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Broken Clocks

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According to my grandma, a broken clock being right twice a day meant that in any given situation, there are only two opportunities for perfect timing.

I fell for William Grayson in a matter of minutes. The connection between us was undeniable, but our timing was off. I was dating someone and by the time I was single again, he was taken. And a year later, when we finally got together, it was clear that we were soulmates. But circumstances out of our control cut our time short.

We were a little older, a little wiser, when our paths crossed again. I was entering a new phase of independence in both my career and my life. He was growing professionally and moving to a new city. And even though our timing was off, it was still clear that we were soulmates. But for the second time, circumstances out of our control cut our time short.

My grandma was a wise woman, but my love life taught me that there’s no such thing as perfect timing. There’s just timing… Because nothing is perfect. There’s just right now… Because tomorrow isn’t promised.

For as long as we’d known each other, William and I just wanted to be together. It was as simple and as complicated as that.

First published January 16, 2018

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About the author

Danielle Allen

70 books1,572 followers
Diversity in Romance Advocate.
Life Coach.

XOXO

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5 stars
530 (61%)
4 stars
218 (25%)
3 stars
88 (10%)
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15 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
Profile Image for Shawnaci Schroeder.
224 reviews1,705 followers
April 1, 2024
4/5 ⭐️

- Love this book so much! Danielle Allen has some of the BEST banter! It feels so realistic and you can easily fall in love with the characters. Even though the two books I’ve read of hers are 200 pages or less, the stories feel like full books with complete plot lines which can be hard to create in shorter books.
- Her books literally give the culture and I love being able to see myself in the way the characters navigate life. Would have loved for the story to be longer, not because it didn’t wrap up perfectly but because I was enjoying the book so much.
- This story felt so fast paced and had so many things going on, but was super easy to follow. So excited for her new book this summer!! If you’ve never read anything from her, you have to pick up a book asap!
Profile Image for B. Love.
Author 224 books999 followers
January 10, 2018
No book has ever made me cry, but as I write this review I am literally shedding free flowing tears. In all honesty, I didn't know what to expect with Broken Clocks. Yes, I read the synopsis. Yes, I'm aware of Danielle Allen's writing style. But still... I wasn't entirely sure how she was going to allow William and Layla's story to play out. From their first chapter together to the last they held me captivated. I know all too well the pain Layla felt because of... well... let me not give any spoilers. This soul wrenching book is sensual, emotional and cannot put it down good! I felt every emotion. Laughed at every joke. Experienced every pang. Felt weak when Layla did. Wanted to punch and kiss William a few times. God. I'm just... so in my feelings I don't even know what to do with life right now. I didn't think Danielle would be able to top Nevermore as my favorite book by her. I didn't think she'd be able to pen something that would have me, a fellow author, so captivated that I couldn't even put the book down. But she did. Broken Clocks is that book. It's the book that makes you appreciate love, life and second chances. The book that makes you want to go out and live. Love. Wholeheartedly. Freely. Recklessly. Every time the time is 9:27 I'll think about William and Layla, and they will inspire me in more ways than Danielle will ever know.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,016 reviews359 followers
September 21, 2023
“So, we live for today”……… 💔

Listen I finished this book two days ago but I needed to sit with and settle my emotions before I could write this review! This was one of the most beautifully written yet heart breaking stories I’ve read this year. It’s on the same level as “Drowning Without You”, “Timeless Love” and “Gravity”. One thing I’ve learned from all of these books is that time is not your friend. All you really have is TODAY. Make that phone call, kiss your lover, go after your dreams. Whatever it is, “now is not the right time” should never be a reason why you don’t do something.

For Will and Layla, they knew they had a deep, soul stirring connection from the very first time they met but it never seemed to be “the right time”. There were so many things that drew them together and things that pulled them apart. They struggled so much along their journey and just couldn’t seem to get on the same page. I’m happy that they were able to get out of their own way and experience much of what they set out to do with and for each other before it was too late.

This is a story that will attach itself to you and never let go! Every time I see 9:27 on a clock or 9/27 on a calendar, I will remember Layla and Will’s story!

“If you really live, really laugh and really love, you’ll have no regrets in life”
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,245 reviews14.8k followers
November 6, 2023
TW for

I love a good angsty romance where it takes a couple years to get together. In this one, Layla and Will were madly in love with each other, but they could not be together and broke things off. Now, they reconnect and are finally ready to give their relationship a serious chance. But something pops up in both Will and Layla's lives that make it hard for them to be open and trust one another. This one was definitely angsty because you wanted Will and Layla to find their happy with one another, but it was a situation of right person, wrong time. This is definitely took me on an emotional journey!

Profile Image for Kameel.
937 reviews177 followers
August 26, 2021
This Book Right Here......This is a Beautifully Written story of True Adult Love....Both Will & Layliah were truly adults.....when the two of them finally start to date and you see how connected they are from the very start, I was truly rooting for them from the start, even praying that we would find out that Molly the model's baby wasn't Will's baby...Nevertheless, no matter the obstacle the two of them seem to persist. I love that each of them were able to admit their faults and the other allowed it without judgement and continue to provide support and love....This is my first story from this author and I was definitely impressed.....please get your tissue ready...trust me you will need it....Usually, this is not my kind of story, the romance part definitely, but everything else....NO....But, the writing coupled with the narration....OUTSTANDING...I had to be fair and honest when rating and reviewing......Ms. Wesleigh as always did a PHENOMENAL Job bring all of the characters of this story to life. Bravo Wesleigh!!!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Brown.
Author 37 books693 followers
January 24, 2023
This was a beautiful yet sad story. The ending just had me in shambles 😭😭😭
Profile Image for Carla.
506 reviews200 followers
March 29, 2021
“Broken Clocks” by Danielle Allen was the emotional rollercoaster that I had no clue I was even boarding. Will and Layla’s love was so pure and organic. I loved them together. The underlying message of this book for me is that there is no perfect time. Waiting for the perfect opportunity may mean lost time, lost opportunities. The characters were very well developed. I really enjoyed the writing style. This book was unpredictable. I thought it would go one way but then I was completely thrown for a loop.

I haven’t read all of Danielle Allen’s catalog yet, but “Broken Clocks” was different from the books that I’ve read by her thus far. As emotional as it was, I still enjoyed the journey, the story, and the love between Will and Layla. Danielle Allen states that, “Broken Clocks is a reminder to appreciate life. It is a reminder to appreciate love. It is a reminder to appreciate time.” I wholeheartedly agree. 9:27.
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
686 reviews96 followers
January 13, 2018
"But when it comes to love, don't get so hung up on the timing. Just enjoy the time. When you're with the perfect person, there will never be enough of it."

Where to begin with this review? It doesn't happen too often that I sit and stare when I finish the last word of a book. Broken Clocks did something to my spirit that I can't quite describe. It went beyond a book and made me think about if I use time as a crutch aka an excuse as to why I keep love at an arm's distance. The powerful connection that Broken Clocks makes to a person's own life is what elevates it from a typical romance novel to a powerful piece of literary work.

Layla and William's love story is one that plenty of folks are way too familiar with. Two people meet, they date, decide to be "friends," and that goes left of center then they cross paths again. Allen has perfectly captured how regardless of circumstances if two people are truly meant to be together then they will find a way. The dialogue, the cadence, and the emotional rollercoasters are perfect. I mean absolutely perfect!

Some detractors will say, "Ugh, another romance novel. They are so unrealistic." And, I tell those folks to quit being such a sourpuss. Love is special. Love is powerful. Love will make you have a different air about you. Broken Clocks is one of those rare works of fiction that makes a reader believe that love can be and should be felt in real life because it can literally change your life. Back to December was my favorite book by Danielle Allen but Broken Clocks pleasantly surpasses it and now moves her onto my favorite authors list.
Profile Image for Elizarey.
346 reviews63 followers
January 20, 2018
Wow.

I can not believe the level of talent that was displayed in this book. I am so grateful to have been given the chance to read Broken Clocks, Layla and William had such an amazing amount of chemistry from the very beginning of the book. Their connection was just palpable. There were so many obstacles that they had to face and let me tell you Layla was stronger than I could have ever been, I admired her a lot. William's love and loyalty is one of the most admirable qualities within him. The ending totally ruined me. Grab tissues if you are a wuss like me, I’m telling you, y’all are going to cry!!

Definitely will read other books by this author in the future!!
Profile Image for Johnni Sherri.
Author 21 books220 followers
April 26, 2018
This book was extremely well written and the story line and moral was perfection. I kept thinking that I knew what was going to happen and I had it all wrong. Very unpredictable! Although I hate sad books, I can't deny the writers talent here. Will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Kumiko Lei  ~Lost In A Book~.
222 reviews18 followers
January 15, 2018
**complimentary copy received from author for review purposes

Have you ever read a Danielle Allen novel? If you haven't, go get one, doesn't matter which one, any of them will do. You'll be hooked.

If you've read more than one, you know that you never get the same thing with any of them. Each one is unique, whether it's the situations, the emotions, or the humor each can hold their own.

Broken Clocks is no different. I've read the majority of Danielle's books and each one touches me differently, but this one.

THIS ONE.

This one had me up and down emotionally, over and over and over again. She finally did it. She made me cry. (and she's probably pretty smug about that)

It's great ya'll. READ IT! Let me try to sum it up a little better.

Broken Clocks. Second Chances. Soul-Mates. Love. Heartbreak. Sacrifice. Sexy. Emotional Rollercoaster. Kleenex Please. NineTwentySeven.
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,228 reviews35 followers
January 16, 2018
Broken Clocks took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I won’t ever forget! I honestly had no idea what to expect when I first started this book by Danielle Allen. I just found out about her in my quest for more diverse reads in the romance genre. I enjoyed reading about characters that I could identify with but I had no idea I would also find a book that would rip me to shreds as I read. I was stunned after I finished reading. Stunned. I had tears in my eyes as I typed this review.

Allen sucked me in with her writing from the very beginning and right up to the very end. I read this book in 5 hours. Her words were poetic and magnetic. This book serves as a wonderful reminder of how we need to live our lives with no regrets. Reach for the stars. Seize the moment. Love and be loved. Take chances. This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. Thank you Danielle Allen for providing me with my first 5 star read of the year!
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com


Profile Image for Kami Holt.
795 reviews48 followers
April 22, 2021
❤️🤧

I stared at my keypad for a minute because I wasn’t quite sure what to say. Whew! The clique “life is too short “ is an absolute understatement. If I took nothing else from this story it was Time. We spend so much time planning, overthinking and over analyzing that we forget to Live. Everyone’s story will end but when it’s all said and done what will my story say? Will it be filled with an abundance of love, happiness and prosperity or regret and wishful thinking because of the risks I was too scared to take a chance on. I want to Live, even if it’s not for a long time. I want to Live! With no regrets, no what if’s, no “Maybe I should have” I want to LIVE
Profile Image for Nicole Walls.
137 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
Who is cutting onions!!

This book was not what I expected at all. It took you on an emotional ride. William and Layla struggle to keep and find love even though they are hit with issue after issue. This book had me in my emotions from beginning to end
Profile Image for Critiques Corner.
125 reviews10 followers
February 26, 2018
Reviewed by CRABBIE 

It's been a while since I've read a story that had me stuck once I finished the book and Broken Clocks did just that. The story of Layla and William was written perfectly. The story flowed and the character development was on point. These two characters went through a lot but the love between them was undeniable. This story had my heart thumping, my emotions at a all time high and I didn't want to stop reading because I was so engrossed in the character's lives. Although I own many of Danielle Allen's books I have no idea why I never read them (the book hoarder in me I guess 🤷🏾.) After reading Broken Clocks I'll definitely be reading her other books. One thing for sure anytime I see 9:27 I will always be reminded of Layla and William. 

Broken Clocks reminded of a few things...
Broken Clocks reminded me to live in the moment.
Broken Clocks reminded me that tomorrow is never promised.
Broken Clocks reminded me to focus on the positive and not the negative.
Broken Clocks reminded me that the past is the past and focus on the present.
Last but not least Broken Clocks taught me that a Broken Clock is always right twice a day. 

Kudos to Danielle Allen for writing such powerful book. If you like love stories this is the book for you. If you are a fan of Danielle Allen and haven't read Broken Clocks you should. If you haven't read a Danielle Allen book I suggest you start. 
Profile Image for Renee  Bailey.
168 reviews65 followers
March 6, 2018
Love has a way of knocking on your door when you least expect it. I love the fantasy of love but know the reality of love that a deep love can bring. In Broken Clocks Mrs. Allen takes the reader on one hell of a roller coaster ride of emotions with love, hurt and sometimes hate. The main characters are William, Layla and Molly the Model. William and Layla are loveable and at first glance you know there is chemistry and they are soulmates with a love that runs deep. The tug of war on love between these two will have you loving them and hating them at times. The interaction with Molly the Model has me wanting to step in and show her who’s really the boss but I know Layla’s best friend had that covered. Mrs. Allen does an amazing job with all of the twists, turns and hills while allowing them to tell their story but what she doesn’t prepare you for is the ultimate drop right before the roller coaster ride ends. I dragged finishing this book because I knew something was going to happen I just was not prepared for what happened.
Mrs. Danielle Allen I believe you may have created a stalker in me with this one. I have so many questions that I don’t know where to begin. To all of my fellow readers out there run and run quickly to pick up your copy of Broken Clocks...Better yet, hit that one-click button, grab a hot cup tea and get ready for your ride.

Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
387 reviews69 followers
September 2, 2021
Going to try and not to cry while writing this review but if I cry I cry! What a beautiful second chance love this story was. Layla and William were truly each other’s worlds, but due to unfortunate circumstances, their timing never seemed to be right. Layla was a strong career-driven woman who believed that her grandmother's old phrase “a broken clock is perfect twice a day” was a good way to succeed in life. Unfortunately, with love, that phrase seemed to never be true. William is a Civil Engineer (this made me so excited because I am too! ) who is trying to get to the next level in his career and his relationship with Layla. While trying to win Layla, several unforeseen events occur in William's world that tries to force a wedge between him and Layla. This whirlwind love is just as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. The biggest lesson both Layla and William learn is to live every day like it’s your last. Timing is never perfect when it’s meant to be. I loved this book for that reminder alone. I give this book 5 stars for the writing and just pulling all the emotion out of me through the ups and downs of this rollercoaster love. Also, shout out to Danielle Allen who let me cry in her DMs after I finished reading! I was a wreck. I recommend this beautiful story, but do warn that you may feel some heartbreak!
Profile Image for Lisette.
489 reviews28 followers
August 30, 2021
It's very fitting that I finished this book on what would have been my late Grandmother's 89th birthday. This touched me deep in my soul in a way I can't explain. It felt like an honor to go on this journey with both Layla and William as they figured out how to get things right. I was rooting for them, cheering for them, scolding them and just wanting them to Get It Right!
I still need to sit with this for a while but I can honestly say this is a story that will linger with me for a long time to come. Wesleigh Siobhan was absolutely brilliant in her performance.
This was my first Danielle Allen book, I'm sure it wont be my last, but honey I'm giving myself some time before I try another one. Bravo!
Profile Image for Deloris.
949 reviews37 followers
January 31, 2018
WoW!
Danielle Allen , this book is really good ! William and Layla are soul mates , so much that you feel their connection . The author shows you that they belong to one another. Time is not always on their side hence the broken clocks. But as Layla's grandmother explained a broken clock is always right two times a day. This books takes you through their relationship, the broken clock times that will make your cry and the times when the timing of things are right and you will read the passion and love between the couple. I enjoyed this book and I'll never forget this story or the lesson it teaches you.
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
495 reviews27 followers
February 7, 2018
A broken clock is only right twice a day

Just wowwwww!! I never heard of this author and I’m happy I took a chance with her. Her writing was so magnificent that I was literally blown away. The love that Layla and William shared was something that comes once in a lifetime and I felt it on each page. Definitely recommend this book
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
934 reviews30 followers
January 4, 2019
It has been said that a broken clock is right twice a day.

William and Layla have been in an on-again, off-again relationship for two years. They finally decide to throw caution to the wind and give romance a try. As with any relationship, there are many obstacles, but these two are determined to make it work…until tragedy strikes.

This is my first book by @authordanielleallen, which was highly recommended by two avid readers whose opinion I value. I have never read a book that made me cry so many tears, primarily because it was so beautifully written. This story has been permanently attached to my heart and I'm looking forward to reading EVERYTHING else by this author. My only regret is…I wish I could rate it more than 💎💎💎💎💎. I walk away from this book with the belief that each day should be celebrated, because tomorrow is promised to none of us.
Profile Image for Kim.
Author 18 books266 followers
February 15, 2018
As much as I love reading romance novels, I am not someone who tends to get emotional while reading them. I don't generally get teary-eyed or anything like that. Well, Broken Clocks by Danielle Allen had me getting teary-eyed. This is one sexy, funny, emotional page-turner of a novel.

The premise of Broken Clocks is the idea of perfect timing and how there are two opportunities for it. Layla and William's love story takes this on, dealing with everything from breakups, reunions, near-misses, etc. We follow their story and we root for them from page one, even when (or perhaps because) we know they're in for a bumpy and eventful ride.

Loved it from start to finish!

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Náyla.
27 reviews
April 5, 2018
Not sure fave

This book was okay. Ms Allen is a great writer and I love most of her work but this story felt repetitive and slow. I couldnt connect with the characters or their love story. And just when they got over their hurdles, there was the ending. Not my cup of tea but I'm sure many will enjoy.
Profile Image for Shay.
538 reviews23 followers
January 18, 2018
I'm slightly torn because I don't really like when stories take it where this story goes...BUT I can't deny that I was a fan of the love between these two characters. I feel like the writing was on the wall pretty early on, but I wanted to be wrong. *ugly cry* I really did!
1,161 reviews10 followers
January 13, 2019
Horrible Ending!

I am really disappointed in the author’s choice of ending. Had I known that she would choose to end the book in that manner, I would not have wasted my time reading the book.
Profile Image for ariana (readwithariana).
240 reviews133 followers
October 30, 2021
I don’t even know what to rate this book at this point. I don’t even know what to say. All I feel is straight anger and confusion. I love Danielle Allen and her books but this one right here has me all types is f*ck up.
Profile Image for Tera L. Kirksey.
693 reviews17 followers
January 17, 2018
Broken Clocks

OMG this book had me in tears! I went through two boxes of Kleenex. The broken Clocks analogy made you stop and appreciate time. Time is a commodity! How we choose or not choose to recognize how important timing is determines our outlook on life. This book was an awesome reminder of that.
This letter at the beginning from Nana to Layla was priceless and Layla’s If I Die letter left me speechless. No dry eyes for me!
This was an excellent book that I truly enjoyed reading. The plot was not what I expected but I gained so many life nuggets from it. I highly recommend this book to other anticipating their love for it too!
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,038 reviews21 followers
January 17, 2018
Well

I am still in my feelings about this book. I had to go to sleep and then write a review. I am an emotional wreck. I cried so much while reading this story. I was mad at Will then I loved him. Layla would upset me, then she get on my good side. One thing you cannot deny is the love they have for each other. This book shows me that at 40 to stop worrying about time and just live. Live it like it is your last day. We do not know what happens tomorrow. Danielle Allen is great at her craft. This book just shows how great she is.
Profile Image for KindleCousins .
615 reviews38 followers
February 10, 2018
This is my 1st fiction read from Danielle Allen. I have been trying to get to one of her books for months, but my TBR… I follow Danielle on Instagram. Her posts are like a manual on becoming a grown ass woman. I say all of this to say, Layla, the heroine in this book was a grown ass woman and I just adored her. Layla was human, she made mistakes and wasn’t perfect by a long shot. But Layla owned, communicated, and/or apologized for every feeling and mistake. Yes, this was a beautiful love story. Yes, I rooted for them and woo, those sex scenes were hawt. But the lessons in this book will stay with me forever. I laughed, cried, and almost threw my kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was a fan before reading this. I might be on the path to becoming a stan…

4 stars

-Natasha


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