What do you think?
Rate this book
Allegheny Front
A love letter to rural Appalachia and a unique look at what it means to truly get to know somebody.
After a grueling school year, Kate escapes to Pocahontas County, WV to rest and rejuvenate. Unfortunately, a hundred-year flood hits and turns her vacation into an emergency evacuation. After relocating to a mountaintop resort, she finds an unconscious man in the woods, a man whose face she would recognize anywhere, her celebrity crush, Jeremy Fulton. When Jeremy regains consciousness, he introduces himself as Tim Jones, and confides that he came into the wilderness to escape his hectic life. As they grow closer, Kate deals with the conundrum, can she let him know how she feels without telling him she knows his true identity.
After a grueling school year, Kate escapes to Pocahontas County, WV to rest and rejuvenate. Unfortunately, a hundred-year flood hits and turns her vacation into an emergency evacuation. After relocating to a mountaintop resort, she finds an unconscious man in the woods, a man whose face she would recognize anywhere, her celebrity crush, Jeremy Fulton. When Jeremy regains consciousness, he introduces himself as Tim Jones, and confides that he came into the wilderness to escape his hectic life. As they grow closer, Kate deals with the conundrum, can she let him know how she feels without telling him she knows his true identity.
290 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 10, 2022
Delivers the goods
Although the numerous editing errors were irritating, I found that this novel hit the marks I assume the author set out to hit. An intriguing premise, solid character development, and plenty of romantic chemistry make Allegheny Front an excellent read for romance readers.
Although the numerous editing errors were irritating, I found that this novel hit the marks I assume the author set out to hit. An intriguing premise, solid character development, and plenty of romantic chemistry make Allegheny Front an excellent read for romance readers.
June 12, 2022
What a great book with a terrific setting. Author Kile takes a natural disaster and uses it as a backdrop for “rescuing” her lead characters on multiple levels. I believe the book’s setting is based on the actual flooding of northern West Virginia in 2016. The village of vulnerable characters are evacuated safely to a mountaintop to wait for the waters to recede and their lives to go back to normal. As the story unfolds, we learn that life will never be “normal” again, particularly for our lead characters. Will the bonds formed under dire circumstances continue to bind when the skies are no longer grey? In this fast-paced epic story it won’t take you long to find out. You’ll want to finish in just one reading. Kudos!
March 12, 2022
I have not read a contemporary romance like this before where the hero is a celebrity and the heroine is an everyday teacher. I frowned on them and never gave them a chance. Allegheny Front is such a delightful story I can’t wait to read more by this author. She grounds her characters with depth and makes them relatable by weaving in vulnerabilities. They feel like real people that I would like to get to know. I loved the moments of humor in it and all the peculiar characters from West Virginia. Kile’s story has heart and depth. Really great read!
October 3, 2021
It’s no secret I love a good romance book, so when you take romance, West Virginia, a natural disaster where everyone comes together to help, you know I’m going to read it.
Laurel Kile has taken knowledge from her upbringing in West Virginia and perfectly captured the heart and soul of the mountains, their people and mixed it with a romance that shows even though people aren’t who they seem, its really what’s on the inside that matters most.
Her book “Allegheny Front” tells the story of Kate, who after a hard school year, finds herself headed to Pocahontas County to rest and visit. However, a flood has other plans for Kate and the people of the county as it drives them to higher ground and forces them to seek shelter in a not yet reopened resort.
There, Kate and the others must pool their resources, talents and survival skills to not only care for each other, but the man that literally falls at Kate’s feet after a tumble down the mountain. The man Tim, has his reasons for being out alone in the wilderness and secrets that it will take Kate a while to unravel. Good thing they aren’t going anywhere soon.
Along the way there are misunderstandings, busy bodies and sadness but Kate is determined to overcome not only her obstacles, but Tim’s as well. Tim is used to not trusting people and had come to West Virginia to get away from his crazy life as a movie star. The time spent on the mountain with Kate and the others show him there are still genuine people in the world and sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and trust.
Kile has perfectly captured the way West Virginians always come to the aid of their fellow mountaineers. Even when we don’t have a lot we still have something to give, something to use to help. She describes the people and places in ways that I could visualize and I have no doubt I could find these locations by taking a nice Sunday drive through my state. As for the characters, I found several that I’m sure I know personally.
Kile considers her book to be a love letter to West Virginia and I agree.
Laurel Kile has taken knowledge from her upbringing in West Virginia and perfectly captured the heart and soul of the mountains, their people and mixed it with a romance that shows even though people aren’t who they seem, its really what’s on the inside that matters most.
Her book “Allegheny Front” tells the story of Kate, who after a hard school year, finds herself headed to Pocahontas County to rest and visit. However, a flood has other plans for Kate and the people of the county as it drives them to higher ground and forces them to seek shelter in a not yet reopened resort.
There, Kate and the others must pool their resources, talents and survival skills to not only care for each other, but the man that literally falls at Kate’s feet after a tumble down the mountain. The man Tim, has his reasons for being out alone in the wilderness and secrets that it will take Kate a while to unravel. Good thing they aren’t going anywhere soon.
Along the way there are misunderstandings, busy bodies and sadness but Kate is determined to overcome not only her obstacles, but Tim’s as well. Tim is used to not trusting people and had come to West Virginia to get away from his crazy life as a movie star. The time spent on the mountain with Kate and the others show him there are still genuine people in the world and sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and trust.
Kile has perfectly captured the way West Virginians always come to the aid of their fellow mountaineers. Even when we don’t have a lot we still have something to give, something to use to help. She describes the people and places in ways that I could visualize and I have no doubt I could find these locations by taking a nice Sunday drive through my state. As for the characters, I found several that I’m sure I know personally.
Kile considers her book to be a love letter to West Virginia and I agree.
July 19, 2021
An engaging -- if improbable -- romance that keeps the reader turning the pages. When Jeremy Fulton, Scottish heart throb and international star, falls down a muddy mountain side, thirty-something, "maths" teacher, Kate Thorn, finds him and nurses him back to health. She has her own health issues, a controlled bi-polar state that adds another dimension to the story. To add further drama, Kate and Jeremy are in the middle of a flood, and they're stuck in a West Virginia hilltop camp with the locals who populate the story with wit, love, and concern. Author Laurel Kile keeps the reader hoping, and wondering, right to the end.
August 22, 2021
This was a sweet romance between complex characters reminiscent of Notting Hill.
I'm not normally a big fan of the romance genre, often because the characters are so one dimensional, and sometimes too good to be true heroes. This was not the case in Kile's debut. The characters are fully fleshed out and relatable and deep issues are explored. The writing was fantastic and West Virginia was almost character itself. The setting was so well-described, I was transported to the mountains there right alongside Kate and Jeremy. I miss it already.
Read this book if you're looking for a wonderful escape.
I'm not normally a big fan of the romance genre, often because the characters are so one dimensional, and sometimes too good to be true heroes. This was not the case in Kile's debut. The characters are fully fleshed out and relatable and deep issues are explored. The writing was fantastic and West Virginia was almost character itself. The setting was so well-described, I was transported to the mountains there right alongside Kate and Jeremy. I miss it already.
Read this book if you're looking for a wonderful escape.
January 25, 2022
Allegheny Front is a story about healing from wounds both old and new, physical and mental. It is well written, full of clever nods (to West Virginia and BBC programming), and speaks to the resolve of Appalachian compassion in times of disaster. The way the words illustrate a small West Virginia cast of characters is vibrant and authentic, and by far my favorite part of this novel.
For its improbable setup for romance between a famous actor and a teacher, the resulting scenario plays out in a surprisingly realistic way. The final act will keep you guessing whether you’ll get a Hollywood ending or one ripe with melancholy.
An excellent read.
For its improbable setup for romance between a famous actor and a teacher, the resulting scenario plays out in a surprisingly realistic way. The final act will keep you guessing whether you’ll get a Hollywood ending or one ripe with melancholy.
An excellent read.
March 4, 2022
As a person from West Virginia, I was so excited to read this book. It’s a great book that I devoured in one sitting. I love the small details and facts it gives about West Virginia and it’s people. I also love that it brings light to mental illness and that’s it’s not something to be ashamed of. I highly recommend this book! I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 22, 2021
Amazing Read!
Very sweet book that beautifully captures the spirit and heart of West Virginia and the coming together of a community. I loved the ups and down of a love story mixed with real life. Well done!
Very sweet book that beautifully captures the spirit and heart of West Virginia and the coming together of a community. I loved the ups and down of a love story mixed with real life. Well done!
July 19, 2021
I thought it was a very good book. Good story and kept my interest the whole time.
July 22, 2021
A romantic easy read, but with complex characters
Romance with a twist grounded in characters and places with real depth and complexity. A fun, easy read to enjoy!
Romance with a twist grounded in characters and places with real depth and complexity. A fun, easy read to enjoy!
January 28, 2024
I enjoyed being able to recognize some of the places mention in this story. I did find myself toward the end just wanting to be done with the book, but that happens a lot to me in romance. I was a little annoyed when it came to the romance especially when they left the US. I felt like both of the characters weren't really considerate of each others feelings and fears.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews