The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 plus 6 letter word BODICE RIPPER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BODICE RIPPER mean?
BODICE RIPPER noun- A romantic novel, usually in a historical setting, with frank depictions of sexual activity, especially one in which the female protagonist is seduced; (by extension) a film, television programme, etc., featuring such activity.