Fiona MacAvery has moved to Salmon River, Virginia with her 10-year-old son, Sean. Sean is being bullied. Fiona wants Sean to avoid violence, ALL violence, so she is less than comfortable with her new neighbor who will be helping at the local dojo. To her self-defense is just another form of violence and she does not want her son to learn anything from the dangerously strong man across the street, even to help stop the bullying Sean is encountering from his schoolmates.

Dominic Payette has come to Salmon River Virgina to learn how get his head on straight before fighting for a title in mixed martial arts. He hasn't been the same since the blows of his fists put an opponent into a coma during one of his fights. He has lost three bouts since then and is in danger of losing his sponsorship. His first teacher, Sensei Miwa has a dojo in Salmon River, and he knows if anyone can help him regain his fighting edge, it will be Miwa.

When Dom witness Sean being bullied on his way home from school, he offers to teach Sean self defense but Fiona is violently opposed. Fiona is emotionally bruised and damaged, close-minded and unable to accept any others' advice especially when it concerns her son Sean. Her ex-husband did not abuse them physically, but was a very violent man, and is in jail. She is doing her best to put her past behind them, but her advice to Sean just isn't working. Fiona has to learn not to let fear rule her life, Dom needs to learn something too. Perhaps that fighting with the wrong attitude makes him a bully as well?

I had a difficult time finding sympathy for Fiona until late in the story, but as the story continued, both Fiona and Dom learned and grew in somewhat unexpected ways and I ended up being satisfied with the conclusion. Kudos to Essex for taking on a difficult topic and giving us a heroine with thorny unpleasant defenses. HER SON'S HERO was well worth the read.

Book Summary

Fiercely protective single mom Fiona MacAvery would do anything for her ten-year-old son. They came to the small town of Salmon River to escape the disgrace of her ex-husband’s crimes and live a peaceful life. More than anything, Fiona hates violence; her ex was a brute, and she just wants to shield her son from any more pain.

Dominic “The Dominator” Payette’s life is all about fighting and winning the Unlimited Fighting Federation’s championship title. But when he sees the fear in Sean MacAvery's eyes—and the mistrust in Fiona's—all he wants to do is help this family.

When the two face off, it’s a sizzling, no-holds-barred battle to protect the interests of one little boy…and to win the ultimate prize: everlasting love.

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