Thank you to Kensington for the arc but all of these opinions are my own!

I love books about theme parks and their interworkings/world building. I think this book does a great job building that world, however, as an avid Disney fan, there was just too many mentions/similarities for me to get lost in this world. I loved the passion Charlotte has for her job, theme parks, and roller coasters, but it was hard for me to believe the romance in this book at times. I think the lead up was very long and felt a little childish when she discusses her attraction to Gregory.

Overall, I would say this was an enjoyable read but I’m unsure if I would recommend to anyone who really loves Disney because of all the swaps for rides and roles.

Thrill Ride was an exciting and entertaining read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot and the sense of adventure—it felt like a fun, adrenaline-filled escape. The characters were relatable and had moments that made me genuinely care about them, though a few plot points felt slightly predictable. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d happily recommend.

I am impressed by Amy Ratcliffe's debut rom-com! I love that it was set in and revolved around a theme park (which added a unique feel) and all the work that went into keeping it relevant. The banter between Charlotte and Gregory was a lot of fun and it was just a cute story overall.

What really stood out to me was the marketing aspects of the story. That part was fascinating and I loved seeing how everything came together in the theme park. Of course I enjoyed the romantic aspect, but I wish that it had been open door as I would have enjoyed a dose of spice. Even so, I was rooting for Charlotte and Gregory to get together as more than business colleagues.

While some parts felt a bit slow, it had the momentum of a roller coaster as it would climb the hill sometimes, and then go speeding down really quick to balance those parts out.

Overall, it was an entertaining story. Charlotte's best friend Melanie needs her own novel next!

Movie casting suggestions:
Charlotte: Katie Stevens
Gregory: Darren Criss
Melanie: Meghann Fahy (Bold Type reunion, anyone?)
Emily: Rachel Brosnahan
Chad: Patrick Schwarzenegger
Marianne: Catherine Keener

Reading Thrill Ride will make you long for a day off at a theme park. Amy Ratcliffe has clearly had tons of fun thinking up rides and concessions that will delight park-goers, and her enthusiasm for these entertainment venues comes through in Charlotte’s character. This book is a love letter to the small, family-run theme parks that don’t get the attention of Disney or Cedar Point but draw in generations of visitors nonetheless.

Thrill Ride is supposed to be a romance, but this book is mostly about Charlotte as she figures out what she wants in work and in life. I think this is supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but neither side of that trope ever comes to fruition. Although other characters reference friction between Charlotte and Gregory—her wanting a pure theme park experience, him bringing in a businessperson’s perspective—we don’t see any real battles between the two of then. Charlotte and Gregory respect each other. At the same time, they seem more like solid work friends than two characters desperate to be together.

Thrill Ride is a cute story that needed a bit more chemistry between the two leads and, probably, at least 50 pages shaved off its length.

I started reading this book back when I was scheduled to have surgery and forget to submit my review for it. There were so many things I enjoyed about Thrill ride, namely that I learned something new! I had no idea that amusement parks and theme parks were different things, and as someone who has spent her entire life in Ohio going to amusement parks, I realize I need to quickly get on the road and find some fun and quirky theme parks STAT. Because I'm so far removed now from this, it doesn't feel fair to try to write a specific review, but I do remember quite well the mood that it evoked as the characters walked around the park and experienced the rides and the different areas together. There was so much quirkiness and lightheartedness. It was just... good fun. I remember carrying my kind.e with me my doctor's appointments and just being happy that I had a nice escape for a while each day. Every time I picked up this book, I kept hearing the Yam Haus song, "The Thrill" in my head. This book just evoked all those happy-go-lucky vibes the whole time. It just left a feeling, and for that I'm grateful.

A cute read, for lovers of rollercoasters! Thrill Ride surprised me in certain areas. I did not expect to be as fascinated with the coming together of Lands of Legends, but I found the passion of Charlotte and her family contagious. The dynamics in the book played out nicely as well. I only wish that the relationship between Gregory and Charlotte did not feel as rushed at the end. Overall a fun read!
Thank you Kensington publishing for the ARC!

This was a really fun book! The rural Ohio theme park setting was very engaging. I loved Charlotte’s own character arc, and the love story felt very realistic. I wasn’t crazy about the third act conflict, but the end of the book tied it together well. Overall, I’d say this book was a win, and I’m very interested to read the author’s future work in the contemporary romance space!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for the honest review!

In Thrill Ride, Charlotte is an avid theme park/amusement park enthusiast. After she loses her boyfriend and dream job as a large scale theme park designer, she goes back home to Ohio to help her family run their mom and pop theme park, Lands End. In order for them to stay in business, they have to work with an investment company, enter Gregory. Charlotte spends the whole book teaching Gregory all about theme parks while fighting her pull towards him and her dream to still work at a larger amusement park.

This book was cute, but the characters fell a little flat to me. The romance was definitely not the main focus and it was closed door. I read the eBook while initially listening to the audiobook, however the narrator really took away from the book. I enjoyed the story a lot more without the poor narration.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This one was very sweet and romantic! I really liked the main characters. It did remind me of most popular contemporary romances. It's hard to do something groundbreaking in that genre nowadays, but I still thought it was very good.

I wish it didn't have a third-act breakup. I know that's the convention in romances; I just find it extremely unnecessary. The plot also felt quite rushed at times and I wish there had been a bit more time spent on the final opening. Still, if you love love, you'll like this one.

Thrill Ride by Amy Ratcliffe is a delightful, rollercoaster of a read! This charming story takes you on a whirlwind adventure filled with fun, friendship, and just the right amount of thrill. Ratcliffe's writing is as refreshing as a day at an amusement park, with characters that are instantly lovable and situations that keep you on your toes (in a good way!).

What makes Thrill Ride stand out is its perfect blend of lighthearted fun and heartwarming moments. The characters are relatable, each bringing their own unique spark to the story, and the pacing makes it impossible to put down. Whether you’re into theme parks or simply looking for an entertaining escape, this book delivers it all with a smile. It’s like the perfect rollercoaster ride – a bit of excitement, some unexpected turns, but ultimately a joyful journey!

"I think I'm going to like being 'hang out outside of work' friends, Charlotte."

⭐⭐⭐

This was a really cute read.
As someone who absolutely ADORES both theme parks and amusement parks, I was really excited to get into this one.
But, I found myself skimming some scenes, and there was just a LOT of unnecessary description and exposition that I didn't really think was required.
It dragged on in some cases, and really just took me out of it.

I will say, however, that it hooked me in the last 25% and I was absolutely dying to know more and read on.

This was a great debut, but I don't think the writing style was for me.

Thank you, Amy Ratcliffe, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this eARC!

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.

This was such a cute story that pulled me in from the cover, very fitting. I love the unique premise of this one with a light feel to it while reading.

I've loved theme parks and amusement parks since I was a kid, so when I read the synopsis of this book, I was so excited to read it! (if you're unaware of the difference, do not fret for you shall learn)
Thrill Ride largely takes place at a THEME park called Lands of Legend, a family operated, failing park. Our MC is down on her luck, after finding her boyfriend cheating, and losing her dream job, so she returns home to where the dream all began. ... Only to discover the dream isn't as rosy as it once was, and the reality of stretching finances and drawing crowds isn't as easy either. Oh and the new investor is basically the enemy - someone who doesn't even know the difference between a theme park and an amusement park - he's got a lot to learn if he wants to find in around this park.
It was a fast paced read, with decent development and fairly realistic characters... Adults who use words to communicate, emotional intelligence, friends to lovers, no third act conflict... What's not to enjoy??
Thank you for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is such a sweet story, and I loved the backdrop being an amusement park. There were so many fun elements that added to this cute story.

I loved this cute little love story! Charlotte’s career is entirely fascinating as a thrill ride designer. The book was light and delightful. I don’t often read romance, but I think this is a homie little read.

Super cute read! Not too much heavy writing on the romance which was nice but I could have done with a little bit more. The characters were super easy to relate to and connect with.

Wish I had gotten around to this earlier because I loved it! Would definetly recommend 😊

This book was just so much fun. The backdrop of an amusement park is so clever and so perfect. Defiantly in for a thrilling ride :)

This was extremely cute and fun!

I 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.

This was a really enjoyable book! I loved the focus on the theme park aspect and the MMC Gregory discovering the magic of it.
And the characters actually knew how to communicate!!!! I love that so much.
If you’re a theme park enthusiast, this book is definitely for you!