her goal is to continue to make it the best theme park around. However, their family is struggling financially to keep it going and they hire an investor to help with the additions to the theme park. Insert Gregory, who not only doesn't know the difference between a theme park and an amusement park, he has never been on a rollercoaster. Charlotte is determined to teach him the difference and give him the experience of a magical day at their theme park. Gregory starts to see Charlotte's love for the theme park and starts to loosen up a bit. While initially she was concerned his ideas were going to ruin the things that set them apart form other amusement/theme parks. Charlotte starts to develop feelings for him but her ultimate goal is to end up back with her old company that laid her off where she was designing roller coasters. This job opportunity could relocate her to Paris, thus making it difficult for her to make a decision on if she should stay in Ohio or take her dream job in Paris.

The slow burn was definitely a little slow at times but they did have communication which was a breath of fresh air. I also liked the little quirks that they both had and finding the things they had in common. I usually prefer dual POV to know what both parties are thinking but I don't think it took away from the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

As somebody who loves theme parks I just had to request this, and boy am I glad that I did! I loved all of the characters, the FMC and MMC were so sweet together. Overall a solid 4 stars, it was an easy read, great for the beach.

A charming novel about two different kinds of passion: the love of work you're meant to do and the love for who you fall for. Both the protagonist's and the author's fondness for theme parks and the people who make the magic happen there shine through every page. The story isn't afraid to dive into the details, which will fascinate both theme park enthusiasts and readers who don't have much experience in the parks. The romance is the icing on top of a sweet story about a woman finding the place she's meant to be.

Charlotte returns home after losing her job at DreamUs, the biggest theme park employer in the world. She starts working as a consultant for her Aunt and Uncle’s theme park Lands. Lands is struggling so they have to bring on an investment firm to help with the park’s long term viability. Insert Gregory, long haired hottie here to ruin lands (in Charlotte’s opinion). But Charlotte comes to find that maybe he isn’t so bad. And maybe there’s something more there too?

This book was so fun! I feel just like Gregory and learned so much about the difference between theme parks and amusement parks. The main characters were both so lovable and sweet. The story was captivating. With a good mix of plot from the theme park drama and romance. The romance was a slow burn which kept me hooked because I was just waiting for them to finally kiss! And was not disappointed when it happened.

Slow burn
Long haired mmc
Friends to lovers
Closed door

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book brings childhood theme park memories rushing back.

Charlotte grew up at her family’s park, so it makes sense that she built a career designing rides. When she loses her job and her relationship in one brutal swoop, she finds herself back home. The park she loves is struggling, and its only chance at survival is an investor.

Gregory Binns has no experience with theme parks and sees the business in pure numbers. Determined to change his mind, Charlotte takes it upon herself to show him the magic firsthand.

The slow burn romance between Charlotte and Gregory was so well done! Their relationship develops in a way that feels natural.

The world of Lands of Legend is beautifully detailed. You can practically hear the music and smell the popcorn. Charlotte’s family is a warm and supportive presence, making the story even better.

This book is full of heart, charm, and just the right amount of magic.

Fans of theme parks, slow burn romance, and characters discovering themselves while finding love will enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC!

There were things I enjoyed and this was a solid book, just not the right fit for me. I loved the setting of a theme park. I've read a few that center around different parks, and here it felt like another character. But that was part of the issue. This felt more like a romance between the writer and theme parks then a romance between the MC's. And if you're familiar enough with a certain park, you can tell which rides inspired similar rides in this book. I'd much rather an author come up with something completely new, then use a knock off style name.

This was a closed door romance which I wasn't expecting. There's some kissing, but don't expect anything else. It's 3rd person, from the POV of the FMC. The MC's were OK. I didn't have any issues with them, I just couldn't connect to the writing/story. It felt more show, and less tell in the writing style. Like, everything was explained instead of just letting things happen naturally.

I think for the author's first dip into romance, it's not bad. With the way she loves theme parks, I'd love to see her write a book that goes into the history of them. I think she'd knock that out of the park.

As a huge geek. Thrill Ride made me happy on so many levels. It was a true joy from start to finish.

This was a quick read for me and it was cute. Had some fun aspects, I wasn’t as engaged with the characters but I still enjoyed their story.
Thank you Netgalley for this arc.