bodice ripper

Etymology
From the fact that the female protagonists in such novels would often have their bodices (blouses or corsets) removed with some force before sexual activity commenced.

Noun

 * 1)  A romantic novel, usually in a historical setting, with frank depictions of sexual activity, especially one in which the female protagonist is seduced;  a film, television programme, etc., featuring such activity.

Translations

 * Italian: racconto erotico