My Coworker Has a Secret!, Volume 1

My Coworker Has a Secret! #1

by Mushiro

Akari is an average 25-year-old office worker who harbors a secret she hides from her she's so obsessed with the pretty-boy idol Ren-Ren that it's ruining her financially!

When her lunch is stolen by a pigeon, a kind stranger offers his homemade bento in its place, and after graciously accepting, Akari tells him the reason she's so destitute. It's the first time she's revealed her secret otaku lifestyle to anyone. Of course, she assumes she'll never see this stranger again... until he shows up as the newest employee at her office! Can Akari trust him to keep her tragic and embarrassing secret from their coworkers?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Graphic Novels, Josei, Comics Manga, Comics, Contemporary

178 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2020

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
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│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
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╰ ✦ •

This was cute!! I love the drawings and the story. It was kinda slow. I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters more in the next volume!

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[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/dEq1B4CspV8

Updated Review 7/19/23: Just as amazing as the first time I read it!

Original Review 2/12/23: OH MY GOODNESS, this was SOOOOOOO good!

As a fangirl who gladly throws her money at merch of her favorite manga/anime characters, I felt *extremely* validated in relating SO much to Akari! Does it mean our actions or the way we spend our money is the best way to use it? No, but does it make us extremely happy? For sure, which is why I was SO curious about this series! I instantly knew I wanted to read it when the blurb said her idol obsession of Ren-Ren is ruining her financially because girl what a mood, and SAME! LOL!

While I related to Akari in A LOT of ways, I am thankful I could not relate to her in having to hide my fangirling for manga characters. It was hard seeing the catalyst of her hiding her true self, but I think it really makes you love Kazama almost instantly because he DOES listen to her as the fangirl she is. Granted, neither of them knew they would soon be coworkers, but still. LOL!

And speaking of Kazama, he is a wonderful hero! I love how despite how much he has helped Akari, he really doesn't give off any weird/creepy vibes because he's just so genuine in what he does (even if his expressions don't reflect that much). I really really loved the progression of his character, BUT THAT CLIFFHANGER SHOULD BE FORBIDDEN!!! HOW CAN VOLUME ONE END LIKE THAT?!?! I NEED VOLUME TWO ASAP!!

*coughs*

Anyway, I have not laughed so much when reading a manga as I have with this one in quite some time, and more than excited for my preorder of this to arrive physically! It was such an enjoyable read that despite the cliffhanger, I feel so much happier reading this! I could easily see this being one of my favorite reads this year because of how much I related to Akari and love her as a character.

Highly recommend this josei series because it is sure to be a good time!

*(I received an e-ARC from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

[✷⁠Ley✷ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Coworker Has a Secret!, Vol 1 by Mushiro is released April 11th, 2023

4.5⭐️

The first volume in this manga did not disappoint. It’s a slice of life, with what I hope is a coworkers turn to lovers trope as it continues. We follow Akari, who is a 26 year old female, who is considered poor. She has a terrible obsession with a musical actor, and knowingly spends all her money on this actors merchandise, therefore she is poor. She finds herself in a sticky situation, starting at lunch, and the journey starts.

You notice how character improvement/opening up is shown through the art, as well as through storytelling. The obsession with the musical actor was quite annoying and seemed too much at times. However, if I put that obsession aside, I found Akari funny and relatable. I really enjoyed just about everything about this manga, especially with how diverse, funny and relatable the characters are.

Thank you NetGalley, Independent Publisher Group, LOVE X LOVE and Mushiro for a free Digital ARC of My Coworker Has a Secret, Vol. 1 for my honest review

[Nusfaq Mahmood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it for the Buzzword Reading Challenge 2023 ; prompt: "Secret"


It's cute and as well as absurd?? Also, is something totally East Asian drama plot-worthy. I hope they actually make a k/j-drama outta this.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and LOVE x LOVE for the ARC

This was such a fun read! It was nice to see character growth from the main character and not having the whole story revolving around fan-girling. The drawing style is really pretty and it has a nice softness to it even with the funny expressions. I really loved the little stories after the ending, they really added to the plot!

One thing that I think should be worked on is the scene transitions. Sometimes the scene would change in an awkward way giving the story a sort of break.

[bailey elizabeth smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I haven’t laughed this much reading a manga in a long time! The humor and level of misunderstandings was reminiscent to the manhwa Punch Drunk Love.

I think this one really grew into itself as it went along which makes sense as the author said this was their first manga at the end!

I loved the silliness not only in the words, but also how it was portrayed in the artwork!

Who knew you’d find love when a crow steals your pre-made sandwich.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review~


I was so excited to see more new manga up on Netgalley! I just love it when new stuff appears! And this one just sounded so much fun and was even more fun in the end than I even had expected.

Meet Akari, a girl who is a BIG BIG BIG fangirl for an idol/actor named Ren-Ren. I really liked Akari for a lot of the book, I mean, I found it adorable how much she loved Ren-Ren, I loved how big her love for food was (then again given that she barely has anything it may just be that), I loved how she can just chat for ours about something she love (which I totally recognise from hobbies I have). I loved how sweet and kind she was. I loved her click with Kazama and I loved it when a friend of Kazama popped over (Rin) and how she connected with them. HOWEVER, at times I thought the MC was 15-17 based on how she handled money and life. At one point she gets kicked out of her house because apparently she never checked the notice board. She barely has any money because she spends it all on Ren-Ren, apparently she just has enough to at least eat some ramen or bread stuff and pay rent, but that is it. It was just sad. I mean, adulting is hard, I know, at times I am just tired of it all, but still I was frustrated with her that she just couldn’t seem to grasp that you need to eat healthy, you need to check things to make sure that there are no surprises, you need to step up. You can still have fun and buy stuff, no need to go fully frugal.

Kazama was just adorable. He was really, as Akari called him, a Rocky given that at times he just doesn’t seem to get some basic ideas. Like smartphones or his gigantic apartment. But I loved how he kept Akari’s secret and even loved making all the food for her. I loved that his one condition to keep it a secret was that he wanted to make lunch for her, sorry, but that is adorable. I love that he just listens to her rambling on, I mean, I would have just cut her off at one point because DANG girl. But he doesn’t mind. And I love that under that sweet demeanour and a bit ditzy-ness that he was smart and did seem to understand more than what you at times thought he would. I do want to know how he got that reputation at work though. XD

And I LOVED how these two grew together. At first I was definitely happy with them just being friends being there for each other, but as the story went on I just felt that something was shifting and you know what? I am there for it! It is going to be fun. Kazama is just really discovering the feels he has and Akari is both a bit ditzy and seems to understand that something is going on. The ending though? YOU CANNOT FREAKING END IT THERE. I need book 2, STAT. NOW.

I am still not sure about Ren-Ren, I get the appeal at points, but those snarky comments? Not my thing. A real turn-off.

The art was really fun! I love the style~

All in all, this was just oodles of fun and I am so happy I got the chance to read it~ Recommended!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[IvyInThePages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.3 leaves out of 5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Romance/Humor
Type: Ebook/Manga
Worth?: If this is your thing go for it

Hated|Disliked|It Was Okay|Liked|Loved

Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book. What a cute manga. This is my second one dealing with someone who has a bias and though they aren't my favorite they are something to pass the time with. I would honestly pick it up if you are a big fan or you just need something in between mangas!

[winnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started to read it because there are only 2 volumes to this manga. But I don't think I can make it to volume 2 because I barely made it through volume 1 lol (literally forced myself to finish volume 1) 😭

[Anna Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oblivious ass characters 😭

[akacya ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2026 reads: 108/300

akari may seem like your average 25-year-old office worker, but she’s keeping a big secret: she’s a fangirl. in fact, she’s so obsessed with the idol ren-ren that it’s ruining her financially, starting with her lunch and ending with her apartment. now, she finds herself living with her mysterious new coworker, the only person who knows her secret. as it turns out, he may have some secrets of his own.

this was so cute!! as a fellow fangirl, i could see parts of myself in akari. i’m rooting for her and really hope she can gain some financial literacy in future volumes.🙏 i can’t wait to read more!

[Lastblossom]

tl;dr
A cute easy read with a relatable heroine and a sweet potential love interest.

Thoughts
There's a certain subgenre of shoujo manga that I consider to be like cotton candy. Tastes great going down, very little substance, and when I crave it nothing else will do. "My Coworker Has a Secret!" very neatly slots into this cotton candy category. Cute uncomplicated artwork, a lively relatable heroine, and lightweight drama that goes down easy. While I've never fallen as hard as Akari, I definitely understand the panic of trying to hide my fandom from coworkers along with the warmth of having someone accept it, even if they don't understand it. Kazama is a sweet character as well - soft spoken and a great cook. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy. This book is published by LOVE x LOVE, an imprint of Tokyo Pop. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Shatiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

La protagonista di questo manga è stata lasciata dal suo ragazzo (che le ha anche rubato tutti i risparmi) e l'unica cosa che è riuscita a farla andare avanti è stato scoprire questo attore teatrale di cui è diventata assolutamente succube, finendo per spendere ogni centesimo in spettacoli, gadget e incontri con l'attore.
Ovviamente è costretta a nasconderlo al lavoro, dove non sarebbe ben vista per questo.
La mancanza di fondi ovviamente la porta anche a non mangiare quasi mai con regolarità.
Un giorno però per puro caso trova il pranzo al sacco di qualcuno su una panchina e quando il proprietario torna le permette gentilmente di rimpinzarsi. Lei finisce per raccontargli tutte le sue disavventure per poi scoprire che è un nuovo collega appena trasferitosi nell'azienda dove lei lavora.
Le sue sfortune ovviamente non termineranno qui, perchè la casa dove viveva verrà demolita e lei si ritroverà senza casa da un giorno all'altro...e (ovviamente) il suo nuovo collega (che fortunatamente ha accettato di non tradire il suo segreto) la ospiterà nel suo mega appartamento.

Trovo la protagonista una assoluta irresponsabile e la storia decisamente troppo prevedibile e irrealistica.
I disegni son abbastanza carini, ma non abbastanza. I chibi utilizzati son alquanto brutti.
Se non fosse per questa sua ossessione per l'attore, la storia sarebbe anche carina, e renderebbe la protagonista meno stupida.
E' stata una lettura piacevole, ma non mi ha coinvolta particolarmente.

Grazie Netgalley per avermi permesso di leggerlo in anteprima.

-----------------------

The protagonist of this manga was left by her boyfriend (who also stole all her savings) and the only thing that managed to keep her going was to discover this theater actor of whom she became absolutely dominated by, ending up spending every penny in shows, gadgets and meetings with the actor.
Of course she's forced to hide it at work, where she wouldn't be well regarded for it.
The lack of funds obviously leads her too to hardly ever eat regularly.
One day, however, by pure chance she finds someone's packed lunch on a bench and when the owner comes back, he kindly allows her to suit herself with it. She ends up telling him all of her misadventures only to discover that he is a new colleague who has just moved into the company where she works.
Her misfortunes obviously won't end there, because the house where she lived will be demolished and she will find herself homeless from one day to the next... and (of course) her new colleague (who luckily has agreed not to betray her secret) will host her in his mega apartment.

I find the protagonist absolutely irresponsible and the story far too predictable and unrealistic.
The drawings are nice enough, but not for my standards. The chibi used are pretty ugly.
If it weren't for her obsession with the actor, the story would be nice, and it would make the protagonist less stupid.
It was a pleasant read, but it didn't involve me particularly.

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read the preview.

[Momo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

I actually really enjoyed this! Manga from NetGalley usually is meh or really bad in terms of my taste but this was almost 5 stars from me! I really hope this goes to print for the English version because I would love to own a copy of this physically. This is just such a cute idea, it's sort of like "Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku" but more mellow (I've only seen the anime so it was probably calmer in the manga). I like the characters presented so far and I just can't wait to see how their relationships grow in the future. I like that this manga is focused on adults and office life but it still feels like a shojo. There was a slight misunderstanding that happened in this volume that kind of irked me but I usually just don't like that troupe in general so I won't hold that against them.

Disclaimer: I recived a digital copy of this in exchange for a review from NetGalley but these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Margherita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I’m leaving an honest review.

They're coworkers and one of them is a secret fangirl? When I read that I had to request an ARC because it reminded me of the korean drama "her private life" (which I loved).

This manga is extremely fast-paced, which threw me off a little, but it's pretty interesting and I'm curious to see how the story develops. Also, Kazama is really cute.

There's one thing that bothered me, but it wasn't a problem of the story itself. The pdf copy provided by Netgalley had a terrible quality and sometimes the images were so grained that it was hard to read. It was my first time receiving an ARC of a manga from them so I don't know if this is "normal", but I hope they fix it for future ARCs.

[Laura Ramsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Akari who is so obsessed with an idol and his merchandise that she ends up in financial ruin. She finds herself in a desperate situation and meets kind-hearted Kazama. She confides her troubles to him only for him to be the newest employee in her office.

I liked Akari and her wacky expressions. She's so over the top, but it adds to her character and is such a nice contrast to the cool and calm Kazama.

The plot was kind of slow, but still enjoyable! I'd love to continue this story with the next volume and get to know more about the characters and what other shenanigans they're going to get up to!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected the artstyle to be more polished and prominent. The story is kind of slow burn and the first volume seems so incomplete despite this many number of pages. Yes it’s volume one for a reason and others will follow but the manga addict me couldn’t accept this simple fact.

This is the story of a simple office worker who’s a fan girl most of her life and spends almost everything related to her idol. She meets with a to-be colleague one fine day while having lunch alone and that’s how their story starts!

She had no idea about this and she revealed her secret of being a hardcore otaku. Imagine her dread when he becomes her colleague!

Well, the following volume is going to wholesome. This I know!

Thank you, LOVE x LOVE, for the advance reading copy.

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this was SO cute!! This was a purely just-for-fun shojo that had me giggling and swooning the whole way through. It’s goofy and silly, but also sweet and wholesome. I so enjoyed this first volume, and I’m genuinely excited to pick up a physical copy when it releases. Also, with that major cliffhanger, I’m definitely excited for volume 2, as well! If you’re looking for something light-hearted that’s guaranteed to make you smile, look no further!

Note: I received a free digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and TokyoPop in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too enticing at first. A woman lives a lie that she isn’t down bad for a singer. Her obsession nearly drives her to poverty but we are expected to root for her. Well a stranger shows up and she tells him her fangirl secret only for him to join her office!

In all honesty this book felt a little too childish for me. She is too stupid to realize her apartment was set to be demolished so she suddenly finds herself homeless. Good for her as this nice coworker has a large house that his father pays for so she is taken care of!

He then becomes jealous when she starts hanging out with other boys and the book abruptly ends with her being brought into an embrace against his chest.

The art isn’t very good but it is cute.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

At first, I thought I might not care for the female main character, Akari, because her situation is a bit over the top ridiculous. But she shows other facets of her character pretty quickly, which can be hard to do in a single volume of a manga.

The male main character, Kazama, charmed me immediately despite being somewhat reserved. They also have quite good chemistry together and look forward to watching their relationship grow.

Recommended for a cute romance manga.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for this ARC! I may or may not have found a new favorite romcom manga. I really loved how this story was set up so far because it has a lot of my favorite tropes. I liked the art style of this and I found it super cute and funny!

[ㅤmelli ꧔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2⭑
i love rom-coms so much especially this one it was fun to read. also, i’m a big fan of fmc, she’s very chaotic which makes her so endearing. i can't wait to read the other volumes.

[Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the facial expressions! The story is ridiculous so far and honestly in a bad way. Still laughed a lot, though.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

[Mella aka Maron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rom com manga that’s heavy on the comedy!! This manga was so stinking hilarious and out there and unique. I absolutely loved every second of reading it!

[Ainsley Fabrizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super adorable. A quick and enjoyable read, and I most definitely will be reading the next volume!

[Literary Leigh]

DNF @31%
Via Hoopla

[Marietere T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read. I need more of this story!!!!!

So mostly its about a girl who is a fangirl and keeps it hidden from her coworkers, until she meets a guy who is now the new employee in her department. He know she secret and they get closer as time goes on, he obsessed falls in love with her first.

Thank you s o much netgalley for the arc of this book.

[Kiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Akari is a 25 year old office worker who is obsessed with an idol named Ren-Ren. She keeps it a secret from her fellow office workers but accidently spills her secret to a new hire. She ends up getting further involved with him more and more as the story progresses. The budding romance between them is cute, but she's such a ditz and misunderstands things very frequently. It makes her character really annoying to me, but I don't think it deters me from being interested in reading the next volume.

[Bel ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
I’ll be honest and say I had no idea what direction this manga was going in at the beginning. But this was super fun and theatrical. I loved the relationship that formed between Akari and Kazama. Their opposite personalities were refreshing and made for an entertaining first volume. There were some points where I got lost for a page or so, but the manga quickly realigned itself. This was very entertaining and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for volume 2 👀

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.