Ride - Or Die Trying
A life before, during and after the laughter
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jun 30 2026 | Archive Date Jul 14 2026
Talking about this book? Use #RideOrDieTrying #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
From the outside, Paul Drayton appeared to have it all: a glamorous London life, a loving marriage to one of Britain’s best-known comedians, and a countryside home filled with animals, pool parties and more than the occasional famous face. Behind the scenes things were unravelling, fuelled by addiction, impulsive decisions and a talent for making bad choices at exactly the wrong moment.
From a nostalgic childhood in 1970s Sunderland, growing up in a fun, loving family alongside three older brothers, to discovering his sexuality in a deeply masculine environment. Paul’s early life is shaped by his family, friends and his constant horsey companionships.
That journey eventually leads him into the chaos of London nightlife, where he relocates to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Along the way, he falls in love with Alan Carr, puts his life on hold and finds himself navigating life on the edge of fame - close enough to taste it, but never quite accepted or able to relax into it.
When sad circumstances lead to a dangerous driving conviction that lands him in prison, the illusion finally cracks. Forced to confront how far his life and aspirations had spiralled, Paul begins to piece together the story of how he got there, and how to find a way back.
With sharp self-awareness and a brutal sense of ownership, Paul reflects on addiction, identity, and relationships, as well as the strange business of being “the other half” while falling apart in a very public world without support.
A late ADHD diagnosis at fifty offers a new lens - bringing clarity and difficult realisations, but no easy answers. This is, finally, Paul' s story in his own words - if you’re willing to read between the lines.
Ride - Or Die Trying is the raw, darkly funny, nostalgic, mildly wrong and unexpectedly moving story of a life that didn’t fall apart all at once, but gradually, publicly, and with a certain flair for flicking the ‘F**K IT’ button.
A Note From the Publisher
After more than a decade of being the 'other half' of a celebrity couple, Drayton writes with sharp candour and dark humour about the realities of unravelling and rebuilding life from the ground up.
From his long-term relationship with comedian Alan Carr, to his personal experiences from childhood to a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. Paul's story is a remarkable one of resilience, opportunity and self-awareness. His memoir, Ride - Or Die Trying, is his debut book.
Marketing Plan
All media enquiries to helenlewis@literallypr.com
All media enquiries to helenlewis@literallypr.com
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781918428445 |
| PRICE | £15.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 312 |
Available on NetGalley
Available to Buy
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.orgAverage rating from 3 members
Featured Reviews
Sarah B, Reviewer
Ride – Or Die Trying by Paul Drayton
I have to admit, I don’t really do memoirs and before reading this book I wasn’t really too aware of his ex, but I was intrigued by the promise of a book about being the ‘other half’ in the celebrity bubble.
This is a very honest, open and surprisingly funny memoir about addiction, recovery, love and learning to live with the consequences of life choices. Paul doesn’t hold back when talking about the difficult parts of his life, but what really comes through is his self-awareness and his ability to find humour even in the darkest moments.
There were times when I laughed, times when I felt incredibly sad, sometimes a bit frustrated about certain decisions and moments that really made me stop and reflect. His journey of understanding himself, especially through his later ADHD diagnosis, adds another fascinating layer to his story.
I found myself cheering for the ‘underdog’ and wanting that happy ending. Which I think he has got (although was sad to hear about the recent loss of his dad).
I especially loved the warmth he shows towards his rescue dogs — those sections really highlight the compassion beneath everything else.
This is a very human story . It’s messy, emotional, funny and full of heart. A brave and candid read about making mistakes, taking responsibility and finding your way back to yourself. I really hope Paul continues to carve out a rich life with lots of joy.
Thanks to Netgalley and LiterallyPR for the advanced review copy
Stacey H, Reviewer
I'd often seen this dapper looking man on the arm of Alan Carr, having no idea who he was, or that they were even married. After reading Ride - Or Die Trying, I now feel like I got to know him on more of a personal level, and can appreciate his candour and humour as he relates his story.
It's a story of recovery and redemption that's written with warmth and is full of heart, especially when it comes to the love he has for his rescue pups.
There are some great photos peppered throughout the book that correlate to different times throughout Paul's life; the ups, the downs, and everything in between.
Emotionally enjoyable.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
