I really liked this. It was cute, without focusing only on the romance side. I felt like it covered many aspects related to love in the times of the pandemic and discovering yourself. The artwork was also lovely, it fit the storyline. While not necessarily the most realistic, it's a wholesome manga - definitely recommended.

A few quotes I liked (note: these are from an ARC, so they may differ in the final edition of the book):

"As I said, letting your thoughts run away with you is pointless. It undermines your control... and fosters foolish conceits... which evaporate, leaving nothing behind."

"- I wish I could spend my life doing things I enjoyed, like you.
[...]
- Even if it meant never finding the right answer?"

"Weird, isn't it...? Being around too many people left me drained and exhausted... but in the end, the cure came from yet another person."

4.5 stars (rounded to 5)

A wonderful manga exploring finding yourself through changing external circumstances (in this case, a pandemic) and the evolving relationship between two neighbours. I tend to avoid anything pandemic-related, but I enjoyed this so much! The personality of each character was so unique and I loved watching them interact. The art style is easy on the eye and beautifully portrays both light-hearted humour and the more meaningful moments. Natsu was the best sunshine to Nokoru's grumpy, and watching them find their passions again, as well as finding each other, was so heartwarming!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This manga was just a cozy little gem. The chapters were short, making it easy to read, and the vibes were super comforting. As I got further into it, things started to get more interesting, and I couldn’t help but smile at the funny moments. The characters’ banter was on point, and there was a great balance between cute interactions and an engaging plot. It was nothing too serious—just a feel-good romance that was fun to read from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This story is so cute. I love the story line and art style. I like Natsu and Nokoru cute meet greet as neighbors. How that blooms and they become friends to lovers. I love how they support each other. Nokoru is such a sweet, shy guy realizing he can find love. Natsu she confident, flirty, and goes after what she wants. I like there connection and I want to read more of there story.

After falling in love with Kinetsu Yamada's art style with Sweat and Soap, I was so looking forward to reading this one! It was such a quick read, and it was great having such a nice escape.

such a sweet story and a really quick read!! it’s also not very heavy on the pandemic thematic which means you can still read it to escape reality!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access.

When I read the synopsis, I thought It sounded really good, I’ve only read a couple of books that have been set during covid times so was looking forward to seeing where this one went but unfortunately I did not enjoy it. It was incredibly slow to get going and I found it hard to follow at times as it didn’t feel like it flowed very well and felt like I was missing parts of the story, I also didn’t gel with the characters at all.

the mmc, an introverted fantasy manga lover, has to work from home due to the covid-19 pandemic and his life is rather monotonous. until one day he meets the young woman who lives next door, an archeology student with a bubbly and energetic personality who captures another's attention in the blink of an eye. it isn't long before the two grow closer to each other and develop romantic feelings for each other.
overall, i enjoy this graphic novel a lot and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes the slice of life genre and isn’t looking for something overly complex.

NetGalley ARC

This was such a cute read! A nerdy guy working 9/5 got his world shaken a little by a grad student in archeology. Working from home due to lockdown with some balcony interactions and finding excuses to talk to each other.

I didn’t know I needed more nerdy romance in my life! Actions will always speak louder than words 🫶🏾

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an advanced listener copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This manga is really refreshing. I read it in one sitting and really enjoyed it. I didn't find any faults in this manga.

SO CUTE I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I love how this story took place during the pandemic and showed the complications of a relationship. You can tell a lot about how someone is feeling based on their facial expressions and when that is covered, it's even harder to know someone's true meaning.

Home Office romance was a nice, cozy, covid lockdown romance between a introverted work from home systems engineer and his apartment neighbor, an outgoing archaeology grad student. This was very pleasant, and as a single volume doesn't overstay its welcome.

Super cute! Loved this story and the characters relationship. Izumi’s design was adorable and i really liked how she appears in the manga.

First a big thank you to NetGalley, the Author and the Publoisher for this ARC.

This was just the cutest!!!
I wouldn't have mind for it to be a couple of volumes, I sincerely enjoyed this.
It's not always easy for an introvert, who might be good at reading people but lacks the skill to talk to them, to put themselves out there in the dating world. Neither is it easy for an introvert and extravert to find middle ground. This manga did just that. It showed the awkwardness and the struggles and delivered it in the cutest way.

Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada is a breath of fresh air for manga enthusiasts. Many romances are centered around high school but this manga features two adult characters navigating the hurdles of life and a blossoming romance during the rapidly changing travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since these are two adult characters there are a few mature scenes that might not be suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

Nokoru, the male protagonist, work life balance is almost non-existent until his company’s covid-19 mandates are issued for employees to work from home. Suddenly, he notices his next door neighbor on the balcony one day and soon after their romance begins to blossom.

What I love about this story is that the characters have their unique passions but yet it doesn’t make them self-centered. They have a unique approach to the global pandemic and try to find humor and light during an unprecedented time. The story had me hooked and the artwork for the manga was unique and visually appealing during poignant scenes. It had a wonderful messages about life, love, and work.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was such a cute read, it felt very cozy even with the pandemic in the backdrop. I loved seeing the character slowly get to know each other and themselves.
The artstyle felt perfect for the story.

The moment I saw that this was a new story from the mangaka of Sweat and Soap, I knew I had to read it. Her recognizable artstyle, the easy communication between the characters, the seamless flow of the story, everything was there. A new addition was the hilarious narration, it cracked me up every other page, I loved it. It was also lovely how despite the story being set during covid, it didn't feel heavy, it was actually pretty lighthearted and I really appreciate that. I have an immense love for the low stake stories, and this one is definitely one of them. Overall, this was such a quick, fun read and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I really liked this cute look into how a relationship between two neighbours developed and grew. The characters were sweet and really create a cute couple. The relationship building is also played out well. Highly recommend this cute novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for this ARC!

What a cute little one-shot romance! The relationship is so sweet in this one. It was so nice to watch their love grow, and see them become more comfortable with each other. Now I need to read the mangaka's series!

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!!