3.5 stars

So there wasn't anything particularly wrong with this manga. It was just rather boring. There wasn't much spark between the MCs and their whole romance seemed dull.

The art was fine, except the MMC looked pretty rough a lot of the time (huge dark circles/bags under his eyes constantly) which detracted from his looks immensely.

I loved how well this represented anxiety and first romance in such a organic way.
They were so cute and lowkey together! The art style was great, especially experiencing it in black and white and every chapter picked right up where it was before.

Loved that the whole story is told in one volume, thought the ending seemed to come really fast.
Recommend for a fast sweet read!

This was so cute, I loved the look of this as soon as I saw the cover and I was not disappointed. The online messaging reminded me of when me n my first serious bf (now hubby) used to chat away for hours on msn after school.

Definitely reccomend if you're in the mood a quick read that's cute and cosy.

Screaming, crying, giggling, kicking my feet.

I've never related to a character more than I can relate to the MMC in this book my entire life. He's an introvert, who worked from home when pandemic hits in a tech company? I love that. I really love how he's so awkward and how his mind worked because that's the same thing for me. I love the dynamic in their relationship and how everything worked well for them!

Love how cute this story is! This sure does bring back memories of the lockdown and finding your life partner in it, super cute. The art style is amazing. Loved the humor in it, as well as the characterization of the two MCs, Would love a sequel, actually!

This was a wonderful slice-of-life romance set during a 'social-distancing' pandemic lockdown when face=to-face interactions could be dangerous. The story follows Nokoru whose is now teleworking during a pandemic lockdown, which has given him a chance to rediscover old hobbies, interest, and create a balcony garden. While enjoying his balcony garden one morning, he meets his cute neighbor, Natsu, who is a graduate student studying archeology. Despite awkward stilted social interactions, borrowing each others books/manga (nice cameo of Sweat & Soap), chatting online, and running into each other at the super-market a romance develops.

The formatting of the manga was a bit odd in the beginning, but I think that is because it was formatted for a western reader, instead of the traditional manga (right to left). However, it did not take away from the story or the enjoyment of it. I love the story and really wish that it wasn't over.

This one-volume romance manga is a delightful, heartwarming read. It's a compact and satisfying story that feels like a cozy gift, neatly wrapped up with a happy ending.

Set during the work-from-home era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plot centers on two ordinary people who find love amidst the challenges of lockdown life. The realistic setting adds authenticity to their romance, which unfolds in a slow and steady way, without the usual drama seen in many manga. Instead, small, everyday interactions gradually change their lives, showing how even minor influences can lead to something deeper.

The pandemic isn't just a backdrop; it shapes the story. The challenges and adjustments of lockdown are gently integrated, capturing that universal experience of finding joy during isolation.

I'm not really a romance reader at all but this one spoke to me with its story. This was short and sweet story that made me smile. I found the characters and relationship believable and realistic. The pacing was quite fast and never overstayed its welcome.

Nokoru is a logically-minded computer programmer acclimating to working from home during the pandemic. Organizing his home office reminds him of favorite hobbies, like his love of a certain fantasy manga. It also gives him occasion to meet Natsu, his next-door neighbor. The two initially only talk on their balconies, but soon Nokoru develops something of a friendship with the archaeology grad student.

As they trade books and share snacks, a sort of relationship begins to grow between the two. But the world is unpredictable. Travel (when available) is sketchy at best, and someone going silent for prolonged periods is scary when there’s a virus spreading across the world. Together throughout Home Office Romance, Nokoru and Natsu navigate work-from-home life, love, and their (for now) “new normal.”

Home Office Romance follows an “odd-couple” relationship. Nokoru is logically minded and introverted, while Natsu is adventurous and outgoing. She has no trouble telling Nokoru she finds him handsome, for example. But those comments send him running for answers. Is that how women normally talk to men? Does “handsome” mean “cute”? Does she like him like him, or just normal like him?

Of course, the two have plenty in common. Natsu develops an appreciation for video games, and Nokoru learns to embrace her love of travel and archaeology. By the time the manga ends, he finally understands what these strange feelings are. But there’s more to the story than that.

Understandably, we’ve had a bumper crop of “COVID stories” in the last few years. Whether they take the form of zombie plagues, post-apocalyptic narratives, or political intrigue, they do start to get a bit samey. Home Office Romance is much more personal. Rather than trying to address the muchness of the pandemic, it zooms in on the human condition. How does one adapt to this life? What needs and desires float to the surface when isolation is the way of things? And how do we find joy for ourselves amidst the uncertainty?

Despite its setting during the pandemic—perhaps because of that setting—this is a sweet and hopeful story. Many of us felt our priorities shift during lockdown because it was so inescapable. We were forced to contemplate who and what really mattered to us, and what we would do about those priorities once we could all see each other again. Home Office Romance initially seems like nothing more than a quirky rom-com, but it really captures the hopes and fears of that time in a way that very few other stories yet have.

Charming and Quirky Office Romance with Heartfelt Depth

Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada is a delightful and unconventional take on the office romance topic. The story stands out for its refreshing focus on personal scent as a key element in the relationship between Asako and Akiyoshi, which feels both unique and endearing.

Asako, the main character, is instantly relatable with her insecurities about body odor—a surprisingly unusual theme for a romance manga. The way Yamada handles Asako’s vulnerability is both humorous and sensitive, making her a character readers can root for. Akiyoshi, the male lead, is not just intrigued by Asako’s scent in a professional sense but also drawn to her personality, which deepens the romantic connection. The story's humor adds a lightness that balances the characters' emotional growth. The slow-burn romance is built on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine affection, avoiding overly dramatic conflicts. Te relationship develops naturally, making their romance feel realistic and heartfelt.

The Manga offers a fun and heartwarming story with a charming premise, engaging characters, and a romance that feels refreshingly honest. It’s a great pick for anyone looking for a unique, feel-good read.

Read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Loved the main characters and the calmness this manga brought and I definitely can see myself reading this again when I need to slow down. It was such a cute story with comedic elements that made me laugh out loud which only made it better. Loved it!

3.5-3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this delightful E-Arc.

This was the cutest standalone romance manga I have read in a while, I think the theme of feeling stifled and restricted were emphasised with the story taking place during the pandemic, Nokoru's job draining him to the point where he has forgotten his old hobbies like reading fantasy manga and his desires to travel. So when our main character transitions to working from home, this story really drives home its benefits; more time for your hobbies, better sleep, better breakfasts and discovering love along the balcony.

So much of what made this enjoyable to me was the mc Nokoru, his personality really jumped out from the pages. He is a serious overthinker, loves to read romance manga in secret, likes to know all the details and is meticulous when answering questions. He rehearses conversations, always doesn't want to jump to conclusions, doesn't pick up flirting cues, explains things with reference to his work, is a bit jumpy and looks like a deer in headlights for most of the novel. He was just so endearing. So when he starts saying he understands kissing as an act performed in romantic or romantic adjacent relationships and what Natsu's view on that topic was, I really just fell in love idk. It reminded me of something I would do, and loving a character that reminds me of myself is conceited yes, but also the greatest form of self-love a reader can express.

And Natsu complimented him so well. Whilst I would say her characterization was the weaker of the two, she had a distinct character; she was forward, bright and outspoken, had a desire to seek out new hobbies and experiences which works well with her being an archaeology grad student and feels lost in her path for a time in the story. The progress of their romance was very sweet to read, I only wish the manga was longer and expanded the cast of characters so we could see their families and any friends they had so I could see how they would begin to fit into each other's lives in the long term, post-pandemic. As a result the love confessions did come a little too early for my liking but that's not because it was too early for them at that point in their relationship but for me as a reader as it had only been an hour since I'd gotten acquainted with them. I do appreciate the lack of a third act breakup, the conflict in the third act only highlighted the affection the characters had for each other, as opposed to calling it into question, which is what a lot of other messy third act break ups in books tend to unfortunately do. Home office romance couldn't relate though, their reunion was sweet and I only wish we got to see more, as the ending did feel a little rushed.

Overall, this was so fun, so cute, Nokoru is officially one of my favourite romance manga characters and I would recommend it to everyone I know.

This was so cute! My first rom com manga and I enjoyed it! Loved the neighbor meet cute, such a good trope!

This was such a simple, fun, & sweet read! It was truly what I needed for now.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & NetGalley for the chance to have early access to read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

4.5/5 rounded down

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.

The 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 this is why we married'.

Overall very enjoyable.

This so soooooo cute!! Like, I cannot get over, how literally adorable this story was between Nokoru and Natsu. This is a standalone story of two neighbors who slowly but beautifully fall in love during the pandemic.

What I enjoyed most about this story was it was cozy and mundane (in the best way). Like two people falling in love during the most normal way, no angst, just super sweet, sugar cookie love. I really enjoyed Nokoru-san's character - he was so analytical and focused. It was just so cute to me. I love when introverts fall in love with extroverts - def opposites attract. I also loved that Nokoru-san never tried to change Natsu-san, he just adjusted his life around his love for her.

I really thought it was an interesting choice to make it a single-story manga, versus a series, because I literally would love to read about Nokoru and Natsu living their lives together. They are just such easy to enjoy and love characters, I was not ready to part from them when I finished the book. I also loved the little explanation at the end about the characters - that was a beautiful touch.

Tropes - He falls first, close proximity (at least in my opinion), opposites attractive, cozy love story, HEA.

Thank you thank you thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC of this book! I enjoyed every single second of it.

This was a fast and easy read for fans of Sweat and Soap. This is an adult romance about two individuals working from home during lock down and still managing to find love. While this story was very different from sweat and soap, I still think fans will appreciate the adult elements, awkward main male character and very straight forward thinking female character. This is a super cute one off story that I can't wait to add to my physical collection!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for allowing me the chance to read and review this ARC. All of the opinions in this review and my true and honest thoughts.

I thought that Home Office Romance was a very cute and sweet standalone manga about finding love in the time of a pandemic.

Nokoru works very hard as a software developer and when the pandemic hits, he is able to transition all of his work to his home. He invests time and money into his space to make it a comfortable area to both live and work. While working from home, he meets his neighbor, Natsu while they're both out on their balconies. Natsu is an archaeology student and has been spending more time at home since her field work is cut back due to the pandemic. A sweet friendship blossoms between them and slowly becomes more as they start sharing hobbies and meals with each other while remaining isolated from the rest of the world.

I thought Home Office Romance was so great. The story is told from Nokoru's point of view and I thought his fourth wall breaks, internal dialogue, and self-deprecating humor were excellent touches to the story. I don't always love fourth wall breaks as they can tend to be cheesy or over-the-top, but I felt like they really worked with this story and these characters. I loved Nokoru's awkward nerdiness and Natsu's fun and outgoing personality. I enjoyed reading a romance that was driven by the female character and liked the sex-positive representation that Natsu brought to the story. I think what would have made this a 5-star read for me is if we got a little more of the characters together or some content from Natsu's point of view. There is a small time jump in the story/time where they are apart and the reader hears what's going on with Nokoru during this time, but we don't really get a look at what this time is like for Natsu at all. Also, while we get a lot of information about Nokoru's job/projects we don't get many specifics about Natsu's work/studies and I kind of felt like something was missing so maybe that would have helped that feeling.

Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys rom-com manga with sweet story lines. It was a great standalone and would be a very quick read to help get through a reading slump, in my opinion.

This is an absolutely adorable story! Very heartwarming love story about neighbors who fall in love. The mundane aspects of real life that suddenly become so special when it’s with the person you love. For anyone who likes a more adult romance slice of life, this is for you!

This was a really cute story, I love that it was only one volume, and everything was wrapped up perfectly by the end of the book. Like a perfect little gift to make your day brighter.

I love how relatable it was - just two regular people, living through the working-from-home era and the disruption that we also experienced during covid. And right there they find love. They start by letting the other person slightly influence their lives, but in the end we see how enriched and different their lives end up being, showing us how even little things can lead us to different paths in our lives, making us experience things we would have never experienced otherwise.