Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You by Jarrod Campbell

While on an impromptu night out with friends, David meets Liv, a beautiful woman nearly twenty years younger. Falling harder than he thought he could a year after the death of his wife, he slowly opens up to the possibility of another relationship, love and eventually even marriage.

Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You is a novel set in modern day Washington, D.C. and offers a contemporary view of new relationships: their requirements, expectations and repercussions…where the promise of something new can often become a cautionary lesson in living.

Author Jarrod Campbell

Jarrod Campbell is an author based in Virginia, in the suburbs of Washington DC - the author of two short story collections and a novella, he can be found on Instagram@1ozpublishing. 

"Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You" follows David, a 43 year old widower as he meets the beautiful Liv - and begins to move on following the death of his wife. It's great premise, and one Campbell makes full use of, exploring the doubts, fears, misunderstandings and insecurities that form the start of a relationship. He has a knack for dialogue, allowing him to create developed and interesting characters - particularly impressive considering this is a first novel. The writing is clear and straightforward - with time given to descriptions and characterisation, but keeping things clean enough to keep the plot going at a rapid pace. 
Where that plot ends up is also particularly impressive -  I won't spoil things, but it certainly didn't end up where I expected it to, with a few last minute twists that are wholly surprising and hugely entertaining. The main thrust of the plot is both mature and realistic, and Campbell has crafted events well - allowing for a balanced and well paced plot - even if I'd have liked to have seen the resolution to the final, shocking plot twist!
A great quick read - "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You" is an impressive debut that's well worth your time