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.

i had a good time with this one!! it's nothing special really but it was superrr cute.

first of all - no dramatic third act conflict!!! the characters actually communicated!!! everybody say good job charlotte and gregory!!! we love adults that actually know how to use their words instead of being awkward and stubborn and infuriating like preteens!!! as for the romance itself, i liked it, but i wasn't passionate about it, you know? like i did enjoy the characters together and i thought they fit well, but it was just sort of ... average to me. which isn't a bad thing necessarily, it just didn't make me feel that much for them.

on top of that, i feel like the romance took a bit of a back seat at points to the whole amusement/theme park thing and how charlotte sort of taught gregory about everything. some things were interesting to learn, some scenes were fun to read, but i do feel like people should be aware of this going into it!

lovedddd the characters, they felt realistic and each had their flaws but were still a lot of fun to read about. again, the communication was wonderful. they actually acted like adults, even though the concept of the book is a sort of childlike nostalgia (if that makes sense?) with the theme park.

overall a great book! i enjoyed my time with it and would absolutely recommend it, i just don't feel like i'll really ever think about it again. 3.5!

I have to start by saying I did roller coaster road trips in my 20s and my daughter and I do annual visits to the mouse house so this book background was intriguing. It's a unique settling for a cozy romance while also setting up some interesting character development. A loss of her dream job causes Charlotte to end up back home at her family's quaint theme park. Unbeknownst to her, her cousin plans to bring in an outside investor who knows nothing about theme parks. This us where you the reader and Gregory learn about and fall in love with their adventure and theme park.

This was extremely cute and fun!

As an Ohio amusement park lover, I quickly learned the difference between theme parks and amusement parks and fell in love with Lands of Legend and could feel the attention to every detail that made the “lands” come alive.

I loved the slow burn between Gregory and Charlotte, watching them slowly realize they meant a whole lot more to each other than colleagues or even friends. They were sweet and gentle with each other, even when conflict arose. It was nice to have a romance without a huge heartbreaking blow up/miscommunication/fight but more recognizing how they maybe made mistakes, but never to hurt the other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Super cute story and great if you love theme parks! The theme parks were a bit of a main character as the story is very descriptive about the rides and atmosphere. This was a pretty clean and sweet romance story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Charlotte Gates grew up surrounded by fairy tales and roller coasters at her family’s park, Lands of Legend, and she’s spent her life chasing that magic. But when a career setback and personal betrayal send her back home, she’s shocked to find her beloved park struggling to stay afloat—and in the hands of buttoned-up investor Gregory Binns, who doesn’t even know what a churro is, let alone the difference between a theme park and an amusement park!
Charlotte and Gregory are complete opposites, but their chemistry is undeniable. As Charlotte pulls Gregory into her world of themed rides and over-the-top snacks, she discovers he’s more than just spreadsheets and ties. Gregory’s transformation from stiff and skeptical to open and adventurous is so fun to watch, and Charlotte’s journey to rediscover what truly makes her happy is just as rewarding.
This closed-door romance delivers all the feels without needing spice, focusing instead on meaningful connections and personal growth. Both characters face big decisions: Charlotte must choose between chasing her dream career or building a new future, and Gregory has to decide if he’s ready to embrace a little magic in his life.
With its unique theme park setting, Thrill Ride feels fresh and charming. It’s perfect for fans of Hallmark movies or anyone looking for a sweet love story about second chances, self-discovery, and learning to believe in magic again. Highly recommend for a cozy, uplifting read!


᪥ RomCom
᪥ Closed Door
᪥ Single POV

3 stars.

Charlotte is a theme park expert - after all, her family owns a small theme park! However, the park is having financial problems, so an outside investor comes into the picture. Gregory doesn't understand anything about theme parks, and he's terrified of roller coasters. Together, these two very different people can save the Lands of Legends.

This was a sweet, clean romance. I have no experience with theme parks, there aren't many in my country. But I really liked the way the author described the locations, and I could almost hear the carousel music in my ears! This was a real feelgood book. There was a classic third act crisis and break up, but book got so much better after the third act crisis. After it was such a lovely ride! I usually prefer my romances with spice, but this was a nice read even though it was kissing only, closed doors romance.

WHAT I LIKED: the atmosphere, theme parks, happiness, cinnamon rolls! The ending!
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: the dreaded miscommunication... And I would have maybe liked it more if it was a dual pov.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: heroine, 3rd person
Heat & spice: closed doors, kissing only
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: miscommunication
Third act: break up
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* Strangers to colleagues to friends to lovers
* Millionaire
* Opposites attract

What?
* Forced proximity

Where?
* Theme parks!
* Return to hometown
* Small town
* Workplace romance

Drama?
* Family drama (a bit, not much)

This is a right book, but wrong reader situation.
I did like that the setting was a bit different from a lot of other books. I am also glad to have found a new to me author and given them a chance. While I may not have loved this book, I do look forward to the future to try another other works.

This was a cute contemporary romance story! I loved the cover and ingenuity of the new type of plot/main character characteristics and development.