Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and author for the ARC!

After loving The Guncle I was thrilled to read this! Of note, I did reread The Guncle prior to starting this. There is a time gap between the Guncle and The Guncle Abroad so the characters do grow up. As always though, Patrick, Maisie, and Grant bring hilariously heartfelt vibes. I love that they grew up but I was actually a little sad. It did bring new character issues for Guncle Patrick to address - especially Maisie who is not in elementary school any more. The Humor in this story is so on par and wholesome. I also couldn't help but laugh at the JK Rowling call out. Patrick and his quotes have me snorting constantly throughout the book, the queer pop culture references were superb, and Mr. Steven Rowley I am BEGGING YOU to write a book specifically featuring the "LAUNT". This book was all about the characters - and you also get Clara and Greg showing up from The Guncle and their relationship with Patrick was the cherry on top to wrapping up the adventures abroad.

Steven Rowley's "The Guncle Abroad" takes readers on a heartfelt journey filled with laughter, tears, and profound moments of connection. Building on the beloved characters introduced in his earlier novel "The Guncle," Rowley crafts a sequel that is both a delightful continuation and a standalone exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of love.

At the center of the story is Patrick, affectionately known as GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick), who is still reeling from the loss of his partner and navigating his role as a surrogate parent to his niece and nephew. When circumstances lead Patrick and the children to embark on a summer adventure abroad, Rowley expertly captures the challenges and joys of familial relationships in a foreign setting.

The novel shines in its portrayal of Patrick's emotional journey. His witty humor and vulnerability resonate deeply as he grapples with his own grief while striving to be a source of stability and guidance for the children. Through Patrick's perspective, Rowley deftly explores themes of resilience and the transformative power of embracing life's unexpected twists.

Rowley's writing is both tender and humorous, balancing poignant moments with laugh-out-loud anecdotes. The interactions between Patrick and the children are heartwarming and authentic, showcasing the evolving dynamics of their makeshift family. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative, each contributing to Patrick's growth and offering insights into the complexities of love and loss.

While "The Guncle Abroad" is a sequel, it stands on its own merits, welcoming new readers into Patrick's world while providing satisfying depth for those familiar with the characters from "The Guncle." The novel's pacing is engaging, with each chapter unveiling layers of emotion and revelation.

In conclusion, "The Guncle Abroad" is a poignant and uplifting novel that celebrates the bonds of family and the transformative power of love. Steven Rowley's storytelling prowess shines brightly, delivering a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. For readers seeking a touching exploration of grief, resilience, and the joy of second chances, "The Guncle Abroad" is a must-read.

The Guncle was one of my favorite reads, so I was understandably excited for The Guncle Abroad. While it hit all of the points, I found myself wanting more this time around. I wanted to see more of Patrick interacting with the kids and less of him being in his head. There were so many little plots happening in this that it felt a little slow at times and overwhelming at others. It was still a fun read and I highly recommend for any other Guncle fans out there.

THE GUNCLE ABROAD picked up where THE GUNCLE left off with our lovable GUP, Patrick. I’ve never looked forward to a sequel more than this, and I can happily say it did not disappoint.

Did it live up to THE GUNCLE hype? Yes. Was it as lovable as the first? Also, yes. But did I love it as much as the first? No, but it was still an incredibly heart warming story.

I’m usually not one to compare two books in a series, but it’s really hard to do given the fact that these books are so heartwarming and pull at your heartstrings. I really like how Rowley interweaves so many underlying plot lines with the main focus of THE GUNCLE ABROAD being about love and the family you create.

But the biggest takeaway is once again (like THE GUNCLE), grief. In this story, we learn where each character is along their grief journey and how it affects everyone differently. Bottom line is to accept where people are, even if you’re grieving the same person and you’re at a different stage.

Biggest thanks to NETGALLEY and PENGUIN GROUP for this e-ARC.

Content warnings: grief, death of a parent

I absolutely loved The Guncle and Steven Rowley's earlier books, but The Uncle Abroad was a miss to me. I enjoyed visiting the various European stops on their trip, but other than that I felt this writing was forced and just trying to capitalize on it's predecessor's success.

I loved this so so much. So great to be back with old friends! The Guncle was one of my favorite books so this was highly anticipated. It did not disappoint!

4 fun stars
The Guncle Abroad is a fun summer romp without having to pack your passport. I became acquainted with GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) in Rowley’s first book. Everyone is 5 years older, dad is getting married, so Patrick takes teens Maisie and Grant on a European vacation before the Italian wedding.

A few serious moments, minor drama, delicious chocolate – a family who learns and loves. What’s not to love? I enjoyed the characters and the humor. If you’re looking for a dramatic plot, this is not it. If you sometimes need something light and a bit sweet, The Guncle Abroad will satisfy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While this didn’t pack quite the poignant emotional punch of The Guncle, it was really nice getting to catch back up with this lovable cast of characters and see where they have been in the intervening years. A nice light summer read.

Thank you Steven Rowley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

LOVED The Guncle. Liked this sequel. Is it the travel storyline that dropped me down in stars? The lack of growth and continuing endearment of the characters? I can't put a full finger on it, but as much as I went into this title *wanting* to love it, I just wasn't as emotionally invested in it or laughing out loud like I was with the first one. Will I still read (or especially *listen*) to anything by Steven Rowley? Absolutely.

Patrick, Maisie, & Grant capture hearts once again as they travel around Europe before their dad’s wedding. Greg is getting married and the kids aren’t too thrilled, so Guncle Patrick takes them on a European vacation to try and persuade them to give their dad a break and their almost stepmom a chance. There are many funny moments, and also heartfelt moments as the three of them wrestle with their grief over their mom’s passing 5 years earlier. As always, Patrick can lighten the mood while also speaking wisdom to his niblings. I hope there will be more adventures with GUP and the kids in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was.. not good? There is no plot to speak of.
Starts with a glimpse at the end of the story which is the only conflict to speak of. The actual conflict is resolved within a few pages about 3 chapters from the end. (What happens after that? Idk.. nothing). The entire first half of the book is just scenes of the guncle and kids traveling to various cities with NO ACTUAL PURPOSE. It was like a sitcom montage but half the book. Then they get to the location of the wedding.. nothing happens for awhile.. then there’s a big blow up and it’s resolved.. oh and they pull a mamma Mia out of the absolute blue. Yay happy ending. Here’s 3 more chapters of nothing.

From here going forward Stephen Rowley is an autobuy author! And going forward I would also suggest Rowley continues the Guncle
Series. How fun - I want myself a Guncle.

The Guncle Abroad picks up 5 years after the Guncle with Patrick in London, taking the kids for a month on the way to Italy where Greg is supposed to get married. The kids are struggling with the grief of losing their mom, the possibility that she is being replaced, and the adjustment of a potential new step-mom.
I enjoyed getting to read about this lovable family again and see Patrick trying to teach the kids about his version of love languages. It was a fun re-introduction and nice to see how everyone had changed.
I had a couple of issues with the book that kept it from being a 5 star read for me. First of all, Grant is 11 in the book, but acts like he's 7 or 8. Have you met a middle schooler lately? Skibidi toilet and rizz and sus. But no possible way for a kid of 11 to be that naive and be so interested in doing what his sister says. By that age siblings are learning to exert their own independence and personalities alot more than we get to see from Grant in this book.
Some of the traits that were so endearing and hilarious about Patrick in the first book came across as childish and selfish in this book. I can't say what's different about the character, but he was a little less lovable for me. Having said that, there's also a part of me that like him more because he seemed more real and his faults were on display. Should a 50 year old be jealous of the kids new aunt? No. Does it show a depth of personality and realism that exists for people? Yes.
As for the rest of the novel, I loved the references to musicals. I really love the descriptions of the food. And ultimately I loved the end of the novel and the way that everything was resolved. There's a tenderness to this read that is compelling and I would 100)% recommend it to anyone who has read The Guncle and would recommend both books to anyone who is a fan of Steven Rowley's other works. I would not recommend The Guncle Abroad as a stand alone as the character and plot are so dependent on the first book.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I've already purchased my own copy!

Sequels are such a hard thing to tackle for authors, and while this didn't live up to the first for me (not many books do in general, it's one of my favorites!), I still really enjoyed it. The shenanigans were still present, and the conversations between GUP and the kids made me laugh, but there wasn't as much heart. It felt like GUP grew more in the first book than he did in this one from being around the kids. The ending both frustrated me, and made my heart happy at the same time. I don't want to give anything away though, so I'll leave it at that.

Even though it wasn't as good as The Guncle, I still recommend picking this one up. The relationship between GUP and the kids will make you laugh and smile.

"The Guncle Abroad" is a sequel that is just as cute as the original.

Five years have passed and Patrick finds himself taking care of his niece and nephew once again but in Europe. His brother is getting remarried and the kids are less than thrilled. Patrick must take care of them and use his fun Guncle lessons to help the kids adjust to their new norm.

I adored this one. It was nice to peek back into the lives of these characters. Steven Rowley brings humor, wit, and all the feels with his writing, making me wish I had my own GUP.

Thank you NetGalley, Steven Rowley, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for gifting me this ARC. It was a fun one!

3.5 rounded up

I loved “The Guncle” when I read it in 2022. It was one of my favorite feel good reads of the year (and all I want is a film adaptation starring Andrew Rannells!) I thought the first book ended so perfectly I was a bit surprised that a sequel came out. But the themes explored in it were warranted.

Set 5 years after the first book, Patrick’s niece Maisie and nephew Grant are older and have accepted their mother’s death. But they are not on board with their father getting married! Patrick’s brother calls him, begging him to help the kids in a way he can’t, just as Patrick did with their mother’s death. Patrick rises to the challenge, taking the kids on a whirlwind European trip before the wedding in Italy. He teaches them about moving on and loving again, and maybe even learns some lessons himself in this department.

These fun yet poignant books place a gay character in the role of caregiver that teach the children lessons in ways their parents can’t (like Mary Poppins or Sound of Music.) I love Patrick’s witty views on the world and enjoyed seeing him help the kids accept a new love for their father. The European travels were also a lot of fun and very atmospheric. The only reason I didn’t rate this higher was that some of the lessons in the middle felt a bit repetitive. But overall, I enjoyed this!

✨Content Warnings: Death of a Parent, Drug Use, Car Accident

I loved the Guncle, it was one of the more painful books I’ve ever read, but I read it at the perfect time in my life when I was dealing with my own major grief. So I will admit I was excited and a little nervous about this one. I knew I would love it (and I did), but I worried what feelings it would stir up for me. This one wasn’t quite the same emotional gut punch as the first, but it had the same emotional humor and it was a good story. Patrick is in England filming a movie and moping a bit after breaking up with his boyfriend when he gets a wedding invitation from his brother. He offers to take the kids on a trip around Europe and meet Greg at the wedding and so much adorable bonding happens. But Maise is determined there should be no wedding and wants Patricks help with it. Patrick focuses on teaching Maise and Grant about love and lovely hilarious gay humor occurs. As much as I liked revisiting this world I think I’d be ok if this series was done now. A perfect ending for Maise, Grant and their Guncle.

GUP is back and this time he’s squiring his niece and nephew around Europe prior to their father’s marriage. If you loved the Guncle, you should give this one a shot, although many of the jokes definitely fall on the side of “trying way too hard.”

Loved this follow up story! I enjoyed everything about it - the characters, the setting, the story line. So sweet and fabulous!

Oh my goodness, how I loved this book. Patrick will forever be one of my favorite , flawed but loveable characters. Steven rowley does such an amazing job creating characters that feel so real. Patrick has his problems and quirks, which at times can be obnoxious and annoying. But his heart is so huge, his capacity to love boundless, and it’s clear to the reader that his “flaws” come from insecurity.
I was worried a sequel to the beloved first book wouldn’t hold up to the pedestal I have The Guncle on, but this book was just as superb as its predecessor. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this book. All opinions are my own.