Bodice ripper

A bodice ripper is variant of romantic fiction, often historical fiction, in which the heroine often loses her virginity by force. They are typically full of unrestrained romantic passion. Usually the cover depicts a large-breasted female whose bodice is being ripped by a muscular, often shirtless man. Often she first resists him, but is later overcome with passion.

They may be viewed a form of escapist fiction, with the historical background providing a way of allowing the (usually female) reader to indulge in a rape fantasy without guilt.

See also

• Chick lit
• Gothic romance
• Literature