With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
Kiss of the Basilisk: Split or Swallow, Book 1
by Lindsay Straube
About this book
From internet sensation Lindsay Straube comes the first book in the sexy, biting Split or Swallow series, featuring dangerous basilisks, competitive seduction, and a love triangle that could destroy kingdoms.
Twenty-year-old Temperance Verus has never been kissed. But that's what the basilisk is for.
Along with thirteen other contestants, Tem must train with a basilisk to learn the power of seduction and win the prince's hand in marriage. When Tem is matched with Caspen, the Serpent King, she realizes she might actually stand a chance.
But with tensions rising between the basilisks and the humans, Tem is suddenly torn in two directions. As her bond with Caspen deepens, so does her connection with the prince. When she uncovers a terrible secret about the royal family, Tem finds herself caught between two worlds, neither of which she can survive without.
Contains mature themes.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0F758TF8H
Reader Reviews
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....
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...
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,...
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...
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...
