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Cover of Kiss of the Basilisk

Kiss of the Basilisk

Lindsay Straube (2025-02-25)

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages803 (Doorstopper (600+))
Setting
CSM age18+

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentVery Steamy
LanguageMild

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Synopsis

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.

Tags

Court FantasyAdult Fantasy

Kiss of the Basilisk: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This adult romantasy features explicit sexual content between the heroine and her basilisk partner, power dynamics with dubious consent elements, and moderate fantasy violence. The relationship involves significant power imbalance and captivity themes.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, very steamy sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, dubious consent, and power imbalance.

Who'll love this

Adult readers will be drawn to the slow-burn romance between a inexperienced competitor and her dangerous, morally ambiguous partner in a high-stakes magical court setting.