About
J. L. Simmonds grew up by the seaside but now lives in Bristol. She studied English Literature and worked in marketing and communications for ten years before returning to Bath Spa for her MA in Writing for Young People.
Jo writes LGBTQ+ YA novels, bad poetry and text messages with too many emojis.
Run Away With Me
Released 05 JUNE 2025
Released 14 OCTOBER 2025
Two teenage runaways. One vintage Mustang. A life-changing road trip. So strap in, because this is going to be one hell of a ride.
Jessie 'Mouse' Swift needs to get the hell out of Seattle. A few days ago she admitted to wanting her abusive stepfather dead, only to come home and find his murdered body. So when a girl from school offers Jessie a ride in her vintage red Mustang, they embark on an unexpected road trip across America.
Brooke Summer is everything Jessie isn’t: popular, confident, wealthy and heart-stoppingly beautiful, and Jessie has been in love with her from afar for years. But Brooke is hiding her own secrets . . .
With the cops and other sinister figures on their tail, how long can Jessie and Brooke stay on the run before they’re caught? And as their friendship blossoms into something more, can they find a future worth running to together?
A coming-of-age thriller-romance, perfect for fans of Holly Jackson, Casey McQuiston and Tess Sharpe, with a nod to Drive-Away Dolls.
Early praise for Run Away With Me
What a ride! What a thrilling, soulful, life-affirming ride!
Simon James Green
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Jessie and Brooke are a modern day Thelma and Louise. I raced through this book! The tension, the adventure, the swoon - a brilliant debut!
Abiola Bello
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Don't start Run Away With Me late at night as you won't be able to stop reading.
Elle McNichol
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Bold and romantic, Run Away With Me is a road trip thriller that starts at high speed and doesn’t let up. Get to the bookstore. Get the book. Go.
Erik J Brown
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A thrilling joy ride of unexpected twists and turns.
Benjamin Dean
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A high octane coming-of-age YA romantic thriller which explores friendship, love and finding the courage to take control of your future no matter your past.
A J Clack
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The emotionally – and literally – high-stakes road trip book I never knew I needed. Buckle up, because you’re in for one heck of a ride.