South of Bixby Bridge

by Ryan Winfield

From New York Times Bestselling Author Ryan Winfield, a sexy and shocking literary debut.

What would you do if you weren't afraid? That's the question facing young Trevor Roberts as he's being discharged from drug rehab, sure that he's hit rock bottom with nowhere to go but up.

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!

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Drama, Realistic Fiction, Suspense, Adult

299 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2011

About the author

New York Times bestselling author. Recreational pilot and provider of foodstuffs to one very hungry Maine Coon. Cultivator of roses, apparently to feed a mob of blacktail deer.

Find me on Substack.

If your book club or organization would like to arrange an appearance from me, either in person or via Skype, please send me a private message at Facebook with your request.


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

I remember waking up to snow. I remember racing to dress, struggling with my boots – “Here, don't forget your mittens.” I remember the soft thump of that first footstep, the tracks looking back, and everything new and blanketed in quiet white. Foghorns blowing on the mist-covered bay. I feel the canvas newspaper bag on my shoulders, the weight of Sunday's headlines heavy on my mind. I remember rubber bands and ink stained hands. A car spun sideways in a ditch. Always a car. Then barking dogs, a distant chainsaw. 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 smile as she pressed an envelope into my palm—ten dollars and a peppermint candy cane thank you!

Evening now, running downtown. Everything passes in an excited blur. Salvation Army bells, white lights strung in sidewalk trees, bundled shoppers, hunched and hurrying, kicking up little snowdrifts scattered by the wind. And now I’m here. The heavy door, the warmth, the light, the old wood floors—the bookstore! Smells of paper and leather and ink. Walls of worlds bound and waiting for me.

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 for courage when I needed to stay and fight. Books that taught without preaching the difference between wrong and right. Books upon books to feed a boy’s feverish dreams; and the boy now grown, it’s still books that kindle the memories of those dreams on these long winter nights.

And so, I remember. And I write.

Reviews

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. In this case it literally takes a car crash and a handful of horse tranquilizers for Trevor to come to terms with the fact that he is heading in a direction that he won't be able to come back from. If he continues there will be no redemption for him, and I think that's one thing that he wants. He is forced into a confrontation with Paul and he walks away from it a better man.

In the end he does get clean and he does it because it's something that he wants, not something that was forced on him by someone else. He comes to terms with some family issues that have been haunting him for almost 20 years. He is able to put that behind him and in doing that he will be a better man for sure. The Trevor at the end of this book is not the same Trevor we met in the beginning.

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!!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put off reading this book because the subject matter hit a little too close to home for me. I was once married to an alcoholic and I didn’t think this would move me or grab me the way it did. I will admit now that was a totally wrong assumption on my part.

This was a fab book! Totally captivated me, pulled me along, grabbed my heart, made me mad, happy, excited, scared, worried and a few times I wanted to reach in and slap Trevor on the side of the head…hard!! How silly I must have looked at times yelling at my Kindle.

As the blurb states this is about Trevor and his journey through addiction. Trevor thinks he has hit bottom, but honestly all he hit was a door that lead him further down the hole. This journey is difficult and heartbreaking to witness, there were times I was afraid what the next page would bring.

I must say though Mr. Winfield is quite the talent, I found myself so caught up in Trevor and his journey, so compelled I couldn’t read this fast enough. And while reading this book I felt like I was actually in Trevor’s head. I wasn’t reading a story, but listening to someone tell me about his journey.

And I want to say don’t go into this expecting a romance, it is not. This is a book that will capture you and not let go till the last page. Read this book!!!

Trevor and his beloved Porsche…I can picture them driving down the road…

[Wordsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 laughed at the sobriety book and thought he could handle things on his own. An addict, broke, living out of his car, he tries to put himself back together. Stephanie doesn’t want anything to do with him and he’s been black-balled from the stock market business – where does he go from here? Enter billionaire Paul Valombrosa, his wife Tara and sex, drugs and all the money you could dream of….but at what price?

I don’t want to give away too much of this book. Mr. Winfield told a brilliant and wonderful story of the downfall of a very bright man. He weaved a tale of seduction, by both women and drugs, and brings you through all the trials and tribulations that a person goes through facing his addiction and then how he faces his past, present and future. The writing was prolific, done in a way that you felt Trevor’s pain, you went through his addiction and recovery with him. I cried when he finally faced his abused past, I cried when he checked himself back into rehab, I cried when he visited his mother’s grave and I cheered when he finally made it across Bixby Bridge. I was awed and very moved by South of Bixby Bridge. Is there an HEA for Trevor, YES! Not the ones that we are used to, but he will live happily ever after.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was on a back-burner for some time and I don't even know why I didn't start reading it sooner. Every single one of Ryan's books were just marvellous and of course South of Bixby Bridge made no difference.

What if you think you’ve hit rock bottom but then a trap door opens and you plunge into even lower levels of living hell?

After an abusive and traumatic childhood and the early death of his mom Trevor Roberts has no idea that his deep hidden pain is leading him down the darkest of roads and that sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. After being discharged from drug rehab he is heading off in his beloved mother's Porsche to a wild ride down the highway to hell...

Ryan took me through Trevor's addictions, his fears, his hurts, his wants and needs. I actually found myself talking to Trevor, yelling at him, hurting with him. I couldn't put the reader down. Even when I was wincing and groaning over Trevor's latest bad decision, I was still flipping pages, compelled to keep going and see what happens to the poor guy.

The writing is tight, rounding every plot twist with the shifting of Trevor's white Porsche on the Pacific Coast Highway. What really sets this book apart though is his grasp and understanding of a man who is fighting his inner demons.

Can you fall in love with an old white Porsche? Yes, you can...

South of Bixby Bridge is definitely not for the faint of heart. But once you pick it up you will have a hard time putting the book down. So if you feel ready to ride along with Trevor in that banged up little Porsche until he is safely across the Bixby Bridge... start reading! Highly recommended!


Buddy read with Anja :)

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Camelia Skiba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an addict. I'm not. Never been drunk in my life. Never seen drugs in real life, let alone touching or inhaling/injecting them. I only play a few games (Scrabble, Lines, Words with Friends, Chinese Chess) and that’s if my son joins me.
And yet there is something I'm in danger of becoming addicted to--Ryan Winfield's work.

By the way his debut novel is acclaimed I probably won't say anything that hasn't already been said, but SOBB is by a mile one of the best books I've read. It's not as much the story, which brings to mind a dalliance between Wall Street, Limitless and Two for the Money, but the author's voice. For that alone I give it more stars than I can count. Never read anything even remotely close to it. Refreshing, engaging, inspiring, through and through pure art at its best.

There are people out there for which telling stories comes natural, captivating audience in a matter of minutes. Ryan Winfield is one of them—a painter if you will, masterfully and effortlessly painting vivid scenes not by using brushes, but with words instead. Reading the first paragraph I was surprised how easily I could imagine the scene. By the time I finished the first page I was hooked. Coffee and chocolate helped me stay up all night to finish it. No way I could put it down!

Unfortunately I can never describe a book without giving away the story (what can I say? I'm not perfect). But let me tell you this: as one who has never tried drugs or been drunk in my entire life, the journey addict Trevor Roberts embarks on is a riveting life lesson. It's not about where he goes, but how he makes it there. You're down, hitting rock bottom with the hero, feeling his struggle, denial, torment, and sorrow. You're up with him, high, rooting for him to get on the other side of the bridge, one step at a time. Rarely does a book embody a range of emotions such as this.

There are no quotation marks in this book, but I promise you, you'll know who’s talking. It might be difficult in the beginning, but once you grasp it, you won't even notice it. The connection between present time and past memories is smoothly created, without jarring the reader away from the storyline. The book is entirely written from Trevor's point of view without one second of monotony, but rather engaging and intriguing. The story is paced, building up, until the climax with a comforting aftermath.

I sure hope I won't have to wait too long until his next release...

[Ryan Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ A review from Stewart Stern, the Emmy award winning screenwriter of "Sybil" and "Rebel Without a Cause." ]

"Ryan Winfield has been preparing himself all his life to produce the wonder to which this first novel ascends. It is a glorious debut for an artist who has never stopped inhaling all he sees or feels empathically for others during his own long climb out of the dark. He obeys Goya's caution that to be able to draw a man plunging off a roof the artist must complete the drawing before the jumper hits the ground and that requires thousands of practice drawings and the willingness to 'fall with the man all the way.'

In SOUTH OF BIXBY BRIDGE Ryan 'falls with the man' and both, thank God, get unstuck from the pavement and live to tell the tale. As one of Ryan's many friends and teachers I commend - without reservation and to every one who reads or wants to write - this moving, funny, sexy, infinitely human book."

--Stewart Stern, Screenwriter "Rebel Without a Cause"

[Heidi 1820 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 the allure of his past weakness that could derail his life and future once again. Hands down one of the best original reads of the year, and I highly recommend it. The next Ryan Winfield novel will be an automatic buy.

[Lise *friends don't flag* · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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 together or at least shouldn't. The story starts with him leaving a treatment center and it fellows him for the next 5 months. We travel this journey with him easily though the writing of Winfield. The way he describe things is poetic and very visional. Some had me laughing out loud while others I had rather not seen. JS

I'm not a addict- unless you count chocolate, (LOL) but I feel this hold true to what an addict may have to endure. It a page turner that I could not put down. 5 stars!!

[Ryan Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ A review from Stewart Stern, the Emmy award winning screenwriter of "Sybil" and "Rebel Without a Cause." ]

"Ryan Winfield has been preparing himself all his life to produce the wonder to which this first novel ascends. It is a glorious debut for an artist who has never stopped inhaling all he sees or feels empathically for others during his own long climb out of the dark. He obeys Goya's caution that to be able to draw a man plunging off a roof the artist must complete the drawing before the jumper hits the ground and that requires thousands of practice drawings and the willingness to 'fall with the man all the way.'

In SOUTH OF BIXBY BRIDGE Ryan 'falls with the man' and both, thank God, get unstuck from the pavement and live to tell the tale. As one of Ryan's many friends and teachers I commend - without reservation and to every one who reads or wants to write - this moving, funny, sexy, infinitely human book."

--Stewart Stern, Screenwriter "Rebel Without a Cause"

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded this novel after reading and loving "Jane's Melody" -also by Ryan Winfield. I was warned (by the author himself :) ) that they were very different books, so I was thinking that I might not enjoy this one as much. I didn't - I enjoyed it even more.

So well written that the reader feels immersed in the story, a main character that you are rooting for even through all of his bad choices, and told in a style that makes you feel as if the author is relaying the story to an old friend. I had to make a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy this book - I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what would happen next.

I highly recommend ANY novel by Ryan Winfield. I know I'll be reading them.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by someone on a book blog that I visit often and I was also in the mood for something completely different to what I usually read. I am very impressed with it being a first novel. It is definitely a page turner. I have never known anyone who was an addict nor have I ever experienced it before therefore I found the characteristics of Trevor very interesting. I honestly cant say the book was gut-wrenching. I was, in fact, content the whole way through taking in each character and their lifestyle. There may have been a few times where I might have thought 'eww!' or raised an eyebrow to certain scenes but never did I ever feel like throwing my ipad or just shut it off when something pissed me off. So, really I found this book great to read almost relaxing and relieving at the end.

The most interesting part of this review is the fact that this is written by a male author. So far I have only read books by 2 male authors and to be honest that is not enough for me to determine the difference between male and female authors (especially when I have read a lot by female authors) but I have to admit that so far I have found that the female authors show far more eroticism in novels than the males do. Im not being sexist here but its just a notion I would like to share. Dont get me wrong as I still intend to read future novels by Ryan :)

OMG! and I cant believe that I forgot to mention this! but for the last 2 weeks I had been hunting for a song I remember hearing years ago and I couldnt remember the name of the song or who sung it until I read this book!!! Thank you so much xx Silence - Sarah McLachlan ;) woot! You have no idea how happy I was when I saw it mentioned in this book

[Styles · Rating 4 out of 5]

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, perhaps it's more correct to explain that it is Mr. Winfields style of writing I enjoyed the most. The authors voice is what kept me turning the pages more than the draw of the storyline - it really is quite compelling. Strong, direct, and intimate for a first person narrative, well, that is how I am going to describe it anyway.. reminiscent of S.E.Hinton, The Outsiders.

I found it hard to like Trevor, probably because he didn't seem to be impressed with himself either. I liked his honesty but disliked his state of mind. Yes, he had his reasons and they are/were terribly sad and awful. I liked the way he thought about things, and I am glad things ended (or began?) the way the did for him.

mmmm, did I say how much I liked the way Mr. Winfield writes? Oh, I did? Well, that's what I'll recall should I see another book he has penned and published. I think I'd enjoy that immensely.

[Swalsh1227 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I came to read this thru a Facebook recommendation & then it was a free read for Amazon Prime members. It had gotten good reviews on Amazon so I thought I would give a shot. I am very glad that I did. I thought the main character, Trevor, was very well written. He's an addict and the way that Winfield writes his as he comes out of rehab - earnestly wanting to stay sober and getting his life together - makes Trevor very likeable. As a reader, I found myself invested in his sobriety as well. The book is a roller coaster of emotions, highs & lows, and desperation but it's not done in gratuitous manner. It's very believable. I would classify this a more of story of redemption rather than one of overcoming addiction. I know I am not doing the book justice with my review. All I can say is that I could not put the book down once I started it. It's a very quick read that keeps you interested and guessing how things will turn out until the end. I will definitely be looking for the author's next release.

[Jen Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I really enjoyed it! First off, I'm a Sac State grad so I loved reading about the references in and around Sacramento. Second, I grew up in the East Bay (Area), so I could totally picture so much of what the author was writing. I don't think I've ever read a book that was so much like "my home" than this book! So all of that was really a neat read for me. I think Amazon's book description of this being an "erotic love story" isn't very accurate, in my opinion. But it was a good book and I'd give it 4.5 stars. (I reserve my 5 stars for books I absolutely can't get out of my head.) I would love to see another book with this series continuing on. Not necessarily having Trevor dragged through the mud again, but more of what he ends up doing, becoming successful, falling in love, maybe some hot passion with the new love in his life, etc... I'd definitely read another book by this author. I think this was a really good first novel.

[Kjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously not my cuppa...but I couldn't deny it the stars. I don't understand(fortunately) the addiction thing...unless you count coffee and reading(;...but, thank goodness, I didn't have Trevor's childhood, either. I truly liked Trevor's character and rooted for him, although sometimes it was hard. It was kind of like an adult version of the Series of Unfortunate Events. You think that maybe the orphans are going to get a break, then things become worse than ever. 90% through I was still leaning toward 3 stars, but the ending was amazing. Very. Well. Done. Be warned, though: This book was compared to Fifty Shades...yeah...I didn't see it at all. This is not a sexy book, people...this is not a 'hot' book...just so you know...plus the writing was way better than Fifty Shades(;

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

situations.
My thoughts:
I purchased this book because of the many 5-star reviews and the fact that it was the 2011 Breakout Novel. This was a very fast read of a gripping account of life as an addict. Trevor has lost his job, his home, his girlfriend, and feels as though he has nothing left. He finds himself in a downward spiral of alcohol, drugs and sex...basically on the road straight to Hell.

It is difficult for me to review this book without giving so much away, and this review will be different from most I have done in the way it is written...this is not a sweet story. This is a very dark read with emotional, traumatic, and sometimes shocking events that unfold in a powerful way. This is the story of a young man's journey through the pits of Hell to find redemption and come to peace with his repressed memories of a very traumatic past. Trevor is seduced not only by women, but by every sinful temptation he comes in contact with. I found myself cheering for Trevor to find his way...to succeed in his quest for rehabilitation...to find that peace in himself. I felt such compassion for this one man's story. Trevor had the world at his feet...money, the girl, the home...I mean, the man had a Porche for Heaven's sake... but his character became so depraved. His choices became those of an out-of-control mad man.

I became so frustrated with Trevor through his cycle of addiction...then rehab...then fall from the wagon...then rehab; I found myself in a supporting role where Trevor was concerned. I imagine my feelings were those of any friend or family member close to someone with an addiction. I've experienced someone I love going through the pain of alcoholism, and yes, folks...it is very real and very dark. I was that invested; Trevor's story felt that real to me. I felt hatred, fear, angst, and sadness....until Trevor decided he really does WANT to be clean and sober. At that point, I was an emotional and blubbering mess.

This book reads like a personal account or diary, if you will, and I can't help but think the author has experienced this himself, or has really done a great amount of research in this torrid and dark area of reality. Not only does this book give an emotional account, but it is laced with beautiful poetry. Now, with all of that said, I did have difficulty with one area: punctuation. I sometimes found myself getting confused in the dialogue, because the quotation marks just didn't exist. I'm not sure if it was just my e-copy, a [huge] oversight of the editor, or if it was meant to be written that way...again, it did appear more to me as a memoir or diary, so I choose to believe it was intentional.

I will give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those who have ever found themselves forced into an ugly reality, lost a loved one, and to those who have ever felt loneliness, rejection, and fear....but, you had better have the tissues close by. Did I find myself smiling at the end? Oh, yes! There is hope, redemption, and peace to be found...not only by Trevor, but by the reader through Trevor's experiences. There are many unsavory and loving supporting characters, but Trevor's account outshines them and needs to be the focus of my review...just as it is in the book. To Ryan Winfield: from wherever this story came to you, I thank you for sharing and bringing to the forefront that ugly disease called "addiction" that we, the public, sometimes tend to hide away for fear of embarrassment or shame.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST PAINFUL BOOKS I'VE EVER READ. ANYONE WHO'S EVER FACED ADDICTION ISSUES WOULD AGREE WITH ME.

TREVOR WALKS OUT OF A DRUG/ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER WITH THE ATTITUDE THAT HE HAS FACED HIS DEMONS AND CONQUERED THEM. MATERIALLY HE HAS NOTHING BUT THE CLOTHES ON HIS BACK & THE OLD PORSCHE HIS DECEASED MOTHER GAVE HIM BACK IN THE DAYS WHEN HE WAS A RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE WITH HIS WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HIM. IN THE ENSUING YEARS HE ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN DREAM...THE JOB, THE HOUSE, THE GIRL. IT DOESN'T TAKE HIM LONG TO THROW IT ALL AWAY...BUT HEY IT WAS A PARTY WHILE IT LASTED.

IT'S NOT EASY STARTING A NEW LIFE WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING IN YOUR CAR. EVEN MORE DIFFICULT WHEN YOU WERE FIRED FROM THE ONE JOB YOU EVER HAD. POOR TREVOR CAN'T GET HIS FOOT IN THE DOOR ANYWHERE BUT HE CAN USE THAT FOOT TO STEP ON THE BOOT OF THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG...ENTER PAUL V.

PAUL HAS IT ALL..HE'S THE CEO OF A SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL BUSINESS, HE LIVES IN A MANSION, HAS A YACHT PARKED AT THE MARINA, AND THEN THERE'S HIS WIFE...TARA. HE HIRES TREVOR TO WORK FOR HIS COMPANY. TREVOR CAN'T BELIEVE HIS LUCK. PROBLEMS SOLVED JUST LIKE THAT. AS MAMA ALWAYS SAID, THOUGH, IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT'S PROBABLY GONNA BITE YOU RIGHT ON YOUR SOFT PARTS.

WHAT FOLLOWS IS AN AGONIZING, UGLY, SOUL-STEALING FALL INTO DEGRADATION FOR OUR HERO TREVOR. WE ARE FORCED TO WATCH AS HE SKYDIVES INTO A BOTTOM THAT SEEMS TO HAVE NO END. SEX, DRUGS, HIGH DOLLAR ALCOHOL...THIS PARTY NEVER SEEMS TO STOP. UNTIL IT DOES.

I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH MR. WINFIELD'S DEBUT NOVEL. WHILE HIS WRITING MAY BE TOO HONEST AND SOME OF THE SITUATIONS TOO GRAPHIC FOR YOUR MORE SENSITIVE READERS, HE HAS GIVEN US A POWERFUL, COMPELLING AND TOTALLY TRUTHFUL WALK INTO THE WORLD OF ADDICTION ALBEIT ON A HIGHER END SCALE THAN MOST OF US COULD EVER EXPERIENCE. I WILL BE WATCHING FOR MORE WORK FROM THIS IMMENSELY TALENTED AUTHOR.

[Anne Pfeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read books with this kind of subject matter, but I downloaded a sample of this one when I saw the amazing reviews it was getting. The reviews were spot on. When the writing's this good, you find yourself in for the read, even if it's not your usual type of book.

The main character, Trevor, is an alcoholic who was checked into rehab by his girlfriend and her mother. Just released from rehab as the book opens, he's only partially committed to staying sober. The story follows him through a hellish journey of personal discovery (I'm keeping it vague here to avoid spoilers). There are some great characters in the form of a colorful villain and villainess, as well as a sympathetic almost-mother-in-law. The book, though, really belongs to Trevor, a fundamentally good guy, who tries hard to do the right thing, but just keeps screwing up.

From the first sentence, the book hooks you in and doesn't let you go. Winfield keeps the tension up throughout so there's no way you're going to put down this book. Even when you're wincing and groaning over Trevor's latest bad decision, you're still flipping pages, compelled to keep going and see what happens to the poor guy.

When I was 93% of the way through, I had my own personal trauma. Kindle cut off my access to the book! In mid-sentence, while I was reading! This was because I had to close down my VISA account due to a fraud problem and was waiting for a new VISA card. So there I was without a VISA, and Kindle wasn't letting me finish the book! It was agony. When I finally got the card, the first thing I did was reinstate myself with Kindle and finish South of Bixby Bridge. I suggest you do the same!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was some serious reading!!! The first thing I can say is that this is nothing like 50 shades. This is not a bdsm book. The main character I would say is Trevor Roberts. He is very troubled after he looses everything. You need to read it to understand the thought process of an alcoholic and drug addict. He is down and out and now in rehab. He knows when he gets out that his ex Stephanie may not be there. He tried reaching out to her and she never spoke to him. Her mom Barbara is a saint and tries so hard to help him. She later admits to him that she always wanted a son and that son should have been him.

So he is exhausting leads for a job and then when he meets Paul and feels like he will finally make it. Paul is willing to take Trevor on and has a venture capital business that is thriving.

Not long into the employment with Paul does Trevor meet Tara, Paul's wife. Of course he is captivated and dreams of her. They lead him through a dark world and not long into his employ is Trevor drinking and doing drugs. This guy pops pills, dose coke and drinks worse than he did before.

As the pieces come together he sees the light and lets himself realize that Paul is a running a scam. The rest is really pretty scary, really deep and I am not going to give a spoiler.


In the end Trevor comes to grips with personal demons, his alcoholic Dad and the death of his Mom from cancer. Stephanie's mother Barbara is there for him again and so is his hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though all the drugs scared me.

[Joalby Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying that the past few months the majority of what I've been reading is political pundits books and memoirs as works of fictions rarely have the ability to pull me in.
This book was reccomended to me and I bought it to check it out & I'm glad I did. From the minute I started reading it I became wrapped up in the struggles of the characters. Their flaws and quirks and control of power or assumed control of power had me waiting to see what would happen next.
It kept me hooked with everything from scandal, sex, drugs, lavish lifestyles, deceit, blackmail, alternate lives, and everytime I felt I had a character figured out I was thrown something new to shock me back into wanting to root for everyone.
Yes, it's a story of addiction, yes it deals with the webs we spin and get tangled in, yes it shows the seedy dark side of drugs, sex and excess - but I gathered more of a story of redemption above all.
Turning over a new leaf. A beautifull told and depicted story of sometimes having to hit rock bottom more than once before you can pull yourself out of the hole you are in.
I reccomend this to everyone... There are moments of suspense, temptation, tears. Just amazing piece of work. Restored my faith in fiction...
Joal

[Gretchen fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I challenge anyone to read this entire book and not recognize it for its intense honesty and fearlessness. The bravery that went into writing this novel floors me. As an addict in recovery, (you never "really" recover, you just find healthy alternatives that won't kill you) I can say that there was never a point where I didn't doubt the yearning for love, power, acceptance, and booze soaked oblivion like the main character, Trevor, feels. But you don't need to be an addict to enjoy the depth of emotion or the kind of page-turning,"ignore your friends and family because you have to find out what happens next", suspense this novel generously offers. The author, Ryan Winfield portrays the internal boxing match of head versus heart, soul versus libido, with stunningly, sometimes painful accuracy. And he positively KILLS IT- scooping up the remains and sculpting it into a breathtaking work of art. This book made me laugh out loud (the dialogue and banter are top shelf), sad, angry, horny, nostalgic... I could go on. Most of all, it gave me the necessary tap on the shoulder all addicts occasionally need. It gave me hope. Mr. Winfield, if you are reading this, I thank you. Meanwhile, I am anxiously awaiting my next literary fix. Bravo!

[Candis · Rating 5 out of 5]

South of Bixby Bridge by Ryan Winfield --

Trevor Roberts, a guy in his 20's, gets out of drug and alcohol rehab after being admitted by his girlfriend when she finds him after an overdose. The story is his tale of trying to get from rock bottom back up to the top in his career and personal life.

This book is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. It has some very adult content (drugs, drinking, sex, etc.). None of that was overdone and it was all very relevant to the storyline.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was one of those I really had a hard time putting down, and when I did finally put it down, it still took awhile for me to come back to this planet. This was Winfield's first novel. I am very much looking forward to reading more!! I have already purchased the trilogy he wrote at the same time I purchased this book. They were all on sale. I did read in some reviews that the trilogy is VERY different from this book. This book had some definite adult content and the trilogy is more young adult from what I read. Doesn't matter as he was a fantastic writer and I'm sure I'll enjoy them just as much!!

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 forward, Trevor dives deeper into his repressed memory trying to make sense of his mother's death and his traumatic childhood. He has no idea that his deep hidden pain is leading him down the darkest of roads and that sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

The story is exciting! I could not put the book down once I started. And best of all, the ending left me wanting more with a sense of great hope.

[Mike Reavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been through some serious muck in life, then you'll instantly relate to Trevor - the main character in this book.

And if you're one of the lucky people that hasn't...then you will after you read this.

The thing that gets me about this book, isn't just the crazy story, and how in-tune Ryan is to the painful cycle of self-deception, grandiosity, and self-hate that's associated with Trevor, it's the details - the reality - the little things you'll do to survive. This is what made me actually want to *be* the main character. Just so I could be that cool for just a moment. Of course, I didn't want to pay that price he's paid to get there.

Great book, I read it through in a single sitting. Reminds me of Palahniuk in places, but with a lot more humanity I could actually relate to.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you say about a book is like nothing you expected? This book is not a romance its drama nothing but drama. If the character in this book receives love in this story its not the romantic kind. Trevor Roberts is a drug addicted man who makes so many bad decisions I want to smack him myself and if I could get my hands through the books I would. What do you do when you are fighting demons that you have not dealt with for almost all your life , answer for Trevor you take drugs . As I read this book I kept rooting for him to make the right decisions and every time he didn't I cringed because I knew somewhere down the line he would pay for it. I can't say I enjoyed this book because this is not the kind of book you enjoy, but this is a good book about a man going through life and having to live with the consequences.

[Conchie Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stellar!

Ryan Winfield does not need my review - hundreds of us are already singing him praises - but I just don't want to wrap up my reading without leaving at least a comment for the author. Two words: absolutely stellar. Congratulations to the author for a raw, gritty, bloody, ravaging tale. I'm in awe, and he just won a fan in me. My best wishes to the author; thank you for gifting us with your words. Namaste!