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. "
Thank you!! This is my eternal struggle with the romance genre. The man is almost always (1) physically huge, (2) highly protective of “his woman,” and/or (3) dominant in some other way (eg, rich or famous). I know exceptions exist, but they are near impossible to find. I’ve read novels where the hero was advertised as “beta,” but he was still huge and super protective, so… why do I even try??? Ugh.