Until She Breaks: A Gripping Psychological Thriller

by Paige Brooks

He saved her life. Now he’s watching it fall apart.

After a brutal attack on a secluded trail, Mara Quinn is rescued by Aidan Wolfe—a charming off-duty paramedic who seems too perfect. He knows her name. Anticipates her every need. And slips into her life with disturbing ease.

At first, Aidan feels like safety. But the deeper he pulls her into his carefully controlled world of rules, cameras, and isolation, the more Mara begins to question everything—her past, her sanity, even herself.

Friends vanish. Secrets surface. And someone keeps leaving her cryptic messages.

Her instincts scream that something is wrong. But every time she tries to pull away, Aidan is already there—calm, devoted, and always watching.

As the line between protection and possession blurs, Mara can’t tell if she’s losing her mind… or if someone wants her to.

And the only way to survive might be to become the one thing she swore she’d never be again.

Genres: Thriller

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2025

About the author

Hi, I’m Paige Brooks—and I write psychological thrillers that dig deep into memory, fear, and the secrets we bury.

Thrillers have always been my favorite kind of story—the kind that leave you unsettled, second-guessing reality, and flipping pages late into the night. The Cage Within is the first in a growing collection of twisty, emotionally layered suspense stories that I can’t wait to share with readers who love that slow-burn tension and eerie atmosphere.

I’ve been married to my husband for over 30 years, and we have one incredible son and two slightly spoiled dogs. We recently moved from the West Coast to the East Coast—a change that definitely inspired the quiet unease and creeping tension in my writing.

If you enjoy thrillers with sharp turns, emotional depth, and that feeling that something’s just out of reach… then I think we’re going to get along just fine.

Reviews

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Mara Quinn is rescued by a charming paramedic, her life spirals into a psychological nightmare. Until She Breaks is a chilling reminder of how ordinary moments—a small act of kindness, an unexpected favor—can become the first steps toward a life we never planned. The book forces us to question how well we truly know the people around us and the terrifying cost of our ambitions.
​I was fascinated by the alternating points of view, especially getting inside the mind of the stalker. Brooks does an excellent job of diving into the mind of the villain, and I found this element to be a standout. And the big plot twist? It was a delightful shock that made the entire reading experience worthwhile.
​While I generally prefer a slower, more deliberate build of tension, the book’s quick pace kept me hooked. Despite an overuse of short sentences that sometimes wore down the effect, I found myself on the edge of my seat, needing to know what would happen next. This is a gripping psychological thriller that will disturb and fascinate you, reminding you that danger can lurk in the most unassuming of places.
​I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara Quinn's life devolves into a psychological nightmare after being rescued by a charming paramedic. Until She Breaks chillingly demonstrates how small acts of kindness can lead to unforeseen consequences, forcing readers to question how well they truly know those around them and the terrifying cost of ambition.

The alternating points of view, especially the stalker's perspective, were a standout, showcasing Brooks' excellent character insight. The surprising plot twist made the read worthwhile. While the rapid pace kept me engaged despite an overuse of short sentences, I was consistently on the edge of my seat. This gripping psychological thriller will disturb and fascinate, highlighting danger in unexpected places.

Until She Breaks is a disturbing psychological thriller that shows how ordinary moments can derail lives. It makes us question trust, knowledge of others, and control, reminding us that danger is ever-present.

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

[Mary Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the alternating point of view, especially the stalker’s. It’s a joy when an author dives into the mind of the bad ones, and Brooks did it really good. Also, the BIG plot twist, the kind I didn’t see coming and made the story worth it just by itself was delightful. However, I prefer slow build tension than jumping right in as this story does, and my enjoyment dimmed somehow with the overuse of short sentences to increase suspense that soon wears away the desired effect. Also, there is an unmistakable whiff of ChatGPT in some paragraphs. Even so, I have found myself on more than one occasion sitting on the edge of my seat, because I needed to know what was about to happen. A gripping read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Samanta Simão · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until She Breaks grips the reader with unsettling ease, showing how seemingly ordinary moments — an unexpected favor, a small act of kindness on a tough day — can steer us off our path in ways we never imagined. It’s hard not to question how blindly we trust the plans we make and how well we really know the people around us.

The story makes us reflect on the cost of our ambitions and the risks we’re willing to take to maintain the illusion that we are in control, that we are always “right” in every situation.

A psychological thriller that disturbs as much as it fascinates, reminding us that some dangers don’t just exist in the headlines.

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

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creepy story!

This reads like something Hitchcock would direct. It’s scary, creepy and there are so many plot twists and turns. We have a woman who ends up being attacked while running and an EMT “saves” her. Next thing you know, he’s insinuated himself into her life. He thinks she’s just about under his control, but is she really? Like I said, this story definitely brought Hitchcock to mind. Honestly, this one will stay with me for a long, long time. Not something to read when you’re alone.

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

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Paige Brooks ' new book, "Until She Breaks.""
the book is written in a POV way. No spoilers. After the 1st 3/4, the book takes a turn, making it even more exciting than it was already. Then, the last part makes a completely unexpected twist. The end of the story leaves a lot to the imagination with unexplained issues.
It is in keeping with Ms Brooks' fantastic imagination.
It is a one of a kind.
If you like a mind bending stories, this one is for you.
Cheers
Lynn 🇨🇦

[Oralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This written story that takes the reader on a journey of obsession and how things can spiral so quickly out of control.
Written from both Myra and Aidan's point of view Brooks gives a fascinating view of the twisted mind of a psychopaths and those they target. Brooks proves she is a masterful author with a way of getting into the mind of her characters and bringing them alive.
Fast paced the story weaves a thrilling tale and ends with a twist you wont see coming it will keep you up at night!.

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

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the best psychological book I've read in a long time.
I had no idea how it would end. And I am happy with the way it did.
Not messy. Not with questions still waiting to be answered.
Neat and with a little bow.
Mara is a single woman.who has issues. Issues that are evident from the beginning of book.
She is slightly paranoid, and a little OCD.
Which might be the reason she lets Aiden in so easy.
He’s a sweetheart. Until he isn’t.
Read this EXCELLENT THRILLER that will keep you up at night. Both reading and analyzing.

[Joey 🖤 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was great — a woman turning from hunted to hunter — all the right ingredients for a tense thriller. I liked the main character; she felt real, shaped by her past, and easy to root for. But the story dragged in places and felt pretty repetitive. The MMC could’ve used more depth. The ending didn’t really land for me — it felt disconnected, like it came out of nowhere. Overall, some solid potential, but it didn’t quite come together for me.

[Mike Brannick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a psychological Thriller. This is the second book I've read by this author and they were exactly the same. Different story lines, but the same paranoia. Houses that are quiet. Too quiet, like they're waiting, watching. Both books are full of that sort of thing. For me, at least, it got tiring, very quickly. If you like that sort of thing, this may be your book and your author. But she's not mine.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until she breaks is a disturbing but gripping physiological thriller that delves into how what appears to be small acts of kindness can turn bad and completely change your course of life. The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. In some places I felt there wasn’t enough detail and areas could have been explored further. Overall a good read.

I received this eARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Tanya Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by Paige Brooks, and it did not disappoint!

I was hanging on every page. I kept wanting to scream for Mara to fight! I was so afraid that she would give up. I never saw the end coming. I love Mara so much! I went from yelling to cheering her on! Another slam dunk from Brooks!

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read. Thank you to the author and publisher.

[Rima Ayoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Until She Breaks is a gripping, emotional read that kept me hooked. Paige Brooks creates characters that feel real and relatable, and the story is full of intensity, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Some parts felt a bit rushed, but overall, it’s a powerful and memorable story that sticks with you. Definitely recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven books.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down; I had to find out what was going to occur. Aiden is a manipulator that stages an attack on Mara to save her. His plan was to slowly get her to trust him so he could control her. Cameras hidden in Mara's house to spy on her. Mara is not the first. A very suspenseful novel with a surprise conclusion.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly…hold onto your hats for this wild ride. It was a pure adrenaline rush right from the first page. I was so engrossed I nearly missed dinner. I could not stop reading until I had finished every last word. WOW what a total mind blowing twist near the end..superb thriller. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Micki-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until she breaks is a gripping psychological thriller as the title says it’s emotional, dark, unsettling, twisted, disturbing & intriguing. A tale reminding you that danger can lurk around any corner & in anyone even those closer to you.

Mara Quinn is rescued by a charming paramedic( if they seem to perfect they usually are) her life spirals into a nightmare

[Bev]

From the start, it was all a setup, and Mara had no idea. Aidan swooped in to save her, but now he seems to be everywhere she goes. Is he her hero or just a stalker? Mara can't decide. Meanwhile, her close friend, who tried to warn her, ends up dead. Who could do such a thing? The ending caught me completely off guard! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Michelle Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Author for me! Love her writing. Was an interesting concept on her characters, I wasn't sure I liked Mara, I wanted her to be stronger female character, but was I surprised!! Don't pass up on this book. Looking for another of her books now.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Talk about a scary manipulative person! Wild and fascinating story! Couldn't turn pages quick enough! And I was totally smiling near the end as I thought "boy, you chose the wrong girl!". A few really good twists! loved this psychological thriller!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller kept me on the edge of my seat! So many secrets and so much deceit. The plot was gripping and so entertaining. An amazing story.

[Nicole Presnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until She Breaks is a gripping, intense and twisty thriller. I really enjoyed it and did not see the end coming.

[Viktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to read. ending is shocking. little slow but very interesting plot

[Soscha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad tale that happens far too often. #NotAllMen but a damn lot of them.

Trust needs to be earned AND quickly lost.

That’s really all you need to know.

[G B D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good thriller

If you want a thriller that will keep your interest and reading to find out how it ends, this is it!

[Heather Pendleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I am giving my honest opinion. This book was so thrilling. I was glued to the book because I was waiting to see what happened next. I love how the situation changed and it was a very different kind of story. I may have missed this part in the beggining but Who the heck is Phil? I mean by the end of the book I understood his role but have no idea who he is to the FMC. There were just a few parts of the story that I wish had a bit more plot to it but overall this was an amazing book. Highly Recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of manipulation, control and deceit was full of twists that I did not see coming. Aiden helping Mara after an attack leads to much more than you expect. Great lead characters with their own pasts and memories they carry.

This is a read that keeps the guessing going throughout the book.

This was an ARC read I voluntarily reviewed.