An honest review thanks to NetGalley. It was tough to rate this one, the only reason it did not get a four was because I will not read it again. It was a really engaging book, the chemistry between the characters was great but it is a book where you read once and get everything out of it. It was a great story, there were times were your emotions most definitely get involved.

This was okay but something about the writing style didn't sit right with me (a me problem, not a problem with the book really). I did like the characters quite a lot though.

This was drama packed and my goodness, it did not slow down. Both Jenna and Danielle were really well rounded and I loved them so much. The story was handled really well and I enjoyed how the heavy drama and social issues were handled. I would love to another to follow on what happened after as I grew to love all the characters.

I really liked the book, the ain characters are well written and very likeable. Their chemistry was amazing. I hope to read more from the author!

Engaging story and characters, especially the young boys that Jenna cares for.

But. Lots of drama between the couple, that’s never fully resolved. Sideplot drama escalates to a ridiculous extent, sideplot is slightly problematic in how it portrays a woman of colour.

**error: synopsis in front of book is for a different book

It's a different type of workplace romance than a lot of them out there. Both of them aren't too far apart in age, and their lives seemed to compliment each other so I didn't feel like they weren't on the same plane.

The two main characters were likable, and I especially liked that they weren't perfect. They each had a lot of baggage outside their work, and brought that to work on occasion like the rest of us.

It was also well placed and had a nice slow romance build. Good read overall.

The main characters, Jenna and Danielle, were very likable and well fleshed out. This is not your typical romance novel, although there is a possible romance (don't want to give too much away). Meanwhile, there is a child protective service case that is the main theme throughout the book. If you are hesitant regarding this subject matter, there is some graphic matter. The ending is shocking - that is all I will say.
Very well written and I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow this book was an intense drama filled ride. Jenna and Danielle met at work when Danielle was assigned to work in Jenna’s CPS division. Their chemistry was immediate but both tried hard not to act. Their romance played second fiddle to the other drama in the book. Jenna’s mom’s mental illness, her sister’s scars, and Danielle’s alcoholic ex/roommate. Danielle and Jenna were selfless characters and at times I couldn’t help shake my head at the selfishness to their family and friends. Overall this was a good book which had me reading faster and faster to see what happened at the end.

Workplace romances are never easy and can get quite messy. Along comes Secrets of the Clock about a workplace romance that’s all kinds of a glorious mess in the best of unexpected ways. First, we have Jenna and Danielle who are two survivors of family disasters. They are charming and resilient despite their challenges, and their job profession of protecting kids for all the right reasons make them instant heroes. Their secret romance is alluring, seductive, and downright cute at times. However, a good romance is not without its conflict and it was a glorious journey of human emotion, ups and downs, with even some startling suspense that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. It was a genuine relief that Jenna and Danielle’s story was so full of conflict with unpredicting twists and turns. It made them more real and relatable knowing they could mess up just like anyone else but yet still had the strength to persevere despite the swirl of crazy that is their circumstances. I really liked this pair, getting to know them, and their messy complications. A truly refreshing take on a complicated romance that works brilliantly despite everything that gets in their way.

This book was good but not one I would love to read again.

Jenna has recently been promoted as supervisor for Child Protective Services agency and Danielle, a new trainee in the agency have to find a way to handle their growing attraction in order to keep their jobs and handle the case they are working on.

I felt the pace a bit slow and I wasn't really invested in the characters. There were lots of supporting characters that showed a great diversity, something not many books do. The story, while interesting, it took me a while to get into it and finish the book.

Overall it was a good read. 4/5

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

I know I'm in the minority here, and it's quite possibly because I'm in a very cranky mood today, but this one just didn't quite work for me. The premise is wonderful, but the story had too many flaws for me to really get behind it.

Unfortunately, the characters felt immature in many ways, even despite their very serious situations. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why, but it felt to me as if the MCs should have had a bit more patience and maturity with each other after having been through so much in their individual lives. It was as if their angsty overreactions in their relationship didn't mesh with the rest of their actions.

What bothered me most though is that Disney (quite disappointingly) took the tactic of telling the reader how the characters were feeling instead of letting the reader feel it for themselves. I just couldn't find a way to become invested in the relationship.

Don't get me wrong, it's definitely readable, and as I can see from many other reader reviews, apparently enjoyable to many. For me though, this one just had some serious flaws that kept me from enjoying it personally.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 to counterbalance my cranky mood.

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.**

I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

I was hooked on this story from the beginning. It deals with a lot of issues from alcoholism to mental health. I enjoyed the story line and I fell in love with the characters. Jenna has just been promoted to a Supervisor with Child Protective Services. Danielle is a junior Case Worker and Jenna is her boss. When the pair meet for the first time they are instantly attracted to one another and the more time they spend together the more attracted they are to each other. Both have issues to deal with throughout. I fell in love with Danielle almost instantly. Although this is only the authors second book, she is definitely one to watch for the future. I loved her first book but this one tops that one by a mile. I would definitely recommend reading it.

Secrets on the Clock gives the reader drama, action and romance in a well-written and engaging story. Jenna and Danielle work for Child Protection Services; Jenna is the rising star who gets promoted and Danielle is the newbie who takes her place. There is an instant attraction, but then things get complicated. Jenna and Danielle also have a past and present with baggage and family complications which clearly impact the character’s actions and reactions.
The insight into CPS work is interesting and really brings home the messy, potential heartbreaking but vitally important work these folks do. With no specific towns or cities mentioned this book could be set anywhere which I assume is deliberate – I’m sure this story would work in cities anywhere and not just in the US.
The writing is very good and Ms. Disney’s storytelling is really developing with this book. This is an absolute solid and enjoyable read. Four-and-a-half stars.

The story and attraction builds quickly.

The characters have baggage that is believable and relatable.

I think that Danielle's character could have used a bit more backstory.

I would read a sequel to this story.

Danielle Corey’s family disowned her when she came out.She has worked hard and is now a social worker who tries to help young people who like she was, are very much on their own. Jenna Thompson who works for Child Protection Services is Danielle's supervisor. Even though it’s frowned on having a relationship with her boss and co-worker Jenna, Danielle can’t help but be attracted to her. As a case they are working on becomes more volatile they find their opinions on how to handle it differ. With careers and hearts on the line some tough choices have to be made. Nicely paced story that keeps you coming back from doing all the other things you should be doing. Very, Very nice read.
eARC via NetGalley

Family and romantic relationships on the job. What an emotional read in both settings. Although the main characters were attracted to each other at first sight, it did not bother me. The specific story for each of them and with each other was engaging. Jenna has a tough family situation but she handles it well and whether she knows it or not, she would like to have someone to share her life. Danielle has a tough family situation but she handles it as well as she can considering the circumstances. There was so much emotion related to their chosen profession and how strong and determined you must be

When Jenna Thompson gets promoted to supervisor within her job in Social Work. Her old position is filled by Danielle, a new trainee. Both woman come from tragic past and come together. A forbidden romance between supervisor and employee florishes as Jenna and Danielle get to know each.

The secret on the clock by Nicole Disney, is a true romance. This story goes beyond having a normal romance, but introduces real love and life. The characters feel like real people. I enjoyed reading this book and thought it was brave to tell this story in such a compelling way that extends beyond the romance genre.

I want to thank Net Galley for giving my the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jenna has just been promoted to a supervisory position at the Child Protection Services. She’s young for the position and there are concerns that she’s too close to the friends she now has to supervise. When she meets Danielle, the trainee social worker who takes her old job, there is an instant connection. However, policies in their workplace make any kind of fraternisation off limits and unprofessional. Jenna has one case she’d like to resolve personally but also needs Danielle to be familiar with it should it take too long. Being together doesn’t make their dilemma any easier.Both Danielle and Jenna are also wading their way through complicated home lives.

This is not an easy read emotionally but it is riveting and well-paced. I found myself completely drawn into the drama and action. Their job is not an easy one and when it’s combined with the trauma and complications of what each character is having to deal with personally it almost becomes overwhelming. Overwhelming enough, in fact, that I think that the development of both Jenna and Danielle got lost a little bit in everything that was thrown at them.

I enjoyed this so much more than Disney’s debut novel, “Hers to Protect”, and there was a lot merit in that too. I’m looking forward to more by this author and easily recommend this novel.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

This is not one of those sweet, gentle, minute killing, afternoon passing books. This one deals with serious issues, like child abuse, poverty, mental illnesses, lifelong feelings of blame and responsibility...
Both Jenna and Danielle have people around them they feel responsible for, and they take care of them. And it's hard and it's taking it's toll, doing that without any help, while trying to focus on work, where they deal with serious social issues. Shattered families, unfortunate destinies of abused, neglected children... it's hard to emotionally stay away, and sometimes, because of that, it's hard to be objective and make a right choice. And with Jenna's recent promotion as supervisor, it's very hard to maintain tight ties with co-workers, to deal with all her cases personally, and above all that - she's starting to feel something more for Danielle, the new social worker, when it's strictly forbidden and highly frown upon on.
We see many beautiful scenes between Jenna and Danielle in the book, but we also see Jenna's unhealthy family relationship, and Danielle's strangely depending relationship with Brianna, her troubled ex-girlfriend and roommate.
This book is very mature, it's not dealing with some made-up angst just to have a break-up scene so they can kiss and make up later. There are very real obstacles for them to be together, in spite of their willingness to compromise up to some point.
I loved this book! It's one of those "deeper"ones, ones you remember and highly recommend to people that love reading romance with thick background plot and deeper structure.

3.5 Stars. I thought this book was quite a bit better than Disney’s first book Hers to Protect. I still felt there were some bumps here, but overall it felt like a pretty good step up. I thought it was an entertaining read that never bored me, it just didn’t come completely together like I hoped.

The book focuses on two women that work for child protective services. One is a newly promoted supervisor, the other is a new case worker. The more these two work together, the more an attraction is formed. The problem is a supervisor cannot date anyone that works for them. Is this relationship doomed from the beginning or is a HEA possible?

The book itself goes at a nice pace. You just keep flipping the pages because it seems like something is always happening. No time for boredom at all. I thought the child services part was very interesting. My disappointment was they only worked on two cases. I wish the book spent a little more time on work aspects.

There is a lot of angst in this book. I didn’t mind it for most of the book, but one of the final angsty moments (between the two mains) had me rolling my eyes hard. I think Disney just went one step further than she needed too. I started seeing a flashing unrealistic sign.

When it came to the characters, I’m a little mixed. I liked both of the mains for the most part, but both had some personalities I didn’t care for. Both let people walk over them a little too much for my tastes. The problem is a lot of the secondary characters are pretty toxic at times. Besides a few people from the workplace, and a couple kids, the other characters have major issues that brings outside angst onto the two mains.

The romance was pretty average for me. It didn’t feel like insta love, but it felt a little too insta like for my tastes. Also, there is so much going on in the book, I felt the romance was pushed on the backburner a bit. I liked the mains as a couple, but I wish I felt a stronger connection between them. Especially since the main storyline is about how their jobs are on the line if they are together. I want to see some major chemistry if you are risking everything for someone else.

I do want to mention there was a couple exciting parts that I enjoyed. I didn’t really expect that, so it made the read more enjoyable. I don’t see how anyone could be bored reading this book. It does have some bumps, but I did feel entertained. I’m hoping Disney’s next book will be even better so she keeps making good progress.