I didn't realise there was a book before this one. Didn't ruin the story. I did enjoy this book, found myself laughing my way through it and I enjoyed the story line. I hope there is another book in this series but not sure there is. Would read this author again.

Hysterically funny from beginning to end. This is real relationships at their best. I loved how the book didn't shy away from the harder parts of relationships, nor did it dial down the sex. A great read.

Set 5 years after The List, it was great to catch up with Phoebe and Oliver again. I will shamefully admit that I don't after such a break since I read the first book, recall too much about it, but that does mean that I can assure anyone that this can easily be read as a standalone.

There were a few reminders from The List, but on the whole this was a whole new story, about a married couple needing to reinvigorate their sex life. They have 4 year old Mollie now, and she is adorable, which would put a dampener on most people's passion, and so they come up with ways to try to spice up their lives.

Easily my favourite parts of this book was the introduction of the sex jar and how it was used, and the scenarios being played out, were a lot of fun, and incredibly sexy too.

I really enjoyed Phoebe's best friend Lucy, she was such a breath of fresh air running through the book, some of the funniest lines seemed to come from her.

The story takes place over a year, and is told in what appeared to be diary entries, some longer and some shorter. I really enjoyed all of Pam's suggestions for Phoebe and Oliver and it really wasn't all plain sailing.

This was the perfect length of book for me to read on a journey to and from Stoke, and it passed the journey incredibly well. I almost missed at least one stop, and generally didn't notice the world passing me by. Was incredibly enjoyable and the ending left me with a massive grin on my face (to the extent I think I had a few weird looks).

Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Phoebe and Oliver are in a rut, sex is virtually non existence and they just don't seem to have time for each other any more so Phoebe decides drastic action is required and drags Oliver along to see a counsellor. This is more like a sex therapist and suggests a jar that each of them put their wishes in.......... and as you can imagine the fun begins!

A great light hearted fun romp easy reading and quick to get through with raised eyebrows and a smile on your face

My favourite kind of chick-lit! I had not read the first book in this series however this did not take away from the book and now i'm looking forward to going back and reading the first book in this series!

This book is romantic, lighthearted and utterly sexy! Something so easily relatable to those of us who have been with our partners for so long, spicing things up is something we've all tried!

Relight my fire is hilariously funny and had me laughing from start to finish.

You NEED to read this book, it is EVERYTHING!!!

I've been dying to read this book since I first heard about it & it did not disappoint. It's just what I've come to expect from Joanna Bolouri. The perfect chick read, hilarious!!

Phoebe and Oliver are stuck in a rut, they are using all their energy bringing up their daughter with no time for each other. When Phoebe realises how long its been since they had sex she decides to bring in professional help. We follow the ups and downs during a year in their lives. I can only recommend this book, its sexy, funny and insightful. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I didn’t realise this was a sequel when I began reading this title, but will now definitely be reading the first Phoebe and Oliver title, although this can be read as a stand-alone. It certainly has its naughty moments as the tagline suggests so beware of choking on hot drinks, but it is also a brilliant, funny and relatable portrayal of getting stuck in a rut and trying to find your way back, whilst making discoveries, some good, some bad about your relationship and you and your partner.

I’ll start by saying if you’re prudish, don’t read this book. To everybody else, get your money out.
The end!
Links to buy underneath...

Only messing, I was genuinely just going to write in big bold letters: YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE!
It's true like, you do. But, I thought I best give you just a tad more.

RMF is a follow on read from our JB's sensational debut, The List. I would wholeheartedly recommend reading that first. I’m not saying you can't read this one first mind, but you will thank me later if you do, I promise.

So, we’re back five years after leaving a wonderful happy ending with the fabulous, Phoebe and Oliver, and now demanding jobs and a daughter. Stuck in a rut, in their life and their sex life they’re introduced to a sexy wish jar. What’s a sexy wish jar? Well, it’s a jar in which you can put in anything you’ve ever wanted to ask your other half to do in bed.

(Not going to lie I was a bit disappointed because my sexy wish jar would be a jar of Nutella and a spoon.)

We all know happy endings don't always mean they end up as happy endings. Most of us in relationships with or without children understand that they all do go stale and could do with some spice put back into them sometimes. Having a modern, up-to-date book that delves into this subject is wonderful. It's totally relatable and this is what makes it so good. It's real life, real relationships, real love, real ruts, real time that we end up not spending together because life somehow gets in the way. It's not easy to keep that connection from the beginning days, so I'm glad it's been done honestly, respectfully, straight to the point and of course in the hilarious fashion in which our JB (Joanna Bolouri not Justin Bieber) has us accustomed too.

RMF is descriptive but not full on porn, I did expect it to be worse. Worse in a good way that is. However, I'm very hard to make blush so this had me dead from the start with the endless innuendos and hilarious one liners. It is also not just based on sex, although I know a lot of us wouldn't have minded that. It has a fantastic premise and some nice run along storylines which keeps us drawn in and interesting throughout and also more depth and insight into the characters themselves.

JB is crazy! She amazes me with her talent, execution and humour. As always her flow is on point and reads perfectly. She’s down to earth, clever and I’m pretty smitten with her to tell you the truth. Her books are like stress relief to me.

She is without a doubt RomCom Queen by far and give her a chance and she will be after the Bonk-Buster crown from Rebecca Chance. Yes, I said it.... Now that is some serious praise indeed!

I honestly loved Relight My Fire - the book that is, not the shit song by Take That! It’s funny, energetic, quick, easy, spicy and shocking! You’ll definitely get through it faster than one of those pink gins you have at the end of one of them proper shit days.

Also, you will get weird looks if you read this in public.

5/5

A huge Joanna Bolouri’s fan here and ahh jeez, guys! What a brilliantly filthy, sexy and equally romantic and hilarious novel “Relight My Fire” was! I enjoyed every single page and really, I didn’t have an idea how much I wanted to know about the characters’ lives after “The List”! So, that has set the tone of my review a little already, right?It was absolutely brilliant to catch up with Phoebe and Oliver and their bedroom antics in the sequel to “The List”. It tells us what happens five years after the List and while I reluctantly admit that yes, you can read it as a stand – alone, I’d really advise to read the books in the right order – you simply are going to miss on more hilarity in your life if you won’t read the previous novel, and well, I also think it is a great introduction to “Relight My Fire”.

Phoebe is still Phoebe, sassy, quirky and direct. And in relationship with Oliver. As you may remember, they used to have some crazy sex adventures, however, after few years and a daughter, things calmed down a little. Moreover, Phoebe finds that they are in a rut, not only in bed but also in everyday life. So it’s time for something bigger – counselling. But not your usual one, oh no, of course not – after all, Phoebe and Oliver’s sex live should revive. What does it mean? Even more sex adventures, of course.

But the story didn’t only focus on sex and I liked this fact very, very much. There were more subplots that kept me glued to the pages and made the story even more exciting. It also brings us back some of the old characters and we couldn’t miss Braindead in this book – it wouldn’t be the same without him, I think he deserves his own novel to be honest. But of course also Phoebe and Oliver stayed their own good old selves, maybe a little bit more mature but still free – spirited. I fell for them immediately again, laughed at their musings and wanted for the things to go smoothly for them. It is so normal, their relationship, as well as the fact that after some time things pale a little and this is why, I think, this book was so relatable and believable, and the things they said or did just rang a bell or two.

This novel, as well as “The List”, is written in the diary form and it works perfect. Told mostly from Phoebe’s point of view, it was highly amusing to read in what ways the couple tried to spice things up in their bedroom, and this included not only total abstinence, but also a play list and a “sex jar” with requests… Yes, it is a very, very descriptive book – and I’m not going to say a word more *going red all over again*Oh, OK, I’m going to say more. Because yes, sex is very important in this novel, but deep, deep down at the heart of this story it is all about love, friendship and passion in your relationship. How it is worth to dedicate more time each other again.

“Relight My Fire” was a brilliant story about feelings. This book really had it all. It made me blush, hell, forget blushing, it made me go all red. It was hilariously funny, it was brutally honest and open, it was great. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cringe with embarrassment, it made me go “awww”, it made me want to face – palm the characters or bang their heads together – and it doesn’t happen often that I fell so strongly for the characters and completely feel a part of their lives. Written in this typical Joanna Bolouri’s writing style, bold and direct, and bringing freshness and over – stepping boundaries, and not everyone would be able to write such a book – I can’t recommend it highly enough!

RELIGHT MY FIREEEEEEE, YOUR LOVE IS MY ONLY DESIREEEEEEE, RELIGHT MY FIREEEEEEEE, CAUSE I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED YOUR LOVE

I am 100% positive that I am not the only one who has sung the title of the book - how could you not?

 'Relight my Fire' is the sequel to 'The List', so whilst there will be definite character overlap, I think that you could get away with reading this book as a standalone. However, it might be beneficial for you to read 'The List' first, just so you can get a better idea of the characters backstories.

I really have no idea how she does it, but Joanna Bolouri had me snorting tea out of my nose in a matter of minutes, writing the types of things that you would really need to 'be there' for. You know, the ones where someone laughs so hard over something HILARIOUS, whilst other people look on like you're growing a second head.

Although, judging by what Phoebe and Oliver put in their 'sex jars', I'm waiting for people to look at them like they've grown a second head. Well, if Phoebe has her wish then Oliver will but y'know!!!

If you're a prude then this book would probably be the 'naughtiest book you've ever read', but for people who can turn any sentence into filth, I would say that the level of naughtiest isn't as riskay as one would hope for. Don't get me wrong, the contents of the 'sex jar' are raunchy enough and utterly bonkers, but I know the author has it in her to take those characters way beyond than what she did here. Not complaining by the way, I just thought that it was perhaps a little tame for Joanna Bolouri haha.

If you're a parent with a young child, you're probably going to relate to 'Relight my fire' a lot more than others will. I thought that the issues which Oliver and Phoebe faced along the way, were relatable and very black and white. I loved how Joanna Bolouri didn't sugar coat any of the hurdles couples can face, especially those with young children.

Bolouri kept her entire story honest and real, and for that I applaud her because those types of situations aren't easy, yet she wrote them in a laugh-out-loud and bonkers manner, catering for a wide range of readers.

Phoebe and Oliver are a brilliant couple to read about, and I loved how they seem to have gotten funnier since 'The List' - their sarcasm is brilliant!

I devoured 'Relight My Fire' in one sitting, making it the fastest book I have read of Joanna Bolouri's. Whilst I do feel that the storyline had a lot more room for a lot more raunchiness, I still absolutely adored reading this book - I don't think I have laughed this much in ages.

'Relight My Fire' is such a feel good and uplifting read which will make you laugh when the going gets tough, instead of holding your head in your hands and crying. Either that or it'll give you the urge to create your own 'sex jar' - single or not!

Joanna Bolouri has delivered once again! Such a laugh out loud, bonkers, and enjoyable read from an author who says it like it is. I eagerly await her next novel!

3.5/5

This book was so fun to read, I blew through it in a day!
I really like the characters and the journey they went on, although the writing did seem slightly patchy / misinformed at times which did bug me a little, but it was only occasionally, so it can be looked past
Also ngl every time I read the title, i start humming the song haha

Relight My Fire follows the same characters from The List. However, don't worry if you haven't read the first book - I hadn't - as this is easily read as a standalone.

Busy working parents Oliver and Phoebe feel they that have lost the spark in their love life and are are looking to relight the fire in their relationship again. They visit a therapist for couple's relationship counselling, rather reluctantly on Oliver's part initially. Her suggestions vary from total abstinence, to creating a playlist reflecting their view of their relationship, to putting requests in a 'sex jar' and basically just communicating their feelings.

Following the ups and downs in their quest along with reading about some fabulously supportive friends, mad work colleagues and some blasts from the past make this a really enjoyable book. Relight My Fire is a very funny, rather naughty, great fun read.

I really enjoyed Joanna Bolouri's previous books, her stories are always a bit bonkers but hilarious and they are the perfect antidote after a stressful week. Relight My Fire is no different in this sense, it made me laugh out loud several times and I completely forgot about my life for a while.

This story focuses on Phoebe and Oliver, who starred in Joanna Bolouri's debut The List and shared some crazy sexual adventures back then. Things are not that wild right now though, after a few years together and a daughter, they can't even remember the last time they had proper sexy sex. Not only that, they are distant with each other in their daily life. So Phoebe decides it's time for couple counseling.

As you can imagine, the counseling is not your traditional kind, but quite a creative one, so our main characters embark in a few more sexual adventures. I have to say though that I didn't expected some of the secrets revealed during this process and the story kept my attention completely captured. There were also a couple more plot-lines to complement the main one, so you were never bored with the story and things kept happening.

Relight My Fire is hilarious, rude and highly entertaining. It keeps up with the fun tone of The List but it can still be read as a stand alone. So why not check it out?

I expected more from this book. It was ok, it was not “the naughtiest rom com you will ever read”. It’s a tale of phoebe and oli and their lives with their child. Set in Glasgow. A bit long winded, a bit meh, I just didn’t see the point of it, it’s like I missed a really important chapter. . . .they are stuck in a rut, seek help, create a few wishes to liven up their sex life and that’s it. No why, no wherefore, no ending.

Phoebe and Oliver are in a rut, their lives revolve around their daughter Molly and mundane day to day tasks.



As Phoebe can't even entice Oliver into some time together, she discusses with Lucy and Hazel her closest friends who suggest therapy and so she takes Oliver with her to discuss things through with a therapist. Whilst there they get told tips to do week by week such as using a sex idea and fantasies jar and so they slowly start to get their mojo back, starting with setting and other scenarios the couple go through some sad and hilarious moments together.



It is a very sex heavy themed book, however the main issue is how to keep the passion in a relationship though we do also see an old flame of a boss return and an impending marriage for a friend, Lucy. We see how day to day the couple neglected each other before making an effort on both sides and seeing how they were happier once they had time together to recapture the spark they had originally.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

I was excited to see where Phoebe and Oliver have got to in their relationship. This being the sequel to The List, it picks up 5 years after the first book ended and we see them in a rut. With the same funny, sexual tone as the first book we see them experimenting once more. While I found the book funny, a little romantic I didn’t actually really enjoy it. To be honest, I found a little boring. Well written though, I loved the fact it was written as Phoebe’s journal. I don’t think I’d pick up another book if they’re in it though. I personally think we’ve reached the end of the story.

Relight My Fire, Joanna Bolouri


Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Woman's Fiction.

Gah, Woman's Fiction – I hate when we dismiss a whole sector of readers. Why do that? Why shouldn't men read this? Ah well, rant over.

I Loved The List, a fabulous read. Maybe I just had over expectations for this but I didn't find it as gripping, as funny, as can't-stop-reading. I liked it, a lot but didn't love it.
Oliver and Phoebe are wonderful, and Phoebe's friends are great. Its lovely to see how they all are five years on. Phoebe though finds that each time she approaches Oliver he's too tried, not in the mood, Molly needs something, and its suddenly a couple of moths since they've made love.
Phoebe's list comes into play again – and wow, what great ideas the two of them have. Soon they're on full flow, unable to keep their hands of each other, just like the old days. It seems all their issues are sorted – but are they? People from Phoebe's past suddenly appear, and Oliver isn't happy, then something comes out from him that shocked Phoebe ( and me). It caused a huge rift, and I understood how both felt. Its the kind of issues many couples face, and what can break a relationship if not dealt with properly and I so didn't want that to happen.
Of course in all the drama are the usual comedic moments that characterized The List and lightened the seriousness of the novel. That was a great balance, not too bright and chippy to be considered fluff, not too deep and dark to be off-putting to readers who want a story to relax with. I love books like this that deal with real events, with issues we all face but also give me some bright moments and a HEA. I need that.
Overall its another great read but there were times I found myself drifting, not fully into the story, unlike The List where I found it impossible to put down. Its a good follow up, and was good to see how they were doing five years down the line.

Stars: Four, not up to the List for me, but a good read.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers