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Minded #1
Minded
***Previously part of the Santa's Naughty List: 25 Tales of Paranormal Bad Boys Anthology. This version contains a new ending, an additional chapter, and sneak peeks at three related stories soon to be released.
When landing in Purgatory, no matter the cause of death, a soul must experience an awakening, establish awareness, and ultimately, achieve acceptance of inevitable circumstances.
For Maggie Stone, none of these options were ideal. She was a woman in control of her own destiny, not a pawn in some afterlife game! But in order to “move on,” she’ll have to accept help from an unlikely source dressed in black denim and pissed off at the world. Will she be able to complete her task, work her magic, and mind her kin still struggling with her death?
Louis Sheffield has spent an eternity in Purgatory for reasons beyond his control. When he’s given an opportunity to earn his ticket out of his holding cell, he’s irritated to learn he’ll have to hold the hand of a pretentious, know-it-all, party girl whose every action grates on his last nerve. But Maggie is not all she seems, and once he’s exposed to her world, suddenly he’s tempted to finally accept his destiny and embrace hope.
These two lost souls must work together against the clock to complete their seemingly impossible task. When their charges refuse to cooperate, Maggie and Louis must resort to unorthodox methods to create harmony from bitter chaos. In the end, it all comes down to choices and consequences they never imagined possible.
Revisit the crew from Haunted and find out if, once again, love can cure the haunted.
***This story can be read as a standalone, but readers may want to read Haunted and Fated first as the events in Minded take place after those two books. Minded is a paranormal spin-off that is the first in a series of related novellas.
When landing in Purgatory, no matter the cause of death, a soul must experience an awakening, establish awareness, and ultimately, achieve acceptance of inevitable circumstances.
For Maggie Stone, none of these options were ideal. She was a woman in control of her own destiny, not a pawn in some afterlife game! But in order to “move on,” she’ll have to accept help from an unlikely source dressed in black denim and pissed off at the world. Will she be able to complete her task, work her magic, and mind her kin still struggling with her death?
Louis Sheffield has spent an eternity in Purgatory for reasons beyond his control. When he’s given an opportunity to earn his ticket out of his holding cell, he’s irritated to learn he’ll have to hold the hand of a pretentious, know-it-all, party girl whose every action grates on his last nerve. But Maggie is not all she seems, and once he’s exposed to her world, suddenly he’s tempted to finally accept his destiny and embrace hope.
These two lost souls must work together against the clock to complete their seemingly impossible task. When their charges refuse to cooperate, Maggie and Louis must resort to unorthodox methods to create harmony from bitter chaos. In the end, it all comes down to choices and consequences they never imagined possible.
Revisit the crew from Haunted and find out if, once again, love can cure the haunted.
***This story can be read as a standalone, but readers may want to read Haunted and Fated first as the events in Minded take place after those two books. Minded is a paranormal spin-off that is the first in a series of related novellas.
- GenresParanormal
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2016
7 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
79 books701 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 17, 2017
I really enjoyed reading about Maggie's journey in the afterlife. I really like these characters and learning about what's going on in their lives. This book had me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, I laughed one moment and cried the next. I look forward to reading what happens next!
August 29, 2019
I loved this story! Maggie and Louis make a great team. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor and how Maggie dealt with Thomas.
September 16, 2025
"Minded" is part of the "Haunted Story" series by R.L. Merrill. Maggie ends up in Purgatory, and Louis is tasked with helping her move on. This was a very quick read, and I liked how R.L. made the two complete opposites. I enjoy reading a good ghost story and R.L. delivered just that, a good ghost story. I'm curious what the other books are like and look forward to reading them.
February 21, 2018
Maggie awakens and finds herself in group with others like herself, ghosts. She cannot come to terms with the fact that she is dead. She adamantly denies this is the truth, that there is some sort of mix-up, she has so much more to do, and that she has "her boys" to continue to look after because they desperately need her. Her other companions aren't much help to her situation either, especially Louis. The group lead, who Maggie affectionately labels as Grandma, advises Maggie that she has one chance to tie up her loose ends. She will have a guide to show her what she can and cannot do in her one chance to make sure her boys, her band that she had been managing, is on the path that she was leading them down. Only her guide is the rough and rugged Louis. Louis finds that Maggie isn't quite what he saw in group. He sees what affect she had on these boys, even after almost two years that she's been dead, they can still feel her presence as strongly as if she were still alive. Can this be what he's been looking for all his years of yearning for the meaning of afterlife?
September 7, 2019
Minded is part of the Haunted series by R.L. Merrill. I dove in without having read the previous books in the series, and Ms Merrill does a great job of immersing readers in her PNR universe without needing to start at the beginning.
Minded is the story of Maggie Stone, who comes to consciousness with the shocking realization that she's been dead almost two years and is now in some sort of in-between. Before she can move on, she apparently must complete her given task, all while coming to accept her new "normal" and without disturbing those she's left behind.
Louis Sheffield has been in Purgatory for what feels like forever. He's none too thrilled to be shepherding the new girl. But neither of them is exactly what they seem, and as they join forces, they come to see that they're better together... in more ways than one.
R.L. Merrill's story is moving and entertaining. It's a treat to get a peek into the music world, and I definitely look forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
Minded is the story of Maggie Stone, who comes to consciousness with the shocking realization that she's been dead almost two years and is now in some sort of in-between. Before she can move on, she apparently must complete her given task, all while coming to accept her new "normal" and without disturbing those she's left behind.
Louis Sheffield has been in Purgatory for what feels like forever. He's none too thrilled to be shepherding the new girl. But neither of them is exactly what they seem, and as they join forces, they come to see that they're better together... in more ways than one.
R.L. Merrill's story is moving and entertaining. It's a treat to get a peek into the music world, and I definitely look forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
February 17, 2018
Welcome to purgortory where Maggie is not wanting to leave . She is paired up with a reluctant soul of Louis to go back and watch her life to figure out the path she must take. She must make sure her boys are ok and fences are Mended before she moves on .
This story is a fast read that will have you tearing up and cheering at the same time . The characters are well written and I so got invested in. Maggie and Louis . Maggie at first I thought was something totally different then what she actually was .she wis sweet and caring and in love with the men that are falling apart after her death, Louis is an egnima all on his own . He is shy and quiet but will stand up for you if you need it .theyare great together .
This story is more then a ghost story . It is about redemption and the love of a family that isn’t blood related. There are some good twists and turns that will keep you reading . There are some scenes that will bring you to tears . I can’t wait to read more ofthisseries
This story is a fast read that will have you tearing up and cheering at the same time . The characters are well written and I so got invested in. Maggie and Louis . Maggie at first I thought was something totally different then what she actually was .she wis sweet and caring and in love with the men that are falling apart after her death, Louis is an egnima all on his own . He is shy and quiet but will stand up for you if you need it .theyare great together .
This story is more then a ghost story . It is about redemption and the love of a family that isn’t blood related. There are some good twists and turns that will keep you reading . There are some scenes that will bring you to tears . I can’t wait to read more ofthisseries
February 17, 2018
I've read other books in this series but never in the right order so I was so excited to read about Maggie and Louis. I loved hearing their stories and how they came to do what they do.
I never read the stories with the band in them so this story can be read as stand alone but it would be more enjoyable knowing a bit about the band members. I will go back and read about the band members now, but I still appreciated this story without having read the others.
Maggie died but before she can move on she needs to make sure the people she left behind are coping ok without her and are going to be able to move on. This also starts her new job in the afterlife.
You'll laugh and cry in this one, but I usually do with R.L Merrill's books. Every story I've read has just been so perfect and hits all the emotions
I never read the stories with the band in them so this story can be read as stand alone but it would be more enjoyable knowing a bit about the band members. I will go back and read about the band members now, but I still appreciated this story without having read the others.
Maggie died but before she can move on she needs to make sure the people she left behind are coping ok without her and are going to be able to move on. This also starts her new job in the afterlife.
You'll laugh and cry in this one, but I usually do with R.L Merrill's books. Every story I've read has just been so perfect and hits all the emotions
September 6, 2019
"My name is Maggie and I'm a ghost" All she wants to do is to go back and check up on "her boys" since she managed their band. Maggie's Bones, from the beginning. She is teamed up with Louis to go back and do any unfinished business and then she will move on , to wherever that might be. Your caught from the beginning when you read the interaction between Louis and Maggie. She had always been in charge but Louis is giving her a run for her money, with him being in charge of her trip back to the living. R. L. Merrill has given us wonderful characters to read about and care about, we see them how they are now, how things have changed over the last 2 years. I'm excited about reading the next book, because you never know what is going to happen next.
June 5, 2019
An amazing, intriguing paranormal novella! Maggie is a ghost whose abrupt death left her with unfinished business. She is teamed up with Louis an escort to assist her with her "tasks". This pair had me laughing one minute and crying the next-the rapport that occurs between them is expertly crafted. The character development is impressive in such a short work of fiction . This can read as a stand alone- I actually read Blossomed first and just reread it, and plan on reading Haunted and fated. Highly recommend this different type of "ghost" story. Bravo Ms. Merrill Bravo!
August 9, 2017
This story touches my soul. If only we could really know things were settled. Someone there to guide the lost. A place where the true injustice could be separated. Sure everyone feels they are special. Yet some truly are. I love all of the "Minded" series I have read. Although out of order it has been. Hopefully R.L. will forgive my meandering path.
August 23, 2019
What a great read! I loved meeting Louis and Maggie. They're so much fun the way they interact. She's funny and he makes me shake my head. When they're paired so she can do what she has to the fun begins. When her boys sense her it's not what Louis expects. It's going to be interesting to see what they do in the next books.
December 26, 2017
This story brought tears to my eyes!
I really liked Maggie and Louis in the story! Their relationship was intense and beautiful! I'm looking forward to reading Blossomed!
I really liked Maggie and Louis in the story! Their relationship was intense and beautiful! I'm looking forward to reading Blossomed!
August 28, 2019
What a great read! This is a funny and yet touching story, I love the way the characters are written and react toward each other. I can't wait to read more in this series
June 30, 2020
I loved it the characters were well written and developed. I love the story with it's funny and tearful moments. I will definitely be reading the next.
July 20, 2020
I was teary eyed for the last couple of chapters
Minded is a fast, fun, sweet, and naughty read perfect for a lazy morning or afternoon or even a grown up bedtime story. All of the characters had real depth and left me wanting to know more (which I'll be running to read Haunted for). Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Minded is a fast, fun, sweet, and naughty read perfect for a lazy morning or afternoon or even a grown up bedtime story. All of the characters had real depth and left me wanting to know more (which I'll be running to read Haunted for). Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2020
When Maggie Stone finds herself in purgatory she is finding it hard to come to terms with what happened . She has to have an awakening to come to terms with her past and figure out where she is suppose to go. When Louis Sheffield comes into her dead life . He is not her favourite person and she isn't his . He so doesn't want to be holding her hand through out the process. He doesn't want to be around this party girl . She just gets on his last nerve but as they work through feelings change and hope bubbles to the top . Will they be able to work together and find what each is looking for .
This is a book where you can sit down and get lost in the characters . Maggie and Louis are so well written and they have a complexity to them . Maggie was a band manager and in charge . She was strong and fun to be around and also kind of a mother hen to the guys in the band . We really find out what people thought of her as she is going through here awakening . She realizes that she is more to these people . She is the glue that held some of them together . Louis is the type of man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is sad and lonely . There are moments when you want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be ok . The cast of characters that Maggie and Louis help out are varied and in so need of help .
This is a book where you can sit down and get lost in the characters . Maggie and Louis are so well written and they have a complexity to them . Maggie was a band manager and in charge . She was strong and fun to be around and also kind of a mother hen to the guys in the band . We really find out what people thought of her as she is going through here awakening . She realizes that she is more to these people . She is the glue that held some of them together . Louis is the type of man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is sad and lonely . There are moments when you want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be ok . The cast of characters that Maggie and Louis help out are varied and in so need of help .
This is a book where you can sit down and get lost in the characters . Maggie and Louis are so well written and they have a complexity to them . Maggie was a band manager and in charge . She was strong and fun to be around and also kind of a mother hen to the guys in the band . We really find out what people thought of her as she is going through here awakening . She realizes that she is more to these people . She is the glue that held some of them together . Louis is the type of man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is sad and lonely . There are moments when you want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be ok . The cast of characters that Maggie and Louis help out are varied and in so need of help .
This is a book where you can sit down and get lost in the characters . Maggie and Louis are so well written and they have a complexity to them . Maggie was a band manager and in charge . She was strong and fun to be around and also kind of a mother hen to the guys in the band . We really find out what people thought of her as she is going through here awakening . She realizes that she is more to these people . She is the glue that held some of them together . Louis is the type of man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is sad and lonely . There are moments when you want to hug him and tell him everything is going to be ok . The cast of characters that Maggie and Louis help out are varied and in so need of help .
April 17, 2017
Poor Maggie has been dead for almost two years but is in denial!! In order to get out of Purgatory she must go and help her family heal. With the help of hunky Louis aka Bones she sets upon her journey to set things right. Along the way feelings grow between her and Bones. Such a funny, sad, sexy, wonderful story !!! I loved it!!!
Merged review:
Poor Maggie has been dead for almost two years but is in denial!! In order to get out of Purgatory she must go and help her family heal. With the help of hunky Louis aka Bones she sets upon her journey to set things right. Along the way feelings grow between her and Bones. Such a funny, sad, sexy, wonderful story !!! I loved it!!!
Merged review:
Poor Maggie has been dead for almost two years but is in denial!! In order to get out of Purgatory she must go and help her family heal. With the help of hunky Louis aka Bones she sets upon her journey to set things right. Along the way feelings grow between her and Bones. Such a funny, sad, sexy, wonderful story !!! I loved it!!!
May 14, 2016
If there is an afterlife I want it to be like this. I'd love to be able to come back and help my loved ones. Maggie was my hero before from just the way the whole band missed her and how losing her affected them. She shines in this book but Louis is more then a match for her. It's nice to belive that love never dies. I like the interaction between these two. I look forward to more from Maggie and Louis and can't wait for my next adventure with them.
May 13, 2016
Amazing read
If you loved Haunted then this is a must read for you. R. L. Has written a true "ghost" story. I loved hearing about what happened to Maggie and her boys. Definitely a 5 star read that will help you understand that love can cross any plane and will show you why Maggie has still "got it"
If you loved Haunted then this is a must read for you. R. L. Has written a true "ghost" story. I loved hearing about what happened to Maggie and her boys. Definitely a 5 star read that will help you understand that love can cross any plane and will show you why Maggie has still "got it"
May 16, 2016
Holy Ghost's!
I absolutely love Maggie and Louis. They make a fantastic team. He had to help her come to terms with being dead and help her help her boys so she could move on. R.L. has definitely done it again. I love all of her stories! Can't wait to see her new work.
I absolutely love Maggie and Louis. They make a fantastic team. He had to help her come to terms with being dead and help her help her boys so she could move on. R.L. has definitely done it again. I love all of her stories! Can't wait to see her new work.
June 28, 2020
Minded: A Haunted Story was a very enjoyable novella. Maggie and Louis had some very funny moments but also some very serious moments, considering this is about what can or could possibly happen after death.
July 1, 2020
Maggie dies and is not accepting it. She still has business that she wants/needs to complete. Louis has to try to assist her and is not happy about it.
I loved it, it was funny and touching at the same time.
I loved it, it was funny and touching at the same time.
April 18, 2017
What an intriguing story! Makes me wish that we truly do have the opportunity to help those we leave behind heal. This storyline truly illustrates the love conquers all concept. The two main characters, Maggie and Louis, played their roles beautifully and had me guessing how either one of their goals were going to be reached. A unique read for me, I enjoyed this immensely! This voluntary review is based against a Kindle Unlimited copy.
April 18, 2017
A really enjoyable story that brings warmth to your heart and a smile to your face. Couple that with a bit of sass and you got yourself on entertaining story.
I really enjoyed the characters and the lessons learned.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I really enjoyed the characters and the lessons learned.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
April 18, 2017
I loved it! Ms. Merrill has written a heartwarming story that is part of a series but can be read as a standalone with ease. This gem of a book is beautifully written and evokes so much feeling! The characters are so real, it's hard to believe they are works of fiction. Maggie is the heroine in this tale of life after death and what happens to those who are left behind to grieve. She is a take charge woman who has managed the band, Maggie's Bones, and who must now deal with the train wreck that is her family and charges in the wake of her untimely demise. She is guided by Louis, another soul who is tethered to purgatory for reasons yet unknown. Their journey together is funny, snarky and poignant as they help the living and the dead move on. They are drawn to each other in a way neither of them understands yet, but they will, and that understanding will lead them into making a choice that will affect their eternal lives. This decision is explored in subsequent books, and I can't wait to read them. Bravo, Ms Merrill! So well done.
April 20, 2017
Just be warned this book is a tear jerker as Maggie and her ghostly friend try to help people from their old life and are unable to let go of what they have lost but they use this as a way to help mend the other people suffering. This can be the start of a new series as well.
While this book is a standalone I highly suggest that you read the other books in the series because you will find yourself a little lost if you do not. This book does go back and we check up on some of the characters from a previous books, like some of the members from haunted. And by the way if you have not read that book I suggest you do because that book is just as good. I have read quite a few books by this author and I really do enjoy them. It takes a good offered to keep a person interested in a book when it is not one of their favorite genres and she was able to do just that.
While this book is a standalone I highly suggest that you read the other books in the series because you will find yourself a little lost if you do not. This book does go back and we check up on some of the characters from a previous books, like some of the members from haunted. And by the way if you have not read that book I suggest you do because that book is just as good. I have read quite a few books by this author and I really do enjoy them. It takes a good offered to keep a person interested in a book when it is not one of their favorite genres and she was able to do just that.
April 20, 2017
This is kind of a tongue in cheek sort of humor in this book. I really enjoyed reading it. There was humor and I really enjoyed her writing style. Reminds me of another much loved authors style. This was different. Maggie has died and she's having trouble grasping it at first. She's in major denial and she's pissed to be honest. Louis who hasnt let go either is sort of teaching her the ropes and keeping her out of trouble as she sees the people she left behind to make sure they are ok before moving on. Louis has his own tragedy and it was so horrible. There is some chemistry between the 2 but its kind of subtle. There's no real sexy times which I kinda miss but there is definitely the possibility cause they do kiss and you can feel their feelings toward each other even if its fast. This was a very fast read for me and I am not sure if there is more to this? If its a series but I will check it out. It did leave me wanting to read more about Maggie and Louis.
April 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book about second chances and unfinished business even from beyond the grace. A shirt quick well written taste of what this author can do.
April 25, 2017
Love it.
Most read. Love the love in this story. Rock n roll. I can't wait till the next one. Thank you for the adventure.
Most read. Love the love in this story. Rock n roll. I can't wait till the next one. Thank you for the adventure.
Read
February 19, 2018Wow! Where to begin! I love Maggie's character she is sweet and loving but, at the same time she is saucy and sassy! I couldn't get enough of her story. Louis is a perfect force for Maggie to go up against he just didn't plan on her being the force he would be reckoned with. Maggie's Bones (her Band she manages) are her family in every sense of the word she will stop at nothing to see that they all stay together come hell or high water. This maybe a novella but it packs a big punch. I love R.I. Merrill and the way she writes just makes the words float off the page into my heart and head. I will be seeking out the rest of this series! I would recommend this book to anyone! I can't wait for the next R.I. Merrill book I read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews