Kiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow, #1) by Lindsay Straube

Product Details

About the Book

Kiss of the Basilisk is the explosive debut novel by internet sensation Lindsay Straube, the first book in the viral Split or Swallow series that has taken BookTok by storm with its bold, boundary-pushing romantasy storytelling. Originally self-published in installments online, the book became an overnight Kindle Unlimited sensation, going on to secure publishing deals with Quercus for UK and Commonwealth rights and Bloom for North American rights, and has since been translated into multiple languages.

The story follows twenty-year-old Temperance Verus, who 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 of young women is invited to bond with the realm's magical basilisks, shape-shifting creatures who take human form to train them in the arts of charm, poise, seduction, and influence. The prize for winning this dangerous competition is a chance at 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 commanding, mysterious, and anything-but-safe Serpent King. As Caspen pushes her to unlock a strength she never knew she had, Tem finds herself drawn into something deeper and far more powerful than royal approval, all while tensions rise between the basilisks and the humans, and her growing connection to the prince complicates everything further. When Tem uncovers a dark secret about the royal family, she finds herself torn between two worlds, neither of which she can survive without.

Why Read Kiss of the Basilisk?

• A certified BookTok and Amazon bestseller: Went viral online before securing major international publishing deals.
• A bold, high-heat monster romance: Blends dangerous seduction, fantasy world-building, and unapologetically explicit romantic tension.
• A gripping love triangle with real stakes: Tem's bond with both Caspen and the prince drives genuine plot tension, not just romance for its own sake.
• Explores empowerment and defiance: Beneath the spice, the story examines themes of autonomy, rejecting predetermined paths, and reclaiming power.
• From a rising star in romantasy: Lindsay Straube has quickly established herself as a breakout voice in the genre, with a sequel, Between Two Kings, continuing the series.

About the Author: Lindsay Straube

Lindsay Straube is a writer based in Portland, Oregon, and the Amazon bestselling author of Kiss of the Basilisk, a viral monster romance that built a massive following through BookTok before landing major publishing deals. Her work explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and healing through fantastical, boundary-pushing romance, often drawing from her own experiences to create resonant characters. Her highly anticipated sequel, Between Two Kings, continues the Split or Swallow series.

Who Should Read This Book

• Adult readers who enjoy high-heat, explicit fantasy romance
• Fans of monster romance and shape-shifter fantasy subgenres
• BookTok readers looking for viral, buzzy romantasy titles
• Fans of Sarah J. Maas or Sarah A. Parker seeking a spicier alternative
• Readers who enjoy love triangles and high-stakes court intrigue

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ 100% original, high-quality print
• ✅ Fast delivery across Bangladesh
• ✅ Cash on delivery available
• ✅ Secure packaging, guaranteed quality
• ✅ Easy return and exchange policy

Order now and dive into the viral, boundary-pushing romantasy everyone on BookTok is talking about.