Novel

She’s trapped by expectations – he’s trapped in an empty marriage.
A girl from the past – a man stuck in the present.
And a love that changes everything – only it might be too late.
But… “Sometimes, we have to give up our principles to live our dreams.”

A brutally honest, yet compelling romantic novel about burnout, longing, and irreversible choices. And a burning love that hides secrets — some unspoken, others unknown.

“I asked Peter if the story was true. He said yes. That’s… rough.”
— Kate Marlowe, editor

Peter Radley is a Central European journalist and media professional. This is the first of his novels to be translated into English — beautifully rendered through the brilliantly sensitive voice of Kate Marlowe.

CLICK HERE to read a preview.
GET THE BOOK HERE.

Peter

I live in Central Europe — a place where people sometimes think too much, and at other times say nothing at all. It’s where I learned to listen, to observe, to take notes — and, occasionally, to stay too long in places I shouldn’t have.
I spent years as a journalist, editor, and creative director at a cable TV network. I’ve seen how the world unravels on screen — and how people quietly unravel inside. Maybe that’s why I started writing stories. Or maybe I just didn’t know what else to do with all the sentences I never said out loud.

Peter and Kate – in the thick of work.

Nothing Before Her is the first of my novels to be translated into another language. How true is the story? That’s for the readers to decide — especially those who’ve already survived a few bad decisions. All I can say is this: writing is sometimes the only way to tell a story without having to say it out loud. Or live it.

Sometimes you just have to take a break.

You can ask about my personal life, too. Go ahead, ask... But if you must know: I own a coffee maker — and I use it regularly. I believe in silence, in rhythm, and in the idea that one honest sentence is always better than a hundred well-crafted lies.

Okay, fine – this was just for the photo...

Blog

KATE – June 1, 2025

Dear lovers of romance,
We’re proud to announce that Peter Radley’s novel Nothing Before Her is now available in the Apple Book Store. You’ll find a free sample under the “Novel” tab, and a few behind-the-scenes secrets here on the blog.
Enjoy the story – we sure enjoyed making it.

PETER – May 5, 2025

The book is finished. I’m happy. Really.
There’s still plenty of work to do with publishing and promotion, but I already have new ideas swirling.
I asked Kate if she’d be my permanent editor. She said yes. This is going to be fun – unless I strangle her over one of her smart remarks.

KATE – April 24, 2025

Peter pushed me into the swimming pool today.
Still drying off.

PETER – April 23, 2025

I’ve noticed that Kate has this subtle way of pitching her ideas as if they were mine. Classic editorial jiu-jitsu.
Tomorrow I’ll come up with an elegant little revenge plan.

KATE – April 11, 2025

I asked Peter if the story was true.
He said yes.
That’s… rough.

PETER – April 10, 2025

When I finished the manuscript, I put it away for a while. Just reopened it now for edits – and it hit me harder than I expected.
That’s what you get for writing a novel based on a true story.
Kate must be having a rough time with me lately.

KATE – March 29, 2025

Okay, fine. That section was whiny. If anyone wants proof, I’ll show it – but only in secret. Peter doesn’t need to know. He’d be mortified.

PETER – March 29, 2025

Kate deleted three whole pages today. I told her how hard I worked on that section, and she said, “Yeah, I could tell… it was pure whining.”
Fantastic. Maybe we should delete the whole thing and publish a blank book with a white cover.

KATE – March 20, 2025

Note to self: never ask an author what their favorite part of their book is.
Life’s too short.

PETER – March 19, 2025

Kate asked me which part of the book is my favorite. I tried to keep it short – “all of it.” Each scene matters, each for a different reason. Some are tender, some painful, some a little wicked.
And maybe that’s why I’m a bit overprotective when a cheeky little editor pokes her red pen where it hurts.

KATE – March 8, 2025

I received the manuscript from Peter a week ago - he handed it over as if the Fort Knox alarm codes were written in it. I was a bit worried, to be honest.
But this book… it’s good. Funny, moving, disarmingly honest.
Editing this is going to be a pleasure.

PETER – March 1, 2025

Today I met Kate for the first time – she’ll be editing my book. Sweet girl, but there’s something sharp and buzzing about her. I think she might be a workaholic. Not that I mind. I’m not the type to sit around with a manuscript forever either.
I asked her not to tear the whole thing apart. She didn’t laugh out loud, but I have the feeling she’s going to do whatever she thinks is right anyway.

Scenes

A lot of you mentioned how cinematic the novel feels.
Well then, here come a few frames – from “Peter’s movie.”

Novel

One night, the main character in Peter’s novel receives a letter — and his life changes forever. Since then, Peter knows: letters matter.
And so does yours.

Write to Peter at:
peter@peterradleybooks.com