Speaking as a writer who likes romance, I think the author is either doing a self-insert into the novel, or just trying to appeal to an audience who needs the stimulation of romance to maintain interest in a story.

I agree that the romance has to make sense in the story. Often times, I never see that and get confused as to why lips are locked and clothes are ripped while a monster is on the loose. I would make a bold presumption that about 60% of the love stories that appear in genres outside romance novels, are never executed correctly. Always forced and clash with the plot.