Hana yori Dango or "Boys over flowers" is one of the best selling shoujo manga of all time in Japan. It's simple, predictable and to be honest there's nothing new to find for a veteran shoujo reader, yet it's highly enjoyable and to be honest quite well deserved of its popularity.

There's nothing that puts HyD above others in the same category because it really is your typical shoujo manga - poor girl enrolls in a rich high school and accidentally makes the richest guy in school her enemy. Thus her quiet life makes a 360 turn and rich guy also realizes that "oh she's different from others" once he "gets to know her".

That's the start of 244 chapters of love drama that you've surely seen before in another shoujo.

The only thing that sets it apart from others of its kind is probably the two MC's personalities AND relationship. A poor, tomboyish, violent and strong willed girl and a rich, incredibly immature, violent and short tempered guy? It's quite a sight to behold watching the two converse, and also very frustrating at times.

HyD also touches on heavy themes such as attempted rape, abuses and more. The later is meant to be taken jokingly - much like small kids fighting over petty things.
Though I understand if people feel offended since it's not always handled very well.

Hana yori Dango is at it's core just a typical shoujo manga who does what it's supposed to do - entertain the reader. Which I think it has done an amazing job.

If you're looking for an incredibly fun and romantic read - this is the one.

Shut your brain off, don't question too much and just enjoy. :) Because entertaining the reader is where it shines the brightest.