Ai Yori Aoshi is very cute, but not very substantial. In fact, if I were to be critical, it is arguably the most 'air-headed' manga I have read. The plot, scenes and characters are very simple. So much so that the manga borders on the line of being wishy-washy. Most chapters are cute and fluffy and the plot never really goes anywhere. Thus, I could easily finish one chapter in 3-4 minutes and the impact was, for the most part, minimal.

Still, there is no denying the fact that the manga is cute. The puppy love between Aoi and Kaoru can't help but bring a smile to the reader's face. Aoi, even though rather one-dimensional, is a "Yamato Nadeshiko" (the ideal girlfriend/woman), and is so earnest in her affection for her beloved Kaoru that it is impossible to not root for her as she fights through all hurdles laid in her path in order to be with him. Add to that, the author does know how to draw her (and the other female characters) sensually, so that's a plus if you are into that sort of thing.

Now, in case you are looking for anything deep, hard-hitting or substantive, may I suggest something like Kare Kano, Maison Ikkoku or Fruits Basket? Those are the real intense romance manga that command the reader's attention. If you want something funny with romance (like Ai Yori Aoshi) but with a much stronger plot, I'd recommend Karin. Ai Yori Aoshi is fluff. Good fluff for a weekend afternoon. Did I mention that Aoi is cute?