Interview with Frances Paul, Author of The Black Rose

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Black Rose?

I’ve always been fascinated by spy thrillers—the intensity of training, the precision of missions, and the rare moments of humanity that surface in the most unlikely characters. Stories like Hitman with Timothy Olyphant, Killing Eve, and Hanna completely captivated me. There’s something about watching a character shaped by violence and secrecy still struggle with emotion, morality, and connection that I find deeply intriguing.

I wanted to create my own take on that world, one that blends the adrenaline of espionage with the vulnerability of forbidden romance. The Black Rose was born from that desire—a story that makes your pulse race but also makes you feel. I wanted readers to not only follow the missions but to care about the people behind them, to think about these characters long after the last page is turned.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Black Rose, what would they be?

For Elara, I’d pick “Control” by Halsey because it perfectly captures her inner conflict between strength and vulnerability and the darkness she constantly battles within herself. For Axel, it would have to be “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots, since it mirrors his dangerous charm and the world of secrets he lives in. And if I had to choose a song that represents them together, it would be “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons. Their connection is magnetic but deadly, and that song embodies the tension between love, betrayal, and survival that defines their story.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genres to read have always been romantic suspense and thrillers. I love stories that keep me guessing while still pulling at my emotions. There’s something irresistible about danger and desire colliding on the page. It’s also the genre I love to write because it allows me to explore both intensity and intimacy—the adrenaline of high-stakes moments mixed with the vulnerability of human connection.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile is always growing, but right now it includes The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden, The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly, Ella by Mike Lawson, and The Huntress by Kate Quinn. I love a mix of psychological tension, investigative grit, and complex characters who stay with you long after the story ends.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are so many scenes I loved writing, but my favorite is when Elara looks into the eyes of her prey, expecting to feel nothing but focus on the mission ahead. For her, it should have been just another assignment. But in that moment, what she sees in his eyes completely knocks the breath out of her. It’s the turning point where the line between duty and desire begins to blur, and everything changes.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Music is my biggest writing habit. I listen to the genre that matches the characters I’m building or the emotions I need to capture in a scene. It helps me connect more deeply with their mindset and feelings. The right song can make me see the scene more vividly, almost as if I’m inside it.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I believe in perseverance above all else. Standing still is never an option. Keep moving, even when the path feels uncertain, and when doors refuse to open, knock them down. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to the life you are meant to create.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want readers to remember that strength often comes from the moments when we feel the most broken. Even in darkness, there is always a choice—to rise, to fight, and to feel. The Black Rose is about resilience, love, and the cost of redemption, and I hope readers carry those emotions with them long after the final page.

Frances Paul is the author of the new book The Black Rose

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