The New Recruit Vol.1

The New Recruit #1

by Moscareto, Sylvia Ashton (editor), JS (translator)

"I never thought I'd get caught up in an office romance like this."
"You were already thinking about dating? Well, well, looks like we've got one naughty new recruit here."

Seunghyun begins his professional journey at AR Creative, where every day brings new challenges and unexpected romantic twists. As he navigates his role as an intern in the bustling advertising agency, Seunghyun encounters Jongchan, his enigmatic supervisor known for his no-nonsense approach to work. Despite Jongchan's steadfast belief that love and work don't mix, Seunghyun finds himself swept up in a whirlwind of heart-skipping moments that blur the lines between professional ambition and personal connection.

Genres: Manhwa, LGBT, Yaoi, Contemporary, Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wish that the translation hadn't used the term "gays" quite so much, although it was always self referential rather than an outside pejorative, I enjoyed how grounded this was. No omegaverse, no ludicrous plot twists, no "gay for you," just two people falling for each other and navigating the start of a relationship.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't care less about what's going in that company because I barely understand shit but their romance is cute and hot at the same time. Mr.Kim is so hot and caring, he's so protective of seung-hyun and he has to make sure everything goes correctly in order to make seung-hyun happy and safe.
These two are relationship goals, just a bunch of green flags all over them.

[Schuyler Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Office Romance Of Your Dreams!

It's so realistic for a typical office scenario that it didn't feel like a Korean-only experience. The romance was natural and over a period of time, not something that's forced upon you just because. I really loved the dynamics of the two leads. I'm so excited for the next volume to keep experiencing the novel behind the well-loved Manhwa!

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually haven't read the manhwa for this at all, so I can't compare about how faithful the manhwa adaptation is to the novels. But I will say that this series so far is a low stakes but still enjoyable read; a good choice for me since I wanted to reserve much of my brain power and energy for my gacha games this week, haha!

I like Seunghyun as a protagonist. In fact, I find him highly relatable. You could say that he and I both took the longer route when it comes to the start of our working lives, and reading about how Seunghyun works hard to try and find his place in the corporate setting can be somewhat inspiring. Of course, the nasty parts of corporate life are also present in this volume; if you've ever worked in an office setting, you'll wince at how familiar and frustrating these scenarios can be.

I also really enjoy the relationship between Seunghyun and Jongchan so far. They don't have good first impressions of each other, but their less-than-pleasant feelings for each other don't last very long. Both come across as mature in some ways and still quite childish and inexperienced in other ways, which I feel is quite realistic. I'm the same age as Seunghyun, and I know I don't act like Yoda in all aspects of my life. In a sense, Seunghyun and Jongchan's relationship works because they complement each other. Seunghyun is inexperienced - but not incredibly naive - with relationships but can be more in tune with how he feels inside and what he wants out of something, compared to Jongchan who's had many relationships before but still fumbles with the emotional aspect of things. Jongchan doesn't use his position at work either to coerce Seunghyun into anything, if that is something you are worried about.

There is quite a big conflict towards the end of this volume. I hesitate to call it a misunderstanding because it actually is more like a lack of understanding, rather than mistaken understanding. But I'm glad it gets resolved fairly quickly and doesn't get drawn out. (In fact, the miscommunication between Seunghyun and Jongchan - regarding food - is actually pretty funny!)

All in all, a pretty easy read so far! Nothing super revolutionary, but if you need a palate cleanser after reading something that caused your brain (and maybe your heart) to hurt, then this is a pretty good choice.

P.S. I'm really glad that Korean BL novels are starting to get translations. I think there are quite a number of good webtoons that are adapted from novels, and I would love to be able to read those novels! I'm grateful that Mullebooks has been releasing these titles in proper volumes via online retailers rather than requiring readers to pay chapter per chapter (like webtoons, essentially). Looking forward to more releases from this publisher.

[annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novel IS SO GOOD.
i mean it is so good if you like office romance and communication.
it is just silly little volume about silly little corporate romance, and i will eat all 3 volumes without blinking and just snort it like f*cking kirby okay?

note: i dont work in corporate or office

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way that I read this whole book in one day 😩👌

[Ale · Rating 5 out of 5]

No me creo lo mucho que me ha gustado. Ambos han sido lo más bonito y natural en una relación. Esto solo es el inicio, pero ambos son preciosos. La amiga tiene las mejores frases, tan buenas que incluso te llegan

[Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the drama, loved the book

I have very much enjoyed reading Moscareto's book. I had seen the drama on Viki and was surprised to see the book on Amazon. It's a fresh story of a budding relationship between a workaholic boss and his rather shy intern. You'll read their slow-growing romance that takes place within their toxic workplace. I look forward to volume 2.

[Kasy Beas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realistic Romance

As a fan of the webcomic, I was thrilled to discover the novel offered a deeper dive into the story. The narrative follows Woo Seunghyun, the new recruit navigating a complex office romance with his workaholic boss, Kim Jongchan. Their dynamic is both heartwarming and angsty, with Seo Jiyeon, Seunghyun's quirky friend, providing comedic relief. While the novel stays true to the webcomic's core, it offers a richer exploration of the characters' motivations and the blossoming romance between puppy like Seunghyun and professional Jongchan. Fans of the webcomic will likely appreciate the extra depth, and readers new to the story can expect a captivating tale about love, friendship, and navigating the workplace.

[Asya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute very green but could have been longer

[Magnolia M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute story but unfortunately... I am not interested in office romance.

[Wendy Schuffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I loved the manhwa and was super happy to see its in novel form. I just love this so much. Seunghyun is such an adorable puppy. Sweet and innocent.

[Marilyn (yuu.nemi_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Office romance sign me up!!

I really enjoy this narrative. I've previously read the Manhwa, and having the opportunity to read it in novel form is wonderful. The concept of the story is really nicely done because it addresses workplace terms in an easy-to-understand manner that is enjoyable to read. It is not tedious at all. The characters are very likeable. Seunghyun and Jongchan's relationship is incredibly sweet. I just really love them. I can't wait for Volume 2!!!

[Hacen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this manwha 😍

This is one of my favourite office romances. I really loved the dynamics of two leads. I'm excited for the next volume.