Kiss of the Basilisk: Split or Swallow, Book 1

From internet sensation Lindsay Straube comes the first in a searing romantasy series where survival demands submission, and desire is the most dangerous game of all.

Temperance Verus has never been kissed--not exactly ideal for a girl competing in the palace's most closely watched matchmaking ritual. Every year, a select group is invited to bond with the realm's magical basilisks and train in the art of charm, poise, and influence. The prize? A chance to win the prince's favor--and a life of privilege.

Tem expects rules, gowns, and etiquette.

She doesn't expect her assigned partner to be Caspen--the Serpent King, commanding, mysterious, and anything but safe. As he pushes her to unlock the strength she never knew she had, Tem finds herself drawn into something deeper, stranger, and far more powerful than royal approval.

But not all bonds are built for the court, and some secrets are meant to break them.

Readers call it "feral, spicy, and unforgettably bold." For fans of morally grey monsters, slow-burn fantasy romance, and stories that subvert the fairytale script.

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Published Feb 25, 2025

Average rating: 6.76

115 RATINGS

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Two Plus Size moms with a love for reading! Our favorites are dark romances, fantasy, and thrillers.

Community Reviews

amberofak
Jun 07, 2025
6/10 stars
Unhinged snake smut. So many bodily fluids and yet still somehow enjoyable.
April B.InkAudioDragon
Jan 11, 2026
4/10 stars
Ok I love smut but this book was something else and that’s saying something! I was literally saying wtf throughout the whole thing and mind you I’ve read a lot of questionable stuff lol I honestly have no kind words about the book. Maybe I can say how pretty the physical hardback with sprayed edges are but I won’t be buying it because I didn’t like the story. I got to a point where the smut was boring and I was holding onto the plot yet there was so little of it. For my first read of the year it took me way too long to finish it and I was pretty disappointed to read it. It was for a book club so had to finish it but now I’m off to more interesting books. 🤦🏻‍♀️
Patricia Halbert
Sep 17, 2025
10/10 stars
Check your triggers! If you like a good story and lots of spice!
Kourtmarsh123
Jul 15, 2025
9/10 stars
HISSSSSSSS 🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍 By far THE MOST smuttiest book I’ve EVER read (so far) 🤭🤭 and accompanied by a good plot line 👌👌 PLUS a sexy love triangle!! What more can you ask for 😏 Already have book 2 preordered - I NEED MORE
JessicaAFM
Jul 09, 2025
6/10 stars
Disclaimer: I read the original indie version which is the same content, different packaging. This is NOT romance, not even spicy romance. This is pure p0rn in a fantasy world. And this isn't vanilla or vanilla with sprinkles. It gets dark. There is no sugar coating that. If you are not easily disturbed, then you may want to give it a try. Tem is a bit much personality-wise wise but she did grow on me a bit by the end. It ended satisfactorily enough that I am unsure if I will read the rest of the series. But it was one hell of a wild ride while it lasted.

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