12 Romance Books Set In Amusement Parks
There’s something magical about amusement parks. The whirl of carousels, the scent of cotton candy in the air, the thrill of a roller coaster just before the drop—it’s the perfect setting for romance. Whether it’s a chance encounter in the glow of carnival lights, a slow-burn love story behind the scenes of a theme park, or rivals competing for the best job on the midway, these stories capture the enchantment, excitement, and nostalgia of love in a place designed for dreams.
Here are 12 swoon-worthy romance books set in amusement parks that will make your heart race like a ride on the fastest roller coaster. 🎢❤️
1. Love & Other Disasters at Cedar Point by K.L. Walther
🎢 A Summer of Second Chances at an Iconic Theme Park
After a heartbreak, Mallory takes a summer job at Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. She expects long hours and screaming tourists—but she doesn’t expect to run into Will, the charming guy from her past who once left her shattered. As summer unfolds, they find themselves caught in an exhilarating ride of second chances and late-night adventures under the neon lights.
📖 Read if you love: Second-chance romance, summer nostalgia, and roller coasters that mirror emotional twists.
2. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
🌭 Falling for the Princess (While Dressed as a Giant Hot Dog)
Lou Parker dreams of a magical summer at Magic Castle Playland, but instead of being cast as a princess, she’s stuck in a giant hot dog costume. Worse, the park is closing forever, and Lou is hopelessly in love with the park’s star performer—who already has a boyfriend. As Lou plots a way to save the park and win her crush’s heart, she finds love where she least expects it.
📖 Read if you love: LGBTQ+ romance, quirky heroines, and the drama of summer jobs.
3. Dreamland Billionaires: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher
🎡 A Grumpy Billionaire and a Sunshine Artist Reimagine a Theme Park
Zahra loves her job at Dreamland, an amusement park straight out of a fairy tale. But when billionaire Rowan Kane takes over, he’s as cold as an abandoned ride in winter. To save the park’s creative future, Zahra challenges his rigid ways—and along the way, she melts his icy heart.
📖 Read if you love: Grumpy/sunshine dynamics, workplace romance, and Disney-inspired theme parks.
4. Carnival of Secrets by Melissa Marr
🎪 A Carnival That Grants Wishes… at a Price
At the mysterious Carnevale di Sangue, every wish comes with a dark bargain. Mallory never intended to enter this enchanted amusement park, but when she does, she meets Kaleb, a dangerous boy with secrets of his own. As she’s drawn deeper into the carnival’s magic, she must decide how much she’s willing to risk—for love and for survival.
📖 Read if you love: Dark fantasy romance, high-stakes games, and seductive carnival settings.
5. How to Fake Date a Grump by Becky Dean
🎟 Enemies Forced to Work Together at a Theme Park
When cheerful bookworm Olivia lands her dream summer job at Everland Theme Park, the only problem is… her assigned partner, grumpy ex-boyfriend Jake. Forced to perform in a fairytale show together, they have to fake being the perfect couple in front of the audience. But pretending might just reignite something real.
📖 Read if you love: Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and sweet summer vibes.
6. Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby
🎠 A Traveling Circus and a Girl on the Run
Portia runs away to a traveling carnival, where she finds herself among fortune tellers, bearded ladies, and charming but dangerous showmen. As she searches for a place to belong, she meets Gabe, who has secrets of his own. Together, they navigate the magic, mystery, and heartbreak of a life always on the move.
📖 Read if you love: Historical romance, found family, and a touch of mystery.
7. Ferris Wheels & Fireworks by Lilian Monroe
🎡 A Ferris Wheel Confession Sparks a Love Story
Every summer, Charlotte visits the amusement park where she and her childhood best friend, Henry, used to dream about their futures. When Henry returns after years away, they find themselves trapped at the top of the Ferris wheel—and he confesses his feelings. Is it too late to turn childhood dreams into reality?
📖 Read if you love: Friends-to-lovers, summer nostalgia, and sweet small-town romance.
8. That Time I Fell for a Carney by M.J. O’Shea
🎠 A Summer Fling with a Carnival Worker
Luca is a straight-A student with his future mapped out, but when he meets Derek, a free-spirited carney working the summer circuit, he’s drawn into a world of bright lights, stolen kisses, and a love that defies expectations. But as summer fades, Luca must decide: return to his carefully planned life, or take a leap into the unknown?
📖 Read if you love: Summer flings, opposites attract, and whirlwind romance.
9. At the Midnight Circus by Jane Yolen
🎭 Love and Magic Under the Big Top
This collection of magical short stories features love, loss, and enchantment in carnivals and circus tents where reality blurs with illusion. Each tale is a glimpse into a world where love can be as fleeting as a shooting star—or as enduring as a midnight promise.
📖 Read if you love: Short stories, lyrical prose, and whimsical romance.
10. Cotton Candy Kisses by Charlie Novak
🍭 A Cotton Candy Maker and a Roller Coaster Engineer Walk into a Fair…
Ryan loves his job making cotton candy at the fair, but when his stall is set up next to the local amusement park’s newest ride, he finds himself constantly bumping into Alex—the park’s gorgeous, brooding engineer. Sparks fly (and not just from the fireworks show) as they navigate unexpected chemistry.
📖 Read if you love: Sweet romance, LGBTQ+ love stories, and cinnamon roll heroes.
🎢 Love Is the Ultimate Thrill Ride
Amusement parks are the perfect backdrop for romance—the thrill of the rides, the electric energy in the air, and the way love feels just as dizzying as the spinning teacups. Whether you’re looking for sweet summer love, second chances, or carnival magic, these books will take you on a ride you won’t forget.
💬 Which of these books would you love to visit? Or do you have a favorite theme park romance I missed? Let’s chat in the comments! 🎠✨
