4.1 (29,475 ratings)

Kiss of the Basilisk: Split or Swallow, Book 1

Name: Kiss of the Basilisk: Split or Swallow, Book 1
Rating: 4.1 (29475 reviews)
Author: Lindsay Straube
ISBN: B0F758TF8H

by Lindsay Straube

shifters

About this book

Twenty-year-old Temperance Verus has spent her life sheltered, but her innocence is about to be shattered in the most dangerous way imaginable. Selected as one of fourteen contestants in a high-stakes competition for the prince’s hand, she is thrust into a world where beauty is a weapon and seduction is a survival skill. Under the tutelage of the deadly, multi-shift basilisks, Tem must master the art of desire or risk losing everything.

This erotic shifter fantasy pushes boundaries with its unapologetically unhinged narrative. At the center of the chaos is Caspen, the Serpent King, whose magnetic presence pulls Tem into a web of forbidden attraction. As a slow-burn romance ignites between them, she finds herself entangled in a volatile love triangle that threatens the fragile peace between humans and the divine, predatory shifters who rule from the shadows.

Beneath the seductive games and royal pageantry lies a dark, transformative truth. As Tem uncovers a conspiracy that could topple the monarchy, she must choose between the man she is meant to marry and the monster who has captured her soul. Perfect for readers who crave paranormal romance with a sharp, biting edge, this story is as unforgettable as it is intense.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0F758TF8H

Reader Reviews

Unapologetically Unhinged

July 3, 2025

Kiss of the Basilisk is an unapologetically unhinged erotic fantasy novel that is not only capable of entertaining, but also providing a potent lens in the exploration of female sexuality and the politics of desire. In contrast to traditional power dynamics of Gothic and folkloric narratives, the female protagonist is positioned in direct negotiation with the mythic predator, hence crafting a story that challenges norms, and centers on ideas like consent, autonomy, and reclaiming taboo desires....

Seductive, strange, and unforgettable.

October 8, 2025

The Story Temperance Verus—Tem—has never been kissed. In her world, that’s not just an awkward fact; it’s a liability. Selected to train among the deadly and divine basilisk shifters, Tem must master seduction itself to win the prince’s heart. But her fate tangles with Caspen—the Serpent King—whose charm is as lethal as his fangs. As she learns what it means to awaken a basilisk’s desire, Tem finds herself caught in a web of power, politics, and passion. The line between devotion and...

I will never forget… THE CLAW!

August 22, 2025

3.25 ⭐️ Well, this was certainly a book that I read. I’m finding it hard to put my thoughts into words. I’ll start with the plot, little that there was. In this kingdom, a group of human women are sent to basilisks to learn how to please the Prince so that he can decide who will be his wife. Isn't that sweet? Listen, you’re not reading this for empowerment, you’re reading for the vibes, okay? Our FMC, Temperance, forms an immediate connection (for lack of a better term) with her basilisk,...

Man this was different but soooo good. I loved it!

September 10, 2025

I know you’re probably asking yourself how did she rate this 5 stars? Um, easily. 1. The plot was there for me. There were enough things happening that kept me pulled in. There were political issues, betrayal, secrets, lies, and suspense. Did it mostly focus on the romance? Yes. But I was absolutely fine with that. 2. The romance and angst. Even though it kind of has an insta love feel, it still builds up slowly. Not even sure how TF that is possible, but it was. 3. The spice. Yep. Did that...

Read at your own risk! :)

June 27, 2025

Just finished this book and I’m not going to lie, it WAS absolutely UNHINGED. Did I enjoy it though?… Yes… Will I read the next book in the seriesromantasytely Will YOU enjoy it? I have no idea. If you do decide to read this, I would recommend going into it with a mind SO OPEN that something might fall out of it lol. I also recommend trying to focus on the overall plot (dig deep, you can find it) - because I do think there is an interesting one. While there was some big resolution at the end of...