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Bright Lake Chronicles #2

A Mind Full of Voices

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Luke Read is lonely. Which is a beautiful irony in itself, considering he’s never really alone. The ghosts make sure of that. He attracts them like a sun-warmed fruit attracts wasps on a summer day. And they’re just as feisty and clingy. He was never a very good warlock, but his magic is so potent and ever-spilling that they can smell it from miles away. They want to feed on his power. But they also want his attention. They want to be seen. And he’s the only one who can. It’s his gift and his curse. Thankfully, he made friends over the years. And they’re wonderful. But he can’t seem to find that special someone who would make it all worth it. So Luke is lonely.

Until one day, one of the MacRath brothers, Callum, appears in his life, and his expectations are uprooted and planted in new soil. They grow like weeds, and he wonders if his side of the fence could really be greener.

Callum MacRath hears voices in his head. It started four years ago, on a normal day. At first, it was just a few whispers in the wind. Then it turned into screams. He has seizures sometimes when it gets too much. His brothers don’t know what to do to help. Nobody knows what ails him. Shifters aren’t supposed to get sick; the magic in their blood makes sure of it. With each passing day, he’s getting weaker. Soon, the seizures will finally take him. He’s made his peace. Life is not a story; it doesn’t always have a happy ending. But then one day, he meets the little warlock again. The one who always shines so bright. Luke Read. But as he gets closer to him, the voices turn wild.

A MIND FULL OF VOICES (45k words) is a gay paranormal romance sprinkled with blood, magic, ghost stories, and erotica. It’s the second book in the Bright Lake Chronicles.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

28 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Mell R. Bright

12 books178 followers
Mell R. Bright is a book fiend who lives in the French countryside, where life is all about bees and old castles. She spends her days writing science fiction and fantasy books, and her nights writing queer romances.

Follow her on Instagram at @mellrbright to know the latest book news or check out her Patreon page.

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5 stars
120 (35%)
4 stars
122 (35%)
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85 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,323 reviews715 followers
February 5, 2025
4.5**** stars


I mean, who needs a good night’s sleep anyways, right? Not this girl, with this exciting plot holding me captivate and keeping me up half the night.


All he sees and knows are the seizures I have. He doesn’t know about the voices that make it harder and harder every day to care. I never told anyone. What’s the point? I’d rather they didn’t remember me as the insane one. Now I hope that the next seizure will finally kill me. I’m so tired of this life that I can barely live anymore.

I wish they could all forget about me.



🐺 two kind souls
🐺 a wolf shifter with a mind full of voices
🐺 a powerful witch talking to ghosts
🐺 he saved his life
🐺 he cured him
🐺 a terrifying threat
🐺 a sweet & hot romance



Really, this was so good! Fast paced and thrilling af!!

Still, I’m rounding down to four stars. There was a mystery surrounding Callum’s new-found ability but I couldn’t grasp the reason/theory why he was able to do it, so it remained a mystery to me and I felt a little unsatisfied.

So Mell, if you’re reading this, feel free to drop a spoilery comment down below. *lol

And now I’m hopping right into the last one. See ya.

**************
Bright Lake Chronicles

Book 1 - A Heart for the Taking - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Mind full of Voices - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Soul Rotten to the Core - 4.25 stars
Profile Image for Audi♡.
765 reviews79 followers
October 27, 2024
"He wishes to be seen. And I intend to see all of him."

Levi, being a medium, is most vulnerable to ghosts hijacking his body on Halloween night. Cal was sent to watch over him. They form a sweet friendship with all the tension, tingles, and feels, but Cal rejects Levi when he makes a move. He won't get close to Levi knowing he's slowly dying from his seizers. 😭
Why is Cal sick?
Why does Levi hear screaming when he touches Cal?
What ghost is haunting Levi?
This was so juicy, spooky, and mysterious. I loved it. I'm just bummed I didn't get to read them bond/mate.. What was up with Levi's new scar on his neck??? 🤭
Time to find out what stick is up Sims ass.

No cheating, sharing, or om/ow drama in this one.
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
848 reviews34 followers
October 22, 2024
Luke & Cal

Such a great story (and series).

Cal and Luke are perfect for one another, and Luke is able to save Cal from a condition that is slowly killing him.

The specter that’s been haunting Luke since his childhood is…horrifying…and the story behind all of this is so unique!

I’m ready for to watch Sim grumpily fall for someone!
Profile Image for Tare.
378 reviews32 followers
November 2, 2024
This one was next level. The best I’ve read from Mell. I don’t know how they did it but this was completely creepy and also so soft and tender and absolutely adorable?! What sorcery 🌟

Callum and Luke are both such tortured souls and both of them broke me. Callum baby you deserve every ounce of happiness 🥺 And Luke?! He was so cool. A total badass cinnamon roll. These two formed the cutest little friendship at first and I was literally squealing in delight at some of their little scenes.

This was mutual hurt/comfort and the caretaking scenes?! I was taken OUT. There is nothing better than some caretaking PHEW

And the plot was really interesting and there was even one scene I was like holy shit that is creepy.

1000% recommend this one even as a standalone. A novella that was soooo cute and also full of spooky vibes with an intriguing plot?! What more could you want? I honestly didn't want this to end.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,106 reviews69 followers
October 21, 2023
❤️ I recommended this series to be read in order to understand the how the characters fit together.
A intriguing start with halloween night begins with ghosts out in about some good, some not so for Luke.
Callum 🐺was a writer preferring to be by himself, but never is with the voices always around him. Callum was a mystery which he didn’t even know, the voices were the tip of the iceberg for him. When his alpha asked him to watch other Luke on halloween night it starts something beautiful.
🧙Luke 27 yrs had a connection to spells and spirits especially ghosts especially since he was a wizard.
I couldn’t help feel for Calum as he struggled with his seizers.
Oh these guys are the perfect match for each other, both being stubborn and not reaching out for help. Dramas play out and the dangers are high with the White Witch still around. I loved the sexy scenes included as it involves knotting, I love that in books.
A fantastic ending to the book, I’m loving this series so far and cant wait to read Sim’s story in book 3.
Profile Image for VersaiVex_Reads.
174 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2024
This book was very good.
We get a little bit more information on pack & coven history.
But what would a story be without the main characters wanting to make a difference!
I love Luke & Cal as a pair.
They have pretty instant physical chemistry. Cal being the good man he is doesn't want to bring anyone else down with him due to his illness and he tries to deny their connection the best he can.
In the previous book we saw Luke as a more meek character, but he finally had his moment in the spotlight. He is a total sweetheart and so intelligent.
Due to both of their careers, it makes sense they ended up together!
I recommend this book if you love instant chemistry, fighting to deepen the relationship and trying to right the wrongs in the world.
I still recommend starting with book 1 as the characters are constantly in and out of the book!
Profile Image for Asa Violet.
Author 1 book30 followers
May 5, 2024
Another great installment in the Bright Lake Chronicles series!

I was so excited to learn Cal had his own book after his appearances in A Heart for the Taking, and this did not disappoint. His dynamic with Luke is sweet and hot at the same time, and the little sprinkles of angst were perfect. I loved that their relationship wasn't overly, sickeningly sweet, and similarly how Luke was a wholesome character while still having depth beyond his kindness and compassion.

If possible, Ellis and Iagan are even better in this book than the first. Every appearance they make is golden now that they're an established power couple.

In addition to the romance, I found the plot of this story to be really interesting as well. Cal figuring out what was haunting Luke, and Luke figuring out Cal's "sickness" was an enjoyable turn of events and I loved watching them help to conquer each other's demons. As a lover of longer haired characters, I died inside a little when a certain character cut all their hair off, but I understand why it had to be done. *still in mourning*

Mell R. Bright has an amazing catalogue of quick, fun, sexy reads, and this stands as no exception.
Profile Image for ShelfLife.
562 reviews
October 20, 2023
3.5

I really like the world this author is building, and the characters are sweet and endearing. It's not deep, overly emotional, or angsty, but it's a nice escape from reality.

My reduced rating reflects the need for more proofreading. The verb tense changes back and forth throughout the book from past to present. And "here" is used incorrectly when it should be "there" many times. It's not anything I can't gloss over while reading, but because these issues are prevalent, I can't rate it any higher. My last gripe is that "erotica" is in the summary of what you can expect within this series. There are maybe 2-3 scenes (only one full-on s*x scene), and none of them are overly descriptive. So, erotica it is not.

I do recommend this series for PNR lovers who enjoy the lighter side of paranormal. And I look forward to Sim's book.
Profile Image for Kelsey Rhodes.
2,030 reviews34 followers
September 8, 2024
3.75/5 stars! This is the second book in the Bright Lake Chronicles. Luke and Callum are some of my favorite couples, but I felt that the instalove was getting excessive at times. I wanted to explore more about how Luke lights up for Callum and why Callum was Luke's favorite author. I liked their dynamics, I was just craving more depth. That said, this book was relatively short, so it made sense that not every detail could be expanded upon. I did love getting to see more of the team dynamics. There were a few more twists in this book than the first, which kept me engaged until the very last page. Only other slight criticism is that this is the second book in a row that the resolution was a little bit too fast-paced. I would love to see a bit more development in the battle scenes. But excited to read the final book in this trilogy.
Profile Image for the1mmbookspot_.
28 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2024
“He wishes to be seen. And I intend to see all of him.”

Wow. Wow. Wow. Mell R. Bright works magic in A Mind Full Of Voices! (Pun intended).

The entire book had me gripping my kindle. Luke and Cal were soo well written. The plot did not feel rushed at all and even towards the end (not going to spoil it), it was just so well paced and I fell in love.

Luke can see ghosts and is being haunted by one ghost in particular and Callum hears voices screaming in his head constantly. It gets worse for Callum when his brother asks him to watch Luke on Halloween. And for Luke, Halloween is the worst holiday because the ghosts are more powerful that day. The voices are draining Callum of his life and Luke’s ghosts are after his magic. Events bring them together and they do everything they can to save each other.

This is a paranormal MM romance and it was beautifully sweet. There is magic, shifters, ghosts, blood, and secrets. I found myself paying more attention to them staying alive than the spicy scenes (don’t worry there is spice in there). If you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump or a quick and super sweet read, 5/5 would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Mitch.
70 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
I enjoyed the first in the series but this one has so much more depth. A real struggle with mental health that didn't give away the punch line too quick.

While I somewhat wished the ending was a bit more complex I feel that the plot was solid and the romance was present and buttery smooth.

I loved Luke in the first book and getting to see him getting somewhere was awesome.
Profile Image for Nikki Irwin.
187 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
This is my third book by this author and they can do no wrong in my eyes!! Absolutely loved these two book nerds and their story! Excellent to have an update on the characters from book 1, I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Jacque :).
35 reviews
November 3, 2023
The magic systems seem really cool I just wish they were more fleshed out. Otherwise this was an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for XYour_MaidX.
33 reviews
March 19, 2024
I love the idea behind it and how the story and relationship development intertwined
Profile Image for Bianca Weber.
37 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
It's safe to say I am OBSESSED with Bright's writing. The smut is not even necessary for me, and I really love smut. Her books are so cozy and full of magic. I am in love
Profile Image for Rozarka.
467 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2024
Plot-wise, it was much more interesting than the previous book. The characters were cute which was not something one would expect from a shifter romance (I'm not complaining, quite the opposite!).
Profile Image for Emily.
274 reviews
February 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I liked this one more than the first book. Luke and Cal were so cute! 🥰
Profile Image for Laurie.
130 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2023
Witches, Ghosts, Warlocks and Shifters, oh my

Good book. A man being haunted, a shifter with many ghosts living within, witches up to no good, but Mell brings them together and banishes the worst for all.
Profile Image for mich ⚘.
567 reviews26 followers
April 7, 2024
Once again I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Mell's mind is brilliant !!!
Profile Image for Lulu Blaikie.
5 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
devoured this is one go

I adored the story of these two nerds! They’re so endearing and I loved seeing their relationship grow! I love the cosy spooky vibes of this book, and it was great to see mental health representation
Profile Image for Amanda Quarles.
2,169 reviews40 followers
January 20, 2025
A Mind Full of Voices

Luke and Callum

This has been a really great series to read. I wish each book were longer because that's how much I've enjoyed these characters. Definitely recommend reading!
498 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2023
loved it

Honestly couldn’t put the book down. I loved cal and Luke it was all so warming. I was so into the whole ghost thing and to find out cal is more than what it seems was so interesting. I need more now.
Profile Image for Gale MR.
333 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2023
I love the titles the author chooses for her books. They completely reflect the spirit of the stories told in them. This is the second book in Bright Lake Chronicles and I recommend reading them in order because not only are the characters and world building in all the books connected and evolve over time, but the reading enjoyment is enhanced.
So while the first book is more action-thriller oriented, this one has a deeper, sweeter, emotional undercurrent. So do you like cosy, paranormal stories about lonely warlocks who are straddling the line between the living and dead? If so, this is your book! Enjoy the humour, the touch of friendship, the tinge of sadness and the overwhelming feel of loneliness. Luke was such a delightful little guy - sensitive, quiet, observant with a spine of steel and surprising amount of bravery and determination. And I have to admit, living with a mind full of voices surrounded by ghosts clamoring for attention isn't for everyone. The second problem - he's a vessel for a huge amount of magical energy without being able to use it. During events like Halloween, which are a magnet for the dead, he needs extra protection or he has to stay home behind the powerful protective barriers put up by his ancestors. This time in the story, he doesn't have to stay hidden behind, because he has a guardian - Callum, brother of the local pack's alpha and a famous hermit. Callum has secrets of his own, strange voices started plaguing his mind a few years earlier, affecting badly his health, so he keeps to himself as much as possible. The unexpected task to guard Luke during Halloween sparks not only his curiosity, but also a tentative friendship that subtly turns into affection, caring, and comfortable closeness. I loved the flow of the plot, the slow but stable build up of trust between Callum and Luke, the way the intimacy bloomed step by step. There was also a twist that made the story even more interesting and I enjoyed my reading so much.
Profile Image for DC.
1,097 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2024
Very sweet read! I took a liking to Luke and Callum in the first story, A Heart for the Taking, and loved them as the stars of this one. Luke is so adorably insecure and just wants to be loved, and Callum, oh so scrumptious Callum, is just perfect for him. Callum has this quiet strength about him and you can really feel his affection for Luke. The storyline was quite good and certainly held my attention. My only real critique is that it was never explained why the coven council had such a strongly negative reaction to Luke and Ellis investigating and discovering the truth about the White Witch, and also what price did Callum’s parents have to pay her for the spell.
The cast of characters was mostly the same as those we met in the first story, but of course, the focus this time was on Luke and Callum. I’m glad we didn’t get very much of Sim in this one. There is still something about him that rubs me the wrong way, so I hope the author surprises me since his story is the next one up.
Profile Image for _mykee_b.
148 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2025
Another sweet little novella

I was immediately obsessed with Callum & Luke.

Callum is such a gentle giant; his tortured mind & spirit were crushing my soul. 😭 I was screaming for someone to figure it out. The way he loves Luke is swoon worthy🥹😍If he would have called him one more term of endearment, I would have literally melted into an emotional glop of goo🫠🫠🫠

Luke was adorable. In my mind, I could see the cutest little fiery bookworm of a man & I just wanted to hug him so. 🥰 For all that he’s dealt with, he’s’ still so kind & gentle, as well.

This one did feel a bit more thought out with a bit better execution than its predecessor but regardless, I’m quite enjoying this series. It’s making me swoon, smile & giggle.
Profile Image for Flipping Nap Time.
295 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
Luke is a small town bookstore owner who just happens to see ghosts and have no control over his magic. Callum is a writer, wolf shifter who is being tortured by the many, many voices in his head. I love these two together. Callum is super protective of Luke and vise versa. Luke is shy around most people but can be very impulsive during spicy times. The spice is mild and sweet overall. Luke definitely has a “good boy” streak and Callum picks up on it quickly. The side characters, especially the ghosts, are great! I loved the basement interaction with the covens leader.
Profile Image for Laurie Kleveland.
350 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2025
4.5. This is my favorite of the trilogy. I loved the story, I loved Cal and Luke, and I especially loved thier communication. Neither of them were exceptionally outright with thier thoughts or feelings but it progressed well and there was no beating around the bush nonsense. Also it was very hurt/comfort and I love that! The ending was also really good in how the plot got resolved. A quick and fun read!
Profile Image for Mrs G Martin.
26 reviews
December 29, 2025
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one was tighter and a much more rounded story. I liked the characters of Cal and Luke and how they came together. It could have been schmaltzy, but it avoided most of the pitfalls and by the end I really enjoyed the book. Short, but great for losing yourself in a fantasy world for a sunday afternoon. Binged it, and now on the third book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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