Tashady I completely agree with you.
Relationships, especially in beginner writer's works, have a tendency to feel forced. Even in some popular and famous works of fiction, the relationship doesn't feel natural.
Not to long ago I made a post much alike this one. I’m glad to read that I’m not the only one thinking this. I’m not a big fan of the romantic genre, but after reviewing quite a number of stories, I believe the often confused characterisation between a “popular bad boy” and an abuser is the biggest mistake made in these works.
Stereotypical bad boy: doesn't follow the rules because he thinks they are harmful or stifling. Outbursts are at points whenever the character believes there are injustices taking place; he fights to defend.
Abuser: doesn't follow rules because he thinks he's above them. Outbursts are about things not going the way he wants them, fights to prove superiority or lay claim.
On the same note; there is a difference between having a nice, compromising protagonist and having a borderline or actually abused protagonist. Some authors might write the latter as though it's supposed to be romantic.
While toxic relationships could be considered a story on themselves (for example a story about escaping a toxic relationship), they are often portrayed as the ultimate romances.
No matter how handsome, wealthy, smart or amazing, an abuser should never be the ultimate romantic fantasy. Certainly not for adolescent readers who are only just learning to experience romantic attraction.