bodice ripper

The phrase "bodice ripper" refers to a genre of romantic fiction novels, typically set in the past, focusing on passionate and often turbulent romantic relationships between the protagonist (usually female) and the hero (often a dominant and assertive male). The term originates from the depiction of forceful seduction scenes, often involving the tearing of a woman's bodice, which was commonly portrayed in these novels. While the term has acquired a negative connotation due to its depiction of non-consensual or problematic relationship dynamics, it is still used to describe a subgenre of romance novels with intense and dramatic narratives.