3. 5 stars. I was so excited to read this and spend more time with all of the characters I fell in love with in The Guncle. This was such a funny and comforting read and one that I completed in two sittings.

To be honest, this does feel a lot like the fan service that it is, especially in much of the first half when GUP is traveling around Europe with the kids and dispensing Guncle lessons in love. The writing and the book are so much better when they tackle some of the harder issues like grief and growing up. Thankfully, it finds a way to recreate some of the original's magic in the end, causing me to burst into tears more than once. Even though this installment has a rather satisfying ending, I would still happily read any additional Guncle adventures.

Steven Rowley has done it again with The Guncle Abroad. The Guncle was my favorite book of 2021 and its sequel is just as good. Picking up five years after the events of The Guncle, The Guncle Abroad finds Gay Uncle Patrick, or GUP to those who love him, planning a trip across Europe to teach his niblings Maisie and Grant about love before their father remarries in a lavish Lake Como ceremony to a wealthy Italian heiress. Maisie and Grant still miss their mother and cannot understand why their father would want to try and replace her. The children enlist the help of Patrick to talk some sense into their father and convince him to call off the wedding. As they travel across Europe, Patrick teaches the children about the importance of love and the various ways it can be expressed. Of course Patrick begins to really reflect on the lessons he has taught and how they impact his own life.
The Guncle Abroad is another fantastic novel from Steven Rowley. He writes such amazing characters that you love not in spite of their flaws but rather because of them. His handling of grief and its long term effects is spot on for both adults and children. This book made me laugh out loud as well as cry. My heart hurt for Patrick, Maisie and Grant as they each processed the loss of Sara and its effect on their lives after five years but I also cried a little in happiness when Patrick gets his HEA and Maisie and Grant accept that life will move on but their mother will always be with them.

I thought the first book was well-done and complete. However, I loved revisiting these characters and seeing the kids grow up. Rowley takes a sensitive topic and delivers in a funny, caring way. Now I really hope we get more adventures with Gup and the kids.

Ahhhh my heart. I loved The Guncle, but I think this sequel has my whole heart. Steven Rowley has graciously allowed these characters back into our lives and it is the best thing ever. I simply loved how heartwarming, honest, and hopeful this book was!! Rowley’s characters have the best wit, and are so sharp. I simply love Patrick and his relationship with his niece and nephew.

Thank you @netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy!

The Guncle is one of all-time go to recommendations, and I'm so pleased to announce that its sequel is just as funny, charming, and full of heart as the original.

First of all, you will adore the expanded cast of characters, especially a new soon-to-be aunt that gives Patrick a run for his money. There are also countless literal laugh out loud moments. At the same time, it's a beautiful tale of grief and how to move on. Sarah's letter to Greg's future wife-to-be just got me!

Admittedly, the first bit when the kids and Patrick travel through Europe is not quite as tight as it could be. Hang in there!

Bottom line: Home run!

“There are a thousand ways that love ends, but there is only one it begins and that’s by opening your heart to another.”

Such a fun book! Steven Rowley’s follow up to The Guncle is a very enjoyable read. We get plenty of quality time with Patrick, Maisie and Grant, and we are also introduced to a new cast of characters in a beautiful European setting. Just like its predecessor, The Guncle Abroad can move the reader from laughter to tears and back again in a moment.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

I'll be honest--I enjoyed "The Guncle", but I didn't *quite* get the hype. This time I get it. This book is hilarious. This book is heartwarming. This book is smart. This book is hopeful.⁠
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This book takes place five years after the first, Gay Uncle Patrick is back and taking his niece and nephew Maise and Grant on a trip around Europe ending in Italy where their father is set to marry a new woman...something they're not quite ready for, so GUP's Rules are also back covering what it means to love.⁠
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While I didn't remember a whole lot of specifics from the first book, I didn't need to--the book reminds the reader enough of the characters and happenings from the first one that I didn't feel like I was missing out (though I do maybe want to go back and see how I feel about it now--I did listen to it the first time and I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it).⁠
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I finished "The Guncle Abroad" in just a few days--it was a quick read and it was one I didn't want to put down. And what impressed me the most was that it was just very smart--there are funny one-liners and puns and "zingers" and references that are just perfectly placed. And there are also some life lessons and discussions on grief, love, sexuality, and family.⁠
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And I just have to say, I especially appreciate that there are several references in the book to film tourism and a book-stealing scene of our three favorites recreating The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria.

I love everything that Steven Rowley writes, and this was no exception. I loooooooved The Guncle, it made me laugh out loud, tear up, want to hug everyone I hold dear to my heart. I was. so pleased to meet Grant, Maisie and Patrick again. It was everything I needed: witty, sweet, and there was just a touch of intrigue. Watching the characters travel across Europe was a delight.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
Narrator: Steven Rowley
Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 5/21

Thank you so much to Putnam Books for my physical copy and to PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

The Guncle Abroad picks up five years after the original, while Patrick O’Hara’s career is flourishing, but his personal life is not. Happiness eludes him as he grapples with loneliness post-breakup and the approach of his fiftieth birthday. But things take a turn when Patrick agrees to spend time abroad with Grant and Maisie, who are struggling with the idea of their father remarrying.

I loved The Guncle, and I loved this book just as much! Rowley seamlessly blends humor and heart again, making readers laugh out loud and feel all the feels. Patrick’s journey to restore his status as Grant and Maisie's favorite uncle while navigating the chaos of a lavish wedding was hilarious and heartwarming. The introduction of the "Launt" (Lesbian Aunt) and Clara's new love interest added extra doses of comedy and warmth to the story.

Patrick's witty reflections on love and aging are woven seamlessly into the story, providing moments of genuine introspection. His growth, paralleled with the evolving family dynamics, is touching and inspiring.

I went back and forth between my physical copy and the audiobook, and Rowley brings Patrick's vibrant personality to life with every inflection and perfectly timed joke. It’s a special experience to hear the author read his own work, and I’m so glad I was able to!

Fans of "The Guncle" will find this sequel to be filled with the same charm and wisdom as the original. For readers new to the series, reading the first book is a must to appreciate the depth and development of these wonderful characters.

"The Guncle Abroad" is a celebration of love, family, and self-discovery, proving that even at fifty, it's never too late to find happiness and embrace change. Steven Rowley once again captures the essence of familial bonds with his signature wit and heartfelt storytelling.

Rating- 4.5 stars rounded off to 5 stars

Guncle's back helping you discover your love language!

Thanks NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC!

Synopsis-

Guncle, Patrick O'Hara , is looking at his big birthday of half a century. While his career has really taken off these past few years, he is dealing with some personal setbacks - newly single after his break up with his long-time boyfriend Emory. When his brother Greg, announces his second marriage set to take place at Lake Como, Italy, Patrick takes his nephew Grant and niece Maisie on a little European adventure before the wedding. But the real problem begins during the lavish event, when he has to contend with the new Launt (Lesbian Aunt) Palmina, to win over the favor of the kids and retain his stardom as well as reputation in the family.

Review-

Our beloved Guy Uncle Patrick is back with a bang with this sequel. If you’ve loved the first book, then you understand the basic know-how of the “Guncle” saga – Guncle rules, Guncle knows best, silly portmanteaus, a refreshing perspective to handling grief and the art of generating humor amidst all the gloom and chaos.

On their European trip, it is now time for Maisie and Grant to learn all about love from their GUP. And what a way to teach indeed! Patrick introduces the kids to his two cents about ‘love language’, how it is different for everyone and all the elements it entails.

I loved travelling to London, Paris, Salzburg, Venice and finally to Lake Como with this trio - amazed at how the kids had grown up so fast, laughing, crying and learning Patrick’s simple wisdom about life, love and loss.

The Lake Como wedding was splendidly luxurious, bringing in some great fun, laugh-out-loud drama and chaos. How endearing it was to see Guncle Patrick and Launt Palmina face off in a tug of war of sorts, while a side game with Patrick’s own family ensued. Oh some of the dialogues are pure gold - brimming with witty banter, clever humor and profound insights.

There were moments that both warmed and broke my heart, finally filling it with joy. I cheered all the way for this loveable trio through to that sweet ending.

A fitting sequel to its predecessor! Highly recommend!

4.5/5 stars

What a fun second book in the Guncle series. It was a joy being back with Patrick (GUP), Maisie, Grant and the full cast of characters which included Emory, a newfound Launt (Lesbian Aunt) and Greg (Patrick's brother). This book made me want to take a trip to Lake Como, Italy and experience all their adventures. My favorite parts were the Rehearsal dinner, the jokes, the Guncle life lessons and overall, if you enjoyed the Guncle, you will also love The Guncle Abroad.

This book is also filled with depth by talking about grief, new families and being true to yourself.

Lastly, these covers are my favorite and bonus points that the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, Steven Rowley. I want to go back now and listen to Rowley read The Guncle.

What I loved the most:
-Second chances
-Guncle Love Language Rules
-All the feels

I enjoyed The Guncle Abroad. It was a fun story and the shenanigans you would expect from GUP and his niblings. The book ultimately is unnecessary, like a I didn’t NEED a sequel to The Guncle, it was fine leaving it where it was. But I don’t care, I still had a lovely time reading it.

For those that would want to know, JKR/HP is mentioned and the main character does end up calling JKR a TERF but the reference is in the book nonetheless. It does come up again later a few times as well. Maybe just don’t reference her at all! Calling her a TERF isn’t a free pass to include HP references. Personally, I can move past it but I know it will be upsetting to some people especially some queer and trans readers.

The Guncle Abroad made me want to on on a European vacation! This is another heart warming adventure with the same characters from the Guncle, just five years older. GUP is on a mission to teach Grant and Maisie about love, and why it's important. Of course, he learns from Grant and Maisie in the process and they all wind their way through Europe towards their happy ending...even though it isn't the ending they expect.

It has been 5 years since Patrick took his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant, for the summer to help them deal with the loss of their mom while their dad, Greg, got help with his own health crisis. Now, Greg is getting remarried and the kids are not happy. Patrick offers to take them around Europe to learn about love, while also mooning over the end of his relationship with Emory. But when they get to Italy for the wedding, tensions escalate with the bride's family, Greg has some cold feet, and the kids are begging Patrick to put a stop to the wedding.

I loved this book. I love all the characters and thought the conversations and feelings of everyone, especially the kids, were so well-written and realistic. I especially loved Patrick getting his happy ending with Emory and the kids opening their hearts to Livia. I really hope there are more books coming up in this series!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Guncle Abroad was a great and fun follow-up to Rowley's The Guncle. I love the relationship with the children and the Italian setting was the best!

This was just what I needed and have been waiting for since reading The Guncle! This little family has my entire heart and then some. Patrick’s quick wit and fun loving banter is incredible especially when trying to deal with his now teenage and pre-teen niece and nephew. The life lessons are as always superb and left me wanting more of this little trio.
Steven Rowley, you have done it again. And I thank for you writing such amazing books packed with so much love, healing and truth.

This is a sweet and charming read; it left me wishing I had a wise gay uncle eager to take me on a learning trip through Europe!

Actor Patrick O'Hara's takes his niece and nephew on a cultural journey through Europe, teaching them about life and love. He tries to help them understand and accept their widowed father's plans to marry again, but that proves to be a challenging task.

This was a cozy story filled with fun luxurious travel details and lots of witty dialogue; I loved the lessons Patrick was trying to impart. The children's surliness and bad moods while being utterly spoiled got a little tedious. I understood they were upset at the thought of acquiring a stepmother, but wished they could just appreciate a little of the effort their uncle was putting in to give them beautiful experiences.

Thank you so much to Putnam and Netgalley for this ARC!

Steven Rowley gets me. He has never steered me wrong. Every book is like a warm hug from a friend I haven't seen in ages.

In The Guncle Abroad, we catch up with GUP and his family five years following the summer Patrick had to watch the kids for the summer. Now a stroppy teen and loveable middle schooler, the kids are off with Patrick for the summer visiting cities across Europe, ending at Lake Como and the father's wedding to a wealthy Italian woman. Maisie and (to an extent) Grant are not okay with their father replacing their mom. Patrick takes this opportunity to share what he calls his love languages.

An ode to second chances at love, Rowley brought this family dealing with grief and change to life with perception and feeling. Reconnecting with these characters was such a treat!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam Group for an early copy in exchange for a review.

Being back with Patrick and the kids felt so good. I loved The Guncle, and this sequel did not disappoint!


What I Liked:

Patrick, Maisie and Grant have such an easy banter that I adore. I always laugh reading their interactions. It was great reading how the kids and Patrick navigated some new speed bumps and things with the kids being 5 years older.

Palmina and Patrick’s interactions were hilarious. Gump versus Launt had me cracking up.

Rowley does such a wonderful job exploring grief and remembering loved ones we’ve lost, while making us smile and laugh.

What didn’t work for me:

The pacing in the last 25% of the book felt a bit rushed.

Teenagers. Yikes! Maisie's dad is getting remarried to a Very Glamourous Italian, which is NOT a way to a bookish teen girl's heart. Grant is eleven, doesn't really have a lot of interest in the wedding parts, but will—he thinks—definitely prefer his life without an Italian marchesa for a stepmom, since Maisie's churned those waters. The gruesome twosome turn to their truly belovèd Guncle Patrick, their Dad's big brother, for help stopping what they see as impending disaster.

Guncle ("gay uncle" if you need a refresher) has, in agreeing to "help" them, got a plan. The issue with plans is that teenagers, with their fully adult-strength emotions and complete absence of perspective, most often see through plans and get...stroppy...when they feel manipulated.

Clever Guncle...take the kids on a European tour, since he's already finishing up a film role in London, and talk to them...remember "Guncle Rules"? now they're "Love Languages"...while working through their fears about their Dad moving on from their Mom's early death. It will, not coincidentally, help him move on from his recent breakup with Emory, whom I feel sure we've all forgotten from <I>The Guncle</I>. At any rate, it's a welcome distraction from the entertainment business for a successful...again...sitcom...again...star, and a man about to turn the Big Five-Oh. Yep, the guy who found being loudly reminded by his loving niece thay he was forty-three tantamount to a hate crime is a half-century old.

Does his wiliness now exceed his willingness to be there for his family? Close-run thing if you ask me.

Well, Rowley's still got his humor vein open. I loved this bit:
<blockquote>“Sequels are either too bloated, too stuffed with B-team actors or characters or Ewoks—things that weren’t good enough for the original. A cash grab to profit off something that was probably a fluke in the first place.”

Cassie glanced at the surrounding patrons, perhaps wishing she could dine with one of them.

“The only time it maybe works—and I mean the only time—is when there wasn’t an ending that was entirely happy, when not everything was tied up in a neat little bow. Otherwise you have to undo someone’s happy ending to create more drama for your characters, and no one likes a happy ending undone. And what stories these days don’t have happy endings?”</blockquote>
Thus Patrick to his long-suffering agent...and Author Rowley tipping his hat to the audience. It's not the first time I've been here, so pay me the respect of telling me you're aware of that fact. I appreciated it, and was simultaneously amused by it. It joins the host of amusing moments that this whirlwind tour of Europe that must be completed in time for the destination wedding on Lake Como...shades of Patrick Dennis and <I>Around the World with Auntie Mame</I>, another sequel that has to undo a happy ending...and you get a fun, funny summertime escape in book form. That is a wonderful lot.

Of course, this is not the first time we've met these characters, so there's a lost sparkle that can't be recreated no matter what one does. In its place is a luster, the warm burnished glow from a fine silver samovar, one that always spills its tea warmed to perfection into your perfectly prepared cup. Sweet...the return and humanization of oldest sister Clara in her latest reinvention of self...bitter, Patrick's jealousy of the marchesa's lesbian sister who woos her way into Maisie and Grant's affections...fun, the comical nightmare rehearsal dinner like something from The Philadelphia Story, only...um...earthier, and honestly <I>de trop</I>. Tropes. Well polished, gleaming tropes that most story-loving readers want to read because they are familiar and dear and relatable. What story about a wedding that deserves one's attention at all doesn't feature some concatenation of mishaps?

The utter charm of how the world rights itself in romantic fiction is a source of delight.

Come be delighted. (But dear GOD, the w-verbing has got to stop!)