Sinful Book Reviews

I’m going to go ahead and admit that I totally didn’t read the synopsis to this before I read this manga. I’m really glad I didn’t because it would have taken some of my surprise away when I found out the truth about Mr. Touma. Sometimes blurbs can ruin little things like that. It’s why I ignore them most of the time.

Midnight Secretary follows young Kaya Satozuka, a secretary who is assigned to the office the company director Kyohei Touma. Mr. Touma is rumored to be a womanizer and very ill-tempered. He seems to live up to that reputation, but Kaya is starting to notice some other strange things about him.

When I began reading, I thought this was going to be an office romance or something. I mean, it’s still heading that way, but there’s an added element. After Kaya starts noticing some weird stuff, she starts meddling to figure out what’s going on with Mr. Touma. I actually didn’t see it coming until right before Kaya found out, but I’m terrible with predicting things like that. That edged this manga series into the paranormal romance realm. The rest of the volumes Kaya works hard to make sure Mr. Touma’s needs are met and be the best secretary she can be. Of course, this is after he pretty much threatens to ruin her life if she tries to quit or tell anyone his secret. Mr. Touma is temperamental, but in an alpha male sort of way, so I didn’t mind. He’s also pretty reserved so I hope his character opens up a little more in future volumes. I love Kaya. She’s not the damsel in distress. She’s determined and prides herself on being the best she can be. She’s just a great character. I think I’ll enjoy this series. I really like Ohmi’s style, both her writing style and her artistic style. Sometimes I find myself a little confused by story lines in manga. Midnight Secretary was very clear to me, and it helped me enjoy it more. The art was great, just defined enough. I really enjoyed it. Even though I know I’m getting myself into another romance, I don’t mind. I was thoroughly entertained and I want to know more about these characters.

I highly recommend this manga to readers of shojo romance. The Edelweiss description says it’s “for mature audiences” and Goodreads has it marked under josei (manga for women 18-30). While that’s definitely the intended audience, I think it’s suitable for ages 16 and up.