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.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for this advanced copy.

The Guncle Abroad was just as fun as expected! With GUP as your guide, how could it not be? I absolutely adore his level of dramatics! The petty jealousy between him and the kids new “LAunt” — lesbian aunt — is top tier.

I was glad to see how close Patrick remained to the kids. But also glad to see them all growing up and learning to deal with the struggles of life … and love. Maisie reminded me how grateful I am that I will never have to be a pubescent teenager ever again! LOL Poor girl … I just feel for her so much!

I don’t think you have to read The Guncle to appreciate this sequel, but man, you’ll certainly enjoy it that much more if you do. Especially, if you listen to the audiobook. Steven Rowley does an incredible job narrating these characters!

In "The Guncle Abroad," Steven Rowley takes readers on a heartfelt and humorous journey alongside Patrick, affectionately known as GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick). Following the success of "The Guncle," Rowley's sequel continues to charm with its blend of wit, tenderness, and poignant exploration of family dynamics.

Set against the backdrop of a summer in the English countryside, Patrick finds himself thrust into the role of surrogate parent to his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant, following a family tragedy. His initial reluctance to take on this responsibility transforms into a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and the bonds that define us.

Rowley's strength lies in his ability to craft characters that resonate deeply with readers. Patrick is both flawed and endearing, grappling with his own insecurities and past mistakes while navigating the challenges of parenthood. Maisie and Grant, grieving in their own ways, bring a youthful energy and innocence that balance Patrick's world-weary perspective.

The narrative unfolds with humor and warmth, peppered with Rowley's trademark wit that infuses even the most poignant moments with levity. As Patrick and the children navigate cultural differences, local customs, and unexpected adventures, their journey becomes a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance.

"The Guncle Abroad" is not just a story of personal growth; it's a celebration of found family and the resilience of the human spirit. Rowley's prose is evocative, capturing the idyllic English countryside and its quirks with vivid detail. From charming village characters to picturesque landscapes, the setting adds depth to the narrative, creating a backdrop that feels both nostalgic and enchanting.

While exploring universal themes of loss and healing, Rowley ensures the novel remains uplifting and hopeful. Through Patrick's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing life's unexpected detours and finding joy amidst sorrow.

In conclusion, "The Guncle Abroad" is a delightful continuation of Steven Rowley's exploration of love, family, and self-discovery. With its memorable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a dose of British charm, this novel is a delightful read for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone who enjoys a story that tugs at the heartstrings.





I LOVE YOU STEVEN ROWLEY

3.75 out of 5, This was adorable. Part 2 of the guncle, a great family drama with beautiful European views. I actually think I liked this book more than the original, which I liked but didn't love. Maybe it was the European travel setting, maybe it was them singing Sound of Music songs in Salzburg (which of course I would have done) or maybe its that older kids brought new and heartfelt problems but I connected with this book even more. The ending is also wonderful. A great book to read whilst travelling in Europe. Mayor positive points for the fabulous musical references.

5 years since his last summer with the kids GUP as they call him is back at it. This time his niece is a young teenager trying to navigate her father finding love again and wanting to marry while his nephew is a little more open to allowing a mother back into their lives. While Patrick and the kids travel Europe before their fathers wedding, he tries to teach them about love and understanding that his brother remarrying does not replace their mother who they lost but opens up more love for them. Will he be able to convince the kids that their father being in love again is a good thing or will their plan to stop the wedding work?

I honestly had such a difficult time getting even halfway through this. I had so been looking forward to it, and kept waiting for it to get better. It just didn’t. Perhaps I’ll finish it at a later date. I do love the characters, but they just did not juice in this story.

The Guncle Abroad- by Steven Rowley ✈️🏝️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ugh this book was SO WHOLESOME. For fans of “The Guncle” this crew is back five years later, as they travel to Italy for a family wedding. Filled with witty banter, this book highlights the intersection between love and grief, as well as understanding the complex bonds within families. I flew through this book, and would recommend to anyone who is looking for an entertaining and easy summer read! Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!

Five years ago Patrick’s sister-in-law and best friend passed away, leaving a grieving husband and two young children. Patrick stepped up and helped his niece and nephew deal with the loss of their mother, while coming to terms with what it would also mean for him.

Now, in Steven Rowley’s second Guncle book, Patrick is just completing a starring role in a successful sit-com while also navigating his break-up with his younger partner. Meanwhile, his brother, Greg, is getting remarried (in Italy) and his children, Maisie and Grant, are not at all on board with the idea. Enter Guncle Patrick, to once again help his family navigate this latest upheaval.

The Guncle Abroad is a story of forgiveness, self-awareness, family ties, and, most of all, love. The storyline is interesting, with some well-developed characters, and the dialogue is crisp. I enjoyed the added bits of information about the trio’s travels through Europe on their way to the wedding at a Lake Como resort.

However, at times it could be a bit tedious and repetitive and Maisie, in particular, was often irritating. But, that’s what a fourteen-year-old does best. Here and there the story seemed to wander a little off course, which I not only found to be distracting but it also seemed to slow down the pace of the story.

I didn’t enjoy The Guncle Abroad quite as much as I did the first Gunkle book, but it was still a good read for a hot summer day. NetGalley provided an advance copy.

Bummer alert! 🚨 While the original Guncle was funny and heartfelt, its charms didn’t travel abroad very well. 🥴😢
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It just didn’t work for me. Everyone was grumpy and childish and annoying. Patrick’s malaise, the kids’ snark and unpleasantness. The traveling part in the middle was particularly hard to get through. So much geographical information and landmarks and unnecessary language. An homage to The Sound of Music which I’ve never seen. It didn’t flow and I couldn’t get into a reading groove.
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I did love the ending 🥹 and I enjoyed Palmina’s character! Ultimately I think this was a case of the sequel not really being needed and just coming nowhere close to the original!
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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the e-arc! Even though every book is not for me, I cherish the opportunity to read and review early!

Ok. So this was cute. A little bit cheesy, but cute. It was definitely a fun, start to the summer read. I appreciate Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my review.