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Midnight Secretary #1
Midnight Secretary, Vol. 01
Midnight Secretary follows the life of Kaya Satozuka, the private secretary of Director Kyouhei Touma of the Touma Company, and the secrets kept between them.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
June 5, 2018
Kaya is a secretary for a powerful boss, Touma, whom she also falls for (kinda slowly). She’s ambitious, does her high profile job well. But she is also really attracted to this guy, who also happens to be a vampire. He also happens to be a jerk to her and others in this first volume, but maybe that will change, he will soften, see the error of his ways, who can really tell In this first volume, but early on his arrogance turns her off as much as his looks turn her on (see Pride and Prejudice for how that kind of scenario might work out for them!).
Who knows whether this gets wonderful, but I took out (randomly) volume five and also read it I can say things do evolve into an actual relationship and it seems strong and likeable. I was looking for shoujo manga (for middle grade/YA) romances), but think this may be for somewhat older readers, maybe? Because there’s some nudity, so I’d call it more Josei (for “new adults”), but this isn’t so evident in the first volume.
Who knows whether this gets wonderful, but I took out (randomly) volume five and also read it I can say things do evolve into an actual relationship and it seems strong and likeable. I was looking for shoujo manga (for middle grade/YA) romances), but think this may be for somewhat older readers, maybe? Because there’s some nudity, so I’d call it more Josei (for “new adults”), but this isn’t so evident in the first volume.
February 12, 2016
This was my first manga, and it did not disappoint me! I was looking for Clockwork Angel Manga, came across this, and i am so glad that i bought it. I loved loved loved it! It was so funnny! But what happened after was i started craving the same story in details. So, i spent all night looking for a book with similar plot, Beautiful Bastard is the closest thing i could find, no vamp, tho. :(
February 21, 2016
All right guys let's keep a few things in mind: I read this before it was licensed way back in the day when it was fan translated. This is more accurately considered "Josei" then "shoujo" (which is kind of like the difference between "middle grade/young adult" and "New adult") and while this volume involves very little nudity succeeding volumes feature it pretty heavily (especially between the two main characters).
What does it take to be a "perfect" secretary? Kaya is determined to be such to Director Touma no matter what it means. Running ridiculous errands? Fine. Enduring his rude remarks about how 'plain' she is? Bring it on. Helping to schedule his "meals" with the women that he has sex with so he can drink their blood? Oh sure--wait what?!
Ohmi has an interesting take on vampires in this series; far as I can tell they can't be made, only born and only between a human and a vampire. As such there's few enough of them in existence. Much of the popular folklore about them is false also. They only need a meal once or twice a week to sustain them, direct sunlight weakens (but doesn't kill) them and its the power of faith (of any religion) that hurts them, not the artifacts or words.
Touma is your basic Alphahole Hero--he's arrogant, rude, condescending, womanizing (though that's partially out of necessity) and controlling. He chides Kaya constantly about her "plain" appearance and makes unreasonable demands even BEFORE Kaya finds out he's a vampire. Kaya for her part is more timid in these early chapters, but what seems softness and hesistance on her part morphs into just how committed she is to being the BEST secretary she can be under any circumstances.
What kept me interested back then and now was the struggle Touma and Kaya go through to find their happy ending (oh come on its a romance, despite any other trappings, so yes there's a HEA). Ohmi doesn't have them jump into a relationship--while Kaya is struck by how attractive Touma is, his arrogant attitude (his "pride" as a vampire) turns her off as much as the little nice things he does interests her. In this volume we see them bicker, fight, joke and frustrate each other.
For Kaya her job as a secretary is who she is--its everything she's wanted to repay her mother for raising her. She takes her job seriously, works hard and when its appropriate she speaks her mind. Because of this "pride" as a secretary she's at odds with Touma--who has a chip on his shoulder against humans (including his own family), a chip on his shoulder about women (which granted, we come to find out is not entirely unreasonable) and is perfectly fine with manipulating Kaya's sense of duty to get her to stay by his side.
The artwork is a bit more dated and sometimes seems odd--most of the men are tall, well built and almost aggressively sharp shoulders (and almost always in suits, which makes sense since this primarily takes place at a corporate building). The women, even Kaya who despairs of being a "babyface", all are hourglass figures. This changes as the series progresses and we meet more characters, but it holds true here. Touma stands out because he's dressed dark with dark hair while Kaya stands out for much the same reasons--many of the other minor characters fade into the background.
If you want a heroine who has purpose and goals, this is for you. If you want a vampire romance with all the traditional trappings therein, this is for you. If you want to see Touma and Kaya run themselves ragged trying to convince each other and themselves that they are fine without the other, this is for you. Give it a shot--after all don't you have any pride as a reader?
What does it take to be a "perfect" secretary? Kaya is determined to be such to Director Touma no matter what it means. Running ridiculous errands? Fine. Enduring his rude remarks about how 'plain' she is? Bring it on. Helping to schedule his "meals" with the women that he has sex with so he can drink their blood? Oh sure--wait what?!
Ohmi has an interesting take on vampires in this series; far as I can tell they can't be made, only born and only between a human and a vampire. As such there's few enough of them in existence. Much of the popular folklore about them is false also. They only need a meal once or twice a week to sustain them, direct sunlight weakens (but doesn't kill) them and its the power of faith (of any religion) that hurts them, not the artifacts or words.
Touma is your basic Alphahole Hero--he's arrogant, rude, condescending, womanizing (though that's partially out of necessity) and controlling. He chides Kaya constantly about her "plain" appearance and makes unreasonable demands even BEFORE Kaya finds out he's a vampire. Kaya for her part is more timid in these early chapters, but what seems softness and hesistance on her part morphs into just how committed she is to being the BEST secretary she can be under any circumstances.
What kept me interested back then and now was the struggle Touma and Kaya go through to find their happy ending (oh come on its a romance, despite any other trappings, so yes there's a HEA). Ohmi doesn't have them jump into a relationship--while Kaya is struck by how attractive Touma is, his arrogant attitude (his "pride" as a vampire) turns her off as much as the little nice things he does interests her. In this volume we see them bicker, fight, joke and frustrate each other.
For Kaya her job as a secretary is who she is--its everything she's wanted to repay her mother for raising her. She takes her job seriously, works hard and when its appropriate she speaks her mind. Because of this "pride" as a secretary she's at odds with Touma--who has a chip on his shoulder against humans (including his own family), a chip on his shoulder about women (which granted, we come to find out is not entirely unreasonable) and is perfectly fine with manipulating Kaya's sense of duty to get her to stay by his side.
The artwork is a bit more dated and sometimes seems odd--most of the men are tall, well built and almost aggressively sharp shoulders (and almost always in suits, which makes sense since this primarily takes place at a corporate building). The women, even Kaya who despairs of being a "babyface", all are hourglass figures. This changes as the series progresses and we meet more characters, but it holds true here. Touma stands out because he's dressed dark with dark hair while Kaya stands out for much the same reasons--many of the other minor characters fade into the background.
If you want a heroine who has purpose and goals, this is for you. If you want a vampire romance with all the traditional trappings therein, this is for you. If you want to see Touma and Kaya run themselves ragged trying to convince each other and themselves that they are fine without the other, this is for you. Give it a shot--after all don't you have any pride as a reader?
December 6, 2024
Meh. Could take it or leave it. The ending of this volume was great, but after reading reviews of the other volumes, I think I’m going to stop here and write my own HEA for the rest.
3, fair to middling, stars.
3, fair to middling, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
this was definitely originally written during the vampire craze in the mid 2000s… not to mention this type of plot is only believable as a manga lol
Read
June 3, 2021I am just on a manga roll this month! Apologies to my Goodreads friends for the excessive manga reviews.
This one was alright. It didn’t do overly much for me, but it’s also hard to tell with some of these earlier vampire romance ones as the sub genre itself is a little limiting. Forbidden love, vampire desires, the usual.
I liked the unique angle of it being an office/workplace setting… but in all honesty I don’t see myself continuing with the next volume.
This one was alright. It didn’t do overly much for me, but it’s also hard to tell with some of these earlier vampire romance ones as the sub genre itself is a little limiting. Forbidden love, vampire desires, the usual.
I liked the unique angle of it being an office/workplace setting… but in all honesty I don’t see myself continuing with the next volume.
March 26, 2017
Hmm. This was all right, but Kyohei was too much of an ass, berating Kaya's looks from the get-go and trying to make her change her style. Ugh. I didn't feel there was enough build-up in their relationship to warrant the way this volume ended, and the story itself was on the thin side. The art was nothing special either. I have volume 2 on hand though, so I may flip through it.
January 19, 2025
Wow, this was really good! I haven’t dappled a whole lot in manga/manhwa yet, although the ones I’ve read haven’t really impressed me. I saw someone talking about this one being an older Josei manhwa that holds up, and I decided to give it a go! I’m so glad I did. This does feel vaguely male gazey with the FMC being so devoted to the MMC right off the bat, but I just went with it and had a pretty good time. I really loved the underlying politics with the MMC, and the lowkey family drama he had going on. Also the small amounts of banter between the main couple were really good and even had me grinning a few times. And not to mention how beautiful this art style is! I love how both of the main characters are drawn: especially the heroine. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to this one! It’s definitely motivated me to try more manga-type graphic novels. I’ll definitely be continuing on with this one!
April 18, 2021
I really despised the main male character in the beginning and still do but the protagonist has a lovely personality. I like her strong will and humour, plus her facial expressions and narration are priceless. This actually kind of read like a novel to me, I really love how all of the protagonist's thoughts were shown to us and she wasn't a "Mary Sue". I really didn't like the beginning chapters but I started to enjoy the book more as it progressed. Overall, a pretty decent read!
#1 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★★☆☆
#2 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#3 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#4 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#5 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
instagram | goodreads
#1 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★★☆☆
#2 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#3 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#4 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
#5 [ Midnight Secretary ] ★★☆☆☆
instagram | goodreads
November 1, 2015
Konu süper,ah şu çizimlerde biraz daha iyi olsaydı manganın tadından yenmezdi. :D
December 17, 2011
Alternate titles
"I neck with my tyrant boss"
"My boss is a vampire slut"
"hate my boss, but I let him drink my blood"
This manga title was on the shelf on one the manga groups I belong to-so I thought the cover art was interesting enough to check out. The ADULT ONLY ranking was covered in the first pages. Boss a vampire, boss a tyrant, boss is a male slut. When takes a girl out for dinner-she is the meal for him. Oh, but it is all good because-well he does not kill anyone, and they get the big "O" in return, plus expensive gifts bought by the secretary.
Ah, the secretary has a crush on the good brother of the company-who has hand picked her to work for his bad baby boy brother of his. Hoping her stern looks, and fab skill set, will keep him in line. She is so polite and loyal! When she discovers he is a vampire-she covers for him-for the good of the company, and well the threats he makes against her sweet widow poor mother. Gee, when piety makes him weak, and he needs blood STAT-she offers herself to him-as any good secretary would of course.
I am intrigued enough by the not your usual vamp stopry line to follow it a volume or two more. The adult only parts are actually ruining a good story--just so repetitive! We all know by page 20 he has to feed every few days and how he does it, ss I hope it is not so much in the next volume.
"I neck with my tyrant boss"
"My boss is a vampire slut"
"hate my boss, but I let him drink my blood"
This manga title was on the shelf on one the manga groups I belong to-so I thought the cover art was interesting enough to check out. The ADULT ONLY ranking was covered in the first pages. Boss a vampire, boss a tyrant, boss is a male slut. When takes a girl out for dinner-she is the meal for him. Oh, but it is all good because-well he does not kill anyone, and they get the big "O" in return, plus expensive gifts bought by the secretary.
Ah, the secretary has a crush on the good brother of the company-who has hand picked her to work for his bad baby boy brother of his. Hoping her stern looks, and fab skill set, will keep him in line. She is so polite and loyal! When she discovers he is a vampire-she covers for him-for the good of the company, and well the threats he makes against her sweet widow poor mother. Gee, when piety makes him weak, and he needs blood STAT-she offers herself to him-as any good secretary would of course.
I am intrigued enough by the not your usual vamp stopry line to follow it a volume or two more. The adult only parts are actually ruining a good story--just so repetitive! We all know by page 20 he has to feed every few days and how he does it, ss I hope it is not so much in the next volume.
January 9, 2019
This was ok. Kinda cliche and I feel like the characters were so one-dimensional. I'm not even really sure if I want to keep reading this manga but I borrowed the next 4 volumes from the library so I guess maybe I will?
April 5, 2018
To read this review and more check out my blog Afterwords!
Okay, so before we get on with this review, there is one thing I need to make clear: this is one of my all time favorite manga. This is not the first time I've read it. I first read it in 2009, and have returned to it time and again since.
This is, however, my first time owning a copy of the series.
So, some background. Midnight Secretary tells the story of the hardworking and serious Kaya, the titular secretary. She begins working for a difficult boss in her company, one that works very hard but also seems to find time to entertain women in his office ALL THE TIME (really, it's kind of a superpower).
That's Kyouhei Touma*. And, yes, he's a jerk, but he's also a major book crush of mine. Hey, at least I'm self-aware!!
At first, these two are at odds. Then Kaya discovers the truth about her boss. He's a fucking Vampire. In this world, vampires are born, not made. As a result, they aren't killing machines. They don't need to--they only need a little bit of human blood to survive. Blood they usually ingest through intercourse with their "victim" none the wiser, experiencing sexual pleasure instead. They kind of have it good. Only, they're allergic to sunlight, and faith, and find humans beneath them. Which probably has to do with them being beautiful and smart, and more often than not rich.
Now, half because she's blackmailed and half because she's the mother fucking boss of all secretaries, Kaya vows to be the perfect secretary for her boss. That includes learning all she can about him, and helping him even when he refuses to admit he needs help. But that doesn't include falling in love with him. AT ALL.
AT ALL I SAID.
Dammit.
(lol)
So, yes, this is a love story. If you love romance novels, you NEED this manga in your life. It's absolutely perfect. It's mostly like a contemporary romance with fantasy settings and a smattering of fantastical elements (nothing overpowering).
And it will give you THE FEELS.
Even in this first volume, that serves to set up our characters, their predicament and the beginning of their unlikely romance, you can sense that this is a story with a lot of heart, about a woman making a hard man see that loving is not a weakness, and that admitting "defeat" doesn't damage your pride.
And Kyouhei and Kaya are one of my favorite otps of all time. There's just something about these two people meeting and changing each other's lives that makes my heart pump like no other manga does!
PLEASE GO READ THIS MANGA AND THEN COME BACK AND DISCUSS WITH ME, I NEED DISCUSSION BUDDIES!
*Okay, mini rant about the official translation... It's not the best?? First of all, why do they call Touma "Tohma"? It's written "とうまきょうへい" which is literally To-u-ma Kyo-u-he-i. Why would a professional manga translation company make this dumb a mistake?... (Also, based on how often it appears in manga and anime, Touma is a really common name in Japan).
Second, I found "Mr. Director" to be really awkward. I wish it would have been just "Director". Like, I guess I get it, but maybe because I got used to shachou (director/president in Japanese) on its own it was, like, really weird.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |
___________________________________
Okay, so before we get on with this review, there is one thing I need to make clear: this is one of my all time favorite manga. This is not the first time I've read it. I first read it in 2009, and have returned to it time and again since.
This is, however, my first time owning a copy of the series.
So, some background. Midnight Secretary tells the story of the hardworking and serious Kaya, the titular secretary. She begins working for a difficult boss in her company, one that works very hard but also seems to find time to entertain women in his office ALL THE TIME (really, it's kind of a superpower).
That's Kyouhei Touma*. And, yes, he's a jerk, but he's also a major book crush of mine. Hey, at least I'm self-aware!!
At first, these two are at odds. Then Kaya discovers the truth about her boss. He's a fucking Vampire. In this world, vampires are born, not made. As a result, they aren't killing machines. They don't need to--they only need a little bit of human blood to survive. Blood they usually ingest through intercourse with their "victim" none the wiser, experiencing sexual pleasure instead. They kind of have it good. Only, they're allergic to sunlight, and faith, and find humans beneath them. Which probably has to do with them being beautiful and smart, and more often than not rich.
Now, half because she's blackmailed and half because she's the mother fucking boss of all secretaries, Kaya vows to be the perfect secretary for her boss. That includes learning all she can about him, and helping him even when he refuses to admit he needs help. But that doesn't include falling in love with him. AT ALL.
AT ALL I SAID.
Dammit.
(lol)
So, yes, this is a love story. If you love romance novels, you NEED this manga in your life. It's absolutely perfect. It's mostly like a contemporary romance with fantasy settings and a smattering of fantastical elements (nothing overpowering).
And it will give you THE FEELS.
Even in this first volume, that serves to set up our characters, their predicament and the beginning of their unlikely romance, you can sense that this is a story with a lot of heart, about a woman making a hard man see that loving is not a weakness, and that admitting "defeat" doesn't damage your pride.
And Kyouhei and Kaya are one of my favorite otps of all time. There's just something about these two people meeting and changing each other's lives that makes my heart pump like no other manga does!
PLEASE GO READ THIS MANGA AND THEN COME BACK AND DISCUSS WITH ME, I NEED DISCUSSION BUDDIES!
*Okay, mini rant about the official translation... It's not the best?? First of all, why do they call Touma "Tohma"? It's written "とうまきょうへい" which is literally To-u-ma Kyo-u-he-i. Why would a professional manga translation company make this dumb a mistake?... (Also, based on how often it appears in manga and anime, Touma is a really common name in Japan).
Second, I found "Mr. Director" to be really awkward. I wish it would have been just "Director". Like, I guess I get it, but maybe because I got used to shachou (director/president in Japanese) on its own it was, like, really weird.
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___________________________________
February 21, 2014
Synopsis:
Kaya Satozuka prides herself on being an excellent secretary and a consummate professional, so she doesn’t even bat an eye when she’s reassigned to the office of her company’s difficult director, Kyohei Touma. He’s as prickly—and hot—as rumors paint him, but Kaya is unfazed…until she discovers that he’s a vampire!!
My Thoughts:
I've wanted to read this manga for years. Years ago when I first started reading manga, friends would mention this series from time to time, but I never read it because the series wasn't licensed at the time. I haven't kept up with my manga buying these last few years because I've reading lots of regular stories on my kindle so I nearly forgot about this series. Until I got an email from Viz a few months back just before volume 1 was going on pre-order. I finally got around to buying it last week and I'm glad I did.
Kaya is pretty amazing. She's doing her best to make enough money so that her mother can live comfortably because it's just the two of them now. Despite now being the executive secretary for an arrogant, rude, womanizer, Kaya is determined to make her boss Kyohei acknowledge that she is a top notch secretary. She works really hard and I found myself really liking and admiring Kaya. I love how fierce she is about protecting Kyohei. I hope she doesn't end up with a broken heart. It would be very easy for Kyohei to take advantage of her. Good luck, Kaya!
For his part, Kyohei really is a bastard. He seems to go out of his way to be a bastard, especially towards Kaya and his older brother. Though, there also seems to be a thoughtful side to him, too. And after a while, he really comes to depend on Kaya and appreciate her as a secretary. He doesn't hesitate to remind her that she's plain, though. Until he sees her all dolled up and notices that she really isn't plain at all. She goes out of her way to make herself look severe because she's self-conscious about her baby face. It isn't long before something happens between them. Kyohei doesn't seem to know how to deal with it and just when I think he's figured it out, he makes it about her blood. I think there's more to it than that, but I wouldn't be surprised if Kyohei doesn't understand his own feelings when it comes to something other than sex or drinking blood.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how these two progress.
Kaya Satozuka prides herself on being an excellent secretary and a consummate professional, so she doesn’t even bat an eye when she’s reassigned to the office of her company’s difficult director, Kyohei Touma. He’s as prickly—and hot—as rumors paint him, but Kaya is unfazed…until she discovers that he’s a vampire!!
My Thoughts:
I've wanted to read this manga for years. Years ago when I first started reading manga, friends would mention this series from time to time, but I never read it because the series wasn't licensed at the time. I haven't kept up with my manga buying these last few years because I've reading lots of regular stories on my kindle so I nearly forgot about this series. Until I got an email from Viz a few months back just before volume 1 was going on pre-order. I finally got around to buying it last week and I'm glad I did.
Kaya is pretty amazing. She's doing her best to make enough money so that her mother can live comfortably because it's just the two of them now. Despite now being the executive secretary for an arrogant, rude, womanizer, Kaya is determined to make her boss Kyohei acknowledge that she is a top notch secretary. She works really hard and I found myself really liking and admiring Kaya. I love how fierce she is about protecting Kyohei. I hope she doesn't end up with a broken heart. It would be very easy for Kyohei to take advantage of her. Good luck, Kaya!
For his part, Kyohei really is a bastard. He seems to go out of his way to be a bastard, especially towards Kaya and his older brother. Though, there also seems to be a thoughtful side to him, too. And after a while, he really comes to depend on Kaya and appreciate her as a secretary. He doesn't hesitate to remind her that she's plain, though. Until he sees her all dolled up and notices that she really isn't plain at all. She goes out of her way to make herself look severe because she's self-conscious about her baby face. It isn't long before something happens between them. Kyohei doesn't seem to know how to deal with it and just when I think he's figured it out, he makes it about her blood. I think there's more to it than that, but I wouldn't be surprised if Kyohei doesn't understand his own feelings when it comes to something other than sex or drinking blood.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how these two progress.
February 11, 2016
Çizimler daha iyi olabilirmiş.
Bir de erkek karakterin yaptığı iş biraz daha havalı olmalıydı diye düşünüyorum.
Sofra Takımları Şirketi ne ya? :D
Bir de erkek karakterin yaptığı iş biraz daha havalı olmalıydı diye düşünüyorum.
Sofra Takımları Şirketi ne ya? :D
July 3, 2018
Fine, I guess, but nothing in the of new or surprising elements.
March 17, 2012
General thoughts: I was very surprised to find this book in my local train station book store - the US hasn't had any of Tomu Ohmi's mangas licensed yet, and although this series was quite popular in scanlation circles I hadn't heard of a German license.
On closer perusal of the publishers this is a VIZ Europe division that has so far released Anime in German, and they are branching out into manga this year - with Midnight Secretary as one of the launch series. Other launch titles include Toriko, Blue Devil and Akuma to Love Song (which IS licensed in the US but under the title Devil and her Love Song).
The translation is quite well-done, the honorifics mostly replaced with German equivalents, although there was one odd scene where the older brother of the male protagonist greeted the heroine formally and then used the intimate "Du" -very strange. -chan suffixes are replaced with little Kaya or Kayalein, works for me - although I do prefer the Japanese honorifics as they are: after all, the manga isn't mirrored and at the back of the book it is not even explained you have to start from the other side - if they expect that much knowledge from readers they could just as well keep the Japanese honorifics.
I'll keep collecting this in German, and will probably collect Akuma to Love Song in German, too, with this quality of work.
About this series and volume: On the surface this could be a Harlequin boss/secretary romance, if the author didn't have a lot of experience in making paranormal romance fun. Her heroine may look like a teenager with her hair down and without glasses (the whole reason why she looks so stuck up in her usual workgear), but she is a conscientious workaholic who adores working all out and doing her best.
The vamprie male protagonist is characterised from the first as gifted, even though he's a womanizer (and his womanizing is explained soon enough) and fiercely loyal to his family, even though he feels as if he doesn't belong, being the only vampire.
He never coerces Kaya, mostly teases her and unstintingly tells her helpful her excellent work is for his own work. She develops a desire to protect him, because she can see him giving his best to his own job and doing the dirty work so his brother and father look good to everyone else.
A few well set-up problems later, Kaya lends him her blood and Kyohei Toma finds himself becoming increasingly dissatisfied with any other blood than hers ^^ - which he acknowledges at the end of the first volume.
I really like the fact that the mangaka always shows the weak sides of the suave boss AND that Kaya never takes any of his verbal provocations without an even better answer, if she doesn't feel they are justified. You can see Kyohei grudgingly starting to cherish her and feeling unrealised jealousy towards anyone she feels sympathy for, heh. Kaya's mother actually points out his childish behaviour ^^.
On closer perusal of the publishers this is a VIZ Europe division that has so far released Anime in German, and they are branching out into manga this year - with Midnight Secretary as one of the launch series. Other launch titles include Toriko, Blue Devil and Akuma to Love Song (which IS licensed in the US but under the title Devil and her Love Song).
The translation is quite well-done, the honorifics mostly replaced with German equivalents, although there was one odd scene where the older brother of the male protagonist greeted the heroine formally and then used the intimate "Du" -very strange. -chan suffixes are replaced with little Kaya or Kayalein, works for me - although I do prefer the Japanese honorifics as they are: after all, the manga isn't mirrored and at the back of the book it is not even explained you have to start from the other side - if they expect that much knowledge from readers they could just as well keep the Japanese honorifics.
I'll keep collecting this in German, and will probably collect Akuma to Love Song in German, too, with this quality of work.
About this series and volume: On the surface this could be a Harlequin boss/secretary romance, if the author didn't have a lot of experience in making paranormal romance fun. Her heroine may look like a teenager with her hair down and without glasses (the whole reason why she looks so stuck up in her usual workgear), but she is a conscientious workaholic who adores working all out and doing her best.
The vamprie male protagonist is characterised from the first as gifted, even though he's a womanizer (and his womanizing is explained soon enough) and fiercely loyal to his family, even though he feels as if he doesn't belong, being the only vampire.
He never coerces Kaya, mostly teases her and unstintingly tells her helpful her excellent work is for his own work. She develops a desire to protect him, because she can see him giving his best to his own job and doing the dirty work so his brother and father look good to everyone else.
A few well set-up problems later, Kaya lends him her blood and Kyohei Toma finds himself becoming increasingly dissatisfied with any other blood than hers ^^ - which he acknowledges at the end of the first volume.
I really like the fact that the mangaka always shows the weak sides of the suave boss AND that Kaya never takes any of his verbal provocations without an even better answer, if she doesn't feel they are justified. You can see Kyohei grudgingly starting to cherish her and feeling unrealised jealousy towards anyone she feels sympathy for, heh. Kaya's mother actually points out his childish behaviour ^^.
May 5, 2018
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
I’ve been continuing to indulge myself with copious amounts of vampire manga. This time I picked up Midnight Secretary, which is about a woman who gets a new job, only to find out that her workaholic boss is also a vampire.
Kaya Satozuka is in the early stages of her career. She’s dedicated to her work, and will do whatever it takes to be successful. She dresses like a stereotypical librarian with glasses and a tight bun, because she looks really young and wants to be taken seriously. When she starts a new job, her new boss Kyohei immediately insults her looks, and tries to dismiss her. But Satozuka is stubborn and determined, and demands that he give her a chance and let her work speak for herself.
As I started to read about the office dynamics at play here, I felt really bad for Satozuka. Kyohei doesn’t treat women well, and doesn’t see Satozuka as a person. He comes off a wee bit Harvey Weinstein. Kyohei wants Satozuka to be like one of the (many) girls he dabbles with between meetings. Satozuka is really smart, and pretty quickly figures out that Kyohei is up to something with his dalliances. And she’s right–he’s actually a vampire, and he’s seeing all of these women because he’s secretly sucking their blood. So now her secretarial duties expand to scheduling his meals and trying to keep his secret. And of course an emergency comes up, and he ends up needing her blood to survive. And that’s when the romance begins–even though she’s not his type, he can’t stop thinking about how tasty her blood is. And even though she’s convinced that she’s just food to him, she finds herself constantly thinking about the moment when he drank her blood.
Midnight Secretary Vol. 1 was a quick and fun read. The only thing that was a bit frustrating was that it was pretty obvious that this was originally serialized, and so there’s a lot of repetition in each chapter of what happened in the sections before. That’s great if you’re reading a chapter every few weeks, but less good if you’re reading it all at once.
One thing that did really work for me is that Midnight Secretary is a manga about adults. I’ve been getting really into anime and manga over the past few years, but I’m always frustrated when the vast majority of stories seem to revolve around high school and teenage characters. I prefer reading about grown-ups doing grown-up things, especially when there’s romance involved. So the fact that Midnight Secretary is about career-driven adults who sometimes need to drink blood is nice.
Verdict: Will I continue with the series? Probably, but this is going to be one to add to the if-it’s-on-sale-at-Better-World-Books watchlist, versus the pay-full-price-at-B&N-or-Amazon list.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
I’ve been continuing to indulge myself with copious amounts of vampire manga. This time I picked up Midnight Secretary, which is about a woman who gets a new job, only to find out that her workaholic boss is also a vampire.
Kaya Satozuka is in the early stages of her career. She’s dedicated to her work, and will do whatever it takes to be successful. She dresses like a stereotypical librarian with glasses and a tight bun, because she looks really young and wants to be taken seriously. When she starts a new job, her new boss Kyohei immediately insults her looks, and tries to dismiss her. But Satozuka is stubborn and determined, and demands that he give her a chance and let her work speak for herself.
As I started to read about the office dynamics at play here, I felt really bad for Satozuka. Kyohei doesn’t treat women well, and doesn’t see Satozuka as a person. He comes off a wee bit Harvey Weinstein. Kyohei wants Satozuka to be like one of the (many) girls he dabbles with between meetings. Satozuka is really smart, and pretty quickly figures out that Kyohei is up to something with his dalliances. And she’s right–he’s actually a vampire, and he’s seeing all of these women because he’s secretly sucking their blood. So now her secretarial duties expand to scheduling his meals and trying to keep his secret. And of course an emergency comes up, and he ends up needing her blood to survive. And that’s when the romance begins–even though she’s not his type, he can’t stop thinking about how tasty her blood is. And even though she’s convinced that she’s just food to him, she finds herself constantly thinking about the moment when he drank her blood.
Midnight Secretary Vol. 1 was a quick and fun read. The only thing that was a bit frustrating was that it was pretty obvious that this was originally serialized, and so there’s a lot of repetition in each chapter of what happened in the sections before. That’s great if you’re reading a chapter every few weeks, but less good if you’re reading it all at once.
One thing that did really work for me is that Midnight Secretary is a manga about adults. I’ve been getting really into anime and manga over the past few years, but I’m always frustrated when the vast majority of stories seem to revolve around high school and teenage characters. I prefer reading about grown-ups doing grown-up things, especially when there’s romance involved. So the fact that Midnight Secretary is about career-driven adults who sometimes need to drink blood is nice.
Verdict: Will I continue with the series? Probably, but this is going to be one to add to the if-it’s-on-sale-at-Better-World-Books watchlist, versus the pay-full-price-at-B&N-or-Amazon list.
August 12, 2016
I was happy, a little excited when I saw this at the library. First heard about this from where else, GR. Keep the suggestions coming. Anyway, I'm liking this type of trope, thanks to mostly well, TV Tropes and all that.
You got a boss that's a vampire, and a human that's his secretary. I did like the bickering between the two and that she stood her ground. Even if he seemed unlikable. Then of course there's the brother. Getting a vibe from him. And from what I learned from Stepping on Roses, well, the less I say the better else we'll be getting into spoiler territory.
So, the art while good, seemed okay to very well done, especially the hair styles and eyes. Very expressive. I think I found a new favorite series to read. Unless I can catch up on the other mangas I'm reading. What's one more to add to the mix?
You got a boss that's a vampire, and a human that's his secretary. I did like the bickering between the two and that she stood her ground. Even if he seemed unlikable. Then of course there's the brother. Getting a vibe from him. And from what I learned from Stepping on Roses, well, the less I say the better else we'll be getting into spoiler territory.
So, the art while good, seemed okay to very well done, especially the hair styles and eyes. Very expressive. I think I found a new favorite series to read. Unless I can catch up on the other mangas I'm reading. What's one more to add to the mix?
November 10, 2009
This is a traditional manga in terms of gender roles. Kaya, though she is intelligent, competent and has a bit of a temper at the end of the day she is subservient to the Director. She's ok with it, in fact she begins to live to be his secretary and the Director learns to be ok with it.
However, there is a twist to this Ugly Betty-like premise. The Director is a vampire and Kaya, well let's just say that Kaya's involvement becomes crucial to the Director and thus begins the saga of Midnight Secretary.
Oh as a note - this book may be a bit too graphic for those who aren't used to sex in their Mangas. It's not a "hentai" but there are certain scenes in here that are not suitable for small children - this is a 'josei' book and geared toward women who are 18 - 30.
However, there is a twist to this Ugly Betty-like premise. The Director is a vampire and Kaya, well let's just say that Kaya's involvement becomes crucial to the Director and thus begins the saga of Midnight Secretary.
Oh as a note - this book may be a bit too graphic for those who aren't used to sex in their Mangas. It's not a "hentai" but there are certain scenes in here that are not suitable for small children - this is a 'josei' book and geared toward women who are 18 - 30.
November 17, 2013
Pure smut for me. What can I say? I have a guilty pleasure for asshole vampires even though every fibre in my being tells me not too. Sigh.
I read this super quick, and was left wanting to read the next few. While it's predictable for the first part I am curious to see where it leads me. From what I know of Manga, it doesn't always take me where I expect it.
I enjoy how stubborn - and I mean stubborn - Kaya is. From her keeping her glasses, her appearance and perseverance to prove her self in a fuck off kind of way I am enjoying her a bit. I like how he gets over the glasses. And how she calls herself a delicacy lol.
I will be picking up the rest soon. Student life is a broke life but meh, maybe.
I read this super quick, and was left wanting to read the next few. While it's predictable for the first part I am curious to see where it leads me. From what I know of Manga, it doesn't always take me where I expect it.
I enjoy how stubborn - and I mean stubborn - Kaya is. From her keeping her glasses, her appearance and perseverance to prove her self in a fuck off kind of way I am enjoying her a bit. I like how he gets over the glasses. And how she calls herself a delicacy lol.
I will be picking up the rest soon. Student life is a broke life but meh, maybe.
June 18, 2021
Yup still OTT crazy this office romance manga puts a supernatural twist to the boss-secretary trope. Plus I really liked the secretary and how super efficient she is. The hero and our titular vampire is the more typical rich, bad boy and super competent man. Quite arrogant etc but he doesn’t faze our heroine.
I love that dynamic in these sort of manga and the whole vampire angle is pretty fun. The manga ends on the hint of the romance proper starting so looking forward to the next volume.
The art is also quite lovely - this remains something quintessentially shoujo manga for me. Possibly because it was one of the first manga I had ever read.
Ah well … on to the next
I love that dynamic in these sort of manga and the whole vampire angle is pretty fun. The manga ends on the hint of the romance proper starting so looking forward to the next volume.
The art is also quite lovely - this remains something quintessentially shoujo manga for me. Possibly because it was one of the first manga I had ever read.
Ah well … on to the next
August 12, 2016
Satozuka is an industrious secretary who gets assigned a new boss, who is harsh and keeps "meeting" hot women in his office (there is a lot of moaning involved as Satozuka finds out soon. He also liked to work late and is allergic to the sun. She discovers soon that he is a vampire...
I liked the idea and the atmosphere but there wasn't much story in this first installment. And the way the female character is portrayed and treated grinds on my western nerves I guess. I will follow the series though as I think it could get much better if the story picks ups a bit.
I liked the idea and the atmosphere but there wasn't much story in this first installment. And the way the female character is portrayed and treated grinds on my western nerves I guess. I will follow the series though as I think it could get much better if the story picks ups a bit.
August 7, 2021
Fave josei manga!
This is a manga I re-read the most since its release. I have yet to find a manga quite like it. For romance book readers who never tried manga but want to, this is a book I highly recommend. It's smut but beautifully done, nothing too graphic, mostly lines and shadows.
I love both Kaya and Kyohei so much. I love Kaya - such a great character. She excels at her work and is such a good person. And very astute too! There's not much on Kyohei's thoughts on this volume, but you can see the signs of his interest.
Still the best work of Tomu Ohmi!
This is a manga I re-read the most since its release. I have yet to find a manga quite like it. For romance book readers who never tried manga but want to, this is a book I highly recommend. It's smut but beautifully done, nothing too graphic, mostly lines and shadows.
I love both Kaya and Kyohei so much. I love Kaya - such a great character. She excels at her work and is such a good person. And very astute too! There's not much on Kyohei's thoughts on this volume, but you can see the signs of his interest.
Still the best work of Tomu Ohmi!
July 22, 2011
What can I say about this book/series? Well, I can say that it's expensive to own since no one carries it and those who have it want lots of money for it. But, that doesn't say much about the story (or maybe it does, hmmm). It is mature, and makes that pretty much known from chapter one. Distasteful? No. For it's genre and what it is (let's face it, it's manga's version of a steamy romance novel), it's practically perfect.
Read
November 17, 2015I've read this manga for the first time when I was in high school.After so many years it's still one of my all time favorites.Gotta loove Kyouhei!!
December 17, 2021
Yeah, this is definitely a good one. I’ve been on a josei kick and I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back to shoujo after this— I love chaste romance but it is nice reading about adult characters.
Anyways. Vampires with office dynamics— need I say more?
(Also today is my off day and I’m trying to get through my stack of manga and graphic novels from work. I have three others I’m trying to get through so we shall see.)
Anyways. Vampires with office dynamics— need I say more?
(Also today is my off day and I’m trying to get through my stack of manga and graphic novels from work. I have three others I’m trying to get through so we shall see.)
April 16, 2017
VALE POR EL MANGA COMPLETO BC MUCHOS TOMOS.
Creo que me reí más de lo que tomé en serio la historia cada vez que la tipa decía que tenía que cuidar y conocer más que nadie a su jefe porque SOY SU SECRETARIA!!!!!¡¡¡¡!!!! Los primeros 3 tomos son mejores que todo el resto.
Creo que me reí más de lo que tomé en serio la historia cada vez que la tipa decía que tenía que cuidar y conocer más que nadie a su jefe porque SOY SU SECRETARIA!!!!!¡¡¡¡!!!! Los primeros 3 tomos son mejores que todo el resto.
February 25, 2019
A quick read, the story is pretty interesting, not quite sure if i’ll read more or not yet.
The art was different from most stuff i’ve read before, but it was cute
The art was different from most stuff i’ve read before, but it was cute
July 9, 2023
Uhmmm why did i do this to myself
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