I want to give this book a 3 star rating because I didn't hate it like I would hate an average 2 star. But the problem is that the writing was so horribly unprofessional, the author spelt out every. Single. Feeling. Every. Single. Reason at least 10 times! I cannot count the number of times 'he is protective' popped up. At least 70, and no, I'm not exaggerating.
The story would have been really amazing, had the hero's POV not been shown. But because Wards showed us the hero's POV, there was no conflict in the story. It was completely bland, predictable and boring. I skimmed through most of the story, because it didn't catch my interest at all. So therefore the 2 star.
I like it when authors show us feelings, emotions and events, instead of just spoonfeeding us readers and telling us everything - it makes a reader feel dumb, that we need to be told every single thing, and we can't catch the subtle hints the writers throw at us. It makes me respect an author less.
Although I loved the tropes, I didn't like this story. It had a great deal of potential, I would have definitely read more Wards books, but I cannot bear this writing. It is too boring.
The heroine was a sweetheart, the hero and the heroine's brother were too much, way over the top. Having her followed for years, to 'protect' her? Keeping tabs on all of her friends? No. Just no. That us creepy and orthodox, okay. It is not cool. And I honestly don't think guys sit around and talk about their feelings every time they meet. Once or twice is acceptable, but again, in this department as well, the writer went over the top.
Enjoyable read if you're not as picky as I am and can overlook the amateur writing.