The Black Rose

by Frances Paul

Some weapons are born. Others are made.
She is the perfect operative.
A discarded orphan, remade by the very hands that broke her.
Trained to seduce. Conditioned to kill. Reborn as Elara Everhart.

They gave her new names. New faces. New identities—whichever the mission required.
Now, they call her Raina.
And they’ve sent her into the lion’s den.

Her Axel Voss. Billionaire. Powerbroker. Threat.
He’s everything she was trained to dismantle.
But he sees too much. Speaks too little.
And when he touches her, he wakes something she was never meant to feel.

She is the weapon they created.
But he’s the variable they never planned for.

What begins as a mission spirals into obsession.
And survival will cost more than her cover.
Because the most dangerous thing isn’t failing the mission—
It’s forgetting who the real enemy is.

If you love psychological thrillers with espionage, romantic suspense, and heart‑stopping twists, The Black Rose will keep you breathless until the very last page.

"To master the art of the strike, first let the target marinate in your charm and wit, until they are ripe for the taking." – Elara Everhart

Genres: Suspense, Romance

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

Frances Paul is an author of emotionally charged, high-stakes fiction that captivates readers with its mix of psychological suspense, romance, and intricate plotting. Her work explores the fine line between love and survival, delving into themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the secrets we keep.

She is the author of Sea of Scars, a moving story of loss and redemption, and The Black Rose, a gripping psychological thriller that draws readers into a world where trust is dangerous and every choice carries lasting consequences.

With a distinctive voice and a cinematic style, Frances creates unforgettable characters and layered narratives that linger long after the final page. Her passion for storytelling comes from a lifelong fascination with the human heart and its capacity to endure even in the darkest of circumstances.

Reviews

[MaKenzie Christman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, The Black Rose had me completely hooked. The pacing is sharp and relentless, the writing cinematic, and the story impossible to step away from. Every twist pulled me in deeper until I realized I was fully addicted.

Elara Everhart—once a discarded orphan, now the perfect operative—was built to be a weapon. Trained to seduce, conditioned to kill, and reborn again and again under new names. Her latest mission sends her undercover as Raina, tasked with taking down billionaire powerbroker Axel Voss. But Axel isn’t what he seems—he sees too much, says too little, and awakens something inside her she was never supposed to feel.

The chemistry, the danger, the tension—it all builds into an explosive, emotional ride that left me reeling. The characters felt so real and raw that I couldn’t help but get attached, and now I’m certain this book is going to give me a serious book hangover. The ending hints at more to come, and I need the continuation immediately.

If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers filled with espionage, romance, and heart-stopping twists, The Black Rose will absolutely consume you.

[Azurine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Black Rose" is a thought-provoking story filled with intrigue, greed, power, betrayal and suspense filled. It explores the trials and tribulations of a young girl named Emily. She is highly analytical and observant, often lost in her own thoughts. Throughout the story, Emily feels unloved and lacks caring adults to guide her. I found myself relating deeply to her thought process, which prompted me to reflect on my own experiences at her age to understand her as a kindred spirit.
The story also serves as a powerful mirror to our world today, highlighting how many children are neglected, discarded, as if worthless. These circumstances can lead them into dangerous situations—becoming drug mules, victims of slave labor, or exploited sexually etc.—and even a human weapon of destruction, much like Emily. The narrative becomes even more compelling when Emily realizes that she is capable of much more than she initially believed, with hope and resilience.
Overall, this book is a compelling read that encourages us to look critically at society and consider the strength and potential within every child. After all the children are our greatest gift.

[Teressa Oliverio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets all the stars….

This book completely pulled me in from the very first page and never once lost its pace. The characters are so well developed that I felt myself stepping right into their world, living and breathing every moment with them. Elara—Raina—whatever name she takes on, she is raw, complex, and utterly magnetic. Her transformation from weapon to woman grappling with forbidden emotions was written so vividly that I couldn’t look away.

Axel, too, isn’t just a one-dimensional target—his quiet intensity and subtle power drew me in just as much as they did her, and their chemistry crackled on every page. The author masterfully balanced action, tension, and emotion, weaving a story where every twist hit hard and every choice mattered.

This isn’t just a story of espionage and survival—it’s a story that gets under your skin, forcing you to question loyalty, desire, and identity right alongside the characters. By the end, I wasn’t just reading about them—I was invested in their lives.

An unforgettable, high-stakes read that I couldn’t put down. If you love fast-paced thrillers with characters that feel real and alive, this one is absolutely unmissable

[Lake Eerie Mermaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Black Rose by Frances Paul
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Black Rose is a gripping, genre-blending masterpiece that surprised me in the best possible way. While I usually don’t venture into spy/mafia romance, this book pulled me in with its high-stakes tension, layered characters, and a secret-agency-meets-global-power-conspiracy vibe that absolutely thrives on adrenaline and emotional depth.

Told through multiple POVs, the story offers rich inner monologues and a well-developed world that makes you feel like you’re living inside a covert empire. The heartbreak is relentless throughout—but it’s the ending that truly gutted me. Frances Paul knows how to twist the knife, leaving you breathless and aching.

[Jenn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Rose is an intense, beautifully written story that pulls you in from the very first page. This story blends romance, suspense, and emotion in a way that feels both raw and captivating. The characters are layered and complex, with chemistry that practically leaps off the page. Every twist kept me hooked, and the pacing was perfect—never a dull moment. This book had me feeling everything: heartbreak, excitement, and hope. I want more of Elara and Axel and the ending definitely hints a possibly (hopefully) a continuation to their story.
If you love stories that are passionate, powerful, and unforgettable, this one is a must-read!

[Aivy’s One More Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know reading about an assassin woman was going to get me so hooked and wanting more. Let’s start with the FMC, Emily/Elara/Raina, she was a 14 yrs old orphaned girl that got adopted by a secret organization. This organization adopted her with the sole purpose of making her a weapon and that’s exactly what she became.

She eliminated many targets the first couple of years of her life as an assassin. Until she got an assignment with a specific target to eliminate. The job was to get close to him, the problem? She got too close.

Will she be able to pull the trigger? Will this book have a happy ending? Or, will He pull the trigger?

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story! Frances Paul is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Let me start by saying that the audiobook is amazing and really brought the characters and story to life. I was hooked—and by the end, I was left breathless.

I’m a sucker for a strong FMC that is strong, resilient, and embraces who she is. Elara/Raina was molded to be a killer. Trained to be a weapon. Her journey is not just one of vengeance or justice, but of self-discovery and reclaiming power that was taken from her. The tension, the pacing, and the twists elevated the entire story! Definitely a 5 star read!

[Lei Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit this book is good. I've never been so on edge and holding my breath throughout a book until this one fell into my lap. I was freaking hooked from the very beginning. It's filled with secrets, betrayal, loyalty, and desires -- It will have you doubting every twist and turn in this book. The writing is flawless, intense, and suspenseful. The main characters (Elara & Axel) are so complex and well written. They are made for each other. I still can't believe how it ends. This book gets all the stars and is seriously a MUST READ.

[Billie Leonard]

I loved the way this book started. An orphaned girl was made into the perfect weapon. The perfect assassin. Never feeling the fallout of her kills, until Axel. She was sent to assassinate 3 men. Never questioning orders until she did. Will a weapon learn to love and trust her own instincts and not just be someone else's weapon?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harper’s Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child molded into a weapon, as an adult, a modern mata hari. A spy who can seduce and killer without remorse.
When Elara Everhart’s mission is Axel Voss, power broker, billionaire, she’s thrown for a loop. This is a psychological thriller steeped in espionage, suspense, and twists that will keep you guessing.

Happy Reading📖🌻

I received an advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest unbiased review.

[Xxkasie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was sucked in from the beginning, and couldn’t stop! I thought about this book when I wasn’t reading it, wondering what would happen next. This is gripping and so well written, I think I’m going to have a hangover now. Just amazing!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book was an absolute masterpiece and I was so happy to get the opportunity to read it before it’s release day and omg it didn’t disappoint it was absolutely incredible and the plot was amazing and the characters were written so beautifully i absolutely loved it 😍 I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for future books

[Lian Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pace of this book had me hooked from the start. It was relentless, then your pulled in further with the twists, chemistry and danger. The FMC you just fall in love with amd how she has been trained.

Anyone who loves a psychological-thriller that is fast paced - I highly recommend this beauty!

[Briitta (Momma_Shligga) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Rose by Frances Paul is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. I was completely hooked from the very first page. Just pure, heart-pounding action that kept me on edge the entire way through.

The characters are complex and compelling, and the pacing is flawless. There’s no shortage of twists, high-stakes moments, and explosive scenes that make this a true page-turner.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

The book was well written and kept my interest at some points, but lost it at others. Although I liked the novel, I found myself not truly connected to the characters as I followed along the journey. It may not have been for me, but I do hope it finds the right reader elsewhere.

[Penny Sherek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this was a great read. It frustrated me at times, but in a good way — watching the main character grow up being told who to be and what to do, only to find herself trapped when she finally wants to live for herself. That kind of struggle really hit me.

She’s in such a precarious position, and you can’t help but feel for her the whole way through. If you get the chance to read this one, I highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Fabris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I like the story and premise of this book however I found it a bit long and wordy. Shout out to the female narrator who rocked it!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway. I am excited to read it soon!!

[Candice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think of every single spy movie or book you have ever watched or read. Dismiss them and embrace The Black Rose. I read this entire book and still want more. I don’t think the story ends here. There must be a sequel. This book has the romance, intrigue, and action sequences that make you feel alive. I really enjoyed every single part of the story. We see the beginning of the machine being built. Then we see a split decision between Elara and Axel. Her decisions are based upon reality and not the spinning wheel of fate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book pushed me into another genre that I didn’t know I would enjoy. Reading is my outlet and I am grateful for the experience Frances provided. Happy reading!

[Candy Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads, but I definitely would have read this anyway. this is the story of a young girl, taken from an orphanage and trained to be an elite assassin for a secret organization. everything she has been led to believe falls apart when she falls for her target. no spoilers, but this was a great story and I hope the author continues this story line

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Rose is wow! Dark, intense, and so very complex. This story has layers upon layers of intricacies. Elara—trained as a child to be an assassin, Xander—her mentor in the darkness, Axel—her target and a ruthless billionaire with devious intentions, Austen—Axel’s right hand man. Then there are the mysterious villains operating behind the scenes. The author weaves a tale of danger and desire, power and rawness—hooking you in and dragging readers deeper with each breath. I loved exploring these characters and watching them navigate the situation as the plot unfolds one ripple at a time. Held entranced until the very end, and then given a dangling carrot. There is no HEA, not even an HFN—but there is so much more that could be told. Twisted, action-packed, and thrilling, this story has so much to offer and is exciting to the last page.

The audiobook was well-performed, though there were moments when the pronunciations and emotions were off from what I felt the author was trying to convey in their story. The narrators were wonderful at bringing out each character’s personality, be it Elara, Axel, or one of the many supporting personas. A true psychological thriller, I loved this roller coaster ride and I cannot wait to see where the author takes us next with these people!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was fantastic, it was extremely descriptive and you could really visualise and imagine the scenes and feelings. The action was powerful and the romance was deep. Even though some of the tropes in this book weren’t to my liking, I could appreciate how this would hit the mark for those it suits. I loved the development of the mc and her traits, but you couldn’t trust any of the characters entirely. I found some of the twists predicable. The blurb had me intrigued to try something a bit different from my usual genre, so I’ve rated on that basis, I otherwise would’ve given it a 3⭐️. I feel this would be epic as a movie/tv show.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

She’s a highly trained assassin. He’s the son of a mafia boss, but his own business is legitimate… or is it? Nope; it’s a scheme to take over South America by decentralizing the banking and installing puppet governments. She’s supposed to kill him, but the PASSION between them is TOO GREAT (they have missionary sex like four times and it blows her mind). Betrayal! Lust! Multiple deaths! Everyone in the book is loathsome; there is no one to root for and you find yourself hoping they just shoot each other.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Noooo,” were the words stumbling out of my mouth at the conclusion of this book. I need more Axel and Elara—my life feels like it depends on these characters.

When I first started reading, I questioned if this would be a story I could really sink into. It felt different from the kinds of books I usually pick up, and the pacing at the beginning almost felt like something I had to endure, like a tortured soul. But I’m so glad I kept going and gave myself over to Elara’s world—my opinion changed quickly! The slower early chapters laid the foundation, building the complexity of who Elara is. Once her world was fully formed, I found myself devouring the story.

The chemistry between Elara and Axel was undeniable—it sank into my bones. I was rooting for them from the start, my hope swirling right alongside theirs. I especially loved those moments where Elara began to show flashes of real, raw human emotion. That added dimension gave her depth, making her someone I could connect with and cheer for. Some scenes radiated with such intensity that I felt like I was standing right there with her, screaming—or, in her case, ready to destroy anything in her path.

The supporting cast also shone, each in their own way. Austin in particular was written so well that my feelings toward him shifted by the end. And then there’s one character I loathe. I won’t spoil anything, but just know: this character is absolutely worth hating. That’s how you know the author nailed it—when they can stir such a strong reaction.

Overall, I’d give The Black Rose 4.5 stars, but Good Reads won’t do half stars. I’m not usually a half-star giver, but this one sits closer to 5 than 4, and it didn’t feel right to round down. As for the spice? I’d put it at about 2–3 lip bites. It’s there, but it’s not gratuitous—it enhances the bond between Axel and Elara, showing their feelings in ways words alone couldn’t capture.

So, if you crave a fierce FMC, romance that cuts deep, a little loss, a whole lotta revenge, and trust issues for days—this book is practically screaming your name.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant narration from Jenna Paris and James Scott

Emily also know as Elara and Raina, was a 14 yrs old orphaned girl that got adopted by a secret organisation . Where they groomed her to be assassin a weapon to do their bidding.
One target Axel was the one that makes her rethink. Getting close to him was her job and she is very good at her job.
Axel has an intensity and strength that will pull you into him. The chemistry between them is hot and you will love these characters.
This book has action, espionage, suspense, emotion, chemistry and romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the slow start fool you—The Black Rose by Frances Paul is an unforgettable, action-packed thrill ride. As Elara's journey kicks into high gear, the pace never lets up. You'll feel every emotion she experiences as she learns to separate her feelings from her missions, discovers love, and faces a new kind of challenges. If you enjoy suspense, action, and mystery woven together with powerful themes of vengeance and regret, this is a book you absolutely have to read.

[Shawna Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an alright book. I was a little off-put by staying in the POV of a child for the beginning portion and felt it took away from any possible connection with the main character, because I could only picture her as a child, even later on. I felt it would have been executed better if we met our FMC as an adult and learned about her past in flashbacks.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KJLReadstheRoom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could see what this was trying to do but unfortunately it didn’t quite work for me. The romance was shallow and boring, I have no idea why the MCs fell in love with each other - neither of them were loveable in the slightest. The story was confusing as hell and was also bogged down by technical details that didnt add anything and just felt like filler to increase the word count. I was going to give one star but I didn’t DNF so something was clearly working for me!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I LOVED this book; my main problem was how long it took to get to the main part of the story. Also, I HATED that ending. I was fully hoping and expecting for axel to break off his engagement and end up with elara instead of trying to kill her but then letting her go and promising to kill her next time he saw her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Frances Paul]

Writing The Black Rose has been the most challenging and rewarding journey of my career so far. It’s a dark, twist-filled thriller built on secrets, betrayal, and desire—one that pushed me as a writer in every way. I poured myself into these pages, and I can’t wait to hear what you think when you step into this world.

—Frances Paul