The Guncle rides again, and I couldn't be happier! In The Guncle Abroad, it's been five years since Gay Uncle Patrick ("GUP") took care of his niece and nephew (he calls them his "niblings") for a summer in Palm Springs when his brother Greg's wife died. Now Grant, age 11, and especially Maisie, age 14, are having a difficult time coming to terms with the impending wedding of their father to a titled Italian woman. Livia can never take the place of their mother, of course, but does the marriage mean they are being disloyal to her memory, and to the family life that meant so much to them?

Patrick is back working as an actor again, after a decade mourning his first love, Joe, and not long after breaking up with his latest (much younger) boyfriend, Emory. Soon he will be making his Broadway debut in a revival of Grease. But first he volunteers to take the niblings with him on a 3-week tour of Europe as Livia and Greg finalize their luxury-wedding plans. Patrick regales the children with his self-imposed rules and his love languages, hoping that Maisie will agree to give Livia, and her marriage to Greg, a chance, but she stands firm.

I loved this book even more than the first. Patrick's clever--often side-splitting--banter with almost everyone he encounters is one of the highlights of the book. But his character is genuine and his emotions run deep. He's not as self-confident as his career would indicate, but he has an unmatched rapport with his niblings and an honest understanding of their feelings. Besides Patrick and the children, my favorite characters are Patrick's divorced, ready-for fun, sister and his intimidating potential sister-in-law Palmina. both of whom are hilariously drawn and developed. This is a fast read--a charming, entertaining, life-affirming story about the power of love. If you enjoyed The Guncle, put it on your TBR list now! And if you haven't, start with The Guncle and then savor The Guncle Abroad.

My thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley is a delightful and heartfelt sequel that reunites readers with Patrick O'Hara, the lovable Guncle. Returning to his guncle duties, Patrick navigates the challenges of a family wedding in Italy. This story is full of chaos, humor and warmth, exploring the complexities of family bonds, love, and self discovery. With his signature blend of wit and emotion, the author crafts a narrative that resonates, making this a must read for those who appreciate stories about life's messy, beautiful journey.

This book was PERFECT, It is the rare sequel that is just as good as the original. I read it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down. Here’s hoping this isn’t the end of GUP’s story.

THE GUNCLE ABROAD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. What a phenomenal sequel, perhaps even better than The Guncle! 5 years after a summer of Guncle lessons in Palm Springs, Maisie, Grant and Patrick take on Europe! As the kids father is set to wed, Patrick takes his niece and nephew on a European vacation with a final destination of their dad’s wedding in Lake Como. Already knowing the beloved characters charm/quirks, I was able to feel the nostalgia & appreciation of The Guncle immediately within the first few pages. Classic pop culture references, hilarity of jokes, emotions that creep up on you….this book has it all. Per usual with Steven Rowley novels, prepare to laugh/cry/feel. Thank you Net Galley and Putnam Books for this ARC that I cannot wait for people to enjoy!

When I tell you that The Guncle is one of my favorite books of all time… I jumped for joy when I was approved for The Guncle Abroad on NetGalley - thank you to NetGalley and @putnambooks for the ARC!

We are back with Patrick, our favorite Guncle, and five years have passed. Greg is about to get married, and Patrick is thrown off. He offers to take the kids for a couple weeks so Greg can finish up wedding prep. Maisie and Grant are little firecrackers - especially about Livia, Greg’s fiancé. They try to rope GUP into talking to their dad out of marrying Livia. Patrick reluctantly agrees but also tries to get them to learn about love…even though he and Emory have broken up.

This book was SO freaking good. I laughed. My goodness the kids were cracking me up. They and Patrick were so great. Gosh, Patrick’s little nuggets of wisdom were both cheesy and fun(in the very best ways). His irritation with the “flaunt” had me in stitches. I love when people put Patrick in his place. Emory 🥰🥹

I cried (yes for about the last 20% of the book and I included photo proof). Truly, @mrstevenrowley never misses. Every single book packs an emotional punch that I feel to the depths of my soul. The ending of this book was absolutely perfect. The fact that Steven Rowley could follow up The Guncle with this sequel that is as good as (if not better) is amazing. Definitely read it!

Patrick O’Hara might be my favorite literary character of all time. The Guncle was one of my favorite reads of 2021 and i had high expectations for The Guncle Abroad. Those expectations were exceeded! The established characters continue to be complex, relatable, and highly likable. We’re introduced to new characters that are just as wonderful, even Palmina who skirts the role of antagonist (but wins us over!). If the plot wasn’t perfect enough, we also get a setting that can’t be beat: Europe! Please read The Guncle and then read The Guncle Abroad.

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.

Thank you so much, Steven Rowley, Putman Books, and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this.