Amy Ratcliffe’s debut romance novel “Thrill Ride” combines her evident passion for theme parks with a heartwarming second-chance romance that will appeal to both theme park enthusiasts and romance readers alike. As the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist and a self-proclaimed “theme park adult,” Ratcliffe brings authenticity to this unique setting, crafting a world that feels simultaneously magical and grounded in reality.
The novel follows Charlotte Gates, a talented theme park designer who returns to her hometown after losing her dream job at DreamUs (a thinly veiled Disney analogue) and discovering her boyfriend cheating on her with her boss. Charlotte temporarily takes a consulting position at her family’s struggling theme park, Lands of Legend, where she clashes with Gregory Binns, a venture capitalist who’s never been on a roller coaster and doesn’t understand the difference between an amusement park and a theme park. What begins as professional tension gradually transforms into something more as Charlotte helps Gregory experience the magic of theme parks firsthand.
Strengths: Where the Novel Shines
Authentic Setting That Transports Readers
Ratcliffe’s deep knowledge of and love for theme parks shines throughout the novel. The fictional Lands of Legend is lovingly rendered with careful attention to detail—from the themed lands to the cinnamon rolls at Sir Cinna-Swirls to the carefully designed queue areas. Theme park enthusiasts will appreciate the insider perspective on park operations, while casual readers will find themselves immersed in this magical setting:
“To walk into Lands of Legend was like entering a safe bubble from the rest of the world—a safe bubble for people leaving behind stress, loss, loneliness, anything heavy they wanted to cast aside while they gave in to escape and wonder.”
The author excels at conveying the emotional impact theme parks can have, making readers understand why people dedicate their careers to creating these magical experiences. The distinction between theme parks (focused on storytelling and immersion) versus amusement parks (focused on entertainment) becomes a recurring theme that highlights Charlotte’s passion.
Slow-Burn Romance with Genuine Chemistry
The romance between Charlotte and Gregory develops naturally over time, beginning with professional antagonism that gradually transforms as they come to understand each other. Their relationship progresses through meaningful conversations and shared experiences rather than instant attraction. The relationship benefits from:
- Complementary strengths: Charlotte’s creative vision and Gregory’s business acumen balance each other perfectly
- Mutual growth: Both characters help each other overcome personal obstacles
- Authentic conflict: Their professional disagreements feel genuine and rooted in their backgrounds
- Supportive dynamic: Despite disagreements, they ultimately want each other to succeed
Their first kiss during the fireworks at Dreamland is a perfectly timed emotional payoff that feels earned through all the tension-filled moments leading up to it.
Strong Supporting Cast
The novel features well-developed secondary characters who enhance the central romance:
- Melanie: Charlotte’s straightforward best friend who provides both support and necessary reality checks
- Aunt Marianne and Uncle Frank: The passionate founders of Lands of Legend whose dream Charlotte wants to protect
- Emily: Charlotte’s complex cousin whose business-focused approach creates believable tension
Even minor characters like the pastry chef Holly and security guard Owen feel fully realized, contributing to the community feeling that permeates the story.
Areas for Improvement: Where the Novel Falls Short
Predictable Plot Beats
While the theme park setting gives “Thrill Ride” by Amy Ratcliffe a fresh backdrop, the plot follows familiar romance novel conventions without many surprises. The third-act conflict—Charlotte leaving for Paris after a misunderstanding—feels somewhat manufactured, especially after so much relationship development. More innovative plot structuring might have elevated the novel beyond its formulaic elements.
Character Development Imbalance
Gregory receives substantial character development, transforming from a stiff businessman into someone who embraces joy and spontaneity. However, Charlotte’s growth feels less defined. While she learns to balance work and personal life, her character arc isn’t as compelling or clearly articulated as Gregory’s transformation. More exploration of Charlotte’s personal growth independent of her relationship would have strengthened the narrative.
Underdeveloped Antagonists
The novel’s antagonists—Charlotte’s ex-boyfriend Chad and Gregory’s brother Ian—lack nuance. They function primarily as obstacles rather than complex characters with understandable motivations. The conflict with Peak Fusion, while providing stakes for the park, similarly feels somewhat one-dimensional. More complexity in these oppositional forces would have created richer conflict.
Pacing Issues
The middle section of the novel occasionally drags with repetitive work discussions that don’t advance the plot or relationship significantly. Conversely, the resolution after Charlotte returns from Paris feels somewhat rushed, with major relationship issues resolved quickly. A more balanced pacing throughout would have improved the overall reading experience.
Character Analysis: Emotional Journeys That Resonate
Charlotte Gates: Finding Her True Place
Charlotte’s journey centers on discovering where she truly belongs professionally and personally. Her passion for theme parks is evident from the opening chapters, but her conviction that bigger is always better—that DreamUs represents the pinnacle of success—gradually shifts as she reconnects with Lands of Legend and its intimate approach to magic-making.
Her experience of being betrayed by both her former employer and boyfriend makes her initially hesitant to trust Gregory with her heart or the park she loves. Charlotte’s workaholic tendencies and perfectionism serve as both strengths and flaws, driving her success while sometimes preventing her from enjoying life’s simpler pleasures.
Gregory Binns: Rediscovering Joy
Gregory undergoes the most dramatic transformation in the novel. Initially presented as a stereotypical venture capitalist in a suit, we gradually learn about his suppressed passion for the outdoors and his painful history of losing his grandfather. His character arc involves reconnecting with the part of himself that finds joy in nature and wonder—a self he buried after his loss.
Ratcliffe effectively reveals Gregory’s layers gradually, showing how his formal exterior masks vulnerability and genuine kindness. His willingness to try new experiences and question his assumptions makes him an endearing romantic lead whose growth feels authentic and earned.
Writing Style: Accessible with Moments of Beauty
Amy Ratcliffe’s writing style is conversational and accessible, making “Thrill Ride” an easy, enjoyable read. She excels at:
- Dialogue that sparkles with wit and authenticity
- Setting descriptions that effectively convey the magic of theme parks
- Emotional moments handled with sincerity rather than melodrama
The prose occasionally relies too heavily on telling rather than showing, particularly when explaining character emotions. However, when describing theme park experiences or moments of connection between Charlotte and Gregory, Ratcliffe’s writing achieves moments of genuine beauty and insight.
Final Assessment: A Promising Debut That Delivers Joy
“Thrill Ride” by Amy Ratcliffe succeeds as both a romance novel and a love letter to theme parks. Despite some conventional plotting and pacing issues, the novel’s unique setting, well-developed central relationship, and genuine emotional moments make it a worthy read for romance enthusiasts.
What ultimately makes the novel work is its central message about finding balance—between work and play, ambition and contentment, grand spectacle and intimate moments. Just as Charlotte and Gregory learn to appreciate different approaches to theme parks, they also learn to value different aspects of life and love.
Ratcliffe demonstrates considerable promise as a romance novelist. Her ability to create a vivid setting populated with likable characters suggests she has a bright future in the genre. While “Thrill Ride” isn’t a perfect debut, it accomplishes what the best theme park experiences do: it transports readers to a magical place while touching their hearts along the way.
Recommended for:
- Theme park enthusiasts
- Fans of workplace romances
- Readers who enjoy slow-burn relationships with genuine chemistry
- Anyone who appreciates stories about finding balance between ambition and happiness
Like Charlotte’s beloved cinnamon rolls from Sir Cinna-Swirls, “Thrill Ride” by Amy Ratcliffe offers a sweet indulgence that delivers comfort and satisfaction with every bite—or in this case, with every turned page.
Similar Titles for Further Reading
If you enjoyed “Thrill Ride” by Amy Ratcliffe, consider these comparable titles:
- “The Ride of Her Life” by Liz Flaherty
- “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston
- “Take a Hint, Dani Brown” by Talia Hibbert
- “The Tourist Attraction” by Sarah Morgenthaler
Each of these novels features similar elements of workplace romance, opposites attracting, or unique, vibrant settings that enhance the central love story.
