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Sweat and Soap #5
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 5
With great effort, the notorious workaholic Natori has managed to carve out a real holiday break, with time away from the office to spend with his girlfriend Asako. But that doesn’t mean he’s been able to tear himself away long enough to get her a proper present, and by the time he starts looking for a Christmas reservation at the restaurant he’s had his heart set on, they’re full up! For her part, Asako’s been completely swamped—the books have to be closed for the end of the year, so ’tis the season to log overtime in the accounting department!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2019
116 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
December 26, 2022
These two are so freaking cute and this was so comforting to read on Christmas!!! I had no idea this volume would take place on Christmas and New Years, so this kind of felt like perfect timing for me to read this one! 🥰🎄
January 28, 2021
I say this every time, but this is the best, healthiest romance currently being published.
February 23, 2022
If Kotaro Natori took the 5 Love Languages test, he would be the first person to score a million percent for “physical touch.” An impossible score but I have faith in him.
January 26, 2023
I adore the characters, the romance, and the pacing. It's excellent.
January 20, 2022
Volume 1 ★★★★★
Volume 2 ★★★★★
Volume 3 ★★★★★
Volume 4 ★★★★★
Volume 5 ★★★★★
Volume 6 ★★★★★
Volume 7 ★★★★★
Volume 8 ★★★★★
Volume 9 ★★★★★
Volume 10 ★★★★★
Volume 11 ★★★★★
Well, I can add "apartment searching with a mushy real estate agent" to the list of book tropes that have made me happy-cry now...
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January 28, 2021
I love absolutely everything about this series! It was really lovely. The meeting the parents was lovely, and getting to see them getting into their domestic life together is truly a joy. Their relationship is very healthy, and I am so excited to see the depiction of such a healthy and realistic relationship.
December 2, 2023
➺
45/5 🌟
the 'meeting the parents' volume. this part is actually so adorable to see. you would think that only asako and kotaro are the ones who are nervous in this first meeting, but seeing asako's father sweating profusely is so hilarious too see. i liked the family scene so much, it's very moving.
the 'meeting the parents' volume. this part is actually so adorable to see. you would think that only asako and kotaro are the ones who are nervous in this first meeting, but seeing asako's father sweating profusely is so hilarious too see. i liked the family scene so much, it's very moving.
April 30, 2021
Another adorable adventure into the life of the best couple in Manga.
Together this time they get to visit her family and hilarity begins. Watching him try to measure her father with both respect and being a nice guy is great. The idea of them agreeing to go apartment hunting is so real I remember doing the same thing nearly 10 years ago. The life of two people clearly very much inlove dealing with getting closer together with such respect and realistic moments makes this series a must read.
As I said before, if you like Romance, bit of comedy, and slice of life, this is hands down one of my favorite mangas of all time. A 5 out of 5.
Together this time they get to visit her family and hilarity begins. Watching him try to measure her father with both respect and being a nice guy is great. The idea of them agreeing to go apartment hunting is so real I remember doing the same thing nearly 10 years ago. The life of two people clearly very much inlove dealing with getting closer together with such respect and realistic moments makes this series a must read.
As I said before, if you like Romance, bit of comedy, and slice of life, this is hands down one of my favorite mangas of all time. A 5 out of 5.
March 22, 2021
Ughhggg these two are just so fking cute!!!! I'll admit sometimes I do get alittle mehh when he wants to like drown himself in her scenet lol.
I enjoyed the family game night/dinner it was just so fking cute!!!
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
I enjoyed the family game night/dinner it was just so fking cute!!!
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
August 14, 2023
With each new volume of this manga, I just continue to be in awe of how Asako and Natori handle each new milestone in their relationship, as well for themselves as individuals, with maturity and grace all while having some sweet laugh out loud moments.
It's the holiday season and Asako and Natori are spending it together, of course, all while trying to juggle the somewhat stressful side of their adulting lives as they continue to take further strides towards moving in together. This includes, actually taking the time to find a place that fits what each of them wants, thanks to some helpful advice from Asako's Chief Supervisor, and telling their families of their plans, and preparing for their reaction to the news. This volume earned not just 5 stars, but all of them.
My only question is when is the next volume coming out? I need it yesterday.
It's the holiday season and Asako and Natori are spending it together, of course, all while trying to juggle the somewhat stressful side of their adulting lives as they continue to take further strides towards moving in together. This includes, actually taking the time to find a place that fits what each of them wants, thanks to some helpful advice from Asako's Chief Supervisor, and telling their families of their plans, and preparing for their reaction to the news. This volume earned not just 5 stars, but all of them.
My only question is when is the next volume coming out? I need it yesterday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
Don't we just love healthy relationships? I need to see Asako meeting Kotaro's family next!
January 16, 2023
My love for this couple and their story truly knows no bounds 😍😍😍
December 22, 2021
Despite the weird beginning that this series had, it is such a cute and heartwarming series. I love this couple and seeing them grow together. Especially the scenes with her parents and them facing their fears and anxieties. Also, watching them grow both in themselves and in their love, is so satisfying because I feel like I've been with these two for so long.
I can't wait to see what's next for them!
If you want a manga that is super slice of life with some spice thrown in occasionally, then you might love this one!
Happy reading!
I can't wait to see what's next for them!
If you want a manga that is super slice of life with some spice thrown in occasionally, then you might love this one!
Happy reading!
April 23, 2023
Real estate agents really are the biggest villains of our times😔
January 12, 2021
Asako and Kotaro navigate the holiday season, from a thrown-together Christmas to a New Year’s celebration that doubles as a ‘meet the parents’ event. With Kotaro’s lease up soon, however, the lingering question of where they’re going to live hovers in the air...
If you like Sweat & Soap, fear not, it remains as compelling as ever this time around, continuing to eschew most high drama for more realistic scenarios and two great leads in a terrifically healthy relationship. These two are a delight together.
That’s not to say they’re perfect - this volume goes a long way to humanizing Kotaro from just being ‘perfect boyfriend with a kink’. It’s exactly enough nuance to make him an even better character (also he has surprisingly robust knowledge about tea).
It turns out that he’s been keeping something not insignificant from Asako this entire time. While not a deal-breaker (although it can be, as we see), it is something that most of us would look at as ‘so what?’, but I feel would be a potentially huge thing for some Japanese people. Him coming clean and her reaction to it feels like a big moment for the two of them.
For her part, we really see how far Asako has come since the first volume. She’s gained a lot of confidence and, while she remains a quiet character, she is not to be trifled with. The very amusing apartment hunt shows a real estate agent learning this to his peril.
There’s genuinely not much wrong with this volume. I think it’s not as strong as it’s ever been, but it’s still a terrific read with a great cast and a unique relationship for a manga. It’s a series worth celebrating.
4 stars, no caveats. This book is like manga feng shui. It balances the sweet, the spicy (Asako is REALLY into tying neckties), the poignant (the scene with Asako’s mom when everybody heads home feels like a universal truth, plus the best cat), the informative, and the funny in a near-perfect balance. Truly one of the best romances going right now.
If you like Sweat & Soap, fear not, it remains as compelling as ever this time around, continuing to eschew most high drama for more realistic scenarios and two great leads in a terrifically healthy relationship. These two are a delight together.
That’s not to say they’re perfect - this volume goes a long way to humanizing Kotaro from just being ‘perfect boyfriend with a kink’. It’s exactly enough nuance to make him an even better character (also he has surprisingly robust knowledge about tea).
It turns out that he’s been keeping something not insignificant from Asako this entire time. While not a deal-breaker (although it can be, as we see), it is something that most of us would look at as ‘so what?’, but I feel would be a potentially huge thing for some Japanese people. Him coming clean and her reaction to it feels like a big moment for the two of them.
For her part, we really see how far Asako has come since the first volume. She’s gained a lot of confidence and, while she remains a quiet character, she is not to be trifled with. The very amusing apartment hunt shows a real estate agent learning this to his peril.
There’s genuinely not much wrong with this volume. I think it’s not as strong as it’s ever been, but it’s still a terrific read with a great cast and a unique relationship for a manga. It’s a series worth celebrating.
4 stars, no caveats. This book is like manga feng shui. It balances the sweet, the spicy (Asako is REALLY into tying neckties), the poignant (the scene with Asako’s mom when everybody heads home feels like a universal truth, plus the best cat), the informative, and the funny in a near-perfect balance. Truly one of the best romances going right now.
June 12, 2025
Rating: 4.5 ✨
I love seeing Asako and Natori's relationship grow 💞
Subscribe to my channel and check out more videos here: Ginnie Reads
I love seeing Asako and Natori's relationship grow 💞
Subscribe to my channel and check out more videos here: Ginnie Reads
January 6, 2021
I love this series so, so much! I love Kotaro and Asako apart, but I absolutely adore them together and seeing them grow together just makes me soooo happy! This volume was so sweet! It had the characteristic smelling jokes like usual, and as always, it was also full of so much heart! Super excited to see where this series goes next and to see Kotaro and Asako grow even more together! 🥰💖
April 12, 2021
i’m really loving this manga series!! i’m sad that i have to wait a while until i can continue on in the series and wait for the others to be translated, but this is such a sweet, slice of life romance manga. super good
March 17, 2023
Still very adorable. Loved the awkwardness of meeting the parents. It was quite funny. It was nice to see more character development from Asako. Of course there was a sprinkle of spicy as well. I’m still hoping we’re going to get some conflict in future volumes.
May 30, 2021
SWOON
I’ve already preordered Vol. 6 😍
I’ve already preordered Vol. 6 😍
June 10, 2021
more adulting and cuteness in this one! i am definitely looking forward to the next volume!
September 7, 2021
They're moving in together 🥲
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
cute!! we love a power couple
September 21, 2022
A very good read I’d say. I like when jebidiah links hands with Nancy. The illustrious lore is skull grilling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
Mans really almost passed out from sniffing a woman, he me fr fr
December 31, 2024
forgot how insanely horny this is for being so pg 13 but I’m trying to meet my yearly goal and finish all the manga I half started throughout the year lmao
July 20, 2021
*Queue cheesy lovesong montage*
June 11, 2022
Reihe geht weiterhin gut weiter! Die Beziehung geht die Schritte schnell voran und irgendwie fand ich diesen Teil, obwohl vieles passiert...etwas langweiliger.
Wahrscheinlich weil es sich so anfühlt, als ob die Geschichte nun zum Ende kommt ...1
Wahrscheinlich weil es sich so anfühlt, als ob die Geschichte nun zum Ende kommt ...1
June 12, 2023
The 5th volume and we get Christmas, some cute scenes, soap, family, and more!
Recently (in April) my reviews for the 3rd and 4th volumes of this series got posted on my blog and made me realise that in all the busy times of March/April I totally forgot to read the other 2 volumes I still had in the boxset! So of course, when I had time, I immediately read this volume and will be reading the next one when I got time. And then it is hoping for the new boxset to arrive on my Amazon + be a bit more affordable. XD
In this adorable book we get to experience two fun holidays with our couple along with house hunting. We see our couple experience Christmas together. Eating out, shopping for gifts (and I loved how enthusiastic Asako got for a gift for Natori), of course there is scent/soap, and there is a sexy scene as well. I really loved seeing them have their first Christmas together. They both were busy but managed to make some time on this day. I laughed (and loved) what Natori did for her the day after, that is so cute!
And then it is time for New Year’s. Which we are spending with Asako’s family. Yep, that is right, Natori is going to meet the fam! And the fam is meeting Natori. Well, Asako’s brother already did, but for mom and dad it is all new and dad especially was just totally stressing out/fretting a bit. I loved how Natori was accepted in the family, and I loved that they also had a serious talk and that dad really did listen. Because he immediately assumed x, while it was actually totally not that. I loved seeing Natori and Asako together.
After those events it is TIME. Because Natori’s lease is coming up and they need to find a house ASAP. I just loved how Asako’s boss immediately stepped in (and not just that but also joined the girls lunch), he is such a good guy and again, I wouldn’t mind a series with him! He lets our couple know what is up and that they need to step up their game. I totally agreed with him, I could understand that with everything our couple thought it would be tight but OK, oh boy, were they wrong.
The house hunting was fantastic, though I did feel for that real estate dude, then again, it is a nice portion of karma for him. Teehee. Didn’t expect that, did you? I loved what he did in the end though, that was so considerate and kind!
I just felt for Natori, and was just like he was so relieved, when he told Asako about his mom. He was so worried that Asako would be the same as his exes. Instead Asako surprised him (I wasn’t surprised though, I knew that she wouldn’t be that mean).
All in all, this was such a fun volume and once again, I just love it when a couple TALKS. Is mature about things. It is such a fresh relief, because too many adult/new adult manga/books just seem to forget communication when things go a bit different. I would HIGHLY recommend this series to all.
Review first posted https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Recently (in April) my reviews for the 3rd and 4th volumes of this series got posted on my blog and made me realise that in all the busy times of March/April I totally forgot to read the other 2 volumes I still had in the boxset! So of course, when I had time, I immediately read this volume and will be reading the next one when I got time. And then it is hoping for the new boxset to arrive on my Amazon + be a bit more affordable. XD
In this adorable book we get to experience two fun holidays with our couple along with house hunting. We see our couple experience Christmas together. Eating out, shopping for gifts (and I loved how enthusiastic Asako got for a gift for Natori), of course there is scent/soap, and there is a sexy scene as well. I really loved seeing them have their first Christmas together. They both were busy but managed to make some time on this day. I laughed (and loved) what Natori did for her the day after, that is so cute!
And then it is time for New Year’s. Which we are spending with Asako’s family. Yep, that is right, Natori is going to meet the fam! And the fam is meeting Natori. Well, Asako’s brother already did, but for mom and dad it is all new and dad especially was just totally stressing out/fretting a bit. I loved how Natori was accepted in the family, and I loved that they also had a serious talk and that dad really did listen. Because he immediately assumed x, while it was actually totally not that. I loved seeing Natori and Asako together.
After those events it is TIME. Because Natori’s lease is coming up and they need to find a house ASAP. I just loved how Asako’s boss immediately stepped in (and not just that but also joined the girls lunch), he is such a good guy and again, I wouldn’t mind a series with him! He lets our couple know what is up and that they need to step up their game. I totally agreed with him, I could understand that with everything our couple thought it would be tight but OK, oh boy, were they wrong.
The house hunting was fantastic, though I did feel for that real estate dude, then again, it is a nice portion of karma for him. Teehee. Didn’t expect that, did you? I loved what he did in the end though, that was so considerate and kind!
I just felt for Natori, and was just like he was so relieved, when he told Asako about his mom. He was so worried that Asako would be the same as his exes. Instead Asako surprised him (I wasn’t surprised though, I knew that she wouldn’t be that mean).
All in all, this was such a fun volume and once again, I just love it when a couple TALKS. Is mature about things. It is such a fresh relief, because too many adult/new adult manga/books just seem to forget communication when things go a bit different. I would HIGHLY recommend this series to all.
Review first posted https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 24, 2021
2021 Read #39
I like the stabilization of the relationship between Asako and Kotaro, but there was an awful lot of “adulting” in this volume that bored me a tad. But it’s still a great series portraying a couple with a healthy relationship!
I like the stabilization of the relationship between Asako and Kotaro, but there was an awful lot of “adulting” in this volume that bored me a tad. But it’s still a great series portraying a couple with a healthy relationship!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews