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Ride – Or Die Trying: A life before, during and after the laughter
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 27, 2026
3.5⭐
Ride - Or Die Trying is a powerful and honest memoir about Paul Drayton's struggles with addiction and his recovery.
This was such an interesting read that was both inspiring and really eye-opening. Throughout the book, Paul's humour really stands out even in the darker moments when he's at his lowest.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable and amazing read. And definitely worth picking up to read.
Ride - Or Die Trying is a powerful and honest memoir about Paul Drayton's struggles with addiction and his recovery.
This was such an interesting read that was both inspiring and really eye-opening. Throughout the book, Paul's humour really stands out even in the darker moments when he's at his lowest.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable and amazing read. And definitely worth picking up to read.
July 23, 2026
Paul Drayton’s memoir is one of the most honest and unexpectedly funny addiction recovery stories I’ve read in a long time. What begins as a story about hitting rock bottom quickly becomes something much deeper: a reflection on identity, relationships and the complicated process of rebuilding a life after addiction.
Paul writes with remarkable self-awareness about alcoholism, impulsive behaviour and the consequences of his actions, but he never falls into self-pity. Instead, he takes responsibility while still finding humour in the chaos of his past. The writing is sharp, candid and very often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the most difficult moments.
Beyond the headlines about his relationship with Alan Carr, this memoir is really about personal
reinvention. The sections reflecting on being diagnosed with ADHD later in life add real emotional depth, particularly as Paul begins to understand the patterns that shaped his behaviour for decades.
It’s a story about addiction, love, mistakes and second chances, told with warmth, honesty and a surprising amount of heart.
Paul writes with remarkable self-awareness about alcoholism, impulsive behaviour and the consequences of his actions, but he never falls into self-pity. Instead, he takes responsibility while still finding humour in the chaos of his past. The writing is sharp, candid and very often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the most difficult moments.
Beyond the headlines about his relationship with Alan Carr, this memoir is really about personal
reinvention. The sections reflecting on being diagnosed with ADHD later in life add real emotional depth, particularly as Paul begins to understand the patterns that shaped his behaviour for decades.
It’s a story about addiction, love, mistakes and second chances, told with warmth, honesty and a surprising amount of heart.
July 2, 2026
I am a little biased as this is written by my brave, v.funny and amazing cousin, but it's a very honest, unflinching account of his life, and his many ups and downs.
July 28, 2026
This is an honest and surprisingly reflective memoir about Paul's journey of self-discovery, prompted by his arrest, struggles with alcohol addiction, and a later diagnosis of ADHD.
What stood out to me most was his growing realisation that he is much more than simply the partner of a celebrity. It's clear he found life in the media spotlight difficult, often feeling overlooked and unseen while someone else's career took centre stage. At the same time, he doesn't shy away from acknowledging his own mistakes and reflects thoughtfully on how undiagnosed ADHD may have shaped many of his choices.
I also enjoyed the chapters about his childhood in Sunderland, warmly reflecting on his early family life and helping to explain the person he became. By the end of the book, after a great deal of self-reflection, he reaches the conclusion that what really matters is the life he has built for himself, his dogs, and the freedom to embrace new opportunities.
Although there is an understandable desire to set the record straight, this never felt like a one-sided account. Instead, it's a candid and self-aware memoir that offers an interesting glimpse into celebrity life, the pressures of living in someone else's shadow, and the disappointment of a promising start at drama school that never quite led where he had hoped.
An engaging, honest and easy read that gives an honest insight into life in the shadow of fame and the journey towards self-acceptance.
Many thanks to Literallypr, the publisher Brown Dog Books and the author for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
@pauldrayton1
#RideOrDieTrying
Literally PR -
Twitter/X - @literallypr
Instagram - @literallypr
What stood out to me most was his growing realisation that he is much more than simply the partner of a celebrity. It's clear he found life in the media spotlight difficult, often feeling overlooked and unseen while someone else's career took centre stage. At the same time, he doesn't shy away from acknowledging his own mistakes and reflects thoughtfully on how undiagnosed ADHD may have shaped many of his choices.
I also enjoyed the chapters about his childhood in Sunderland, warmly reflecting on his early family life and helping to explain the person he became. By the end of the book, after a great deal of self-reflection, he reaches the conclusion that what really matters is the life he has built for himself, his dogs, and the freedom to embrace new opportunities.
Although there is an understandable desire to set the record straight, this never felt like a one-sided account. Instead, it's a candid and self-aware memoir that offers an interesting glimpse into celebrity life, the pressures of living in someone else's shadow, and the disappointment of a promising start at drama school that never quite led where he had hoped.
An engaging, honest and easy read that gives an honest insight into life in the shadow of fame and the journey towards self-acceptance.
Many thanks to Literallypr, the publisher Brown Dog Books and the author for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
@pauldrayton1
#RideOrDieTrying
Literally PR -
Twitter/X - @literallypr
Instagram - @literallypr
July 25, 2026
I didn't realise that Paul Drayton is Alan Carr's ex-husband when I first heard about Ride - Or Die Trying; I wanted to read it as Paul is a local lad from Sunderland and I'm so pleased that he's a Mackem otherwise I might have missed this fabulous book.
Paul Drayton is very brave to put his story out there, especially after all of the negative press he experienced when he was struggling with his addictions. In his raw and brutally honest memoir, he gives the reader a glimpse into the showbiz lifestyle and the effects of living in the shadow of a famous other half.
Paul has an amazing sense of humour and that shines through every page. It's not a laugh on every page kind of book as Paul touches on some tough and poignant subjects but each chapter is filled with honesty, emotion and a lot of inner strength. I don't know Paul but I feel very proud of him for sharing his story with the world.
As you would expect from someone who was married to the Chatty Man, it's a very chatty book and Paul's natural dry north-eastern wit adds a very entertaining and funny slant to the stories. There are several personal photographs included that accompany the prose and give the reader further insight into Paul's life. It's not an exposé on Alan Carr, it's very much Paul's own story and I loved it.
Honest, poignant and entertaining, Ride - Or Die Trying is a cracking memoir that had me laughing one minute and crying the next. It's bold, inspirational and well worth a read.
I received a gifted paperback for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Paul Drayton is very brave to put his story out there, especially after all of the negative press he experienced when he was struggling with his addictions. In his raw and brutally honest memoir, he gives the reader a glimpse into the showbiz lifestyle and the effects of living in the shadow of a famous other half.
Paul has an amazing sense of humour and that shines through every page. It's not a laugh on every page kind of book as Paul touches on some tough and poignant subjects but each chapter is filled with honesty, emotion and a lot of inner strength. I don't know Paul but I feel very proud of him for sharing his story with the world.
As you would expect from someone who was married to the Chatty Man, it's a very chatty book and Paul's natural dry north-eastern wit adds a very entertaining and funny slant to the stories. There are several personal photographs included that accompany the prose and give the reader further insight into Paul's life. It's not an exposé on Alan Carr, it's very much Paul's own story and I loved it.
Honest, poignant and entertaining, Ride - Or Die Trying is a cracking memoir that had me laughing one minute and crying the next. It's bold, inspirational and well worth a read.
I received a gifted paperback for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 23, 2026
Interesting read for sure, hilarious, shocking, sad and thought provoking, a very honest and raw real life story.
RIDE - OR DIE TRYING by Paul Drayton
This memoir offers a fascinating perspective on life beside fame. While many readers may at first be curious about Paul Drayton’s relationship with Alan Carr, perhaps having read about him in the newspapers, what they will find is something far more thoughtful than a typical celebrity tell-all.
Paul shares what it feels like to be the non-famous partner in a high-profile relationship, from being ignored at events to navigating a world where everyone wants to talk to the celebrity in the room but few notice the person standing beside them.
But the book doesn’t fall into the cliche of being bitter or accusatory. Paul writes about his relationship with Alan (who he thought was his ride or die) with affection, gratitude and a clear recognition of his own role in the difficulties they faced together.
Alongside the celebrity stories are deeply personal reflections on addiction, recovery and the late diagnosis of ADHD at fifty. The result is a memoir that feels honest, balanced and emotionally mature.
Funny, raw and refreshingly self-aware, this is a compelling account of a life that has been chaotic, complicated and ultimately hopeful.
RIDE - OR DIE TRYING by Paul Drayton
This memoir offers a fascinating perspective on life beside fame. While many readers may at first be curious about Paul Drayton’s relationship with Alan Carr, perhaps having read about him in the newspapers, what they will find is something far more thoughtful than a typical celebrity tell-all.
Paul shares what it feels like to be the non-famous partner in a high-profile relationship, from being ignored at events to navigating a world where everyone wants to talk to the celebrity in the room but few notice the person standing beside them.
But the book doesn’t fall into the cliche of being bitter or accusatory. Paul writes about his relationship with Alan (who he thought was his ride or die) with affection, gratitude and a clear recognition of his own role in the difficulties they faced together.
Alongside the celebrity stories are deeply personal reflections on addiction, recovery and the late diagnosis of ADHD at fifty. The result is a memoir that feels honest, balanced and emotionally mature.
Funny, raw and refreshingly self-aware, this is a compelling account of a life that has been chaotic, complicated and ultimately hopeful.
July 24, 2026
Ride or Die Trying by Paul Drayton kindly gifted by Literally PR 📚
“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.”
This was a really refreshing and enjoyable read - despite covering some tough topics.
The narrative was clear, open and very honest and had a lot of recognition and accountability with the openness of the writing - whilst still being able to be funny (which I laughed out loud several times in this!) , even in some of the more ‘unfunny’ elements which would be typically more difficult to read.
This is what made it a nice easy read, it was just unflinchingly honest and that’s quite rare when you read any biographical book - this wasn’t just a story of selling what happened in the best light possible.
I really enjoyed this and gave ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“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.”
This was a really refreshing and enjoyable read - despite covering some tough topics.
The narrative was clear, open and very honest and had a lot of recognition and accountability with the openness of the writing - whilst still being able to be funny (which I laughed out loud several times in this!) , even in some of the more ‘unfunny’ elements which would be typically more difficult to read.
This is what made it a nice easy read, it was just unflinchingly honest and that’s quite rare when you read any biographical book - this wasn’t just a story of selling what happened in the best light possible.
I really enjoyed this and gave ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
July 31, 2026
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
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
July 15, 2026
Paul Drayton’s memoir is one of the most honest and unexpectedly funny addiction recovery stories I’ve read in a long time. What begins as a story about hitting rock bottom fast becomes something deeper: a reflection on identity, relationships and the complicated process of rebuilding a life after addiction.
Paul writes with remarkable self-awareness about alcoholism, impulsive behaviour and the consequences of his actions, but he never falls into self-pity. Instead, he takes responsibility while still finding humour in the chaos of his past. The writing is sharp, candid and very often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the most difficult moments.
Beyond the headlines about his relationship with Alan Carr, this memoir is really about personal reinvention. The sections reflecting on being diagnosed with ADHD later in life add real emotional depth, particularly as Paul begins to understand the patterns that shaped his behaviour for decades.
Paul's story is one about addiction, love, mistakes and second chances, told with warmth, honesty and a huge amount of heart.
Paul writes with remarkable self-awareness about alcoholism, impulsive behaviour and the consequences of his actions, but he never falls into self-pity. Instead, he takes responsibility while still finding humour in the chaos of his past. The writing is sharp, candid and very often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the most difficult moments.
Beyond the headlines about his relationship with Alan Carr, this memoir is really about personal reinvention. The sections reflecting on being diagnosed with ADHD later in life add real emotional depth, particularly as Paul begins to understand the patterns that shaped his behaviour for decades.
Paul's story is one about addiction, love, mistakes and second chances, told with warmth, honesty and a huge amount of heart.
July 15, 2026
I’ll be honest - I had absolutely no idea who Paul Drayton was before picking up this memoir. I soon discovered he was in a long-term relationship with Alan Carr, but this is very much Paul’s story rather than a celebrity tell-all.
What impressed me most was his honesty. He doesn’t shy away from the mistakes he made or try to make excuses for his addiction and dangerous driving conviction. Instead, he reflects on them with humour, humility and a genuine desire to rebuild his life.
I particularly enjoyed reading about his late ADHD diagnosis and how it helped him make sense of parts of his past without using it as an excuse. The book tackles some heavy subjects, but Paul’s wit keeps it engaging throughout.
My only slight criticism is that I would have loved a little more detail in places, as some parts felt over too quickly.
Whether you know who Paul Drayton is or not, this is an honest, funny and moving memoir about accountability, recovery and second chances.
What impressed me most was his honesty. He doesn’t shy away from the mistakes he made or try to make excuses for his addiction and dangerous driving conviction. Instead, he reflects on them with humour, humility and a genuine desire to rebuild his life.
I particularly enjoyed reading about his late ADHD diagnosis and how it helped him make sense of parts of his past without using it as an excuse. The book tackles some heavy subjects, but Paul’s wit keeps it engaging throughout.
My only slight criticism is that I would have loved a little more detail in places, as some parts felt over too quickly.
Whether you know who Paul Drayton is or not, this is an honest, funny and moving memoir about accountability, recovery and second chances.
July 26, 2026
I must confess that I did not know of the author before reading this book but I found it a real, raw, honest read giving him the opportunity to tell his story. With arrests, addiction, alcohol and ADHD diagnosed at fifty, there is a huge story to tell. I liked the sense of his voice and his truth, which came through in the pages. I loved the addition of photographs, his love of animals, his acceptance and his continued riding the crest of the wave of life. There are highs and lows in this book, laughter and sadness but now, finally, seen and heard the author heads positively towards destination unknown. Through reading this book and hearing his story, I wish him well with this next chapter in his life.
July 21, 2026
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews