Kodansha

Kondansha is a Japanese manga publishing house that owns an English Publishing house as well. Kodansha releases many josei and shoujo manga titles in English.

Screenshot from Nina the Starry Bride. The heroine is smiling.

Nina the Starry Bride

Name: Nina the Starry Bride
Mangaka: Rikachi

Volumes: 15 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Kodansha (Digital and Print)
Type: Manga
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Age Group: Everyone

Summary:  
Nina had a rough start to life, orphaned and stealing to survive, only to be abducted for her unusual lapis lazuli eyes. But to her surprise, her captor, Prince Azure, ordained that she would live the life of a princess…specifically, that of the recently deceased princess-priestess, Alisha, who had her same eyes. Despite her changing fortune, Nina won’t give up her old life without a fight. Azure might just be the one to finally match her wits, but how much can she trust him? And can she stop the feelings budding in her heart, knowing she must eventually marry another?
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 5/5
Plot Rating: 5/5

Opinion: I have no doubt in my mind that Nina the Starry Bride will be considered a staple must-read Shoujo for this generation.

The art is very unique to this author. I find the characters have a much more baby face look to them that would usually bother me but I find it quite cute here. Very detailed lots of attention paid to designing this fantasy world, especially through fashion.

I have nothing bad to say about this series. It is so well-paced and even for a complex world it rarely leads to any confusion or frustration. The heroine is strong in her own way and her perseverance is inspiring.

For the romance it is a very heavy love triangle. One of the few times I am stumped as to who she is going to end up with. And even more so my choice for male lead is constantly swaying and strained. The tension is wonderful! (Unless you hate love triangles)

I think anyone who is interested in Shoujo manga must read this. Especially if you also enjoy fantasy or adventure series.

Final Rating: 5/5

Extra: None

Purchase:
Book Walker
iBooks
Kindle
Nook

Screenshot from the manga A Kiss with a Cat. The male lead hugs the heroine from behind she is surprised. They are in swimsuits at the beach.

A Kiss with a Cat

Name: A Kiss with a Cat (Neko to Kiss)
Mangaka: Senri Miko

Volumes: 6 (Complete)
Licensed: Kodansha (6 Volumes: Digital)
Type: Manga
Genre: Comedy/Supernatural
Age Group: Teen

Summary:  
Erina loves cats more than anything, even though she looks like the haughty princess type who could have any guy she wants. But even with his cat-like name, she can’t stand her aloof classmate, Nekoyama-kun. But when she rescues a hurt kitty in her yard and gives it a perfect, snuggly kiss. She suddenly finds a very human Nekoyama-kun in her room. What gives? 
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

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Screenshot from the manga Getting Closer to You. The male lead holds a tie in his mouth seductively

Getting Closer to You

Name: Getting Closer to You
Mangaka: Kamino Ruri

Volumes: 7 (Complete)
Licensed: Kodansha (7 Volumes: Digital)
Type: Manga
Genre: Comedy/Sports
Age Group: Teen

Summary:  
For Kaho, a man’s muscles are all that matters. She’s sports-agnostic, type-agnostic—all she cares about are that those abs, pecs, biceps and delts look good. She thinks she’s found her perfect Muscle Prince in Natsume-sempai…that is, until he finds out what a muscle-freak she is. But instead of ridiculing her, he instead suggests she becomes manager of the basketball team—the one he just so happens to be on? For a muscle-lover like Kaho, there’s nothing to lose…and everything to gain.
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

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Killing Line by Satoshi Morie, the male lead carries the heroine in his arms as she leans into him nervously

Killing Line

Name: Killing Line
Mangaka: Satoshi Morie

Volumes: 3 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Kodansha (2 Volumes: Digital)
Type: Manga
Genre: Josei/Smut
Age Group: Mature

Summary:  
Abandoned on her 18th birthday by her absent single father, Mako struggles to make ends meet. When her friend offers to introduce her to a sugar daddy for a casual dinner and some conversation, it all seems straightforward and simple. Little does Mako know, someone else has their sights set on her date—a ruthless assassin on a mission to take out his target and leave no witnesses… Before she realizes it, Mako’s late-night liaison turns into a deadly encounter with a contract killer, and now, she’ll need to think fast, be resourceful, and turn on the charm to survive. Can she melt the heart of a cold-blooded hit man or will this potential beau get the best of her?
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

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Beauty is a Tramp the heroine and the male lead are kissing.

That Beauty is a Tramp

Name: That Beauty is a Tramp
Mangaka: Osaka, Hal

Volumes: 5 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Kodansha (3 Volumes: Digital)
Type: Manga
Genre: Drama/Slice of Life/Gender Bender
Age Group: Older Teen

Summary:  
Nagi, who has always dreamed of a sweet romance, is troubled by her dislike of men. However, she meets a beautiful, androgynous, male model, Aran, who asks her to help him with his modeling work. Nagi’s heart is pounding at MAX capacity at his urging and promise that “I’ll teach you every thing you need to know”! When she realizes that she doesn’t mind being touched by him because of his transcendent beauty, Nagi asks this beautiful and pushy man to give her lessons about love in exchange! Love lessons for a limited time between a beautiful, egoistical male model and a boyish and competitive girl!
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 3/5

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