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South of Bixby Bridge

by Ryan Winfield (Goodreads Author)

3.52 of 5 stars 3.52 · rating details · 1,090 ratings · 278 reviews

2011 Breakout Novel -- About to turn 30 and being discharged from drug rehab, Trevor Roberts is sure he's hit bottom with nowhere to go but up. He soon learns that sometimes the "bottom" is just the beginning. With more twists than California's Highway 1, the intimate narrative follows a young man on a wild month-long ride to the dizzying, drunken heights of Napa Valley ex...more 2011 Breakout Novel -- About to turn 30 and being discharged from drug rehab, Trevor Roberts is sure he's hit bottom with nowhere to go but up. He soon learns that sometimes the "bottom" is just the beginning. With more twists than California's Highway 1, the intimate narrative follows a young man on a wild month-long ride to the dizzying, drunken heights of Napa Valley excess where he falls fast for his new boss's intoxicating wife and becomes entangled in a strange threesome affair. But things soon begin to unravel as Trevor is drawn into a secret world of sex and scandal, only to have his lust for success drag him down again through a phantasmagoria of hedonistic hell.

"Shocking and unapologetic", South of Bixby Bridge barrels along with the "frenetic pace of a Hollywood blockbuster," delivering "poetic prose loaded with images". With gripping drama, witty dialogue, and sexy, jaw-dropping glimpses into the nouveau-riche underworld of California's wealthy elite, you won't be able to put this riveting new novel down. Buckle up and enjoy the read!

ADULT TOPICS (✓) FINANCIAL THRILLER (✓) CAUTIONARY TALE (✓) REDEMPTION QUEST (✓) ***If you or anyone you know has struggled with alcohol, drug, or sex addiction, you must read this!

Warning: This novel is an unfiltered account of a young man's struggle to overcome addictions and it includes some graphic language, descriptive sexual scenes, and adult situations.

What readers are saying:

"Powerful, riveting, dark and haunting!" ★★★★★

"Sexy, funny, and poignant with fantastic prose, this book is impossible not to enjoy." ★★★★

"... the story barrels along, the characters jump off the page, and Winfield knows how to turn a phrase." ★★★★★

"I wholeheartedly recommend this novel; it's a no-holds-barred, uninhibited tour de force." ★★★★★

"I couldn't put this book down. I was addicted; a reading-addict addicted to a book about addiction." ★★★★★

"Water for Elephants was my last favorite read and now I think this one has topped it." ★★★★★(less)

Kindle Edition, 299 pages

Published August 15th 2011 by Birch Paper Press

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Jul 11, 2012 Maryellen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mr. Winfield, you've got my attention.

SOUTH OF BIXBY BRIDGE is a stand out. Addiction, abuse, heartbreak, corruption~~the story of 'Trevor' pulled me in and will stay with me forever. This is a book that you will never, ever, forget. I'm certain that we will be seeing much more from Mr. Winfield.

7 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

****Possible Spoilers*****

I was hooked on this book on the first page. First, this is not an easy read – it’s a dark book filled with drugs, sex and money – hopes and dreams. It is not the regular book that would be reviewed here. But, I loved this story and wanted to share it with all of our readers here.

Trevor Roberts is on a roller-coaster straight to hell. He went through rehab after his girlfriend, Stephanie, found him overdosed in the hot-tub. He la...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

Oh. My Gods! This is the best book I've read in a long time. I'm going to have a hard time letting go of Trevor. He touched me that deeply and I just want to hug him and tell him it'll be alright.

There was more then once where I said out loud No Trevor run but he didn't listen. So we when though a lot of wild and craziness that anyone whose down on their luck might find themselves in. But Trevor is an addict and that with wild and craziness don't go to...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2012 Shelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

My review was originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under The Cover

I should start this by saying that it was kind of a fluke that I stumbled upon this book. I saw a Facebook ad that was a kindle daily deal, one of those "if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you will like this book". I clicked through it and ended up buying the book on Amazon after I read some reviews on Goodreads. I will also say that I am fairly shallow and when I saw Ryan Winfield's profile image on Goodreads I decided that I wo...more My review was originally posted on my blog {Dive} Under The Cover

I should start this by saying that it was kind of a fluke that I stumbled upon this book. I saw a Facebook ad that was a kindle daily deal, one of those "if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you will like this book". I clicked through it and ended up buying the book on Amazon after I read some reviews on Goodreads. I will also say that I am fairly shallow and when I saw Ryan Winfield's profile image on Goodreads I decided that I would read anything he wrote if that was really him in the picture!! Hey, I said I was shallow! Turns out, I was right so it all paid off in the end.

I will also say that this book really shouldn't be compared to Fifty Shades. The only similarities are that one of the characters happens to be very wealthy and the character of Paul is controlling, but it a way very dissimilar to Christian. That said, without the recommendation I probably wouldn't have read this book and I am very glad that I did.

Trevor is one of those guys that you can't help but like even though he is incredibly frustrating. He is written in a way that you just can't help but feel for everything he is going through. He is struggling with pretty severe addiction. The story opens with him being released from a 28 day stay in a treatment facility. The events that landed him there are told in a flashback style. It seems that he had hit bottom and has nowhere to go but up, but Trevor isn't totally convinced that he is an addict.

He's a smart guy who had great potential, he ended up in the financial world making lots of money. He had a house, his girlfriend was living with him while she finished school. He was pulled into the world of excess and ended up tanking when his addiction took over to the point that he was selling everything he had to get more booze, cocaine, pills, etc... He had lost his job, his girlfriend left him because he didn't want to face his addiction, he overdosed and ended up in treatment.

Now he is out of rehab. He is literally on his own, with his car and what little he has in the bag he is carrying. He has nowhere to go, no money, no prospects really. He goes from the lowest low to the highest high in the space of less than 2 weeks when he meets Paul. Paul hires him to work for his company, lets him live on his yacht, gives him access to money, clubs, his beautiful wife and Paul essentially leads him right back into the life he lived before. Trevor was able to stay sober for a couple of weeks, but Paul is controlling enough and Trevor is still not admitting that he is an addict. It's just so easy for Paul to pull him back in with a glass of expensive wine.

Trevor is selling his soul for the power that he wants and he goes along with it for a little while, but you always get this sense that he is balking a bit. He knows that what he is doing isn't right and he wants to change he just hasn't reached that point quite yet. Reading Trevor's story is a bit like a car crash, you don't want to look because you know you won't be able to forget what you saw, but you just can't help it. (view spoiler)

This book is so beautifully written! This is the first book by a first time author that I have enjoyed this much. I was a little thrown off by the lack of quotation marks in the dialogue, but it didn't take me long to adjust to it. I also agree with other readers that it was perfect for this story. I think it fit Trevor and it fit the overall tone of the story. It moved the story along faster for sure. Ryan Winfield has taken the readers on a very emotional journey. Even if you have no experience with addiction you will be emotionally caught up with Trevor as he faces these issues. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride and it seems somewhat unbelievable, but I think that's what makes it so good. It's a life that most of us will never experience, but we can certainly feel for Trevor and that's what makes the story so compelling.

As far as content is concerned there is a fair amount of profanity, it's not overused though. There is drug use and some sexual content. I don't agree with some other readers that it was too explicit though, it wasn't racy either. If anything it was more clinical in it's description, especially for those readers that enjoyed the Fifty Shades series. It was written as more of a bodily function as opposed to something done for pleasure, if that makes any sense!

I definitely recommend this book and it's one that I would read again for sure. I am (not so) patiently awaiting the release of Ryan Winfield's next book!!(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 23, 2012 Styles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I presume you know what the book is about, I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.

I finished the book soon after I started it. I just sort of kept reading and found myself a bit behind on reviews. But, for this read I needed to come back to write more then just apply a rating to get caught up, and move on.

I enjoyed reading this story. I realize that comes across a bit detached or Blase (imagine I placed the ' over the e, thank you very much). That is not quite correct though, pe...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 20, 2012 Lise *friends don't flag* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-faves

I love reading debut novels and this did not disappoint. The story of Trevor grabs you from the very first page and does not let you go. I finished in one sitting and will be thinking about this book for some time. Ryan Winfield is a very gifted writer. Looking forward to more of his work.

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 heidi 1820 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-favorites, favorites

With not much but a car and tormented memories to call his own. Trevor Roberts struggles to put his life back together after his addiction destroys both his professional and his personal life. With no confidence from any reputable financial company, he finds a second chance with a businessman whose suspicious enterprise gives him the only opportunity he has left. His good looks, charm and street smarts propel him into a fast paced life of extreme privilege. But with luxury, money and sex comes t...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Wordsmith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: topfavorites, sex, literature, family-dysfunction, drugs-sex-rocknroll, mental-health-issues, ebooks-kindle, star-four, have-reviewed, recommended, ranking-2012-reads-processing, favorite, favorite-author, coming-of-age, california, first-novel, loss, love-relationships

You don't REALLY want to ride in Trevor's Porsche. The road he's driving is taking him straight down that "other" path. A highway to hell, if you will. You watch him stumble and crumble, while being led into a world of hedonistic debauchery, that is fueled to the breaking point with drug and alcohol abuse. This world is a place filled with greed and deceit beyond measure. It's the land of Money. Power. Sex.

Trevor, however, is not THAT guy. He just doesn't believe it. Yet. Painful childhood memo...more You don't REALLY want to ride in Trevor's Porsche. The road he's driving is taking him straight down that "other" path. A highway to hell, if you will. You watch him stumble and crumble, while being led into a world of hedonistic debauchery, that is fueled to the breaking point with drug and alcohol abuse. This world is a place filled with greed and deceit beyond measure. It's the land of Money. Power. Sex.

Trevor, however, is not THAT guy. He just doesn't believe it. Yet. Painful childhood memories keep erupting through his walls, keeping the need (for oblivion) alive. He's lost his house, the girl, and briefly, the Porsche. Whatever chance of success he had climbing the coporate ladder via conventional employment, has been all but destroyed. His attempt, pathetic as it was, at Rehab, wrack up yet another failure. In more ways than one.
How low can you go, when you've hit bottom? Well, if you ask Ryan Winfield, you can go so low and get in so deep, you'll find yourself sunk in the proverbial quicksand. Alone. When at long last you come to understand, the only hope of rescue, is thru yourself.

Throwing conventional standards of grammar to the wind, ala Cormac McCarthy, disturbing to some, not so much to me, Ryan Winfield's writing forced me to read in a manner other than my "normal." I read fast and let the flow of the story carry me away. Not so, this one. You have to take it down a notch, to fully appreciate his mastery of language.

For a debut novelist, to "catch" me within a few sentences, then hold me, until we finally cross that bridge, while slowing me down in between, I can only say, if you are a reader, read this one. Yes, by all means, read it for the story. It's quite a ride. Remember however, to take care when reading such a highly crafted piece of work. Go on, slow it down, READ this one for the writing.

This could, and yes, probably should be a full five stars. But, at his age, with his talent, I believe we'll be seeing lots more Ryan Winfield. His future looks as bright as Trevor's.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 Mindy Sauve rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book kept me turning pages and looking for moments to squeeze in just a few more. I enjoyed it thoroughly,ok maybe some of sex could have been a little less graphic, but having said that; I will look forward to more from this author. I loved the memoiresqe quality that had me wondering just how fictional a character Trevor was. Well done Ryan. I am putting the word out to my friends to give your book a try!

7 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So far it really good, about 40% through. Trevor was a big time broker and hit rock bottom from too much partying and spending all the money he was making.....fast read, coming to adore Trevor and it was only $3.99 on Kindle :). The more I read, the more I feel like I need to save Trevor from himself.
It's a page turner.

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 15, 2012 B rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fast, suspenseful, passionate, gut wrenching, and sometimes shocking. It tells the story of a young man's journey through the valley from the depths of hell to the pinnacle of peace. The charming antagonist, Paul Valombrosa, channels the modern day Gordon Gekko and, like GG, is a villain you cannot help but love. The protagonist, Trevor Roberts, is a character with a tragic flaw, a character we all can empathize with, a character we all can love. We want him to succeed.

As the story drives forwa...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 28, 2012 Faith rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

ok this book took me quit a while to get through. maybe it was just me but it read like listening its was Ben Stein saying the words. just very monotone if that makes sense when it comes to read a book.

but with that said the last 13% of the book (according to my kindle - 13%) the book took a surprising emotional turn. the ending actually gave the book one more star then i was going to originally give the book. the book left me emotionally broke, i dwelled on my terrible child that could totally...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2013 Carol Panas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm about 50% thru this book. I truly appreciate the style of the writing. Not crazy about the way things turn in the story, but I'm not going to give up on this read. I'm giving an early review of 4/5 stars. That's because I am a sucker for the style & richness of the writing. I've been craving a "rich read" like this one for a while. We'll see how it ends & if I change my score.

Done. Loved it. Although i'm not sure if the elequence of the writing was lagging thru the end, or i expected...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2012 Dick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 25, 2013 Nancy Silk rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story is told well and written well even without quotation marks -- one gets used to it. But, a boy who has a tough beginning, grows to be successful in the investment field, only to succumb to alcohol and drugs is depressing. After going through detox program, Trevor is penniless without a job. But is enticed into a lucrative investment business where he caves in to alcohol and drugs again by a wealthy, conniving boss with no morals. The story keeps one engrossed just to see how Trevor get...more

1 like · like · see review

May 13, 2012 Kimberly Waczak rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't know how to tell you how I feel about this book. It deals with some harsh issues of addiction and deceit. But it also deals with redemption. When I started the book i couldn't decide wether to stop or to keep reading because I had seen many great reviews. I am glad I kept on reading. You will not want to put the book down. It's kind of like a car crash everyone turning their heads to see what happened. You heart will break for the main character.

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 30, 2013 Edie Mosback rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was hard to put down. It held me captive ! You couldn't help but like the lead character, Trevor, and root for him feeling his struggles and pain as he fights drug and alcohol addiction. You can fully connect with the characters and places due to the vivid pictures painted by the author. Since it is so well written you find yourself emotionally connected with Trevor feeling his turmoil and mental suffering as he hits rock bottom. There were instances when I cried and others when I laug...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 N. Kuhn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wow

I don't often read books by authors I don't know. I purchased South of Bixby Bridge for my kindle, thinking I would read it when I ran out of other books. I scanned through a few pages, and was so intrigued within 1 paragraph that I had to go and read it right away. 1 day.. I read the whole thing and plan to read it again. I can't wait to read another title by Ryan. I love the complexity of the characters. I loved how they interact with each other and I highly recommend this book!!

I have since r...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You won't be disappointed with this book. It gets going quickly and grips you throughout. Trevor is a character that I liked and at times even disliked, but I always felt enthralled by him. I kept hoping that his goodness and humanity would win. Looking forward to more from Ryan Winfield.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 19, 2012 T.A. Munroe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! Fast paced, but with a great protagonist I really came to know and care about. I rejoiced when he made good choices, cringed and moaned when he made bad choices. It tackles addiction head-on and doesn't let go.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Susan Leroy florio rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Missy Olivieri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, I can never relate to addiction because I'm basically straight edge, but it was interesting to see rock bottom...and thank my lucky stars that I will never be there! read this!

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Linda Mika rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very racy with lots of sex, drugs, and especially liked the story of redemption at the end. A real page turner which held my interest from beginning to end.

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A look into the world of recovery and relapse and one man's dark journey. I enjoyed this a great deal. Well-written and entertaining.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Mandy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

this book reminded me of one of those movies you come across channel surfing... looks good, you start watching and then eventually why you are still watching but have to see the end it is so strange... I guess it was good by a very strange ride...

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 21, 2011 Linda Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dark subject matter, but I could not put this book down! It gripped me right from page 1. A terrifying look into the nightmarish world of addiction.

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Patti rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found this book to be very emotional, the arthur does an amazing job of taking you on the same journey as the main character, it is a roller coaster of ups and downs, leaves you feeling wiped out by the end. But it is a book I would recommend.

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Kim Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Interesting book about addiction and the path it can take you. The strength and weakness of a man who hits rock bottom not only once but twice and until he heals his past and finds his own peace will recovery happen.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is well written but not a story for the faint of heart. The story revolves around the 2nd chances of an addict struggling to reclaim his life. It was a good read but quite troublesome in the endless temptation and turmoil Trevor endures at the hand of evil people who use him.

1 like · like · see review

May 05, 2012 Teresa Angle-young rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A page turner.

3 likes · like · see review

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About Ryan Winfield

Hi, I'm Ryan Winfield. I'm a 38-year-old writer living in Seattle. Author of South of Bixby Bridge and The Park Service Trilogy. My latest title, Jane's Melody, releases everywhere on June 18. If your book club is reading one of my books and you would like me to attend your next get together, either in person or via Skype, please don't hesitate to message me. I hope you enjoy my books and I'd love...more Hi, I'm Ryan Winfield. I'm a 38-year-old writer living in Seattle. Author of South of Bixby Bridge and The Park Service Trilogy. My latest title, Jane's Melody, releases everywhere on June 18. If your book club is reading one of my books and you would like me to attend your next get together, either in person or via Skype, please don't hesitate to message me. I hope you enjoy my books and I'd love to hear from you here or on Facebook

I've been asked why I write. I write because I remember.

I remember waking up to snow. Great buckets of it poured from the gray skies and blanketing everything in quiet white. I remember racing to dress, struggling with my boots. "Here, don't forget your mittens." I remember the soft thump of that first footstep in the cold and virgin powder, the tracks looking back, foghorns blowing on the mist-covered bay. I feel the canvas paper bag cutting into my shoulders, the weight of Sunday's headlines heavy on my mind. I see the trees bowed with armloads of white, as if to curtsey my passing. I remember rubber bands and ink stained hands. A car spun sideways in a ditch. Always a car. Then barking dogs, a distant chainsaw. Freckles throwing fastballs that hurt for the cold of them on my neck. I remember snowmen, and igloos, and icy trails through the white and wondrous woods. And I remember sweet Mrs. Johnson waiting at her door. The smell of Avon powder, her thin smile, an envelope pressed into my palm--ten dollars and a peppermint candy cane thank you. Evening now. I remember running downtown--Salvation Army bells, white lights strung in sidewalk trees, bundled shoppers bent against the wind. I remember the heavy door, the warmth, the wood. The bookstore! Smells of paper and leather and ink. Walls of worlds bound and waiting for me to read.

Nothing has affected me as much as reading has. Dickens, Tolkien, and Lewis raised me. And while I've walked through my own hell, made my own mistakes, and found my own redemption, always there have been books. Books to help me escape, books to teach me when to stay and fight, books to help me see where I've been wrong and where I've been right.

I write because I remember. And I write because I still dream.(less)

More about Ryan Winfield...

Books by Ryan Winfield

The Park Service (Park Service Trilogy #1)

State of Nature (Park Service Trilogy #3)

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Quotes from South of Bixby Bridge

“We should trust people to be exactly what they have proven themselves to be, no more and no less.” — 31 people liked it

“You know why God’s so hard to find, Trevor? No, Mr. Shaw, I say, why is God so hard to find? God’s so hard to find because he ain’t lost!” — 18 people liked it

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