I'm really into Six Half by Iketani Rikako right now and anything else by her. I find that it has the right mix of girly elements (romance) but Shiori also manages to keep levelheaded and is not at all naive. I want something with character development and makes you feel for the characters; I'd prefer a female protagonist with a kind of blunt personality but is not completely made out of steel. I guess I'm looking for something with Josei elements since this doesn't seem like a typical shoujo either. Any recommendations like this manga?

Kimi wa Pet (Live-in Situation, Josei) ~Career woman & boy she treats as a dog. [Complete]

Hotaru no Hikari ~Another career woman, who doesn't realize the meaning of love.

Otoyome-gatari ~Lots of character development. Arranged marriage situation.

~Taiyou no Ie. ~At least to me this is manga shows so much growth, is simple and sweet.

~Annarasumanara. ~Heart wrenching. Realistic world vs. The wonders of magic. [Webcomic~VERY colorful & different] --->>[Complete]

Older Manga~I Love Her. ----Is very realistic in my opinion. Teacher x Student.

Thanks! I'm currently reading/read most of those already but you reminded me about Hotaru no Hikari which is something I look forward to catching up on. Does anyone have anymore suggestions?

Hello, I think I'm going to have to admit that when I saw your post I started reading Six Half. I just finished the latest chapter, and completely in love with it!! =)

I'm sure you've already read Dengeki Daisy , but i thought i would mention it, just in case. =)

Platina doesnt have your 'typical' shoujo girl, but she isn't blunt. More stoic. And you cant help but wonder what actually happend to her.. So that kinds pulls at my heartstrings, or at least my curiosity, so you might like it?

Siesta again the lead isnt blunt, but she's really calm, and has some tragic issues in her past. I love the setting for this one.

NG Life is one of my favourite mangas!! Although the main character is male, there is he's best friend, I really like her. Shes not one of the usually 'childhood' friend types. Its so funny, but has some really touching moments, i really felt sad for the guy. And her too, coz she tries to remember.. Please dont be thrown off by the False Shounen-ai tag either. If you read it you'll understand. Usually I really dont like that sort of thing, but you hardly notice it. Its well worth the read, even if its not exactly what your looking for..

Shiawase Kissa 3-choume, you might have already read. Again Uru isn't really blunt, but is so adorable, and really strong. There are some darker themes to it, not always centred around her. Its has girlyness, but not typical shojoness. Its just really good.

Another of my current favourites is Suki-tte Ii na yo . I love stories with lots of side characters, that you actually get to know, ( it really annoys me in most shojo's where the girl has a best friend that only shows up to hear about her love problems..) I like how its got its girly moments, but theres always something else going on. The bullying, her finally making new friends. How each of the friends acutally has issues aswell!! Mai is really tough, but it does get to her from time to time, so I think this might be close to what your looking for =)

Thats all I can think of at the moment. But let me know if any of them seem along the lines of what you were looking for, and if I remember any more I'll post again!!
Hope I was of some help =)

Last edited by XxmagsxX at 1:31 pm, May 3 2012

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~Be Bold, and Mighty Forces Will Come to Your Aid~

"I loved you
so I drew these tides of men into my hands,
and wrote my will across the sky in stars"
- T. E. Lawrence

Cheese in the Trap -- Hong Sul, the female main character, isn't blunt. Still, she is one of the best female main characters I've seen so far. She's perceptive about the things happening around her and is overall a kind, hard-working person. The romance moments come in small bites, and the suspense and mystery takes more of forefront.

Bonnouji --A slice of life manga that is refreshing and relaxing to read. There isn't a whole lot of exceedingly dramatic events, but you get to know each character more as the series progresses. The characters are mature and interesting.

Bitou Lollipop (by the same author of Six Half and Futago) --- One of the few shoujo/josei manga where the parents play a main role in plot and where her troubles aren't just the romantic sort. The heroine neither falls in the typical naive shoujo girl stereotype or is too ridiculously strong.

Cat Street-- While she isn't a noteworthy heroine at the beginning, she becomes progressively more interesting and likable the more you read. And the story itself is not just about the romance, which to me always signifies a more mature read.

Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan is quite indescribable. Hard to say anything without spoiling it. A warning though--it's a bit tragic.

Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi --A heroine with more spunk than you'll expect, beautiful art, and a story that isn't the typical saccharine-fluff that overwhelms most shoujo. Maybe not a masterpiece but still quite good.

Nineteen, Twenty-One is another relaxing slice-of-life with light-hearted charm and mature themes. And the art is stunning.

A few notable others... (because this is getting a bit long)
Heptagon
Otoyomegatari
Mars
Ciel
Akagami no Shirayukihime

Thanks! I am familiar with/have enjoyed all of these suggestions.
I recently read two other works that give me similar feelings:

Orange (TAKANO ICHIGO)
Yamamoto Zenjirou to Moushimasu

If anyone has more suggestions they would be much appreciated.
Thanks again.

Not sure, after reading the other (great ^^) recommendations, but you can also take a look at Kanojoiro no Kanojo and Shuukatsu!! - Kimi ni Naitei, maybe one of those will suit your taste?

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"It's like love is a bonus in your life. Even without it, I'm just fine. I don't feel like pointlessly searching for it. You don't have to make yourself unhappy." (Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji)

"Why does it rain?" - "To create drama." (Drops (Andou Yuki))