I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "
I just finished a book where the “heart throb” guy was an absolute asshole. And she couldn’t help but fall for him because it was all just a cover because he was just protecting her from himself. Like he was straight up rude and demeaning and threatened to kill her and she’d be like, “but his smouldering eyes said something else”… girl, no.