Two teenage runaways. One vintage Mustang. A life-changing race across America. So strap in, because this is going to be one hell of a ride."Simmering...

Two teenage runaways. One vintage Mustang. A life-changing race across America. So strap in, because this is going to be one hell of a ride.

"Simmering romance . . . revelations and a plot riddled with high stakes." --Publishers Weekly

Jessie 'Mouse' Swift needs to get out of Seattle and fast. 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 and Casey McQuiston.

Author: J. L. Simmonds
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 10/14/2025
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 4.30h x 5.50w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781250402202
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 08/04/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2025

About the Author
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. She writes joyful LGBTQ+ YA, bad poetry and text messages with too many emojis. Run Away with Me is her debut novel.