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Shadows Before Dawn #2

Claiming Tomorrow

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You can't stop a storm; you have to withstand it until it’s finished with you.

Andrew was my storm. I thought I was free, but the eye of the storm was just the calm before the real chaos.

Now, I must brace myself for his wrath. He's coming for me, and nothing can stop him.

The secrets buried the night of that party—the night my brother died—are about to be unearthed, and the truth might destroy everything I’ve fought to build with Julian.

The wait is over! Claiming Tomorrow concludes Julian and Poppy's steamy contemporary romance saga. Following Breaking Yesterday's success in the top 100 best-selling pre-orders & new releases on Amazon. A perfect page-turning emotional beach read, this heartwarming coming-of-age romantic comedy series will have you laughing out loud, shedding tears, and rooting for the heroine as she overcomes her past. Set in a vibrant new town, this sizzling workplace romance features a steamy dynamic between a protective CEO and a military soldier deeply invested in his new secretary. Throw in a best friend with no filter, and as their relationship unfolds, shadows from their troubled pasts resurface, testing their newfound love.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

A.G. Harris

12 books56 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Roz Anne.
343 reviews30 followers
July 24, 2024
5 stars! I loved book 1, and book 2 is even better! It was great to see Poppy and Julian continue their relationship. It was also lovely to see more of Harper she is the best friend we all need. It was great to see more of her in book 2.

The book continues to deal with some difficult subjects such as sexual assault, abuse, grief, and loss. These were written in a sensitive yet powerful 

I absolutely love all the characters and how they love and are supportive of each other. I feel we got to get to know them a lot more and why they act the way they do.

The book is well written and nicely paced. The story has lots of twists and turns and ties up a lot of the loose ends from book 1. The book really focuses on healing and recovery and that even those who are damaged can get a second chance at life. I absolutely loved everything about it!

Can we have a Harper and Kent book next?!

With thanks to the author for being kind enough to send me an ARC of the book. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily. 
Profile Image for Nadine.
196 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2024
Claiming Tomorrow
A.G. Harris

‘You can’t stop a storm you have to withstand it until it’s finished with you.’

Andrew and her past being the storm. Poppy thought she was free but the eye of the storm was just the calm before the real chaos. Now we brace for his wrath.

‘I believe inside every person is a monster lurking; in desperate times, we do terrible things. We preach we want world peace but then justify world wars. We make inventions that can save billions but also kill millions. Humans are good and evil combined.’

This continues Poppy and Julian’s story from Breaking Yesterday and is a page turning emotional beach read.
I say emotional beach read because although super easy to read and easy going, fun banter etc there was also trauma and substance to the plotline.

“Power has its limits; true strength lies in resilience.”

This book goes into Poppy’s past and she must confront this head on to ensure her tomorrow’s are what she wants and deserves. With her support network around her, we get plenty of laughs, spice and banter to banish and offset the tears.

‘Well, I’m thinking like a monster. It’s the only way to catch one.’

Claiming Tomorrow is released 23rd July 2024.

‘You don’t just kill the king; you bring down his entire kingdom. Ensure no one else will rise up and usurp the throne.’

“Not everyone deserves to be saved or have a second chance.”

“Pumpkin spice addiction,” she grins. “That outweighs every issue you have on your plate.”
Profile Image for WhisperedReviews .
42 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2024
The continuation of Poppy's story ripped my heart out, stomped on it, then shredded it to pieces with a dull kitchen fork and left me crying on the bathroom floor.

Through all of this, Julian's always right there, meeting Poppy where she at, unconditionally loving all of her. While Julian followed Poppy, helping her piece herself back together into her new self, Julian also patched my heart back up, placed it in my chest, and picked me up off the bathroom floor. Poppy and I both have forever been changed.

I mean, of course, Harper helped. Having Harper pop in with her loving, nurturing, and never disappointing humor certainly helps to get through the heavy emotions in this book. Poppy definitely gets to have a found family love and support system, and that filled my heart so full.

And of course, the spice, uhhh, the spice was sexy AF.

Claiming Tommorow is very emotional and works through mental health. Definitely check out the trigger warnings before starting this book. Even if you read the first book, Breaking Yesterday, check them. Claiming Tommorow definitely dives deeper into Poppy's trauma and your mental health matters.

Favorite quotes:
“Not God. Me,” he pushes deeper. Is that possible? It feels like his cock is grabbing my heart.

"Watching Harper in the kitchen is like watching a child finger-paint for the first time. It doesn’t make sense, but you're so proud you hang it up."

☆☆☆☆☆
🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Claire Reviews.
1,031 reviews42 followers
July 23, 2024
Having devoured the first Shadows Before Dawn book, Breaking Yesterday, I couldn't wait to immerse myself in Julian and Poppy's world again.

Picking up where book one finished, there is high tension from the outset, as Poppy's traumatic past comes back to haunt her. A.G. Harris doesn't shy away from using masterful illustrations of Poppy's heart-wrenching events and emotions, which had me baying for blood and wanting to wrap Poppy in the biggest hug. Julian is divine, the ultimate protector, and Poppy's biggest fan.

Harper and Kent provide many much needed moments of humour, the banter between these two is off the scale, and their bond with Poppy and Julian undeniable. In these four, the author has created truly special characters who will worm their way into the hearts and minds of anyone who reads the Shadows Before Dawn series. You cannot help but fall in love with their striking personalities, beautiful souls, and love for each other.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to A.G. Harris for providing an eARC of this book; this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth VanHorn.
182 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2024
So happy I got than opportunity to read the second book in this series, it did not disappoint. The first book, Breaking Yesterday left me dying to know what would happen, and I was hooked from the first page of the second book! It had so many twists and turns, and the emotions were palpable, the love for poppy was so profound. As usual Harper & Kent brought great humor, although, poppy & Julian also provide great banter and humor too. There are some big triggers in this read, and a few moments shook/stunned me, but I am glad the story was able to come to the end it did, and felt uplifting.
Profile Image for Kate (Highly_Caffeinated_Bookworm).
143 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
Wow! I loved the continuation of poppy and Julian’s story. It made me laugh and cry, lots of hurdles to get over. But geez did it have me on the edge of my seat and wondering.. loved it! Highly recommend you read the second book of the shadows before dawn series. I’m so thankful I could read an advance copy!!
Profile Image for Limitlyss.books .
15 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
TW ⚠️

As great as the first book! I loved this little series and the characters were fantastic. I definitely got the closure I (and Poppy) definitely needed and deserved. I love how raw this book was showing emotions/feelings are normal, and good to let out. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep chugging along!
Profile Image for Liv Rutherford .
79 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
What can I say? I loved this so much I devoured it in one day!

The last book left us on a cliffhanger.
This book was full of spice, laugh out loud moments, gasp out loud moments, and real emotional, nearly crying moments.


Love the dynamics between Harper and Kent. Can't wait for their own series!

Hope that the other brothers , Henry and Theo get their own books too.
Profile Image for Melissa M.
611 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2024
I received an ARC of this second book in the series, after the first one, and I was definitely invested in Poppy and Julian’s story from the first book, and also with Harper and Kent!

This one has such a mix of haunting trauma, current turmoil and danger, a hint of mystery, and a bunch of romance, banter, and steam!

I adore Poppy and Harper’s friendship—how they have been through it all together and Harper has held so many roles for Poppy. I’m curious to see how their relationship develops and if Harper ever reveals her secret. I also adore Julian and Poppy’s love story. He’s her “hero” and he fills that role so freaking well! I love their love and respect and caring for one another, especially helping on healing journeys.

We also see more into the story of Theo, Andrew, who the mystery man also keeping an eye on Poppy is, and delve deeper into the current threats Poppy is facing—it’s one wild ride and one that not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but that I didn’t see coming! Plus the trauma Poppy has to handle mentally is so much!

This one I really enjoyed, even though it had its hard parts for she’s, but it’s nice to see that love, both romantic and platonic, prevails, and that those around you and your own strength can get you through anything

Side note: holy heck what a glimpse into the life of a Poppy and Julian years later!
Profile Image for sunbeams.and.rainbows.
72 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2024
Wow, that was one helluva ride! Once again I was quickly drawn into Poppy & Julian's story & lost myself in A.G. Harris' elegant prose. "Claiming Tomorrow" picks up right where "Breaking Yesterday" left off & doesn't slow down from there. If you thought "Breaking Yesterday" was full of intrigue & mystery, then "Claiming Tomorrow" turned the dial up to 10! True to A.G. Harris form, this Dark Romance was full of twist & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. "Claiming Tomorrow" was a lot darker than book one, however, Harris very helpfully lists the TWs by page & chapter number at the beginning of the book so the reader can skip those particular passages & still enjoy the rest of the story. The banter in this book is laugh out loud funny & it broke up the darker, more serious moments nicely. Harris' masterful command of emotional language transported me into the story & right into Poppy's shoes. I also really enjoyed Harper's character growth over the course of the story, & Poppy's tumultuous healing journey felt very authentic as well. The spice was possibly even spicier than book one & was red hot. Overall "Claiming Tomorrow" was a wild, deeply emotional ride from beginning to end. And I was very grateful for the beautifully written Epilogue to wrap up this truly incredible story.
Profile Image for Juliana.
399 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2024
Breaking Yesterday

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶🌶

Chasing Tomorrow
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Poppy had the best older brothers. Two men who took the rolls of parents after theirs suddenly died. Peter took that roll very seriously, looking out for Poppy in everything she did... including who she dated.
But one night changes everything and haunts both Poppy and Henry for years. Guilt, fear, and loneliness is hard on one's heart.

Years after abuse from her "boyfriend" Poppy finally takes her life back into her own hands and runs. She leaves the front desk at her family's company, where she wouldn't have to be tortured but her brother's silence anymore. Texas is her new start... it's also where she meets Julian.

This series touches on a lot of emotional topics- death, r@pe, stalking, and physical and mental abuse.

I really enjoyed the first book- the characters were well built while still holding the suspense of what exactly happened in Poppy's past. And while I enjoyed book two - it gave answers and had a bit of that on the edge thrill - I felt like it did have a little too much fluff and repetition.

Besides how much I adored Poppy and Julian's relationship, I freaking loved Harper and Kent's. These two are explosive, and I do wish we had more of them.
Profile Image for A Wimbleton.
Author 1 book8 followers
July 12, 2024
This is the book two in The Shadows Before Dawn series and it did not disappoint.

After being left on a cliffhanger I devoured this book wanting to unravel all the secrets left behind.

More of Poppy's past is revealed and you're right there with the other characters trying to pick up the pieces and put her back together again. This girl really has gone through hell and has trauma in droves. Julian is an absolute dream though. He's the lover, protector and down right all rounder.

As the story progresses there are insights to the others characters pasts and there is definitely room for other books to enter this series. I am 100% down for that as I think there is a lot more of Harper to be discovered.

As for Andrew...that man is just pure poison. I can't say any more without giving anything away except if you don't despise him yet you will.

While this book gives you heartache it also brings laughter as Harper and Kent do not disappoint giving pure comedic value at every given opportunity. This really helped carry the book and make it into something truly beautiful.

Thank you so much for the ARC and I definitely look forward to seeing where your writing goes from here.
Profile Image for Katie Peck.
182 reviews
July 17, 2024
5 ⭐️/ 3 🌶️

I am still reeling from reading this book. At the end of the previous book, I mentioned that I hope that Poppy was able to face her past and move on from the abuse of her ex. And this book did that and then some.

There were so many different times I highlighted quotes in this book because it just hit my soul so deep. It not only sheds light on what someone could possibly face when surviving from what Poppy endured, but also expressed how there is always light to the darkness that someone can go through.

Where there is darkness, there is always light. That is a huge theme to sum this book up. Even if you face some extremely hard things, there is always the other side that you come out on in the end. You just have to keep fighting.

I definitely recommend people to read this series. There is suspense. There is spice. There is pumpkin spice. There is humor. There is grief. There is devastation and shock. There is mental health and trauma. But in the end, love prevailed.

This is not my typical book review for a book. My typical plot thoughts go into more detail about the theme and characters. But this book just tied everything up in a neat little bow of perfection.
Profile Image for Sally Dulson.
24 reviews
July 19, 2024
Wow, where do I start. I absolutely loved this book and am quite sad now it’s over. When I started this duology I was expecting a steamy romance, not really sure why, and don’t get me wrong there’s a little spice at times. But…it’s so much more.
The character development continues in this sequel and I am so glad we got to hear from other POVs in addition to Poppy and Julian. The characters are all dealing with their own issues so please check trigger warnings but I couldn’t fault the writing.
The plot was action packed. It begins right where we left off in the first novel and builds from there. Lots of suspense and drama, wondering who to trust and eagerly anticipating the reveals and plot twists. I did guess one of the reveals and I was so glad I was right but there was also plenty that kept me guessing.
I laughed and cried, what an emotional rollercoaster but well worth it. Some lovely quotes throughout too but one that really stood out to me, ‘Life isn’t a fairytale, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a happy ending’. And let’s face it, that’s all we want isn’t it!
A massive thank you to AG Harris for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, I feel very lucky!
Profile Image for Kady M.
339 reviews
July 23, 2024
"If I wanted the future I saw with Julian, then I had to claim what I wanted, face my monsters, and allow myself not to feel guilty about Peter's death. I had to claim tomorrow."

Poppy and Julian's story continues from Breaking Yesterday. Claiming Tomorrow is the perfect continuation of their story. It is an emotional, page-turner with plenty of moments when you will find yourself smiling or laughing (thanks Harper & Kent).

One important thing I have realized while enjoying this series is that it is so easy to judge a book by the cover. You see a beautiful man on the front, and you might immediately think it's all spice. Sometimes that is 100 % true but other times, like with these two books, there is SO much more to the story. This series has been the perfect combo of rom-com, thriller and spice while also navigating intense emotions and situations.

I cannot recommend this book enough and am so appreciative to have received an advanced reader's copy. I look forward to reading more from A.G. Harris and I'm still holding out hope for a book entirely for Harper and Kent!
Profile Image for K..
418 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2024
Great ending to an amazing duet!

I love Poppy & Julian and was so excited to get back into their story after the cliffhanger in book 1. Claiming Tomorrow has all of the best things…. Action and suspense, spicy scenes mixed in with Harper and Kent’s hilarious sense of humor, and absolute devotion.

The love between these main characters is the stuff that changes your point of view on relationships and men. Julian is seriously the gold standard.

I was absolutely heartbroken for everyone towards the middle/end of the book and let out a good cry a few times. It felt so real and the hurt that radiated from the pages was tangible.

Couldn’t pull myself away from the pages and finished this book same-day.
Profile Image for Kata.
545 reviews51 followers
July 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️

“How do you defeat a ghost? How do you vanquish thoughts?”

Great second book in a duology, continuing right where the first book ended.

I liked how this book revealed more information about Poppy’s past and what happened between her and Andrew. Poppy’s trauma and grief were well written.

The relationships between the main characters were once again well written and interesting. Harper continued to be great comedic relief while simultaneously being a great friend.

I can’t say much about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I do recommend reading both the first book in the series and this second one.



I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Profile Image for Amy Laudick.
168 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2024
This is the second book in the Shadows Before Dawn series. It is a continuation of Julian and Poppy's story, and the author did not disappoint. It had me laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat. As always, the author does a wonderful job with the character development and the relationships between them all. I like that we got a little more insight into Harpers character and the secondary romance of her and Kent. Harper is probably one of my favorite book characters and her ride or die friendship with poppy is #goals.

This book does have some trigger warnings so please read them. There is one heart stopping moment that had me a little troubled. A.G. Harris is one of my favorites and I can't wait to read more of her stories!

Thank you for the ARC read.
Profile Image for chaitea_and_tales.
89 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2024
Claiming Tomorrow is the stunning conclusion to Poppy and Julian’s love story. It picks up right where Breaking Yesterday ends and immediately draws you in to the toxic and seemingly unbreakable power that Andrew has over Poppy. There are some shocking, unpredictable plot twists which will have you speed reading to see what happens! Through it all, Julian continues to stand by Poppy and give her the time to sort through her demons so they can be together. His patience and understanding is so attractive and gives her the time to save herself, not solely rely on him. My favourite part of the novel was the epilogue which flashed forward a couple of years- but that is all I’m going to say so I don’t spoil the surprise! 🤭
Profile Image for Ellie✨.
225 reviews38 followers
July 15, 2024
After being left on a cliffhanger in the first book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this!!

There was so much more drama and action in this book, Andrew and his vile poison created such tension and I was waiting to see what he would do in the end… I did not expect what happened 👀

I loved that this book focused on the aftermath of the whole Andrew scenario and the mental health impact of such traumatic and abusive relationships. We still had the underlying romances continuing from the first book and the healing was so cathartic to read!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books within this series and can’t wait to read some more A.G. Harris!
Profile Image for Cassie Lynn.
259 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This was crazy and a bit intense and I loved every minute of it. The humor in here is laugh out loud funny. Harper and Kent are my favorites cause they always have me cracking up. Julian and Poppy face challenges that test their relationship. And when they face those challenges, I just wanted to keep turning the page.
The ending I was not expecting. I had a different scenario playing in my head. That I thought might happen. But nope. Not even close. It makes the book that more interesting though. When it just surprises you. If you like romantic suspense that will have you wanting to keep turning the page. This is for you.
Profile Image for Courtney Seeley courtney_isreading .
63 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2024
Yall, when I tell you I devoured this book I am not even kidding. I stayed up way too late because I had to know who was who and what was what. This book picks up right where Breaking Yesterday ends. And praise the Lord for that because I was so scared it was going to jump time. This book will have you laughing, crying and just absolutely melting within minutes of one another.

When I tell yall, I love Julian so much, I mean it. He is so good to Poppy. The way that he cares for her just makes me melt.

I don't want to say too much without giving away too much. But it's a must read! And I cannot wait for Harper and Kent's book. I just know it's going to make me cry. Lol
Profile Image for Jenlovestoread7.
197 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2024
I started Breaking Yesterday not realising that it was part one of a duet, it wasn’t until I got the end and there were more questions than answers, that I realised there was another book 🙈

Thankfully AG Harris didn’t make us wait for long and Claiming Tomorrow had all the answers and more. This was a fabulous ending to the duet and kept you captivated with the thriller element of the story. Fabulous side character friends and I was so happy to read Poppy and Julian’s HEA.

Side note to add that Andrew is written so well that I absolutely can’t stand him! 🤣

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stephs.bookshelf09.
416 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
This is book two in this Duet series. AG Harris’s writing is well done and just like book one draws you right in. This book starts off right in the mess of it all with Poppy and Jullian. These two do not have it easy and have lots of hurdles to jump through. Life is not on their side, but Jullian will ALWAYS fight for them.

You do get more insight to some other side characters in this book. Makes me excited for the next in the series! Harper and Kent ❤️

Poppy’s trouble past does finally catch up with her and she grows sooooo much in this book! Her character growing is insane, but in a good way. Real expectations and coping.
Profile Image for TJ | TheEclecticBookFairy .
122 reviews10 followers
August 15, 2024
continuing on from the first book we see poppy and Julian face many things throuought this book. from crazy ex stalker and his twisted family to poppy's mental health taking hit after hit and dealing with more and more trauma that gets thrown on top. A.G takes us on a journey and a half with twists and turns and one hell of a BANG, you will be left wanting more and wondering what next!

we do get a lot more harper and Kent and backstory for Harper in this which hopefully means there is more to these two but also the elusive Theo...

this is the conclusion for poppy and Julian and is a HEA. I am excited to see where the next book takes us.

(if there is one.....)
159 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2024
Book 2 had me up at 2:30am SOBBING.

The continuation of Julian and poppy's story was something I needed to sit with for a few days before I wrote this. I loved this story so much.

Poppy had to relive what happened to her all over again in order to let Julian, Harper and many others help her and protect those she loved. During this time Julian is still keeping a secret from her, one that could possibly make or break their relationship.

In this story A.G. Harris really sheds light on how emotional and physical abuse can trap someone's mind body and spirit. It brings light to Andrew and what he did and what was done to him that caused him to be this way.

But she also mended some relationships and helped others begin to heal. This does have a HEA but it isn't without trials and heartbreak.
Profile Image for Ali.
33 reviews
July 22, 2024
Second book in the Shadows Before Dawn series 🥵 another great book by @authoragharris 😍 I was lucky to receive an early copy before it comes out on Tuesday and this book had me hooked from the first chapter. Continuing Poppy and Julian’s story and all the twists and turns of Poppy’s story. I laughed, I blushed, I chewed my nails. This book had so much! Snag your copy this week and tell me what you think!

#darkromance #bookstagram #poppyandjulian #harperandkent #amazon #kindleunlimited
Profile Image for Steph.
6 reviews
July 24, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the Shadows Before Dawn Series and what an emotional rollercoaster this was! This book will definitely make you feel an array of emotions, both good and bad. Just as in the first book, the characters are easy to imagine and the voice makes it feel like you are right there with them. There were countless times I cried reading this. The devastating scenes absolutely had my heart breaking for these characters. I'm so happy there was a HEA to put my heart back together!
Profile Image for Sandy.
367 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2024
Great way to bring this story to a close. The first one left on an amazing cliffhanger and this story brings it to an incredible close. Love the characters arch’s, the plot was epic! Def a must read. Thoroughly enjoyed this so much- I am eager to learn more about Theo and Andrew though… just saying — hinting some ideas 🤪💪😉 enjoy submersing yourselves into something so delectable!
Profile Image for Lacey.
106 reviews
July 21, 2024
Obsessed, again! This book broke my heart and then put it back together. The soul crushing fight Poppy went through, the love and endurance Julian showed no matter what, so empowering and very relatable for me. Their story is so beautiful.
I really need Kent and Harper's story, I know it'll be just as beautiful.
Thank you AG for another masterpiece and sharing Poppy and Julian's story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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