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I do like to read "crap" (IMO) books from time to time though, hate reading can be entertaining, but it's mostly from a "what not to do in my own writing" POV. On the point of it being entertaining, it can be a case of "omg, how bad can this get?"

While i don't feel the same, i get that, but it's not what i'm talking about because usually people are conscious of the fact that they are hate reading.

The books your describing could be like a popcorn film. Or people genuinely like them, it's not really that deep.

I also get that. The thing is, usually when people like something they can answer the question "what did you like" with something that makes sense (ex: i don't really like Marvel movies, but if someone says "i like them because of the special effects", i totally see It. If you tell me "i like them because of the insightful dialogue", i don't).
I'm Just trying to see if there Is something other than "selling a fantasy" that i'm missing.
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I think it's because anyone could write them so it's probably relatable.
If you think about it, badly drawn comics are often the most popular probably for the same reason. >

Uh, interesting 

If you think about it, badly drawn comics are often the most popular probably for the same reason

I never thought it that way and i'm not sure i agree, but it's definitely an interesting point of view. 
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From my understanding a lot of what makes these books popular is that the women are actually treated well by their lovers and romanced really indulgently. That stands in contrast to a lot of other literature and media as well as women’s experience of romance in real life. Maybe since you’re not a woman with this perspective, that aspect of the books doesn’t appeal to you enough to make up for all the other crap? >

Interesting.
So you're saying It could be some sort of light hearted escapism, which i can actually see.
Thx for the opinion.
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No problem. Thanks for the delta! My first :) >

It may or may not be any good, that's an opinion of the reader. And like they say, there is no accounting for taste.
But think of this - as long as it's not literature of hate or absolute misinformation, shouldn't we celebrate anyone reading? Even if it's something we don't like. A man or woman reading a romance novel in front of their children is reinforcing the habit of reading in their kid. I believe the net benefit is so high, it doesn't matter at all the content (excluding the previous examples.)
Plus just walking into a book store, or browsing books online can expose you to all sorts of other books. And even reading romance novels can help you branch out into even nonfiction.
So you may not like the content, but some people are going to read it, and there's no reason to try to discourage or denigrate the particular genre, don't you think? >

I agree, which is why i'm not denigrating a whole genre (i'm not talking about the whole romance novel genre, i'm talking about the pattern of the best sellers in a subgenre of the genre).
Also, i have nothing against people reading, people CAN and SHOULD enjoy every book they want.
Maybe it's the wording, but i didn't want this to be and attack, i wanted to express my view (which Is, in Truth, VERY ugly atm) and see if anyone can share theirs on why they're so well liked by so many people. >

Nah I don't comment in cmv often because people do feel attacked, and I get where you are coming from.
Let me hit you with another angle though - what if people are only reading these because they are advertised and trendy? People like to belong to a group, and if enough people do, they have that group to discuss the book together.
Case in point - TONS of people historically read ANYTHING Oprah recommended. And much of it was considered trash by the literary world. But people listened to her endorsement, and felt like part of her "book club" buying and reading the books.
While I stick by my first assessment that some people just like them, FOMO may be hitting others and are just reading what they here, and the enjoyable part is gossiping about the books or the company of others who have read them too? I could see that desire driving people to read something they might not completely like. >


Let me hit you with another angle though - what if people are only reading these because they are advertised and trendy? People like to belong to a group, and if enough people do, they have that group to discuss the book together.
Case in point - TONS of people historically read ANYTHING Oprah recommended. And much of it was considered trash by the literary world. But people listened to her endorsement, and felt like part of her "book club" buying and reading the books.

This is actually really interesting and probably spot on.
Considering that most of the readers are probably young and follow influencers that recommend these on socials, i can 100% see It.
It also could trigger some kind of feedback loop between advised and advisors.
!delta >

Yeah the Oprah thing is true, books that were just bad got a huge boost in salsa. But you're absolutely right about who they are aiming at. Younger people are still developing their understanding, and may not realize how much better material there is out there.
I don't do TikTok but there are a ton of youtubers talking about good books. But algorithms go to trendy. That's the saddest part of all this. >

People like different things. I don't like them, but I'm not going to be a bit snobby and wonder how on earth anyone could like them.
I do like to read "crap" (IMO) books from time to time though, hate reading can be entertaining, but it's mostly from a "what not to do in my own writing" POV. On the point of it being entertaining, it can be a case of "omg, how bad can this get?"
The books you're describing could be like a popcorn film. Or people genuinely like them, it's not really that deep.