On literary taste, far better than I could have written it.

Candy, of the brilliant 'Smart Bitches, Trashy Books' writes a great essay regarding literary merit vs. taste.

I couldn't have described it better, so I'll just sent you over there -

Good Writing vs. Bad Writing vs. Writing you Love

Beyond the basics, I do agree that tastes are largely subjective. Personally, I don't read romance, but these reviews are so much fun that I enjoy the ladies who do, and love their insight and humor.