It depends on the execution of the romances, for me, and whether the game is billed as a romance game. If the game is billed as a romance game, the romances and character development is what I am there for. The Wayhaven Chronicles is an excellent romance game that also has an engaging plot.
In a non-romance game, the romance, IMHO, should be optional, adding to the story but not hijacking it. Tin Star, for example, does not have romance as its focal point. However, the romances are exceptionally well-written and integrated into the story without making it into a dating sim. The game’s main story is enjoyable with or without romance. Choice of the Vampire also has great, but optional, romance.
If the mere addition of romance looks as though it will hijack the (non-romance-focused) game, it should probably be avoided. The Parenting Simulator avoided romance because it would warp the game into something that would not allow the original objective of the game to be fulfilled (raise a child to adulthood by making decisions that affect them). Part of why I loved the game was because it was a pure raising sim, and I still believe that any romance in that game would have been like a denim patch on a silk shirt.
Of course, if you feel uncomfortable writing romance or believe that it will not naturally fit into your game, don’t write it. No romance at all is better than uncomfortable, shoehorned romance.