Let me just say, I acknowledge that this series has issues, but it was just so much FUN! The melodramatic story really worked for me, and I think that comes down to two major components, enjoyable characters, and a fantastic execution of the story. Normally I have such a hard time reading longer series, usually I get burnt out halfway through and I have to force myself to finish or just give up. But this was different. And that's all because of the insanity and soap opera qualities the story has. You never quite know what'll happen next. I wasn't sure if the anime followed the manga closely or not, and I didn't remember everything that happened, so even I had that sense of anticipation.
I just love the dynamics between the characters too, they offer up one of the best love triangles that I have ever seen. We have Momo, who's our protagonist, and is torn between two guys throughout the. entire. story. It's unclear if she'll end up with her childhood best friend, Toji, or if she'll fall for the former player who has a heart of gold, Kairi. But we can't forget Sae, the "friend" of Momo who just wants to take everything from her, and keep if for herself. She always has some horrible scheme cooking, and sometimes she actually ends up victorious in her plans. The whole setup is just great.
There were moments that dragged, times the characters pushed my patience too far, and not every storyline was as interesting as the others, but that didn't really detract much from my own personal enjoyment. Overall it's a fun, if ridiculous series.
Side note, the live action movie is surprisingly good, I recommend it!
