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

by Lindsay Straube

his thighs were slick with sweat.

Ew

But she couldn’t leave Caspen. It was the last thing she would ever do. Despite every one of her instincts screaming otherwise, Tem moved closer.

Literally why

She could do nothing to help him. She could do nothing but pray. But even her prayers weren’t enough.

You could leave? It would solve every problem he’s having right now. Let the damn Basilisk transform back into a damn basilisk in peace

“You are a foolish, reckless girl. You do not follow instructions, and you do not use your brain.”

Deadass

“Can I get you a drink?” he asked quietly. “Yes, please,” she managed. He disappeared, reappearing a moment later with a delicate flute of champagne. He held it out to her. “I hate champagne.” Caspen smiled, and her heart skipped a beat. “Forgive me,” he said. “I did not know.” “Well. Now you do.”

Why is she such a bitch

“What do you need from me, Tem?”

I don’t think I’m supposed to be rooting for Leo but I am

The farm had only become more of a burden since Tem was away so often training for the prince. Her mother had taken side work to make ends meet—watching

She’s only away late at night? How does this affect the farm at all?

Caspen severed their connection. A hot coil of anger curled inside Tem. She hated it when he did that. It made her feel helpless in a relationship where there was already a significant imbalance of power.

Red flag!

To watch his son favor the town pariah was surely cause for fury.

It doesn’t make sense that she’s the town pariah. They farm the only animal that can keep the town safe from the basilisks. Hello?

“It’s been a pleasure, gentlemen.” “I’m a lady,” Tem said. “Barely.” She smacked his chest. Leo held her back. “That’s our best man you’re accosting.” “That would require a wedding,” Tem insisted. In response, Leo pressed his lips to her cheek.

See! So much better than the snake

“Evelyn was my family.” Tem felt a chill go down her spine. She looked up at Leo. His eyes held nothing but hurt. “You loved her,” Tem whispered.

He literally just said he fell in love with her

“Only rich people have scars from carriage accidents.” “I am a rich person, Tem.” “Don’t remind me. It’s one of your more abysmal qualities.”

When she reached Caspen’s cave, she paused. Beyond the all-encompassing darkness was her future—her husband if his quiver allowed it. That was no small thing to Tem. There was no part of this that she took lightly, no part of this that didn’t sway her to her very core.

You just tried to bang the prince the DAY after he proposed be so fucking for real Tem