Maisie, Grant, and Patrick their GUP are back together after five years apart because the kids' dad Greg is going to marry Livia, a marchesa and well, Maisie, in particular isn't happy about it. This sequel will be just fine as a standalone (Rowley gives you the key points from the first book). It's a tour through high end European hotels and sites but it's really about family. Maisie wants Patrick to convince her father not to remarry but even she falls a little under the spell of Livia and the wedding preparations (a private night at the Prada headquarters store, blonde streaks in her hair) and Palmina, the LAUNT. Maisie and Grant ring true, Palmina is terrific, and Patrick, as always is quick with a quip (big mistake! huge!). This made me smile more than once (the Sound of Music tour is priceless), even before the surprise- and no spoilers on that one. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A fun, funny, heartfelt read.

This was a fun book to read since I like traveling. I know kids are angsty and mean, but sometimes they would really ruffle my feathers with how they treated Patrick. I also wish there was more of an explanation from Maisie as to why she didn’t want the wedding to happen. Aside from being an angsty teen who doesn’t want her mom replaced, she was very vague when talking to Patrick about him stopping the wedding. It was brought up but very surface level. Why didn’t he ever talk to her about it more in depth rather than just “it’s love!”

I know Patrick is the center of attention / main character energy, but I also couldn’t handle the ending and what transpired there. On brand but also would think it would be too tacky for him?

It was so wonderful to be back with Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. I love them. While this one was not quite as good as the first book, I didn't really care. I loved the setting. I liked the new characters. And the ending was sweet.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of The Guncle Abroad. I loved The Guncle and enjoyed this follow up as much as I did the original! I felt like I was on the trip with Patrick and his niece and nephew. Steven Rowley's descriptions made me feel as if I was in Lake Como. I loved the witty banter and catchy dialogues . I am very excited to hear that The Guncle is being made into a movie. I'll buy a ticket! Thank you to Steven Rowley for bringing back one of my favorite fictional characters.
I feel I connected to this story because my sons have a guncle. My book club loved both books and I feel like some members may have become a little more accepting and understanding. Thank you again and I have and will suggest this book to others!
Leslie Ponder

Guncle Love Languages. Were they as practical as his Guncle Rules? Maybe not in the short run. But his mission was clear nonetheless. He would teach these kids about love, how to love others, and how to be loved in return.

Guncle Love Language number one.” Patrick decided in the moment to name all of his love languages after songs, starting with one from Tori Amos. “Silent All These Years.”

“Guncle Love Language number one. ‘The Finer Things.’ I believe it was the great philosopher Steve Winwood who said that finer things keep shining through. But don’t be a snob about it, not everyone can come to Paris. I’m saying if you have good dishes, use the good dishes for a meal with someone you care about. If you have nice shoes, but you’re afraid to get them dirty, wear the good shoes and complete your outfit. Finer things. Don’t save them for a day that may never come, enjoy them with someone you love now. And if you’re going to have simple things like a hot beverage, you might as well have the world’s best.” “I thought number one was silence,” Maisie challenged. “Oh, blessed silence, that’s right. Let’s observe that as we wait on Love Language deux.”

“Guncle Love Language number three: ‘Don’t need no credit card to ride this train.’”

“Guncle Love Language number four: ‘Simply remember your favorite things.’”

“Guncle Love Language number five: ‘Together forever with you.’ That’s it. That’s mostly what marriage is. Spending time together. And wanting to move heaven and earth to make that happen. With the right person, time flies. Forever goes by in a blink. But the good news is, you’re the pilot. And when you have a good copilot, it makes the journey all the more bearable.”

My favorite apart about the first book was the conversations Patrick had with Grant and Masie. I thoroughly enjoyed this first half of the book when Patrick is teaching Grant and Masie about the Guncle Love Languages but I could have done without the vacation abroad for his brothers wedding. I can’t wait for the third book and hopefully Grant and Masie come and spend time with Patrick and Emory.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed being back with these characters. I loved the setting and the descriptions of all the European places. I also thought it was impactful how the characters continue to grapple with grief.

My main problem was I kept comparing this to the first book and it just didn’t have the same impact on me. It almost made me feel like a sequel wasn’t totally necessary. I also felt that the characters were a lot more selfish in this book what made them less endearing.

Overall, this was still a cute story, but the first book is way better!

Picking up five years after the end of The Guncle, Patrick and the kids are once again confronting some major life changes. The book begins in beautiful Lake Como on the eve of Greg’s marriage to an Italian noblewoman, Livia, and then quickly jumps to the month prior when Patrick is tasked with once again watching Maisie and Grant. As they tour Europe, Patrick attempts to teach them life lessons about love and moving forward, and - surprise, surprise - learns his own lessons in the process.

Much like The Guncle, this book was funny and light and heartwarming, with some serious life lessons tossed in. And much like many sequels, it sparkled just a little less brightly than the original. I would make an enjoyable move, though! The writing itself often read like a screenplay, and the setting of European cities (and of Lake Como in particular) would look amazing on the big screen. Fans of The Guncle will enjoy reading about Patrick, Greg, Maisie, Grant, and Clara once again. And while this book could be read as a standalone novel (there is plenty of recapping that happens in the beginning) I would strongly encourage readers to start with The Guncle.

I finished The Guncle Abroad at 1am last night and am now attempting to review it. I apologize in advance for this stream-of-consciousness mess but I have a lot of thoughts:

The humor in this is outstanding. I laughed legitimately out loud so many damn times. I especially found the pointed mentions of sequel tropes hilarious. Also, for a book with so many Grease references, it contains some extremely profound writing. The life lessons explored in this story are things we could always use a refresher on sometimes. And, much like what drew me to the first book, Rowley’s writing on grief is heartbreakingly bittersweet.

However, unlike the first novel, the stakes didn’t seem so high in this one. Yes, it’s nice to have a book dealing with how to cope with grief when it isn’t quite so fresh, and selfishly I don’t want anything bad to happen to these characters because I care about them, but the plot here didn’t resonate with me as much.

The structure of this is also a bit wonky. I don’t think the many cities they jump through at the beginning were needed (or they should have spent more time in each) because I felt like I had whiplash every time the setting changed. I much preferred the sections after they were at Lake Como.

While the ending was kind of cheesy, my romcom loving heart was here for it (not saying I cried but we all know I did). This book definitely had some wonderful moments and I think it’s an admirable follow up to the much beloved first novel!

Thank you to Putnam Books and Netgalley for this ARC. The Guncle Abroad comes out 5/21!

4.5/5

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sequels are hard, and while I felt The Guncle wrapped up nicely, I was so glad to be back with this family. Behind the charm, wit, and humor, this was a story about grief and moving on. I do recommend reading The Guncle first before picking up this one.

On a deeper level, I found this to be a realistic (yet glamorous - rich uncle taking niblings places abroad) continuation of grief and what moving on looks like. Sure, it might’ve been a little cliche with the descriptions of the travel locations, but the heart of this story was the important part. It was complex with sprinklings of wisdom throughout.

These were characters that I loved spending time with and learning about their development as five (story) years had passed since the original. I found Clara much more likable and Palmina was a stand-out. By the end, the reader knew everyone was going to be ok.

Fans of the Guncle, witty, charming books, and books about family relationships will highly enjoy this one.

Listening to The Guncle on audio is a bookish memory that I hold dear. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I booed - Steven Rowley knows how to provide the whole experience. I was thrilled to hear that Patrick, Grant, and Maisie were getting a sequel, but I was also a bit nervous. How could the second book possibly live up to my experience with The Guncle?!?

Well, friends, fear not, because The Guncle Abroad is every bit as delectable as our initial meeting in book 1. This treat of a story was like sitting down with old friends - you know, the loud and crazy ones that are always down for a good time but also have such big hearts that you can't help but adore them? Once again, I laughed, I cried (and also laughed UNTIL I cried, but that's a story for another day). These characters have a special place in my heart and I was so glad to sit down with them for a visit once again.

If you haven't yet read The Guncle (first of all, what are you even doing with your life?!) set this hot little number right on down until you've had a chance to get to know GUP and the kids in book 1. Their story is best told from the beginning.

A big thank you to Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons, NetGalley, and the legendary Steven Rowley for providing me with an advance review copy of this gem in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 ⭐️

I adored 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞, so I was thrilled that fun-loving GUP - gay uncle Patrick - was back.

Patrick is traveling with his niece and nephew through Europe to get to their father’s wedding in Italy, which they are not too keen on. While Patrick is still his fabulous self, the kids are older, and thus, this is seasoned with a bit more sage advice than humor and laughs. But you can’t help but have a great time when you're with GUP, even if his position of favorite is threatened by the LAUNT (lesbian aunt).

I loved spending time with Patrick and his family and I hope there's more to come.

Thank you @putnambooks and @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted digital arc and thank you @PRHaudio for the gifted audiobook.

The Guncle Abroad follows Patrick who helped take care of his brother Greg's kids Maisie and Grant after their mother passed away. Greg tells the kids that he is getting remarried and they do not take it well. So Patrick brings Maisie and Grant to Europe to help them cope. Patrick wants to help the kids get used to the idea of their father getting remarried and help them adjust to the new normal. Patrick shows that even though things may be hard the kids will always have their GUP!

I loved the Guncle and when I got this book I dropped everything to read it. This was such a good follow-up to that book. You do need to read the Guncle before reading this one ( plus that book is just so dang good). I loved everything about this book. The relationship that Patrick has with Maisie and Grant is just so dang cute. Also, Patrick in Europe is just such a vibe. I just love how much Patrick loves Maisie and Grant and will do anything for them. This book had the perfect amount of drama, love, and romance. And the end was perfect. I highly suggest this book. I really hope there is another book in this series.

Finally, an ARC I finished before publication! Almost a full week early, thank you very much. I loved Patrick in the first book and that continues here. He's a sweetheart who loves attention and just does his best. Maisie is now starting puberty, which was sweet to watch but could've used just a bit more depth. Grant could also have used a bit more depth but it was nice to see him start to evolve. I expected a bit more of their stories journeying Europe but was overall happy with the story. As much as I would like to spend more time with these characters, I think this story has done them well, and I think this should be where they end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This sequel to 2021's The Guncle is part travelogue, part family drama, and at times very funny. We pick up with Patrick five years after the events of the previous book, when his brother announces he's getting married and the kids aren't taking it well. GUP to the rescue, as Patrick whisks Maisie and Grant off on a European adventure to learn about love. But, unsurprisingly, it might be Patrick himself who has the most to learn.

This book lacked some of the magic of the original, but it would've been hard to beat it, and it was lovely to revisit the Guncle characters.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Another perfect mix of joy and heart tugging from the universe of Patrick O’Hara. I sincerely hope this series continues on. The little travel excursion seemed to drag on a bit too long but in the end it served a purpose. I loved the ending. Especially the letter on the plane. Yes I shed a tear or two.

Although I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC, I was so, so nervous to read this book! The Guncle is one of my absolute favorites, and I didn’t know how a sequel could possibly live up to its predecessor. But then IT DID!!

The Guncle Abroad is every bit as delightful and heartwarming and The Guncle. It is so wonderful to get to spend time with these beloved characters again. It feels like catching up with old friends, discovering how they’ve grown a little bit older and wiser. All of my favorite characters are back, with the addition of a few more fun ones as well!

Plus the setting is fantastic! I’ve been hoping to taking a family trip through Europe once my kids get a little older, and The Guncle Abroad painted a vivid picture of all of my travel dreams. I just wish I had a GUP to come along and inspire us with all of his love languages along the way!

The wait is almost over! Grab your copy May 21st!

I was nervous that this book would not live up to the first one but Steven Rowley did it again, he had me both laughing out loud and tearing up throughout the book. The way he changed the children to show their age with 5 years having passed and the shifts their relationship with GUP were particularly well done giving the book a different feel and type of humor than the first one.

Absolutely loved this one!

I loved the first book, but I believe this one was even better. I laughed out loud so many times. I just love Patrick, but I also fell in love with Emory and Palmina. I seriously can’t say enough about it. I love the writing, the humor, the lessons, and the characters

I hope this series continues because I would definitely continue reading them!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

When I first heard there was a second Guncle book coming out, I was SO excited and knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as possible!! We first met Gay Uncle Patrick or GUP and his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant five years ago in Palm Springs after their mom passed away. Being a Guncle myself, and sharing a name with one of the MCs, I obviously had an immediate connection to this book and characters. GUP and the kids helped each other work through their grief and emotions once before, and now they’re back on an international trip for their Dad’s wedding to their soon to be stepmom and Italian Marchesa, Livia.

Leading up to the big day, the kids and GUP take an adventure across Europe with stops in London, Austria and ultimately the main event in Italy. Steven Rowley does what he does best and delivers a sequel that will have you laughing, crying, and smiling throughout. Patrick has moved on from “Guncle Rules” to “Guncle Love Languages” and while teaching the kids about love and all it entails, he may even learn a little about himself along the way. I absolutely loved joining the journey and seeing the growth of all the characters throughout this book. Throw in a good nemesis for a bit of drama, and this book has everything you need to be an instant 5 star read!

Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for the ARC, be sure to grab your copy in stores next Tuesday 5/21!

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed and was moved by The Guncle (May 2021). Does it need a sequel? No!!! Am I going to read it? Absolutely. Patrick O’Hara or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) is back and it’s five years since the eventful summer when he helped his niece Maisie and nephew Grant heal somewhat after losing their mother. He also dealt with his own grief for a lost partner. Now his career has been revitalized following a successful tv sitcom run. He also recently split with his love, Emory.

Maisie and Grant are back too. They get sent to Patrick who is finishing a film in London. From there he is going to take them to Paris, Salzburg, Venice and finally to meet their dad at Lake Como where he is marrying a wealthy Italian woman. There are dad jokes a plenty, life lessons to quote and always much love between the threesome. Patrick wants to teach them lessons about love but Maisie is convinced she wants to disrupt her father’s wedding.

This is very much Patrick’s book and he is stretched to the max. I didn’t get the feels as much as I did in the original book but I still enjoyed and laughed at all the right parts. I really felt for Maisie and wanted a little bit more of a closing connection for her. But the letter was a big moment. This can be read as a stand alone but you will love the characters more if you share the grief they experienced in the first book. I will be around if there is more to learn from Patrick and am looking forward to the movie of the original book that is mentioned in the author’s notes at the end. (4.5 Stars)