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Night Light
On Sea Smoke Island, secrets never stay buried—and the truth is never safe.
Every time Detective Tina Chen comes to Sea Smoke Island, two things happen. One, criminals get busted. Two, she nearly loses her lunch on the boat ride over. This time, maybe things will be different. She’s on vacation, for one thing. Mandated vacation. But what kind of vacation would it be without an investigation to keep her busy? Enter Marigold Olson, who hires her to locate the mystery man who ditched her at the altar. His trail takes Tina to the Lightkeeper Inn and a head-on collision with … her longtime TV crush?
Jack Finnegan is no detective, though he plays one on a long-running crime series. But since no one will believe him that his sister Jessie’s in trouble, finding her is on him. Why has she disappeared from their grandparents’ old cottage on Sea Smoke? Who was the man she was seeing? And why can’t he shake the feeling that something has gone terribly wrong? Teaming up with the hot badass cop Tina is a no-brainer, at least for him. He’s not the one with the crush…not yet.
On Sea Smoke Island, the connections go deep, and soon Tina and Jack are dodging bullets and getting drawn into a notorious unsolved murder. And that’s before they discover they’ve stumbled onto a secret more dangerous than they ever imagined. What is the truth behind Night Light? Can they unbury it before it buries them?
NIGHT LIGHT is an opposites attract romantic suspense set on the hauntingly beautiful coast of Maine.
Every time Detective Tina Chen comes to Sea Smoke Island, two things happen. One, criminals get busted. Two, she nearly loses her lunch on the boat ride over. This time, maybe things will be different. She’s on vacation, for one thing. Mandated vacation. But what kind of vacation would it be without an investigation to keep her busy? Enter Marigold Olson, who hires her to locate the mystery man who ditched her at the altar. His trail takes Tina to the Lightkeeper Inn and a head-on collision with … her longtime TV crush?
Jack Finnegan is no detective, though he plays one on a long-running crime series. But since no one will believe him that his sister Jessie’s in trouble, finding her is on him. Why has she disappeared from their grandparents’ old cottage on Sea Smoke? Who was the man she was seeing? And why can’t he shake the feeling that something has gone terribly wrong? Teaming up with the hot badass cop Tina is a no-brainer, at least for him. He’s not the one with the crush…not yet.
On Sea Smoke Island, the connections go deep, and soon Tina and Jack are dodging bullets and getting drawn into a notorious unsolved murder. And that’s before they discover they’ve stumbled onto a secret more dangerous than they ever imagined. What is the truth behind Night Light? Can they unbury it before it buries them?
NIGHT LIGHT is an opposites attract romantic suspense set on the hauntingly beautiful coast of Maine.
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
348 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
8 people are currently reading
3031 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bernard
87 books1,390 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 52 reviews
March 9, 2026
I liked this one and this series, but this one seemed really slow to me. Tina cracks me up. For as much as she's on the island, she should live and work there. It was interesting to see her work this case and be so familiar with the people and places. It helped her connect some dots in odd ways. Jack was interesting too, with his history with the island, he often helped Tina come up with things that were connected. It was fun to see them work things together and sort of play off his character as needed. It was crazy what they found out and who all the bad guys were, but nice to see all of them have to pay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know how it was possible to make this book even more intriguing than her previous two, but Jennifer Bernard lept over all my expectations and I was floored by every new twist!! Night Light is a mystery wrapped around another mystery wrapped around a decades old cold case. It's fantastic on so many levels and I loved how everything tied together, especially with Tina Chen and Jack Finnegan at the romance helm. Their chemistry and banter made the book flow while they worked in tandem to solve a mystery that kept evolving right alongside their budding relationship. ❤️
Sea Smoke Island seems to be a place where nothing big or out of the ordinary should happen, but just ask Tina Chen, a police officer who's been called to investigate one too many crimes over the last several months. It does and it does frequently. At least lately. Finally forced to take a vacation Tina decided to vacation no further than Sea Smoke Island itself and stay at the Lightkeeper Inn, but during her time off she fell into looking into the whereabouts of a missing groom for a friend. Not that she minded in the least...she honestly had not idea what to do on vacation anyway and her investigation was going fine...until she stumbled upon her TV crush, Jack Finnegan, and then the bullets started to fly. Certainly vacations are overrated because Tina has no intentions of sitting this one out. 😉
This was such a mind bender. I loved how everything kept fitting together like one giant puzzle. Tina and Jack were pure magic and worked together seamlessly. They were meant to be, a true partnership, they just flowed, it was flawless and easy, which made the mystery and suspense heightened as they uncovered clues.
Night Light has been my favorite of the series, but it takes reading each book in progression to get to this point to really understand the nuances, in my opinion.wm While you can read it as a standalone, for the best reading enjoyment, it's best to read the series in order and even more so because it's excellent!!
Sea Smoke Island seems to be a place where nothing big or out of the ordinary should happen, but just ask Tina Chen, a police officer who's been called to investigate one too many crimes over the last several months. It does and it does frequently. At least lately. Finally forced to take a vacation Tina decided to vacation no further than Sea Smoke Island itself and stay at the Lightkeeper Inn, but during her time off she fell into looking into the whereabouts of a missing groom for a friend. Not that she minded in the least...she honestly had not idea what to do on vacation anyway and her investigation was going fine...until she stumbled upon her TV crush, Jack Finnegan, and then the bullets started to fly. Certainly vacations are overrated because Tina has no intentions of sitting this one out. 😉
This was such a mind bender. I loved how everything kept fitting together like one giant puzzle. Tina and Jack were pure magic and worked together seamlessly. They were meant to be, a true partnership, they just flowed, it was flawless and easy, which made the mystery and suspense heightened as they uncovered clues.
Night Light has been my favorite of the series, but it takes reading each book in progression to get to this point to really understand the nuances, in my opinion.wm While you can read it as a standalone, for the best reading enjoyment, it's best to read the series in order and even more so because it's excellent!!
March 11, 2026
Jennifer Bernard takes us back to Sea Smoke Island in NIGHT LIGHT, another entertaining mystery with a romance thrown in for fun. Or is it a romance with a mystery tossed in? Detective Tina Chen appeared in both the first two novels but with NIGHT LIGHT she’s front and center. Tina had a rough time in the last novel resulting in her boss, the Chief of Police, mandating that she take some of her many vacation days. So she heads back to Sea Smoke Island, despite her horrible sea sickness, for a working vacation, tracking Marigold’s runaway fiancé. Her investigation has barely gotten underway when Jack Finnegan crosses her path. Jack has returned to Sea Smoke Island looking for his sister who has disappeared, along with her new boyfriend. When it becomes obvious that Tina and Jack are looking for the same person, they join forces to attempt to put the pieces together. Who was this man? Is there a connection to Heather and Gabby’s latest podcast about an unsolved murder, or is it just a coincidence?
Bernard has crafted another gem, with well-developed main and secondary characters, witty banter, and a twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the last paragraph. Tina is a wonderfully nuanced character, strong, smart and funny. Jack is also smart and funny, and their characters complement each other well. Bernard has created another world that draws you in and makes you want to stay and visit, get to know the inhabitants of Sea Smoke Island and become a part of the world. NIGHT LIGHT can stand alone, but I recommend reading the first two novels to get to know the island and the people that live there, which will deepen your enjoyment. I can’t wait to see where Bernard takes us next, I am hoping it will be back to Sea Smoke Island.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Bernard has crafted another gem, with well-developed main and secondary characters, witty banter, and a twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the last paragraph. Tina is a wonderfully nuanced character, strong, smart and funny. Jack is also smart and funny, and their characters complement each other well. Bernard has created another world that draws you in and makes you want to stay and visit, get to know the inhabitants of Sea Smoke Island and become a part of the world. NIGHT LIGHT can stand alone, but I recommend reading the first two novels to get to know the island and the people that live there, which will deepen your enjoyment. I can’t wait to see where Bernard takes us next, I am hoping it will be back to Sea Smoke Island.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
March 5, 2026
This book has a little bit of everything which made it such a page turner that you didn’t want to put down. A little bit of romance, a little bit of unsolved mystery, a little bit of detective work and plenty of suspense. I am simply loving this series and the third installment did not disappoint. Every book becomes my favorite when it’s added to the mix. I loved everything about this book. I love when authors make you feel like you are immersed in the town and setting. Even if you have never set foot in the place before. Jennifer Bernard just has a knack for bringing her stories to life.
In Night Light we follow the story of Tina Chen and Jack Finnegan. Tina is a real life detective who is being forced into taking some vacation. She is no stranger to Sea Smoke Island even though she would prefer if there was another way to get there other than a boat ride which always makes her stomach turn. Of course like most detectives she cannot simply take a vacation and is headed to Sea Smoke to investigate a man who left his bride at the alter with no good explanation. Jack is a TV star who portrays a detective in his TV show. It doesn’t hurt that he is a looker and everyone loves him including Tina. He has come to Sea Smoke for a completely different reason. He is attempting to find his sister who was dating someone on Sea Smoke before she stopped communicating with Jack. Of corse that is not all that is going on in this story. Jack and Tina find themselves intwined in a mystery that reaches far beyond simply looking to find two lost people.
In Night Light we follow the story of Tina Chen and Jack Finnegan. Tina is a real life detective who is being forced into taking some vacation. She is no stranger to Sea Smoke Island even though she would prefer if there was another way to get there other than a boat ride which always makes her stomach turn. Of course like most detectives she cannot simply take a vacation and is headed to Sea Smoke to investigate a man who left his bride at the alter with no good explanation. Jack is a TV star who portrays a detective in his TV show. It doesn’t hurt that he is a looker and everyone loves him including Tina. He has come to Sea Smoke for a completely different reason. He is attempting to find his sister who was dating someone on Sea Smoke before she stopped communicating with Jack. Of corse that is not all that is going on in this story. Jack and Tina find themselves intwined in a mystery that reaches far beyond simply looking to find two lost people.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gripping Romantic Suspense
Nothing about Detective Tina Chen is usual as far as Jack Finnegan can tell. She is pretty hot in any context, to his mind. As Jack makes personal comments that have nothing to their investigation. He gives her lethal little smiles that make her head go woozy. She is not used to flirtation. When she is attracted to a man, she generally comes out and tells him so. Maybe a drink, a meal then some kissing to see if the attraction extends to sexual chemistry. Her approach is efficient and entirely satisfactory to both parties. This is something completely different and feels like quicksand. Like she does not understand the rules. They need to keep exploring. She is in charge of this investigation, but who would be in charge in the bedroom. Jennifer Bernard nailed it with her third book on Sea Smoke Island. There is an elements of steamy romance with extra sizzle as well as crime, mystery and suspense that takes intriguing twists and turns that had me captivated right from the first page. I had a hard time putting this one down before I was finished as it kept my guessing throughout. Try to read Books 1 & 2 first though so all the pieces fall together seamlessly.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Nothing about Detective Tina Chen is usual as far as Jack Finnegan can tell. She is pretty hot in any context, to his mind. As Jack makes personal comments that have nothing to their investigation. He gives her lethal little smiles that make her head go woozy. She is not used to flirtation. When she is attracted to a man, she generally comes out and tells him so. Maybe a drink, a meal then some kissing to see if the attraction extends to sexual chemistry. Her approach is efficient and entirely satisfactory to both parties. This is something completely different and feels like quicksand. Like she does not understand the rules. They need to keep exploring. She is in charge of this investigation, but who would be in charge in the bedroom. Jennifer Bernard nailed it with her third book on Sea Smoke Island. There is an elements of steamy romance with extra sizzle as well as crime, mystery and suspense that takes intriguing twists and turns that had me captivated right from the first page. I had a hard time putting this one down before I was finished as it kept my guessing throughout. Try to read Books 1 & 2 first though so all the pieces fall together seamlessly.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
March 13, 2026
Night Light is a fast-paced fun read from Jennifer Bernard. More of the action in this book takes place away from Sea Smoke Island, different from the other books in the series. We met Detective Tina Chen from the Harbortown Police Department, in the earlier books but not Jack. Tina is officially on vacation on Sea Smoke Island but is really there to help a friend, Marigold Olson, find her missing fiancé. We met Marigold, a constable on the island, in a previous book. Jack Finnegan is a TV detective, Denver Black, on the detective show, Dark of Night. Tina just happens to have a crush on Denver, making the collaboration between the two even more fun. Some of his acting skills are put to use in his hunt for his missing sister. Teaming up with Tina, Jack helps her investigate Marigold’s missing fiancé who also happens to be his sister’s fiancé. Fun collaboration and personal interaction between Tina and Jack. Great story in the Sea Smoke Island series except it was just too short and the ending was a little abrupt. I liked this book but just not as much as I liked the others in the series. I hope we get to meet up with some of the regular inhabitants of the island and surrounding area in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ll get this out right away: I adore Tina! She is the grumpiest, kick-butt heroine – with a heart of gold! – that I’ve read in a long time. She is SO capable, so smart, a wee bit broken, but is always there for anyone who may need a helping hand. I adored her character. And Jake, what a hoot! It’s especially funny when he “plays” detective with Tina, as he actually plays one on TV, in real life. Even though they seem like total opposites, these two are perfect together.
Other characters – and they ARE characters! – add so much to the story. For instance, Captain Sparrow (at first) deserves to be slapped silly for how he torments Tina. Nothing malicious, just a sick sense of humor. However, Tina – as we have come to expect from her – scares him, even when she is green around the gills. Go, Tina! The story itself quietly grabbed me from the very beginning. There is mystery and intrigue and all kinds of interwoven relationships. I loved how Tina and Jake worked together to figure things out and still managed to build a relationship. They were funny and sweet (two words no one would expect about Tina), especially together. I just loved this story!
Other characters – and they ARE characters! – add so much to the story. For instance, Captain Sparrow (at first) deserves to be slapped silly for how he torments Tina. Nothing malicious, just a sick sense of humor. However, Tina – as we have come to expect from her – scares him, even when she is green around the gills. Go, Tina! The story itself quietly grabbed me from the very beginning. There is mystery and intrigue and all kinds of interwoven relationships. I loved how Tina and Jake worked together to figure things out and still managed to build a relationship. They were funny and sweet (two words no one would expect about Tina), especially together. I just loved this story!
March 6, 2026
Review of advanced copy from Author
Night Light by Jennifer Bernard is a fun romantic suspense set on the moody coast of Maine. The story follows detective Tina Chen, who arrives on Sea Smoke Island for a vacation that quickly turns into anything but relaxing. When she meets Jack Finnegan—an actor famous for playing a TV detective who is desperately searching for his missing sister—Jessie the two unexpectedly team up to figure out what’s really going on.
As Tina also helps a woman named Marigold track down her runaway fiancé, the cases start connecting in surprising ways. Soon Tina and Jack find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous drug scheme tied to a mysterious substance called Night Light and the shadowy figures behind it.
The highlight of the book is the chemistry between Tina and Jack. Their banter is quick, funny, and keeps the story lively, while the suspense adds just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. I laughed out loud multiple times. Overall, Night Light is an engaging mix of mystery, humor, and romance that makes for a very enjoyable read.
Night Light by Jennifer Bernard is a fun romantic suspense set on the moody coast of Maine. The story follows detective Tina Chen, who arrives on Sea Smoke Island for a vacation that quickly turns into anything but relaxing. When she meets Jack Finnegan—an actor famous for playing a TV detective who is desperately searching for his missing sister—Jessie the two unexpectedly team up to figure out what’s really going on.
As Tina also helps a woman named Marigold track down her runaway fiancé, the cases start connecting in surprising ways. Soon Tina and Jack find themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous drug scheme tied to a mysterious substance called Night Light and the shadowy figures behind it.
The highlight of the book is the chemistry between Tina and Jack. Their banter is quick, funny, and keeps the story lively, while the suspense adds just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. I laughed out loud multiple times. Overall, Night Light is an engaging mix of mystery, humor, and romance that makes for a very enjoyable read.
March 4, 2026
Night Light is the 3rd book in the Sea Smoke Island series. I absolutely devoured this book! This was an awesome story that grabbed my attention and kept me engrossed in all that was transpiring throughout the story!
Jennifer did a fantastic job of writing this story in such a compelling way that the multiple mysteries that take shape during the investigation doesn't overwhelm the reader, but instead create the intrigue which pulls them further into the web of suspense on Sea Smoke Island.
I'm a huge fan of Tina Chen, the take charge Detective, and the charming Jack Finnegan. The instant chemistry and connection they experienced was so effortlessly weaved together to form a strong bond that guided them working together in a manner that takes years for others to develop to be true partners.
You will get adventure, suspense, drama, twists and surprises that flowed so well to deliver a wonderfully written story! Well done!
I received an early copy for my honest review.
Jennifer did a fantastic job of writing this story in such a compelling way that the multiple mysteries that take shape during the investigation doesn't overwhelm the reader, but instead create the intrigue which pulls them further into the web of suspense on Sea Smoke Island.
I'm a huge fan of Tina Chen, the take charge Detective, and the charming Jack Finnegan. The instant chemistry and connection they experienced was so effortlessly weaved together to form a strong bond that guided them working together in a manner that takes years for others to develop to be true partners.
You will get adventure, suspense, drama, twists and surprises that flowed so well to deliver a wonderfully written story! Well done!
I received an early copy for my honest review.
March 7, 2026
Wild things are always happening on Sea Smoke Island! Detective Chen is supposed to be on vacation but when someone she knows from Sea Smoke island asks for her assistance chasing down her former fiance, Tina figures "why not". What Tina doesn't expect is to run into her TV crush during her search. Jack Finnegan might play a detective on TV but he's stressed out over the disappearance of his sister and when he runs into Tina, he finally feels a glimmer of hope. It seems that the runaway fiance is also Jack's sister's boyfriend as well. As Jack and Tina dig deeper into this mystery, strange things keep happening to them and now they're racing against the clock to find Jack's sister and solve this mystery. Night Light stands alone in the Sea Smoke Island series but you will see many familiar characters. It was told from dual POV and is loaded with action, twists and some heat! Can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
March 4, 2026
Night Light is book #3 in the Sea Smoke Island series. I liked books 1&2, but this book topped them both! A fabulously told romantic thriller with everything you want. Murder, gun fights, kidnapping, drugs, smuggling...it's all here.
The characters were spot on! We've met Tina as a law enforcement officer sent to Sea Smoke Island in that capacity in prior books. This time she is 'on vacation'. Jack is on Sea Smoke Island looking for his sister. She depends on him and isn't responding to his calls. He is a television star, who plays a copy on the show. Tina is a fan of the show, and of the man. As all of the tendrils begin to coalesce, the tension increases, and the story comes full-circle to a murder years before.
I have been a fan of Ms. Bernard since her long ago baseball series. Her books just keep getting better.
The characters were spot on! We've met Tina as a law enforcement officer sent to Sea Smoke Island in that capacity in prior books. This time she is 'on vacation'. Jack is on Sea Smoke Island looking for his sister. She depends on him and isn't responding to his calls. He is a television star, who plays a copy on the show. Tina is a fan of the show, and of the man. As all of the tendrils begin to coalesce, the tension increases, and the story comes full-circle to a murder years before.
I have been a fan of Ms. Bernard since her long ago baseball series. Her books just keep getting better.
March 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book but wish there was a little more time for Jack and Tina to develop their relationship (it seemed to move really quickly on my opinion). Jack and Tina are on Sea Smoke looking for someone for different reasons. He is trying to find his sister and she is trying to find the man that left the assistant constable at the altar. They quickly assume they are looking for the same man.
During their search, there are threats, explosions, deaths and many more twists and turns. Where is his sister, and how did she fall into whatever is going on? Who exactly is the man they are looking for? With each book in this series you learn a little more about this town and the residents and it keeps you wanting more.
I look forward to the next book in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
During their search, there are threats, explosions, deaths and many more twists and turns. Where is his sister, and how did she fall into whatever is going on? Who exactly is the man they are looking for? With each book in this series you learn a little more about this town and the residents and it keeps you wanting more.
I look forward to the next book in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
March 16, 2026
When you pick up a Jennifer Bernard book you know you are in for a good time, and her newest, Night Light is no different. A stand alone book set in Sea Smoke Island, that does carry over some characters and settings, but is an adventure all it's own. I loved getting more of Officer Tina Chen. A workaholic sent off on vacation where she stumbles into a decades old mystery that is tied to 2 current missing people cases. Enter, Jack Finnegan who is looking for his sister and knows that something isn't right. The unlikely pair team up to uncover the mystery of Night Light and are pulled into a mystery so bizarre it sounds like it was made up in Hollywood. I loved the connection between Jack and Tina as they traversed New England looking for their missing people. I recommend starting back at book 1 for many more adventures on Sea Smoke Island.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great story that will keep you guessing
This story was absolutely amazing! Halfway through the story, I thought I knew what was going on and who the bad people were, but nope, wasn’t even close. That is how great of a story that Jennifer wrote. She will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing throughout the entire story. I loved watching Tina Chen and Jack Finnegan work together to try to solve this puzzling story. These two were amazing together and I loved how Jack was never threatened by Tina’s abilities as a policewoman. He usually listened to everything that Tina told him to do, but once in a while he went off script. Jack was exactly what Tina needed in her life too. I loved this story and getting to see all the other Sea Smoke Island crew again too.
This story was absolutely amazing! Halfway through the story, I thought I knew what was going on and who the bad people were, but nope, wasn’t even close. That is how great of a story that Jennifer wrote. She will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing throughout the entire story. I loved watching Tina Chen and Jack Finnegan work together to try to solve this puzzling story. These two were amazing together and I loved how Jack was never threatened by Tina’s abilities as a policewoman. He usually listened to everything that Tina told him to do, but once in a while he went off script. Jack was exactly what Tina needed in her life too. I loved this story and getting to see all the other Sea Smoke Island crew again too.
Review of advance copy
Night Light is a fabulous read. The crime and mystery seems to never end when it comes the folks on Sea Smoke Island. This is book 3 and you are just going to love this one. Tina is a detective forced into vacation time and goes to Sea Smoke Island to help a friend. Jack is an actor who is on the Island trying to figure out what happened to his sister. I love the chemistry between Jack and Tina as they work together to find the guy who wronged Tina's friend and what happened to Jack's sister. The twist and turns as they get closer to finding out the who and why will keep you turning those pages. I could not put this down. Tina and Jack work so well together. You need to click this today and see what goes down on Sea Smoke Island.
March 3, 2026
This was a good romantic suspense that had me trying to figure out the good guys from the bad guys. I really liked how the story focused on Tina Chen, a detective, who was ordered to take a vacation by her boss. I liked her humor and wit in the story and her sassy ways too.
I also enjoyed Jack Finnegan who portrayed a detective in a television show. It was interesting to see how his searching for his sister would lead him to Tina and their working together, which never had a dull moment.
This book was full of twists and turns, romance, and heart pounding moments that had me reading the book in two days. It was interesting to see how the title came into play. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I also enjoyed Jack Finnegan who portrayed a detective in a television show. It was interesting to see how his searching for his sister would lead him to Tina and their working together, which never had a dull moment.
This book was full of twists and turns, romance, and heart pounding moments that had me reading the book in two days. It was interesting to see how the title came into play. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 4, 2026
Detective Tina Chen returns to Sea Smoke Island for a vacation. She’s really there to help Marigold Olson. Marigold was stood up by Adam and just disappeared. Tina hopes to find him and learn why. While searching the Honeymoon Suite at the Lightkeeper Inn, she finds a piece of paper, while laying on her back. Jack Finnegan, who plays a detective on long-running crime series, put her there, after she did it to him first. When rhey agree to help each other, things quicklyheat up between them. If you enjoy mystery, romance, steam, and great storytelling, grab your copy and see what happens in this third book of the Sea Smoke Island series.
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.
Review of advance copy
This book has everything! A fabulous mystery, car chases, a wide variety of bad guys...and a gorgeous, funny romance at its heart. Tina Chen has been a welcome presence in previous books in this series, but she now takes centre stage in all her logical, clear sighted glory. And her love interest is non other than her fictional crush Dexter AKA Jack, a man on a mission, one which dovetails with Tina's own.
Tina is such a delightful character. She has a quirky edge, which is disguised by her brusque, take no prisoners attitude. The interactions with Jack descend into fun and madness from the start, but the connection is there, as is the wonderful strain of wit and banter. Tina and Jack's searches are complimentary and thus begins a special relationship and a brilliant adventure!
This book is so well put together. It is truly a page turner, filled with mystery, murder action, fun and love. I have absolutely loved every minute! 💖💖💖💖💖
Tina is such a delightful character. She has a quirky edge, which is disguised by her brusque, take no prisoners attitude. The interactions with Jack descend into fun and madness from the start, but the connection is there, as is the wonderful strain of wit and banter. Tina and Jack's searches are complimentary and thus begins a special relationship and a brilliant adventure!
This book is so well put together. It is truly a page turner, filled with mystery, murder action, fun and love. I have absolutely loved every minute! 💖💖💖💖💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 3, 2026This was such a great book! Detective Tina Chen has been featured in other books in the series, so I was excited to see her get her own book. Tina is headed back to Seasmoke Island to help someone try to solve a mystery, since her boss has forced her to take a vacation. While she is helping Marigold try to solve her mystery, she is surprised to run into Jack Finnegan, the actor who plays her tv crush Dexter. As her and Jack get talking, she realizes he is in town to solve his own mystery. The longer their search goes on, the more they realize their two searches might be related. As the search intensifies, with danger lurking at every turn, sparks start flying between Tina and Jack. This was such a fun read filled with romance, danger, mystery, and great characters and storyline. A fabulous addition to this series! I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Night Light is Detective Tina Chen and actor Jack Finnegan’s Story and it’s book three in the Sea Smoke Island romantic suspense series.
Tina is on the island to help solve a mystery and she her boss has forced her to take a vacation so imagine her surprise when to bumps into her favorite actor Jack. It’s not long before they realise the mysteries they are looking into could be connected…….
This is a well written, entertaining read with characters I fell hard and fast for and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There are plenty of twists and turns as well as romance in this captivating book.
Tina is on the island to help solve a mystery and she her boss has forced her to take a vacation so imagine her surprise when to bumps into her favorite actor Jack. It’s not long before they realise the mysteries they are looking into could be connected…….
This is a well written, entertaining read with characters I fell hard and fast for and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There are plenty of twists and turns as well as romance in this captivating book.
March 3, 2026
Night Light is book 3 in the Sea Smoke Island series by Jennifer Bernard
Back on the island for supposedly a vacation, Detective Tina Chen gets hired by a resident to investigate her ex who up and disappeared right before the wedding. Then Tina runs into Jack Finnegan, TV star in her favorite show, who’s looking for his missing sister. Nothing is making sense but Tina is set to figure out the mysteries that happened on the island now and might be connected to a cold case from long ago. Read on for a page turning, well written, suspenseful, twists and turns story…
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Back on the island for supposedly a vacation, Detective Tina Chen gets hired by a resident to investigate her ex who up and disappeared right before the wedding. Then Tina runs into Jack Finnegan, TV star in her favorite show, who’s looking for his missing sister. Nothing is making sense but Tina is set to figure out the mysteries that happened on the island now and might be connected to a cold case from long ago. Read on for a page turning, well written, suspenseful, twists and turns story…
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
I came into this story having missed the first two books in the series, so my review is based solely on this book as a standalone story. While it is easy enough to pick up the story, and there aren't any ongoing story arcs that bleed into Night Light, being familiar with the previous books would help with some of the relationships between the characters in the book, and some of the events referenced. However, this book reads wonderfully on its own, with its own HEA. Jack and Tina are wonderful characters and at first seem like they would be unlikely to work together, but actually mesh really well. I enjoyed this so much I think I'll go back and read books 1 and 2.
March 4, 2026
I really enjoyed Night Light! The plot, suspense and characters were written really well. Both Tina and Jack were great characters and how they teamed up was so cool. They had great chemistry. Tina was such a badass and I loved reading about her and finding out more about her than we have in the past books. Jack was so cool too! I found him really endearing and loved how he knew that Tina was the expert and listened and respected her. The suspense element was good and I enjoyed learning about the mystery and who was behind it. Really loved seeing my favourite secondary characters from the last 2 books.
March 10, 2026
Ms. Bernard hits another home run with this third book in her Sea Smoke Island series. You can start with this book, but you'll want to read the whole series. Tina and Marigold return in this book with expanded roles and we meet a new character, Jack, a TV detective taking a break from the role that made him famous. Tina comes to the island to help Marigold solve the mystery of the man who left her at the altar. Tina hooks up with Jack when they realize the same man might be involved in the disappearance of Jack's sister. Tina and Jack work together to solve a twisted tale involving a very dysfunctional family. Sparks fly as they realize they have more than a mystery in common.
March 13, 2026
This book literally had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I had to stop myself from reading the last chapter quite a few times to see how it ended before I got there! This book was so much fun to read. Tina and Jack are the ultimate team! Their banter, and the chemistry between them was the best. I loved the way they worked together, how they saw each other. The depth of their characters and the feelings I got reading this book is exactly what I look for in a good book. This author always draws me in and I keep coming back for more of her books. This book was another great read from her. Definitely recommend this book and the series!
March 3, 2026
Another brilliant book in this great series. Detective Tina Chen is supposed to be on holiday but instead takes on a bit of private investigating for a friend to find the groom who failed to show for the wedding. A missing person, a TV actor who plays a detective, a secret operation by various Federal agencies and a decades old unsolved murder. A fast paced action packed story full of twists and turns, where no-one is who they seem, the locals have their own quirks and there is both humour and romance. Couldn't put it down, a great read.
March 4, 2026
After returning to Sea Smoke Island on “vacation”, Detective Tina Chen finds herself immersed into another island mystery. This third book in the series by Jennifer Bernard was a great end to the mysterious happenings on the island. Teaming up with one of her favorite actors, Jack Finnegan, they work to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his sister, Jessie, and try to figure out what happened to Marigold’s fiancé.
This is another great romantic mystery by author Jennifer Bernard. Great storyline, loved the characters, touch of heat, and just an enjoyable read! Loved it!
This is another great romantic mystery by author Jennifer Bernard. Great storyline, loved the characters, touch of heat, and just an enjoyable read! Loved it!
March 9, 2026
Tina Chen works for the Harbortown PD. She’s on a mandatory “vacation” so instead of relaxing, she’s on Sea Smoke Island looking for a friend’s runaway groom. And wouldn’t you know it, she falls into an unsolved murder mystery! Enter Jack, who’s on the island looking for his sister. Could these missing people be connected? I really enjoyed Jack and Tina, and the twists and turns of the story. Author Jennifer Bernard has written an almost outlandish story, yet her style makes it all believable. From Tina’s seasickness to all of the wonderful secondary characters, this is a fun one!
March 10, 2026
Honestly, I'm usually pretty good at figuring out the mystery part of a story. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself guessing until the end. Jennifer Bernard's Sea Smoke Island seems to be a haven for criminal behavior, so where else would a cop go for vacation? However, running into her tv star crush was not in her plans. It has been a pleasure reading about Tina Chen in the first two books in the series, and now she gets her own.
Whether it's the mystery or the romance that drew you to this book, you won't be disappointed.
I read an early copy of this book
Whether it's the mystery or the romance that drew you to this book, you won't be disappointed.
I read an early copy of this book
March 12, 2026
I am so impressed by this book. It has everything - a fascinating story, incredible characters, drama, suspense, chemistry, an attention to detail, an emotional range that took me by surprise and a subtle sense of humor that completes a very entertaining read.
Police Officer Tina Chen never expected her vacation on Sea Smoke Island to include an unsolved murder, a missing person, TV star and Hollywood crush Jack Finnegan, a Captain Sparrow, secret identities and a crime ring that includes residents of Sea Smoke Island and a billionaire.
The writing is spectacular because it manages to make a dozen characters, dialogue and different geographic locations fully visual and a sense of being right along side the action. Whether they were on Caption Sparrow's water taxi, the hospital visiting a person of interest or chasing leads through parking lots, I could envision and sense it all.
Each book in this series gets better and better with more twists, turns and surprises that will keep you glued to the pages. A must read recommendation.
Police Officer Tina Chen never expected her vacation on Sea Smoke Island to include an unsolved murder, a missing person, TV star and Hollywood crush Jack Finnegan, a Captain Sparrow, secret identities and a crime ring that includes residents of Sea Smoke Island and a billionaire.
The writing is spectacular because it manages to make a dozen characters, dialogue and different geographic locations fully visual and a sense of being right along side the action. Whether they were on Caption Sparrow's water taxi, the hospital visiting a person of interest or chasing leads through parking lots, I could envision and sense it all.
Each book in this series gets better and better with more twists, turns and surprises that will keep you glued to the pages. A must read recommendation.
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