I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy these Harlequin romance mangas. I love the illustrations. I love the stories and since the stories are from actual books, sometimes it even motivates me to go and read the book for more details. Love it.

I was intrigued by the idea of a Harlequin Manga- I love Harlequin novels for their offer of a quick escape from real life where the stories follow a comfortable, well known story path. Add in the manga art and I was looking forward to a new dimension to the story!
Because of the nature of manga novels, I will review the art and the story separately.
Art: 4 stars
The artwork, for the most part, is a beautiful addition- especially in a story where the h is an artist. Unfortunately, there were several pages where the style abruptly changed and almost looked like a draft page or from a completely different artist. -1 star for that, took me right out of the story
Story: 3 stars
I understand that the manga version of a previously published novel would be slightly watered down- art takes up a lot of the page, is likely more time intensive and therefore expensive to produce, if released in print you want to keep page size down (I read in ebook format). However this story is EXTREMELY watered down and has what feel like quantum leaps in plot. It's like it is only the big stops of that comfortable story path I mentioned which leaves out really building the chemistry between characters. For a romance novel that is still important!
The story itself is good- and it makes me want to pick up the original publication this version is based on. -1 star for the watered down version and -1 star for LEAVING OUT AN EPILOGUE! *spoiler* I read reviews of the original novel and discovered there was an epilogue that shows them having a baby. Children are a huge source of the H's angst, even in the manga version, so that epilogue should have absolutely been included. Shame on the artist/editor/whatever decision maker for leaving that out!

Final verdict- I look forward to reading the original novel and getting the full story- epilogue included!- and think I will consider reading the full length versions before picking up the manga copy (if they are all based on previously published novels). The artwork definitely added a great layer to the story but I still want to know the full story.

Content warnings: cancer, infertility, finding a parent is not the biological parent

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Harlequin/SB Creative as the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Book title : Temporary Boss, Permanent Mistress : a Harlequin Manga

Author : Kate Hardy ; Illustrator : Sara Nakayama

Release Date : 13 March 2019

Jacob Anderson or simply is called as Jake is the hottie boss at the Andersen Maritime Shipping, Ltd. in London. Meanwhile, Lydia Sheldon is a lawyer at his company who wants to resign from her job to pursue her dream to become an artist. Jake allows Lydia to resign from his company with one condition: that she will have to be able to accompany him for a work trip in Norway!

Lydia liked the idea and both of them finally set off to Norway. Little that they know, Norway offers them a special connection in which they are attracted to each other. They later decide to stay for a week more including meeting Jake's grandparents. Where will their attraction lead? It is something that the readers will have to find out themselves. 

The ending of the story and the whole plot make this story as an interesting manga to read. Jake is portrayed as someone who is cool, good looking and strong yet there is something in him that does not allow him to love one completely. Meanwhile, Lydia is portrayed as a sweet combination of female warrior and love fighter. Those make this story as a sweet romance  wrapped in manga style to read!

Full review: https://literatureisliving.wordpress.com/2019/04/13/temporary-boss-permanent-mistress-a-harlequin-manga-by-kate-hardy/

Lydia is a lawyer who wants to quit her job to pursue her passion as an artist. However, her boss, Jake, has asked her to go with him on a business trip to Norway and she’s agreed. On the way there, she realizes how handsome Jake is and can’t resist the urge to draw a picture of him. Then he suggests they indulge in the flames of their desire for the duration of this trip, no strings attached. But things don’t quite go according to their plan…

This story was very moving. Both characters hide secrets and coming close makes them see there's more than meets the eye in both of them. Jake in particular was wounded in both body and soul and after his first wife left him he's convinced nobody will ever want to have a lasting relationship with him and he believes he cannot open up to love again either. However, love finds you when you least expect it and fighting it will only make you waste what little time you have left...

I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Yep, I am back again! There were several new Harlequin manga up on Netgalley, and I selected 9 that I liked the most/sounded like I would enjoy them. First up is this one, which just came out a few days ago. A romance between boss and worker, how will it end up? I also like the cover. <3

So here we go! As with all the previous Harlequin Manga, I will be writing a review while I read.

Oh my, so she wants to resign, but he clearly isn't willing to let go. I am guessing she is an awesome lawyer, or he already likes her a lot and wants to keep her close. Or both! I am curious why she wants to quit being a lawyer though, what reasons does she have. And we find out on the next page. Ah, the parents forced me to become x while I wanted to become y. Parents, please. If your kid clearly doesn't want to follow your path, let them go their own way. Or maybe you could at least tell them to try, but then also support them if they do want to go another way.
Later on in the story she and her boss have a conversation about it, and I love how open she was about it. We learn so much about her in that moment.

I did feel sad when she said this: "I can't tell my boss about this, though. Throwing away a steady job to pursue my dream... he would probably... laugh in my face and think that I am immature."

"Aside from the bags under his eyes, he's very handsome." What bags? I just see a guy who looks a tad tired, but other than that perfect unblemished face. Mmm.

Ohhh, I liked that we got a bit of a POV from the guy. It seems he also has a dream he wants to pursue. Plus I liked that he is showing an interest in the girl and is wondering why she wants to quit.

And it seems we get more of this dual POV, while it is a bit confusing at times as it happens without warning, I am still very happy that we see both of the characters and gain more insight in what makes them tick.

Oh my, a trip through Oslo. Visiting all sorts of museums (I want to visit the Viking one), looking at funny sculptures (that look very creepy). I am quite curious if that painting the town blue is true. *goes to google* Not sure still, my google-fu is lacking today. But I would love to see if it is true.

Yes! YES! Finally that tension is over as they finally connect, for real. I was cheering and so so delighted. There were already enough moments throughout that made me scream at my screen, KISS ALREADY.

*snorts*She is daring. "I want to see the aurora. Then, I want to draw a nude sketch of you."
"He's too shy to be a model? He's got a good body for it though."

I loved seeing the ice hotel, I have heard tons about those kind of hotels, and it is still a dream of mine to visit one someday.

But while reading and seeing them connect and make love and get closer and closer, my heart broke, because I knew they had made a deal. They would only be together for a week. Then she would go her way, making art, and he would continue his company. I was just hoping that these two would see that they were meant to be together, that they have a good thing going on, and that they should stay together even after this week. And sure, I know it will end well, it is a Harlequin story, but still. I couldn't help feeling sad knowing the week was almost over.

OMG. *cries*So that is what is going on with him. Now I want to hug him. :(

OMG, more twists! I definitely didn't see that one coming. Holy.

And now I am crying further, dang it. I am already an emotional mess with all the stress I have, but this... wow. She captured him perfectly. It was beautiful. That ending was also just beautiful. I am so happy, but I am also crying tons here.

The art was a bit hit and miss for me, but generally I quite liked it.

Wow, my first Harlequin manga again, and I loved it. It features a cute couple who will connect, share secrets, it features hurt and pain, but in the end everything comes together in glitters and love. Be warned, or it may just be me, but you will be crying. Because this couple is just the best. Oh, and the title makes sense as well, perfection!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/