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Secrets on the Clock
Jenna Thompson is a recently promoted supervisor for Child Protective Services, but she's already having a hard time following the rules. She knows that if she dares act on her desire for her new trainee, she won’t keep her job long.
Danielle Corey’s family disowned her when she came out at seventeen, so she’s passionate about helping children who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned by their families. Eager to prove herself as a new social worker, Danielle struggles with her unprofessional attraction for her new boss.
As the case they’re working on becomes more volatile, their opinions start to clash even as coworkers become suspicious of their obvious connection. Tensions rise, and with their careers and hearts in the balance, Jenna and Danielle have to decide if they’re willing to risk everything they’ve worked for to take a chance at forever.
Danielle Corey’s family disowned her when she came out at seventeen, so she’s passionate about helping children who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned by their families. Eager to prove herself as a new social worker, Danielle struggles with her unprofessional attraction for her new boss.
As the case they’re working on becomes more volatile, their opinions start to clash even as coworkers become suspicious of their obvious connection. Tensions rise, and with their careers and hearts in the balance, Jenna and Danielle have to decide if they’re willing to risk everything they’ve worked for to take a chance at forever.
- GenresLGBTLesbian FictionDrama
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Disney
8 books131 followersNicole is a lifelong storyteller who is happiest when exploring the hidden corners of life. She lives in Denver, Colorado, where she is a collector of jobs that inspire her writing. She has worked as a 911 operator, police dispatcher, and martial arts instructor. Nicole loves words that hit hard and stories that linger. She has written literary fiction, contemporary LGBT, short stories, and flash fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 21, 2018
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.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
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.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
September 22, 2018
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 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.
October 13, 2018
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
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
September 21, 2018
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.
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.
April 28, 2021
At times, I found this book hard to read. There is a lot of drama here and heavy topics including child abuse, addiction and mental health. In saying all that, this book was completely engaging as well, and a book I'm also very glad to have read.
September 14, 2018
I found this book amazing, although there are some imperfections.
It's a pure romance, with main characters with strong character but with doubts, reversals of situation, in short, all that makes a romance successful.
Jenna Thompson is a recently promoted supervisor for Child Protective Services, she oversees a trainee, Danielle, who was disowned by her family when she came out. Between the growing attraction between Jenna and Danielle is Jenna's career.
The romance is very successful even if, as usual, the end is too fast. I was expecting an extra sex scene where she would really make love and not just a sex-based relationship. One has the impression that everything that could not be written before resumes at the end of the book ...
The secondary characters are succulent, and bring a touch extra in the unfolding of the story
Callie, Jenna's sister passes too quickly from one extreme to the other is not very plausible. Themes covered, child welfare, mental illness, alcoholism, foster system, rejection of the family after a come out, short as many themes very well integrated.
Finally a book with a character POC, it's so rare that I emphasize it expressly. This has no impact on the story, though ... Too little WOC in lesfic and too little POC ..... We too often have blondes or redheads with blue or green eyes, at the end of a moment it becomes boring and even cliché ...
I highly recommend this book, Ms Disney's second book, I did not read the first, but there is a high quality author with potential.
Just a problem of understanding with the title, being French, I did not understand the title. Is it an anglophone expression, i do not know.
Buy this book, it is well worth it!
It's a pure romance, with main characters with strong character but with doubts, reversals of situation, in short, all that makes a romance successful.
Jenna Thompson is a recently promoted supervisor for Child Protective Services, she oversees a trainee, Danielle, who was disowned by her family when she came out. Between the growing attraction between Jenna and Danielle is Jenna's career.
The romance is very successful even if, as usual, the end is too fast. I was expecting an extra sex scene where she would really make love and not just a sex-based relationship. One has the impression that everything that could not be written before resumes at the end of the book ...
The secondary characters are succulent, and bring a touch extra in the unfolding of the story
Callie, Jenna's sister passes too quickly from one extreme to the other is not very plausible. Themes covered, child welfare, mental illness, alcoholism, foster system, rejection of the family after a come out, short as many themes very well integrated.
Finally a book with a character POC, it's so rare that I emphasize it expressly. This has no impact on the story, though ... Too little WOC in lesfic and too little POC ..... We too often have blondes or redheads with blue or green eyes, at the end of a moment it becomes boring and even cliché ...
I highly recommend this book, Ms Disney's second book, I did not read the first, but there is a high quality author with potential.
Just a problem of understanding with the title, being French, I did not understand the title. Is it an anglophone expression, i do not know.
Buy this book, it is well worth it!
October 15, 2018
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
eARC via NetGalley
February 6, 2022
This was not it.
June 19, 2021
Plot: This was bad. It skipped over any scene that could have shown relationship development between the two main characters. Basically they see each other, have a magical spark that makes them so attracted to each other that they can’t resist even though it will definitely cost one of them their job eventually, they kiss and fall into insta love, they get caught, all of their personal drama blows up in their face, and they snap back together.
Callie has facial scarring, is lazy, and is afraid to show her face in public. Yet somehow after one big argument she is no longer scared to go out side, has a 180 attitude adjustment and starts actively contributing to the house. This is so unbelievable it’s ridiculous.
Jenna is so messed up from her own childhood and it has formed her into a person who makes risky decisions and breaks the rules at her job. The book doesn’t really go into her previous job performance much but I don’t think it is likely that someone who lies at work is going to get promoted.
Characterization: Jenna grew up in a strained home. Her mom is schizophrenic and unable to provide while her sister blames her for her facial scarring to the point that she actively tries to sabotage her life. She carries these issues with her and tries to see her own life in the lives of the children she is supposed to be protecting. She also makes dumb decisions and excuses for her family and then turns around and expects Danielle to make better ones about her own messed up situation.
Danielle lives with her ex. Her ex is an alcoholic who has ruined every other relationship in her own life and now depends on Danielle. Her ex purposely manipulates Danielle in an emotionally abusive way. Dispute her own messed up situation Danielle is judgmental about Jenna’s life.
This book can be summed up by: A bunch of emotionally scarred people projecting their problems onto other emotionally scarred people and causing more emotional scarring.
Writing: The writing in this sucked. It was written in the third person perspective and jumped over any possible character development and cut straight to scenes where character trade information but don’t really react to it emotionally.
This book also breaks my personal rule of “Never describe kissing as lips crashing together”. That sounds painful, not passionate.
Callie has facial scarring, is lazy, and is afraid to show her face in public. Yet somehow after one big argument she is no longer scared to go out side, has a 180 attitude adjustment and starts actively contributing to the house. This is so unbelievable it’s ridiculous.
Jenna is so messed up from her own childhood and it has formed her into a person who makes risky decisions and breaks the rules at her job. The book doesn’t really go into her previous job performance much but I don’t think it is likely that someone who lies at work is going to get promoted.
Characterization: Jenna grew up in a strained home. Her mom is schizophrenic and unable to provide while her sister blames her for her facial scarring to the point that she actively tries to sabotage her life. She carries these issues with her and tries to see her own life in the lives of the children she is supposed to be protecting. She also makes dumb decisions and excuses for her family and then turns around and expects Danielle to make better ones about her own messed up situation.
Danielle lives with her ex. Her ex is an alcoholic who has ruined every other relationship in her own life and now depends on Danielle. Her ex purposely manipulates Danielle in an emotionally abusive way. Dispute her own messed up situation Danielle is judgmental about Jenna’s life.
This book can be summed up by: A bunch of emotionally scarred people projecting their problems onto other emotionally scarred people and causing more emotional scarring.
Writing: The writing in this sucked. It was written in the third person perspective and jumped over any possible character development and cut straight to scenes where character trade information but don’t really react to it emotionally.
This book also breaks my personal rule of “Never describe kissing as lips crashing together”. That sounds painful, not passionate.
December 27, 2019
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).
January 22, 2022
So the book revolves mainly around Jenna Thompson and Danielle Corey who are, or were -in Jenna's case- (she gets promoted to a supervisor position), case workers at a child protection service center.
They're young women in their 20s who develop feelings for each other, at the not so best times in their lives. Jenna has just gotten promoted at work and is not allowed to be involved in any romantic entanglements with her coworkers while Danielle... Well she's not in the best place overall (But it's not a big deal. Not really anyway.) And she's just been employed at the very center, and well jumping into your boss's pants barely a month into your employment isn't very credible good behaviour.
The characters were quite likable. Even the annoying self-centered, obnoxious roommate wasn't that bad. There's some character development I liked, in the case of Jenna's young sister Callie.
Overall I liked the book. The grammar was okay and it really is generally a good book. The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars or higher is because I feel there could have been more to Danielle's past and present, a little more about her family and all the tragedy there.
If you're looking for a cute light yet sort of heavy lesbian romance, light on the smut and sort of heavy on the characters' lives, then this book would be great for you.
They're young women in their 20s who develop feelings for each other, at the not so best times in their lives. Jenna has just gotten promoted at work and is not allowed to be involved in any romantic entanglements with her coworkers while Danielle... Well she's not in the best place overall (But it's not a big deal. Not really anyway.) And she's just been employed at the very center, and well jumping into your boss's pants barely a month into your employment isn't very credible good behaviour.
The characters were quite likable. Even the annoying self-centered, obnoxious roommate wasn't that bad. There's some character development I liked, in the case of Jenna's young sister Callie.
Overall I liked the book. The grammar was okay and it really is generally a good book. The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars or higher is because I feel there could have been more to Danielle's past and present, a little more about her family and all the tragedy there.
If you're looking for a cute light yet sort of heavy lesbian romance, light on the smut and sort of heavy on the characters' lives, then this book would be great for you.
October 19, 2018
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.
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.
October 29, 2018
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.
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.
May 18, 2020
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.
April 28, 2019
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 received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2018
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.
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.
September 29, 2018
I really enjoyed Nicole's other book Hers to Protect and I felt this book just increased her writing skills. The chemistry between Jenna and Danielle was amazing. All the way through this book I was just rooting for these two. I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
I received this book in return of an honest review
I received this book in return of an honest review
October 18, 2018
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 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.
November 6, 2018
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.
Very well written and I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2018
This was amazing read it dealt with a lot of things like love mental health problems alcoholism doing what is right. It start with Jenna who just got promoted to supervisor at her job as Social Worker and where she meet a new hire Danielle as they start to work together an attraction is form between them and it's frown upon at work to get into a relationship. As the story goes on we found out they both have things going in their life. I won't tell you what those things are you just have to read it yourself but I'll tell you it's worth the read. Thank you for give me opportunity to read it and give honest review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews