This is definitely erotic and overall a fun, steamy read that balances spicy romance with moments of genuine heart. This story shines in its exploration of sexuality and self-discovery.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I saw a friend give this audiobook 5 stars (which she rarely does) and was lucky enough to be still able to request & snag a copy. This was a really great listen (and I think debut that has been re-released from 2022). It's short enough to listen to the full story in a single day, which is easily doable because of the fantastic narration. I will say I wasn't sure if Tom ever said where he was from (just that he had moved to London), but his parents currently live in Glasgow and he definitely isn't given a Glaswegian accent, but honestly, I didn't really mind.

This story is told fully from Tom's POV and we also get his interactions with other one-off dalliances before he and Miles get together, but when they do get together it is so tender & swoony, that it's fully worth the wait! Their connection is pretty immediate, but Miles has some emotional history due to a past loss and is very slowly going thru his queer awakening. In addition to being very spicy, it is also so endearing! Tom is very vigilant about consent, which we love to see.

My only wish is that we got a bit of Miles' POV as well!

Spontaneous and surprising find on Netgalley
I recently focused one of my latest papers on queer visibility in publishing. After that, I rejoice even more than before whenever I see a new addition to the LGBTQ+ genre on Netgalley. So I barely hesitate but still quickly check out the synopsis before requesting new books in it. I’d never heard of this author before, nor is there a publisher noted to give us any idea of the people behind this publication. I nonetheless decided to give this Covid production a shot and did not regret it.

Starts like a horny fantasy but goes deep in more than one sense
From the beginning, we get to know Tom as a very sex-positive person. He freely looks out for some pleasure without strings after the Covid isolation. When he meets Matt, this does not immediately change but his interest in the postman is sparked. They meet over time and become friends before exploring the possibility of more. Matt thereby makes some remarks that present him as rather the opposite of Tom, being rather hesitant with sexual encounters. He nonetheless slowly dares to utter what he would wish for. The conversations between the open-minded Tom and the rather private Matt are surprisingly smooth and entertaining, presenting content and boundaries like rarely any other book I’ve experienced so far. They also help Matt to understand his own attraction more (demisexual representation!).

Spicy but also emotional
The tension between the two of them arises early on, especially in Tom’s imagination. As we follow the story from his point of view, Matt is a riddle for most of the book, only slowly opening. He does so first verbally and eventually also physically, allowing his own ideas to take shape. Seeing him dare to discuss his own struggles and desires was almost as entertaining and delightful as their eventual sexual encounters. I love their relationship for being a friendship at first, which turns into a friendship plus of sort before allowing the idea of more. There is in fact no real conflict, just honest discussion of both their needs and their joint negotiation of their relationship. I really enjoyed it!

In conclusion,
This short book is proof that there can be a lot of spice and sex without the loss of plot. It also shows an amazing balance of conversation, fun, and physical encounters. Without any drama, these two characters negotiate their relationship after loss and isolation as much as within their friendship. A very surprising but definitely recommended read.

Just okay. Some of the scenes were good but characters switched though process completely within one second

I so wanted to give this 5 stars but I couldn’t. Here’s what I thought about it.

I was ready for something spicy but WOAH! This is spicy on another level that’s for sure. It’ll get your blood pumping that’s for sure. If you can look past the spice, the storyline is pretty impressive and easy to follow, romance wrapped up in a condom. I love how Arnold built the characters up, painted a picture of each of them, and helped build the story in one’s imagination. It had me listening to it in one day and I couldn’t turn it off. I also like the length and felt that it was a good fit for the story.

I wasn’t sure about the narrator at first. However, once I gave it an hour it was fine and he’d grown on me.

Here’s what I wasn’t a fan of. Claire. The abrupt endings of chapters that didn’t feel like that’s where they should have ended. I felt like we needed a little bit more, just two more chapters and I felt that the ending was rushed, there was a part that was repeated so I think that’s an editing issue and I would have liked it wrapped up better in my personal opinion.

Overall, it’s a solid 4 star book but needs tweeks in some areas. If there was a second book to this I’d happily listen to it to see what they got up to next.

I got this through Netgalley as an ARC for my honest feedback which I have given.

Whoo-hoo! Steamy, smokey, sexy!

I enjoyed Arnold Miles' Special Delivery. Told from Tom's point of view, this is one randy guy lol! Miles doesn't spare the details of Tom's encounters, so when you're in the mood for some nicely written erotica, Special Delivery should be the first book you reach for.

When widower Matt stops by Tom's flat to deliver a package, the two strike up a nice friendship. Over the course of the story Matt discovers he most likely pan and there's a wonderful scene where the two men explore some time between the sheets with a female friend. (MM readers don't let this deter you from reading Special Delivery, it's a great scene and does a lot to explore these characters' development.

The audio version of Special Delivery is nicely performed by Nathan Wolfe.

This read kind of like a post-pandemic slice of life style book about a rather slutty (said with love, I'm very pro-slut) gay guy and his straight/queer awakening crush. The stakes weren't high and the plot was quiet, but it was enjoyable and spicy, while also being quite cute. I enjoyed the narrator quite a bit, he did a great job!

Thank you Netgalley for the ALC!

I loved this book. Just a quick listen and it had my feeling all the feels. The spicy scenes were great, as was the banter between the main characters. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick book to get you in the mood. My only complaint is that I wanted more.

Bromance turned romance? Arnold Miles depicts a brief glimpse into the unexpected relationship of delivery-driver Matt and Tom. It an earnest narrative that confronts how intimacy can spark in various ways and does not always need to be labeled. Juxtaposed with a modern look at a single man's sexual endeavors and you've got the makings of a great time in this short novel! To that point, I wanted more to Tom and Matt's story. This felt like the prologue to a budding, cozy narrative with lots of spice.

4.5 Stars!
Firstly, Tom and Matt are adorable! You can't help but fall in love with both guys. Special Delivery is a sweet story about the very very openly gay Tom, and "straight" delivery driver Matt who form a friendship that turns into something more. Its a bit of a sexual awaking and exploration for Matt, while Tom is such a supportive, caring, compassionate person who just wants whatever makes Matt happy. Tom is such a sassy fabulous character and feels so fleshed out. Matt is definitely more reserved, but he has a lot of depth and a bit of sadness in his backstory. Matt is so open-minded and accepting of Tom early into their friendship. I loved listening to their story just naturally flow through the transitions from strangers to friends and beyond.
This is an erotica book, so it is suuuper spicy! Tom is a self-described slut and that very much shows up nearly every other chapter. Basically gay porn with a plot and well-rounded characters. I loved every minute of it. Tom's attitude towards consent and checking in with your partner to ensure they are still comfortable and maintaining consent along the way is just so refreshing to come across in a book! Fantastic job to Arnold Miles for including that so seamlessly into your scenes. Also, discussions on safe sex, just amazing to include in the book!
The narrator did a great job of giving each character their own voice and vocal mannerisms. It made it so easy to tell who was speaking and what each character was feeling during those scenes. The narrator deserves an award for his voice-acting during the spicy scenes! He really went all-out on those.
Overall, a fantastic debut novel for Mr. Miles. I'd love to read more of his books in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy of "Special Delivery" by Arnold Miles!

"Special Delivery" by Arnold Mills presents a short romance/erotic story that, while engaging, left some aspects to be desired. The narrative centers on Tom, our protagonist, who encounters Matt, a delivery person initially perceived as "straight." Their evolving relationship forms the crux of the story.

The pacing of the story is commendable, maintaining a steady flow that keeps the reader engaged. However, the storyline occasionally feels disjointed, detracting from the overall coherence. Tom, as the main character, did not resonate with me deeply. Some of his thoughts and perspectives seemed outdated, which created a disconnect. Additionally, the story's emphasis on a certain body type and the lack of diversity in this regard was disappointing, making it challenging to fully embrace Tom's character.

Conversely, Matt's character is portrayed with a sweet and more complex demeanor. Among the two, I found Matt more relatable and endearing.

A highlight of my experience was the audiobook narration. Nathan Wolfe's performance was exceptional, bringing the scenes to life with his expressive and nuanced delivery.

Overall, "Special Delivery" merits a rating of 3.5 out of 5. It serves as a pleasant and light read or listen, ideal for those seeking a straightforward romance story.

I honestly thought that this was a great MM romance.

The story is that Tom is working from home when he gets a delivery from a delivery worker, Matt. They end up striking up a conversation and keep running into each other. Those friendly run-ins soon turn into a lot more.

Tom is gay. Matt was straight until he met Tom. After losing his wife Matt wasn't interested in a relationship until his friendship with Tom turned into something more. The switch from straight to gay went quickly but also realistically.

The author wrote a great romance with two characters who I loved to read about.

P.S. yes it was hot AF too.

This was a super short read, though it didn't really feel rushed. There were aspects that really didn't work for me (a lot of measurements of certain AMAB body parts), but that's likely a me issue and not a book issue.

Overall, I thought it was a sweet story about a straight delivery person discovering that maybe he's not so straight after all. I appreciated when Matt told Tom his history, and how that likely impacted on his ideas about his identity. I liked that Tom was super supportive of Matt as he was working things out, and that even when Matt wasn't texting back, he eventually got there, and let Tom know what he was thinking.

A good, short story, though not one that I'll be yelling from the rooftops about.

Seven must be a lucky number. Size shouldn’t matter but to the MMC, it seems like it does even though he says it doesn’t.

This story is about a gay man named Tom who is confident in his sexuality. He meets men all the time and no feelings are involved. Deep down, though, there is something missing. Coincidentally, he meets a delivery driver, named Matt, and develops a relationship with him. Matt struggles to figure out who he is and what he wants and Tom gives him the space needed to figure it out.

It seems like the author did a great job with all of the smut but the storyline seemed rushed. It was thrown in there. I like the storyline but I don’t think it was my kind of book. It starts out with smut.

I listened to the audiobook and it just takes it to a whole other level of heated smut. I blushed while listening. It was so hot. I feel like the point of this was just smut and meets the expectations of erotica but I wanted more plot. So 4/5 stars.

Special thanks to #NetGalley and #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCoop for this #ARC to review.

#SpecialDelivery #NathanWolfe #ArnoldMiles

I’ve already read the physical copy of this book, but I wanted to hear it as the author intended it and loved it that much more! The voice actor was great and conveyed the nonchalance that the main character conveys.

In terms of audio quality, this was great! Would absolutely recommend this in either format, but I really enjoyed the audiobook version! Flowed so nicely.

This is a review for Special Delivery by Arnold Miles. Thanks to the author and publisher for the ALC via NetGalley.
Special Delivery was a quick and fun read, that if I could, you might also be able finish within one sitting.
There's a HFN ending, that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me feels realistic while not angering me. As long as it's not a sudden ending, an HFN is Okay in my book,
Of course there's room for expansion, but I actually feel Miles managed to deliver the wanted message without blowing up the wordcount, a feat many today (including myself) need to focus more on.
I loved the aspect of thee love interest discovering their sexuality, showing how good communication and open mindedness is the key for a happy life! Also, there's a possible surprise Demisexual rep? I called it early on, but there's no definitive label.
This was a bit "spicier" than I anticipated... There's lots of sex positivity which is greatly appreciated, but I would have liked a head's up so I can adjust my headspace going in and not get into embarrassing situations in public.
Great audiobook narrator! I’d gladly listen to more of their work. 3.5/5 stars.

ALC Review:

This was so wholesome but also VERY hot! I’m so confused about how easily it flipped between these tender and spicy moments. Tom was so understanding and patient with Matt as he explored. I really enjoyed that there was no shaming. The narrator also did an amazing job with the story.

I will say, I wasn’t ready for it to end so I was a little sad when it did but I really enjoyed it. This was such a quick and fun listen.

I'm still fairly new to queer romance, and to erotica, especially. This book was tagged as "smut with a plot," and so I was interested right away. What an understatement. Although "smutty," this book seamlessly blends a romantic plot and great characters around sex scenes that make sense (not feeling like they're just thrown in there willy-nilly). Even better, the themes in this story revolving around self exploration and involving clear and open communication between the characters involved, was a breath of fresh air. The author's sense of humor is on-point, as well. There just wasn't anything I didn't like about this short little book. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this for my collection. Not only does this story deserve 5 stars, so does the audiobook. The narrator, Nathan Wolfe does a simply FANTASTIC job with this story and it's characters. I would be thrilled to listen to Wolfe read more queer fiction to me! BRAVO, TEAM!

I loved this book, it was very cute and a great way to write about a widower coming back into the dating scene and how his emotions were especially since he was rejoining the scene and being with a man when he'd never been with a man, nor did he ever consider it. The spice was 4/5! Good spice that didnt overtake the story! I really enjoyed reading this book!

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

Special Delivery by Arnold Miles was a short, sweet, and spicy read. With the audiobook clocking in at around five hours, it is packed full of spicy scenes, self-discovery, and heartfelt moments. Through the writing and the narration, you get a feel for Tom's self-assurance and his care towards Matt. Since this book is written from Tom's third-person point of view, we only get to see Matt from his perspective. Despite being a shorter book, Miles does a great job developing the two protagonists and their relationship.