J. L. Simmonds
Author of hopeful, uplifting, thrilling LGBTQ+ novels for YA readers
J. L. Simmonds grew up by the seaside but now lives in Bristol. Her lifelong love of books and writing took her first to a degree in English Literature, then a MA in Creative Writing for Young People, and eventually cumulated in her debut novel for teenagers, Run Away With Me.
Outside of books, she’s a dedicated supporter of Arsenal Women football club, a huge theatre nerd, and a frequent international traveller.
Run Away With Me
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.
Reviews for Run Away With Me
What a ride! What a thrilling, soulful, life-affirming ride!
Simon James Green
"
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
"
Don't start Run Away With Me late at night as you won't be able to stop reading.
Elle McNichol
"
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
"
A thrilling joy ride of unexpected twists and turns.
Benjamin Dean
"
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
"
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.
Kayvion Lewis
"
Heading 1
I Knew You Were Trouble
She's trying to solve a murder. Not fall for the girl in the way.
Kendra Walker is no stranger to the criminal underworld. Trained from young to take over the family antique business, she’s well aware they specialize in trading stolen goods. So when Kendra’s mom is ‘accidentally’ killed on the streets of New York, she suspects foul play.
Months later, Alice De Lacy visits Walker Antiques, searching for jewelry burgled from her family home. Frustrated by the police’s inaction, she’s committed to scouring every antique and pawn shop in the city.
Kendra remembers the jewelry but finds it missing from the safe. With no record of sale and only a mysterious ticket for a Grand Central Station tour left behind, Kendra soon realizes her mom created a scavenger hunt across New York that she needs to follow and solve. Could there be a connection between the jewelry and her mom’s murder?
Joining forces with Alice, the girls work to solve the mystery. But it soon becomes apparent an infamous crime mob are interested in locating the jewelry too. Forced to use their wits and skills to stay one step ahead, the girls grow closer. But with Kendra at risk of meeting the same fate as her mom, how long will their romance last?
School Visits
I am currently booking school visits through 2026!
One of the best things about being an author is getting to talk to other people who love books and writing as much as I do. I'm based in Bristol, and I'll always prioritise getting out to schools in my local area, though with a little notice I'm happy to travel anywhere in the UK.
I can offer:
-
Book Club-style discussions of either of my novels,
-
'Author Visits' to talk about how I became an author, including my very non-linear education,
-
Writing Workshops with creative writing classes or clubs.
If you're interested in a workshop please drop me a message and we can discuss the types of sessions I offer.
Due to the age of the characters in my novels, I'm only available to speak to young people at secondary schools or colleges - if you're looking for an author to come to your primary school let me know and I can put you in contact with some wonderful authors!