3.5 stars

I almost always read BL one-shots, especially if they promise a cute story, either from the cover or the synopsis. This was suggested for fans of office romances like Cherry Magic and Candy Color Paradox so it piqued my interest. The title tells you all you need to know about the plot but I enjoyed the individual characters in the story, their designs (in-game and IRL) were easy on the eyes and their interactions were funny and cute. I did feel like the romantic bit at the end was rushed and could have been fleshed out a lot more since the manga has over 300 pages. Overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed it.

I really love the opening chapters of this manga as it starts with one of my favorite tropes - two people who don't get along in real life actually do get along in some online space but they don't know each others' real identity. Hashimoto and Shirase are cute and I found myself rooting for them early on and that remains true throughout the volume. Seeing their relationship grow and change throughout was a delight. While Hashimoto remains pretty clueless the whole time, it does provide a bit of comedy and there's an endearing quality to the whole thing.

What I didn't like so much was the added third friend in their group. Specifically that he is still in high school. There's something weird about it considering he reveals he has feelings for the main character. Of course the MC is clueless as always so nothing untoward happens in the initial volume but it makes me nervous for the future of the story. I think if he was aged up it would add the same tension and conflict without the uncomfortable potential

I'm not the audience for this. I haven't blushed when two boys kissed in decades. I'm not the audience for this. I absolutely love a good meet cute, and I love awkward office romances and forced proximity stories, but this one was just a little TOO forced. Who still stands on honorifics AFTER you figure out your friend is your boss and your boss is your crush and your boss-crush wants to hit? Even for Japan, that's a bit too much. We're playing little romance games here so let's play games and keep it flirty. What was the point of all these other gamer characters being so entirely one dimensional? I don't want cardboard cut outs just to prove characters know other people and sometimes dynamic things happen in those characters lives. It's just not enough to justify them if you don't really flesh them out.

Also, If you're going to do overbearing boss daddy type, then go all the way there. Tease the belt play... do some damage with the puns. Pet employee on the head. Let's get it. This felt half way there and it was as if the writer wanted to be a bad girl but was still biting their nails about it. It ended up feeling twee.

I read Morning Glory Milking Farm last year, then I read it again this year as something "light and fun.

I can't go back to twee...

I'm not the right audience for this.

That's on me. Thanks Netgalley!

A cute romance where you’re secretly talking to the very person you’re complaining about your boss!

Really liked this graphic novel I think I’ll continue the series to see what happens next

I absolutely loved the manga I recently read, particularly the stunning artwork. The character designs were not only well-crafted but beautifully drawn, making each page a visual delight. The in-game characters, depicted in a chibi style, were especially adorable and added a charming contrast to the more detailed real-world scenes.

The premise of the manga was captivating, seamlessly blending gaming, romance, and office dynamics into a compelling narrative. The mix of these elements made for an engaging and fun read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

One of the highlights was watching the characters' relationship evolve. The journey from coworkers to friends and finally to lovers was beautifully portrayed, with each stage of their relationship feeling authentic and heartwarming. It had me kicking my feet in excitement and thoroughly enjoying every moment.

Overall, this manga was a delightful experience, combining beautiful art, an intriguing storyline, and a heartfelt romance. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of gaming and love stories set against the backdrop of the working world.

This is a cute romance about a boss/employee who meet online and don't know they're talking to each other at first. It's BL and I thought it was fun. I might continue on with the series if I end up getting access to it, I think it would be a fun read.

A cute story with slightly cringey moments. Discovering the best friend in an online game where you have been venting about your boss turns out to be your boss is bound to change some things in your interactions.
But while the characters navigate their new dynamic, they are each working on each other as well.
And their little group of gaming friends includes another boy who meets them by coincidence.
The drawings are sometimes cute (especially the in-game characters) and more regular manga style for the rest of the story.
I am interested in seeing where the story goes.

Hashimoto has a demon for a boss, but luckily for him he has an amazing friend online that allows him to get to rant every night about how horrible his boss is. One evening they decide to meet in real life and Hashimoto's worst fear comes true; his best friend online is actually is demon boss in real life!

If you are going to do a miscommunication trope this is how you do it; have one character be adorably clueless. Hashimoto is just so innocent that you should simply can't be annoyed by the miscommunication thing. Nmura really has done an excellent job of making him believable. And Shirase's patience is a testament to his dedication.

What really makes this stand out though is that they are simply better together. And part of that comes from the fact that Hashimoto was able to spend so much time griping about Shirase without either one of them knowing, but instead of Shirase getting upset or Hashimoto being so embarrassed he simply stops talking to him (a route that this definitely could have taken) they actually use this as a foundation for their relationship. The relationship starts supportive and that's amazing. I mean it's just a healthy relationship and that's really wonderful to see.

Overall, and Im gonna say it because I always do this was absolutely freaking adorable and I can't wait until I can read the second volume, and I vote for this to be made into an anime immediately!

As always thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eArc!

I loved this! It was such a cute and funny read. If you like BL books then this a great one to add to your collection.

I adored "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real Life Boss"! This manga is a delightful blend of workplace comedy and romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-crafted and lovable, each adding their own charm to the story.

Hashimoto, our protagonist, is an average salaryman struggling with the repetitive nature of his office job and the perfectionist demands of his stylish, strait-laced boss. His only refuge is the online game where he can be himself and share his burdens with his best friend, Uma. The plot twist—discovering that Uma is actually his real-life boss—leads to frequent misunderstandings and hilarious situations that keep the story lively and engaging.

The evolving dynamic between Hashimoto and his boss/Uma is central to the story's charm. It brilliantly captures the contrast between the rigid, demanding office environment and the liberating, supportive world of online gaming. The manga also offers fun insights into gaming culture, making it a treat for both manga enthusiasts and gamers alike.

I devoured this manga in one sitting, completely engrossed in Hashimoto's world and the frequent misunderstandings that arise from his dual life. The perfect blend of nerdy comedy and romance, "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real Life Boss" is a must-read. Highly recommended!

Sweet and funny! I adored reading this little comic. It felt like a breath of fresh air after many other similar comics that don’t really understand any sort of gaming. The art is cute, the relationship is cute. No notes. Definitely a book i’ll recomend

It is such a funny story between two guys who are friends in this online game but it turns out that they’re actually colleagues at work. Well, one is the boss of the other but they are both quite introverted. I laughed a lot!
Fun fact: they have funny nicknames online and it just! Gosh!

I loved this! It was cute and the relationship between the characters seemed natural and not forced. I also enjoyed the art style used.

Great storyline and without too much unnecessary miscommunication and angst. Just one especially dense ml, who still manages to be the only one who can't be misunderstood. All in all it's a wholesome fluffy bl manga.

In this manga, we meet Hashimoto and Shirase, employee and boss, who, without knowing it, are close friends in an online role-playing game they often play together. Ironically, in that same game, Hashimoto often complains to Shirase about his horrible boss, without either of them knowing it’s him.

Things get fun when they decide to finally meet face-to-face, and you can imagine Hashimoto's shock and discomfort upon discovering that Shirase, whom he has bad-mouthed in the game, is his role-playing companion. Shirase, however, isn't offended by the things Hashimoto has said about him; he is quite understanding and even shows a change in attitude at work.

Amid all this drama, we have a third character, much younger than them, who also plays the role-playing game with them and whom Hashimoto also meets in person (again, without realizing they are the same person). Problems starts when this character falls in love with Hashimoto but believes that he and Shirase are dating.

Basically, it’s a series of misunderstandings and hidden identities that make the plot very fun and crazy. I don't know how the story of these three will continue, but I hope they keep translating it so we can find out what new adventures await them.

This was a cute manga about not knowing who you are actually talking to online, but also I loved how the characters grew as people and in the work place when they gave each other advice in the game.

Great art! The story is really cute, how dense Hashimoto is mainly. Shirase's patience with him is amazing and I really love Kudama's spirit, still not giving up after all. The flow is just right.

🩵 Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss Vol 1 Manga Review 🩵

Thank you so much to Nmura and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this manga!

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss is the first volume of an MM Contemporary Manga. Hashimoto has a stressful job and hates his boss. His boss is rude and demanding, but Hashimoto’s one joy is his online game. After a year of playing together, he decides to meet his online friend - only to realize that they already know each other

This manga was absolutely adorable! I really loved Hashimoto as a character - he was so cute and totally relatable. His boss, Shirase was absolutely perfect and I loved seeing their relationship evolve from the workplace into a genuine friendship. The online game aspects were spot on and there were lots of hilarious moments in this read

Overall this was a wonderful five star read! I absolutely loved it and look forward to more in this series! This was a super sweet romance with no on page spice, so one flame for spice

If you’re a fan of workplace relationships, sweet romance and adorable characters, then absolutely pick this one up!

I enjoyed this, it was cute! Characters were well established for a first volume and there’s enough room for development in further volumes. The art is nice too.

It Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! by Nmura is an absolute precious rom-com! Hashimoto is an average office employee whose escapes from his demon boos; Shirase is an online game with a friend who has made it. When they plan to meet up IRL (in real life), they both get a major surprise!

This book was the miscommunication/misunderstanding trope so much that it was cute. Typically, I'm not too fond of this trope in books, but watching Hashimoto simply did not catch on to what was right in front of him because he couldn't believe someone who liked him was precious. This manga still has me giggling and my fit kicking!

Overall, this is a cute, short manga with a good art style and storyline, and very fun to read. I would recommend giving it a read.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!