Life

Life Series #1

by Leo Sullivan

Innocent is the epic tale of murder, drugs, sex, and betrayal, suspensefully intertwined. I. C. Miller is a gifted high school athlete with a basketball scholarship from Georgia State University. He leaves behind an up and coming hood-rat named Tamara Jenkins who claims to be pregnant with I. C.'s child. Things take a downward spike when I. C. is charged with rape and murder. He is sentenced to death by lethal injection. After years of tricking for money, Tamara lands a job as a prison guard with the Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. Soon after, Tamara realizes that her baby daddy is on death row at the prison that she works and will soon be executed for a hideous crime. It is only when she discovers that he may be innocent of his crime that she has a choice of either helping her baby daddy, or doing nothing and letting him die, INNOCENT.

Genres: Urban, Fiction, Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2002

About the author

Leo Sullivan is a versatile writer, with Urban Fiction being one of the many genres that he enjoys. In 2005, Leo Sullivan signed to Triple Crown Productions and took the urban literary world by storm with has mega hit, debut novel, Life (Life Without Hope). It has sold over a hundred thousand copies to date. It is still considered an urban street classic. His follow up novel, Gangster's B*tch, has been featured in such magazines as Essence, Don Diva, King, and XXL just to name a few. He has also written other best selling novels, such as Innocent, and its sequel, Innocent Forever, as well as In this life for adult and teenage version.

In 2011, Leo started his own company, SULLIVAN PRODUCTIONS LLC, Films and literary. He decided to enter the movie industry after writing several screenplays and working with independent movie studios and producers. One of the producers in particular is William Packer. Leo is currently attending college studying film.

Leo Sullivan's Most Recent Releases:

Gangster's Daughter 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

His next release is Life 2, coming in March. Text LEOSULLIVAN to 42828 to get an email notification for this release as well as other releases from Leo Sullivan Present/Sullivan Productions.

For speaking engagements, book signings, or signed copies of his work, contact Leo at osiris_scribe@yahoo.com.

For aspiring authors looking for a publishing home, send the first 3 chapters of your manuscript and your synopsis to leosullivanpresents@gmail.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Leo-L.-Sullivan...

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I loved this book. It grabbed my attention from page 1 and it was a wrap after that. I always try to be very very vague in my reveiws so that I won't spoil it for future readers soooooo what i'll say is this book will make you THINK. I can tell Leo did alot of research. He didn't just mention something he gave you details! So many words I had to stop and look up and I love that because it builds my vocabulary lol. Hope was a wonderful young woman who was strong despite the hand she was dealt. She made me proud to the very end. I really liked Life because I know a few men who can relate to him. Even though he did some things I wouldn't approve of I was #teamLife allll the way. Great job Leo.

[Gloria Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read !

this is by far the best book I have ever read. I cried when Hope died,I felt I knew her personally.

[Tiarra]

AMAZING

I knew it was something about Trina that I did not like. She was a snake all for self. I wish things could have turned out different for Hope she was a good person she just ended up with the wrong man. Marcus should have kept it real with her tho. I'm glad Life was able to beat the charges because I really liked him he was just trying to find a better way.

[Kamesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies, you have got to get this book. This book is a book that I will never forget. Every man and woman needs to read this book. It is a thiller and has a ending that you will never forget.

[Telor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good. One of my favorites. It has great characters, a great plot, and it kept me interested. This book is a very good read.

[Deedee Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Nikki]

this was a very good book

[S. Reid]

I read this book 7 Book 2 sometime ago & found them both being surprisingly good reads, despite my not really supporting Hope & Life as a couple.
The book was alright though. I had borrowed it & its sequel from the local library & because it took me awhile to get through it, I had exhausted all of my renewals/what the library would allowed me to have & the library wanted their books back, so I ended up purchasing LIFE Books 1 & 2 for my own personal library collection.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Life had to go through to mature and learn who his friends were. I am glad hope decide to help life out after the way he treated her. Tomica and Trina were dirty because the way they set life up and used him.

[Debronda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

This book is awesome! I would recommend this book to everyone who loves suspense and true love! Loving the writing style of this artist!

[Lorna Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was great from start to the very end. I was so sad that hope died. However life turn his life around. That with in its self was powerful!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo

This man never disappoint, love his writing s . If you come up on one of his books, its is going to stroke your soul.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

So glad I was able to read the book and to also watch the movie keep doing up thang baby

[Jordykd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so sad about the end. I always want that happy ending.

[Nish Sco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good! There were parts throughout the book that were predictable but still well written, can’t wait to read part 2.

[Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop page Turner !

In my top best reads! A piece of art well written. Each chapter leads the reader on a adventure thru all of life's lesson. Couldn't put this story down til the end.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was supposed to be another ordinary day for Hope Evans turns into a life changing experience. When she runs into drug dealer/fugitive, Life Thugstin (cringe), who's in the midst of a chaotic police chase and begs for her to help him with his escape from the cops, she does just that.

Hope is an aspiring law student who is already tormented by her own brother's imprisonment. Her decision to help Life, is a result of her anger towards "the system" and has dreams of one day in the future, helping black men beat it.

Life, on the other hand, is not your ordinary bad boy street thug. He's smart, strong and loyal. So it's no surprise that on the night of their great escape, the two headstrong individuals get themselves into hot and heavy romantic romp. But it was only a one time thing. Once Hope has driven Life to where he needs to go, the two separate but unbeknownst to them, the pair will have a lifetime connection that will change their lives forever.

LIFE was a great read that evoked such a strong and important lesson about life and the reality of how precious it truly is. I was extremely pleased with the story line and the writing was actually pretty good. It was quite obvious, that the author, Leo L. Sullivan, did his homework, and was able to give readers a picture perfect vision of the criminal world and our corrupted judicial system.

[Taisha Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, It captured my attention from the first page. The story actually turned out completely different from what I was expecting. Which is a good thing, it wasn't predictable at all. There was an authenticity that made the story gripping, and just reading I felt like I were in Life's and Hopes shoes. However, my only gripe with this story was the constant reference on "The White man". I understand the reality of the system and the inequality amongst blacks in society, economically, financially, systematically, and psychologically. However, I felt like characters were playing the blame game. Despite the fact that Life sold drugs, murdered, and committed crimes, at the end of the day, he made those choices. Not the "White man". At some point, you have to stop blaming the establishment and take some responsibility. Life was an adult and no one was forcing him to take that route. I also wished there was more interaction between Hope and Life. It was like a big spark that erupted between them then waned too soon. I was hoping they would end up together. I was really disappointed at what happened to Hope. I understand the message the author was trying to convey, I just wished they would ended up together. Apart from those few things, this was a great book. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life by Leo Sullivan, focuses Hope Evans a law student and Life a criminal. They meet briefly, have an affair and reunite years later. Hope is now a successful attorney and Life is now a drug kingpin. The story quickly became annoying with Hope and Life's non-stop complaining of the White man cause of the Black man oppression. At the same time; Life, a Black man, is robbing, assaulting and selling drugs to Blacks throughout the Black community. Furthermore, Life makes a deal with a crooked White cop (who uses the N word) and agree only to sell his drugs within the Black community and keep his sells out the White community. In the meantime, Hope blames White men for Black men incarcerations, issues, etc; as well as, herself. She will jeopardize her education and career to save a guilty person, simply because the person is Black. I had to fight my way through the last 40% of the book. The whining, excuses and blaming is overwhelming. I enjoyed the hilarious "slang" that is used throughout. I was disappointed how things ended for Hope. Life did make one positive contribution within his community; he refused to exploit Black Pearl and provide her with help. This book is OK!!!

[Joshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about this guy named life he was on the run from the police when he ran into a mall. He begged this girl named faith to help him she was working at gap at the time. She helped him and told him she was going to a small town were she was goint to collage at. He begged her to let him go an she agreed. There he turned into a small drug dealer and brought his frineds from Miami down and got even bigger. He got cought between love and betreal. He had the descion to be trield by 12 or be carried by sick wich means death. Faith becomes his lwayer and dies right after is her pernounced not guilty.

yes the book was really good in the begging and end because in the middle it gets really slow. But over all its ok.

[Tanielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sad story once I put aside Life's silly ways and just read it. I so wanted Hope to get the heck away from him because he was doing way too much and didn't care a thing about his own life let alone anyone else's. I was too shocked with the ending but when she walked in on her husband I kind of figured something like that was going to go down. I thought Life would've been the one to pick up something with all he was doing but that's exactly what life is. The ones that are out here doing whatever with whoever seem to live the longest. I just saw someone last week and thought, "That fool still alive?" ijs. Life getting with Black Pearl was crazy but I guess that's the good thing about stories.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Life Without Hope" by Leo Sullivan was a very deep and riveting novel. It is the story of Life Thugstin, a small time hustler with big plans. It is also the story of Hope Evans, a college student who is just trying to get by ,while trying to reach her dream of becoming a lawyer. One night of passion between the two leads to a lifetime of what if's.
Life without Hope explores some great subjects regarding African Americans and the Justice System. I read this book in about two and a half days. At parts it was a little slow and there was some problems with editing. I look forward to reading part 2!

~Black Faithful Sister and Brothers Book Club~

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, no complaints, however I do wish the very short affair between Hope and Life in the beginning was a little bit longer. I thought that it was very clever too of the author to give the main characters names that relate to their situations. "Hope" was praying that she could beat Life's case and she always had hope of being the next successful black female lawyer. "Life" was hoping that he didn't have to do life in jail. Lol. Very cute. Overall pretty cool read.

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whack ass book

This book was boring asks shell. Hate I wasted time reading it. I honestly kept turning pages to hurry up and get done. Glad I didn't pay one cent for this crap and read it for free through kindle unlimited.

All these people giving this book five stars is a damn lie, because this shit was not worth no five stars!!!

I wouldn't recommend this boring ass book to anyone. Story was all over the place. Just a mess.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 4 stars. Leo Sullivan can write. He is that good.
Very passionate story. Full of drama, suspense, realism, politics, and social awareness.
I am now a Leo Sullivan fan. Triple Crown Publications has some very talented writers.
once I see the triple crown I know I got to read it.

[Mita Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

See this book right here Leo, this is the true meaning of Urban Literature at it's best! Such a powerful read! To say I loved it would be an understatement! READERS, THIS IS DEFINITELY A GREAT READ, ONE YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS OUT ON! This is one of those stories that will forever be etched in your mind!

[Mamajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I really enjoyed this book. Leo Sullivan you did a great job. The characters Life and Hope was beautifully orchestrated. This book had some words in it that I had to find out the meaning very informative. Life was all that and Hope made a sister proud. This is a must read book it will have you thinking.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life

Five *****. Leo Sullivan is an amazing writer. Just pure talent! It's real LIFE blending the unknown mystery into the known. This is a BOOK worth reading from the major characters to the minor players in this story. Keep your pen to the paper, sir. Five ***** plus 5 *****...

[Claynetta Foster]

I loooooved this book. Leo is so detailed!!! when he writes he paints a picture. while reading I felt like I was watching a movie as the tension was building! I loved it. this was my second time reading the book and fell in love all over again. Leo Sullivan does his thing!! can't wait to read the other installments of this book!

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
Magnificent story! Once I finally started reading, I completed in a matter of hours for the story was so detailed & magnetic I couldn't put it down. Filled with action, it had me feeling as if I was present while the scenes were unfolding. Characters & storyline realistic as many of society's issues were mentioned. Highly recommended!