Honest Book Review: Kiss of the Basilisk
by Lindsay Straube
DNF – When Spicy Fantasy Romance Crosses a Line for Me
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⚠️ Content Warning (for the book):
This review discusses themes and scenes from Kiss of the Basilisk that may be disturbing to some readers, including explicit sexual content, scenes involving dubious consent, and graphic sexual acts involving monster anatomy. Please read with care if these topics are sensitive for you.
Let me be upfront: I didn’t finish Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube.
As a romance reader and book blogger, I’m all about supporting authors, especially indie authors, and celebrating bold creativity in storytelling. It’s never easy for me to write a DNF (Did Not Finish) review. But every so often, a book crosses into territory that just doesn’t work for me—and Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube was one of those reads. I gave it a solid effort, but ultimately, this book was a DNF for me. I believe in being honest—because not every book will be a fit for every reader.
Book Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Twenty-year-old Temperance (Tem) Verus has never been kissed—until she’s sent to train with a basilisk. In a kingdom where a woman's worth is measured by her ability to seduce, Tem is one of many young women forced to compete for the prince’s hand in marriage. Each young woman is paired with a basilisk, a powerful and ancient creature, to learn the art of seduction as part of her royal “training.”
Tem is matched with Caspen—the Serpent King himself—and quickly realizes this training is about more than just physical connection. As she forms a bond with Caspen, unexpected feelings begin to surface. But her growing connection with the prince complicates things further. Add rising tensions between humans and basilisks, and Tem finds herself caught between loyalty, desire, and survival.
When she uncovers a dark secret about the royal family, Tem must choose between two dangerous paths—one that could destroy her heart, and one that might destroy her world.
Why I DNF’d This Book
I went into this one intrigued by the dark fantasy setting, monster romance tropes, and potential for emotional tension. I’m not afraid of spice in my romantasy—but I do want it paired with meaningful character arcs and a plot that allows the characters to breathe and grow.
The underlying message that a woman’s worth is tied to sexual performance feels deeply uncomfortable, especially given the lack of emotional buildup or nuance in the way it’s introduced. The story dives straight into erotic scenes before giving me a reason to root for the characters or the world they live in. While I appreciate bold, unconventional ideas in fantasy romance, the central premise—that young women are sexually trained by monsters for a prince—was unsettling for me, and that discomfort only deepened as the book progressed.
The romance dynamics were complex, but not in a way that gave me the tension or emotional payoff I look for. I struggled to connect with Tem as a character and found myself feeling more and more alienated by the story’s choices.
And then there were the specific scenes… which leads me to the next section.
Spoilers Below – Key Scenes That Pushed This to DNF
If you’re on the fence about reading this book, or if you want to know why it wasn’t for me, here are a few spoiler-heavy moments that sealed the deal:
The public sex ceremony: As part of Tem’s engagement to Caspen, she is expected to engage in a public, ritualistic sex act with both Caspen and his father. This scene spans hours, and while portrayed as consensual in the narrative, it was physically extreme and emotionally difficult to process.
Injury during sex: During this same scene, Caspen shifts mid-act into his basilisk form, unintentionally injuring Tem.
Sex in basilisk form: There are scenes involving sexual activity in non-human form, which, while certainly aligned with the monster romance genre, veered too far into discomfort for my personal taste.
The “claw” detail: Early on, Caspen gives Tem a “claw” he created from…well…bodily fluids, to keep inside her body as a token of their connection. This detail, while possibly intended to be intimate or symbolic, left me deeply uncomfortable—what I can only describe as a major “ick.”
Spice Level: 5/5
This book is VERY spicy—if you’re into heavy steam with monster romance elements, it delivers. But be warned, there’s not much of a slow burn or emotional lead-in. The intensity starts early and doesn’t let up.
About the Author
Lindsay Straube is a Portland-based author known for her bold and unconventional storytelling. Her debut novel, Kiss of the Basilisk, the first in the Split or Swallow series, blends fantasy and romance in a narrative that challenges traditional tropes. Originally self-published, the novel gained significant attention, leading to its acquisition by Bloom Books and Quercus for broader distribution.
Straube's writing is characterized by its exploration of complex characters and themes, often delving into the nuances of power dynamics and desire. Beyond her literary pursuits, she engages with her audience through her Instagram handle @oxfordlemon, where she shares insights into her writing process and personal interests.
To learn more about Lindsay Straube and her work, visit her official website: oxfordlemon.com.
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Book Club Discussion Questions
Kiss of the Basilisk offers more than just steam—it provokes questions about power, agency, and identity within a provocative fantasy setting. Whether you loved it, struggled with it, or felt a mix of both, these discussion questions are here to guide your book club through the heart of the story, the heat of the romance, and the complexities in between.
💭Initial Impressions
What were your first thoughts upon reading the premise of this story? Did it affect your expectations?
Did the book hook you from the beginning? Why or why not?
🔥 Themes & Social Commentary
How did you feel about the idea that young women were sent to “train” with basilisks for the prince’s benefit?
Did this feel like a commentary on society’s views of women and sex?
Do you think the book successfully critiques this practice, or does it unintentionally reinforce problematic ideas?
In what ways does the story explore power dynamics—between species, between genders, and between the ruling class and the exiled?
❤️ Romance & Character Development
How did you feel about Tem as a protagonist? Did you connect with her or find her choices frustrating?
Did the relationship between Tem and Caspen evolve in a believable way? Why or why not?
What did you think of Caspen as a love interest—both literally and metaphorically?
Was there emotional depth to their connection, or did the sexual focus overwhelm other forms of intimacy?
🌍 Worldbuilding & Plot
Did you find the worldbuilding compelling? Were there parts of the world you wanted to understand more deeply?
What was missing for you in terms of political intrigue, history, or cultural context?
Was there a subplot or secondary character you wished the author had explored more?
🧪 Spice & Sensuality
This book is extremely spice-forward. Did the level of spice enhance or detract from the story for you?
Was there a moment when the spice felt empowering, uncomfortable, or surprising?
🗣️ Wrap-Up
If you could rewrite one element of the story, what would you change?
Will you read the next book in the series when it comes out or read something else by this author? Why or why not?
What other books does this remind you of—in a good or bad way?
Final Thoughts
Kiss of the Basilisk may work for readers who enjoy high-heat monster romance, erotica-forward plots, and dark, taboo themes. If you’re into reverse harems, morally grey love interests, or unconventional power dynamics, this might be your cup of tea.
But for me, it was too much—too much sex, not enough emotional grounding, and some story elements that left me unsettled instead of intrigued. That’s not a judgment on the author or anyone who enjoyed it—it’s just where I landed as a reader who values strong character arcs and romantic tension alongside spice.
Not every book is for every reader, and that’s perfectly okay.
If you’re interested in learning more about this book, I’ve included other reviews and articles for this book below:
Have you read Kiss of the Basilisk? I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you felt differently! Let’s keep the conversation open and respectful—reading is subjective, and every story speaks to people in different ways.
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter