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Never Quite Gone

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Two years after losing his husband in a tragic accident, Dr. Eli Monroe has mastered the art of existing without living. His surgical hands never shake, his heart never wavers, and his carefully constructed walls never crack. Until the day Alexander Rothschild walks into his hospital and claims they've loved each other across lifetimes.

Alex has spent centuries searching for Eli's soul—through Renaissance Italy, Ancient Greece, and countless lives between. But this time is different. This time, Eli is still wearing his dead husband's ring. This time, the man determined to destroy their love in every lifetime is watching from the shadows. And this time, Eli remembers everything—except the tragedy that shattered their first life together.

As memories of past lives begin to surface, Eli must confront an impossible cling to the safety of his grief or risk everything for a love that defies death itself. But some patterns are written in blood, some fates demand sacrifice, and some loves are worth dying for... again and again and again.

In this lifetime, they have one last chance to break the cycle. If only Eli can believe that some loves are strong enough to survive both death and destiny.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

18 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Greyson Vale

15 books42 followers
Greyson Vale is an exciting new voice in gay romance fiction. With a talent for crafting swoon-worthy love stories filled with crackling chemistry, Greyson's novels explore the complexities of modern gay relationships and the search for lasting connection.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Jarrod Murrell.
163 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2025
What would you do if you started to remember pieces of a life you didn’t live, or don’t remember living?
What if meeting a handsome stranger starts to bring these memories to surface?

Well that’s what’s happening to Eli. Years after the death of his husband, a death he has never properly grieved, he meets Alex Rothschild. From their first meeting, Eli has a feeling that he knows Alex from somewhere, from sometime.

Eli and Alex must work together on a plan to revitalise the hospital Eli works at, countering attacks from Eli’s rival Vale, while trying to figure out where these memories are coming from.

This story was so good! I loved the weaving of the different lives and times that Eli and Alex have lived, how Eli tries to forget every scientific reason for the impossibility of these last lives, and how as their relationship develops and they rediscover each other, how Eli’s husband is not forgotten and Eli is given the space to keep his memory alive.

The cast of characters was also a strong point here, each of them having a role to play in this magical cycle of death and rebirth in each new life. It was well paced and not overly complicated (which I’ve seen done for similar stories).

There were a few scene change issues for me where it jumped from one place to the next with no explanation, particularly when it goes from a discussion between Vale, Eli and Alex to the middle of a battle in a totally different place? Either way, between this and another bug bear I have with some repetition, it doesn’t take away from how much I’ve enjoyed this and the authors other books I’ve read.
17 reviews
March 17, 2025
different kind of story

I went into this totally blind not knowing anything about this book or the author. Let me start off by saying the idea of this was unique and a nice change to the usual MM stories I’ve read.
However there were some things in the book that just didn’t make sense. On the chapter that said Vale text Eli to come sign some papers at the hospital while on leave, he was going to the hospital then ended up on the roof with Alex? Right before that it said his shift ran late, but he was on a 2 week leave. After the roof top spicy scene it said they were walking the streets looking at buildings then all the sudden they were back on the roof like they never left? I was so confused I had to read it like 4x
Some parts were almost randomly put in when it didn’t make sense for them to be there. Maybe it was just me but it was hard to follow.
With all that said , I’d still read another book from this author. Hopefully the next time the editing is just a little better.
Profile Image for Demi Goddess Solis.
60 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2025
A Poignant and Powerful Exploration of Eternal Love

Greyson Vale's Never Quite Gone is a stunning novel that deftly balances heart-wrenching grief with the luminous hope of a love that defies time itself. It is a story that will captivate you from the first page and linger long after you've finished.

The book opens with Eli, a man grappling with the profound loss of his husband, Michael, six years after a devastating accident. Vale's portrayal of grief is authentic and deeply moving, making Eli's pain palpable. The flashbacks to his life with Michael are beautifully crafted, showcasing a healthy, adorable relationship that makes the loss even more poignant.

The narrative takes a magical turn with the introduction of Alexander, a man whose connection to Eli feels both impossible and inevitable. The novel's core magic lies in the exquisite glimpses of past lives, suggesting a bond between them that has persisted for centuries. This concept that the soul never truly forgets is executed beautifully, making their connection feel destined and deeply romantic.

A particularly powerful aspect of the story is its treatment of love and loss. It is not about replacing the past, but rather about expanding the heart to make room for new love while honouring the old. A standout, tear-jerking moment comes from Alexander, who demonstrates incredible depth and understanding by stating, “Some things don't need to be either or Some hearts have room for both what was and what could be.”

The central conflict is driven by the spell of a well-intentioned but deeply frustrating character, Vale, and the subsequent villainous descent of Will. Their actions, born from a selfish desire to control fate and protect loved ones, serve as a compelling cautionary tale about the dangers of interfering with destiny, no matter how noble the intentions.

In Conclusion:

Never Quite Gone is a beautifully written, emotional journey that explores the depths of loss and the heights of eternal love. It is a testament to the idea that true love is never truly lost and that some connections are simply meant to be. While you may find yourself frustrated with certain characters, the journey toward a hard-won and satisfying happy ending is absolutely worth it. This is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and soulmate stories.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
March 13, 2025
Eli’s Loss… and Renewal ? . . .

Very well done! We are introduced to Surgeon Eli Monroe, an emergency physician, as he and his spouse Michael are having their anniversary dinner by candlelight at a lovely restaurant, remembering their 8 years of marriage and happiness. Michael was excitedly talking about his architectural restoration of a historic brownstone in Brooklyn Heights. Whenever they made plans for their future, Michael would always reach out and touch Eli’s wedding ring not even noticing what he was doing. Michael was planning their anniversary for two years from now, and as he talked about them going to Italy, Eli briefly remembered a dream, then it was gone as Michael enthusiastically continued showing photos of lovely views there. He went on planning the house they would buy next Spring, each plan feeling like a promise. As the cab drove them home, both of them deliriously happy, a truck came out of nowhere. Michael started to say “I love” and Eli’s mind cataloged every detail. And when the paramedics arrived, he knew exactly what each code and test meant, fully aware of every moment and where it was leading. And he knew every face in the emergency room. His team worked together perfectly; they all loved Michael and knew him well. And he knew what the outcome would be.

Alex Rothschild, working on a proposal to renovate part of the hospital, catches Eli’s attention. Eli again has dreams, this time dreams that he and Alex knew each other at some time. Apparently Eli and Alex have a connection, finding each other over and over. Usually, Alex remembers each life together but Eli forgets. But this time Eli is still grieving over Michael’s death. He mechanically does his job, but one would hardly call it “living”. Now Alex will try to explain to him that they have loved each other for centuries. But something this time is different. Will they have a chance to be together now? Or will they once more lose each other through death while the search begins yet again?
Profile Image for Lori.
320 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2025
Another Second Chance

This is one of the most original romances I’ve read in awhile. Author Greyson Vale sets a beautiful romantic stage in the prologue, which launches us into the main story which takes place six years later. Surgeon Eli Monroe works long hours as an emergency physician at a major metropolitan hospital. He’s driven, and lacks much of a personal life beyond his relationship with co-workers and his sister. Into Monroe’s world comes Alex Rothschild, a developer working on a proposal to renovate part of the hospital where Eli works.

Eli is drawn to Alex, and begins to experience dreams that hint at previous lifetimes where he and Alex have known one another, or, at least observed one another from afar. The secondary characters also appear in the dreams, in roles repeated life after life. There’s a mystery here. Why are the dreams becoming more compelling to Eli, and to some of the secondary characters? Is there a reason?

Of course there’s a reason… and that’s as far as I can go without major spoilers. I very much enjoyed Eli’s and Alex’s slow-burn romance, particularly one scene where they dance together in a jazz club. This is a wonderfully written story that really draws one in, with a great pay off at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lea Gesser.
306 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2025
This isn't the first book I've had the pleasure of reviewing from Greyson Vale and I can honestly say I haven't been disappointed yet. This book really has everything that speaks to your heart. Love, magic and much more. Eli's life seems over when his husband dies in a fatal accident. As a doctor, he tries to do everything he can to keep him alive, but ultimately fails. And six years after this accident, he exists, he exists, that's all. And then the dreams begin, lifelike and these memories of a past life haunt him. And then he meets Alex. Alex who knows more and Eli also feels that Alex knows more, but does not want or cannot tell more. This story is really beautifully described, including the memories of their previous lives, that touch you deep in your heart. Lives passing while you try to hold on to them. And then there is Alex's brother, whose role is a common thread through this story. And Val, Sofia and Marcus. And everything revolves around that one question, what are you looking for? Eternal life on love, love that can be so fleeting, but also so powerful... This book is truly beautiful. And Greyson Vale has written another gem. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Gavy Vera.
119 reviews
May 4, 2025
⭐⭐⭐ 3.5/5

Lei la sinopsis unicamente antes de empezar el libro, yo pensaba que la historia iba a ser de una forma y me termino sorprendiendo. El lore del porque estan viviendo esto fue interesante y el prologo me engancho enseguida a la historia. Sin embargo la historia esta estructurada un poco rara porque estas terminando un capitulo y el suguiente es un flashback de hace 500 años que no añade mucho a la historia y el tira y afloja de Eli y Alex me resulto tedioso. Entiendo el luto de Eli y el que le cueste comenzar una nueva vida el problema fue que la mayoria de las unteracciones que tuvo con Alex durante el libro fueron porque recordaba algo del pasado y se asustaba y ningun personaje respondia a las preguntas que hacia Eli y tampoco explicaban lo que vea en sus sueños todo para mantener el secretismo lo que termino perjudicando el final donde te responden en 3 capitulos todas preguntas que te ibas haciendo durante el libro, pero para ese punto ya no te importa porque ya estas terminando el libro y no importa demasiado.
Me gusto, pero tuvo esos problemas que me fueron molestando aunque voy a leer mas del autor que su forma de escribir me gusto bastante.
Profile Image for Caroline  Griffith.
245 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2025
Wow!!! I have been loving everything that Grayson Vale has published recently but this book blew me away.

This was not your typical lovers over many years separated and reunited to live and love again. While those parts are so beautiful and moving, it is also dark and shows us that the world is not always as it seems. It feels very hard to introduce you to our MMCs without divulging the entire story and how the puzzle for together. Trust me you will not see the twists and turns and the heartbreaking truth throughout.

I cannot deny that it took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I did, I could not put it down. You will fall in love, experience heartbreak, think you solved the puzzle to be thrown in the opposite direction, to more heartbreak and finally to an understanding that love is enough and can conquer all. When your soul meets it's match it will stop at nothing to be at peace no matter who you love in-between. The heart is meant to be shared.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rosina.
158 reviews
March 14, 2025
I loved this
It was emotional but wonderful. I did get a bit teary a few times throughout the story, but that only made it better.
This book handles the topic of grief so extraordinarily well, as well as new love after grief, and the idea of moving on.
The sibling relationship both between Eli and Rachel, and Alex and Will really impacted me as a person with a sibling, and I really felt the emotion and love coming through in these scenes.
The medical knowledge in this book was really cool, and it felt very descriptive and accurate, which added depth to the book and allowed me to sink into that much more.
Will's story was unexpected, but I love how it was handled, in that sometimes people do the wrong things with good intentions.
I hope I never forget this book, it was a wonderful experience, that I wish to cherish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam Soeur-Wollen.
85 reviews
March 10, 2025
I was provided an ARC. Never Quite Gone is a story of fated love. Some love is meant to be together across time.

Eli and Alex find each other time after time. Alex is able to remember in each life while Eli forgets. Alex must find Eli in every lifetime. This time around, Eli is grieving his husband’s death and must work on moving past it after six years. Alex helps him but not putting too much pressure letting him deal with the loss and the memories on his own time. There’s unexpected allies and villains.

The story is about reincarnation and destined love. There are still questions of how the group came to be reincarnated and why. I wanted more of the fantasy aspect of the story. We get to see past lives but didn’t truly find out the origin of some characters that caused the “curse”. Overall, a good love story.
Profile Image for Rian Durant.
Author 8 books67 followers
n
March 18, 2025
DNF @31%

I had great expectations for this one. I liked the cover, the blurb, a quote or two I’ve seen but…
I just can’t do this anymore.

There are over 700 instances of “like” in 250 pages. The story, which I still think has serious potential, is practically DROWNING in similes. Normally this is a literary device I enjoy but when it’s with measure. Here it is so overused that it made my head hurt. I swear after the 4th “like armor” or “like a loaded gun” I could only roll my eyes. One simile on a page packs a punch, five on a page is just clutter.
There are other excessive repetitions too. It seems like this book was either not edited properly or there is something else going on.

I didn’t finish it, so not leaving a rating but this is for sure not my type of book.
923 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2025
The premises of the story drew me in, for me differs from the books I usually read. It is also a new to me author which is always a joy to discover. It however took me some effort to stick with it and I am glad I did. For me the story, in parts, did not flow to well and I felt it could have been shorter and some change up of language use would benefit the the flow for me. I am happy to not read some phrases for a while. Having said all that, the author might have made some changes before publishing since. I did like the timejumps and finding out what bound the casts of characters. And of course we found an end as wished for by our couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angel Roo.
915 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2025
This was a wonderful book.

I loved the idea of a love so eternal, it survives the ages.

Eli and Alexander have loved each other in many lifetimes. Alex remembers, while Eli always forgets from one life to the next.

It is left to Alex to find Eli and try to win his heart each time. This life, however, has Eli grieving the death of his husband. Alex has his work cut out for him, between allowing Alex time to grieve and move forward at his own pace, as well as dark forces determined to keep the men apart.

Very intense and emotional story. Really hits the heartstrings. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emma Collins.
Author 4 books5 followers
March 29, 2025
Never Quite Gone has a fascinating premise—a love that transcends lifetimes, filled with past-life memories, fate, and an ever-present threat. The emotional weight of Eli’s grief and Alex’s centuries-long devotion should have made for a deeply moving story. However, Greyson Vale’s writing style bogs it down with unnecessary repetition and excessive length.

Many passages feel drawn out, stretching simple ideas over multiple chapters instead of delivering tight, impactful storytelling. The concept is strong, but the execution lacks the depth it promises, making it frustrating rather than immersive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maryam.
3 reviews
April 21, 2025
I don’t usually read fantasy stories, but I went into this book completely blind—and I ended up loving its subject. The writing was well-crafted, seamlessly blending fantasy with themes of love, grief, and much more. The story delivers an interesting twist near the end and, of course, concludes with a happy ending.
While the storyline was solid and the characters had enough depth, I felt the editing could have been improved. Certain sentences and phrases were repeated across multiple pages, and some character descriptions or explanations of key issues were reiterated in different sections of the book, which was less than ideal. I hope these issues will be addressed in the next edition.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
597 reviews9 followers
May 15, 2025
As I started this book I was not expecting what happened, however it highlighted what Eli was going through, not living. not feeling, until that day that Alex walks back into his life.
This is a story about grief and it was so beautifully written that I had tears in my eyes. This is a story about love that has no expiry date and some of my favourite scenes were the memories of their past lives written in such detail I swore that I could smell the herbs.
This is a story about families, found or blood and how far they would go to protect the ones they love.
I could keep going but I do not want to spoil it for you. Another great read by Greyson Vale
Profile Image for Gavin Stephenson-Jackman.
1,662 reviews
March 1, 2025
This is an excellent love story through time. Eli and Alexander have found each other again and Alexander is hoping this time they can get it right and break the cycle that has brought them together time and time again only to lose each other. There is a slow burn as Alexander tries to help Eli remember their past as parts of their past lives surface in his dreams. A very well crafted story that draws you in with every page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandee.
560 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2025
Six years after losing his husband in a tragic accident, Dr. Eli Monroe is a shell of the man he had been before. He doesn’t eat, he doesn’t sleep, he’s not yet let himself grieve the loss. Instead he only focuses on his work as a doctor, but he has constant reminders of his husband. When Alexander Rothschild walks into his ER, he feels him before he sees him. Flashes of past lives, memories and blips of lives he shouldn’t recall, and yet does.

This sets the stage for one of the most unique romance novels I’ve ever read. Alex is slowly starting to remember, in each life he and Alex have had something special. Over and over again they have found one another, but tragedy has torn them apart.

Overall an excellent read.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,386 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2025
I'm still wringing out my hanky!! Wow what a beautifully written, unique. emotional storyline about love and loss but ultimately, about hope. I was completely captivated from the beginning and went through a wringer of emotions but the ending was so satisfyingly rewarding! Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cath.
87 reviews
March 14, 2025
An unforgettable emotional journey exploring love, loss, and enduring connections. Vale's writing evokes nostalgia and longing, as the protagonist grapples with memories that linger. The seamless blend of past and present creates a haunting yet heartwarming narrative. Each chapter is rich with emotion, showcasing tender interactions and raw pain, which made me feel this deeply. The story emphasizes healing and rediscovery, reminding us that while loss can change us, it doesn't define us.
Profile Image for Amy H..
Author 4 books8 followers
May 2, 2025
Of course, Greyson made me cry with the prologue, just like he always does...

The story is captivating but at first I had a bit of trouble to understand all that was happening. The world building however is amazing. And the love between Eli and Alex is everything. It is sweet and spicy, it is filled with heartbreak and sweet memories. And truly descends it all. The moment they choose this life!
178 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2025
Some loves refuse to fade—they echo across lifetimes with a mix of heartache, magic, and undeniable chemistry. This tale deftly balances bittersweet nostalgia with sizzling passion, reminding us that even when the past haunts, the heart never truly lets go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,224 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2025
Never Quite Gone is a wonderful lost love through time romance by Greyson Vale. Never Quite Gone grabs your attention and keeps it. I was caught up in the MCs story. I ached and cried for them. I was happy to see them find their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wren Vale.
447 reviews25 followers
March 12, 2025
Oh wow!!

It took me a minute to get into this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Greyson Vale story I read, so i knew I had to persevere cause it was "bout to get good!!" I wasn't disappointed
Profile Image for Cynthia Brooks.
2,332 reviews11 followers
March 27, 2025
Eli's and Alex's love for each other started centuries ago. It will continue till it doesn't end in tragedy. This time it looks like a happy ending but someone in the shadows wants to stop them. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Amanda Grange.
748 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2025
This is an epic love story! Eli and Alex have loved and lost each other countless times, in countless lives. You need tissues. I was desperate to get to the end and it was over too quickly at the same time. So freaking good.

Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,836 reviews84 followers
September 29, 2025
It was a struggle to get through this book. After putting it down and restarting about three times, I resorted to skipping to the final chapters in the end. Alas, I don't think this author is for me.
Profile Image for Jessie .
57 reviews
March 5, 2025
This is a brilliant MM romance with fantastical themes. It tugs at the heart strings and is exceptionally crafted.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
54 reviews
March 13, 2025
Review:
This book was the best thing I ever read. I loved the characters and I loved that they were able to have a second chance together because they deserve each other and deserve to be happy
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,582 reviews34 followers
March 13, 2025
Never Quite Gone was such an amazing book. This is a second chances, fated love book about Dr. Eli and Alex. This was such an original story that I just could not put down, loved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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