What is a neo-bodice ripper? It is a historical romance with tropes of dominance or forced seduction. It is a modern bodice ripper. Let’s check some of them out.
Bodice Ripper
Bodice Ripper is a category designation under Historical Romance. The books usually have tropes of forced seduction, plots where the hero rapes the heroine or uses force, multiple partners, and long separations. They were published in the 1970s to 1990s and are no longer in vogue.
Historical Romance Review: The Wildest Heart by Rosemary Rogers
In Rosemary Rogers’ The Wildest Heart Lady Rowena Dangerfield is a beautiful woman who’s valued by many men for her beauty or her wealth, or both. 3 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
While Passion Sleeps was an enjoyable ride. It is a bodice ripper that spans continents and years, has lots of steamy love scenes and plenty of violence.
Historical Romance Review: Purity’s Passion by Janette Seymour
The tale of Purity Jarsy, Purity’s Passion, (Part 1 of 3) begins with the horrors of the French Revolution and ends in France after Napoleon’s final defeat.
Historical Romance Review: Stormfire by Christine Monson
Christine Monson’s novel, Stormfire is the ultimate in bodice-ripping, a tale of two mentally unstable people and their violent, intense love.
Historical Romance Review: Love, Cherish Me by Rebecca Brandewyne
Love Cherish Me by Rebecca Brandewyne is an
is a western epic, filled with murder, sex, death, trauma. Absolutely amazing. 5 stars
Podcast: Discussing Bodice Rippers and Historical Romance
Sweet Savage Flame has launched its inaugural podcast, diving into the iconic bodice-ripper romance genre.
Historical Romance Review: The Masquers (aka Splendid Torment) by Natasha Peters
Natasha Peter’s Splendid Torment–originally published as The Masquers– takes us to late 18th century Venice, to the world of Fosca Loredan, a titian-haired young noblewoman trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older nobleman.
Historical Romance Review: Escape Not My Love by Elaine Coffman
Elaine Coffman’s Escape Not My Love is a fantastic old school romance with a dominant hero and spunky, defiant heroine. This western historical is set in Mexico & Texas.