What a lovely manga this one was! It perfectly captures the moments leading up to becoming a couple and having an actual romance and the fact that the two main characters were neighbors just made it ten times cuter in my opinion. I totally recommend this one!

This story is just the sweetest. I read a lot of books that feel high stakes, it's nice to reading about two people who are just steadily trying to navigate their relationship. I also adore love stories where they live in proximity to one another. This whole story felt so cozy and so intimate. Their literal living spaces being so small just added another level to familiar atmosphere. Classic introvert x extrovert dynamics between the characters. Just read it!

I, thank you NetGalley for the EArc

Okay, I have to share how much I loved Home Office Romance! It’s such a cute read that had me smiling the whole way through, with just a hint of cutesy spice to keep things interesting.

It’s a quick read, sweet and funny with a side of “been there” if you’ve ever caught yourself overthinking on what to say to your crush. The downside? It’ll leave you wanting more of their moments together! Huhu

But then it is a sweet reminder that romance can happen anywhere, even on a balcony. The whole story is packed with laughs and giddy moments, making it the perfect feel-good and comforting read for anyone who believes that love finds you when you least expect it. I can't wait for the book 2 already!

"Home Office Romance" by Yamada is a delightful blend of cuteness and wit that brings a fresh take to the work-from-home trope. The characters are soooooo endearing and Yamada’s art captures those awkward yet adorable moments so well you’ll be as giddy as a school girl.
While the plot leans into familiar territory, it’s the sassy banter and charming misunderstandings that keep you hooked. You might even find yourself chuckling out loud (not that anyone’s judging you in your PJs). Perfect for a cozy afternoon, this manga proves that love can blossom even when you’re just a few clicks away from your couch. Grab a snack and dive in—you won't regret it!

This manga was so precious and delightful! What a wonderful and heartwarming read!

I have truly enjoyed this manga, from the plot to the characters everything was laid it so well. The characters were so realistic and it was just wonderful to see them fall in love. I absolutely adored the plot and how it progressed, it was beautiful. Also the art in this manga was so so cute and detailed. The only thing that left disappointed is that I wish there was more and the ending felt just a tiny bit rushed. However, this manga is just so delightful that I definitely wouldn’t really count that as a downside.
If you love romance mangas, slice of life and comforting and cozy reads then this one is for you!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Thank you so much NetGalley for proving me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kintetsu Yamada and Kodansha Comics for the E-ARC!

When I saw the art on the cover of this manga, I knew it was something I wanted to read. On-top of that, a romance between two characters who were neighbours sounded absolutely adorable, and I'm so glad to say that it was as cute as it seemed!

When the pandemic hits, Nokoro, an introverted office worker, has to begin doing his work from home. This means making his dull apartment that he's barely unpacked a place where he can comfortably work and live. One day when he goes onto his newly decorated patio to admire it, a friendly neighbour, Natsu, peaks her head over to speak with him. Thus begins the story of how Nokoro and Natsu fall in love, as told by Nokoro in the future.

I just want to start by praising the artwork in this manga. The character design, facial expressions, environments, absolutely everything about the art is amazing. It's drawn so cleanly and prettily, it's hard not to admire the work that the author put into it.

As for the story, I don't want to say much because I feel like everyone should be able to experience it for themselves, but I think it was really lovely. Seeing the relationship between Nokoro and Natsu naturally develop was so enjoyable, they were extremely cute together. Plus, they were both such good characters individually, both being very different from the other, but in such complimentary ways.

Manga is always such a quick to read, but somehow this felt even faster. I never checked my clock or even looked away while reading it, completely enraptured by the story and characters. I highly recommend you pick this up if you like a cute romance!

A very cute manga about two neighbors falling in love. The art was so enjoyable and detailed in all the right ways, the characters felt real and thought-through and the story had a few interesting turns as well. Far from being predictable and yet it was all you want from a cozy romance manga.

This was so precious!! Seeing how Nokoru and Natsu's relationship blossomed in one of the most unlikely circumstances was absolutley heartwarming. It was also very sweet to see how they cared for each other and showed their love languages such as Nokoru with quality time and Natsu with gift giving. It was also nice to jump back into the world of Yamada's mangas (also, nice Sweat & Soap easter egg!). Such a delight to read and wrapped up everything well in one volume! Thank you so much to Net Galley and Kodansha USA for the advanced digital copy!

Home Office Romance is an absolute gem of a manga. The story follows a charming, unconventional romance between a grad student and an office worker who connect during COVID while stuck at home, meeting on their balconies. I usually avoid reading stories set in COVID times because it feels too close to reality, but this one broke through that barrier for me in the best way. The warmth of their connection was undeniable, with the outgoing female lead perfectly balancing the male lead's endearing awkwardness. Watching their relationship grow felt so genuine, and I couldn't help but wish it was a multi-part series rather than a standalone.

This is also a perfect manga for those new to the genre. It’s incredibly approachable and avoids some of the awkwardness that can arise from cultural differences in other mangas. The story is easy to connect with, making it an enjoyable read for anyone, even if it’s their first manga.

I give mangas more grace in my ratings because they’re usually quicker and easier to read, but this one drew me in almost immediately—and that says a lot. 5 out of 5 stars for this sweet, heartwarming story!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, what a cute read. The way the romance started out was so realistic and precious. I love how they had such different personalities but together it created such a magical connection. This was very easy, light and fun to read, I’m so happy I was able to read it.

5/5 ⭐️

This is such a lovely refreshing book 😊 The love story is believable and relatable. I've been left felt warm and fuzzy and I definitely want to check out more of Yamada's work!

I really enjoyed this comic. It was slow to start, but heart warming and showed that super geeky love really well. It was a sweet story about two neighbors who started talking as pandemic lockdowns hit. It doesn’t refer to Covid but that is the reference. Part of what i enjoyed so much is that i found it very relatable., especially with experiences of working from home, the covid lockdowns and being separated by the pandemic. The love story was sweet and felt real. It was a nice cozy read, for anyone who wants a sweet geeky love story.

The love story was easy and low key, with little internal conflict. It was just a lovely relaxing read.

Thank you kodansha comics and NetGalley for the digital arc.

I read this courtesy NetGalley and Kodansha. I loved this! It’s a romcom graphic novel, and it’s everything a romantic comedy should be. It follows the story of Nokoru, an introverted systems engineer, and Natsu, a not-introverted-at-all archaeology grad student, who live in flats next to each other, and how they meet during lockdown. (Yes, she’s a cheery soul, and yes, he’s very reserved and so very awkward. “I never had to fill out an Excel sheet to date someone before!” she says when they awkwardly, tentatively start to date. So, so adorable.) Since this is a graphic novel, part of the charm is the illustration, depicting him with what seems like dead, wary eyes but her with bright, cheery ones. Watching their expressions as they slowly start to date (including shopping at the supermarket and picking up a twenty-pack of American-style corn dogs!) was irresistible. Love romcoms? You’ll love this.
#HomeOfficeRomance #NetGalley

Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada is a really sweet storie 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 had an excellent time reading it!

I am obsessed and now I need to read Sweat and Soap (which I heard about from Gabbyreads on YouTube).

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Kintetsu Yamada, and Kodansha Comics for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I had a fabulous time.

I was desperate for a palette cleanser and since I've been a bit under the weather, I wanted something feel-good that will make me laugh. Home Office Romance was just the thing I needed to get me through my afternoon.

This manga is under two hundred pages and a complete story, so it's perfect to read in a single sitting with a cup of coffee (or two). Simply put, it's about two neighbors falling for each other and it's adorable (and closed door).

Nokoru is a software engineer and started working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and Natsu is an archeology grad student. I really connected with Nokoru's character since we're both analytical and straightforward. I laughed several times at his quirks because I see the same ones in myself.

What really impressed me was the third act conflict because it was external and pushed character development. I don't want to spoil anything, but I usually have a problem with third act conflicts because they diminish the characterization and/or involve internal relationship issues (cheating, an ex...). Home Office Romance didn't do that.

I would 100% order this book when it comes out and pick it up for a quick read that will leave you smiling.

A super cute, easy read. I enjoyed the characters and watching their story unfold. It was also weird to feel thrown back into "early" pandemic times with lock down, etc. Well done graphics.

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!

Super cute, great illustrations. Ending was a little rushed, but the author mentions that this is their first work that is complete in only a single volume so I'm willing to forgive it. I loved that the setting really stayed focused on home, their apartments, and that any occurrences where they leave are usually just not shown at all. It helps center the aspect that makes this cute romance stand out from the rest.

4.75/5 stars

This was an adorable one-shot!

Home Office Romance is the perfect manga if you enjoy opposites attract, forced proximity, and grumpy/sunshine romance. Nokoru and Natsu had such great chemistry and bounced off of each other perfectly.

They also brought out the absolute best in one another and by the end, I wanted to read more of their shenanigans and adventures together.

For Yamada’s first one-shot, this delivered. The panels were beautifully detailed, the characters were enjoyable, and it was the nice, sweet romance that I needed.

Such a great story! Loved the moment when or MC is actually reading Sweat and Soap! This was a great love story.