On the Clock

by Anna Ahlfors

Rule #1: Don't spill crab cakes on a billionaire.



Rule #2: Definitely don't fall for him when he's buying an engagement ring for someone else.



Emma Valentine broke both rules in one night.



As a foster kid turned struggling artist working three jobs, Emma has perfected invisibility. She serves champagne to Manhattan's elite and dreams of a gallery she'll probably never afford.



Then Sebastian Wolfe walks into her jewelry store, and for one electric moment, she feels seen.



Hours later, she dumps appetizers all over his Tom Ford tuxedo—at his fiancée's birthday party. In front of 500 guests. While he's supposed to be proposing.



She's mortified. He's mesmerized. And neither can forget what sparked between them.



But Sebastian's engaged to Manhattan royalty, his family expects him to propose, and Emma knows fairy tales don't happen to girls like her.



When he shows up at her door the next day, card in hand and that devastating smile on his face, Emma faces an impossible protect her heart or risk everything for a love that could destroy her.



Some collisions ruin your night. Others change your life.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Anna Ahlfors is wife, proud homeschool mom, and full-time golf cheerleader for her two high school boys. When she's not traveling to tournaments or helping with algebra, she's writing heartfelt, witty romances that celebrate love, family, and second chances.

A husband's girl through and through, Anna fills her stories with humor, emotion, and the kind of chaos only real life can inspire. Her dogs, whose names make cameo appearances in her books, keep her company while she writes late into the night.

She's the author of On the Clock, Accidental Arrangement, and Ella. When she's not writing, you'll find her reading, painting, or near the 18th hole.

Reviews

[Anna Ahlfors · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Clock is a story that came straight from my heart. It’s about love that defies expectations, about timing, fate, and the moments that change everything. Emma and Sebastian’s story isn’t perfect—it’s real, messy, emotional, and full of hope. If you’ve ever believed in second chances, instant chemistry, and the idea that love finds you when you least expect it, this book is for you.

[Suri (mamas_cozyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I'm not usually a fan of insta-love stories but I loved Sebastian and Emma! I loved their little meet and how he was hooked to her from the first time he spoke to her. There is a lot of OW drama but it was entertaining. My emotions were put through the wringer the entire time. I felt for Emma but also felt for Sebastian's struggles.

The found family is great and I am so excited for Lucy's story! I loved how everything played out and how Emma and Sebastian's story ended.

✨Tropes:
🤍Billionaire romance
🖤Opposites attract
🤍Insta-love
🖤Dual POV but from 3rd person
🤍Found family

[Susan Bernick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book, On the Clock. What a great read! I am excited to buy these as stocking stuffers for all the girls in my family! Sweet and funny. A great feel good read.

[Leah | LookLeahReads]

I recently finished ON THE CLOCK by @annaahlfors_author, and first of all — congratulations to her on her debut release. (She sent me this copy back in late November, but with the holidays and all of the sickness my family has encountered these last few months, I’ve finally gotten around to it.) Publishing a first book is such a huge accomplishment, and that alone deserves recognition. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This story gave me strong Lifetime-movie-meets-billionaire/mafia romance vibes, with grumpy/sunshine tension and a found family element layered throughout. If you enjoy insta-love, high-stakes drama, protective energy, and emotional twists, this one definitely leans into those tropes. 😍

Emma is our fmc, and one of my favorite parts of the book was her support system. Her best friends, Lucy and Caleb, are exactly the kind of people you want in your corner — loyal, steady, honest, and grounding when everything around her feels chaotic. Their presence really strengthened the found-family feel of the story.

The mmc, Sebastian brought that classic guarded & powerful energy, and I loved the subtle contrast in how he’s addressed throughout the book. His friends calling him “Bash” felt relaxed and personal — a softer side compared to the more formal way his mom or Veronica always referred to him. It was a small detail, but it added dimension and highlighted the different worlds he moves between.

There’s a cinematic quality to the plot that makes it easy to picture on screen, and as a debut, it shows a lot of potential. The ending also perfectly sets itself up for book two, which will be Lucy’s story, and I’m definitely curious to see where her journey goes next.

Thank you so much to Anna for the gifted copy — and for also sending book two in the series! I’m looking forward to diving back into this world again soon. ⏰