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Home Office Romance
Nokoru has been working brutal overtime at a demanding job when the pandemic lockdown finally gives him the chance to telework from home. This new situation (and the time he saves on his commute) lets him rediscover old passions and new hobbies. The lush garden he creates on his apartment balcony provides a chance to get to know his cute neighbor, Natsu, a graduate student in archeology. How do two adults build a relationship amid “social distancing,” when face-to-face interaction is frown upon, even dangerous? It feels like a tall tale to find an office romance at home, but these are strange times…
Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
December 20, 2024
In a Nutshell: A manga about a geeky IT guy who discovers love right next door during the lockdown. A sweet and funny story, though it takes too long to get going. The flashback-style narration also doesn’t do it any favours. But a good option for those wanting a light-hearted opposites-attract love story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
This manga is the first standalone book by this author, which he has expanded from a one-shot story about two characters working at home during the pandemic. This manga is written in the traditional format, with a right-to-left story flow and B&W illustrations. (Making this explicitly clear for those who aren’t used to manga but might be tempted by the cute cover and premise.)
Nokoru is a fantastic character, though it takes time for him to grow on the reader. He comes across as extremely formal, even in dating and love. Always logical and disciplined in his approach towards everything, Nokoru can’t seem to do anything impulsively. He is also an overthinker, which leads to his questioning and analysing every single word and action Natsu makes. This leads to a lot of rambling thoughts, which can be either hilarious or annoying, depending on your mood. I have rarely seen a male character depicted with so many inner monologues! Luckily for him, I was in a good mood while reading this. 😉
Given Nokoru’s ultra-systematic personality, it is comically cute to see him stumble and fumble in his roundabout way to go out with Natsu. In fact, Natsu deserves the credit for getting the ball rolling, as is so often true in a relationship between an extrovert and an introvert. The connection between the two neighbours feels organic, though one might initially wonder what Natsu sees in Nokoru. She is such a brilliant character, as peppy as possible. I loved that she was an aspiring archaeologist – not often that we get to see such an unusual profession for a female character in realistic comics.
Their contrary personalities are put to good use in this somewhat episodic-plotline, leading to many laugh-out-loud moments. The fact that Natsu was a student threw me off at first. But as graduate students can be older and Nokoru’s age isn’t clarified, the connection does not come across as having too much of an age gap.
Nokoru narrates his love story through flashback, though we don’t get to see glimpses of his “present”. All we know is that when he is telling us these events, Natsu is already his wife. This was disappointing for two reasons. One: we don’t have any suspense about the end of the “relationship” (After all, it is set during the covid pandemic, so it could have been a tragic romance or a one-sided love story or even a short-lived fling between two opposite persons brought together by the exceptional circumstances. So knowing that Natsu was his wife killed some of the anticipation.) Two: what’s the fun to a flashback story if we don’t know anything about the “current time” of the characters? Other than the fact that the two are married after several years of the events of this love story, we get nothing. So sad!
The title made me assume that this would be some kind of virtual romance between office colleagues who connect online during the pandemic. But as they are next-door neighbours, there are often real-world interactions between the pair. The pandemic is very much there in the background, but because these two live right to each other, we mostly see them without masks. The story does show distancing and travel restrictions, but not the fear and gloom of the era. So I don’t think it will be triggering to anyone wary of covid fiction.
The illustrations are mostly great. Natsu was easily my favourite in the artwork. Her beautiful bespectacled eyes shine as bright as stars. I simply loved her expressions, whether showing shyness or laughter or mischievous innuendo. Nokoru was blander in comparison, though that also goes well with his character traits. The only thing I didn’t like was Nokoru’s eyes. Admittedly, this isn’t an issue with just this book because manga often depict (male) characters with microscopic single dots for eyes. Eyes depict so much emotion in graphics, so having them reduced to such teeny specks is always a killjoy for me. Those more attuned to manga might not even be bothered by this.
The translation notes at the end, offering a detailed explanation of the Japanese terms, are much appreciated by this reader: they are so helpful in getting some of the deeper nuances of the story!
All in all, this manga took some time to grow on me as I couldn’t get an initial handle on Nokoru’s standoffish personality. But once his behaviour became clearer, I got into the groove and enjoyed the story.
Recommended to NA and adult manga readers looking for a sweet romance set during the pandemic. Note that this is clean on-page, but there are references to sexual intimacy.
4 stars.
My thanks to Kodansha for providing the DRC of “Home Office Romance” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
When Nokoru is told to telework from home during the pandemic lockdown, he views it as a blessing. His job as a system engineer is very demanding, especially because of clientele who don’t know what they want. Working from home comes with unexpected benefits, such as getting to wake up just ten minutes before work, or managing to find more time for hobbies such as gardening and gaming. What Nokoru doesn’t expect is to interact over his balcony with his new neighbour right next door. Natsu, a graduate student of archaeology, is everything Nokoru is not: impulsive, relaxed, chaotic, gorgeous, always smiling! Is there any hope for a relationship between such disparate souls, especially when social distancing is de rigueur?
The story comes to us in Nokoru’s first-person perspective.
This manga is the first standalone book by this author, which he has expanded from a one-shot story about two characters working at home during the pandemic. This manga is written in the traditional format, with a right-to-left story flow and B&W illustrations. (Making this explicitly clear for those who aren’t used to manga but might be tempted by the cute cover and premise.)
Nokoru is a fantastic character, though it takes time for him to grow on the reader. He comes across as extremely formal, even in dating and love. Always logical and disciplined in his approach towards everything, Nokoru can’t seem to do anything impulsively. He is also an overthinker, which leads to his questioning and analysing every single word and action Natsu makes. This leads to a lot of rambling thoughts, which can be either hilarious or annoying, depending on your mood. I have rarely seen a male character depicted with so many inner monologues! Luckily for him, I was in a good mood while reading this. 😉
Given Nokoru’s ultra-systematic personality, it is comically cute to see him stumble and fumble in his roundabout way to go out with Natsu. In fact, Natsu deserves the credit for getting the ball rolling, as is so often true in a relationship between an extrovert and an introvert. The connection between the two neighbours feels organic, though one might initially wonder what Natsu sees in Nokoru. She is such a brilliant character, as peppy as possible. I loved that she was an aspiring archaeologist – not often that we get to see such an unusual profession for a female character in realistic comics.
Their contrary personalities are put to good use in this somewhat episodic-plotline, leading to many laugh-out-loud moments. The fact that Natsu was a student threw me off at first. But as graduate students can be older and Nokoru’s age isn’t clarified, the connection does not come across as having too much of an age gap.
Nokoru narrates his love story through flashback, though we don’t get to see glimpses of his “present”. All we know is that when he is telling us these events, Natsu is already his wife. This was disappointing for two reasons. One: we don’t have any suspense about the end of the “relationship” (After all, it is set during the covid pandemic, so it could have been a tragic romance or a one-sided love story or even a short-lived fling between two opposite persons brought together by the exceptional circumstances. So knowing that Natsu was his wife killed some of the anticipation.) Two: what’s the fun to a flashback story if we don’t know anything about the “current time” of the characters? Other than the fact that the two are married after several years of the events of this love story, we get nothing. So sad!
The title made me assume that this would be some kind of virtual romance between office colleagues who connect online during the pandemic. But as they are next-door neighbours, there are often real-world interactions between the pair. The pandemic is very much there in the background, but because these two live right to each other, we mostly see them without masks. The story does show distancing and travel restrictions, but not the fear and gloom of the era. So I don’t think it will be triggering to anyone wary of covid fiction.
The illustrations are mostly great. Natsu was easily my favourite in the artwork. Her beautiful bespectacled eyes shine as bright as stars. I simply loved her expressions, whether showing shyness or laughter or mischievous innuendo. Nokoru was blander in comparison, though that also goes well with his character traits. The only thing I didn’t like was Nokoru’s eyes. Admittedly, this isn’t an issue with just this book because manga often depict (male) characters with microscopic single dots for eyes. Eyes depict so much emotion in graphics, so having them reduced to such teeny specks is always a killjoy for me. Those more attuned to manga might not even be bothered by this.
The translation notes at the end, offering a detailed explanation of the Japanese terms, are much appreciated by this reader: they are so helpful in getting some of the deeper nuances of the story!
All in all, this manga took some time to grow on me as I couldn’t get an initial handle on Nokoru’s standoffish personality. But once his behaviour became clearer, I got into the groove and enjoyed the story.
Recommended to NA and adult manga readers looking for a sweet romance set during the pandemic. Note that this is clean on-page, but there are references to sexual intimacy.
4 stars.
My thanks to Kodansha for providing the DRC of “Home Office Romance” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
December 5, 2024
when it comes to anime and manga, i adore slice of life—it fills me with so much happiness! there’s something especially wholesome about watching someone go through the simple motions of everyday life, with such mundane routine moments offering familiar, warming comforts. it’s almost akin to revisiting a moment of nostalgia. there’s no forlorn scenes, or tragic situations. it’s pure and soothing. home office romance was like that—simple comforts—with two next door neighbours finding love during a terrible time when face to face interactions were restricted and exchanges were limited. natsu and nokoru made some of the smallest exchanges feel like extraordinary moments. with carefree chatter and trading hobbies, watching natsu and nokoru fall in love was sweet to witness.
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
november is my moment to devour manga. slice of life is one of my favourite anime/manga tropes so keeping my fingers crossed this cures my slump too.
a massive thank you to netgalley and kodansha comics for the gifted e-arc.
────────────────────
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
november is my moment to devour manga. slice of life is one of my favourite anime/manga tropes so keeping my fingers crossed this cures my slump too.
a massive thank you to netgalley and kodansha comics for the gifted e-arc.
October 24, 2024
*Thank you NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
4 Stars!
A charmingly simple romance manga, and I adored it. It focused on two everyday people connecting, which might seem dull to some, but I found it wonderfully comforting. The art-style was adorable to look at as well.
These kinds of stories are my favorites. I cannot wait for the second volume!
4 Stars!
A charmingly simple romance manga, and I adored it. It focused on two everyday people connecting, which might seem dull to some, but I found it wonderfully comforting. The art-style was adorable to look at as well.
These kinds of stories are my favorites. I cannot wait for the second volume!
October 30, 2024
3 stars ✰
nokoru and natsu were so cute in this wholesome, drama-free, romantic standalone manga <33 this was a book with not many events going on (bc they were literally in a pandemic) but for some reason i really enjoyed it? idk sometimes stories with a smooth and easy love that flows is just what i need and this one was really nice. also the art style was so beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed it. highly recommend this manga for a quick and easy read 💌
thank you netgalley and the publishers for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
nokoru and natsu were so cute in this wholesome, drama-free, romantic standalone manga <33 this was a book with not many events going on (bc they were literally in a pandemic) but for some reason i really enjoyed it? idk sometimes stories with a smooth and easy love that flows is just what i need and this one was really nice. also the art style was so beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed it. highly recommend this manga for a quick and easy read 💌
thank you netgalley and the publishers for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
October 29, 2024
i saw this cute cover on netgalley and thought i'd give it a try and thank god i did because i freaking loved it !!! 😭
🦇 i don't usually enjoy stories that have covid going on, but in this case it was mentioned so little that i didn't mind at all, it felt believable.
🦇 i loved that the mc nokoru was this awkward guy who loved reading fantasy manga. honestly what a cutie!
🦇 the romance was hot at some parts, i was giggling lmaoo.
🦇 i also enjoyed the fact that nokoru was also a gamer and he played together with his girl, it was sooo relatable.
🦇 also a man flying 36 hours for you ???? husband material.
🦇 his balcony was also goals. honestly i wish i had that irl, i'd make it into a reading nook real quick lol.
🦇 the artwork was also really well done and honestly the whole story was believable. i wish i had more time with these characters though, i shipped them so hard. 😭
🦇 if you haven't read it and want a cute romantic manga, please give this one a try—i loved it so much and highly recommend reading it!
🦇 i don't usually enjoy stories that have covid going on, but in this case it was mentioned so little that i didn't mind at all, it felt believable.
🦇 i loved that the mc nokoru was this awkward guy who loved reading fantasy manga. honestly what a cutie!
🦇 the romance was hot at some parts, i was giggling lmaoo.
🦇 i also enjoyed the fact that nokoru was also a gamer and he played together with his girl, it was sooo relatable.
🦇 also a man flying 36 hours for you ???? husband material.
🦇 his balcony was also goals. honestly i wish i had that irl, i'd make it into a reading nook real quick lol.
🦇 the artwork was also really well done and honestly the whole story was believable. i wish i had more time with these characters though, i shipped them so hard. 😭
🦇 if you haven't read it and want a cute romantic manga, please give this one a try—i loved it so much and highly recommend reading it!
December 3, 2024
This was a really quick, cute, and drama free slice of life, Manga. I enjoyed the characters and art style. Of course, I wish it was longer and not so rushed , though.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for sending me an e-arc for review.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for sending me an e-arc for review.
January 3, 2024
There’s really something special about this particular work that not a lot of other romance manga seem to capture. I haven’t read Sweat & Soap, but this mangaka has a beautiful grasp on a simple life and a simple romance, how even the simplest lives can be torn asunder with the littlest spark, and how even the most mundane of relationships can drastically alter the course of one’s life.
Telework Yotabanashi revolves around Mitsuhashi Nokoru, an engineer who has begun teleworking during the onset of COVID-19 and is in the process of redecorating and reorganizing his apartment to make it more hospitable as a work environment when he meets his neighbor, Izumi Natsu, standing on her next door balcony.
The story is as simple as it gets, with Nokoru and Natsu slowly getting to know each other and slowly falling for one another. The author is excellent in making the most of the small moments between them in a time where social interaction is severely limited and the smallest exchanges where nothings are exchanged linger in your head for so much longer. It is a tale where the nothings become somethings, where the little moments add up to become a strong love, and where you find yourself so lost in the buildup of the relationship that you don’t realize you’ve already reached the end of the volume.
The other core strength of this manga is in the author’s handling of romance as adults. This work avoids so many of the pitfalls of typical manga romances in that Nokoru and Natsu are explicit and forthcoming about their words and intentions. They are not dense characters, nor do they beat around the bush. As such, the progression of their relationship is one built on solid communication compared to what you typically see in Japanese romances. It makes it such a refreshing and satisfying read.
The only real flaw that I could give this series is that it’s too damn short. I had been reading this series as it released weekly, and I was so shocked to see the announcement for its final chapter when we weren’t even twenty chapters in. However, its length also works to its benefit—it is not drawn out and it gets to the point immediately. As much as I would love to see these two continue living life the way they do, it is also bookended beautifully.
Telework Yotabanashi is definitely up there in my favorite romance manga series. Pick this one up if you can.
Telework Yotabanashi revolves around Mitsuhashi Nokoru, an engineer who has begun teleworking during the onset of COVID-19 and is in the process of redecorating and reorganizing his apartment to make it more hospitable as a work environment when he meets his neighbor, Izumi Natsu, standing on her next door balcony.
The story is as simple as it gets, with Nokoru and Natsu slowly getting to know each other and slowly falling for one another. The author is excellent in making the most of the small moments between them in a time where social interaction is severely limited and the smallest exchanges where nothings are exchanged linger in your head for so much longer. It is a tale where the nothings become somethings, where the little moments add up to become a strong love, and where you find yourself so lost in the buildup of the relationship that you don’t realize you’ve already reached the end of the volume.
The other core strength of this manga is in the author’s handling of romance as adults. This work avoids so many of the pitfalls of typical manga romances in that Nokoru and Natsu are explicit and forthcoming about their words and intentions. They are not dense characters, nor do they beat around the bush. As such, the progression of their relationship is one built on solid communication compared to what you typically see in Japanese romances. It makes it such a refreshing and satisfying read.
The only real flaw that I could give this series is that it’s too damn short. I had been reading this series as it released weekly, and I was so shocked to see the announcement for its final chapter when we weren’t even twenty chapters in. However, its length also works to its benefit—it is not drawn out and it gets to the point immediately. As much as I would love to see these two continue living life the way they do, it is also bookended beautifully.
Telework Yotabanashi is definitely up there in my favorite romance manga series. Pick this one up if you can.
December 31, 2024
As soon as I finished my eARC of this, I contacted my boss and ordered a copy of this for myself, let alone our store.
This was SO. SWEET. It had a natural build up, the characters were great and other than the MC H's eyes looking like he was perpetually tired/angry, the artwork was quite good. The MC H was SUCH a sweetie, despite his looks, so I guess he was gap moe?
Whatever it is called, he was an absolute delight (and a gentleman) and this was so sweet and romantic I CAN'T EVEN. Even though you know how it's going to end, I was holding my breath in certain spots and wondering HOW the MCs were going to get to that ending.
5, this was so sweet I 100% recommend this book (standalone too, WOOT!), stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This was SO. SWEET. It had a natural build up, the characters were great and other than the MC H's eyes looking like he was perpetually tired/angry, the artwork was quite good. The MC H was SUCH a sweetie, despite his looks, so I guess he was gap moe?
Whatever it is called, he was an absolute delight (and a gentleman) and this was so sweet and romantic I CAN'T EVEN. Even though you know how it's going to end, I was holding my breath in certain spots and wondering HOW the MCs were going to get to that ending.
5, this was so sweet I 100% recommend this book (standalone too, WOOT!), stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Forced to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an introverted computer programmer starts crushing on the outgoing archeology graduate student who lives next door in his apartment building.
A straightforward and engaging romance.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapter 1. The Joys of a Home Office -- Chapter 2. The Curse of the Home Office -- Chapter 3. Dried Burdock -- Chapter 4. A Drink Looking up at the Moon -- Chapter 5. Dumplings in Bamboo Leaves -- Chapter 6. Bugs -- Chapter 7. Electric Screwdriver -- Chapter 8. Chicken Boiled in a Pot -- Chapter 9. Thank-You Gifts -- Chapter 10. At the Front -- Chapter 11. Question and Answer -- Chapter 12. Scheduling -- Chapter 13. Nocturnal Detour -- Chapter 14. Casual Conversation -- Chapter 15. An Encouragement of Internet Shopping -- Chapter 16. Hanging Out at Home -- Chapter 17. Holding Pattern -- Chapter 18. Waiting -- Chapter 19. Beyond the Border -- Chapter 20. If There's Something You Want to See -- Bonus Chapter 20.5. Up All Night -- Afterword -- Early Character Designs -- Translation Notes
A straightforward and engaging romance.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapter 1. The Joys of a Home Office -- Chapter 2. The Curse of the Home Office -- Chapter 3. Dried Burdock -- Chapter 4. A Drink Looking up at the Moon -- Chapter 5. Dumplings in Bamboo Leaves -- Chapter 6. Bugs -- Chapter 7. Electric Screwdriver -- Chapter 8. Chicken Boiled in a Pot -- Chapter 9. Thank-You Gifts -- Chapter 10. At the Front -- Chapter 11. Question and Answer -- Chapter 12. Scheduling -- Chapter 13. Nocturnal Detour -- Chapter 14. Casual Conversation -- Chapter 15. An Encouragement of Internet Shopping -- Chapter 16. Hanging Out at Home -- Chapter 17. Holding Pattern -- Chapter 18. Waiting -- Chapter 19. Beyond the Border -- Chapter 20. If There's Something You Want to See -- Bonus Chapter 20.5. Up All Night -- Afterword -- Early Character Designs -- Translation Notes
November 7, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sweet, adorable and heartwarming!!!
When I saw that this was by the same mangaka as Sweat and Soap, and was available to request on NetGalley, I immediately knew that I had to read it!! It's been a few years since I read Sweat and Soap, and it's one of my fav mangas of all time. And this didn't disappoint as well.
This one's set during the covid and we follow Nokoru, a software engineer who now has to get all his work done from his house, and it seems like a blessing to his introverted nature. He meets his neighbour, the extroverted Natsu, a graduate student in archaeology, and they slowly become more than acquaintances.
I loved this so much, and it's an added bonus that the story gets resolved within a single volume, but it did leave me wanting for more cuz it's that good😮💨 The way they share similar interests and get closer to one another through that was so sweet to witness!!! Definitely a good neighbours to lovers romance, and I highly recommend you guys check it out!
P.s. Would love to have a reading nook like Natsu's and a balcony garden like Nokoru's!!!😍🤌🏻
Sweet, adorable and heartwarming!!!
When I saw that this was by the same mangaka as Sweat and Soap, and was available to request on NetGalley, I immediately knew that I had to read it!! It's been a few years since I read Sweat and Soap, and it's one of my fav mangas of all time. And this didn't disappoint as well.
This one's set during the covid and we follow Nokoru, a software engineer who now has to get all his work done from his house, and it seems like a blessing to his introverted nature. He meets his neighbour, the extroverted Natsu, a graduate student in archaeology, and they slowly become more than acquaintances.
I loved this so much, and it's an added bonus that the story gets resolved within a single volume, but it did leave me wanting for more cuz it's that good😮💨 The way they share similar interests and get closer to one another through that was so sweet to witness!!! Definitely a good neighbours to lovers romance, and I highly recommend you guys check it out!
P.s. Would love to have a reading nook like Natsu's and a balcony garden like Nokoru's!!!😍🤌🏻
December 20, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this copy I loved it sm!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s
Like I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for hallmark romances, and this book is entirely that trope. The two main characters are neighbors and find themselves falling in love while working from home and talking on their balconies. It’s a quick, cute read! That being said I only have it 4 stars because it wasn’t a slow burn and not really my style, the characters fall in love pretty quickly and I was definitely expecting a few books to get to that point. I’m excited to see if this story continues given that they marry!! I’m definitely going to follow the author and keep an eye out for any other releases!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s
Like I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for hallmark romances, and this book is entirely that trope. The two main characters are neighbors and find themselves falling in love while working from home and talking on their balconies. It’s a quick, cute read! That being said I only have it 4 stars because it wasn’t a slow burn and not really my style, the characters fall in love pretty quickly and I was definitely expecting a few books to get to that point. I’m excited to see if this story continues given that they marry!! I’m definitely going to follow the author and keep an eye out for any other releases!!
February 13, 2025
Esto fue demasiado lindo. Es un romance entre unos vecinos con vidas bastante diferentes.
Me encantó ver como su relación iba cambiando y se iban interesando cada vez más el uno del otro. El manga está hecho de hermosamente, el estilo de dibujo combina a la perfección con la historia que se cuenta.
Me fuera encantado que sea un poco más larga, algunas partes las sentí muy apresuradas.
Es una historia con poco drama que se siente bastante realista y cercana. Son simplemente dos personas que por cosas de la vida llegaron a la vida del otro. Una historia perfecta para pasar el rato.
⭑ Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read "Home Office Romance".
Me encantó ver como su relación iba cambiando y se iban interesando cada vez más el uno del otro. El manga está hecho de hermosamente, el estilo de dibujo combina a la perfección con la historia que se cuenta.
Me fuera encantado que sea un poco más larga, algunas partes las sentí muy apresuradas.
Es una historia con poco drama que se siente bastante realista y cercana. Son simplemente dos personas que por cosas de la vida llegaron a la vida del otro. Una historia perfecta para pasar el rato.
⭑ Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read "Home Office Romance".
January 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It's such a cute story about two neighbours falling in love during the pandemic. Very sweet indeed. And all wrapped up in one volume as well.
October 18, 2024
During the height of lockdown, two neighbors find an unexpected love while working from home.
This was an adorably mundane romance, and I loved it. There was nothing dramatic or overly exciting about this - it was just about two perfectly ordinary people finding each other. To some, this might sound like a bad thing, but I found it so cozy. This is the type of romance I love most.
The art style was also great, although I did find the male lead to have the smallest pupils in existence.
If you're looking for a cozy, sweet romance with zero angst, this is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this manga in exchange for my honest review!
This was an adorably mundane romance, and I loved it. There was nothing dramatic or overly exciting about this - it was just about two perfectly ordinary people finding each other. To some, this might sound like a bad thing, but I found it so cozy. This is the type of romance I love most.
The art style was also great, although I did find the male lead to have the smallest pupils in existence.
If you're looking for a cozy, sweet romance with zero angst, this is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this manga in exchange for my honest review!
October 17, 2024
This was such a cute love story. Different from the ones ive read so far. Nokoru-san's character as a software Engineer was intriguing. I loved how we could see his thoughts and how he approached his once in a lifetime love. As an inroverted character myself i could relate to a lot of how his brain worked. Natsu san was also soo cute and i loved her extrovert energy.
There were some laugh-out-loud moments which i really enjoyed. A love story with a lot of everyday scenes and a pinch of humor. This was soo good. Will definitely keep an eye out for more of this author's work in the future!
There were some laugh-out-loud moments which i really enjoyed. A love story with a lot of everyday scenes and a pinch of humor. This was soo good. Will definitely keep an eye out for more of this author's work in the future!
November 11, 2024
* Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc
Haven’t read a manga in almost a year cause everything got so boring to me, but this was much fun!
Such a quick way to get out of a slump. The characters were charming and cute and it got kinda sexy at times. Really liked the style it was done in and loved the type of jobs they had.
This comes out on the 12th of november so go read it!
Haven’t read a manga in almost a year cause everything got so boring to me, but this was much fun!
Such a quick way to get out of a slump. The characters were charming and cute and it got kinda sexy at times. Really liked the style it was done in and loved the type of jobs they had.
This comes out on the 12th of november so go read it!
December 3, 2024
A super-cute pandemic lockdown romance!
1. The mangaka has the gift of turning commonplace interactions into magical moments - enjoying hotpot in Nokoru's patio garden, or Nokoru feeling instantly comfortable and falling asleep to Natsu's keyboard going clickety clack!
2. Another shout-out to how organic and angst - free their eventual love story was - the upfront discussions and adults 'knowing what they wanted' was refreshing
3. The characters themselves were so relatable, haha. Debating over the weekly snack haul, graduate school dating = hanging out at home, eating and playing games.
4. I love how the slice of life plotline concluded with Nokoru and Natsu being thrown out of the pandemic isolation, and doing the big romantic gesture.
I'd definitely love to read more from this mangaka!
My thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions my own!
1. The mangaka has the gift of turning commonplace interactions into magical moments - enjoying hotpot in Nokoru's patio garden, or Nokoru feeling instantly comfortable and falling asleep to Natsu's keyboard going clickety clack!
2. Another shout-out to how organic and angst - free their eventual love story was - the upfront discussions and adults 'knowing what they wanted' was refreshing
3. The characters themselves were so relatable, haha. Debating over the weekly snack haul, graduate school dating = hanging out at home, eating and playing games.
4. I love how the slice of life plotline concluded with Nokoru and Natsu being thrown out of the pandemic isolation, and doing the big romantic gesture.
I'd definitely love to read more from this mangaka!
My thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions my own!
October 24, 2024
This was a really sweet story of 2 neighbors finding common interests and becoming attached to one another. The story is set during the Covid-19 Pandemic when stay at home mandates and home office were prevalent. It is frankly both disquieting and exciting to see such a recent large scale event being picked up by popular media, and to be depicted in a positive light. The protagonists were fun and relateable and the story progressed naturally without boring me at any point.
The drawing style was refreshing and easy on the eye. There were many detailed panels that enriched the story without being overbearing. I am also fond of this story being a one-shot, with a wrapped up story without unnecessary drama or fillers.
I had an excellent time reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The drawing style was refreshing and easy on the eye. There were many detailed panels that enriched the story without being overbearing. I am also fond of this story being a one-shot, with a wrapped up story without unnecessary drama or fillers.
I had an excellent time reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
4.5✨
Home office romance follows Nokoru and Natsu, two neighbours whose friendship slowly blossoms into a sweet romance.
This story is beautiful and wraps itself up lovely in just 1 volume. The setting of the pandemic and the loneliness the solitary time gave us is one we can all relate to. Natsu slowly draws Nokoru out of his shell; their initial interactions are adorable. Nokoru questioning why she compliments him and not getting the hints she is dropping.
I enjoyed the art style and feel like it fits the story well. The chapters are short and snappy and keep you wanting to read. I'm almost disappointed the story was finished so quick. The ending did feel slightly rushed, wouldn't have minded a couple more volumes of a similar length or maybe a slightly more explored story. Towards the beginning Nokoru mentions 'this is how I met my wife' and the end just felt like a 'okay we're official now this is why we married'.
Overall very enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Home office romance follows Nokoru and Natsu, two neighbours whose friendship slowly blossoms into a sweet romance.
This story is beautiful and wraps itself up lovely in just 1 volume. The setting of the pandemic and the loneliness the solitary time gave us is one we can all relate to. Natsu slowly draws Nokoru out of his shell; their initial interactions are adorable. Nokoru questioning why she compliments him and not getting the hints she is dropping.
I enjoyed the art style and feel like it fits the story well. The chapters are short and snappy and keep you wanting to read. I'm almost disappointed the story was finished so quick. The ending did feel slightly rushed, wouldn't have minded a couple more volumes of a similar length or maybe a slightly more explored story. Towards the beginning Nokoru mentions 'this is how I met my wife' and the end just felt like a 'okay we're official now this is why we married'.
Overall very enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2024
Give me more! This was so cute and wholesome. I love, love Nokoru. Not only is he relatable, he’s also such an intriguing character. The Covid lockdown has hit him hard and his only escape from his nightmarish routine of work, work… and more work… is his little garden. That’s where he meets Natsu—his bright neighbour to whom he’s never spoken. Suddenly, he can’t stop thinking about her, but what is an awkward and shy guy to do? The story is a bit slow, but I think the pacing is perfect for the limited pages we get.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to the ARC. All my opinions are my own.
October 14, 2024
[Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.]
Amidst the COVID pandemic, systems engineer Nokoru has started working from home. This introduces him to Natsu, his next door neighbour, who has all the spirit that he lacks. And fate will take it from there.
This is a charming little romance one-shot from the mangaka behind the brilliant Sweat & Soap, which means it comes in with a very impressive pedigree. Now, it’s not quite that series’ equal, but it’s very good for what it is.
Part of its strengths and weaknesses are derived from it being a single volume. When there’s a moment that threatens to send Nokoru to jealousy town, he kind of just mopes about it a bit and moves on. He’ll learn that he has nothing to worry about soon enough, but I’m glad this gets all glossed over quickly.
And that’s not really a spoiler; it’s revealed right away that this is a story of Nokoru meeting his wife, so we thankfully dispense with the ‘will they, won’t they’ for a change and get to watch these two become close. It also lets the story end off in a more romantic place than just the traditional wedding; it’s a smart little touch.
Nokoru is believably awkward and also a decent lead; most of the story is about him rediscovering his zest for life and travel that his job and the pandemic have stripped from him. And Natsu is the perfect person to remind him of it all.
Now, Natsu is a little trickier, as she has all the makings of a manic pixie dream girl, so she is all energetic and has a cool job and is way into Nokoru, who just happens to be her type because she can see his soft side underneath.
And, to be fair, Nokoru is polite and helpful and concerned about Natsu even before they date, plus they connect over his elaborate balcony set-up and begin sharing books and manga. It’s not entirely that way, even if it looks like Natsu is a trope.
Except there’s also a very helpful design note from Yamada at the end that makes it clear that Natsu’s charms are entirely her own, but based on the notion of a bewitching creature from a folk tale.
I’d normally let that lie, but it really recontextualizes some of the book’s earlier scenes in a much more fascinating way and this is the rare manga that almost benefits from a second read through just to see how that interpretation of the character plays out.
The romance is pleasantly understated and I love that it has the feel of a relationship between two adults. They grow closer and closer, make their intentions known, and then go from there. It’s not quite as steamy as Sweat & Soap got, but it doesn’t ignore the physical side of things.
It’s been enough past the worst of the pandemic that this is more of a reminder of those dire (yet necessary) years where lockdowns were enacted and people could hardly move around. It’s a good setting, honestly, and I appreciated the proper mask use here amongst the other details.
I wouldn’t say the chemistry is perfect, Nokoru takes a while to come out of his shell, but it’s very clear that these are two people who make one another better and this is really a story of confinement to a small space working out for the best.
And, finally, boy is it nice to have another adult romance story. High school ones are fine, but they’re a dime a dozen. This one has such exciting moments as getting groceries or sharing a bag of chips, but they’re so much more interesting because of how less often we see them.
4 stars - really dang good and very recommended. It does a great job with its limited page count - that may not give it incredible depth, but it also lets it avoid some of the common tropes and pitfalls in romance manga.
Amidst the COVID pandemic, systems engineer Nokoru has started working from home. This introduces him to Natsu, his next door neighbour, who has all the spirit that he lacks. And fate will take it from there.
This is a charming little romance one-shot from the mangaka behind the brilliant Sweat & Soap, which means it comes in with a very impressive pedigree. Now, it’s not quite that series’ equal, but it’s very good for what it is.
Part of its strengths and weaknesses are derived from it being a single volume. When there’s a moment that threatens to send Nokoru to jealousy town, he kind of just mopes about it a bit and moves on. He’ll learn that he has nothing to worry about soon enough, but I’m glad this gets all glossed over quickly.
And that’s not really a spoiler; it’s revealed right away that this is a story of Nokoru meeting his wife, so we thankfully dispense with the ‘will they, won’t they’ for a change and get to watch these two become close. It also lets the story end off in a more romantic place than just the traditional wedding; it’s a smart little touch.
Nokoru is believably awkward and also a decent lead; most of the story is about him rediscovering his zest for life and travel that his job and the pandemic have stripped from him. And Natsu is the perfect person to remind him of it all.
Now, Natsu is a little trickier, as she has all the makings of a manic pixie dream girl, so she is all energetic and has a cool job and is way into Nokoru, who just happens to be her type because she can see his soft side underneath.
And, to be fair, Nokoru is polite and helpful and concerned about Natsu even before they date, plus they connect over his elaborate balcony set-up and begin sharing books and manga. It’s not entirely that way, even if it looks like Natsu is a trope.
Except there’s also a very helpful design note from Yamada at the end that makes it clear that Natsu’s charms are entirely her own, but based on the notion of a bewitching creature from a folk tale.
I’d normally let that lie, but it really recontextualizes some of the book’s earlier scenes in a much more fascinating way and this is the rare manga that almost benefits from a second read through just to see how that interpretation of the character plays out.
The romance is pleasantly understated and I love that it has the feel of a relationship between two adults. They grow closer and closer, make their intentions known, and then go from there. It’s not quite as steamy as Sweat & Soap got, but it doesn’t ignore the physical side of things.
It’s been enough past the worst of the pandemic that this is more of a reminder of those dire (yet necessary) years where lockdowns were enacted and people could hardly move around. It’s a good setting, honestly, and I appreciated the proper mask use here amongst the other details.
I wouldn’t say the chemistry is perfect, Nokoru takes a while to come out of his shell, but it’s very clear that these are two people who make one another better and this is really a story of confinement to a small space working out for the best.
And, finally, boy is it nice to have another adult romance story. High school ones are fine, but they’re a dime a dozen. This one has such exciting moments as getting groceries or sharing a bag of chips, but they’re so much more interesting because of how less often we see them.
4 stars - really dang good and very recommended. It does a great job with its limited page count - that may not give it incredible depth, but it also lets it avoid some of the common tropes and pitfalls in romance manga.
June 22, 2025
Ljubavna priča o paru koji nikada ne bi nastao da nije bilo obaveznog rada od kuće tokom epidemije, niti zajedničkih interesovanja koja su prevladala njihove različitosti.
On – introvertan, uvek pripremljen i pomalo socijalno šašav.
Ona – ekstrovertna, preduzetna i obožava da ga izbaci iz koloseka planova i očekivanih odgovora kad god joj se ukaže prilika.
Maksimalno simpatični i baš onako jedno za drugo.
Priča za kikotanje i opuštanje.
On – introvertan, uvek pripremljen i pomalo socijalno šašav.
Ona – ekstrovertna, preduzetna i obožava da ga izbaci iz koloseka planova i očekivanih odgovora kad god joj se ukaže prilika.
Maksimalno simpatični i baš onako jedno za drugo.
Priča za kikotanje i opuštanje.
December 17, 2024
I ended up loving this one! At first I was kind of iffy about it...it was a bit of a slow start and I just wasn't sure how I felt about the hero....but this book is from his POV and it's sooooo cute watching him fall. Their opposites attract personalities were too adorable. This one really wrapped around my heart!
December 15, 2024
I actually loved this. I like that it is a standalone, it doesn’t feel like the kind of story that needs multiple volumes. I really believed in Mitsuhashi and Natsu’s romance, it felt so natural and like something that could happen in real life. I also just really liked both of them individually, Mitsuhashi was very relatable (as an introvert, I get him lol), but I love how Natsu balanced that out being more extroverted. I don’t usually love reading about COVID, but I feel like it was tastefully done here. The ending made me smile so much. It was such a good easy, lighthearted romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the arc!
March 13, 2025
Maybe because I was expecting the giddiness I felt while reading Sweat and Soap that made this a disappointment for me. I found the characters to be bland and they didn’t have chemistry or any reason to be together. I liked the realness of the pandemic being shown, but not much else.
*I received an ARC for an honest review.
*I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
literally SO sweet and well done🥹 i’m a sucker for slice of life romance between normal ass adults fr
and not ONLY was it such a sweet, slow romance where we get to watch these two characters get to know each other and fall in love over time but it felt even more poignant to see a character come out of depression by being able to improve his living circumstances in small, but ultimately very meaningful ways (having time to enjoy hobbies outside of work, rediscovering old joy, literally having time to SLEEP enough outside of work) and THAT improvement being the catalyst to him having the emotional bandwidth to fall in love and open up and dream of accessing a reality in which he loves and is loved and travels and sees more of the world outside of work. it really hit and made the romance all that more touching imo. the romance didn’t solve his depression, he wasn’t saved by a woman and taken care of but rather he was able to be open to the possibility of more and was then able to fall in love with natsu because his circumstances had themselves already started to improve. anyway im not saying home office romance is anticapitlist (lol) by any means but it was great to read a romance in which love isn’t about saving someone, isn’t about the biggest stakes end of the world shit but rather about beauty in the mundane, quotidien etc
and not ONLY was it such a sweet, slow romance where we get to watch these two characters get to know each other and fall in love over time but it felt even more poignant to see a character come out of depression by being able to improve his living circumstances in small, but ultimately very meaningful ways (having time to enjoy hobbies outside of work, rediscovering old joy, literally having time to SLEEP enough outside of work) and THAT improvement being the catalyst to him having the emotional bandwidth to fall in love and open up and dream of accessing a reality in which he loves and is loved and travels and sees more of the world outside of work. it really hit and made the romance all that more touching imo. the romance didn’t solve his depression, he wasn’t saved by a woman and taken care of but rather he was able to be open to the possibility of more and was then able to fall in love with natsu because his circumstances had themselves already started to improve. anyway im not saying home office romance is anticapitlist (lol) by any means but it was great to read a romance in which love isn’t about saving someone, isn’t about the biggest stakes end of the world shit but rather about beauty in the mundane, quotidien etc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
This was a cute little romance! I really liked the concept of this being set during lockdown while having an upbeat spin of the friendship/romance. A really nice manga if you’re looking for something sweet and standalone.
February 12, 2025
cute pero no estoy hecha para Mangas y que encima sean cortos, me termina faltando contenido siempre. Lindo pero meh
May 26, 2025
so fun and cute omg
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