This is the first part of a series written not for the faint at heart. Brace yourselves for a story of love, loyalty and survival on Chicago's Southside. At 17-years-old, Star can't wait to graduate so that she can make it out the Southside. With dreams of making it big, she is already on the right track to a new life after building a following by doing make-up tutorials and posting sexy photos of herself on her Instagram page. Though a good girl, she's infatuated with the violent and merciless street king, Polo, the head of the city's most notorious gang. She wants nothing more than to help him drop his current girl so that she can be the woman in his life. But Star gets more than she bargained for when a series of events lead her to not only be Polo's main chick but forces her to be the leader of the female counterpart to his gang. Tragedy strikes when Star's own dope fiend of a mother robs Polo's trap house and the act sends Mink, Polo's baby brother, and Kato, Polo's right-hand man, blasting right through Star's front door. When the night ends with Kato shot and Mink murdered at Star's hands, Polo demands to know who is responsible for killing his brother but she quickly covers her own tracks to save herself from his wrath. Unfortunately, Star doesn't know there is a witness to her crime. Kato, who she thought she'd killed is actually alive and in a coma fighting for his life. When he suddenly awakes, Star is afraid that her fate will be sealed as soon as he tells how Mink really died. However, Kato is not the same man that he was before and things between the two quickly begin to change. When sparks fly and Star feels she's found true love in the one man she thought she hated more than anyone on Earth, will the real truth of her lies come to light and ruin it all?
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.
This was just and okay read for me... This was not what I expected from these two authors... The storyline was kind of basic... I never had that feeling of a big build up to have me on the edge of my seat... It was just neutral all the way through... and kind of predictable... So I was never playing the guessing game... This book was very repetitive... It constantly kept repeating things and there was a lot of over explaining... To me this pulled away from the storyline even more... It became hard to stay focused and for me to want to keep reading... I mean don't get me wrong... I know this storyline has a lot of potential because the prologue was good enough to make me interested... So hopefully in part 2 we can get to that level... I liked Star... I hated the life that she lived with how she grew up and how to deal with because of her crackheadmother... But I also liked that she had higher hopes for herself and motivation to want to do better... unfortunately for her Polo also saw her potential and knew what fire and determination that she had deep inside of her... Her young naive little mind was guiding her in the wrong direction and slowly got her caught up in a trap that now seems that she may not be able to escape... Also in her case... As they say... be careful what you wish for... Because you just may get it... Only to find out that it is not what you really wanted... As for Polo hmmm... what can I day about him... I don't really like him... I hate the way that he treats women like a possession... He does not care about their feelings, what they may be going through or anything else but what they can do for him... He uses people until he no longer needs them... He is so heartless... Everyone thinks that his right hand man Kato is bad... They really have not seen what I see in Polo... but in due time his inner self will be on display for the world to finally see... Hopefully it wont be to late for Star... I guess we will see in part 2 how this will all play out... Will Kato get him memory back... If so will he point the finger at Star and try to take her life or will he see that he has some type of feelings and flip on his friend Polo in order to try to finally find love and happiness with one woman...
I have read books about love stories with real gang affiliation and I usually don't finish reading them. When I saw Leo and Porscha had written one, I was willing to give it a chance. I have to say this was really good! I am looking forward to the next book. I definitely recommend this read!
I normally don't like reading about The Gang Gang lifestyle because it's too real for a lot of neighborhoods in a lot of cities around the globe. But the fact that Porscha Sterling & Leo Sullivan placed this storyline in my FAVORITE CITY:CHICAGO, I HAD TO GIVE IT A READ! Star & Kevia are BFF's while POLO, KATO, & SLOAN are 'on count' & run parts of the town! Kevia & Sloan are in love despite his being married. Polo takes an interest in very young Star because of who her daddy, an OG GANG BANGER, is. KATO comes into STAR's life because of something her drug addict mama had done (The Mama & her crackhead Dude were very humorous as they decide how to come clean if KATO find & kill them!).When KATO bust into STAR's home she shares with her mama, grandma, & little sister, Star does the only thing she could to protect her family & shot KATO POINT BLANK IN THE HEAD! He doesn't die though; just comatose for weeks, which leaves STAR scared to death that if he wakes up and remembers who shot him she and her fam will be dead. KATO does awaken & POLO, who now has STAR as his main chick & also 'on count' as well, ORDERS STAR, KATO's shooter, to sit at KATO's bedside while he's comatose until he wakes up, which he does, but doesn't let on just yet that he remembers who shot him. Long story short, because of how close both HE & STAR had gotten as she sat in his hospital room day after day they both develop feelings for each other, which eventually causes problems for STAR & POLO, who is cheating on her & keeping her from furthering her education preventing her from achieving her dream of enrolling at NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. When you first read this series you can't help but HATE with EXTREME PREJUDICE the character of KATO because how ruthlessly savage he was in the book. But, by the end of the book and series the reader may start to PUSH FOR KATO & STAR TO BE TOGETHER ESPECIALLY AFTER HE REVEALS TO HER WHO HER DAD IS & WHAT HER POSITION IS IN THE GANG DUE TO WHO HER POPS IS! Though I couldn't listen to the book how I usually enjoy a book, I'm surprised that I actually enjoyed this book having had to read it & its sequels!
The question that should be on Star's mind is what did Tonya do for Polo to loose interest from the beginning because she always showed Polo straight loyalty until Star came in the picture. My biggest question is who is Star's OG father?? I hate that Star is caught up in a lifestyle that she never wanted from the beginning and that she was forced to take drastic measures to protect her family because of Roxy's selfish decisions. It's sad that Mink died and Kato's in a coma but it really was about survival. I understand Tonya being hurt by Polo discarding her like trash when she's been what he trained her to be and I really feel as though Star made a mistake by not letting Polo shoot her. I'm excited to see what's in store for Kato and Star with this attraction that they have for one another. Sloan and Kevia's relationship is beyond complex and I feel as though he's going to hurt her. Hopefully Kevia will get some selfesteem and start demanding her respect from Sloan.
They have returned with a banger. When these two collaborator nothing but sheer success will happen. I love this book. Never been to Chicago but I have heard stories. Nothing pretty about what no heard but without some kind of failur you cannot have success. The characters is what drew me in. Each has their own story each has their own way of dealing with it. Whether it's good or bad. Polo is a character that I love to hate. He's just not angood person. Star is naive to the fullest. Willing to give her hear to the one person that means her no good. Kevia knows the street life but suck at love. Sloan don't really know him but no like to think he a good guy but just doing thongs wrong when it comes to the women in his life. Katomis just a whole different story. I want to like him but I don't know just yet. Verdict still out on him. Overall I loved this book. Porscha Sterling and Leo Sullivan has done a terrific job with this book.
Great book, I loved it. Definitely different but that’s what made it great. Star was so in love with Polo from afar and when she got the chance to be with him, she went all in. Polo was a circumstance of his environment, hard, ruthless and just didn’t care, anyone could get it. I loved that Star had Kevia there to have her back as her best friend, a true friend. The Gangstress, headed by Tonya, gave Star a hard time. Tonya let her jealousy get the best of her. I personally think Star should have let Polo do it, because Tonya is gonna come back for her. I can’t wait to see more Kato, when he remembers all chaos is gonna break loose. I just hope Star is ready for all that comes with being with head of the Gangster Disciples, Polo. Can’t wait for part 2.
Star was beyond naive and got herself caught up with the wrong gangsta. She should've taken heed to obvious signs instead of thinking she'd found the one to be something like her knight in shining armor. I really dislike Polo! Yeah he may be a product of his environment but his need for power may end up being his biggest downfall. It's bad Tonya faulted Star for the choices Polo made when Star owed her nothing. She was once in the shoes Star will soon find herself in and I'm curious as to why it's so hard to let go. I understand when you love someone and give your all, letting go isn't easy but I want to know what or who it'll take for Tonya to realize she deserves better. Kevia is thorough and I love the friendship she shares with Star. I can't wait to see what's brewing in part 2. #868
While I was reading this story it was with a whole lot of cringe and an closed eye.This is story at the inside look at the lives of the people involved in circumstances beyond their control and surroundings.When we get a look at Star its of a girl trying to better herself,fulfill her dreams,fall in love and be tough all at the same time.Polo is a goon through and through,but their is something inside of him that gives us a glimpse at the human inside,but only he doesn't know how to call on it.This is one story that's going to keep you glued to the pages and get you wondering what's going to happen next.This story and the series to come is going to question all you know and what you don't.Be prepared to be hooked and so caught up.
This book was good but I’ve never been in to gangsta like books. This is a hard core gangsta book which they mentioned before I even started reading. I mainly read it because I wanted to see how well the married couple mashed together when it came to writing. I think they did a good job although the but was a bit wordy. I really just want to read the story and not really the long drawn out explanations. I understand why it was done tho, so the readers could get a better understanding of the characters. I just think it was too much explaining at times. Very wordy.
So i finally finished the first book and forgot it was a series so I was a bit disappointed when it ended to me it seem like it was just a little too short but I know what's the time so thank you very much and I'm looking forward to the next release finally finished the first book and forgot it was a series so I was a bit disappointed when it ended to me it seem like it was just a little too short but I know what's the come. So thank you very much and I'm looking forward to the next release for book 2.
Normally I wouldn't leave a review if I didn't like a book but with this being written by two of my favourite authors, I had to comment. I could not get into this book. It was all over the place. It started in the present, went back to the past to get us caught up. However, in one of the first scenes she says she love Kato. And polo would be pissed to find out but they didn't have a relationship before the shooting so how does that work. Very disappointed in this bpok.
It’s one thing to read about gang life, but when you grew up in the very neighborhood, albeit different address, it felt REAL familiar. I know personal Stars, Kati, Polo, and a Tonyas. I know firsthand how gang life is and how they operate. The GD’s were prominent in my hood. Can’t wait to see how someone who tried very hard to escape that life ends up deep because of that street life credo. Never apart of that life but being in the hood you have no choice but to learn the street rules to escape alive. Momma I made it!!! Can’t wait to finish the story.
I'm speechless... Like I'm seriously hoping polo meet hood match. Why is he playing on Star emotions. I hope she turned down his offer to move in with him I see nothing but harm and hard lessons. I dont think it's the end for Tonya tho. She coming back. As for kevia I hope she get smart enough to know better. I'm rooting for star and kato tho! I know it was wrong for star to kill polo brother but she did what she had to do to protect her family. I hope it don't bite her in the butt. This is most definitely a great read!
I’m new to the urban genre and this book was a roller coaster. There were so many scenes in this story that were hard to read, especially when Star lost her virginity on prom night. But I think it was necessary to really paint the picture of life in south side Chicago and the reality of dating a gang leader. Some parts of the story were a bit slower & the writing was pretty basic. There was lots of foreshadowing and this ended on cliff hanger but I’m sure all of that will be resolved in the next book
These two authors together are amazing. They are truly writing together as one. My favorite books straight street. Polo just want to love him and help him learn to love. Star girl you have no clue what you’ve gotten yourself into. Can’t wait for Kato to realize what really happened and I already know he’s not going to tell it. Sometimes loyalty is not the real deal. Can’t wait to follow and read this series. Well done
This storyline was layered with every emotion a misguided soul goes through from the powerful Polo to Kevia, the supportive best friend. Star knows who she wants to be but has difficulty getting there given her circumstances. If you want to see why and how dysfunction seeps it’s way into who we are, you better go get this one right here! Bravo, Porscha and Leo! Bravo!
This book was good from start to finish . The story line was well written. This book is relatable being a girl from the hood your circumstances can have a great impact on the person u become, but it is up to you to try tap make decisions that will positively impact ur life. Star had no choice but to join after being force to I hope she don't lose herself in the upcoming books.
When I tell you, it was hot like fire!! Man oh man what has polo been thru in life for him to be so cold. He is beyond cold hearted sheesh. Star looks like she'll be in for a long ride and I'm praying for Kevia. I really like her because she's loyal. But being too loyal to the wrong person will nake things hard. And Kato..I canr wait to see what happens between him and star! Really good read!
I grew up in Chicago and l was familiar with the locations. I reall enjoyed Stars character although she was very naive. On the other hand Tonya had been with that fool since she was fifteen for nine years! I don’t want to give away anything in the book because l want you to read it for yourself because it’s a banger!! I can’t wait for part two! Don’t keep us waiting to long............
I enjoyed a previous book I had read from this author so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, this one did not work for me. I enjoyed Star's character a lot. She was tough as hell but as much as I wished I could have gotten into this story I just couldn't. Something was just missing for me and the thing is I couldn't even tell you what it was but this story just wasn't for me. However, just because this one didn't work for me doesn't mean I won't try other books from this author.
This book was good from the beginning to the end. Star is like most young girls who dream of being with a bad boy. I can't wait for part to see how long star going to hold on to that Secret. I need a best friend that star has. Will polo regret his decision. I need part 2 now.
This book was crazy Star is young and dumb Polo means her no good he is a womanizer. He did Tonya wrong and will soon do Star the same way be careful what you wish for. Star was only protecting her family Mink, Shawn, Kato definitely underestimated the teen. If Kato returns will he forgive star for what she did to him or will he honor the Loyalty code and tell Polo? Hurry up part 2.#868
Omg it's like poor starr can't catch a break. I have already decided that i def don't like Tonya and I feel like she gone become a big problem. I don't knoe what's gone happen when Kato finally get his memory back but I know sh** is gone get real. I'm def ready to learn more about kato. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
It usually takes me a day to read a book but this one it took three because I was so intrigued buy the words they were used to describe what was going on. I love these authors and their stories keep you wanting to read more!! GREAT JOB and can't wait for the next book ofthis series!!!!
Wow this was a good book!! This book had me hooked from beginning to end. Poor Star i felt so bad for her, she was put in a situation she didn't want to be in. I wonder why polo wanted her to join so bad? I guess I will find out in the next installment..Can't wait!!!!!
This was a good book. I will recommend this as a must read. I’m not feeling Polo at all. I would love to see how it would be with Star and Kato!!!! Star’s mother was crazy. I hope Star can do better. I hope Kevia soon finds her worth...I can’t wait to read part 2...Leo and Porscha you have done it again...Great Job
This most definitely had me turning pages! As usual you guys have done me in....got to wait for the next installment! I hope Star has the ending she wants. Can't wait to see how things turn out for her! Polo....Im still trying to future out if I like him. Can't wait to see what Kato got going on.
This book was really good. I have mixed feelings when it comes to Polo. I really feel it for Star because she has big dreams and now it seems like it is never going to happen. I love Kevia. She is a true friend to Star. I can't wait for part 2 to see what happens between Kato and Star.
Of course I'm not surprised at how well thought out and written this story plot is! Its grimy, drama filled, witty and full of love . Now the best part is finding out who will get artificial love and who's will be authentic love when dealing with gang bangers! I can't wait for part 2!