Bad at Love

by Penny Fox

Charismatic cam boy meets shy lab tech… Oh, the fun they will have.Gabriel DaneWhen seeking out a roommate for his too-big house, Gabriel was hoping for someone as low-key as he is. After being left at the altar by his fiancée, the last thing he expected was to be attracted to a man. But Storm is impossible to ignore. Charming, witty, and sexy as hell, he’s everything Gabriel isn’t—and it’s terrifying. Yet, he can’t help but want more.Storm AndrewsStorm never thought he’d be the teaching type, but when his quiet straight roommate starts asking questions about his job, Storm finds himself eager to answer. And when words don’t go far enough, he decides the only acceptable thing to do is show him. Something about Gabriel’s innocence and eagerness to learn excites Storm in ways he can’t explain. Intrigue turns into obsession, and he can’t get enough.This is a standalone bi-awakening MM romance book.

Genres: M M Romance, Forced Proximity, Adult, Romance, Queer, Gay, Spicy

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2025

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Met and loved Storm in Dom and Mikah’s book, and was so excited for him to get his own.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect outside of all the spice, so was not all prepared to be smacked in the feels the way I was.

Storm and Gabriel were so stinking cute though, and despite how different they were they really meshed well.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- camboy + lab tech
- roommates to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- neurodivergent MMC
- virgin MMC + first times
- bi awakening
- hurt x comfort, ish

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Storm, Gabriel
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Camboy, Roommates to lovers, Bi-awakening, Nerdy MC, Virgin MC


Storm 🥰

[ElizaMac · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential but it was very… cluttered. The author had too many ideas and didn’t follow through with them while also leaving the Big Plot Points, ie: Gabriel’s toxic family and Storms mystery mom issue… very surface level. I’m leaving my biggest complaint as a spoiler at the bottom of this review.

We don’t even learn about Storm’s mom until like… 80%? So it was just… weird.

Gabriel’s OCD and panic attacks seemed to also be fixed by magic dick which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

And probably 60% of the book is sex with no “feelings” development then the feelings popped in in the last third of the book and it was… odd.

There were some good things here that kept me invested but it read very newbie author to me.

I mean, I finished it. It wasn’t *bad.* It was just.. ok.

***Spoiler

Bro totally told this facility to take his mom off life support and LEFT. He didn’t stay with her. After CHAPTERS AND CHAPTERS OF HIS GUILT ABOUT LEAVING HER WHEN HE TURNED 18, HE WASN’T THERE FOR HER WHEN SHE DIED. For the love MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. Not to mention, there was NO discussion about what he actually went through with her growing up and why it was hard. He said she wasn’t a bad mom. But man did he get over her death REAL FAST.

Well now I need to lower my stars. *huff* 😒

[Monica Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad at Love

This was such a sexy MM romance. I really loved the vulnerability that Gabe and storm showed. I really enjoyed the bisexual awakening. This has been one of my favorite reads this year so far.

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 30%

A lot of the exposition felt awkward and overly obvious. Things like Gabriel explicitly thinking about his history with his family or Storm thinking about his job + why he liked it could've been more naturally integrated to conversations or scenes that called for giving context.

Gabriel's family being absolute villains was incredibly annoying. Just one dimensional bad guys who the MC still somehow keeps in context with without a realistic reason. Super eye-rolling.

Why the heck was Storm's first visit to his mom skipped over? We get a chapter starting with "In going to visit mom" then a few paragraphs later its "On the walk back to Gabe's house..." Wtf? Wasn't family supposedly one of the biggest reasons Storm chose to move to Seattle? Why not show the result of that important decision? After she was timelapsed away a second time, I can only assume Storm's mother is brain dead or in a coma and being saved for some sort of melodramatic reveal of sorts since she seems to be one of the few things not being expo dumped.

Gabriel suddenly feeling distress over Storm acting weird felt too unjustified. His "How did we get from being so comfortable with each other to this [awkwardness]" did not feel very genuine considering he never actually seemed comfortable with Storm. The breakfast, new porch, and laundry lesson scenes were what I assume he meant about being comfortable in each other's presence, but none of those showed that he was relaxed with interacting with Storm. He was always still wishing he was alone and criticising Storm's habits, so I'm not exactly sure where that "comfort" was supposed to show up.

I was not expecting even more internal expo dumping into Gabriel's life at 30%. That got me to actually DNF since I was already very on the fence on the whole story.

TL;DR: Writing was awkward and had way too many obvious and long expo dumps. Characterization and interaction between the MCs needed a lot of work. I heavily disliked Gabriel's family since they were essentially caricatures of villains and without a real reason for Gabriel to keep them in his life, it just made it seem like Gabriel was an idiot for keeping in contact with people who hated him.

[Alonna Irizarry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forced proximity/ MM/ virgin MMC/ reformed playboy/ friends to lovers/ OM/OW drama/ MMM/ MMMM/ found family/ HEA

Trigger warning: homophobia/ neglectful parenting/ verbal abuse/ death of a loved one/ trauma

This was just an ok story in my opinion. The MMCs family aspect was a big plot point for about half of the book and then we just never really get a satisfying resolution. Also the OW/OM drama felt unnecessary. The MMCs ex was only his fiancé through an arranged marriage so I don’t really think her showing up should have really mattered. Not to say arranged marriages are less than, however, in the way their relationship was described, neither of them really even cared about each other so I really didn’t care about her returning.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Storm and Gabriel!

So I first read about Storm in Fox's other book Sweet Shots and I loved him and wanted to see more! So this is Storm's story with his nerdy boy Gabriel. Storm is an adult content creator who mainly focuses on solo content and takes requests for personalized videos or merch covered in his....iykyk lol He just moved to Seattle to be close to his mother in the home he found for her and needs somewhere to stay that's close to her so he sends out an application to none other than Gabriel. Gabriel is a lab tech with very precise tendencies that most people do not understand. He has one close friend and his family sucks. His parents are disappointed that all their sons are doctors with wives they approve of except Gabriel. He likes what he does but it isn't enough for his family especially when the woman they arranged him to be married to leaves him at the altar. So now he has a house he can't afford on his own since his dad was only paying for it because he was getting married to an "upstanding" girl. He doesn't like people in his space and is very specific about certain things like cleaning, having a set menu for breakfast every day, doing laundry a specific way, to not ever leaving the toilet seat up. Because of this, he's having a hard time choosing someone to let move in as he always finds something wrong with them. Until his best friend Marta gets fed up and chooses for him. He didn't know it then but allowing Storm to move in would change the course of both of their lives forever. Both are so very different. Storm is pansexual and Gabriel has always assumed he was straight until he catches Storm in the act of pleasing himself the day he moves in and slowly starts to notice things about him that hes never paid attention to in other men such as his abs and the way his arms flex under his shirt. It doesn't help that Storm isn't shy about nudity or anything sexual but Gabriel isn't the only one noticing Storm. Storm also has been catching himself thinking about Gabriel's full lips and steel-grey eyes. Gabriel doesn't fully know what Storm does for work because not many people are cool with that kind of thing but when Gabriel comes back home from dinner with his family in a whirlwind and breaks down and then impulsively kisses Storm Storm can't get the idea of doing some videos with Gabriel for his page out of his head. Not only has he been wanting to explore things with Gabriel but the money they could make is also a big factor. Surprisingly Gabriel agrees. He's tired of trying to be what his parents expect of him especially when all they do is put him down and make him feel like something is wrong with him. He's also a virgin and definitely wouldn't mind changing that with Storm and seeing what he likes. But when they start getting hot and heavy there's not a camera in sight and they're doing it because they want to and because they make each other feel good. And when they do start making videos and making money they both can admit money isn't the only reason they're doing this. Storm has a lot he keeps inside and doesn't like to get attached so even with the feelings he has for Gabriel he denies it's anything but falling in love. Gabriel also has to overcome some of his issues but Storm helps him feel comfortable in himself to do the work and be his own person and in turn, he gives Storm love and care and a place and person that will always be there for him. Now there is a bit of a separation or third-act break up if you may but unlike with Dominic and Mikah in Sweet Shots this one isn't too long and it didn't infuriate me the way it did in Fox's previous book I just mentioned. There is resolution and communication as well as confessions and it's everything I needed. This was such a good spicy book but it was also more. It was about taking your life back and finding who you are as opposed to trying to make yourself fit other people's expectations of you. It is also about putting down roots and not running or hiding from your problems but mostly this is a book about love and I can't wait to read more of Fox's books

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that opposites attract but is that possible when the opposites couldn't be further apart if they tried? Is it possible when one of them will only rent a room to the other on the guarantee that the toilet seat will always be left down? In Penny Fox's 'Bad At Love' discover the true extent of change that can come over not one but two people when feelings are involved, and not forgetting toilet seats too...

Gabriel was stood up at the altar, not that he is overly upset about it, he hardly knew the woman, it was an arranged marriage because that his how his family work. The biggest problems have been his family seeing him as even more of a failure and struggling to make all the payments on the mortgage for the house he now has to himself. So, it has to be a roommate but no-one has yet met his standards. Until Storm. But there is the question of his name and most definitely his toilet seat habits. Luckily, although he doesn't quite see it that way, Gabriel has a very good friend, who, completely exasperated with him, steps in. A deal is made - a 90 day trial. Gabriel is as uncertain as they come but then he is a shy lab tech, he has a lot of insecurities and only one friend.

Storm has moved over to Seattle to be near his mum for as long as it takes. He is going stir crazy in a hotel room and needs to find a place to rent for as long as this whole thing is going to take. Gabriel's place is perfect, almost round the corner from the care home is mum is in, very affordable, and private. He wants private for his cam work, the work that makes him more money than he knows what to do with but that, until recently at least, he has really enjoyed. For some reason is heart isn't quite in it at the moment but he is certain that with a secure place to stay things will improve.

What follows is a beautiful, charming, funny, slightly angsty relationship. Storm is pansexual, loving and being attracted to a person not a gender. Gabriel is straight. Storm sees something in the other man, he sees past the slightly nerdy exterior, the worries, the dorkiness. He sees another who is lonely, who needs something more in his life and needs to be away from his toxic family. At first Gabriel is exasperated by everything Storm does but slowly, a day at a time, he comes to find that he likes the company, likes sharing his space with Storm and is beginning to think about things he has never even allowed himself to consider before now. All because of his toxic family.

It is incredibly heartwarming, and at times quite funny, seeing these two find one another. In parts it is heartbreaking too but together, Gabriel and Storm can build their own future, together. They can carve out a new path, one that they want, one that involves both of them, following their dreams and allowing themselves the freedom to be, to do, to love as they want. These characters, and all their supporting friends, feel so very real. The story feels so very real. It is addictive reading, steamy, very steamy! Penny Fox has not only drawn her characters, she has given them life, they want to be seen and heard, they want to be loved and understood, perhaps we will all see parts of ourselves in them and find the strength to also follow our own dreams. I hope so, we all, as Gabriel and Storm discovered, deserve happiness and love.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's what I like to see! Interesting characters and properly unexpected romance of the opposites.

Reading about characters with anxiety could go either way fro me - and let me tell you, Gabriel is pro at anxiety. He also reads pretty... well, he will list his issues himself quite readily but let's just say inviting the normal-level of chaos and messiness that is Storm was not his idea. It was desperation. Hard to say how much of his issues stemmed from his family and let me just say that family not being family but annoying and negative is a pet peeve of mine and that's when they claim it's because they care. This toxic waste of repression was not my idea of a good time and I was actually pleasantly surprised when Gabriel managed to be both very much their result but self-aware enough to know it happened and that he let them (their words) keep him... miserable? He isn't necessarily but while I am usually all for keeping the nerdy, introverted, shy character not to be forced out who he is like being introverted is some shell you need to shed, I was definitely hoping Gabriel gets over their toxic BS.

There were times I wasn't sure what to think, though to be fair, the absurdity of the first chapters was more hilarious than off-putting. When it got going... hmm...

Minor spoiler but I felt slightly, tiny bit baited? Storm gets Gabriel into his bed (that's an euphemism, of course, Storm is that kind of content creator) in guise of colaborating, making money of the two of them. Except they don't film it. Sure, they used it as an excuse but just like Gabriel has that weird thing about toilet seats 😂 I have a thing about money. Basically, when Storm said he is loosing money/subsribers and he needs new content with Gabriel and he proceeded to not film anything they were doing, there was this annoying voice in my head being upset about it. I can take it as an excuse or as a way to show Gabriel what he's missing so he will ask for... lessons, but this promising and not delivering bugged me. My brain, people. It's an interesting place...

I have to say I rarely read books where I feel like the characters actually achieved a character arc. I know that serious literature likes these things but in romance, I am okay with them finding the person who appreciates them for them and this book has done this but also allowed them (both!) room for personal growth and I am not hating it. Of course I wanted Gabriel to give his family the proverbial middle finger and cut off contact but seeing him struggle through it, as much as it pains me to say it, made it deeper, more worthwhile and realistic.

Anyway, I think I enjoyed it but because of the little issues and that third-act break-up (I heard those are not going out of fashion and good ridance to them!) I am sticking with three stars.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel and Storm don’t seem like they should work together, but they do. Gabriel is like Felix Unger and Storm is like Oscar Madison from the old sitcom The Odd Couple from the 1970s (I know, that dates this reviewer). Felix is a neat-freak with probable OCD and an obsession for toilet seats being down, and Storm is messy and sometimes leaves seats up. When Storm submits an application to rent a room in Gabriel’s house, the toilet seat difference is almost a deal breaker, but Gabriel gets past it (with help from a friend) and Storm moves in. Somehow, the two manage to coexist. Both have hang ups from family, Gabriel is a repressed 30 year old virgin in all ways possible, and Storm is a professional content creator (porn camboy). When Gabriel walks in on Storm while he is “working”, he is traumatized — but also curious AND turned on, leading to lessons from Storm. There is a LOT of hot, sexy action woven around and through the drama with Gabriel’s toxic family and Storm’s tense relationship with his mother as the two learn to communicate and rely on each other for support. The developing relationship definitely has its ups and downs, both question what it is, what it means, and where it’s going as they adjust to this difference in their lives. Each has their own crisis with family and with accepting parts of themselves, but there is humor, sadness, anger, happiness — all the range of emotions at one time or another, as they discover the love that has grown between them. Sensitively written in regard to the traumas both have suffered with family, and the awakening of Gabriel to what he has missed most of his life as Storm is a patient tutor, it is gratifying to see each come into their own.
I found the characters, their situations and their reactions to be totally believable and realistic, and enjoyed the journey with them, with a satisfactory and whimsical conclusion that was unexpected but fit the story well. An engaging read that kept my attention and interest throughout and left me with a smile at the end. Looking forward to Dominic and Mikah’s book next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ariel Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Bad At Love. One thing that always gets me is neurodivergent characters. Being ND myself and being surrounded by other ND folks, I LOVE seeing ND rep in books. So I immediately fell in love with Gabe because he felt so relatable. Almost TOO much, because he actually reminded me a LOT of my husband with his quirks and personality.

Storm is the perfect counterpart to Gabe, and I loved watching him make Gabe squirm. I love a good awakening trope, (and a v!rgin trope in MM always gets me good too) as it is probably my FAVORITE MM trope. I also really love opposites attract, which Penny is great and making layered characters who can't stand each other and making them the most lovestruck couple you'll ever meet. And of course, the SPICE is top tier (As it always is) and will have you reaching for your ice water at 1 in the morning.

One thing I really love about Penny's box, and Bad At Love is no exception, is the layered context beneath the spice. Gabe and Storm are both complex characters whose actions are direct responses to their upbringings. They seek what they crave and need in one another and the balance is done really well. Even when Gabe is contemplating certain opportunities, it doesn't feel forced. It feels genuine. Every part of their relationship from the beginning to end feels genuine for these characters and their relationship.

As always, Penny knocked it out the park with this one and I absolutely LOVED it. 10/10, if you love opposites attract, cam boys, neurodivergent leads, and an all around heartfelt story with a dose of spice, make sure you grab Bad At Love!

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MM, HEA standalone that brings all the spice but also a sweet coming (pun intended) into one’s queer identity story.

The book begins by meeting a shy and quirky Gabriel who comes with a lot of family baggage, self esteem issues, and a prearranged life that falls apart around him. As he tries to pick up the pieces, he meets Storm. His opposite in many ways. Carefree, less rigid, and very little structure or plans.

The story weaves through each persons history and how that history is impacting current choices. Each man learns about themselves and what they truly want from life while they explore their friendship that accidentally and unintentionally blossoms into more.

Naturally nothing is a smooth ride and there are some potholes that demonstrate the complexity of human emotion, but you do get your HEA.

There was a good level of spiciness without it only being about sex. There was enough character development that I cared about what was happening, and there was a story that was believable and I wanted to follow along with. It was a great book, and my first time reading this author. I will now come back and read some more!

Pro’s: story, slow burn to high octane spice, relatability

Con’s: some areas were underdeveloped and left me with questions. Some small typos but not littered with them (I wasn’t distracted).

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, but I'm looking forward to reading the book (Sweet Shots) that features some of the side characters in this book at a minimum.

This book features some of my fave tropes - camboys, forced proximity, first times, and queer awakening. Gabriel, who is neurodivergent, is having a very tough time trying to find s roommate to help with the bills. Luckily he has a good friend (Marta, excellent side character!) who helps Gabriel get past his issues and sets up an interview for him with Storm, a camboy who is looking for a place to live near where his mother is residing. Both of these MCs have/have had challenging relationships with their respective families and their self-worth has taken a beating. Over time, they slowly get to know one another and soon attraction develops, then eventually more. It is lovely to see them, especially Gabriel, communicate and open up to new adventures. Their spicy is hot, though nothing beats the steam in those epilogues (extra spicy and my fave part of the book haha). I would have given this book a 5, but I did feel that some parts were a bit disjointed (Tara, Gabriel's family) plus it could have used a bit of trimming, too. Nonetheless, this is a book I recommend - I definitely fell for Gabriel and Storm together!

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GOOD ENGAGING, FUNNY AND SWEET STORY WITH ALL THE FEELS!💕

I love Bi-Awakening and Opposites attract being roommates and cam boys so basically all my favourite tropes and mini tropes all wrapped up in this sweet, funny and poignant story by this new to me author.

Gabriel Dane came across as being a bit neurodivergent and it made his characters so cute and lovable that even a commitment phobe with abandonment issues like Storm Andrews couldn’t resist!

Gabriel’s family was toxic personified and the way he broke away from such toxicity with the help of Storm was heartbreaking and emotional..

Storm was a very complex character that was very private and kept his emotions and feelings hidden with a golden retriever persona until a neurotic sexy nerd entered his life…

“This opens up a whole new world for me, and I can already tell it’s something I won’t get enough of.”

The way that Storm helped Gabriel explore his sexuality was so fun and steamy- they were so hot together! 🥵

I liked them as growing characters with lots of emotional baggage to sort individually and with each other with lots of support and hurt/comfort, together with supportive friends like Marta, Dominic and Mikah! 😈🎥

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Genre: M/M Romance
Format: eBook

Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

A sweet steamy camboy read. Storm needs a place to go and neurodivergent Gabriel needs a roommate that can put the toilet seat down. Their banter was so funny, their steamy moments were so good. My heart broke for both Storm and Gabriel. Gabriel deserves a better family. Storm just needs to be loved and taken care of. The 3rd act was so sad, I was so happy Gabriel and Storm finally got their HEA. It helped ease the ache of the 3rd act sadness.

The dual epilogue was so steamy. 🥵

This was my first read by Penny Fox, the pen name of Quell T. Fox. It won't be my last.

Tropes:
• First Times
• Roommates to Lovers
• Neurodivergent MC
• Bi-awakening
• Camboy
• Forced Proximity
• HEA


Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes (Releasing 03/07/2025)
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Annie D-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bad at Love" offers an engaging exploration of self-discovery and unexpected connection within the MM romance genre. The narrative centers on Gabriel, a man rebuilding his life after being left at the altar, and Storm, a cam boy whose confident exterior masks a deeper vulnerability.
The story's strength lies in its character development. Gabriel's journey of bi-awakening is handled with sensitivity, allowing readers to connect with his emotional arc. Storm, too, subverts expectations, proving to be a multi-faceted individual capable of genuine intimacy.
While the novel incorporates explicit content, it is balanced with a focus on emotional connection and personal growth. The "forced proximity" trope fuels the narrative tension, leading to a satisfyingly complex relationship between the protagonists.
"Bad at Love" is a worthwhile read for those seeking an MM romance that delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of human connection. It's a reminder that love can often be found in the most unexpected of circumstances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is a little broken inside

First off this has the sweetest most romantic moments in it. However, the hot hung virgin nerd is everything.

Storm is a content creator who mostly does solo work and selling his "merch". Now he is in Seattle because his Mom isn't well. He finds Gabriel looking for a roommate and can't resist since the place is close to his Mom.

Gabriel is our hot nerd with zero experience, serious family issues and a host of neurological quirks. Having been left at the alter and not becoming a doctor like his brothers he is definitely the black sheep.

Storm is so patient and understanding with Gabriel. He does everything he can to accommodate the OCD tendencies and never makes it an issue. He's not perfect but these two slowly become friends and when they slide into more.....whimpers.....Yes please.

This one is nice and spicy with a heavy dose of family drama and overcoming obstacles.

I definitely wanted to throat punch some people, smack sense into people, comfort people and absolutely wouldn't mind being in that sandwich or even just watching them together.

I'm absolutely interested in the next book.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I knew this book was M/M I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it, and that I did. I couldn't get enough of them. I couldn't put it down once I started. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with some sweet and spicy moments. It took me a hot minute to warm up to Gabe but I did and my heart broke for him and the way his family is towards him. I just wanted to slap the idiots. Storm I instantly took too. I really liked their story. Two completely opposites but a perfect match.

Gabe likes things done in a particular way, his world has been turned upside down and now he's looking for a flat mate, specially one that won't leave the toilet seat up. ( IYKYK) .. he loves his job, he's very interesting and quirky.

Storm is looking for a place to stay to be closer to his mum, hes got a very adventurous job ( IYKYK)

The pair don't get off to a great start, but things change and they end up closer. Sharing some steamy moment's. But life always throws a curve ball.

Everything about it was wondering the characters and storyline. I can't wait to read more from penny fox. Highly recommend.

[linnnnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️2.5/5

Maybe I’m just a toxic bitch, lol — but I definitely prefer possessive boyfriends over the understanding and emotionally secure ones. I love a little chaos in my romance, okay?

AND maybe I’m just emotionally greedy when it comes to fiction, but I like my love interests all in, even if they’re emotionally repressed or slow to open up.

I really liked Gabriel. He was sweet, eager, and fully devoted so quickly — and his chemistry with Storm worked for me. But when it came to Storm… I kept wanting more. Not drama, not possessiveness exactly, but that sense of emotional investment. That urgency. He says he struggles to get attached to people, and I completely get that — I love characters who are emotionally complex or avoidant.

But I needed something to convince me that he was falling hard for Gabriel. I wanted to feel that pull, that shift — like, “oh no, he’s in deeper than he realizes.” I saw hints of it, sure. Vulnerability, some walls coming down. But I wanted to see him struggle with how much he cared. That tension never fully hit for me.

Still a solid read — but I guess I just wanted Storm to be a little more unhinged about Gabriel. Just a little.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad At Love is a great example of a bi-awakening story.

Gabriel has gone through a lot of psychological trauma from his family for all of his life. I would've honestly told them to stick it quite a long time ago. But he has more patience and is nicer than I am. Storm doesn't get attached to anything and has a lot of guilt that he is feeling. We get to see these two work through their emotions and feelings together. This does lead to a lot of spicy moments between them.

I really liked seeing how these two interacted and even when Storm said something which hurt Gabriel's feelings, you could see how he tried to fix it quickly. He really seemed to take care about how he acted and what he said with Gabriel. He knew he was working through some things and worked with him to understand his feelings. I liked these two together as they complimented each other extremely well.

We do get some drama towards the last third of the book, but we do get a super spicy epilogue which makes up for the drama.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad At Love isn’t the typical romance novel that I would pick up and read. Don’t get me wrong I believe that love is love no matter what if its heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian or gay. Bad At Love showcases that love between two people is strong enough to withstand against anyone who doesn’t agree with it. The characters are well developed and amazingly executed throughout the story. The main characters of Bad At Love are Gabriel and Storm. The chemistry between Gabriel and Storm is undeniably irresistible. I do enjoy the fact that these two incredibly characters have a happy ending to their story. Author Penny Fox continues to show what an incredible author she is with each book she creates and writes for her audience’s enjoyment. Bad At Love is a suspenseful and page-turning romance which had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I would certainly recommend Bad At Love to anyone who is looking for a new gay romance to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly Hot Opposites Attract

Penny Fox has done it again with this queer opposites attract romance, “Bad at Love”! This delightful queer romance had me absolutely captivated from the first page. The chemistry between the cam boy and the shy, nerdy lab tech brings a super spicy twist to the classic forced proximity trope. I absolutely loved how Fox paints a vivid picture of anxiety and depression with such empathy, handled with sensitivity and depth. I appreciated the nonstandard portrait of anxiety and depression and the empathetic, nuanced take on mental health. Gabriel and Storm are wonderfully complex characters, each beautifully flawed with complementary broken bits. I don't usually enjoy a 3rd act breakup, but Fox used this common trope to add a lot of depth to Storm and growth to Gabe. When they came back together afterward, it was all the sweeter. I loved seeing more of Mikah and Dom from Fox’s “Sweet Shots.”

If you’re in the mood for a steamy, heartfelt read that bursts with life and connection, “Bad at Love” is an absolute must!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM🌈
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Roommates to lovers
Pornstar and lab tech/virgin

Gabriel needs a roommate, his fiancé left him at the alter and bills are piling up. Problem is, he has OCD and possibly neurodivergence. He doesn’t want a stranger in his space messing everything up. His only friend finally responds to one of the applicants and the rest is history.

Storm’s mom was recently put in a facility and so he moves home to spend time with her. Except he doesn’t want to stay at her house, so he applies to rent a room from a house right down the road from the care facility.

Day one, Gabriel walks in on Storm filming himself jerk off. He has always been told to never touch himself and the only reason to ejaculate is to procreate. So he has never done that. He is mesmerized and can’t stop thinking about it. When confessions are made, Gabriel agrees to video with Storm to make some extra money.

So Storm teaches Gabriel all about pleasuring each other. There’s a third act break up and then an unnecessary husband swap with their friends for an epilogue.

[Suzi Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters, the story, the drama, all of it. I devoured these words. Once I started, I couldn't stop.

Gabriel? My precious neurospicy king. I wanted to burrito-wrap him in a weighted blanket and fight every single person who ever made him feel less than the absolute treasure he is. His quirks? Endearing AF. His anxiety? So relatable it hurt. I felt for him, his family were a bunch of feckin a-holes and the way they made him feel made me want to raaaaaaaaage. It was clear he wanted love and he was not getting that from his trash family.

And then we have STORM. My sweet Thunder Storm. Ugh be still my heart. Stormy boy was a king. He was everything that Gabriel needed, even if he didn't know he did. I love that he never tried to fix Gabriel. He saw him. Truly saw him. And that kind of love? (even if he didn't realize it at first). Was absolute perfection. I loved their story so much.

AND THAT EPILOGUE? Ma’am. Penny, I will never recover. Can we have more of that please?

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn read that will have you hooked from the beginning. I loved Gabriel and Storm's story so much. My heart broke at how hurtful Gabriel's family was!! But sadly some people can be that hurtful. Was so happy to see how Gabriel slowly came out of his shell...actually both of these guys were really perfect for each other. The building of their relationship, their quirky ways, their cute and funny dialogue. OMG, the funniest...a " content creator " LOVED IT!!😉 Great writing, wonderful charming, sweet and clever characters that will have you laughing or needing a fly scattered handy...dual POV, I really loved Gabriel's character so much...reminds me of co-worker...read this book in one setting. I encourage you to add this to your TBR today!!
I received this as a free copy and leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad at Love is the kind of book that sneaks up on you in the best way possible. It’s sweet, sexy, and full of heart, with a slow-burn romance that had me hooked from the start.

Gabriel’s journey from heartbroken and reserved to confident and open was so well done. His transformation under Storm’s influence felt natural, never rushed, and I loved watching him embrace new sides of himself. And Storm? He’s the perfect mix of charming, teasing, and caring—exactly the kind of person Gabriel needed to shake up his world.

The chemistry between them is electric, but what makes this book stand out is the emotional depth. It’s not just about attraction; it’s about growth, trust, and finding the courage to embrace who you truly are.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Read!



Loved Storm and Gabriel. Storm is outwardly social, confident but that really just is mostly a facade to hide his insecurities. Gabriel is awkward, shy, and slightly phobic. On the outside one may think that they could never click, but reading their story, you find that they are made for one another. Their story is an emotional journey of two people who believed that they are too damaged for love and together they find their love and their soulmate. 


This book took me by surprise. I knew I would truly enjoy the story, but it is rare that I love a contemporary romance that makes me unable to put it down. This book is one of those rare gems that did that too me! I read it in one read and I am certain that I will likely read it again (something I also rarely do) when looking for the perfect emotional read. Love it!

[Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Gabriel and Storm was an unexpected delight. I went into it feeling a bit skeptical, especially because Gabriel is neurodivergent—something I usually struggle with in romance novels—but I was pleasantly surprised. The author handled his character with depth and care, making his neurodivergence feel like a natural part of him, not a gimmick. The chemistry between Gabriel and Storm is off the charts, with plenty of heated, passionate moments that keep the story sizzling. While there’s a lot of sex, it never feels excessive or out of place; instead, it deepens their emotional connection. The plot is well-paced, and both characters feel fully realized, with Storm’s strength and understanding balancing Gabriel’s complexity. Overall, it’s a steamy, emotional read that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. Definitely a book that surprised me in the best way!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to come out and say it. This book was fantastic. I devoured it. I met Storm in another book by Penny Fox, Sweet Shots, and I won't lie, I was unsettled with him. I didn't dislike him, but I was not his biggest fan. Did that change? Well…I'm surprised that I didn't get whiplash with how quickly I came to love that man 😍. And oh my sweet baby Gabriel 🥹. I felt like I understood him from page One and loved watching his character grow and come into his own.
I loved watching these navigate their story 🥰- even though boys are dumb and always have to make it way more complicated than it needs to be 🙄. This book is so good. I laughed 🤣, I raged 🤬, I swooned 🫠, I needed some alone time 🥵😉, I was so sad 🥺. I felt so much and look forward to rereading.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel a stuck in his way very straight down the line he has a routine and has to stick to it or he gets even more confused
He was left at the alter by his fiancée some people would call him weird but it how his been bought up by a family that treats him so badly because his not a Dr only a Lab technician in the ER
Storm his a cam guy and has to move back home to be near his mum and rents a room in Gabriel house he starts to teach Gabriel about sex and things hot up from there
This book was sad had me laughing out loud and full of 2 caring men needing to find a way in life
I would highly recommended this book