Inner Harbor (Quinn Brothers of Chesapeake Bay #3) by Nora Roberts

I have become so familiar with the characters in this series and the more books I read the more I have fallen in love with these 4 amazing guys. . I have been along on the Quinn brother’s journey to becoming a strong and close family since the sudden death of their adopted father, Ray Quinn and it feels as if they are now my friends, who I care for and want to ultimately see happy.

The 3rd book tells the story of Phillip Quinn, the sophisticated, stylish, and gorgeous advertising man, that likes designer labels and good wine 

and who has pushed away the ugliness and horrors of his past before he was rescued and saved by Ray and Stella Quinn to become a person of worth

Dr Sybill Griffin, a well-know socialist and author arrives in the area supposedly to do research for her next book. But she’s there to check on Seth, who we discover, is her nephew. I found it difficult to warm to her. She just shut herself off and so emotionless …. She does not allow anyone close to her, preferring to observe people. 
But the more I got to know her, the more I understood why she showed that face to the world, living the life she had until now. Underneath that shield was a person with a kind heart and mind and suddenly I wanted Phillip and her to find the way to being happy together.

After discovering Sybill’s secret, Phillip’s reaction is more than just betrayal:

“Oh, and Dr Griffin, you may want to look over your notes again. When you do it might be interesting, psychologically speaking, to ask yourself why you find it so much more rewarding to observe than to participate.” 

But they cannot ignore the growing attraction for each other. Wow, Phillip just knows how to seduce a woman…champagne, flowers and climbing up the side of the hotel to get into Sybill’s room because she’s not opening the door for him. Loved it!!!!!

The sexual tension is hot. Phillip slowly helps her opening up her heart and to admit that she’s a person that’s worth loving.

There is so much in this story that really pulled my heartstrings - 

*Discovering the secret of Seth’s parentage
*Sybill putting Gloria straight about Seth 

*Sybill walking Foolish, the dog to meet Seth after school (was she really hoping for????

*Seth’s birthday party with his friends leaving Anna in a “frazzle”
*Seth’s birthday present from Sybill
*The bond between the four brothers and their interaction
*The kinship between the Quinn’s
*Ray’s “visit” to Phillip – what great advice he gave his son (just like he did with the other two before)
*The first time Phillip makes love to Sybill on the small boat….i smiled when she lost the one shoe!!!!
*Sybill arriving unexpectedly at Phillip’s city condo and unable to finish a sentence, feeling so uncertain…….and Phillip…he’s just an adorable and lovable man, both kind and sexy too.

The dialogue is really fabulous (is it not always if written by NR???)

“Is this your definition of a distraction?” she countered. “It fits my definition of a confrontation.”
“You’re right.” He pulled his own sunglasses off, tossed them aside. “We’ll analyze later.”

“Your family won’t approve.”
“Family approval important to you?”
“Of course.”
“I don’t discount it either. Normally, this wouldn’t be any of their business. In this case, it is.” It bothered him, more than a little. “But it’s my family, and my concern, not yours.
“This may sound hypocritical at this point, but I don’t want to do anything else that will hurt or disturb Seth.”
“Neither do I. But I’m not going to let a ten-year-old take charge of my personal life. Relax Sybill.” He skimmed his fingers over her jaw. “This isn’t the Montagues and the Capulets.”
“I’m hardly thinking of you as Romeo, she said, so dryly that he laughed and kissed her again.
“You might, darling, if I put my mind to it. But for now, let’s just be who we are.” 

If you love romance, endearing characters, great dialogue and fabulous plots, then read this series. You will love it.

I can’t wait for Seth’s story.