Kiss of the Basilisk
Books | Fiction / Romance / Fantasy
4
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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Author
Lindsay Straube
Pages
528
Publisher
Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published Date
2025-02-25
ISBN
1464247587 9781464247583
Community ReviewsSee all
"I started this book because I just had to understand what the hype was about. I get it. This is not a literary masterpiece and I don’t think it’s pretending to be one. I love reading beautifully written prose with world-building imagery and deeply developed characters as much as the next person. If that’s the *only* thing you love, this book is 100% absolutely not for you. If you, like me, also love reading books that feel like a trashy, binge-able CW show or 2010 watpad/tumblr fanfic then you may find yourself right at home. Is it repetitive? You bet, but not any more so than other smutty romance novels I’ve read. The spice is definitely written as part of the plot in this one so there’s a freaking lot of it. Like every single chapter has a scene or at least that’s how it feels. If you are not into heavily spicy books, this one isn’t for you. If you’re into spice that only helps deepen your understanding of the romance or to build a sense of yearning throughout the book, this one also probably isn’t for you. However, I enjoyed it. Do I wish the characters had a bit more personality or were maybe more fleshed out? Yeah, I do. Maybe we will get that in the second book, it seems like the plot outside of the sex might be getting a bit more action given the ending. But you know what I hope we do get in the second book? JUSTICE FOR LEO! wtf Tem, just wtf."
Lianna
"Was it just me or was the ending a bit…unfinished.(Spoiler) Leo was still unsure in the end and we didn’t get to hear more about Tem and Caspen. "
R
Reece
"The artist states that this book (formally titled 'Spit or Swallow') should be read by going into it, not knowing what it is about.....and I agree. Think Chamber of Secrets (not the wizard/school part, just the basilisk/chamber part) + The Bachelor + Fifty Shades of Grey.....and Enjoy!"
FireBreathingBitchQueen
