8.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2020 Japanese romantic comedy drama with 7, 24 minute episodes. It was adapted from a manga series “Shanai Marriage Honey” by Fujiwara Emi.

First I provide a synopsis then review

Synopsis
Since his mother is struggling with ill health, Mikuri Manatsu (Itagaki Manatsu) figures his marrige would cheer her up. While he is very popular with the ladies he does not currently have a girlfriend and decides a dating app is the quickest best way to choose a bride. Haruta Ami (Matsui Airi) is just out of a long term relationship and figures the best way to get over a cheater is a new relationship. They both like what they see in their profiles and quickly marry but know very little in terms of details of their new spouse. They are surprised to find they work in the same office and agree to keep it a secret so it doesn’t damage their careers. That becomes easier said than done when they find they are both very popular “singles” in the office. As their feelings grow, so does theor desire to seek each other out at work. How long can they keep their marriage a secret? Can love and a real marriage develop after such an unusual beginning?

Review
Overall this was a very light, feel good romantic comedy. The leads are very attractive and it was easy to envision them as a couple. I liked the premise and the story and characters were well developed. If you want a quick, not overly complex rom com this would fit the bill.

Spoilers
This could have been longer and would have provided the opportunity to give more background and slow build of their romance. I learned things from other synopsis that were not clearly revealed in the show. I liked at the end when they revealed their first meeting and what he thought when she first walked in. It got a bit too sexual for my preference at times. Their chemistry was off the charts so the bedroom scenes, which showed a lot, were a bit cringy for me. I loved how much his mom liked her and how much he loved that his mom liked her. It ended happy and things are wrapped up but it is a whirlwind to get there.

#InHouseMarriageHoney
#ItagiManatsu
#MatsuiAiri