Customer Reviews

A Whisper to a Scream (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This author has commanded my attention since her first novel, GOOD TO THE LAST DROP and I find myself coming back for more. Elissa has a way with words and tackles some hard-hitting issues in her latest offering, A WHISPER TO A SCREAM. Race, domestic violence, mental illness and so much more are served up to readers in this thriller.

Love, romance, soul-stirring poetic prose, obsession, toe-curling, nipple-hardening, leg-crossing sex scenes, and suspense...can it all be found in this one novel by Elissa Gabrielle? The answer is a resounding yes, all that and then some! Be sure to get your copy and let Gabrielle take you from a mere whisper to a GUT-WRENCHING SCREAM!!!

Linda R. Herman

From the very first words of A Whisper to a Scream by Elissa Gabrielle, I was unable to stop reading. The violence of the opening scene caught my attention and made my skin prickle. However, I wanted to know what was going to happen. It took me a couple chapters to get the feel for the author's very vivid, first person writing style, but once I felt it the story moved at a rapid pace and I was mesmerized.

The heroine of the story, Attorney Queen Thomas does not fit any stereotypical profile of what many think an abused woman is like. She is beautiful, educated and accomplished, but, she is still a victim of abuse. Most astonishing is the fact that she is so reticent in getting her abuser, Derrick, placed behind bars. Her reasoning does not at first make sense, but as the story develops the reader realizes the `victim mentality' is much the same as any other kind of addiction. And though most will wonder why, the reader is allowed to at a minimum see how it could happen.

Ms. Gabrielle also provides the reader with an `Anti-Derrick,' in the form of Dr. Quincy Hughes. He is a successful doctor who at first sight is smitten with Queen. An interesting twist is Quincy's ethnicity and how that plays out in the storyline. The three characters add such an across the board dynamic that the reader is immersed in the story from start to finish.

I applaud the author for taking on the hard subject matters of domestic violence and mental illness and doing it in a way that is also readable. I recommend A Whisper to A Scream to all readers who enjoy riveting storytelling.



Angelia Vernon Menchan
APOOO BookClub

"A Whisper To A Scream" is an exceptional novel, and the stimulating erotic content is vibrant. From domestic violence,to mental illness,this novel challenges the reader to look beyond outer appearances, and look at the heart. "A Whisper To A Scream" embraces each character, making them real to the reader. Elissa Gabrielle is an innovative writer who is willing to tackle difficult subjects, while offering an invigorating read.

Pamela D. Rice

Elissa Gabrielle does it again!!! If you have not read 'A Whisper to a Scream', let me give you one piece of advice: "PICK IT UP TODAY"! I could not put this book down at all. The complex issues of abuse, interracial dating and- best of all- love, made this book worth the read. I could relate to Queen on a few levels and felt her attraction to Quincy from the beginning. I felt a tug at my heart-strings every time the persistent Quincy eyed his 'Queen' and went for her. I love how Ms. Gabrielle tied in Quincy's need to heal his past scars through the healing of others in his role as doctor. It was an awesome parallel between why Queen was a lawyer (and was so passionate about it) and why Quincy was a doctor. I could close my eyes and visualize Quincy & Queen- Ms. Gabrielle is definitely THAT awesome of a writer. When a writer can take you on a journey in your heart, mind & soul, they have not only done their job, they've secured a fan for life. Ms. Gabrielle does an AMAZING job of painting a realistic portrait of the struggles and concerns that people have about/with interracial dating. I must say I related to Queen as she hesitantly tried to decide if she should give Quincy a chance. I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what she was going to do. Contrary to what others may think or feel about how a victim of abuse SHOULD act, no one can say what they'd do unless they were in that situation. I wanted Queen to turn Derrick in ASAP, but I could feel the emotional pull on why she hesitated doing so. It doesn't mean I agreed with Queen, it just means Ms. Gabrielle did that GREAT of a job in laying the situation out & allowing you to think. What fun would books be if the characters did everything we thought they should do, when we thought they should do it. Boring! This book kept me on my toes in anticipation of what was going to unfold!
The unbelievable journey that Queen & Quincy take together- toward an unknown destiny- is one that I could not wait to see the outcome of. I got to the last page of the book and wanted MORE! MORE! MORE! Anytime a writer is able to write a scene so good that the reader thinks about it AFTER they've finished the book- well, you know you've got a winner. My favorite scene (with Queen & Quincy and the hot chocolate) is etched in my brain forever! Bravo Ms. Gabrielle!!
I'm a huge fan of Ms. Gabrielle's work and 'A Whisper to a Scream' definitely keeps me as a fan. I can't wait to read more!

At the heart of Elissa Gabrielle's latest novel, A WHISPER TO A SCREAM sits a daring tale where unrequited love reigns supreme. It has the perfect scenario for it to be told with preoccupations exposing the taboos of forbidden fruit and persuasions different from society's norm. Her book offers life lessons: in realizing ultimately that love is fleeting when it comes to loyalty, and how to achieve consistency when pursuing something worth having, especially when the hunter ultimately gets captured by the game! The story's physical content is a bit long before hitting a stride that would balance a meaningful crescendo, but the author makes up for it by adding ingredients carefully to make sure the finished product is well done -- a bit of quirkiness here, a pinch of sentimentality there -- and it comes about with guarantees to satisfy readers with an appetite for what's going to happen next! Providing the right amount of romanticism with the cutting edge sharpest when erogenous zones are exposed for sexual appeal, has been a signature through several books and contributions to anthologies from Ms Gabrielle. Conversely in Whisper to a Scream, she takes us on a journey putting a flawed heroine at its center where she diligently paint a different canvas using colors that seem to blur outside of the numbers despite attempts to balance life with a myriad of trials and tribulated angst. The degree of success itwill take to measure of clarity depends on how she triumphs and with whom is paramount well before the book shifts gears.

I liked this book because of the message it sends about freedom of choice when the appetite is ripe to pursue anyone who you're attracted to...but being the carnal creatures we are at times won't allow us to settle for committed relationships where integrity and faithfulness is not compromised. Queen only wants to be loved without the drama but full of dynamics. The whispers get louder with screams loud enough to elicit a modicum of change as the plot thickens. Quincy Hughes though, is on a mission. He's a handsome doctor with an underlying intrigue that allows the mind to wonder and wander simultaneously. Ultimately he relentlessly pursues her despite his mystique, and forces Queen to question the taboo concept of accepted love in spite of what his friends and family will say. Is she ready to tackle the relevancy of this different persuasion? And to what extent will it play on the other aspects of her life. What about her ex-lover -- will he understand what's tugging at her heart?

If you're looking for a gripping story where love, romance, obsession and stimulating sex scenes are segued to make a greater part of a reasonable whole, this will beg for you to be part of it! Who settles for what, whom, how, where and for how long is the gist of one person's need for have what he wants against the audacity of status quo being challenged. In my opinion to do so would not be constraining to conclude my moral equation to this book: misjudgment + repentance = restoration (eventually). The pattern of writing a story with areas of gray shadings gives the author license to depict her secondary characters as non-victims, but who still support the need for sorrow and regret to achieve redemption in the final act. And this is where uncompromising love is requited to represent not only all that is wholesome, enduring, wise and true but also much more where love is consenting for a magical healing balm. Will Queen be the
progenitor of this?

Sensual and brimming with sexuality, this heart-wrenching drama is comparable and written in a fashion that can only be delivered by Elissa Gabrielle, the best-selling author of Good To the Last Drop, Point Of No Return and contributions to several other anthologies, including Zane's Purple Panties. A Whisper To a Scream is groundbreaking fiction. A sexy, moving and riveting tale that will pull you deep into an unforgettable erotic, socially-conscious, and emotionally-charged ride. How many stars does it warrant? Five, of course!

Puffy, swollen and tender, Queen Thomas abusive relationship creeps further into view. Fear has stifled her screams. As an advocate for black males, she feels as though she couldn't possibly allow Derrick, her abuser, to be locked up. Regardless of the fact that he's already killed once, and by the looks of things it may not be the last time.

Quincy Hughes is amongst the elite. An ER doctor, early thirties and single- women of all colors are into him. White boy, with serious Jersey City swagger, Q is basically a hit-it-and-quit type of dude.

Quincy and Queen meet one night and for Q, it's the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately, for Queen, all she sees is his lack of color. In high pursuit, Q is determined to show Queen that he's a worthy suitor. While Queen is being swept off of her feet, someone is lurking in the background texting, and taking notes with the intents to prove to Queen that he too is a deserving mate.

From the start we meet two people who appear to be complete opposites. A lawyer, with a successful career, yet she allows fear and intimidation to silence her. A doctor, who values life, but oftentimes forgets to live. Abuse is put front and center and while I'm at a loss and wondering how a woman with so much going for herself could allow anyone a chance to hurt her over and over again, I realize that this is someone's reality. At times, `A Whisper to a Scream' becomes a little too talky for my liking, and the romance is pretty thick. Fortunately the suspense and the characters keep the story afloat for me.

"A Whisper to a Scream" is first-rate suspense. Elissa Gabrielle's writing is `good to the last drop' causing you to always want more.

Reviewed by: Crystal

Queen, a beautiful Black thick attorney that had a passion for saving Black men from losing their lives to the system.Does an excellent job defending brothers in the court room but she is not so lucky in her choice of men.She likes them tall dark and handsome...no White men allowed was her policy until....
Quincy,a successful tall handsome emergency room doctor...his passion is saving lives.Q is sort of a player until he witnesses the love a patient and her husband had for each other...that 'I can't live without you kind of love' and decides he wants that for himself.Q also has a thing for beautiful thick Black women...Q is White...
While out with his boys he sees the love of his life,his soulmate,his future wife enter the club and can't take his eyes off her...Queen...He has to have her so he makes a move and she immediately shuts him down even though she knows her life is in shambles due to the abusive relationship she's trying to end with Derrick,a pyscho she can't get rid of...Plus Q is White.
Q is White,confident ,charismatic and persistant...are these characteristics going get him his Queen?
This read has a little of everything...drama,erotica,humor and suspense.A lot of descriptions that went on and on and repeated several times...other than that this was a good read...this is my first Interracial Romance read and my first time reading Ms. Gabrielle's work.Enjoyed it.

3.75*s

I must start off by saying that Elissa Gabrielle never ceases to amaze me with her talent and skills when it comes to the pen. After, the anticipation ceased, once I received my copy (only because I have been awaiting her next piece of work since I finished her last title). This story had me on the edge of my seat from the first page. I finished this wonderfully written story in a matter of 2 days. This was one roller coaster ride that I thoroughly enjoyed and was kinda sad that it had to end. I must say that Queen was a true force to be reckoned with, but she met her match when the Suave and not easily swayed Dr. Quincy stepped on the scene. This book has most, if not all types of relationship situations rolled into one book, and is put together well. I mean everything, from interacial dating, domestic violence, etc., etc. all the way down to even a little racial profiling. I must reccomend this book to all readers, and again I must say "Thank You Mrs. Gabrielle for another wonderful book that didn't let the reader down" I trully am looking forward to your next piece of work.

'A Whisper to a Scream' had to be the best urban/fiction/IR book I've ever came across. Its not the usual predictable romantic chick lit, it explores everything there is in our modern world of dating, race perception, domestic violence, judicial system, music, all coming together to flow beautifully.

Ms. Gabrielle has the amazing talent to bring her characters to life, enticing strong emotions in the reader. Not to mention, the blend of art and music in her storytelling enriches it tremendously. As a hiphop connoisseur, it was great to see the love of rap and jazz displayed so richly in the book.

And let's not forget how Sexy the main characters were and the love they had for each other. This is how erotic should be written, not the usual hit it and miss it crap passed around as a great love story more often than not in female readership.

Queen Thomas is a young African-American attorney who is relentless in seeking justice, especially for her young black male clients. But Queen's personal life is a living nightmare because she's in a physically abusive relationship with her soon to be ex-boyfriend that won't take no for an answer. Will Queen ever find someone to love her? Quincy Hughes is a sexy doctor that is tired of playing the field. Quincy thinks he's found the perfect woman in Queen, but she's proving to be a tough nut to crack. This does not stop Quincy from pursuing the woman of his dreams. He just needs to prove to Queen that he can give her the love that she needs. But can Queen see past his race in order to get the love that she deserves?

Elissa Gabrielle created an interesting tale about the endless possibilities a woman can have when she steps out of her comfort zone. Gabrielle did an excellent job with bringing these characters to life. There is also a strong message about domestic violence in this novel that shouldn't be ignored. This story has an unexpected dose of erotica and suspense that really takes this novel to the next level. Gabrielle leaves with you a solid ending, but you can also see how this book could lead to a sequel. A Whisper to a Scream is a perfect mix of drama, sex and murder.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews