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Trick of Light
Sea Smoke Island has a way of dragging the past into the light...no matter who gets burned.
Gabby Ramon barely escaped with her life the last time she set foot on Sea Smoke Island. But what self-respecting true crime podcaster could walk away from so many buried secrets, including literal pirate treasure? She’s determined to uncover the truth—even if it means clashing with the island’s most powerful—and infuriatingly handsome—man.
Barnaby Carmichael never wanted to run his family’s empire, but protecting their legacy means keeping a dangerous secret buried. When Gabby’s investigation starts hitting too close to home, he’s ready to shut her down. Until islanders begin falling mysteriously ill—and the only person who can help him clear his family’s name is the woman threatening to expose it.
As desire sparks and danger deepens, Gabby and Barnaby must decide what’s riskier—the secrets they’re uncovering or the way they’re falling for each other.
TRICK OF LIGHT is an enemies to lovers romantic suspense set on the hauntingly beautiful coast of Maine.
Gabby Ramon barely escaped with her life the last time she set foot on Sea Smoke Island. But what self-respecting true crime podcaster could walk away from so many buried secrets, including literal pirate treasure? She’s determined to uncover the truth—even if it means clashing with the island’s most powerful—and infuriatingly handsome—man.
Barnaby Carmichael never wanted to run his family’s empire, but protecting their legacy means keeping a dangerous secret buried. When Gabby’s investigation starts hitting too close to home, he’s ready to shut her down. Until islanders begin falling mysteriously ill—and the only person who can help him clear his family’s name is the woman threatening to expose it.
As desire sparks and danger deepens, Gabby and Barnaby must decide what’s riskier—the secrets they’re uncovering or the way they’re falling for each other.
TRICK OF LIGHT is an enemies to lovers romantic suspense set on the hauntingly beautiful coast of Maine.
346 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
7 people are currently reading
3343 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bernard
88 books1,383 followersJennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she’s happy to share with the curious.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 16, 2025
Once again the coastal island of Sea Smoke took me for an adrenaline fueled ride. Gabby Roman and Barnaby Carmichael were at the heart of Trick of Light trying to solve a mystery while lives hung in the balance.
These two began this book with very different outlooks about one another, but as people began getting sick and new questions led to new leads which eventually led to Barnaby's personal life. It didn't take long before Gabby and Barnaby ended up on the same side. No matter how much they both tried to ignore their sparking chemistry, the potential pitfalls of what a relationship between them could mean, it truly appeared that nothing would keep them apart, especially when all signs kept pulling them back together.
Once these two started working together it was go time and most of that was due to one tiny woman, named Tamara, Barnaby's grandmother. She was quite intriguing herself and I loved her as an addition to this cast of colorful characters. As the walls came down between Gabby and Barnaby, I loved how much he respected the time and dedication she put into work. Gabby also came from a place that understood the hardships of coming from a family that lived in the spotlight like the Carmichael's did. She also respected that while he grew up with privilege, he spent a lot of his life traveling and giving back to those less fortunate. These two were a wonderful blend that fit together in the best of ways and I liked their energy together.
Just like the last book, during the beginning, my mind never stopped turning over ideas on who the bad guy could be and then as I reached the last quarter of this book, the intensity never stopped! It's where all the evidence came together and it was fast and furious time. 😀🫣 It was an intense, page-turning thrill ride that didn't quit!
These two began this book with very different outlooks about one another, but as people began getting sick and new questions led to new leads which eventually led to Barnaby's personal life. It didn't take long before Gabby and Barnaby ended up on the same side. No matter how much they both tried to ignore their sparking chemistry, the potential pitfalls of what a relationship between them could mean, it truly appeared that nothing would keep them apart, especially when all signs kept pulling them back together.
Once these two started working together it was go time and most of that was due to one tiny woman, named Tamara, Barnaby's grandmother. She was quite intriguing herself and I loved her as an addition to this cast of colorful characters. As the walls came down between Gabby and Barnaby, I loved how much he respected the time and dedication she put into work. Gabby also came from a place that understood the hardships of coming from a family that lived in the spotlight like the Carmichael's did. She also respected that while he grew up with privilege, he spent a lot of his life traveling and giving back to those less fortunate. These two were a wonderful blend that fit together in the best of ways and I liked their energy together.
Just like the last book, during the beginning, my mind never stopped turning over ideas on who the bad guy could be and then as I reached the last quarter of this book, the intensity never stopped! It's where all the evidence came together and it was fast and furious time. 😀🫣 It was an intense, page-turning thrill ride that didn't quit!
November 26, 2025
Trick of Light by Jennifer Bernard, book two in the Sea Smoke Island series, was an amazing, emotional, thrilling, romantic suspense, filled with intrigue, and twists and turns that kept me engaged and guessing right up to the very end. It is a story about pirates from long ago, buried treasure, family secrets, and a steaming hot romance.
True crime podcaster Gabby continues her search for answers to the mystery of Sea Smoke Island, after all the dangers she encountered the last time she tried, when she meets another Carmichael; Barnaby. Barnaby Carmichael never wanted to be part of his family’s empire, spending his time away for the island for years. Between his father’s dementia and his older siblings in jail, he is forced into being in charge and help with cleaning up the aftermath of his family's business after what happened in Light of Day. Barnaby has his own secrets; a grandmother who no one knew about, or that he had a different mother.
Then strange things start happening on the island; residents are being poisoned and eventually one of them dies. All the leads point to Barnaby's beloved grandmother as the lead suspect. Barnaby and Gabby decide to work together to uncover this mystery, protect his grandmother, and prove her innocence. As they dig deeper, the more questions that they have, and encounter danger almost everywhere. Then there’s also the rumored treasure, buried long ago by the pirates.
This is a thrilling edge-of-your-seat, action packed romantic suspense, with lots of secrets. Gabby and Barnaby might have begun as opposites but the more they get to know each other, the more they realize they have in common. This is a well written story with characters has, the right mix of suspense, love and drama, and twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I’m excited for the next book in the series and to see how the residents recover from the revelations, as well as what's next for the people of Sea Smoke Island.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#TrickOfLight #JenniferBernard #SeaSmokeIsland
True crime podcaster Gabby continues her search for answers to the mystery of Sea Smoke Island, after all the dangers she encountered the last time she tried, when she meets another Carmichael; Barnaby. Barnaby Carmichael never wanted to be part of his family’s empire, spending his time away for the island for years. Between his father’s dementia and his older siblings in jail, he is forced into being in charge and help with cleaning up the aftermath of his family's business after what happened in Light of Day. Barnaby has his own secrets; a grandmother who no one knew about, or that he had a different mother.
Then strange things start happening on the island; residents are being poisoned and eventually one of them dies. All the leads point to Barnaby's beloved grandmother as the lead suspect. Barnaby and Gabby decide to work together to uncover this mystery, protect his grandmother, and prove her innocence. As they dig deeper, the more questions that they have, and encounter danger almost everywhere. Then there’s also the rumored treasure, buried long ago by the pirates.
This is a thrilling edge-of-your-seat, action packed romantic suspense, with lots of secrets. Gabby and Barnaby might have begun as opposites but the more they get to know each other, the more they realize they have in common. This is a well written story with characters has, the right mix of suspense, love and drama, and twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I’m excited for the next book in the series and to see how the residents recover from the revelations, as well as what's next for the people of Sea Smoke Island.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#TrickOfLight #JenniferBernard #SeaSmokeIsland
November 24, 2025
Jennifer Bernard’s second book in the Sea Smoke Island series, TRICK OF LIGHT, reeled me in from the beginning and kept me immersed in the story until the very end, so much so that I read it in a day (yep, I lost a little sleep, but worth it). Gabby Ramon and Barnaby Carmichael have chemistry from the start but his being a Carmichael and her being a journalist put them at odds from the very beginning. When people start getting sick, seemingly poisoned, all evidence points to Tamara Brown, the “crone,” as she calls herself, that the islanders come to for natural remedies. She’s also on Gabby’s radar for the podcast, as she’s descended from the island’s first inhabitants.
Bernard can always be counted on for well-developed main characters, (flawed, of course!), witty dialogue, interesting and quirky secondary characters, romance, and suspenseful plotlines. Gabby and Barnaby are perfect for each other, and it’s fun watching them discover it. All Berrnard’s books can stand alone, but it’s fun to read them all, and there is a plotline that runs through this series, and you may want to start with the first book to catch up. I can’t wait to see where Bernard will take us on our next visit to Sea Smoke Island.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Bernard can always be counted on for well-developed main characters, (flawed, of course!), witty dialogue, interesting and quirky secondary characters, romance, and suspenseful plotlines. Gabby and Barnaby are perfect for each other, and it’s fun watching them discover it. All Berrnard’s books can stand alone, but it’s fun to read them all, and there is a plotline that runs through this series, and you may want to start with the first book to catch up. I can’t wait to see where Bernard will take us on our next visit to Sea Smoke Island.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
November 19, 2025
Trick of Light was a good addition to the Sea Smoke series. Before you pick it up, I highly recommend reading Light of Day first because of the ongoing storyline that travels through both of these stories. Gabby Ramon has decided to stay on at Sea Smoke island even after what happened to her after the end of Light of Day. She's serious about making hers and Heather's podcast getting some serious traction and there's a lot of questionable things that have happed on Sea Smoke Island. Barnaby Carmichael is back on the island to clean up the aftermath of his family's business after what happened in Light of Day. He doesn't like the press and he and Gabby get off on the wrong foot. Strange things start happening on the island. Residents are being poisoned and eventually one of them dies. All this leads to Barnaby's beloved grandmother as the lead suspect. Barnaby and Gabby decide to team up together to uncover this mystery but the deeper they dig, the more questions that they have. Trick of Light was a good mystery with a touch of romance. Gabby and Barnaby begin as opposites but the more they get to know each other, the more they realize they have in common. They both have a lot of baggage that they need to work through if they can survive Trick of Light!
November 25, 2025
This was such a great story! This book takes place on the gorgeous Sea Smoke Island picking up after book one solved the mystery of where Gabby was. Gabby is a fiercely independent and outspoken woman who mostly lives her truth, but struggles to do that while dealing with the expectations of her powerful and successful family. Barnaby is a “rich globe trotting playboy”, according to the press, but in reality a good man trying to go around the world doing community service and running away from the weight, expectations, and legacy of his family. When everything falls apart and Barnaby is forced to come home to take over the family business he is resentful and butts heads with Gabby who he views as just another member of the press out to get him. However, as mysterious events keep happening on the island and all the evidence starts pointing to one woman they both want to protect, they must put aside their differences and work together. And the more time they spend together, the more sparks fly. This was such a great romantic suspense story! I loved the strong characters, the beautiful setting, and the mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Another winner from Jennifer Bernard!
November 28, 2025
Book 2 in the Sea Smoke series was just good as the first book in this series. I love books where you can just picture yourself right in the middle of the story line and this series definitely pulls you right in. Even though this series is set in Maine you can definitely see yourself right in town with all the characters. This book has a little bit of everything. It definitely has a romance aspect, but it throws in a mix of mystery, suspense, and even a little bit of true crime solving. It’s always nice to pick up a book that you simply cannot put down and has you wanting to keep reading. Sometimes I find myself spacing it out on purpose because I don’t want the story to end. Especially when I know the next book in the series will not be here until the new year.
I have been reading Jennifer Bernards’ books since the Firemen of Saint Gabriel (her first series) and I never get tired of them or her. They are all good!!! If you are looking for some light reading definitely check this series out. I love that I can never figure out how the story will end up. Looking forward to the next installment already, but I also love that each book is stand alone so you don’t necessarily have to read them in order to understand what is going on.
I have been reading Jennifer Bernards’ books since the Firemen of Saint Gabriel (her first series) and I never get tired of them or her. They are all good!!! If you are looking for some light reading definitely check this series out. I love that I can never figure out how the story will end up. Looking forward to the next installment already, but I also love that each book is stand alone so you don’t necessarily have to read them in order to understand what is going on.
November 17, 2025
I loved Trick of Light! The plot, romance and suspense were written so well. I’m loving this series and the suspense plot that’s intricately woven in to the books that keeps being delved into, with more added as the stories evolve. I love the way Jennifer balances out her books with the romance, friendship and suspense. She puts enough in of everything that you don’t feel like one is taking over, you get parts of it all and i love that. Gabby and Barnaby were great characters and i loved getting to know both more in depth and seeing how they were feeling about what had happened in book 1 as well as what was unfolding in book 2. Gabby’s such a cool heroine and you really fall for her disposition and how she handles things. She’s both smart and strong and i’m here for it. Barnaby was also a great hero. I fell in love with his personality. He was very smart and also very patient and he knew when he had to wield different attitudes to help them get answers for the bigger picture. He had a lot of mixed feelings about his family which i think is only natural. I found him very swoony and loved the chemistry between him and Gabby. I can’t wait for book 3!
November 19, 2025
WOW! What a fantastic page turner! This book had me on the edge of my seat and flipping the pages as fast as I could read. I loved Gabby and Barnaby’s book so much. Gabby may find Barnaby attractive, but she didn’t care for him at all in the beginning. This author pulled me in and didn’t let go until the end. I love a good romance story, but when we have suspense added in that makes it even better. Gabby and Heather co-host their podcast Dirty Rotten B*stards about righting wrongs and telling truths. The Carmichael family is a hot topic and Barnaby doesn’t like it. Will we learn who is the murderer from book one in this book? Maybe. You will need to read to find out. Also what’s causing the outbreak of poisonings taking place? Is it all related? I just love how this author pulled me and held my attention with this book. The romance didn’t take center stage, the storyline did. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say if you enjoy a great suspense read with a few surprises thrown in, you’ll definitely want to read this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
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November 24, 2025Gabby is continuing her search for answers to the mystery of Sea Smoke Island when she meets another Carmichael, Barnaby. Barnaby is unlike any of the other Carmichael siblings. He has been away for the island for years. And Barnaby has secrets. His secrets turn out to be clues to some of the mystery they are all searching for. Heather and Luke continue to search for answers while Heather gets to know Luke’s child. There are so many secrets on Sea Smoke Island! We meet Barnaby’s grandmother no one knew about and she turns out to be quite the character. And very much a part of the mystery. Danger is everywhere! Gabby is once again kidnapped and taken out to the lighthouse. The biggest surprise involves the police. This is a great edge-of-your-seat action packed mystery. So many secrets! Will we ever find the elusive treasure buried years ago? This book is such a great read. I almost wish I’d waited until all the books in the series were available so I didn’t have to wait to find out the answers to all the mysteries on one small island off the coast of Maine. Trick of Light is a fast read mostly because you cannot put it down until you’ve finished reading it.
November 18, 2025
I need to start by saying what a huge fan of Jennifer Bernard's books I have become! I look forward to each one as I know there will be a great story, relatable, warm, and interesting characters and fabulous descriptions of the settings that give my imagination lovely images. Trick of the Light is no exception. From its almost eerie prologue, to the story that gripped me from the start, to the budding, funny, satisfying central romance between clever, feisty Gabby and independent, warm hearted with a crusty exterior, Barnaby, and I am not referring to his appearance.
The story has a great mystery at its heart, the wonderful Tamara casting a spell of wisdom throughout, and a sense of the other that holds its own beauty. The indomitable Chen is present, upholding the law alongside Luke, while facing up to her tendency to seasickness!
The book also references current affairs, issues around racial prejudices and assumptions, all written wisely and relevant without being biased.
I have loved this return to beautiful Sea Smoke Island. The book is clever, well plotted, fun, and filled with characters I already love. 💖💖💖💖💖
The story has a great mystery at its heart, the wonderful Tamara casting a spell of wisdom throughout, and a sense of the other that holds its own beauty. The indomitable Chen is present, upholding the law alongside Luke, while facing up to her tendency to seasickness!
The book also references current affairs, issues around racial prejudices and assumptions, all written wisely and relevant without being biased.
I have loved this return to beautiful Sea Smoke Island. The book is clever, well plotted, fun, and filled with characters I already love. 💖💖💖💖💖
November 19, 2025
Another great book in this new series!
I thought the first book in the Sea Smoke Island series was good, but this one was even better. In this story we get to learn more about Barnaby Carmichael, Luke’s half-brother. After all the excitement and shake up from the first book, poor Barnaby has had to step in and keep the family business going while also caring for his father. You have to really feel sorry for him because this is not anything that he wanted to take over. Then there’s Gabby Ramon, Heather’s best friend and co-worker on their podcast Dirty Rotten B@stards. This girl is someone you want to be best friends with. She is quick on her feet and tells you like it is. I loved her! Watching her and Barnaby work together to figure out the new mystery on the island was thrilling. This story had some many twists and turns in it that it really took me a while to figure out who the bad person was that they were after. I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait to see who we’ll get to read about in the next book.
I thought the first book in the Sea Smoke Island series was good, but this one was even better. In this story we get to learn more about Barnaby Carmichael, Luke’s half-brother. After all the excitement and shake up from the first book, poor Barnaby has had to step in and keep the family business going while also caring for his father. You have to really feel sorry for him because this is not anything that he wanted to take over. Then there’s Gabby Ramon, Heather’s best friend and co-worker on their podcast Dirty Rotten B@stards. This girl is someone you want to be best friends with. She is quick on her feet and tells you like it is. I loved her! Watching her and Barnaby work together to figure out the new mystery on the island was thrilling. This story had some many twists and turns in it that it really took me a while to figure out who the bad person was that they were after. I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait to see who we’ll get to read about in the next book.
November 22, 2025
Thrilling Romantic Suspense
Barnaby Carmichael is drawn to Gabby Ramon after their first argument. She is a wild card. Barnaby seems very arrogant to Gabby and she does not like arrogance especially if it is aimed at her. She gets the feeling that Barnaby thinks he is better than her, even though he insists he never thought that. Rather he admired her the first moment he saw her. Then they argued and he respected her even more. Now he has to trust that she will be professional and not do anything that could indirectly harm Tamara, his grandmother as they work together to solve the mysteries of Sea Smoke Island. This is a well written romantic suspense with intriguing secrets that take the story on multiple twists and turns. The elements of mystery, danger and suspense keep the pages flipping. On top of that the pull between Gabby and Barnaby is undeniable. This enemies to lovers suspense is a fabulous read. The ending leaves us wonder what the next mystery on Sea Smoke Island will be. Bring on Book 3 of the series.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Barnaby Carmichael is drawn to Gabby Ramon after their first argument. She is a wild card. Barnaby seems very arrogant to Gabby and she does not like arrogance especially if it is aimed at her. She gets the feeling that Barnaby thinks he is better than her, even though he insists he never thought that. Rather he admired her the first moment he saw her. Then they argued and he respected her even more. Now he has to trust that she will be professional and not do anything that could indirectly harm Tamara, his grandmother as they work together to solve the mysteries of Sea Smoke Island. This is a well written romantic suspense with intriguing secrets that take the story on multiple twists and turns. The elements of mystery, danger and suspense keep the pages flipping. On top of that the pull between Gabby and Barnaby is undeniable. This enemies to lovers suspense is a fabulous read. The ending leaves us wonder what the next mystery on Sea Smoke Island will be. Bring on Book 3 of the series.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
November 19, 2025
More intrigue for (usually) sleepy Sea Smoke Island! Gabby Rance is the other half of a podcast team (we’ve met Heather McPhee and Gabby in the first book in this series) and she is smart, quick, and gorgeous – just to name a few of her qualities. She catches the eye of Barnaby Carmichael, the reluctant “caretaker” of his family and their conglomerate, if you will. You’ll have to read the story to understand the whole intrigue and enjoy this book; no spoilers from me.
I loved these two! They have to feel each other out but work as a team. They grow close and it is so sweet to read. Love Tamara – she’s very important to this story but you’ll need to read to understand. Barnaby’s brother, Luke, who we met in book one, is pretty cool, too. This is a standalone but I love these characters and the island. Like most small towns, the island has its secrets and Trick of Light is about another big one. Really enjoyed the mystery and love in this book!
I loved these two! They have to feel each other out but work as a team. They grow close and it is so sweet to read. Love Tamara – she’s very important to this story but you’ll need to read to understand. Barnaby’s brother, Luke, who we met in book one, is pretty cool, too. This is a standalone but I love these characters and the island. Like most small towns, the island has its secrets and Trick of Light is about another big one. Really enjoyed the mystery and love in this book!
November 24, 2025
The second book in the series had so many twists and turns that had me reading way later than I should have. Barnaby is forced to step in to the family business, something that he never wanted, and trying to solve the new mysteries going on in town. Gabby, a podcast host finds Barnaby attractive but finds him annoying. When they team up sparks will fly, but they might be too hardheaded to admit the truth of their feelings.
Seeing Heather, Luke and the rest of Sea Smoke's residents was nice and I loved getting to know Barnaby and Gabby better. Secrets always have a way of coming to light and those secrets led to a lot of turmoil and suspense in this book. I love a good romance, but when you add in well written suspense, you won't want to put the book down. I can't wait to see who we meet next and what mysterious things will happen next on Sea Smoke Island. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
Seeing Heather, Luke and the rest of Sea Smoke's residents was nice and I loved getting to know Barnaby and Gabby better. Secrets always have a way of coming to light and those secrets led to a lot of turmoil and suspense in this book. I love a good romance, but when you add in well written suspense, you won't want to put the book down. I can't wait to see who we meet next and what mysterious things will happen next on Sea Smoke Island. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
November 19, 2025
Trick of Light is a fabulous read. This is book 2 in the Sea Smoke Island series. You met Gabby in book 1 as she came to the island for a podcast with her partner. She is determined to uncover the secrets of the island. I love Gabby so much. She has this way of getting people to talk. Barnaby is pulled back to the island because of family troubles. He has kept a secret to himself for many years and as it comes out more is revealed. I love how protective Barnaby is of his grandmother. There is this lovely slow burn between Gabby and Barnaby. I love how they work together to find who really is behind the mysterious illness going around and prove that Barnaby's grandma is innocent. I could not get enough of this one. I cannot wait for more to come in the Sea Smoke Island series. You need to one click this now and find out what new secrets this island holds.
November 22, 2025
Suspense, romance, history, an herbal healer, secrets, and pirate treasure! Well...sign me up!
This is book two in the Sea Smoke Island series and after Light of Day, book #1, I couldn't think of what could possibly happen on a small island off the coast of Maine that could top Light of Day! Boy was I wrong.
Gabby and Barnaby do not see eye to eye when the book begins, but as there are more people are mysteriously sickened in town, they realize they must work together. There is a bit of magick going on in the woods, and it looks like Barnaby's grandmother might be in the middle of it. As the book picks up steam, there are all manner of dangers that Gabby and Barnaby have to overcome.
A really great ending!
I do think reading Light of Day before Trick of Light will help you understand the island and the people involved.
This is book two in the Sea Smoke Island series and after Light of Day, book #1, I couldn't think of what could possibly happen on a small island off the coast of Maine that could top Light of Day! Boy was I wrong.
Gabby and Barnaby do not see eye to eye when the book begins, but as there are more people are mysteriously sickened in town, they realize they must work together. There is a bit of magick going on in the woods, and it looks like Barnaby's grandmother might be in the middle of it. As the book picks up steam, there are all manner of dangers that Gabby and Barnaby have to overcome.
A really great ending!
I do think reading Light of Day before Trick of Light will help you understand the island and the people involved.
November 18, 2025
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Gabby and Baraby’s story.
Gabby is a true crime reporter, who barely escaped with her life last time she was in Sea Smoke Island. Barnaby never wanted to run his family’s empire, but when Gabby’s investigation hits too close to home, he is determined to shut her down, but maybe he needs her help instead.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, mystery, danger, suspense, intrigue, determination, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Gabby is a true crime reporter, who barely escaped with her life last time she was in Sea Smoke Island. Barnaby never wanted to run his family’s empire, but when Gabby’s investigation hits too close to home, he is determined to shut her down, but maybe he needs her help instead.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, mystery, danger, suspense, intrigue, determination, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 18, 2025
Another gripping book in this great series set on Sea Smoke Island. Heather and Gabby continue developing their podcast covering historic activity on the island when people start getting sick and one dies. All evidence points to an elderly woman. Barnaby Carmichael has been forced back to the island after the arrest of his siblings and the mental decline of his father. To protect the elderly lady who means so much to him secrets will have to be faced and even worse he will have to work with the fearless Gabby who gets right under his skin. An action packed tale full of twists and turns, history, secrets and betrayal alongside kindness, humour and romance plus the Bloodshot Eyeball cafe re-opens! Loving this series.
November 20, 2025
Trick of Light is Barnaby Carmichael and Gabby Ramon’s romantic suspense story. It’s book two in the Sea Smoke Island Series set on the island of the same name. I was kept on the edge of my seat as I quickly became invested in this couple’s journey.
True crime podcaster Gabby barely escaped with her life the last time she was on Sea Smoke Island but walking away from so many buried secrets was never an option.
Barnaby never wanted to be part of his families empire but he will protect the buried secrets with his life until islanders start rally ill ….
Can this couple work together and clear the Carmichael name.
This is a well written story with characters I fell for, the right mix of suspense, love and drama and twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
True crime podcaster Gabby barely escaped with her life the last time she was on Sea Smoke Island but walking away from so many buried secrets was never an option.
Barnaby never wanted to be part of his families empire but he will protect the buried secrets with his life until islanders start rally ill ….
Can this couple work together and clear the Carmichael name.
This is a well written story with characters I fell for, the right mix of suspense, love and drama and twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
November 16, 2025
5 Star Review Trick of Light (Sea Smoke Island #2) by Jennifer Bernard
We are back on Sea Smoke Islqnd, Maine for Gabby Ramon and Barnaby Carmichael’s story. There was a good balance of romance and suspense.
Even after nearly losing her life, true crime podcaster Gabby is determined to continue her investigations.
Barnaby is determined to stop her but when people start becoming ill he had no choice but to ask for her help.
Working together the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.
I really enjoy romantic suspense stories and this was a fine example. with equal amounts of romance and suspense.
We are back on Sea Smoke Islqnd, Maine for Gabby Ramon and Barnaby Carmichael’s story. There was a good balance of romance and suspense.
Even after nearly losing her life, true crime podcaster Gabby is determined to continue her investigations.
Barnaby is determined to stop her but when people start becoming ill he had no choice but to ask for her help.
Working together the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.
I really enjoy romantic suspense stories and this was a fine example. with equal amounts of romance and suspense.
November 18, 2025
I loved this tangled web that Jennifer Bernard wove for her readers. So many pieces or people got ensnared in the web as I tried to figure out who the spider really was. The twists, the turns, the suspense, the secrets, the revelations, and the sparks between Barnaby and Gabby made for a spellbinding story I could not put down. I look forward to the third book in this series. I am really enjoying this Sea Smoke Island in Maine with its interesting locals, the Carmichael family history, and the legend of hidden treasure. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 18, 2025
Jennifer does it again!! I just finished this book and I am coming down from the twists and turns of a great mystery. Gabby and Barnaby didn’t start out as a good match. They definitely had some strong misconceptions about each other. However, with Gabby’s great internet skills she became an intricate part of solving this mystery of murder and deception. As her and Barnaby began to look for answers, their attraction grew. You never know who to trust in a small town with lots of secrets and questionable history. I guess the most interesting issue that I saw was how race became a real issue with past and present relationships and unfortunately how is mirrored today’s troubled world.
November 21, 2025
Much like the first book there are a lot of secrets that come out and lots of twists and turns in this one. Gabby and Heather are still working the Sea Smoke story and as they investigate they find more, more with the Carmichael's, none of it good. I felt sorry for Barnaby as so much of this had a big affect on him. It was interesting to see how things evolved with him and Gabby. I wasn't sure about them as a couple at the start, but the more the book went on, you realized they are well matched. With all the secrets out now, they will have a good shot at a future and to make sure that things can go better in the future.
November 25, 2025
This is an incredible story! Jennifer Bernard has written another book with a cast of characters you will love and hate accordingly within an intricate and detailed plot. The secrets, the twists and the surprises will keep you on your toes along with Barnaby and Gabby as they unravel some of the mysteries on Sea Smoke Island.
The enemies to lovers slow burn relationship shows Barnaby and Gabby gaining each other’s respect and desire as they envision possibilities for a future. There’s friendship, passion and some light hearted moments to round out a heart pounding entertaining read. Suspense romance at its finest!
The enemies to lovers slow burn relationship shows Barnaby and Gabby gaining each other’s respect and desire as they envision possibilities for a future. There’s friendship, passion and some light hearted moments to round out a heart pounding entertaining read. Suspense romance at its finest!
November 24, 2025
Trick of Light follows Podcaster Gabby Ramon on her quest to uncover more secrets of Sea Smoke Island. She and Barnaby Carmichael butt heads and banter back and forth throughout this romantic mystery. There are a lot of connections (family and historical), some secrets uncovered, as well as some “witchcraft” of sorts.
It is a relaxing and slower paced read, yet also a mysterious and romantic read. I highly recommend reading book 1 (Light of Day), of Jennifer Bernard’s Sea Smoke Island series, as it gives the reader history of the island, the podcast information, as well as an introduction to the characters.
I enjoyed reading this!
It is a relaxing and slower paced read, yet also a mysterious and romantic read. I highly recommend reading book 1 (Light of Day), of Jennifer Bernard’s Sea Smoke Island series, as it gives the reader history of the island, the podcast information, as well as an introduction to the characters.
I enjoyed reading this!
November 17, 2025
Wow inspiring story. So well done.
Gabby is a true crime podcaster and when her investigation hits too close to home, Barnaby Carmichael tries to shut her down.
The mix of these two made for a fast paced read. Gabby was stubborn and trying to do what's right and Barnaby was very family orientated and trying to protect secrets. Although these two sure have that attraction thing going.
So well done. I loved the play between them and the plot kept me on my toes. Written well and I enjoyed Jennifer's easy read style of writing. Fantastic book!
Gabby is a true crime podcaster and when her investigation hits too close to home, Barnaby Carmichael tries to shut her down.
The mix of these two made for a fast paced read. Gabby was stubborn and trying to do what's right and Barnaby was very family orientated and trying to protect secrets. Although these two sure have that attraction thing going.
So well done. I loved the play between them and the plot kept me on my toes. Written well and I enjoyed Jennifer's easy read style of writing. Fantastic book!
November 23, 2025
This story was a bit slow to start. However, once Gabby and Barnaby are thrown together to figure out who is making people sick, the gloves are off and the thrill ride starts!
In a small Alaskan town with a mix of race and indigenous people, the prejudice is painfully obvious at times and makes it even more difficult to extract the necessary information, but Gabby and Barnaby do what they have to do to find the person or people attempting to destroy the citizens and families of this community.
The action and heat are intense, and you will really enjoy this story.
In a small Alaskan town with a mix of race and indigenous people, the prejudice is painfully obvious at times and makes it even more difficult to extract the necessary information, but Gabby and Barnaby do what they have to do to find the person or people attempting to destroy the citizens and families of this community.
The action and heat are intense, and you will really enjoy this story.
November 24, 2025
I would suggest reading book one, Light of Day, before diving into this book. This book continues what Light of Day started in Sea Smoke Island. Gabby has decided to set down roots in this small town even after everything she went through. Barnaby would rather be exploring the world than back at his family's inn cleaning up a mess.
So many twists and turns in this book. Jennifer Bernard has a way of mixing suspense and romance together to come up with the perfect book. Add some enemies to lovers and this book will keep you reading late into the night.
So many twists and turns in this book. Jennifer Bernard has a way of mixing suspense and romance together to come up with the perfect book. Add some enemies to lovers and this book will keep you reading late into the night.
December 2, 2025
Back we head to the mysterious Sea Smoke Island off the coast of Maine, to uncover more of it's hidden secrets and ..... treasure? Gabby Ramon wants to know what happened on this island in the past and she's paired up with the most unlikely and most unfriendly island resident Barnaby Carmichael to uncover it's secrets. Jennifer Bernard weaves a tale (especially romantic suspense) like no one else can, this story had me guessing at every page turn. Enemies to more always gives me the tingles, as I can't ever imagine falling for someone I dislike. But you know how they say there's a thin line between love and hate. Pick up this story today, you won't regret it.
December 14, 2025
This is book 2 of the Sea Smoke series. I did not read the first book. It was not necessary this is a stand alone. I absolutely loved this book. The characters development was fantastic. The chemistry of the characters was also great. I am a very visual person and the vivid writing was just beautiful. I could easily picture the beautiful views and the surrounding landscape of this island story. The twists and turns of the storyline were perfectly written and I enjoyed every moment of this book. I would highly recommend reading this book and I will be reading the first book as soon as I can.
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