A sexually explicit romantic novel, usually in a historical setting, especially one involving the seduction of the heroine
My aunt would bring a stack of torrid bodice rippers with her to the beach, and would unfailingly blush if disturbed in her reading.
disapproval You can refer to a film or novel which is set in the past and which includes a lot of sex scenes as a bodice ripper, especially if you do not think it is very good and is just intended to entertain people. A work of popular fiction characterized by scenes of unrestrained romantic passion