Kiss of the Basilisk: A Split or Swallow Novel

By Lindsay Straube

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

525 pages

Average rating: 6.76

135 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

amberofak
Jun 07, 2025
6/10 stars
Unhinged snake smut. So many bodily fluids and yet still somehow enjoyable.
alliebrandy89
Jun 19, 2026
9/10 stars
This is cliterature at its finest. I have heard some people say there's no story or plot. There's enough to get you from one x rated scene to the next. Listen and how can you not love the fanfic at the end of the book solid gold. Ready for book 2!
ednardz19
Jun 04, 2026
6/10 stars
3.9⭐️

Wild, wild read. Every page got wilder as it went. But maybe too much for my taste. Not a literary masterpiece, but maybe a cliterary one?
LadyAmandaW
May 07, 2026
10/10 stars
I know there are mixed reviews saying that it is nothing but smut and no plot (which there is a ton of smut) but, there is a plot and that was what kept me reading. Yes the smut is amazing and the plot flows perfectly. Just started the second book because what kind of ending was that!
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. 🤦🏻‍♀️

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