Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 24, 500 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1386-1 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Eternal Ink by Jade Marshall

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1386-1
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House of Ink, 4

I buried my past the day Maverick Hall walked out of my life. Six years later, he walks back into it, a different man than the one who left, standing in the one place I thought was safe.

Maverick was never the man who stayed. He was fire and chaos and heartbreak wrapped in ink. But the man who’s returned is different, steady hands, guarded eyes, and a fierce determination to claim what’s his.

When secrets unravel and fear takes control, love demands more than forgiveness, it demands courage.

Sometimes, the deepest scars don’t fade. They heal. And sometimes, the family you were afraid to build becomes the one that saves you.

 

Excerpt:

“You shouldn’t let him talk to you like that,” I say, my voice rough.

Her head snaps up. “I handled it.”

“Barely.”

Her eyes flash, that old fire I remember sparking. “You think you can just swoop in and…”

I move before I can stop myself, crowding her back against the pantry door. My hands are braced on either side of her, my breath ragged.

“I tried to stay out of it,” I grind out. “I tried to let you fight your own battles. But Zora, seeing him near you…” My voice breaks as I try to remain in control. “It will make me lose my fucking mind.”

Her chest rises, fast and shallow. “Maverick…”

The sound of my name on her lips undoes me and I kissed her. Hard. Her gasp turns into a moan against my mouth, her hands fisting in my shirt. I slide one hand to her waist, the other cupping the back of her neck, dragging her closer until there is no space left between us.

Years of tension, years of anger and longing, crash together in that kiss. She tastes like memory and fire, like everything I’ve been starving for. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, pulling me closer, until the world narrows to just her, her lips, her breath, her body pressed against mine.

My cock is a lead pipe against her stomach and all I want to do is strip her bare and remind her of how good it can be between us. But I can’t. I don’t know if she is ready for that yet.

“Damn it, Zora,” I rasp against her mouth, my hand skimming her hip, gripping tight. “I can’t stay away from you.”

She shudders, her forehead dropping to my chest. “This isn’t what we’re supposed to be doing.”

“Then tell me to stop.” My voice is hoarse, desperate.

But her silence is answer enough. So, I kiss her again, slower this time, deeper, my hands roaming, remembering, memorizing her anew. Heavy touches, hungry and aching, until she trembles beneath me.

We break apart only when breathing becomes impossible, both of us gasping, foreheads pressed together, hearts hammering in sync.

The pantry door is cool against her back while my body is fire against her front. And I know this isn’t just lust. It never was between us. It’s every word we haven’t said. Every promise that has been broken. Every piece of us that still belongs to each other, no matter how much we tried to deny it.

Her voice is barely a whisper when she finally speaks. “What do we do now?”

I swallow hard, my thumb brushing her cheek. “We stop pretending there’s nothing left between us.”

Her eyes search mine, wide and unsure, and I know it isn’t just my battle anymore. It’s hers too.

Series:
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Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 20 ratings)
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5/5
Finding Peace
Written by JeniT on 8th Mar 2026

Zora loved Maverick despite his rough edges and wild ways. When he left her she had to stand on her own and raise the daughter they created. Maverick has been lost and living with regrets and darkness. He returns to his hometown and sees Zora again and everything he tried to bury comes screaming to life. She’s guarded and harboring secrets. As they open up to each other and he has to change to be the man his daughter and Zora need their love burns bright and strong building something solid and real. Love this second chance romance with a sweet as sugar HEA

4/5
Eternal Ink!
Written by Mary on 8th Mar 2026

This is the fourth story in the "House of Ink" series. I could not put this story down until the loving end; a wonderful family. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone read. It does have connected characters, is centered around a tattoo parlor and family of sorts. This is a small town and second chance story about Maverick, Zora and Ivy. She walks in to the tattoo parlor expecting to take photos for Ivy. She sees Maverick, what is he doing there? Maverick is back but can he face the truth? There are emotional aspects, some angst, anger, passion, second chances, a father, family, love and more.

4/5
Enternal
Written by ChrisL on 8th Mar 2026

This is a short read. This Maverick and Zora’s story. They have a history and when he shows back up in town, what will she do? He doesn’t know about Ivy, what will he do when he finds out? Will he want to see her? Be part of her life? Can she trust him with her and her daughters heart?

5/5
Maverick & Zora
Written by Nathalie D. on 8th Mar 2026

This story is sure to take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. Maverick is back in town, a different man than the one who broke Zora's heart. HE is now steady, and mature and he wants to reconnect with her. Zora is taken aback to see him back, and the feelings that have been pent up bloom once again, but there is a big secret that can derail their reunion. BE ready for steam, deep feelings, and a great redemption story!

5/5
Maverick and Zora
Written by BeckyS68 on 8th Mar 2026

This is an emotional second-chance romance with a hidden pregnancy. Zora has built a stable life over the last six years with her young daughter. Maverick left before he was told about the pregnancy, but now he is back and working at the same tattoo shop as Zora. Time changes people, and Zora is about to discover that is what happened to Maverick. This is an excellent book with two great characters who finally get their happy ending.

5/5
Steamy small town alpha male erotic romance
Written by itsthejo on 8th Mar 2026

Book 4 of the House of Ink series. Can be read as a standalone. 'But the man who’s returned is different, steady hands, guarded eyes, and a fierce determination to claim what’s his.' The characters were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

5/5
Mature
Written by Nasra on 8th Mar 2026

This one was amazing, i really enjoy ML character although we never get to know about his family and friend and why he was the way he was at the beginning , because i really wish we had the reason for it because there is a moment there he sounded like he knew he was running and that he never expect people to treat him right. I like that we get to see him grow and change and mature for his baby that was very powerful . i just wish we could have more of him working , those two interaction with his cllient about schetch was heartfelt and beautiful, good job i recoment his to both roamting readers and page turner threller readers . good job

5/5
Learning to stay and be a family
Written by KateM on 8th Mar 2026

Zara and Maverick have known each other since childhood but Maverick was a wild child and when he left Zara’s heart was broken. Also unbeknownst to her she was pregnant but she didn’t want to try to find Maverick after being so hurt. To her surprise he’s back in town and working in the tattoo shop where she is the photographer. She doesn’t want to tell him about their child but he does find out. He has to show he’s going to be there before she can trust him again. I really loved these characters and how the story developed. This was definitely a wonderful read!

5/5
Second Chance!
Written by Anotherdayinparadise on 8th Mar 2026

The was a tug at your heart story. I have truly enjoyed this series and this was no different. The characters were well developed and the storyline flowed so well. It’s about second chances and beginning again.

5/5
When the Past Comes Back with a Steady Hand
Written by Shae B on 8th Mar 2026

Eternal Ink by Jade Marshall is a second-chance romance that leans into history, heartbreak, and the kind of love that refuses to stay buried. Zora’s voice carries the weight of someone who’s done her best to move forward. You can feel the careful walls she’s built, especially when Maverick reappears in the one place she thought was hers alone. That tension—between who he was and who he is now—drives the emotional core of the story. Maverick’s transformation is what makes this reunion compelling. He’s no longer the restless, impulsive man who left. The steadiness in him now feels earned, and his determination to show up differently gives their relationship depth. It’s not just about reigniting old sparks—it’s about proving growth. The story does a great job exploring how scars don’t simply disappear. They shape you. Watching Zora and Maverick navigate old wounds while building something stronger felt honest and satisfying. There’s heat, yes, but also vulnerability and real emotional stakes. The small-town backdrop and found-family elements add warmth, balancing the intensity of their past. This installment fits beautifully into the series while standing strong on its own. If you love second-chance romances with alpha energy, emotional healing, and characters who have to earn their happily-ever-after, this one delivers both heart and heat in equal measure.

5/5
Eternal Ink
Written by Nivlocte on 8th Mar 2026

Maverick is tattoo artist with a sterotypical reputation from a small town in Louisiana. When things got too hot and heavy in his reckless youth, he left the town and a girl name Zora behind. When he rolls back into town, their paths cross, shocking them both. Zora has nothing to say to the man who left her behind without a word, and has a secret she plans to keep at all cost. Fate had other plans for them both, however. This was a great read and will have you grabbing a tissue..or two!

5/5
Eternal Ink
Written by Stacii on 8th Mar 2026

Maverick and Zora’s story is a second chance one full on intense emotions. He comes back to town after leaving for a few years and when he finds out her secret they will need to work through all their feelings to get to their happiness

4/5
Second chance
Written by Joreads on 8th Mar 2026

This is a second chance for Zora and Maverick. He left town and now is back. Zora has been keep a secret that knocks Maverick for a loop. These two have a lot to work through and the redemption is hard won. The spark between these two is something else. A great addition to the series.

5/5
Maverick and Zora
Written by Heather1145 on 8th Mar 2026

Book four in this amazing series. I loved Zora and Maverick. It's a emotional story that had me engaged, I loved the second chance at love and the instant love for his daughter,

5/5
Eternal Ink - second chances ❤️
Written by Avidreader23 on 8th Mar 2026

This is an incredible story of second chances, growth in life lessons and how to overcome obstacles to achieve what you want. The book is written in present time - 6 years ago, Zora and Maverick were a couple living in a small town. Chemistry was off the charts but Maverick was untrustworthy, liked to fight, drink, etc. So he skip town and soon later she discovered she was pregnant. Zora decides not to tell him as he is not ready to be a father due to his behaviour actions. They never got over each other - the yearning over each other is so present and very heavy. 6 years later, Maverick is back and working in the same tattoo shop as Zora. All the secrets come up in the open and they cannot run away anymore. They are not the same people as 6 years ago and they have to get to know each other again for the sake of their daughter. So glad Zora dodged a bullet with Ethan!

5/5
MAV AND ZORA
Written by Gkp2460 on 8th Mar 2026

House Of Ink book 4 is Eternal Ink. This one is Zora and Maverick's story. This story is emotional, a little intense and a lot consuming. These characters pull at every heartstring. Everything they feel is palpable and the chemistry between them is explosive. It's a beautiful second chance romance and I fell completely in love with the characters and their journey. "Love was meant to be messy and wild and untamable."

4/5
Second Chance at a Family
Written by hmg_vermont on 8th Mar 2026

I'm a sucker for a well written, second chance romance and Eternal Ink is just that! The story is well thought out, and it is an easy read. There isn't too much drama between Maverick and Zora (no fighting or yelling). Their chemistry is off the charts! The love that Maverick has for Ivy and the instant connection is heartwarming. I love the happily ever after.

5/5
Eternal Ink by Jade Marshall
Written by LyndsayL on 8th Mar 2026

This is a story of a love so strong it scared this couple when they are young. Now 5 years later and the MC returns to find the woman he can never stop thinking about and the daughter he never knew he had. The chemistry is off the hook and this redemption story is worth every moment spent reading.

5/5
Catches you right in the feels
Written by DrJen on 8th Mar 2026

I was fairly new to this author and I was not disappointed. You could absolutely feel Zora's heartbreak at the situation and why she was struggling. I even teared up a few times. I loved that this story felt more true to life and Maverick wasn't instantly forgiven when he came back in her life. Definitely worth reading!

5/5
Zora and maverick
Written by Kaylapolk on 8th Mar 2026

She never thought he would come back but when he does he gets a big surprise. Not long after Maverick comes home he hears some things in the shop that he can't ignore. Soon he is questioning Zora and finds out her secret. She doesn't deny anything but this leads them to a second chance and the start of them having a relationship and a family!

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