Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$7.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Boy on the Bridge Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 2,997 ratings

Hunter Maxwell always gets what he wants... and he wants me.

The day I met Hunter Maxwell he wasn’t the rich kid who lived in the giant house, he wasn’t the most popular guy in school, he certainly wasn’t the bully who had chased his own best friend out of town after a falling out—he was just a boy with a black eye and a dark secret.

My life would have been much easier if I had stayed out of it, but I couldn’t. I saw someone hurting and wanted to help. I saw someone possibly in danger and wanted to make sure he was safe.

There’s nothing safe about Hunter Maxwell, though. I thought there might be. I fell under his spell. Whatever the world saw when they looked at him, it wasn’t what he showed me.

The bond we formed was real. I know it was real. But with Hunter, when the tides turn, you’d better hope you’re safely on the shore and out of his reach.

I thought I was a strong enough swimmer to keep my head above water. I thought if it came down to it, I could resist his pull.

I didn’t know, but now I do.

Once Hunter sets his sights on you, there’s no such thing as out of his reach. Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or five years from now, he’s coming for me—and when he does, he won’t stop until he’s destroyed me.


***The Boy on the Bridge is a standalone novel that contains mature, adult content. It is only recommended for adult readers.

Note from the author: this novel is the size of two books. Rather than make it a duology and leave you on an emotional cliffhanger, I opted to keep the whole story in one bigger book.
Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you want sunshine and rainbows, this might not be your cup of tea. If you want a filthy talker who will use every tool in his arsenal to get what he wants, dive in... You won't be disappointed!" -Richelle, Amazon reviewer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08XXLQW3D
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 2, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 632 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #42,232 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,997 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sam Mariano
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Click 'follow' to be notified of Sam's new releases!

Sam Mariano loves to write edgy, twisty romantic reads with complicated characters you’re left thinking about long after you turn the last page. Her favorite thing about indie publishing is the ability to play by your own rules! If she isn’t reading one of the thousands of books on her to-read list, writing her next book, or playing with her adorable preschooler… actually, that’s about all she has time for these days.

Stop by and meet Sam in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/292083204528925/

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,997 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's storyline, particularly the relationship between Riley and Hunter, and appreciate the well-developed characters and mother-daughter relationship. The writing style receives positive feedback for its witty banter and steamy scenes, while customers find it sweet and adorable. The pacing and character strength receive mixed reactions, with some praising the character development while others find them weak.

67 customers mention "Character development"57 positive10 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, particularly noting the swoon-worthy Hunters character and the well-written dialogue between main characters.

"Sam Mariano is an amazing author... Just when I think I've read my favorite book she publishes this one!..." Read more

"...I loved the characters, and their dense relationships...." Read more

"...Love this just the right bully, romance, manipulation, remorse, possessive but most specifically love, heat and intrigue. Bravo for a job well done." Read more

"...She is one of the best mother-type characters I’ve read in...ever, maybe. She has a back story I’d love to read about...." Read more

49 customers mention "Romance"49 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, particularly its in-depth love story and realistic mother-daughter relationship.

"...This is a story about young love, self discovery, survival, family and love...." Read more

"...he is also becomes a man who is thoughtful, sweet, thoughtful, and romantic...." Read more

"...Yes, I said it- behind his thick skin is a soft heart that has his world revolving around Riley...." Read more

"...As I said, this book was a breathtaking journey of young love that could be forever love, mistakes, and forgiveness between two people who had an..." Read more

40 customers mention "Writing style"36 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted with witty banter that keeps them engaged.

"TBotB Was a good read, but if I'm being picky, it was too long...." Read more

"...He was intelligent, caring, funny, sexy as heck. An alpha male with a soft side, but just for Riley. Also, did I mention sexy as heck??..." Read more

"Sam has a writing style that seemlessly draws the reader into her written world...." Read more

"...My favorite character was actually her mother, Michelle. She was witty, protective and had a great heart despite what she may have gone through...." Read more

22 customers mention "Sweetness"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet and adorable, with one customer noting it's full of love.

"...story unfolds, there’s a connection between Riley and Hunter that’s sweet, yet steamy in a subtle way (I mean, they’re only 14)...." Read more

"...Their story!! Without giving spoilers I will just say if you need a sexy, possessive hero and an independent girl, this is your book!" Read more

"...It is messy , sad and painful. It is also beautiful , intoxicating and one of the best books I have in a long time...." Read more

"...He was intelligent, caring, funny, sexy as heck. An alpha male with a soft side, but just for Riley. Also, did I mention sexy as heck??..." Read more

17 customers mention "Steamy content"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy scenes in the book, with one customer noting the perfect balance of angsty moments.

"...Let the fun begin!! Steamy, pulse pounding, dizzying, and so much fun!! I didn't want it to end! "..." Read more

"...plot twists and the chemistry/heat between Hunter and Riley was smoking hot. Sam Mariano is one of my favorites...." Read more

"...For me, this was a fantastic read and I loved the steamy scenes. So two things that bothered me but didn’t take away from the book were 1...." Read more

"...This book is full of some hot and steamy moments and a few dark and twisted ones also...." Read more

21 customers mention "Strength"14 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character's strength, with some finding them strong-willed and undyingly loyal, while others describe them as weak.

"...So I loved that she was relatable. I liked that she was nerdy and loyal even if people didn’t deserve her loyalty at all aka her best friend Sara!..." Read more

"...Almost zero descriptive detail on their appearances. Riley is annoying and hypocritical...." Read more

"...about learning how to get past the betrayal, lost moments, and rebuilding trust...." Read more

"...So much of his childhood I could relate too. As sad as that is. He’s strong and knows what he wants. And isn’t scared to go after it...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some appreciating how it spans much time, while others find it slow and tedious.

"...The love of Hunter and Riley. My god, it spanned so much time. It went through hell and back...." Read more

"...I start to panic a little. The pace was slow because I'm a mom of a 13 year old girl and was slightly mentally unable to grasp my daughter being in..." Read more

"...The boy on the bridge is everything! I absolutely love her characters, her writing style. The limits she pushes and everything!..." Read more

"...But this just dragged. I was seriously skipping every other page and sometimes more. I just couldn't connect with Riley and Hunter...." Read more

I recommend for those stout of heart
5 out of 5 stars
I recommend for those stout of heart
Haters will hate The Boy on the Bridge hard, but too bad because it's Sam Mariano at her finest. Not for the weak, Sam Mariano's newest book has a hero that is broken and twisted. Hunter Maxwell's character has an ambiguous moral compass but maintains the ability to be remorseful of his most heinous and tragic actions. It doesn't necessarily stop him from doing heinous or tragic things. Riley Bishop is a glutton for punishment. She knows that she did something that Hunter can't forgive, but she still tries to make him forget it until she has something she can't forgive. Her greatest sin was to fall in love with him and try to protect him. His is his inability to stop manipulating her and the people around him—a far larger problem. There are some parallel's in The Boy on the Bridge and Untouchable in that, like Carter Mahoney, Hunter, once fixated on his girl, will move heaven and earth to make things right and have her. There are also two scenes in this book that will thoroughly ruffle some feathers, not unlike the Untouchable opening scene. Some people who had issues with that book found that situation to be utterly unforgivable. Trigger Warning. Trigger Warning! If these things bother you, maybe you should stay away from Sam Mariano's books. Hunter and Riley have a dynamic that I genuinely loved. Writing monstrously wounded characters is something good writers often fail to nail; Sam Mariano is at goddess level with it. Riley's mental state is something that drove me mad while simultaneously made me adore her. She is a tough and complicated female who understands herself and her love. She knows what her limits are and what she can and won't forgive. It's impossible to remove the psychology from the story in that it demands the reader to face their own expectations of those characters around Riley. I was not too fond of Michelle, but I could understand her motivations and relate to them--I didn't like her anyway. Also, many times, Hunter shocked the ever-loving hell out of me, and I was unsure if I could/would be as understanding as Riley. But that is okay because he's her perfect match and not mine. Although Carter Mahoney is one of my favorite book boyfriends and he was far less palatable. So maybe I just like my black souls darker. All in all, The Boy on the Bridge is one of Sam's gems. I highly recommend it for those with really stout hearts and the ability to stomach some rough happenings. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
    Man, Sam Mariano sure knows how to get us to FEEL what the characters are feeling- ESPECIALLY when we mostly get the h’s perspective. And the journey- gah- the journey to the end of the book was fulfilling- all the angst, all the drama, all the questionable events made it worth it once we got some answers at the end (but I was so sad to get to the last page).

    The book starts off with both Riley and Hunter, age 14. Riley’s from a single parent home, with only her mom to support her. Hunter’s more well-off than her but lives with his mom and stepdad. When Riley’s walking home from school one day, she notices Hunter is sitting on the bridge, and he’s hurt. She ends up finding out that his mom’s bf beats him up, and the sad thing is that his mom doesn’t defend him. Hunter makes Riley promise that she won’t tell anyone, not a single soul, and he trusts her to keep the secret.

    As the story unfolds, there’s a connection between Riley and Hunter that’s sweet, yet steamy in a subtle way (I mean, they’re only 14). They start hanging out more, and then one day, they decide to finally go on a date. Well, Hunter stands her up, but when he shows up hours later, he’s been beat up, yet again, by his mom’s boyfriend. He spends the night, and when they wake up in the morning, her mom finds him shirtless in her bed, which forces her to tell her why he was there in the first place, which means that her mom has to tell the authorities- and the consequences are life-changing for both Riley and Hunter.

    Hunter goes to Italy while Riley stays behind and suffers the aftermath of uncovering the truth- and lies about what REALLY happened between them ruin her reputation. What she did was not meant to be hurtful, because she just wanted to protect Hunter, and at school, she’s outcasted, and only has one true friend that’s stuck with her through thick and thin. Four year pass and Hunter comes back… and he’s gonna make her pay 😬😅.

    Of course, during the four years that he’s been gone, he slept around while Riley remained a V. She has a boyfriend, but they haven’t even really kissed. Although she’s a social pariah, she manages to make her relationship with Anderson work- and her best friend is always there for her as well. She’s fine being alone- she doesn’t need attention on her… but that changes as soon as Hunter makes his presence known 😅.

    Hunter makes it known that Riley’s his- he’ll threaten, persuade, convince, and bulldoze any obstacle that gets in his way- including Riley herself. Relationship with OM? Nope- end it now- because you’re MINE. You’re working when? Sorry- I’m more important and you’re not going in. Although there are some bullying/dubcon/noncon events, Hunter manages to be swoony as well.

    Yes, I said it- behind his thick skin is a soft heart that has his world revolving around Riley. From the gifts, to the flowers, to the protectiveness, Hunter is enamored with Riley- and he’s not ashamed to admit it. Is he an a$$h@le? Yup. Does he redeem himself? Absolutely. We don’t see how redeemable he is until the end (I’m side-eyeing Mariano here), but man, is it worth it. Even when he majorly f’s up (noncon), the guilt eats at him so much (and for good measure too😬) that he made me swoon lol.

    The way he protects her and handles her bullies was heartwarming and admirable. He even let her see that people she thought were a certain way… weren’t really who they said they were. Gahhhh 🥺 of course I felt all the emotions- Riley’s put through the ringer- but I felt so satisfied at the end 🥰.

    Jeeezus- the spicy scenes were 🥵🔥😅. I found that Hunter was very much about pleasing Riley in many ways… at any point… in any place 👀. Their chemistry is visceral and palpable 🔥😅. This book is long… but i would’ve kept reading if it was longer. I was enthralled by their connection.

    I’ll admit- I wouldn’t have minded seeing a book on Riley’s mom lol. And I CANT wait for Ryden Sherlock’s book. There’s something so damn captivating about him- he’s totally giving me baby Mateo vibes 🥵🔥.

    I would’ve loved it if Hunter had stayed celibate during the four years he was gone… I get it- they were kids- but STILL 😐. Also, I wouldn’t have minded if we had seen some comeuppance for some of the characters 💁🏻‍♀️.

    ⚠️safety squad⚠️
    -child abuse
    -bullying
    -noncon/dubcon
    -no cheating
    -lots of OMD/OWD (h has a bf who she kisses and OM2 forcibly kisses h/H is “dating” h’s bully, OW on H at pool party)
    -vouyeur/exhibitionist almost-sharing scene with OM2
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2021
    o loved the book, I really did. I especially love that my girl Zoe did a guest appearance with her bad ass self, but I didn't love the characters.
    it could be that the entire book read like a constant "submit to me" kind of book, while trying to say grounded, or it could be that the author took massive amount of time to have you dislike them.
    Riley - while in the beginning she appeared to be level headed and focus, she then turned into Hunter's doormat! she was blindly drawn to Hunter, as he was to her, but she never was equal to him. She started off telling him she didn't want anything from him, but ends up keeping everything he gave her. Her mother was right about Hunter, he is most certainly manipulative, and self serving. yet, her mom found no reason they shouldn't spend his money. No....like no. Riley while appearing to be a strong woman is gullible and she isn't really paying attention. furthermore, she complained about Hunters lfriends and life style so much that Hunter decides it best to live in her world. that annoyed me so much.
    Hunter - what a brat! to me he should be in therapy, bc everyone failed him including Riley for that matter. the mess that was Hunter was hard to understand unlike (let's use Carter from Untouchable) Carter, who you know him and can almost predict his movement, Hunter was there then not, then mad then not. Why can't he tell anyone he's his father child? who still does that? and why is he fine with it? I personally didn't like Hunter. I thought she should've left his immature ass. wait....what da hell was up with the ending notes about Valarie? that made no sense. the two tested each other throughout the entire book. I just couldn’t deal with that kind of relationship....where I had to jump through flame hoops just so your satisfied that I love you.
    Sherlock - could've stay where he originally was. him coming around was to only throw off Hunter, but it made Riley seem kind of stupid. why would she trust him...a minute ago she hated all of Hunter friends.
    the book had an eery tone of "do as I say" especially when Sherlock told her "you listen good" (or something like that) that creeper me tf out!
    it wasn't as all consuming as I like my books to feel. i read this with a twinge of something that made me uneasy. i gave it 4 stars because I loved the fact that Riley was into books and interpreted them on that level for a HS kid and she hated The Great Gatsby! I do too. I love how the author (3rd book read for her) books are all unique. None takes on the same ebb and flow as a previous one. That my take, I will still recommend this book, just because of the book reference and great writing.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Booktravert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
    Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2021
    This book was different then I expected in some ways but I absolutely loved it. Hunter and Riley are to phenomenal characters that are written to perfection.  The character development is on point and the story takes its time to give the readers this which isn't common enough. 

    Riley is strong, independent and capable female who knows her own mind. Her relationship with her mother was enjoyable as they struggled with her growing up and their bond was wonderful.  I quite enjoyed her mom and Ray. Hunter is a mix of sweet, warm hearted boy and a bit of alpha male with walls up.  Sometimes I want to smack him for his own good but loved him all the same. 

    Overall, this is a fabulous romance with some twists, some laughs and I just adore this couple. It was also nice to see a few familiar faces from another Sam Mariano book.
  • sophie collins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ahh I want a hunter !
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2023
    I love this book so much . I really want the unbeatable story and sherlocks story . I am fully invested in this story now . I love the characters and finally found an author that let's the villain get the girls . I love a strong female lead who knows her own worth but loves her evil man with everything she has got . Hero will sacrifice their love for the world but the villains will burn the whole world for theirs instead . So yes I root for them they definatly deserve the female more . They fight with everything they got and no they don't play fair but why would they when they have to win . Your a brilliant author and i adore your work but seriously I need the unbeatable book and sherlocks story please !! Buy this book I promise you it worth every penny unless you prefer hearts and straight lace heroes then no this isn't for you
  • ***Bookworm***
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Mariano Home run!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 8, 2021
    I can count on one hand the number of Authors I’ve read that can knock it out of the park each and every book they write, where you fall in love with the author as much as the story.
    While this one was maybe a little longer than some of her others and it had some of the brilliant manipulation and deviousness Sam’s famous for, the hero was a touch sweeter, (still batshit) but sweeter than I like personally...... in saying that I think when an author can have you hanging on every word, right to the final letter she’s done her job.
    I loved the H, so strong and well rounded, I knew where she was coming from every time. So mature to handle the hero and everything he threw at her..
    This is the sort of story girls should be reading, and the H they should be aspiring to be.... even written this century😉
  • VGreedyReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fullness of feels
    Reviewed in Italy on March 8, 2021
    Thank you Sam for another spectacular story, for making me squirm, pushing my limits and for bringing me back to safety. I’m ready for more.

    A satisfying story that will have rooting for Hunter even when his actions are more than disputable. The boundaries between right and wrong are crossed but you can trust Sam to bring you safely back to shore.

    Enjoy the ride it’s so worth it.
  • Mariana
    1.0 out of 5 stars Problematic in so many levels
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 29, 2021
    This book had everything to be great. But the guy do some stuff really messed up and the heroine seems to be blind about it. It’s a really problematic relationship, and I really worry that people would read this and normalizing the abuse and the problematic actions of the guy. (THATS NOT NORMAL, THATS NOT LOVE)

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?