I read a few romance novels about 15 or so years ago since I like to try different things in books. I have no objection to love stories and even sappy love stories but I was bothered by the gimmicky and dishonest writing. I read a couple at the urging of some people on the forums I was in then since I was always making fun of romance readers, and I complained about the gimmicks. So a number of people whose opinions I respect in other types of books suggested particular books and authors, which I read and found to be as gimmicky.
An example of what I'm talking about is a scene where the leading character says something that would completely destroy her and the story as well, and then the author explains that she didn't really say it but she would have liked to say it. Anything to get a rise out of the reader.
While I'm against the death penalty in general I might vote for an exception for romance writers.
And readers.
Barry