Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord Vol. 1

Maitsuki, Niwatsuki, Ooyatsuki [ Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord] #1

by Yodokawa

Manga editor Asako Suga decides moving into a new home is just the thing she needs to get over a painful breakup with her toxic ex-girlfriend. She finds the perfect place for rent—affordable, spacious, lovely garden included—but there’s one catch. The house comes with a live-in landlord! It’s disappointing enough that Asako can’t have the single life she hoped for, but her cute landlord also seems to be hiding a big secret...Will living together bring them closer, or turn out to be more trouble than it’s worth?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Yuri, LGBT, Graphic Novels, Lesbian, Slice Of Life

Kindle Edition

About the author

See also: ヨドカワ

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

An utterly charming start to what is sure to be a lovely friendship/romance.

A heartbroken manga editor decides to move after a breakup and finds herself in a cute little house with an extremely unlikely landlord.

It's silly and predictable, sure, but it just made me smile the whole way through.

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manga editor Asaka recently ended her relationship with her girlfriend, so she moved into a new house for a change of scenery. There's a sweet little surprise, though. The new house comes with a live in 19 year old landlord Miyako who is also an ex idol.

This adorable little notion was done really well. To be honest, volume 1 has a really simple plot yet is still very adorable. It will be entertaining to watch the two personalities coexist because they each have unique qualities. I'm hoping the romantic portion begins soon.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asaka’s partner up and leaves her, so Asaka decides to move. Her amazing new house comes with a cute landlord attached and, in the background, a popular idol has vanished into retirement. There will be no points awarded for figuring out what’s happening here.

While the start of this is a bit murky, in terms of clarity, this soon becomes the story of two people finally being allowed to live, but in very different ways. We get many hints that the idol life has been very restrictive on Miyako, and this is her chance to actually enjoy true freedom.

There’s no indication why she left the life behind, but there’s a vague mention of an incident in the dorms, which makes me suspect that this will be where the gay reveal comes from for Miyako.

Asaka is already a full-bore disaster lesbian, it seems, always ready to fall for a cute face in mere moments. I really appreciate how she is desperately trying to change herself, but the manga realizes that that’s never as easy as it sounds. Her first meeting with Miyako is adorable.

I also like that this at first seems like Asaka learning a whole lot of nothing - she has a bad habit of taking care of people that Miyako effortlessly taps into. It soon becomes clear that Miyako shows way more appreciation than Asaka is used to and she isn’t expecting this - she wants to learn to stand on her own two feet.

Most of the problems with this volume are small. Miyako definitely gets the short end of the development stick and consequently spends a vast chunk of this as the manic pixie dream girl. There’s more to her, but we don’t see quite enough of it for her to escape the moniker yet.

I guess that stalker storyline is going to go somewhere eventually too, but it’s a bit too nebulous and I don’t think Asaka’s scheme to thwart it makes a lot of sense. Although it works for a moment, so it’s entirely possible I’m the one in the wrong.

What this story really nails is the cozy. These two don’t do anything more exciting hang out in terribly charming ways, but it does feel like two people getting what they need from one another. The yuri aspect is slow burning - the only hints besides Asaka being out and clearly falling for Miyako based on looks is pretty much constrained to the bonus chapter of all places.

And boy is it nice to see more older adult stories, even if that’s just 26 and 19, since it means more stuff to do than the usual school hi-jinx. Not that I dislike them, but you have so many options for it, while the adult yuri space still needs some strong recommends. This will quite likely be one of them.

4 stars - this is off to a great start, even with a few bumps on the way. I absolutely love the characters and I hope that the story grows to be as strong as they both deserve.

[Larakaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the more laid-back narrative and chill vibes with only a little bit of drama sprinkled in at the end

[Jones & the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be the silliest premise a book can have, but these two are ridiculously cute 🥰

[poet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this is adorable and not at all what the title suggests honestly. A really cute age gap romance that feels very wholesome while not hiding the fact that the lead is gay and is interested in her "landlord." I'm so glad manga is letting people just be gay these days, geez

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH my gosh! This was adorable! A manga editor in the need for a new place gets a gorgeous place.. but her landlord (an ex-idol) is living in the attic. And coming out for meals. And lazing on the couch. And more. It was just such a fun read and I loved seeing the two girls get closer and I was seriously shipping them. And then there is that last part, eep, let the ship sail!

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is silly but the drama free nature is nice.

[ARR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Amna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little ridiculous but I'm kind of in love with it? Very cute, pretty laid back so far. Love the art.

[Krk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I'll read the next volume.

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars. Cute. Sweet. And a bit cozy in a contemporary setting. The characters are so nice.

[Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute enough but the age gap is a bit weird and concerning I'm not gonna lie. But wtv it's fictional at least.

[forest !!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book is so cute !!!! i’m so excited to read the next volume when it comes out ! i love lesbians !!!!!!!

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A former idol x career woman story? Count me in! Thank you Edelweiss and Yen Press for the DRC! This has been on my TBR since preorders started and I’m stoked to have received a copy.

Starting off, I found it hilarious that Miyako…a whole idol… decided to post an anon advert for a house rental. What in the stranger danger?? I know we’re supposed to look at her naivety as just her being young, but ooof, I wanted to flash a light in her eye to see if all her marbles were screwed in properly up there. Next we have Asaka, who loves a pretty face and is just getting out of a relationship so she decides to jumpstart a new life in a cool house, only to end up living with Miyako.

I found their banter and budding friendship to be cute, with Asaka being the big sister Miyako has always needed (she also calls her onee-san). But, I’m curious of just how they’ll go from just friends (or landlord/tenant) to something more? Also, 19 and 26 is an age gap that has me scratching my head a bit.

I really enjoyed meeting Miyako’s gmom and hearing her basically warn against falling behind and not being “dumped” by Asaka. Does gmom know and is supportive of her sexual orientation? Hopefully we’ll get to see more of her in volume 2.

Story was a solid 3.75 for me but I’m rounding up to a 4 because I found the outdoor veranda camping to be so adorable (and I wish I could do it too). Really looking forward to see how things unfold in volume two for them.

[Jazzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like this manga but I feel like it could have been a slice of life instead of a romance!

Their relationship is very sisterly (with the age gap and the way miyako acts) and I kinda feel that would fit them much better then a romantic relationship. I know this is only volume 1, so things may get better and change my perspective the more I read on.

(And when I say sisterly, I'm not being one of *those* ppl, but if you read the book you'll see what I mean!)

I will continue to read on because Its a nice story and the art is beautiful ✨️ but as a romance I dont have much to say about that so far 😭

[Othy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little romance that is much needed between heavier novels and manga. It is blessedly easy to read and quite a bit of fun.

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Li poso l'etiqueta de queer perquè dedueixo que és un yuri moooolt slow burn. La protagonista és una editora de manga a qui la seva xicota ha deixat i que decideix buscar un pis per anar-se'n a viure sola. Troba una casa fantàstica que li encaixa moltíssim, però no llegeix la lletra petita del contracte: el lloguer inclou la propietària, que viurà a les golfes. Per si la premissa no fos prou rocambolesca, resulta que la noia és una idol famosíssima que acaba d'anunciar la seva retirada dels escenaris i que s'ha allunyat completament dels focus. La nostra protagonista, que té molt bon cor i una gran debilitat per les cares maques, accedeix a viure amb la noia i comencen una convivència d'allò més agradable. Amb tot, se m'ha fet un volum massa introductori, on descobrim la personalitat de les protagonistes, però no hi ha gaires senyals d'atracció i ens falta més informació sobre els seus rerefons... Massa ambigüitat, llegiré el següent volum i si no em crida, abandonaré la sèrie ^^'

[Connie]

After her girlfriend breaks up with her, 26-year-old Asako Suga, a manga editor, daydreams of a parking spot and a room dedicated to her books, so she debates renting a house with a live-in landlord outside the city. The catch: the live-in landlord is ever-famous Miyako Kitano, the 19-year-old recently retired lead member of Elm, an “idol” group. Despite the stress of a work colleague’s and a grandmother’s opinions and pressures, Asako and Miyako stumble onto some peace in their newfound relationship and routines, which shines through. Exploring independence, fresh starts, fame, and bonding, the tender moments of shared meals, sofa shopping on the internet, and camping on the garden deck during daylight with iced coffees exude a loveliness.

from “8 Quietly Reflective Graphic Novels” via BOOK RIOT: https://bookriot.com/quietly-reflecti...

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story!

I so appreciate an unexpected, meet-cute between two truly different people. In this one, we have two young ladies grappling with different but complimentary transitional periods in their lives. Each has experiences that help the other with navigating new perspectives on their situations.

Our main characters have such a great rhythm throughout this story—they really play off each other well. Plus, their chemistry on the page is so delightful. It is so wholesome watching their relationship develop as they navigate different challenges that arise with managing a home.

I’m so looking forward to reading more!

This is a great read for fans of series like Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon~

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

very promising, if a bit slow, start to this series from the same mangaka who made bloom into you. I am really liking the dynamic between asako and miyako. the beginning was a little confusing, but once the scene is set, this turns into quite a cute slice-of-life story. I am not sure where exactly this is heading...the only hint of romance is in the bonus chapter at the end (ayako holding miyako's face while checking for sunburn), and miyako's rather large secret of being an idol hasn't caused too much drama yet, but I'm invested and hoping for some wholesomeness in the next volume. also, the art here is GORGEOUS of course!!

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was pretty decent -- especially the artwork, it was quite solid!

I'll be honest though, I don't really feel the chemistry between these two/don't really ship them.
I also was kind of hoping this would be about slightly older women (30s-40s), but their ages are 19 and 26 -- that's on me for having the expectation though.

In general I felt kind of bad that Asako thought that she was moving into a place all for herself but basically ended up signing up to take care of a teenager that she didn't ask for...! But it seems like living with Miyako is doing her good, so all's well that ends well.

[Loki Wylde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a cozy, slice of life girl love with nearly no angst at all. All the characters are ridiculously cute ranging to adorable. I loved the main couple and enjoyed them as a pair. I feel like there’s even a second relationship that manifests that’s along the line of ace? Good read. Only giving an 8/10 because there’s still some things left to be like… figured out. I don’t feel like the end really felt finished. Still definitely cute read.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. A very cute and chill slice of life between a 19 year old former Idol now landlord, Miyako, and a 26 year old manga artist, Asaka. This was so silly and adorable and light. I really liked both characters even though Miyako has her moments. She is 19 so I’ll give her grace. I’m looking forward to volume two to see where things go next.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute and promising first volume but I don't love the age gap here (19 and 26) if it does go that direction. Which it looks like it will. Landlord Miyako has a lot of growing up to do and Asako should totally be getting over her ex-gf and getting to know herself. I could see it working if their relationship developed over, like, 10 volumes.

[Enes Memic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute yuri slice of life

Fun read about a manga editor who, after getting her heart broken by her girlfriend, decides to live alone - but somehow finds herself living together with her landlord, a former idol who has decided to live outside the spotlight. All the characters are offbeat and likeable, setting up a funny slow burn romance. Definitely recommended.

[Tuni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure how I will feel once a relationship actually starts, given the difference in age and maturity, but at the moment this is a real cute slice of life with just enough drama and intrigue to keep things interesting. I look forward to more of their pasts being revealed. And I love the support characters they both have.

[Ani Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vol.1-4 finally is completed! This was a quick read so I enjoyed it all the way through.

Story starts off with manga editor, Asako, bein dumped n ends up living as a roommate with her new landlord, who also happens to be a former idol, Miyako.

Their romance is a 7 year age gap but nonetheless, it's a cute story.

[DeAndre Theisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a nice little wholesome manga, obviously setting up for an romance but as of now its just a fun hijinks between a former idol leader renting out a house to a manga editor. It also had me looking up what whole onion soup was, and now I kinda want to try some. I don't even like onions a lot, it just looked so good.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asako Suga after a bad breakup decides to move to the country, as she works remotely as a editor. She gets a REALLY good deal on a sprawling house to rent, then finds out the catch: the landlady lives up stairs.

AND SHE'S A BABE. Just Asako's type!

Uh oh.

REALLY enjoyable romance manga, and damn funny too.