I don't have much experience in reading or watching shoujo genre manga/anime. All the anime I've watched are the popular ones: Kimi ni Todoke (which I found cute), Lovely Complex (which made me cry), Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (which I thought was adorable), and Kaichou wa Maid-sama (which makes me laugh so hard). I've only read parts of Hibi Chouchou and read/watched up to episode 19 of Ouran Koukou Host Club. Heck, Fairy Tail doesn't count as shoujo.

So that's why you probably shouldn't take my opinion seriously, but I'll put it here anyway.

Strobe Edge is the most realistic romance manga I have ever read (not that the others weren't realistic, but I found this the most realistic). The characters have their own strengths and flaws, and though the plot can sometimes seem a bit cliche, it's enjoyable and relatable. Ninako's struggle in love is painfully heart-wringing, and I must admit I nearly cried when Ren finally confessed to her. Andou-kun is a loveable character as well, and at times, I felt like he was a better match for Ninako than Ren was (but that was before the ending). The secondary characters add humour and fluff to the main plot, and I especially love the bonus chapter about Gacchan. I was trying so hard not to cry when I read the last page. Overall, even if you don't like romance, I think you would enjoy it.

Strobe Edge is one of the most emotional, heart-wrenching manga I've come across. There are moments that make you want to slap the characters, cry your heart out, or smile so hard your face hurts. I would recommend it to anyone who has time to read it, so please consider doing so!