Kiss of the Basilisk by Linsday Straube
A Darkly Seductive Romantasy
If you like your fantasy romance tangled with danger, forbidden desire, and a heroine caught between duty and temptation, then Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube needs to be at the top of your TBR. Bold, feral, and unapologetically addictive, this debut in the Split or Swallow series is already making waves in the romantasy world—and for good reason.
A Dangerous Tradition
Every year, young women are chosen to enter a royal competition unlike any other. They are paired with magical basilisks, trained in the hope of winning the favor of the crown prince. For Temperance “Tem” Verus, a quiet twenty-year-old from a small village, it should have been a chance to secure a future through grace and etiquette. Instead, she’s bound to Caspen—the Serpent King himself.
From the moment Tem meets Caspen, sparks ignite. He is magnetic, dangerous, and absolutely forbidden. But resisting him isn’t just difficult—it may be impossible.
Between Two Kings
While Caspen tempts Tem into a world of power and desire, Prince Leo, the golden boy of the human realm, offers safety and a chance at the crown. What begins as a competition quickly transforms into a love triangle with deadly stakes, where Tem must choose not only who to trust, but who she truly is.
Rumors swirl about her bloodline—that she might be a Hybreed, half-human and half-basilisk—making her more than just a contestant. She could be the key to saving the kingdom…or the spark that destroys it.
Spice, Wit, and a Little Bit of Venom
Straube’s writing is sharp, bold, and delightfully cheeky. The novel blends fierce emotion, sly humor, and a spice level that has already made readers warn: this book is not safe to read at work.
The romance is slow-burn but sizzling, the banter crackles, and the moral grayness of the characters adds a feral edge to the story. Expect monster romance vibes, political intrigue, and moments that will make you gasp, blush, and maybe even hiss in delight.
Memorable Lines
A few quotes that capture the heart of the story:
“My compass points to you. I could not change direction even if I wanted to.”
“True love was doing what was best for the other person at the expense of yourself. True love was sacrificing your happiness for theirs.”
These lines showcase the emotional depth lurking beneath all the danger and heat.
Final Thoughts
Kiss of the Basilisk is everything romantasy readers are craving right now—dark, seductive, and just a little bit dangerous. With its unforgettable heroine, morally gray serpent king, and tension-filled love triangle, it’s a book that will leave you breathless and hungry for the sequel.
If you love monster-adjacent romance, morally complicated characters, and stories that slither right under your skin, this one’s for you.