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Killer Queens #2
To The Flame
I'm not sure how to come back from this.
Maybe I shouldn't have let the Laniidae sisters pull me into their orbit.
But who could resist them when they looked like that?
After joining the Hunt, I'm finally one of them, which means bubbly Teresa, charming Kennedy, and vicious Xander aren't afraid to stake their claim to me.
But a war is brewing between the us and the vultures of Cathartidae.
To make matters worse my naive brother is about to arrive on Atwood's campus, and I'm not sure I can protect the both of us.
When a play for power threatens to tear House Laniidae apart from the inside, I'm left with only one who can I really trust?
To The Flame is Book Two in the Killer Queens series. It is a dark, sapphic, New Adult, Why Choose (f/f/f/nb), university, bully romance containing sensitive content. Please see the Author's Note for CWs.
Maybe I shouldn't have let the Laniidae sisters pull me into their orbit.
But who could resist them when they looked like that?
After joining the Hunt, I'm finally one of them, which means bubbly Teresa, charming Kennedy, and vicious Xander aren't afraid to stake their claim to me.
But a war is brewing between the us and the vultures of Cathartidae.
To make matters worse my naive brother is about to arrive on Atwood's campus, and I'm not sure I can protect the both of us.
When a play for power threatens to tear House Laniidae apart from the inside, I'm left with only one who can I really trust?
To The Flame is Book Two in the Killer Queens series. It is a dark, sapphic, New Adult, Why Choose (f/f/f/nb), university, bully romance containing sensitive content. Please see the Author's Note for CWs.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 16, 2025
that cliff hanger??? I KNEW IT😭 and the fact that i have to wait till the end of the month for the last book to come out…i’m sick to my stomach
March 17, 2026
Stress
My god, the anxiety will harm me because damn. Mara got what she deserved but this cliffhanger is very stressing. Intoxicating emotions though Elle is very undecided sometimes.
My god, the anxiety will harm me because damn. Mara got what she deserved but this cliffhanger is very stressing. Intoxicating emotions though Elle is very undecided sometimes.
Read
August 14, 2025I again don't know what to rate this, as always I'm bad at rating and reviewing and I don't know how to talk about anything I liked, mostly just things I didn't, which maybe says something bad about me, but I won't be examining that.
Review probably contains spoilers etc etc.
I found this less confusing than the first one thanks to the somewhat reduced amount of plot/dialogue/narration that revolved around the whole US university system, something I still do not understand any better. I read the trilogy pretty much one after the other without stopping, so it's all blurred together a bit, but I'll try to remember as much as possible.
Xander still pissed me off quite a bit because she's just a bit too extreme, and not because I don't like that level of extreme, but it just didn't really fit here, her actions and lack of literally any communication were really frustrating which made it hard for her character to seem hot. Besides that, the characters you're supposed to like or be attached to, I did like for the most part.
I found the ending a bit annoying, I understand the desire for a cliffhanger there, but it felt a bit more like "ugh, here we go again, now what?"
I found the family appearances/storyline a little bit tedious at times, I'm not sure it added anything that was needed, and I would have preferred a deeper explanation of Elle's family dynamics/relationships rather than the way it was, which felt a bit more like filling the need for subplot.
My main issue again is unfortunately what seems like a couple too few rounds of editing and proofreading. Not just the typos and other typing or grammatical issues, but also the sentences that didn't quite flow the way they should or the wrong word choice every now and then, that, for me at least, really take you out of the immersion.
This was a fun read, I don't think I was super invested, again I cared enough to read the full trilogy but not enough that I would have paid money to do so I don't think. For me it was more of a chill passing the time/bit of fun/hot read to take my mind off things kind of book, rather than an emotional investment and attachment kind of book. But this may just be an issue with me and romance and maybe for most people this is absolutely an emotional investment and attachment kind of book, I can see how it would be.
Review probably contains spoilers etc etc.
I found this less confusing than the first one thanks to the somewhat reduced amount of plot/dialogue/narration that revolved around the whole US university system, something I still do not understand any better. I read the trilogy pretty much one after the other without stopping, so it's all blurred together a bit, but I'll try to remember as much as possible.
Xander still pissed me off quite a bit because she's just a bit too extreme, and not because I don't like that level of extreme, but it just didn't really fit here, her actions and lack of literally any communication were really frustrating which made it hard for her character to seem hot. Besides that, the characters you're supposed to like or be attached to, I did like for the most part.
I found the ending a bit annoying, I understand the desire for a cliffhanger there, but it felt a bit more like "ugh, here we go again, now what?"
I found the family appearances/storyline a little bit tedious at times, I'm not sure it added anything that was needed, and I would have preferred a deeper explanation of Elle's family dynamics/relationships rather than the way it was, which felt a bit more like filling the need for subplot.
My main issue again is unfortunately what seems like a couple too few rounds of editing and proofreading. Not just the typos and other typing or grammatical issues, but also the sentences that didn't quite flow the way they should or the wrong word choice every now and then, that, for me at least, really take you out of the immersion.
This was a fun read, I don't think I was super invested, again I cared enough to read the full trilogy but not enough that I would have paid money to do so I don't think. For me it was more of a chill passing the time/bit of fun/hot read to take my mind off things kind of book, rather than an emotional investment and attachment kind of book. But this may just be an issue with me and romance and maybe for most people this is absolutely an emotional investment and attachment kind of book, I can see how it would be.
July 8, 2025
One word: Chokehold
I was hooked on this series after the first book, so when the 2nd one came out I had to devour it. And it had me in a chokehold the whole day, I couldn’t put it down. Damn miss Cross what a fantastic writer you are!
I love how the focus in this book has shifted more from Elle’s relationship with Teresa to Kennedy, which was something I was longing for after the 1st book.
I’m still on the fence about Xander… I understand Elle’s love/hate relationship with them and am hoping the next book gives us more inside into how their relationship develops.
Every chance I get, I’m recommending this series to people. If you’re looking for a dark why choose romance, with strong female mc’s and a lot of spice, this is the series for you!
I was hooked on this series after the first book, so when the 2nd one came out I had to devour it. And it had me in a chokehold the whole day, I couldn’t put it down. Damn miss Cross what a fantastic writer you are!
I love how the focus in this book has shifted more from Elle’s relationship with Teresa to Kennedy, which was something I was longing for after the 1st book.
I’m still on the fence about Xander… I understand Elle’s love/hate relationship with them and am hoping the next book gives us more inside into how their relationship develops.
Every chance I get, I’m recommending this series to people. If you’re looking for a dark why choose romance, with strong female mc’s and a lot of spice, this is the series for you!
August 11, 2025
only got 20% through this one. absolutely horrible. Elle is annoying af, Xander is not the vibe at all. I'd rate it 0 if I could.
February 19, 2026
DNF'd... I had one major issue with this series and her name is Xander. You know for a character that's supposedly trying to protect abused women she sure gets off on abusing women. I think the author was trying to write Elle and Xander's relationship as Dom/Sub but she missed the mark entirely. Not once did I read anything about a safe word or boundaries and limits. Xander's actions toward Elle was just straight up abuse disguised as a BDSM relationship and I became immediately annoyed and angered anytime Xander was even mentioned. I really wanted to like this series. It had an interesting plot and I loved pretty much all the secondary characters as well as the other two love interests. Teresa was by far my favorite. I loved Kennedy too though I wish she had more moments with Elle alone like Teresa got. As for Elle she was an okay MC, I just wish the author hadn't written her to be so spineless and stuck in a perpetual state of arousal. I mean seriously I lost count of how many times I read the words "I was throbbing". Overall this series was just simply not for me.
October 22, 2025
As much as I loved this book, I felt there were a lot of plot holes in the third and final book of the series. Once I finished the book and thought over what I read, I had so many unanswered questions. Like what happened between Roxanne and Xander? What's the story behind The Station, and how does Xander have so much sway? What about Will's reluctant acceptance of Elle's sorority and his "new apartment"? What about Elle's moms'? Did they never learn more about what Elle was up to? Do they grow to accept their daughter's involvement with the sorority? What of Patty? I also would've liked more context for Xander's backstory of her life in Texas and her relationship with her father and siblings. The ending was also rushed; everything happened really quickly. So many aspects of this book that I loved, but would've liked a bit more detail!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
Single 1st Person POV. 5🌟 4🌶️. 490 pages
5 Spicy Scenes
The second book in the Killer Queens series is an absolute wild ride and definitely darker than the first, but so good it’s impossible to put down and will have you questioning your own morals if you end up loving it! It’s also less smutty than the first, but by no means does that make it any less delicious when it does happen!
Picking up directly after the events of To the Bone, To the Flame draws us into the aftermath of Elle’s initiation, the trouble she’s wrought with her actions in book one and the continuing tension between her and Xander. With cover ups and CT still on their trail and Elle’s younger brother transferring in, how will any of them survive?
Now I know a lot of people don’t like toxic relationships in books, but I live for the toxicity, in fact the more toxic the better and that’s what you get between Elle and Xander. In fact their relationship often comes across as borderline abusive, but it’s important to note that everything between them is 100% consensual, if dubious at times.
This book is filled with so much tension and drama that it’s almost impossible to put down. The dynamics between E + K + T continue to grow and flourish into amazing chemistry that jumps off the page. While the tension between E & X can sometimes be hard to understand, we don’t find out why X is such a brute towards E, all we know is that it’s seemingly appreciated to a degree and I love every second of it. And the cliffhanger, much like the one from the first book is brutal so be sure to read the trilogy simultaneously!
Things to LOVE:
📚Dark Why Choose Romance
🚺F/F/F/NB
😈Morally Grey
🤫Secret Society
🔪Murder
🗡️Marking
😶Secrets
🫣Cover Ups
🧗♂️Cliffhanger
5 Spicy Scenes
The second book in the Killer Queens series is an absolute wild ride and definitely darker than the first, but so good it’s impossible to put down and will have you questioning your own morals if you end up loving it! It’s also less smutty than the first, but by no means does that make it any less delicious when it does happen!
Picking up directly after the events of To the Bone, To the Flame draws us into the aftermath of Elle’s initiation, the trouble she’s wrought with her actions in book one and the continuing tension between her and Xander. With cover ups and CT still on their trail and Elle’s younger brother transferring in, how will any of them survive?
Now I know a lot of people don’t like toxic relationships in books, but I live for the toxicity, in fact the more toxic the better and that’s what you get between Elle and Xander. In fact their relationship often comes across as borderline abusive, but it’s important to note that everything between them is 100% consensual, if dubious at times.
This book is filled with so much tension and drama that it’s almost impossible to put down. The dynamics between E + K + T continue to grow and flourish into amazing chemistry that jumps off the page. While the tension between E & X can sometimes be hard to understand, we don’t find out why X is such a brute towards E, all we know is that it’s seemingly appreciated to a degree and I love every second of it. And the cliffhanger, much like the one from the first book is brutal so be sure to read the trilogy simultaneously!
Things to LOVE:
📚Dark Why Choose Romance
🚺F/F/F/NB
😈Morally Grey
🤫Secret Society
🔪Murder
🗡️Marking
😶Secrets
🫣Cover Ups
🧗♂️Cliffhanger
March 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Elle still got on my nerves in this book but the last twenty percent brought this book from a 3 to 3.5 star.
Yes there’s still a bit of story and a lot of moving parts but it still felt like the book was just continuous sex. I don’t mind that but I need to have some emotion behind it sometimes, not just cause that’s the character’s past time.
However, I’m glad for the tidbits of story we did get, because it set up the storyline for the last book beautifully. Just kind of wish the storyline for this book had a bit more substance.
Writing was super easy to get through, love the three love interests, the place setting and descriptions were done so well, and spice was still phenomenal.
Finally got to see Xander rail Elle so that was a plus, because jeez waiting for that was torture. It felt like I was the one being edged and not Elle.
Elle still got on my nerves in this book but the last twenty percent brought this book from a 3 to 3.5 star.
Yes there’s still a bit of story and a lot of moving parts but it still felt like the book was just continuous sex. I don’t mind that but I need to have some emotion behind it sometimes, not just cause that’s the character’s past time.
However, I’m glad for the tidbits of story we did get, because it set up the storyline for the last book beautifully. Just kind of wish the storyline for this book had a bit more substance.
Writing was super easy to get through, love the three love interests, the place setting and descriptions were done so well, and spice was still phenomenal.
Finally got to see Xander rail Elle so that was a plus, because jeez waiting for that was torture. It felt like I was the one being edged and not Elle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
This book is a disgrace to BDSM. It’s truly disgusting. I can’t stress enough how truly disturbing and hurtful this book is. I wanted to read this series because I loved the premise but Xanders actions, and then GLORIFYING them is DANGEROUS at best and incredibly irresponsible at best for people to read who don’t know what a Domme/Sub relationship supposed to be. Consent, limits and safe words are NECESSARY, in any BDSM relationship and there is NONE of that here. This is VERBAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE and it is GLORIFIED. There are tears in my eyes as I write this review because that’s how deeply it ripped into me to read some of these scenes. This novel should be removed from Kindle Unlimited.
March 23, 2026
um guys wtf? this was fantastic and had me on the edge of my seat all the time and the SMUT!? i loved getting deeper into their relationships together in this and learning more about the sisters. but that’s all i’ll say to avoid spoilers but wtf?😭😭
April 11, 2025
Amazing, incredible, I love it all
May 22, 2025
Eh like a 2.5, I’m still eating it up even if it isn’t the best series ever
March 19, 2025
Another Masterpiece.
This book picks up right where book one left off, and as soon as I started, I couldn't stop reading. These books play like a movie in your head, they are so smoothly written, and the pace of the chapters is so damn well done. Again, these books have such an incredible plot, like it's insane. The story keeps surprising you, and the books are getting more addictive. Same as the characters, I genuinely love all four of them, and I'm more obsessed with Xander. But also, the connection and dynamic between them are so real and just beautiful, and I can only hope they get their deserved happy ending in the final book because they are everything together. Also, I love, really love how we see the support and strength of the sisters together and them getting their revenge/justice for them and others. And I so hope Elle will get her revenge. Also the spice/intimate scenes in this book are so raw and hot, they keep getting better and better. So yeah, I highly recommend this and am super hyped for book three.
This book picks up right where book one left off, and as soon as I started, I couldn't stop reading. These books play like a movie in your head, they are so smoothly written, and the pace of the chapters is so damn well done. Again, these books have such an incredible plot, like it's insane. The story keeps surprising you, and the books are getting more addictive. Same as the characters, I genuinely love all four of them, and I'm more obsessed with Xander. But also, the connection and dynamic between them are so real and just beautiful, and I can only hope they get their deserved happy ending in the final book because they are everything together. Also, I love, really love how we see the support and strength of the sisters together and them getting their revenge/justice for them and others. And I so hope Elle will get her revenge. Also the spice/intimate scenes in this book are so raw and hot, they keep getting better and better. So yeah, I highly recommend this and am super hyped for book three.
January 13, 2026
The entirety of this book I just found myself wanting to strangle Elle and demand she see reason, and follow her gut! Newsflash! She did NOT listen 🙃 my husband got a ton of entertainment while I read this book because the whole time I had commentary going of "why would you do that?", "Don't trust her", "why won't you tell them?"
Elle really turns into an independent person in this book in all the ways I wished she wouldn't. It was SO frustrating reading about what she was doing, but it added so much depth to her character and led the story exactly where it needed to go.
The slow burn between Xander and her Scarlet reaches a fever pitch that had me feeling like I was in a blazing fever dream of my own. Things heat up between Kennedy, Teresa, and Elle too and it's perfection. 🔥
This book took snitches get stitches to a whole new gruesome level that I was pleasantly surprised by and unprepared for. Unfortunately, Elle not coming clean on some things is absolutely going to lead to new problems in book 3 😅 I am so excited to see where things go!
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Elle really turns into an independent person in this book in all the ways I wished she wouldn't. It was SO frustrating reading about what she was doing, but it added so much depth to her character and led the story exactly where it needed to go.
The slow burn between Xander and her Scarlet reaches a fever pitch that had me feeling like I was in a blazing fever dream of my own. Things heat up between Kennedy, Teresa, and Elle too and it's perfection. 🔥
This book took snitches get stitches to a whole new gruesome level that I was pleasantly surprised by and unprepared for. Unfortunately, Elle not coming clean on some things is absolutely going to lead to new problems in book 3 😅 I am so excited to see where things go!
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
January 20, 2026
I feel like the story progressed pretty well and answered some questions from book one but also there are a few elements that again feel repetitive. Elle spends her time so wrapped up in her “shadows” that she’s failing her classes and although this is a known fact, it feels like no one is taking the situation seriously. It is brought up a few times but then quickly forgotten because some sorority issue pops up.
Additionally the relationship with Xander is a lot. I’m not sure if the author intends for this to be a bdsm-esque relationship but it feels more abusive than mutual/willing submission. The fact that Elle is engaging in certain situations without a conversation beforehand about what she’s comfortable with or even a safe word rubs me the wrong way. Maybe we’ll see some progression in that aspect in book 3 but all throughout this book, I was not a fan of how Xander’s antics were escalating.
Additionally the relationship with Xander is a lot. I’m not sure if the author intends for this to be a bdsm-esque relationship but it feels more abusive than mutual/willing submission. The fact that Elle is engaging in certain situations without a conversation beforehand about what she’s comfortable with or even a safe word rubs me the wrong way. Maybe we’ll see some progression in that aspect in book 3 but all throughout this book, I was not a fan of how Xander’s antics were escalating.
May 10, 2026
I liked it as much as, if not more than, the first one. I think that, like everyone else, I’m completely in love with Teresa and Kennedy. They’re the perfect combination: they balance each other out, complement one another, and make the trio with Eleanor absolutely perfect. I can’t say the same about Xander.
As desperate as I am to adore Xander, I just don’t like them. I know the author tried to portray a dom/sub relationship between them and Elle, but there’s nothing healthy about their interactions. There’s no aftercare, no safeword, nothing at all. To me, it feels like an abusive relationship being glorified just because Xander is hot. So far, that’s the only bad thing I can say.
The spice is perfect (aside from what we all say: Elle, it’s not necessary to remind us that your panties get wet every time you see Kennedy, Teresa, or Xander).
And I think the plot is super cool and really original. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little feminist revenge?
For me, it’s a solid 4 stars.
As desperate as I am to adore Xander, I just don’t like them. I know the author tried to portray a dom/sub relationship between them and Elle, but there’s nothing healthy about their interactions. There’s no aftercare, no safeword, nothing at all. To me, it feels like an abusive relationship being glorified just because Xander is hot. So far, that’s the only bad thing I can say.
The spice is perfect (aside from what we all say: Elle, it’s not necessary to remind us that your panties get wet every time you see Kennedy, Teresa, or Xander).
And I think the plot is super cool and really original. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little feminist revenge?
For me, it’s a solid 4 stars.
July 6, 2025
Another fantastic book from the series.
I literally devoured this one. The night has passed me by, but I just couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
I loved how much more Elle seemed to include Kennedy more than in the first book. We also got to learn more about Xander and see her from a slightly different perspective. This part lets us peer more into their relationship development.
At some point, it felt like they were running in circles - a bit of hot and cold, push and pull - which could've discouraged me a little, but the side plot made up for it and kept me hooked.
Certainly another hit, and I can't wait for the next one!
I literally devoured this one. The night has passed me by, but I just couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
I loved how much more Elle seemed to include Kennedy more than in the first book. We also got to learn more about Xander and see her from a slightly different perspective. This part lets us peer more into their relationship development.
At some point, it felt like they were running in circles - a bit of hot and cold, push and pull - which could've discouraged me a little, but the side plot made up for it and kept me hooked.
Certainly another hit, and I can't wait for the next one!
April 25, 2026
So damn spicy 🌶️🔥🤤
This trilogy leans hard into dark erotic romance and absolutely doesn’t hold back. Its more like dark erotica then dark romance tho.The explicit intensity makes everything feel raw, obsessive,
But don’t go in expecting a soft, romantic love story about college girls..this isn’t that. It’s full-on Erotica(multiple partners)mixed with murder, revenge, and mystery surrounding college sapphic girls. The tension stays high, and those cliffhangers in the first and second books? Chef’s kiss.
This trilogy leans hard into dark erotic romance and absolutely doesn’t hold back. Its more like dark erotica then dark romance tho.The explicit intensity makes everything feel raw, obsessive,
But don’t go in expecting a soft, romantic love story about college girls..this isn’t that. It’s full-on Erotica(multiple partners)mixed with murder, revenge, and mystery surrounding college sapphic girls. The tension stays high, and those cliffhangers in the first and second books? Chef’s kiss.
March 18, 2025
Team Ken
I’m so happy Kennedy got to shine in this sequel. I LOVE them! Kennedy & Elle are just perfect together. The spicy scenes were amazing, and I didn’t want to put the book down. I barely slept lol. Can’t wait for the next book!
I’m so happy Kennedy got to shine in this sequel. I LOVE them! Kennedy & Elle are just perfect together. The spicy scenes were amazing, and I didn’t want to put the book down. I barely slept lol. Can’t wait for the next book!
April 17, 2025
Took me longer than usual to read, kept forgetting parts etc but yeah, really enjoyed it.
Gamer at heart, new game came out. This was put on the back burner🤣
I shouldn’t but X is my fav character. The main girl is starting to get abit jarring. And I love Kenny.
Gamer at heart, new game came out. This was put on the back burner🤣
I shouldn’t but X is my fav character. The main girl is starting to get abit jarring. And I love Kenny.
August 11, 2025
Daaaaaamn, the spice I liked a little better in this 2nd book but personally preference. But damn this story tho, the cliffhanger. I was yelling at the page and at out MC. Gurrrrrrrrl
Can’t wait to binge thru this 3rd book
Can’t wait to binge thru this 3rd book
April 14, 2026
It was good, but I got bored at most of the book! Xander’s behavior got very toxic and not appealing! At the emd obe scene was sooo dark (chapter 99) but sooo well done!! And of course there is a huge cliffhanger!
3⭐️5🌶️
3⭐️5🌶️
April 16, 2026
Best book series I’ve ever read!
After I couldn’t put the first book down I was the exact same with this one! Genuinely a must read it has everything! I cannot wait to read the third one I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. Thank you for this great series!
After I couldn’t put the first book down I was the exact same with this one! Genuinely a must read it has everything! I cannot wait to read the third one I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. Thank you for this great series!
April 2, 2025
Loved
A page turner that keeps you wanting more. Filled with intense and seductive scenes. A satisfying read that makes you rally for the protagonist.
A page turner that keeps you wanting more. Filled with intense and seductive scenes. A satisfying read that makes you rally for the protagonist.
August 1, 2025
I love all of them, put please I need more and more Xander, I can’t get enough of her!
September 23, 2025
I enjoyed the journey it kept me wanting more. I was surprised to learn some things but it was amazing. I couldn't stop reading.
March 9, 2026
These girls have never heard of RACK and it shows
April 23, 2026
I wish Xander would just step aside. I’m far more interested in the throuple dynamic between the other.
May 16, 2025
You’re not meant to have favourites but gosh I love Elle & Teresa together the most - very excited to see what’s next even though I’m slightly bummed it’s a trilogy - I could read about this sorority and the characters forever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews