I'm not really into shoujo, but I guess you couldn't ignore Skip Beat, it's awesome! And Fruits Basket...I never read above 11 chaps, but since it's serious later on, I'll check it out. ^_^
My best friend got me into this series, I usually prefer shonin while she loves shoujo. I liked it but did find it very light and cheerful. Since you said the manga is a bit darker I'll definitely check it out. The only other shojo I like is Ayame no Ceres, check it out if you're interested :] it's all over the internet.
I loved the anime and the manga. It's been such a long time since I heard of this though, I believe I was about 10 when I finished everything. But I'm glad to recall one of my favourites :)
I LOVE FRUITS BASKET!! :D I have a few of the mangas, I think 7 or 8 was the last one I bought, but that's only because I always bought them from Borders and I don't like going anywhere else. XD But I've watched the anime and the ending never ceases to make me cry like a baby! <33 Great review by the way! :)
I freaking love Furuba~! My friends and I actually wrote a crossover between Fruits Basket and Ouran...still working on editing that so I that I can post it here. :3