Old Flames

Pinegrove FD #2

by Libby Kay

Best-selling author Libby Kay romances hearts with her sweet stories about family, friends, and love. Fans of Sherryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias series are finding all the feels with Old Flames, the latest amazing story set in small town America. Don’t miss this enduring sweet romance!

Two high school sweet hearts, one charming small town, and flames of chemistry that are hard to deny…

Jessie “JJ” Mays has seen it all. Her job in the Peace Corps has put the world at her feet, with adventure calling with every new assignment. Yet after a decade of traveling, she’s become a little lonely—and unable to get over her first love. Soon an emergency phone call from home has her on the next plane, but will her heart survive this visit?

Malcolm “Smithy” Smith loves his smalltown life. His career as a fireman and EMT is fulfilling, his soap opera starlet mother keeps him on his toes, and he’s got a great group of friends. The only thing he doesn’t have—the love of his life by his side. No matter the distractions, he still misses JJ with a fierceness that consumes him.

When a call to a warehouse fire goes from routine to catastrophic, Malcolm is injured and unable to perform the job he loves. The only upside of having a building fall on him? His girl is back in Pinegrove ready to nurse him back to health. And hopefully, this visit is for good…

With some help from the residents of Pinegrove, JJ and Smithy will discover that sometimes, first love burns brightest.

Genres: Romance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband—traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Writing is a solitary job, and Libby loves to hear from readers. Reach out, ask questions, and review her stories anytime. She’d love to hear from you.
Website: https://www.libbykayauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbykayaut...
Facebook: @LibbyKayAuthor

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Flames is the second heartwarming book in Libby’s wonderful new series, Pinegrove FD. I have read many of this talented author's works and have fallen in love with each and every character. Libby knows how to craft charming contemporary romance tales set in small towns, filled with heart, soul, and humour.

The story features a delightful cast of sweet and quirky characters who love to meddle, and the fun really begins as they help the main couple find each other again and reignite their love.

This tale includes a bit of drama, a touch of angst, plenty of sexual tension, spice, and witty banter that kept me laughing.

While it's not necessary, I encourage you to read the books to get to know all the residents of this small town and their unique quirks. I can't wait to see who falls in love next.

[Rebecca Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a sexy fireman? Or a girl in the Peace Corps? I’m not normally a fan of second chance romances or the miscommunication troupe but this story was really cute. Throwing in the aging Starlet from Atlanta and the stay at home wife and a couple more sexy firemen, this story is telling how true love will make a way for itself. The way Jessie runs from her hometown because she doesn’t feel like she fits to running to anywhere else in the world so she can discover who she is and who she wants to be is really good. Malcolm being the one who waits on her to return for over a decade while still cherishing every minute he gets of his girl is sweet. You don’t normally think of strong firemen as being sweet and sentimental.

[Jules Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly love Libby Kay. She always brings us captivating storylines set in quirky small towns and characters we just can't help but love. This second book in the fabulous Pinegrove FD series is definitely no exception to that. The main characters Jessie and Malcolm definitely stole my heart and all the meddling townsfolk made it a fun read for sure!! If you want a read with heart and some laughs then this is the one for you!! It can be read as a stand alone and fully enjoyed but why do that and miss out on more AMAZING Libby Kay stories!!

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories where the hero and heroine have been in love since forever and particularly when the hero is completely in awe of his girl. This second book in the series delivers that and so much more. Whilst I haven't yet read Book 1, I was able to follow the storyline without any issues but I will be going both back to read Book 1 and looking forward to Book 2 as well. A great read!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean, sweet romance is fraught with emotion from start to end. The story takes you on a journey of finding your place and your home. Jessica “Jessie or JJ” has been in love with Malcolm since he arrived at their high school her freshman year. They started out as friends but it grew. They were inseparable until graduation.

Jessie knew she wasn't right for college. That she needed something different. Jessie joined the Peace Corps to see the world and find her place in it. Malcolm knew what he wanted out of life. He loved Pinegrove and wanted to put down roots with Jessie. Malcolm also discovered a desire for firefighting. So Malcolm stayed in Pinegrove while Jessie saw the world.

They were off and on for a decade. Being together when she came home because the pull towards each other was just that strong. Then Jessie would get a new assignment and leave a devastated Malcolm in her wake. They did this over and over again. Until Malcolm got hurt during a fire.

Jesse came home. Jessie left in the middle of an assignment. Her boss wasn't happy. But for Jessie, family and Malcolm were more important. She stayed. Jessie was there helping Malcolm recover. Things were going well between them until Jessie got a phone call from her boss. Jessie was told that there was no room in the budget for the promotion she was promised and she was out of leave. Malcolm misinterpreted the conversation as Jessie going back, so he broke up with her and kicked her out.

When Jessie finally told her mom what was going on with the job, with Malcolm, with the way she was feeling, her mom recommended heading over to the farmer's market and talking to the owners to see if they needed a hand. Jessie found herself a job. Now she just needed Malcolm back. But he hadn't contacted her since he dismissed her. Did he want her back? Jessie had to talk to Malcolm. She sent him a text with a picture of one of their favorite places. He didn’t respond. Were they really over?

If you know anything about this author, you know there is a happy ending. This story was good. There was a lot going on with all of the characters. So many new characters were introduced. Some I am sure we will see again. Excellent story. Worth the read.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 starts rounded up to 5

Jessie Mays (JJ) has always wanted a life of adventure. Ever since she was young, she has had the bug to go and travel the world. Her job in the Peace Corps has made all of this possible, and she loves it. The problem is, she also loves Malcom Smith, her on-again, off-again high school sweetheart, who she is drawn to like a magnet whenever she makes it back home to Pinegrove. Malcolm Smith, a local fireman at Pinegrove and EMT, has always been sure that Jessie is the one for him. He knows in his heart that she is the love of his life, and he couldn’t imagine settling down with anyone else. Jessie, however, doesn't seem to want to do that, and every time she walks away from him on another adventure, his heart breaks a little more.
When Malcolm is injured while at work, Jessie rushes all the way back to see him and care for him. Their reunion brings their attraction once again into sharp focus and leads both of them to question where their lives are going and if things can truly continue the way they have been.

Oh my gosh, this book made my heart ache from the get-go. Such a sweet, fluffy and romantic read, with small-town charm, and wonderfully lovable characters. It was nice to read a story with low stakes but lots of emotion, and genuinely, both Jessie and Malcom were lovely to read. It was difficult reading about the hurt and confusion they’d both faced over the years, but I do think this was incredibly realistic. Sometimes, people need time to grow and to find themselves, and Jessie definitely needed that. I thought the other characters were incredibly sweet and supportive, and reading this definitely makes me eager to go and check out more of Libby Kays' work. The author description at the end says that she loves romances in all forms and that they nourish her soul, and all I can say is that I’m right there with her.

This was a really sweet, cosy read that I recommend to anyone who loves a good romance with a happy ending. Strap in for romantic leads with a lot of history and a lot of chemistry, who, no matter where life takes them, always find themselves coming back to one another. You will not be disappointed.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I wish I could climb into my books and head to the places I read about , Pinegrove and its people are so my people 🥰

Jessie and Malcom , high school sweethearts and so good together but after school they have different dreams Malcom started college and ended up with the fire department he earned enough credits and Jessie joined the peace corps and tackled the world and lived her dream , she came home and left each time , Malcom always stayed behind and he waited my heart broke and I sobbed for him this boy loves her enough to let her go and live her dreams till one day he’s had enough …..

Malcom is on a call when a building collapses on him , Jessie gets word and flies halfway across the world to be with him and nurse him back to health but things go a little south and he dismisses her as his nurse and we sit with 2 people who love each other , not with each other and are simply miserable…..

Jessie’s life changes and she ends up in Pinegrove longer than expected , she’s no office girl and finds work on the neighbours farm and that it like memory lane on its own and the animals and the people are so easy to fall in love with , the farm needs help and Jessie is just the answer they need but I think they’re also the answer Jessie needs 🥰

Oh man I loved this book ! I laughed and I cried , I shook my head at the antics of some of these characters , Estelle and Javi especially had me in stitches , Daisy is a sweetheart as is Whitney , let’s not forget the book club , that one tickled me pink , this is one of those books that when you switch off you kindle or turn the last page , you sigh and say that was good 🥰 and proceed to find someone to tell all about it 😉

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so glad to return to the sweet town of Pine Grove! Old Flames is a lovely second-chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings!

Jessie and Malcolm were high school sweethearts who were very much in love with one another. However, they also had dreams that would take them in two very different directions. Malcolm would end up staying in their small town, and Jessie would travel across the world as a member of the Peace Corps. The two have been “off and on” for a decade, meaning they somewhat together when she occasionally comes home for a visit, but off again when she returns to her job. 

What makes this book a bit different than other books in the genre is that there isn’t hate between Jessie and Malcolm. A great deal of love remains between them. In addition, they have one important thing in common: their desire to help others. They both have a great network of friends, but they don’t have each other. This was one of those couples that I really thought deserved their “happily ever after” with each other. 

As Jessie spent time supporting Malcolm, those old feelings resurfaced. However, the big question is whether they can find a way to forge a future together. Some misconceptions and miscommunications might threaten that possibility. Still, they have a lot of people working behind the scenes to help them find their way back to each other. 

Like the first book in the series, this one is a delight to read. The small-town charm and quirky characters add a unique flavor to the romance, making it a truly entertaining read. The subplots, while intriguing, never overshadow the central love story of Jessie and Malcolm. If you're a fan of small-town romances, this one is a must-read!

[Meghan Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Flames by Libby Kay is a heartfelt second-chance story that feels refreshingly real. We follow Malcolm and Jessie as they rebuild their connection. It’s a slow, emotional untangling of everything they never said and everything they still feel. Jessie is faced with decisions about whether to continue her career in the Peace Corps, or return to her home town with all her friends and family, and the man she couldn't stay away from. Malcolm is struggling through a recovery after one of his calls as a firefighter leaves him hospitalized, but ready to heal.

The alternating timeline with flashbacks to Jessie and Malcolm's relationship hurdles since high school graduation shows how their teenage highs and lows shaped the adults they became, making their reunion feel earned rather than effortless. They are wonderfully relatable—older, wiser, a little bruised, and navigating careers, family pressure, and the sting of past mistakes.

The supporting cast brings warmth and humor, from eccentric relatives to nosy best friends who meddle with good intentions. The story shines because it embraces imperfection—messy timing, complicated emotions, and love that survives despite life happening out of order. It’s a romance that understands that sometimes the right person is there all along, and the real journey is growing into the version of yourself that’s finally ready for them.

[Natasha Collens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is ab adorable if not innocent, romance following the lives of Murphy "Smithy" Smith and Jessica "JJ" Mays.
Smithy is an EMT/Firefighter and is head over heels in love with the one girl he thinks will never stay and JJ is an officer in the Peace Corps who cant stop thinking about the curly haired firefighter back home.
The story is cute, albeit predictable and easy to follow even when bouncing between the past and the present. As someone who loves Dark Romance, the purity of this story was boring for me and the use of the phrase NSFW shows a lack of imagination if not experience.

All that being said I did enjoy the book. Libby Kays ability to endear the reader to not only the 2 legged characters but also the four legged ones is great. Seriously I think I love Gus and Oinks more than the actual characters in the book.
There are some sweet interactions between Smithy and his Dad Craig that now live rent free in my head, especially the way Craig talks about being in love.
The ending was very predictable however, still satisfying. Is it a book I would read again? Maybe when I need a break from the dark stuff, kinda like a palate cleanser, which I think is a definite positive for a book.

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Flames (Pinegrove FD #2) by Libby Kay
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Old Flames is the second book in the Pinegrove FD Series. The writing and the characters are amazing. You will fall in love with Malcolm and Jessie or JJ. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for this series.
Jessie leaves right after graduation and comes back for holidays. She always falls back in the routine of falling for Malcolm. Her daddy passed away and he was there for her. So when she gets a call saying that he is in the hospital she has to go to him. She leaves behind a chance for promotion. So when she gets a chance to stay in her hometown she takes it. She tells her mom on her wedding day: “Momma, I love you. But if you don’t stop fussing with my veil, I’m going to throw you in the pond.”
Malcolm didn’t want her to go. He wanted her to stay with him and go to college. When he comes home for the first holiday during college and is offered to get a job with JJ’s brother and dad he takes it. Then he gets hurt, but he gets his girl. He tells Lola thank you and when she asks what for he tells her: “Everything. Being our photographer, being such a good friend, and obviously putting up with Ortiz. I know he’s no picnic.”

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie and Malcolm love each other, however their relationship is broken. To both have their dream job they need to go their separate ways.
In Old Flames the author brings the reader a sweet story of rekindling. A second chance to make the right decisions.
To get it right, but do they want that?
Jessie is a member of The Peace Corps. Her dream job. However, making that choice to take that job she had to make sacrifices. The biggest being leaving the man she loves behind. Along with her family. Despite all that she loves what she does and wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe try to move up the ranks. But what happens when she gets the call that Malcolm is injured, that he’s in the ICU. Which leads her to jump off the first flight home.
Then there’s Malcolm, he went into a burning building and didn’t come out by himself. Being injured/knocked out was more than he could handle. While waiting for assistance all he could think about was Jessie, the one who got away. He loves her deeply and wants to start a life with her but does she want him?
Though she helps in his recovery, is she as invested as he is to start a new?
This author is one of my favorites and here’s another story to enjoy!

[Brittany Shugart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Flames is book two in the Pinegrove FD Series. This is a clean second chance romance, yet you definitely weren't missing the heat between JJ and Malcolm. Libby Kay did a phenomenal job of continuing the story line and keeping it fresh.

Jessie "JJ" never thought she wanted to settle down in the small town of Pinegrove. She was ready to go out, find her own way and do help others. Straight out of high school, she joins the Peace Corps. The downside to that, was leaving Malcolm. While it wasn't easy to leave him, she knew she'd see him on holidays when she returned to the states.

Malcolm "Smithy" Smith loves where he is and what he does as one of the Pinegrove first responders. Between his job, his mom and his great group of friends; he has no plans to leave Pinegrove or change what he's doing. He just wants JJ by his side. Things change drastically for the pair when Malcolm is injured on the job and JJ rushes home to make sure he's okay. Tensions are high as Malcolm is injured and JJ becomes unsure of exactly what she wants in life. As the story progresses, the characters grow.

I was definitely wondering if they'd get their happy ever after or not all the way to the end.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie "JJ" Mays has always loved Malcolm "Smithy" Smith. The pair are high school sweethearts and their love for each other hasn't changed despite life throwing curveballs their way. JJ left their hometown shortly after graduating high school, not for college like Malcolm, but for the Peace Corps and traveling the world to help those who needed her. For many years, JJ would come home for brief times between assignments, and she and Malcolm would pick up right where they left off. This was true, even when her father passed away. But all of this changes when Malcolm is injured on the job, as a firefighter, when a building he is in partially collapses on him. JJ leaves for home as soon as she can, and helps Malcolm to recuperate, until he pushes her away, because he fears that she is going to walk away for the Peace Corps yet again. JJ, however, has decided to leave the Peace Corps after she learns that the promotion she was hoping for is on hold due to budget issues, and she decides to stay closer to home for good.

This book is a book 2 of the A Pinegrove FD series, but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone (though I cannot imagine why you wouldn't want to pick up the previous book, and any that may come after it!).

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed reading and is just as great as the first. It is a great series that takes place in small towns and brings romance along with it. I have enjoyed reading this author’s book from the first one I picked up and I never hesitate to pick up their books. This is a well written story about JJ and Smithy. JJ has been with the Peace Corps for awhile and is starting to get a little lonely. When an emergency calls her home, she doesn’t realize that this call could change her life. Smithy has enjoyed his life as a fireman and EMT. But when a routine call turns bad and leaves Smithy injured, what will he do? Neither one of them has forgotten the other. What does fate have in store for these two? I enjoyed both of these characters and what they added to the story. They are strong, caring and they made me want to know more about what happened to them. I enjoyed their chemistry and watching their growth throughout which made this story easy to read. I found this story not only entertaining but hard to put down. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Libby Kay and this book and series is no exception! She writes clean, quirky romance novels with great characters and plot lines. I'm loving this series because of the focus on emergency personnel, specifically fireman and firewomen this time around.

JJ has spent a good deal of time travelling with the Peace Corps and now she's realizing just how lonely she is feeling. Smithy is a Firefighter/EMT and loves his job but feels that something, or rather, someone, is missing from his life. An unfortunate event finds Smithy unable to work and JJ at his bedside. If they are given a second chance at love, will they take it?

If you're new to this series, it's not necessary to read the first book before reading this. There are characters that make appearances that you may want to know the back story on though. Prepare to fall in love with Pine Grove and it's residents too! It's a place I'd like to visit (if it actually existed) and JJ and Smithy are people I would definitely hang out with around town.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Pinegrove FD series. You don't have to read these books in order, however I feel once you have read one you will want to read them all. I am always excited to pick up a book by this author because I know I am going to love the characters and be captivated by their story. This is a contemporary, small-town romance with a second chance element, angst, tension and chemistry that jumps off the page.
This is Jessie and Malcolm's story.
Jessie and Malcolm are high school sweethearts. When school ended Malcolm left for college and Jessie went to join the Peace Corps leaving behind the boy she loves.
Fast forward 10 years, Jessie is still in the Peace Corps and Malcolm is now an EMT and Firefighter in Pinegrove.
When a accident at work leaves Malcolm in intensive care Jessie rushes to be by his side. When they reunite their feelings and connection is still there, still as strong as ever.
But with Jessie in line for the chance of promotion will she decide to stay in Pinegrove and give Malcolm a chance or will she leave him again to follow the career she has chosen?

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this endearing small-town novel to find out if Malcolm and Jessie have what it takes to make their on-again off-again high school romance blossom into a long-term adult relationship.
I loved this book! As can be expected from this author, the characters of Pinegrove, GA, make you fall in love with them. Malcolm is such a romantic sweetheart! Jessie is free-spirited; a wanderer following her dreams. Their mothers (and Malcolm’s father) are lovingly involved in their lives, sometimes to the point of making them feel smothered. Also intertwined in this love story are the staff of Pinegrove’s fire department, and Jessie’s brother, Trevor, and his girlfriend, Whitney. This cast of characters combine to create a tight-knit community that makes readers want to run away to Pinegrove. This novel was longer than some others I’ve read in the same genre, but it didn’t feel long. I was absorbed in Malcolm and Jessie’s story the entire time, and couldn’t wait to see how their story ended. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a small town heartwarming romance that keeps readers guessing on the outcome until the very end.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Set in the charming small town of Pinegrove, high school sweet hearts Jessie (JJ) and Malcolm (Smithy) are reunited. JJ has been in the Peace Corps travelling the world and having adventures for the last decade. However, she is now feeling a little lonely and has been thinking about her first and only love Smithy. Fireman and EMT Smithy loves his small town life but despite all the distractions he misses the love of his life, JJ.

Following an emergency phone call from home JJ is on the next plane back as Smithy has been injured in a warehouse fire. Having JJ back in Pinegrove to nurse him back to health, Smithy hopes that this time she will stay. This heartwarming and sweet romance kept me hooked throughout. The small town feel of Pinegrove, along with its quirky residents came to life through the descriptive narrative. JJ and Smithy are likeable and relatable characters, whose chemistry sizzled off the page. I was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA!

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie and Malcolm were each others first loves, and really seemed made for one another...until they realized JJ wanted to go on adventures and Malcolm wanted nothing more than to stay in his hometown forever and be a local firefighter.

Jessie ran because she felt like she didn't belong, joined the Peace Corps, traveled the world and was feeling content...if a little lonely. Malcolm stayed home and became a member of the FD just like he wanted...and waited for JJ to come back to him. He had great friends and fellow firefighters and felt like he was right where he belonged.

While involved in suppressing a fire one day, the building collapses and Malcolm gets hurt, bad enough that they end up calling JJ and letting her know what happened. Despite her drive for adventure, her love for Malcolm never waned and she came back to care for him.

Along the way, they get to know each other again and recognize that they were always meant to be together. Lots of great characters, sweet realizations, and a happy ending to their story.

[Audrie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 and I loved going back to the small town of Pinegrove. Jessie and Malcolm were high school sweethearts until she left to join the Peace Corps. Jessie has come home a few times since she joined and they have been on again and off again but now it is 10 years later. Malcolm went to college and then came back to town and joined the local fire department. He has always loved JJ, his nickname for Jessie, from afar and thinks that some day she will come home to him. When Malcolm is hurt on the job she rushes home to take care of him but Jessie can’t be home long because she is up for a big promotion in the Peace Corps. As they spend time together and with their families Malcolm wonders if this will finally be the time that JJ stays with him. I love all of the characters and in this small town they are in everyone’s business. I liked reading about the couple from the first book to see where they are now. I’m hoping the next book will be about Javi and his silliness is finally caught by someone.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie aka JJ and Malcolm were high school sweethearts. She left to join the peace corps which everyone thought would be a quick thing and she would be back home in a few months. Her and Malcom would see eachother the first few times she came home but, they can only get their hearts broken so many times.
When Jessie gets a phone call that there was An accident where a few firemen got hurt, she rushes home. She is due for a promotion but, she needs to be with her family and with Malcom. Jj ends up staying with Malcom and being his nurse. Everything is going well with them until she gets a phonecall and that’s when Malcom decides enough is enough. He basically tells her to go stay at her mothers and he doesn’t give her any reason for his sudden change of heart. He’s tired of dealing with a broken heart everytime JJ leaves him. He’s come to the conclusion that she will never leave the peace corps and he is not enough.

Will JJ and Malcom be able to overcome this latest obstacle or will this be the final goodbye for them before they both move on?

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Flames by Libby Kay is the second installment in the Pinegrove FD series. Focusing on the same small town of Pinegrove, it gives us the perfect second-chance romance with the hot firefighter vibes. Following the story of high school sweethearts, Jessie “JJ” Mays and Malcolm “Smithy” Smith. They thought this love was one for the ages, until life took them both in different directions. When an emergency back home pulls JJ back to Pinegrove, she will be forced to cross paths with her first love. T, Smithy, who is injured during a warehouse fire, will have to find ways to interact with these two while contending with the ghost of what-ifs from before.
The chemistry is still there between JJ and Smithy, but the emotional toll of years apart and the years away is a Grand Canyon they will have to learn to cross together if they want another chance at forever. If you are someone who loves the second-chance trope, with a cinnamon roll MMC, and a badass FMC who are secretly softies for the MMC, then this is a series you need to check out! Can’t to read the next books in this series.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie (JJ) and Malcolm (Smithy) are high school sweethearts who, after ten years of an on-again, off-again romance, just can't seem to get on the same page. Although the attraction and love between them are undeniable, they have different visions for their lives.

Jessie wants to travel the world, so she joined the Peace Corps and has spent the last ten years working on meaningful projects wherever help is needed. Meanwhile, Malcolm went away to college but found himself at a bit of a loose end, eventually joining the local fire department alongside Jessie's father and brother.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when a horrific accident during a fire leaves Malcolm fighting for his life in the hospital. This situation causes Jessie to rush home and pause her own career to be by his side as he recovers.

Now, Malcolm and Jessie must determine whether they can truly be together, as Jessie re-examines her life and priorities. Is this the moment when they finally figure things out, or is it time for both of them to move on?

[Heather Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books from this author and she always blows my mind. This is the second book of the amazing Pinegrove FD series. You could read this book as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I love a good second chance romance but this book exceeded my expectations. I could not help but to fall in love with these characters right from the start. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Jessie Mays has been traveling the world for a long time. She is in the Peace Corps and now it is time to lay roots down. Jessie gets a phone call that had her rushing to her small hometown. She needed to get to her first love because he was hurt on the job. Jessie and Malcolm have had feelings for each other since they were teens. She is now going to nurse him back to health but will she stay this time?

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Flames (A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 2) by Libby Kay. This is one of my favorite authors for romance and this series so good. This is the 2nd book in the Pinegrove FD series. This is Jesse and Malcolm's (Smithy) story, they were each others first loves, years ago. When they first met in high school they were inseparable and what started as friendship quickly turned into love. When they graduated Jessie knew she wasn't cut out for college so she joined the Peace Corp to see the world. Malcolm wanted to stay in Pinegrove and make a family with Jessie so when she left he was heartbroken. He became a firefighter and set roots down and when he was injured in a fire, Jessie comes home to help nurse him back to health. Jessie is trying not to let her heart get involved but its so hard. Every time she comes home and leaves he's left heartbroken. Will he be able to convince her that she needs to be with him? Such a sweet clean romance!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby Kay is one of my favorite authors and I am loving the Pinegrove FD series. This time we get to see the story of Jessie “JJ” and Malcolm, who were high school sweethearts. Malcolm wanted to plant roots in Pinegrove, but JJ had dreams of travel, adventure, and helping others. When she left after high school graduation it broke both of their hearts, they did attempt to try and keep the flame burning, but the distance and different goals, eventually ended things. They still cared about each other and when JJ was home, they would see each other. Ten years later, JJ is on the brink of a possible promotion and Malcoln is settled in his job on the fire department, but when he gets injured on the job, JJ is determined to return and take care of him. The author does a wonderful job of creating memorable characters and situations that really tug at your heartstrings. As always I absolutely loved this story and I am so excited to read the next book in the series.

[Heather Knalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Jessie, Orr JJ as her friends and family call her, have known each other for years. They started dating in high school and were inseparable, until they graduated High School, Malcolm has decided to go to college and Jessie decided to go in to the peace corps. Malcolm did not want her to leave but thought she would get it out of her system, however when she came home for Christmas she knew she was only staying until she got her newest assignment at the start of the new year. She has now been gone for almost 10 years, until she got the call saying Malcolm had been hurt in a fire, as he now works with her brother Trevor for the Pine Groves fire department. Trevor helped rescue Malcom but was not hurt like Malcolm was. When Jessie arrives she lets Malcolm’s parents know she will be helping care for him until he’s better. Could this be what finally keeps her home and back into Malcolm’s arms?

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Flames (A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 2)


I really had a difficult time liking Jessie through most of the book. I understood her need to figure out who she is and to chase a dream, but her actions were selfish in my eyes. It was only about what she wanted and seemed to have turned a blind eye to the way her actions were effecting everyone in her life.

Malcolm knew Jessie was his one and only, but he could deal with the back and forth for so long. He is a better person than I am, I would have cut my losses and moved on.

With all of that being said, I did enjoy the book. Malcolm is an amazing man who loved with everything he had. Jessie was lost, she didn't know who she was and thought leaving was the only way to figure it out. Only it wasn't until she was home that everything clicked.

I have read almost everything written by Ms. Kay and have always enjoyed the books.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Old Flames (A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 2) By Libby Kay

Old Flames is the second book in the A Pinegrove FD Series. This is a Contemporary Romance set in a small town. I’ve read several books by this author and this may be my favorite yet. The characters are relatable fully developed and creative yet make the story come to life. This is a story about JJ and Smithy. These two were high school sweethearts but their dreams were different and they went separate ways. A emergency calls JJ back home to the small town of Pinegrove. Smithy is on the FD and a EMT and is injured in a warehouse fire. This brings these two back together. Can they rekindle their love from years past? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.