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Tactical Men #2

The Sacred Truth

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The only failures in life are the mistakes you don’t learn from.

It was only supposed to be casual. Then I fell for her. Falling head first in love, only to have fear rip it out from underneath me. I severed us with my destructive words. Correcting all the mistakes I’ve made is what I have to do, I just don’t know how.

She does. She always knows what to do.

However, fate has a way of deciding things like this for us, doesn’t it?

This is part of the Tactical Men Series. It can be read as a standalone though we meet Nolan and Jenna in A Dance Worth Dancing.

**Warning- Intended for readers 18+. This book contains situations not suitable for all readers.

ebook

Published April 4, 2016

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J.L. Long

15 books139 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Stacey.
286 reviews75 followers
September 23, 2016
This is the second book in the Tactical Men Series by J.L. Long, it can be read as a standalone, but after reading this I want to go back and read the first one in the series. Not because I felt I missed out on anything, but because I want to read more from this author.

My God! The Sacred Truth hit on all the emotions for me. I laughed, I cried, my heart ached for both Nolan and Jenna. Nolan is in love with Jenna and for that reason he's willing to go to great lengths to protect her from anything; including things that haven't even happened yet, or may never happen. He's willing to sacrifice his happiness, so that she'll never experience the hurt and loss that his career could possibly create. He's giving into this fear and letting it rule his life, until finally he just can't stay away! It's killing him not being with her and to see the hurt in her eyes that he knows he put there. He knows he's got to man up and make it right!

Jenna is not the kind of person to hand over her heart easily, but that's exactly what she's done with Nolan, only to have it crushed... Yet again! She didn't come from a loving home and has issues with her self worth. She thought Nolan was different, someone she could trust, until he pushed her away. But she knew deep down there was more to it than what he was letting off. Jenna was willing to wait in the wings, taking any scrap of time that he was willing to give her. Eventually fate took over, Nolan pulled his head out of his ass and finally manned up.

Jenna and Nolan's story hits all the feels for sure. I was emotionally invested from the beginning. I found all the characters to be very well developed, you got a sense of who each one of them were. Like I said earlier, my heart ached for both Jenna and Nolan. Jenna's upbringing was heart breaking and you can see she carries that with her on a daily basis, but she isn't jaded by it at all. She is definitely cautious with who she lets into her life. The people who are there have proven themselves worthy of being there.

Thank lil baby Jesus that Nolan realizes that he was letting his fears dictate his happiness. How tormenting that would be to be constantly waiting for the other shoe to fall... When it may never happen. I'm glad he finally realized that he should live in the now and live for today; be grateful for the days we are given with those that we love!

I could keep going on and on, but I won't! I'll just say that I loved this story, I loved Jenna and Nolan, and I will be reading more from J.L. Long, she really knows how to punch you in the feelings!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
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December 31, 2018
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Blurb:
The only failures in life are the mistakes you don’t learn from.

It was only supposed to be casual. Then I fell for her. Falling head first in love, only to have fear rip it out from underneath me. I severed us with my destructive words. Correcting all the mistakes I’ve made is what I have to do, I just don’t know how.

She does. She always knows what to do.

However, fate has a way of deciding things like this for us, doesn’t it?

This is part of the Tactical Men Series. It can be read as a standalone though we meet Nolan and Jenna in A Dance Worth Dancing.
Profile Image for Allison Michaels.
68 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2016
Jenna and Nolan were introduced to readers in A Dance Worth Dancing. Enough groundwork was laid to pique my interest and make me look forward to reading their story. JL Long did NOT disappoint me. Jenna and Nolan are complex characters who stole my heart and left me wanting more even after I turned the last page.

The story begins with Jenna lamenting over the way Nolan suddenly and inexplicably dumped her with the lame "let's just be friends" offering. Although she agreed, Jenna can't stop thinking about the physical chemistry they had during the short period of time they were together. And she still can't figure out why Nolan pulled the plug on what she thought had been a good thing. Unable to resist one another, the pair find themselves back in each other's arms. Nolan once again pushes Jenna away afterward, but this plucky heroine refuses to let recent history repeat itself when a life-changing surprise presents itself. With a lot of nudging and persistence, she finally gets Nolan to tell her the truth about why he keeps her at arm's length.

As the old saying goes, the truth sets Nolan free. The once stoic, closed-off man opens his heart to the love and happiness he so richly deserves. And he gives the same back to Jenna a hundredfold. The couple comfortably settle into domesticity. Everything is fine until Nolan's worst fear occurs and he loses someone dear to him. Consumed by grief and guilt, he closes himself off while trying to cope, yet again pushing Jenna away in the process. Thankfully he comes to his senses and snaps out of his old habits to seek solace and comfort in her.

With his demons finally held at bay, Nolan eagerly looks forward to a future with Jenna. But when that future is threatened by an unforeseen event, Nolan has to accept the fact that he may have to live it alone.

Ah, this book...it really dragged me through the wringer emotionally. I bounced from wanting to throttle Nolan, to cheering on Jenna, to fanning myself when they were alone, and finally to gasping in shock when the story took several unexpected turns. Not knowing what will happen next is one of the best parts of reading a well-written book. I'm waiting for the next installment in this series with bated breath!
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,450 reviews32 followers
November 30, 2016
What an emotional rollercoaster! I was happy, sometimes sad, and frustrated, mostly at Nolan!!! Nolan and Jenna were introduced in the previous book, A Dance Worth Dancing. The book opens with Nolan dumping Jenna. He thinks she’s too good for him, and he fears that he has a hard time revealing to others, but she has no idea that’s why he’s doing what he’s doing. She just sees it as further evidence that she isn’t good enough. She agrees to be friends with him, but he can’t deny the attraction they share. When life throws them a curve ball, they will have to decide whether they can achieve their HEA.

The Sacred Truth was one of those books that you can’t help falling for the characters even when some frustrate you at times (…again….Nolan!), not just the main characters but the secondary ones as well. Jenna was one of those rare individuals who truly believes in unconditional love. She has a pure heart, and she is willing to give anyone a second chance. She takes what life has thrown at her and made the best of it. Nolan is this strong man, a member of a SWAT team, yet he has insecurities and fears which made him even sexier. As I wrote several times before, I was frustrated with him in the beginning. Instead of facing his fears, he ran from them, which was ironic because he stares danger in the face every day in his job. However, he does redeem himself. This was a book of two damaged souls who come together and in doing that, make themselves whole again.

My only regret is I wish I had read the first book in the series, so I could have seen the background of Nolan and Jenna’s relationship. If you love emotional reads that tug at your heartstrings, then I highly recommend this one. I’m going to go back and read the first book in the series, so I can catch up with the other characters and see how it first happened for Nolan and Jenna.

***Read on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha***
***A copy was provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased review***
Profile Image for DLS Book Blog.
101 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2016
Poor, sweet, beautiful Jenna, I LOVE her! I love that even though life dealt her sh!t hand of cards a majority of the time, she always adapted and overcame instead of wallowing in self-pity. Jenna is a very strong heroine, fighter and added great depth and character to this story. I truly feel if Jenna were real –or if I could live in a fictional world lol!- we would totally be best friends! I connected with her in such a way that I felt all of her emotions while reading this story.

Nolan was not my favorite hero, however, I believe that is due to how well his character was written. His reluctance and douchiness oozed off the pages at first. There was more than one occasion I wanted to yell or toss my iPad in frustration with him! However, Nolan is a very self-sacrificing character, which you have to admire his desire and almost NEED to put someone else’s happiness before his own. He has deep seeded fears in which he feels makes him not good enough for Jenna.

“One day down the road, we’ll have this all figured out. We’ll look back and realize we fought for something great. It’ll just be a memory of the bad times we had.”

I loved how Jenna and Nolans story evolved and where JL took us on this journey to learn The Sacred Truth. My heart is happy, full of love for both of these characters and how their story concludes! I felt every emotion from heartache & anger to hope & love, I was brought to tears during certain scenes, TST definitely pulled on the heartstrings.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for Cayson, Parker and the rest of the crew as the series continues!!
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
October 1, 2016
In this second book of the Tactical Men series, we focus on Nolan and Jenna's relationship. We see what happened between them in the waiting room after Colt had been shot. Now I am angry with Nolan. As you get further into the story, when Nolan finally spills the beans to someone about 'why' he felt the way he did, my heart melted. I could empathize with his thoughts. I could see why he felt that way. What is going on with Jenna that she's so 'mad' at him all the time about things? Why does everyone feel that she's hiding something? Why won't she talk to anyone? Is she hiding something? If so, what is it? Can Nolan and Jenna work their issues out? What happens when Jenna gets an unexpected phone call from her father? Why is this a surprise? What's the story there? When Jenna lands in the hospital, her mother shows up. What walls does Nolan slam up around their 'family' that is there in the waiting room, as well as Jenna? This book is full of hope, heartache, anger, love, joy, pain, fear, and forgiveness. It is a great romance story. You're going to have to read it to find out what happens!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
October 8, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. The Sacred Truth is the second blood in The Tactical men series. It can be read as a stand alone but I do wish that I had read A Dance Worth Dancing First to get a real feel for two of the main characters from that book.

Jenna had a vile childhood which has had a massive impact on her whole life. She falls for Nolan but Nolan doesn't want her. He sends her mixed signals all the time showing that he didn't want things to end with her. Life then gives her a curve ball she wasn't expecting and she also gets Nolan back. Their love is strong but they do have challenges to face.

Nolan loves Jenna like no other but he ends things with her for what he thinks is best for her in the future because of his job. But Nolan can't stay away from her. Then end up back together as they should be. Then their massive surprise that will test their relationship. Nolan and Jenna's relationship grows stronger but Jenna has loads of issues from her childhood to overcome, he just hopes he can always be there for her.

Will they get the HEA they both deserve?
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,048 reviews65 followers
September 27, 2016
Review by: Jennifer
(3.75 stars)

This is part two, and you MUST read the first book to even get what's going on in this story.

So we finished A Dance Worth Dancing knowing that Nolan and Jenna were somewhat a couple but they have some issues.... namely Nolan telling Jenna they should see other people. Now that Jenna has found the one man that makes her day start, how is she ever going to move on.

Nolan told Jenna a lie... he doesn't want to see other people. But he has his reasons for telling her that and breaking it off. As is the way when you share friends, and those friends are getting married; you will run into your ex... even if you are trying to avoid them.

Can Nolan get his head out of his rear end long enough to admit to Jenna that she is it for him and he can't live without her? Or will he continue to watch his life from the sidelines?

After reading A Dance Worth Dancing this is quite anti - climactic. While yes this is a really good story, just having the comparison makes this story pale. I give it 3.75 stars.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,676 reviews85 followers
December 27, 2017
This book hit close to home for me because it describes what life is like being in a relationship with a SWAT police officer. Being married to one who was in the unit for 9 years I can so relate to what JL Long describes of not knowing if your loved one will be home at any given time; spending a lot of time alone; and having plans changed at the last moment because of a call out. JL definitely understood the difficulties of being in that type of relationship and what it does to the individual and their family. I enjoyed how JL emphasized the need to embrace life despite what life throws your way. For me, I wish the characters had more depth than just scratching the surface. For that reason, I could only give it a 4.5*.

review by ANN
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,502 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Sacred Truth us the second book in the Tactical Man Series, it was my introduction to J.L. Long and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it is book 2 it can be read as a standalone, I'll definitely be going back to visit book 1 to read more about these characters and their friends.

Nolan has left Jenna in a move that he feels is protecting her. Jenna is determine to have Nolan back as she believes they both have strong feelings for each other.This romance follows their story and how they find their HEA. Each character has a past and fears to overcome, there are a few twists along the way, good friends to point them in the right direction and ultimately confessed love.

Reviewed for Amo and Sarah Book Corner.
Profile Image for Samantha Ortegon.
Author 1 book50 followers
September 29, 2016
The Sacred Truth is my first read by JL Long and I know it will not be my last.
For my first SWAT police officer story, it had me emotional. The bond between this group of characters is masculine, yet these men are strong enough to let their guards down when it comes to the ones they love. The women they love seem to be the backbone they need and it's inspiring.

Nolan comes off as a jerk at first, womanizing his way to avoid his feelings for loving the one woman that makes him happy. I could not help but feel for him once he reveals his fear and why he feels that he is not deserving of her love. Nolan's strength and his commitment to his job is admirable, I found myself heartbroken when I realized the sacrifices these men and their families made every time they step out the door and head to their job.

Jenna is very familiar with the feeling of not being worthy of love, her parents were the first to instill that into her mind. She now finds herself heartbroken, but with mixed signals from the man that let her go, Jenna is not willing to give up on him and their love. I love everything about Jenna, she is strong, beautiful, and loving. Her never give up attitude prepares her for life's surprises, it's her memories of her childhood that seem to be her weakness.

I have to say that there is not one thing that I did not love about this story, the characters are perfectly written to the point that you want more from them. I know this review is short and that I am not going into details, that's because I feel this story has to be read and as a reader, lose yourself with the storyline. JL Long had me feeling the emotions of these characters and gave me a story of confronting fears, forgiveness, friendship, and fighting for a love that not even fate could destroy. The Sacred Truth has me wanting more from the Tactical Men series. It's a 5 star must read!!!
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews38 followers
September 30, 2016

Nolan thought that staying away from Jenna might protect her from the inevitable issues that arise when you’re involved with a member of SWAT, but what he hadn’t anticipated was that he might be the one to break her by trying to keep her safe. Just one problem with that, his heart and head aren’t exactly on the same page, so there was only so long that he was ever going to be able to keep how he feels about her under wraps, because at some point, something was going to have to give and I was fairly certain early on which way I though it as going to go…foolish man!
From, the very start I liked this pair, they touched a nerve with me that meant I really wanted them to was tangible, and while it was enough to bring a tear to my eye, I thought it fitted perfectly with who they were.
Jenna took how she felt about Nolan seriously and with a past that meant she was reluctant to jump into anything on a whim, it was a hard pill to swallow when she couldn’t stop him slipping out of her grasp. She wanted to hold on, this was a man she loved but he had his own motives and while she may not have completely understood what they were at the time, she knew he cared for her and was far from willing to walk away for good.
But could he see that his actions were only causing them both pain and if he could what would he do to fix it?
This is a story you are going to want to read, it is really engaging and has characters that you cannot help but care about.



Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
November 22, 2016
This book, this book right here will give you all the feels! I laughed, I cried, I shouted at my kindle. What an emotional rollercoaster.
Jenna comes from a broken home, not knowing what love is.
Nolan is scared, scared of dying and leaving the ones he love.
Together can they get through their fears? Can they find love when life seems so dark? - You'll just have to read to find out!
This is the second book in the series, yet it can be read as a stand alone. I devoured the first book and I'm pleased to say that I devoured this one too!
In the first book we briefly say Nolan, I hated him, I thought he was awful.. now after reading Sacred Truth, I love him. He's my favourite!
I loved the character developments, although I would have liked a bit more background on Nolan and his family, the writing was flawless, and the storyline was incredible, one of the best I've read!
This is a must read, a 5 star book! Give it a chance because you won't regret it!
#2OCCAB
Profile Image for Barbara Jaros.
469 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2016
I was provided an ARC of The Sacred Truth in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by JL Long and I was not disappointed. I loved Jenna and Nolan's story. They both have very deep seeded fears that they need to overcome. And while they don't necessarily overcome all those fears, they do learn to not let those things determine their happiness. Love gets to give them a happily ever after!

While this is the second book in the Tactical Men series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone. I will be going back to read the first book; not because I missed anything, but because I want to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Brandi.
535 reviews36 followers
October 7, 2016
4.5 stars

I enjoyed the second book very much. While not as action packed as the first this book dealt with some heavy topics. I can't imagine having a mother like Jennas. She was hard and cold and abusive. Her dad had no excuses but learned to be a better person. We see a side of Nolan that makes your heart swoon and honestly feel for this man. Jenna was such a broken girl hiding behind laughs and sarcasm. One scene did bring me to tears and I think anyone who's witnessed that scenario has cried despite knowing that person or not. So yes read this beautiful love story. You'll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Melissa (hereforthebooklove).
138 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2016
What a great read! This is a dual POV book that hooked me from page one. I love both Jenna and Nolan. I really felt what these characters we feeling. They are both dealing with their past and how to move forward in their future.
Nolan knew that he wanted Jenna but struggled with protecting what he wanted rather than giving in to it.
Jenna knew she wanted Nolan and that he felt the same but she couldn't quite get him to stay.
The way the story is told you really get a sense of the amount of love, hurt, struggle and happiness throughout the story. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,486 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2016
Jenna just want to feel important, like she is worth being loved because she sure didn't get that as a child. Nolan doesn't think he has enough to offer anyone especially Jenna. She is everything he never knew he wanted and is scared to hope she would want him too with all his baggage he carries. Two souls destiny has brought together, can they learn to work through their struggles together, can they see that together they are stronger then when they are apart and throught this journey they just might find their Happy Ever After.
Profile Image for The Book Cave  (Devon.
265 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2016
I was given the opportunity to read The Sacred Truth as an ARC for an honest review
There is the perfect amount of drama and angst in the book to keep you turning pages.
Nolan such a strong dominant military man turned swat officer has unseen demons he cant seem to get rid of and is scared to love Jenna with his whole heart until it may be to late. Jenna so use to being unloved except be her friends wonders if she will ever have a wholesome love. This book was really a good read. It's the 1st I've read by JL Long but will not be the last, so go One-Click!!!
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
September 29, 2016
Wow, I was so wrong about how I saw this going but I loved it. Nolan was looking for just causal with Jenna but when it turn into more he got scared , felt he wasn't right for her which in return cause him to hurt Jenna, but now his hurting cause no matter what or how long apart from her he can't shake her, can he let go of his fear for love or will it be to late? I loved it. This whole series is awesome.
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
September 25, 2016
This is the first book I have read by JL Long. It's the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone. This was a very emotional read. It wasn't so much what was going on with the couple but what could happen. The sacrifices that people make in life. I connected with the two main characters and got a good feel for the others as well. I will definitely read more from her.
Profile Image for Deanna Cardineau.
10 reviews15 followers
September 23, 2016
I'm writing a arc review in the book the sacred turth ..all I have to say is WOW that book was really great..I cried I laughed ..it was powerful and emotional book..if incould give more stars I would ..
Profile Image for Brittany.
62 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2016
The Sacred Truth was a great book! I absolutely loved Jenna and Nolan. Don't get me wrong, in the beginning I was cursing Nolan, but you can't help but love him! I loved him and Jenna together. Jenna went through so much in life she deserved every bit of happiness she got!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Garcia.
83 reviews
September 22, 2016
This is the first book I from this Author and I absolutely loved this book.
This is what true love is all about.
2,617 reviews25 followers
September 24, 2016
what a amazing love story! i couldnt stand her mother who does that to a child they are suspose to love. you rocked with this book! hope to read more in the future!
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 287 books623 followers
October 1, 2016
OMG! Sooo good. All the feels with this one. Jenna and Nolan's struggle to their HEA. Each has a past to overcome, but eventually they get there! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 1 book13 followers
February 20, 2017
loved

Oh another great read from this author. I loved Jenna and Nolan story. Anxiously waiting to see what is next in this series
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,901 reviews60 followers
July 26, 2019
Enjoyable read

This story was one I couldn't put down. I don't normally read Romance stories but this one had some real life situations and I found it quite good to read.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
May 29, 2017
Oh my!!! I'm so glad I get to see More of Nolan and Jenna. I loved their story. It had its up and downs with them but I loved it. They show that life's not perfect and it's not easy to fix the problems that happen.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
October 9, 2016


**** 4.5 stars ****

I enjoyed this book very much. While not as action packed as the first, this book dealt with some heavy topics.



Jenna's mom is a tyrant and a bitter woman. She was every form of abusive you can imagine, except physically. She chose to cut Jenna down with words. Her dad left them and he really had no excuses as to why he left yet he learned to be a better person.



We see a side of Nolan that makes your heart swoon. Your heart will feel for this man. Jenna was such a broken girl hiding behind laughs and sarcasm. One scene did bring me to tears and I think anyone who's witnessed that scenario has cried despite knowing the person or not.



This story is a rebirth of oneself and finding love despite not feeling worthy.



While not important to read book one in The Tactical Men series to understand this story previous characters do show up in this book. So give this series a try.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,938 reviews32 followers
September 25, 2016
ARC Review - This book hit close to home for me because it describes what life is like being in a relationship with a SWAT police officer. Being married to one who was in the unit for 9 years I can so relate to what JL Long describes of not knowing if your loved one will be home at any given time; spending a lot of time alone; and having plans changed at the last moment because of a call out. JL definitely understood the difficulties of being in that type of relationship and what it does to the individual and their family. I enjoyed how JL emphasized the need to embrace life despite what life throws your way. For me, I wish the characters had more depth than just scratching the surface. For that reason, I could only give it a 4.5*.
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