I received at complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
I was so excited to see another book featuring Patrick, Maisie and Grant written by Steven Rowley. I loved them in the Guncle and I fell in love more with them in the Guncle Abroad. It's the same laugh out loud writing about characters with so much heart that you just don't want it to end. Steven Rowley can certainly keep the puns coming as Patrick takes the kids on a trip in Europe to try to get them to understand the language of love because there father is remarrying and the kids are not happy about it. His antics are funny and heartfelt and made me laugh. A definite read if you've read the Guncle, and if you haven't read that first because y0u don't know what you're missing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It is very hard to write an excellent sequel, but Steven Rowley did just that in bringing the beloved Guncle characters back in all their wonderful, messy ways.

The pacing is quick witted and an emotional rollercoaster with just enough tension to bring you to the finish line.

The sibling representation and its nuances are so carefully done, and encompass my own memories of siblinghood. The squabbling between Guncle and Launt is over the top but decently resolved. Patrick is himself, of course.

The next stage of grief is the intangible "other" character in this book, and it adeptly captures what it means to love those who are gone, yet continue to grow. Chosen family and the family we make together - within the queer community and outside of it - cannot and should not be underestimate in its importance.

I finished this book with a twinge in my heart, and am grateful for it!

I loved The Guncle and was very happy to find this sequel. And, again, loved this book. The author has a writing style that is right up my alley and his humor had me lol-ing. The characters are so endearing and well fleshed out. I want to be part of the family. Add in the “abroad” part of the book and I was hooked. Thanks to NetGalley for sharing this amazing book with me and thanks to Steven Rowley for returning to the story of The Guncle.

5 stars for The Guncle Abroad! I read The Guncle two years ago and thought it was "just okay". I went into The Guncle Abroad with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I just loved watching Patrick with Maisie and Grant and was in love with the European setting in this book. This book is a perfect blend of funny, emotional, and adventurous. I was so impressed that I went back and reread The Guncle and liked it more than the first read.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Steven Rowley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Guncle Abroad will publish on May 21, 2024. I highly recommend that you pick it up!

The following is a copy/paste of my Goodreads review:

Very solid 4.5 stars! The Guncle was about handling grief. The Guncle Abroad is how to move forward after grieving. Very much like the first book Patrick tries to teach Macie and Grant an important life lesson but ends up learning just as much himself.

The first book really hit all the feels and holds a special place with me. I loved the second book almost as much- it will also hit all the feels but not as deeply as the first. If you loved The Guncle I highly recommend continuing the story.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an uncorrected proof to read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was really cute and I was immediately swept up into GUP's humor and antics. The first half was a 4 star book, but the second half lagged for me. I found the last few chapters drawn out and the book was a good 25 pages too long. I loved that the kids grief and wishes were taken into account, because that is too often not the case in real life.

I didn't however like the "blood" scene and tantrum as another reviewer labeled it. Definitely not realistic or necessary. I think that could have been handled much better. I also didn't like the reference to infidelity. If you are building a case for a heartfelt romance, mentioning that a partner doesn't get jealous of a "Pip here or there" really kills the mood.

Overall, a fun sequel and worthy of a summer read while dreaming of going along on their vacation.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam for my #gifted advanced copy and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of The Guncle Abroad! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★ (ALL THE STARS)

I was obsessed with The Guncle but The Guncle Abroad will hold such a special place in my heart. Steven Rowley writes the best books that I never want to end. The Guncle Abroad was full of self-discovery, heart, humor, and love. If you have not read The Guncle, please read that one first, and then pick this one up. I promise you will fall in love with Patrick and the rest of the amazing characters in these two books!

I love how Rowley is able to blend humor and love together to create such a beautiful story about family and self-discovery. He creates characters that are just so relatable. I listened to most of this book on my morning walks, and found myself either with tears streaming down my face, or literally laughing out loud. I love authors who have the ability to illicit such emotions in readers. I know this book will be one of my favorites this year. The ending was just magnificent and I can’t wait for more readers to fall in love with GUP, Grant, Maisie and the rest of the crew!

“You’ll never know what you want until you know for certain who you are.”

🎧I started with the physical book and then when I realized Steven Rowley was narrating the audiobook, I quickly made the switch. I cannot recommend this audiobook enough! Rowley as a narrator is pure perfection. I don’t know why, but hearing the author read the book truly elevates your listening experience, and Rowley clearly delivered! What a memorable and flawless performance!

💙Second Chances
💙The Most Amazing Banter
💙Rivalry Between GUP and Launt
💙Found Family
💙Italian Backdrop
💙Self-Discovery
💙Heartwarming
💙Laugh Out Loud Funny
💙Pop Culture References

Posted on Goodreads on May 14, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 21, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on May 21, 2024
**-will post on designated date

This sequel to The Guncle picks up five years after the events of the first book, in which Patrick spent an eventful summer with his niece and nephew after his friend/sister-in-law died. Maisie and Grant are now 14 and 11 respectively, and their dad (Patrick’s brother) is getting remarried, much to Maisie and Grant’s displeasure. Patrick takes them for a month long trip around Europe in which they try to convince him to interfere in the wedding, while he tries to teach them some Guncle love lessons, and then they all go to Italy for the wedding (as Greg’s fiancée is from a wealthy and titled Italian family).

Like the first book, this one is such a charmer. And also like the first one, it manages to be both light and funny, and emotional - I truly both laughed and cried multiple times. If you loved The Guncle, you will love this one too. And if you haven’t read The Guncle, this shouldn’t be read as a stand-alone, so go read that one first and then come back and read this!

Thank you NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC of The Guncle Abroad.

We are once again back with Patrick and his niblings Maisie and Grant. When Patrick's brother decides to get remarried he asks Patrick to bring his kids to Italy for the nuptials. Patrick, fresh off a breakup with Emery, decides to use this time to impart more Guncle rules and to teach Maisie and Grant about love.

This book is filled with the same amount of humor as book one. Patrick once again has the perfect comedic timing for all situations and his relationship with Maisie and Grant flourishes. Maisie is definitely hitting those teen years in this book. She is not on board at all with her dads plans to remarry and asks Patrick to help stop the wedding. Grant once again killed me as he is so cute and funny. Patrick tries his best to get both kids on board with the wedding and to help them understand that just because a new person is entering their lives that does not mean that their mother's memory will be gone for good.

While Patrick teaches his niblings about love he comes to some self realizations as well particularly with his relationship with Emery. I was heartbroken to see that these two had split prior to the start of the book but I do understand some of Patrick's reasons. He is concerned that the age gap between them will end up causing issues so he decides to protect his heart and end things. However, as we all know that is not always the best decision.

The Guncle Abroad takes us on a tour of Europe to some of its most romantic spots as we learn about love and moving on through Guncle rules. Filled with humor and new characters this is the sequel we all wanted after The Guncle. The ending is wonderful and perfect for each of the characters. It is filled with light hearted moments while also touching on topics such as grief and changes in family. The Guncle Abroad is a wonderful read that everyone should pick up.

I fell in love with Patrick in Guncle, and so I was so excited for his 2nd book. This one unfortunately just didn’t have quite the same appeal. The first one made me cry and laugh, and this one was nostalgic but didn’t give the same emotion.

I really liked The Guncle and all of its mixture of humor with heartfelt moments. This one didn’t grab me as much. I felt the trip with the kids in the first third was a bit slow and hard to fall into.

This one felt a bit less charming. It might have been the older ages of the kids, but it fell a little flat for me.

But, the last third really made up for its earlier shortcomings. It ended really beautifully and I’m glad I stuck with the book. I also loved seeing the improved relationships between Greg, Patrick, and Clara.

Gustavo was also a phenomenal addition.

Three stars! Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's 5 years after the conclusion of The Guncle and Patrick O'Hara is back serving some more real-life lessons for Maisie and Grant. The niblings, who are now 14 and 11, seem to be having a difficult time with their father's impending nuptials to an Italian marchesa. Patrick isn't too sure how to feel about it either but he does take the children for another summer whirlwind adventure. This time, across Europe before ending in Italy for the wedding, and this time learning about love and love languages instead of Guncle Rules and life lessons. Along the way, Patrick will also be learning a bit more about love himself.
This novel was everything you could want in a sequel and long may Patrick O'Hara reign!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons for this e-arc.*

THE GUNCLE ABROAD by Steven Rowley

What an amazing and fun voyage by air, sea, and canal, learning languages, including love languages from Guncle Patrick. Travel and cultural references and sass enliven the journey to Greg and Livia’s extravagant wedding venue on Lake Como, but will there be a wedding? Will Launt Palomina become the niblings’ new favorite? I’ll never tell.
This silly, dramatic, romantic celebration of life and love is a lovely virtual trip and a reminder that while so many factors can divide us, love can unite. A delightful book, and there are rumors of a movie? I hope so! I can just see impromptu Do Re Mi performance on the SOUND OF MUSIC tour. The kids are growing up, but still kids. 
Also, read THE GUNCLE if you haven't yet.
— language expanding — my favorite is nibling, but I’d like an inclusive word for uncles and aunts as well. ;-)

3.5 Stars

The Guncle is back and is still in fine form!

Again, I don’t want to go into too many details. What I will say is that often, sequels have an upward climb to maintain that glowing first feeling of the original and while completely understandable, the older Maisie and Grant weren’t as captivating as they were 5 years younger. I completely know that Rowley depicted these characters realistically but sullen and antagonistic (mostly on Maisie’s part) with an uphill battle to try and really engage these two dulled the shine for me a bit.

However, Rowley brings back Patrick’s trademark wit and snark (especially deployed against a new nemesis), and I was continuously charmed by his world weary view, his apt observations of love which he too, needs to embrace and employ.

The one constant in life is always change, and this continued commentary on grief was a poignant reminder of its effect on how people heal and evolve without those they loved dearly.

Overall, honestly, I never expected to get another book about Patrick and company, but if Rowley deigns to give us more, I’ll be here to read their next adventure! Cheers to that wonderful ending!

Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review posted to Goodreads.

Patrick O’Hara revives his acting career with a new sitcom after his time taking care of his niece and nephew. While at his brother’s wedding in Italy, Patrick navigates family tensions and reflects on his own life and happiness.

I’ve read all of Steven Rowley’s books and loved The Guncle so I was looking forward to reading The Guncle Abroad. The story picks up five years after The Guncle ended, making it a true sequel. It was great to revisit beloved characters like Patrick, Maisie, and Grant, and to meet new ones as well. Steven has a talent for crafting heartfelt, meaningful moments and sprinkling nuggets of wisdom throughout his stories which I really appreciate. I found the first half of the book a bit slow, particularly the travel sections. The second half truly stole the show though I wish some parts had been explored more deeply or that there had been flashbacks to the intervening five years for better context. Overall, it was an entertaining read! I would give this 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 stars.

If you loved The Guncle, you need to read this book too!

This part of the story takes place 5 years after The Guncle with the gang getting back together for a wedding abroad… and so much drama as the kids are not happy their father is getting remarried after their mother’s death.

I love how the guncle rules made a comeback in this book & how the role of the uncle was shown to be so pivotal for the kids again at another difficult juncture for them.

All in all, I really loved this one and it was great on audio too!

Thank you so much to the publisher for my ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

4.5 stars for GUP! Gosh, these books hold such a special place in my heart. It is hard to narrow down my thoughts into a blurb because there was so much I adored about this book and this family’s journey. The Love Actually and Sound of Music references had me grinning from ear to ear. The wedding vows had me teary-eyed. The exploration of “love languages” had me pondering about my love languages for my family. This book is just so darn special.
Often times sequels do not live up to the hype but I can say without a doubt that I adored this one as much as the first, if not more. The exploration of Europe while also exploring all of the family's emotions was so well done. The setting was perfectly described throughout and it had me wanting to book a trip to Austria, Italy, and France ASAP.
I hope and pray this is not the last book we see about GUP, Maisie, and Grant. I love their journey of growth and am eager to hear more.
Thanks to NetGalley, Steven Rowley, and Penguin Group for allowing me to have a sneak peek at this gem of a book!

I just love this series now! Great second in the series, after a stellar first book. I hope they make this a series or movie, because it is such a fun and feel-good read!

I loved The Guncle back when it was released and I’ll be honest, I was a little worried that The Guncle Abroad wouldn’t live up.

I’m glad to say that while it wasn’t *as* good as the first, I am so dang glad we got more Guncle and Maisie and Grant adventures. It was like reconnecting with old friends and seeing all the growth they have experienced along with all the Guncle advice they still needed.

… and another 2024 favorite!

You know…I loved The Guncle, but The Guncle Abroad I was not prepared to love it a skosh more. The cleverness in the Steven Rowley’s writing is superb. It was like a breath of fresh air being back with Patrick O’Hara and his inner monologue. Whilst vacationing places I have only dreamed about and delivering life lessons on love along the way. If I could meet a band of characters IRL It would be every single one that Rowley has created for this much beloved series… the constant giggles… the deep hearted conversations… the lavish settings. Praise be we got a sequel and I’m crossing everything I can in hopes of more Patrick O’Hara adventures/insight.

Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Releases 5/21

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/