I'd say the author is more on the extreme side of "don't change the story to please the readers. Write one you are pleased with". And her attitude irritates anyone reading her responses on character criticism. Similar to the "A tale of Crowns" author. But at least she's releasing games unlike some (quite a low bar we've set for authors to clear huh

)
For someone who is not accostumed to that style of writing and gameplay, obviously they wouldn't like it, but personally I didn't find it quite as bad considering i've been plaing chooseyourstory.com games for a while now.
The point of Book 1's story as far as I got, was how this seemingly omnipotent, but benevolent and full of love for the creations under their protection, entity's (MC) is swept away by the whirlwind of events happening around them, with them being powerless to change their course. Though I'll have to admit that being forced to act like a goody two shoes against Milo just reflects the author's inability to write the choice/route on... expressing anger towards him? At least that's the nr.1 complaint I had, though there is the concern with the male RO sucking (not everyone wants to be forced to choose between a time-ticking bomb like Gabriel or to be a part of a poly relationship between Milo and Malcolm. You either accept the fact that either of them (Milo or Mal) will still continue their relationship while also romacing you or you just default to Gabe. The only sane one amongs the ROs is Hazel, though my favorite is Belladonna for obvious reasons.
Anyway, I'm following the story due to the lore being interesting, but compared to the likes of Fallen Hero and A tale of Crowns, I agree that it falls short on the romance department.