This was so cute! The development of our two main characters from neighbors to friends to lovers was very heartwarming and realistic! The story progression was good throughout to show daily life but also the budding relationship. I do think the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I still enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for the eARC in exchange for a review.

I have heard good things about the author and their other work, but never read any of it. This was a good introduction though. The story had humor, and the characters were so sweet and lovable that you instantly root for them.

This was so so lovely I had the best time! Set during the height of the pandemic this manga follows the joys of working from home and introverted. 2 people meet on their balconies who end up having a lot to chat about and end up exchanging snacks and books and eventually develop a cuteeee little relationship that journeys through the pandemic together and the anxieties of a new relationship! I loved the setting and getting a bit of an insight into what the pandemic was like in Japan. Also both of their occupations were SO cool - an upcoming archeologist and an IT programmer. And I loved how they made a comparison between the both to connect them even though you would think they were vastly different such a perfect metaphor for their relationship. Nokoru & Natsu were definitely complete opposites with the latter being bubbly and up to try anything and Nokoru on the very introverted side with a grumpy undertone but as they got to know each other it was so fun to see his humorous side poke out as he became increasingly more comfortable around her. The manga style was fun and if you’re a lover of manga and romance then this one is definitely for you! Cute, cozy and delightful time! Thank you to NetGalley & Kodansha Comics for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you so much for letting me read this manga. I liked this story. It is so normal but then again thought provoking and also comical in some moments.

I never thought I'd want to read anything set during the pandemic but this was so wholesome.

I loved the characters, so different from each other but perfect for one another, and I particularly enjoyed how although set during lockdown the story didn't return too much to the pandemic, it was just there in the background.

I know it's a stand-alone but I wouldn't mind seeing this extended into a small 'slice of life' series.

5 stars!! This was so cute and dorky and adorable. Absolutely loved it and binged it within like an hour. So easy to read and follow. I kind of wish it was longer because I think they are such a cute couple and wanted more!

Post pandemic, I feel like this manga will resonate with adults looking for slice of life manga. It's slow paced, and there's no drama really attached to the romance.

Thank you Kodansha Comics for a copy of Home Office Romance!

"A rom-com manga about two neighbors who find unexpected love during lockdown and learn that working from home doesn't mean an office romance can't still blossom."

Ran to request this when I saw that it's from the same creator of Sweat and Soap! An enjoyable one-shot manga about some of the positive that came out of the pandemic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, and Kinetsu Yamada for the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.

Home Office Romance is a wholesome stand-alone taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Noroku must work from home most days. and while his coding job is rather grueling no matter where he works, he finds solace in his little balcony garden and unpacking some long-forgotten fantasy and romance manga. His next-door-neighbor, Natsu, is a grad student majoring in archeology.

Their first encounter involves her admiration of Noroku's garden. What's really cute about this manga is that it's told from Noroku's perspective and he explains early on that this is the story about how he met his wife. The reader gets to join him on his journey getting to know his neighbor and how everything leads up.

This manga has great pacing, simple art that adds a quaint element of realism, and a story that feels like it could certainly happen. This manga is great for adults or new adults, given the age of the characters, and really has a wholesome feels for the 20's and 30's age range audience. Us older folk need more of this magic!

A cute romance that takes place during the pandemic.

I loved the artwork and found that the romance developed in a realistic way. It was very fast-paced but it didn't feel rushed.

It's a fun, light read and would totally recommend if you're looking for a cozy romance.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc.

A light hearted, cozy and funny quick read about two people who form an unexpected connection during times of social isolation. The chemistry between the two main characters developed so seamlessly, and their interactions had me giggling with anticipation. This was really good, and I just couldn't put it down!

<i>Thank you NetGalley for sharing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!</i>

Read this at 2 AM and highly recommend it if you're looking for a cozy, comfort read!

Set during the pandemic, our two protagonists are looking to find their space inside their houses as the world changes around them.

I think the romance in this is cute and light and I really enjoyed seeing the contrasting personalities between Nokoru and Natsu. If anyone were to fall in love during the lockdowns of the pandemic, this story would be the most believable of the lot. Their discussions and interactions felt fluid and organic, slowly developing over some time with their emotions catching them unaware.

The art style is clean and concise and the translation was done well!

It's a good manga if you want to read about a gentle love with none of the pretense of uncertainty and <I>will-he-won't-he</i> for certain Japanese romance mangas.

It was a solid fun read with interesting main characters. The way these two get to know each other is kinda funny because they start out as neighbours and how their relationship kinda excels from there on is something which seems hardly plausible for Nokoru at first but slowly he believes things could really work out.
It is just entertaining to see how everything grows from something so small into something bigger.

In the midst of global pandemic Nokoru set ups a outdoor oasis on this balcony which prompts his heighbour Natsu to talk to him and the relationship ensues. It was a cute start and I enjoyed the growth of their relationship from friendship to romantic, and it was sweet how shy Nokoru seemed to be at first and then he slowly comes out of his shell as he keeps talking to Natsu. While I enjoyed the first half, the second half felt like more of the same to me and I did struggle to finish it.

This story is adorable and you will find yourself wanting to wring your hands with Nokoru as he stresses about his budding relationship with Natsu. The illustrations bring this story to life while providing a glimpse into a unique pandemic love story.

This manga was super cute and sweet. I loved the relationship development between the two characters. The way they both traded books to read was so cute. It felt very real and was realistic, like it could happen to anyone.

aw this was cute.

i really liked seeing how nokoru kept growing as a person as he got closer with natsu. she really brought him out of his shell & showed him how great the world could be.

i liked how simple the story was & how it really focused on nokoru & natsu's connection.

a short simple & great read!!

I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this manga. I did wish for more, in regards to the female leads thoughts and feelings, but regardless I love a good romance especially when we get to view the world from the male leads eyes.

Home Office Romance is a single volume romance manga set during the pandemic. Nokoru and Natsu are neighbors who are settling into their new normal of at home work and schooling. The two begin spending time together and the novel follows Nokoru, an overthinker by nature, as he timidly tries to sort out if Natsu has feelings for him or not. Yamada does an excellent job mixing the rights amount of humor, tender moments, and romantic tension- and the artwork beautifully conveys the emotions and subtle affection of the pair. I could not put it down, and finished it in one sitting!

A lovely short read about a growing relationship between two neighbours during the pandemic. So cute and adorable!