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Target in the Sun
Alternate cover edition. For previous cover edition for ASIN B01B5EA02C go here
‘TARGET IN THE SUN’, A moving high anxiety romance thriller, takes us on a perilous journey through the explosive dark underworld of organised drug trafficking and the complex, destructive human perils of use, abuse and the carnage it leaves in its wake. Caught up in the onslaught is the powerfully engaging nurture of two lovers, Carlos and Mia, discovering and reaching out in a world that could ultimately tear them apart.
An infant loses both his parents tragically and spends his youth and young adulthood in disconnected search and longing, surviving on the streets of coastal Mexico where the beauty and allure of his homeland mix with his relentless desire to belong.
Anticipation builds as powerful human emotions span a search for love, acceptance and belonging to existence in a world wrought with escalating illicit drug trade from the depths of lush Mexican jungles across borders in a vast network of distribution throughout America. An expansive coalition of drug enforcement agencies on both sides of the border mount a fierce campaign of surveillance and seizure with swift and destructive assault on the drug lords their ultimate objective.
All the while a young boy struggles with the heart-wrenching prospect of a life of loneliness, sadness, anger, and an unwavering resistance to commitment. Amidst the turmoil of surroundings and circumstance a boy becomes a man in a search for belonging that leads a troubled soul on a dangerous romp from the sultry Mexican Riviera beaches to the heat of coastal nightclubs and salacious entanglements behind closed doors.
As time passes, Mia’s visits to Puerto Vallarta become more frequent and her relationship with Carlos becomes ever-clearer. At first mere carnal instinct, a conquest of pleasures, life events and new acquaintance bring discovery, emotional attachment and a burning desire for enduring love as it was always meant to be.
‘Target In The Sun’ is an impassioned story of search and longing for the ultimate connection.
‘TARGET IN THE SUN’, A moving high anxiety romance thriller, takes us on a perilous journey through the explosive dark underworld of organised drug trafficking and the complex, destructive human perils of use, abuse and the carnage it leaves in its wake. Caught up in the onslaught is the powerfully engaging nurture of two lovers, Carlos and Mia, discovering and reaching out in a world that could ultimately tear them apart.
An infant loses both his parents tragically and spends his youth and young adulthood in disconnected search and longing, surviving on the streets of coastal Mexico where the beauty and allure of his homeland mix with his relentless desire to belong.
Anticipation builds as powerful human emotions span a search for love, acceptance and belonging to existence in a world wrought with escalating illicit drug trade from the depths of lush Mexican jungles across borders in a vast network of distribution throughout America. An expansive coalition of drug enforcement agencies on both sides of the border mount a fierce campaign of surveillance and seizure with swift and destructive assault on the drug lords their ultimate objective.
All the while a young boy struggles with the heart-wrenching prospect of a life of loneliness, sadness, anger, and an unwavering resistance to commitment. Amidst the turmoil of surroundings and circumstance a boy becomes a man in a search for belonging that leads a troubled soul on a dangerous romp from the sultry Mexican Riviera beaches to the heat of coastal nightclubs and salacious entanglements behind closed doors.
As time passes, Mia’s visits to Puerto Vallarta become more frequent and her relationship with Carlos becomes ever-clearer. At first mere carnal instinct, a conquest of pleasures, life events and new acquaintance bring discovery, emotional attachment and a burning desire for enduring love as it was always meant to be.
‘Target In The Sun’ is an impassioned story of search and longing for the ultimate connection.
- GenresRomance
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2018
42 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Filler
33 books170 followers2022 I'm currently in Istanbul, Turkey an amazing city for a writer who sees plots everywhere. I left Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a town of hot humid days and sultry passionate nights, in early 2019 to travel the world. Istanbul was a two-day layover in a multi-country trip of several months. But I fell in love with Istanbul and a Turk. After I used up all my one-way tickets, I let my heart lead the way and came back to Istanbul. CAFE CONFIDENTIAL is that story! https://amzn.to/3dKBAWA
I write spy/mystery, romantic suspense, memoir, and poetry. I've been accused of writing based-on-real-events-and-character stories in my Code Raven Series. I will definitely admit that there are a few real-life characters and events in each one of my books! But a girl never kisses and tells, right?
The demand for more memoirs has led me to write Destiny's Daughter. As Humpty Dumpty would say: We all fall down. And fall down I did towards the end of lockdowns during the pandemic. Destiny's Daughter shares the journey from vitamin C to Xanax. It hasn't been easy, but in the interests of authenticity, I've kept it real. Thanks for the reviews. We average 4.8/5, so I know my message is touching hearts and sharing the message that we are all one. Your pain is mine, mine is yours. Thanks for being in my life and allowing me to be a part of yours.
I write spy/mystery, romantic suspense, memoir, and poetry. I've been accused of writing based-on-real-events-and-character stories in my Code Raven Series. I will definitely admit that there are a few real-life characters and events in each one of my books! But a girl never kisses and tells, right?
The demand for more memoirs has led me to write Destiny's Daughter. As Humpty Dumpty would say: We all fall down. And fall down I did towards the end of lockdowns during the pandemic. Destiny's Daughter shares the journey from vitamin C to Xanax. It hasn't been easy, but in the interests of authenticity, I've kept it real. Thanks for the reviews. We average 4.8/5, so I know my message is touching hearts and sharing the message that we are all one. Your pain is mine, mine is yours. Thanks for being in my life and allowing me to be a part of yours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 13, 2020
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
3 shocked stars!
What an interesting book! This would have been 4 stars if not for the confusing swaps between POVs and the occasionally dodgy grammar, the editing was my only issue with this. I really enjoyed this novel!
Target in the Sun has three different main characters: Carlos, Mia and Lucia. Carlos and Mia are both younger people (I can’t call them teenagers, they’ve been through too much for that) and Lucia is an FBI agent, one whose life changes when she hears Carlos and Mia’s story. Throughout the book, the POV changes (rather abruptly) and we’re able to hear multiple sides of this devasting story.
Carlos is a Mexican boy whose parents die at a young age. From here he’s shifted between multiple family members, until he gets to the drug dealing side of the family. He’s then recruited as a mule (someone who transports drugs to buyers) and from here out his life is pretty dark… up until he meets Mia. Now, Mia and Carlos do not have a ‘normal’ or ‘typical’ relationship. They often don’t see each other for months at a time (and they have multiple partners during these breaks), and Mia is actually married with a kid, but they’re very much in love. Throughout the story we get to watch the touching romance bloom between the two, and Lucia also is lucky enough to witness this relationship. From here our story involves the dangers of drug trafficking and the innocence of children who are raised as drug dealers…
Target in the Sun was easy to get into, and the short chapters made it easy to fly through the book. The characters were fun to read about – but this book was definitely not a fun book overall. It was quite dark and – as the Mexican drug smuggling cartel is actually a very big problem today – very easy to relate to life events. However, I think that just made the book even better!
Other than the editing and some grammar problems, this was really well-written! Thank you so much to the author and Booktasters for the free copy of this novel!
3 shocked stars!
What an interesting book! This would have been 4 stars if not for the confusing swaps between POVs and the occasionally dodgy grammar, the editing was my only issue with this. I really enjoyed this novel!
Target in the Sun has three different main characters: Carlos, Mia and Lucia. Carlos and Mia are both younger people (I can’t call them teenagers, they’ve been through too much for that) and Lucia is an FBI agent, one whose life changes when she hears Carlos and Mia’s story. Throughout the book, the POV changes (rather abruptly) and we’re able to hear multiple sides of this devasting story.
Carlos is a Mexican boy whose parents die at a young age. From here he’s shifted between multiple family members, until he gets to the drug dealing side of the family. He’s then recruited as a mule (someone who transports drugs to buyers) and from here out his life is pretty dark… up until he meets Mia. Now, Mia and Carlos do not have a ‘normal’ or ‘typical’ relationship. They often don’t see each other for months at a time (and they have multiple partners during these breaks), and Mia is actually married with a kid, but they’re very much in love. Throughout the story we get to watch the touching romance bloom between the two, and Lucia also is lucky enough to witness this relationship. From here our story involves the dangers of drug trafficking and the innocence of children who are raised as drug dealers…
Target in the Sun was easy to get into, and the short chapters made it easy to fly through the book. The characters were fun to read about – but this book was definitely not a fun book overall. It was quite dark and – as the Mexican drug smuggling cartel is actually a very big problem today – very easy to relate to life events. However, I think that just made the book even better!
Other than the editing and some grammar problems, this was really well-written! Thank you so much to the author and Booktasters for the free copy of this novel!
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December 12, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (12/12/2018)!💝
Blurb:
An infant loses both his parents tragically and spends his youth and young adulthood in disconnected search and longing, surviving on the streets of coastal Mexico where the beauty and allure of his homeland mix with his relentless desire to belong.
Anticipation builds as powerful human emotions span a search for love, acceptance and belonging to existence in a world wrought with escalating illicit drug trade from the depths of lush Mexican jungles across borders in a vast network of distribution throughout America. An expansive coalition of drug enforcement agencies on both sides of the border mount a fierce campaign of surveillance and seizure with swift and destructive assault on the drug lords their ultimate objective.
All the while a young boy struggles with the heart-wrenching prospect of a life of loneliness, sadness, anger, and an unwavering resistance to commitment. Amidst the turmoil of surroundings and circumstance a boy becomes a man in a search for belonging that leads a troubled soul on a dangerous romp from the sultry Mexican Riviera beaches to the heat of coastal nightclubs and salacious entanglements behind closed doors.
As time passes, Mia’s visits to Puerto Vallarta become more frequent and her relationship with Carlos becomes ever-clearer. At first mere carnal instinct, a conquest of pleasures, life events and new acquaintance bring discovery, emotional attachment and a burning desire for enduring love as it was always meant to be.
Blurb:
An infant loses both his parents tragically and spends his youth and young adulthood in disconnected search and longing, surviving on the streets of coastal Mexico where the beauty and allure of his homeland mix with his relentless desire to belong.
Anticipation builds as powerful human emotions span a search for love, acceptance and belonging to existence in a world wrought with escalating illicit drug trade from the depths of lush Mexican jungles across borders in a vast network of distribution throughout America. An expansive coalition of drug enforcement agencies on both sides of the border mount a fierce campaign of surveillance and seizure with swift and destructive assault on the drug lords their ultimate objective.
All the while a young boy struggles with the heart-wrenching prospect of a life of loneliness, sadness, anger, and an unwavering resistance to commitment. Amidst the turmoil of surroundings and circumstance a boy becomes a man in a search for belonging that leads a troubled soul on a dangerous romp from the sultry Mexican Riviera beaches to the heat of coastal nightclubs and salacious entanglements behind closed doors.
As time passes, Mia’s visits to Puerto Vallarta become more frequent and her relationship with Carlos becomes ever-clearer. At first mere carnal instinct, a conquest of pleasures, life events and new acquaintance bring discovery, emotional attachment and a burning desire for enduring love as it was always meant to be.
December 21, 2016
LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MEXICO
An interesting look at the other side of the drug families and cartels in Mexico. It took several pages for me to work who was who and what part they played in the story, as it skipped from one to another combined with the flashbacks – but once I had that sorted, it flowed much easier. I didn’t connect too well with either of the main characters, more with the FBI lady, I could relate to her.
An interesting look at the other side of the drug families and cartels in Mexico. It took several pages for me to work who was who and what part they played in the story, as it skipped from one to another combined with the flashbacks – but once I had that sorted, it flowed much easier. I didn’t connect too well with either of the main characters, more with the FBI lady, I could relate to her.
September 26, 2016
This wasn't your typical love story/romance. This had adventure, drugs trade all around thriller I thought. This had our two lovers finding their way back again. The special agent that was all carrier mode for the longest time now struggling it would seem.
This is a great book if you like a lot of thrilling adventure and nail biting drama in your romance.
I will say it wasn't my usually romance book that I like but I did enjoy the writing and you do get sucked into the story.
This is a great book if you like a lot of thrilling adventure and nail biting drama in your romance.
I will say it wasn't my usually romance book that I like but I did enjoy the writing and you do get sucked into the story.
February 6, 2017
I was taken away with all the pain and suffering that little Carlos endured throughout this tragic story. When he meet Mia I hoped for a breath of fresh air for him. And although she was there was so much more to the story. An unorthodox love tale, a riveting reeling lifestyle. They say that as we live we are responsible for the choices we make, but clearly there are some things that are out of our hands. Sometimes we are blessed with the people that some into our lives and sometimes we are cursed with the families we are born into.
The Author took it to another level, I was not accustomed to the way she wrote, in the diary style. But as I read, I could not tear myself away from the story. I have so many unanswered questions and I know that I will get them in the next book, I can't wait to see what else comes out from this story.
This reader will continue on to find the answers.....
The Author took it to another level, I was not accustomed to the way she wrote, in the diary style. But as I read, I could not tear myself away from the story. I have so many unanswered questions and I know that I will get them in the next book, I can't wait to see what else comes out from this story.
This reader will continue on to find the answers.....
December 4, 2020
Obtained a free copy in exchange for an honest review by Booktasters on Twitter
Target in The Sun by Lynda Filler is not your typical love story where 2 young people meet and fall in love fighting against all odds to have a happy ending. Carlos and Mia’s story is set against the backdrop of a Mexican drug cartel. Initially, I thought it would be dark with all the drug business going on but I am glad to be wrong.
Carlos, a Mexican boy who loses his parents at a very young age gets caught up in between the drug-dealing part of the family. Even though he escapes from that life he desperately craves family. His life is often filled with drinks, sex, and sleep and one day he notices Mia and then begins their journey of discovering their true selves.
Mia never wanted a family and has been divorced and married again with a kid. why marry if you don’t need a commitment! And then Carlos enters her life and she discovers love. Well, they never really have a normal relationship. Each sleeps with different partners when they are not seeing each other. I know that is weird! But of course, Carlos and Mia are not the typical couples.
Lucia had lost her boyfriend in the 9/11 incident and since then has been living a closed life. She keeps herself busy with work but then one day she receives an email from Mia that changes her life. Lucia witness the love between Carlos and Mia through their journals and is hell-bent on helping them escape from the cruel fate that has entangled them in the biggest drug cartel in Mexico as well as America.
Apart from being confused with the POV’s and also a bit of an unsatisfactory ending, this is a good book to read. It has that Mexican vibe in it and the negative effects of drugs are shown perfectly. The style of storytelling through journal entries is what I liked here. Would totally recommend this if you are ok with not having the typical love story.
Target in The Sun by Lynda Filler is not your typical love story where 2 young people meet and fall in love fighting against all odds to have a happy ending. Carlos and Mia’s story is set against the backdrop of a Mexican drug cartel. Initially, I thought it would be dark with all the drug business going on but I am glad to be wrong.
Carlos, a Mexican boy who loses his parents at a very young age gets caught up in between the drug-dealing part of the family. Even though he escapes from that life he desperately craves family. His life is often filled with drinks, sex, and sleep and one day he notices Mia and then begins their journey of discovering their true selves.
Mia never wanted a family and has been divorced and married again with a kid. why marry if you don’t need a commitment! And then Carlos enters her life and she discovers love. Well, they never really have a normal relationship. Each sleeps with different partners when they are not seeing each other. I know that is weird! But of course, Carlos and Mia are not the typical couples.
Lucia had lost her boyfriend in the 9/11 incident and since then has been living a closed life. She keeps herself busy with work but then one day she receives an email from Mia that changes her life. Lucia witness the love between Carlos and Mia through their journals and is hell-bent on helping them escape from the cruel fate that has entangled them in the biggest drug cartel in Mexico as well as America.
Apart from being confused with the POV’s and also a bit of an unsatisfactory ending, this is a good book to read. It has that Mexican vibe in it and the negative effects of drugs are shown perfectly. The style of storytelling through journal entries is what I liked here. Would totally recommend this if you are ok with not having the typical love story.
October 29, 2016
Target in the Sun by Lynda Filler is a particularly relevant book to be reading at this time, given the current political situation in the US and the on-going battle against drugs coming into the United States, from south of the border in Mexico.
At its heart, Target in the Sun is a romantic adventure, spiced up with action and killing. The author has chosen to tell the story of Carlos, a young mexcian man, caught up in the "Family Business", from the perspective of three participants in the drama. She also chosen to flick back and forward in time, from when Carlos was a young boy, up to the present day, when he is in his early twenties.
The chapters alternated between the three characters; Carlos, his American (and much older) lover, Mia and Lucia Lopez, an FBI agent of Mexican heritage. I like this flicking perspective, to some degree, as it gives variety and keeps the reader's interest throughout the book. With this book, however, the chapters were so short, that at times it was hard to keep up with the changing perspectives. At the start of each chapter I needed to remind myself; Who was relating this chapter and what time frame it covered? For a book with well in excess of one hundred chapters this required some constant realignment in this reader's mind. By about halfway, I did weary of the constant back and forth.
That having been said, this was a very enjoyable read and one that gave a lot of thought to some of the bigger questions in life; family loyalty vs the greater good and what constitutes love? It was very easy to feel drawn to Carlos, the little boy, who spent his entire life searching for that one thing that was missing from his life; familial love. Despite his rather narcissistic tendancies from time to time, Carlos was a character who wanted to give himself wholeheartedly to someone, to be loved. This desire manifested itself most in his abiding concern for the little children of Mexico, the forgotten children that nobody wanted to care for. I can still hear his plea; who will look after the children?
This was a thought-provoking tale and one I enjoyed very much. I am happy to award it the four-stars it deserves. It has much to offer the reader, as I'm sure does the author Lynda Filler. I will be checking out her other offerings, in the future.
At its heart, Target in the Sun is a romantic adventure, spiced up with action and killing. The author has chosen to tell the story of Carlos, a young mexcian man, caught up in the "Family Business", from the perspective of three participants in the drama. She also chosen to flick back and forward in time, from when Carlos was a young boy, up to the present day, when he is in his early twenties.
The chapters alternated between the three characters; Carlos, his American (and much older) lover, Mia and Lucia Lopez, an FBI agent of Mexican heritage. I like this flicking perspective, to some degree, as it gives variety and keeps the reader's interest throughout the book. With this book, however, the chapters were so short, that at times it was hard to keep up with the changing perspectives. At the start of each chapter I needed to remind myself; Who was relating this chapter and what time frame it covered? For a book with well in excess of one hundred chapters this required some constant realignment in this reader's mind. By about halfway, I did weary of the constant back and forth.
That having been said, this was a very enjoyable read and one that gave a lot of thought to some of the bigger questions in life; family loyalty vs the greater good and what constitutes love? It was very easy to feel drawn to Carlos, the little boy, who spent his entire life searching for that one thing that was missing from his life; familial love. Despite his rather narcissistic tendancies from time to time, Carlos was a character who wanted to give himself wholeheartedly to someone, to be loved. This desire manifested itself most in his abiding concern for the little children of Mexico, the forgotten children that nobody wanted to care for. I can still hear his plea; who will look after the children?
This was a thought-provoking tale and one I enjoyed very much. I am happy to award it the four-stars it deserves. It has much to offer the reader, as I'm sure does the author Lynda Filler. I will be checking out her other offerings, in the future.
September 12, 2017
This review will be posted for both “Target in the Sun” and “Vanished in the Sun”. Both are, “…moving, high anxiety romance thriller(s)”, and, “…impassioned stor(ies) of search and longing for the ultimate connection”.
CANNOT WAIT FOR #3!
Dear Lynda,
Thank you for taking me into your world! I’ve just finished the first 2 books in your ‘Carlos and Mia’ series, and I’m stunned at the pseudo-autobiographical story! Knowing a little about you, personally, makes me jealous that you can write about a life that you fancy yourself living, being a part of, and sharing with people like me. I first met you through your novella in Toby Neal’s Lei Crime Series Kindle World, “The Road to San Pancho”, and have been intrigued by your writing style. I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters in the first book, ‘Target in the Sun’ to get comfortable with the characters, the back-and-forth, the now-and-then, but, WOW, what a journey! I couldn’t wait to continue with the second, ‘Vanished in the Sun’. I read both in 2 days, and I’m totally exhausted now with all the action in the fight against the drug cartels, love, Mexican cultural knowledge and the beautifully descriptive word paintings of Western Mexico, especially the amazing sunsets! The super-secret off-the-grid organization keeping watch over these characters is genius! Very intriguing! Can’t wait for #3!
CANNOT WAIT FOR #3!
Dear Lynda,
Thank you for taking me into your world! I’ve just finished the first 2 books in your ‘Carlos and Mia’ series, and I’m stunned at the pseudo-autobiographical story! Knowing a little about you, personally, makes me jealous that you can write about a life that you fancy yourself living, being a part of, and sharing with people like me. I first met you through your novella in Toby Neal’s Lei Crime Series Kindle World, “The Road to San Pancho”, and have been intrigued by your writing style. I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters in the first book, ‘Target in the Sun’ to get comfortable with the characters, the back-and-forth, the now-and-then, but, WOW, what a journey! I couldn’t wait to continue with the second, ‘Vanished in the Sun’. I read both in 2 days, and I’m totally exhausted now with all the action in the fight against the drug cartels, love, Mexican cultural knowledge and the beautifully descriptive word paintings of Western Mexico, especially the amazing sunsets! The super-secret off-the-grid organization keeping watch over these characters is genius! Very intriguing! Can’t wait for #3!
September 30, 2016
“Target in the Sun” is a compelling story of an unlikely couple and how their fate influenced the fates of those around them. First of all, kudos to the author for telling this story from different perspectives, which allow the reader to better associate and sympathize with the characters, Carlos, Mia and Lucia.
The idea of telling each personal story in the form of journal entries and emails works really well in this sense, and I personally loved reading the “firsthand account” of Carlos growing up in a Mexican village with drug cartels, murders, corruption and poverty being a typical lifestyle. Certain aspects of Carlos’s experiences, such as loss of his parents at an early age, becoming a drug mule for his family and witnessing the appalling conditions in which children have to grow in his country, were difficult to read, but that’s because they’re so real and need to be talked about.
Also, what I really appreciated was that Carlos didn’t allow his soul to harden despite all, and remained a kind-hearted young man who only craved love and companionship, which he was lucky to find in Mia. I won’t give away the plot, but trust me, it’s a great and very important read.
The idea of telling each personal story in the form of journal entries and emails works really well in this sense, and I personally loved reading the “firsthand account” of Carlos growing up in a Mexican village with drug cartels, murders, corruption and poverty being a typical lifestyle. Certain aspects of Carlos’s experiences, such as loss of his parents at an early age, becoming a drug mule for his family and witnessing the appalling conditions in which children have to grow in his country, were difficult to read, but that’s because they’re so real and need to be talked about.
Also, what I really appreciated was that Carlos didn’t allow his soul to harden despite all, and remained a kind-hearted young man who only craved love and companionship, which he was lucky to find in Mia. I won’t give away the plot, but trust me, it’s a great and very important read.
November 6, 2017
I would like to thank booktasters and the author for the opportunity that I could read the book " target in the sun".
First to start I really liked the love story, but the whole surrounding was much more interesting.
Usually I Am not that interested in books which involve drug trades and so on but I really did enjoy to read the book. The whole underworld was described very well and the different perspectives made the whole book much more interesting.
Very clever and well written book!
First to start I really liked the love story, but the whole surrounding was much more interesting.
Usually I Am not that interested in books which involve drug trades and so on but I really did enjoy to read the book. The whole underworld was described very well and the different perspectives made the whole book much more interesting.
Very clever and well written book!
July 18, 2016
Target Hits The Bullseye!
Five Giant Stars! I read it one day! Could not put it down and loved this unique and brilliant approach to letting each character tell the story through their own narrative. Highly recommend it and I plan on reading more novels from this author. Thank you Lynda Filler!
Five Giant Stars! I read it one day! Could not put it down and loved this unique and brilliant approach to letting each character tell the story through their own narrative. Highly recommend it and I plan on reading more novels from this author. Thank you Lynda Filler!
December 24, 2018
'Target in the Sun' is a story that presents some realities that Latin society members faces every day: immigration, violence, drug addiction, disintegration and family pressure, loyalty, love, desire to change the world. The protagonists' decisions and relationships usually skip the traditional conventions and principles; however, it lets glimpse the values by which they try to live.
_____
'Target in the Sun' es un relato que presenta algunas realidades que los miembros de la sociedad latina enfrenta día a día: inmigración, violencia, drogadicción, desintegración y presión familiar, lealtad, amor, deseos de cambiar el mundo. Las decisiones y relaciones de los protagonistas suele saltar las convenciones y principios tradicionales, sin embargo deja entrever los valores por los que intentan vivir.
_____
'Target in the Sun' es un relato que presenta algunas realidades que los miembros de la sociedad latina enfrenta día a día: inmigración, violencia, drogadicción, desintegración y presión familiar, lealtad, amor, deseos de cambiar el mundo. Las decisiones y relaciones de los protagonistas suele saltar las convenciones y principios tradicionales, sin embargo deja entrever los valores por los que intentan vivir.
June 29, 2018
My review is 3.7 stars.
This MC of the story gone through very much pain & suffering, that's the main crux of the story in search of something good. And what can be good than the love, but what if the surrounding in which you have spent all your childhood and the start of adulthood, will they ever going to leave you or you'll be able to leave them behind.
I liked the book but I have little confusions about the different 6-7 scenes where the book lost me. I like the character, the portrayal is awesome, there is something good I found. But I see a room for improvement.
This MC of the story gone through very much pain & suffering, that's the main crux of the story in search of something good. And what can be good than the love, but what if the surrounding in which you have spent all your childhood and the start of adulthood, will they ever going to leave you or you'll be able to leave them behind.
I liked the book but I have little confusions about the different 6-7 scenes where the book lost me. I like the character, the portrayal is awesome, there is something good I found. But I see a room for improvement.
January 25, 2020
This book has a good perspective. Not your typical romance but a good book with adventures, love, lust, illegal activity and drug cartels. It definitely gives you insight on what it's like with the drug cartels with the drugs, murders, being a drug mule and poverty and what it can do to a person. I really enjoyed the book. Would recommend
December 30, 2021
Target in the Sun follows the lives of three people forever entwined by the brutal consequences of growing up in a drug ring. Carlos loses his parents tragically as a child, and is passed into the care of multiple family members as he grows up. This is until he is placed in the care of family members who integrate him into their world of crime. Carlos is then used as a drug mule, and overall goes through a very dark period of his life, until he meets Mia.
I enjoyed the epistolary structure of the novel – it was something in the genre that I haven’t read before. I found that some of the passing between POV’s was a little confusing at times- this could have been distinguished via italics or a different font. However once I had it established, the passing was easier to grasp.
I liked the romance between Mia and Carlos, their love was built out of a dark place but blossomed into something pure and whole which I thought was especially beautiful given the tragic premise of the book. People don’t fix other people, but they can help them grow- can help them find their real worth, and I think that this was extrapolated very well.
The book dealt with some heavy themes, and whilst Carlos’ circumstances broke my heart, it was great to see these issues written down. It was gritty and real, and Lynda Filler reflects trauma surrounding drug rings authentically.
Lucia was a powerful presence in all of her scenes, and I enjoyed reading her. She went to great lengths to help Carlos and Mia, and her determination was one of the things that gave me hope for their future when I wasn’t sure if they would have one.
I prefer to read short chapters and this book delivered! It was well paced and overall a good story, if utterly heart-breaking at the same time.
I enjoyed the epistolary structure of the novel – it was something in the genre that I haven’t read before. I found that some of the passing between POV’s was a little confusing at times- this could have been distinguished via italics or a different font. However once I had it established, the passing was easier to grasp.
I liked the romance between Mia and Carlos, their love was built out of a dark place but blossomed into something pure and whole which I thought was especially beautiful given the tragic premise of the book. People don’t fix other people, but they can help them grow- can help them find their real worth, and I think that this was extrapolated very well.
The book dealt with some heavy themes, and whilst Carlos’ circumstances broke my heart, it was great to see these issues written down. It was gritty and real, and Lynda Filler reflects trauma surrounding drug rings authentically.
Lucia was a powerful presence in all of her scenes, and I enjoyed reading her. She went to great lengths to help Carlos and Mia, and her determination was one of the things that gave me hope for their future when I wasn’t sure if they would have one.
I prefer to read short chapters and this book delivered! It was well paced and overall a good story, if utterly heart-breaking at the same time.
March 27, 2019
Target in the Sun is the story of older and married Mia and younger Carlos from different backgrounds and circumstances who meet one afternoon and their lives are intertwined since amidst the background of Mexico's drug war within and with US and Cartels . The story starts with Mia reaching out to Lucia - a FBI agent that Carlos came across as a kid who emphatised with him when no one seemed to care about him for Carlos' safety when crackdown on Mexican cartels happens and their infighting. The story has a good pace, how Carlos has a chance of making it good when he is adopted by Kathleen and the choices he makes, the lure of the homeland; to be accepted by his family as he was an illegitimate son of his father thus neither accepted by his mother's or father's family when his parents are killed by a family member until he joins the family trade of exporting drugs. Whether Mia succeeds in luring away forms the crux of the story.
though the story has a good pace, too many back and forths and descriptions make it a little boring in the middle but still I do not regret reading . It was worth the time .
I go this book as part of Book reriew of @BookTasters from the author
though the story has a good pace, too many back and forths and descriptions make it a little boring in the middle but still I do not regret reading . It was worth the time .
I go this book as part of Book reriew of @BookTasters from the author
May 23, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I was afraid a book about the Mexican drug cartel would be too dark for me. However, this book was a great romance thriller filled with depth without the gore. Addressing family loyalty or at times disloyalty to become the new "lion king" in a world where the temptation of women and money from being part of the drug world seems too great to resist.
I was afraid a book about the Mexican drug cartel would be too dark for me. However, this book was a great romance thriller filled with depth without the gore. Addressing family loyalty or at times disloyalty to become the new "lion king" in a world where the temptation of women and money from being part of the drug world seems too great to resist.
May 25, 2017
As I enjoyed reading both "Jet Exposed" and "Vanished by the Sun." Wonderful romance thriller story some scene were heart winching and beautiful the story follows Carlos to his childhood and his relationship with older woman, Mia. Both characters were compelling. Delightful tension follows the pace then there is Lucia,a FBI agent who puts her life on the line to help the lovers escape the dark past Carlos carries with him.
Highly recommend! Thanks for the author for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommend! Thanks for the author for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2017
Target in the Sun is a romance thriller. The story takes you on a journey through the daily struggles of life in Mexico and a peek inside the world of drug cartels unseen by outsiders.
It's book one of two. There's danger, sadness, lust and love. The story takes us into the past of Carlos of whom this story is centered on, his painful past and how Lucia and Mia become involved in his life. The characters are intriguing and well developed. This book leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen to the characters in the second book, which I'm looking forward to reading. I recommend this book to fans of romance and thriller.
It's book one of two. There's danger, sadness, lust and love. The story takes us into the past of Carlos of whom this story is centered on, his painful past and how Lucia and Mia become involved in his life. The characters are intriguing and well developed. This book leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen to the characters in the second book, which I'm looking forward to reading. I recommend this book to fans of romance and thriller.
March 19, 2018
I received
in exchange for an honest review.
Lynda Filler's 'Target In The Sun' is a distinctive journal narrative type of romance. I have read books and stories written in this style, but, Lynda Filler's writing adds something extra. This book didn't start off slow. Yet, it took a while to get into it. I think I was a bit distracted, so I had to reread the first five chapters twice. The lengths of the chapters also threw me off a little. While her story is long, the chapters are short, some of them are very very short. Mexico is a major backdrop for the leading and supporting characters. That was one of the things that peaked my interest. A different atmosphere than what I see every day.
Three lives are connected with love and a need for safety. Carlos and Mia find each other on a scorching day in Mexico. From that day forward their lives intertwine and nourish each other. The unlikely match of an American mother and a young man born into the drug world works. Lucia, an FBI agent, noticed Carlos when he was young and years later does her best to ensure the couples' freedom and safety. Wrapped around this love story, is action and danger. Carlos was born into a drug cartel to relatives who are power and money hungry. From the start, his chance at a healthy life is diminished because of that. Where his family, friends, and surrounding lead him affects his view of life and the world. Overtime Mia's influence on him changes the way he sees himself and the world.
'Target In The Sun' has a lot of supporting characters. Carlos' large family and friends where well interwoven. I don't know how Filler could have achieved the same effect without them. Most of them are villainous. I'm grateful that she provided choices on who to dislike the most. Hateful villains can definitely make or break a story, in my opinion. I didn't like most of Carlos' uncles or their sons. One uncle stood out, uncle Tomas. His actions early in Carlos' life affected the major characters views of the world. It was definitely part of the reason that the young man fully trusted no one.
There is some sexual content. Most of it is light, and, I don't remember any of it being graphic. If you're looking for a book without curse words, this isn't for you either. However, cursing isn't in most of the chapters.
I'm glad that I found Lynda Filler's writing style. It made me look at things a little differently, that's what reading is supposed to do. So mission accomplished. I haven't read any of her work before this one, but, interest piqued! This book is for anyone who likes romance, thrillers, action or all of the above.
***** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT***
Lucia's life as an FBI agent is pretty much over before chapter twelve. It took her a while to face that fact. Everything that she did for the couple that reached out to her, and, touched her with their journals and correspondence; could drop her into hot water. After Mia contacted her for help, Lucia was too involved. And, she knew it. Before the end of the story, the relationship between Mia and Carlos matures into love, trust, and hopeful devotion.
Carlos' adoptive mother Kathleen Connor did her best. The woman had a heart for reaching out and helping people in her community. She wanted to change his life for the better by taking him away from the dangerous lifestyle. His secrets stopped the change before it truly started.
Usually, I go into detail about a villain or two. There are so many dark characters in this that I can't seem to pick even one to talk about in detail. All of them are involved in the drug market and are ruthless in their hunt for power.
I hope this review was helpful. Have a great day.
in exchange for an honest review. Lynda Filler's 'Target In The Sun' is a distinctive journal narrative type of romance. I have read books and stories written in this style, but, Lynda Filler's writing adds something extra. This book didn't start off slow. Yet, it took a while to get into it. I think I was a bit distracted, so I had to reread the first five chapters twice. The lengths of the chapters also threw me off a little. While her story is long, the chapters are short, some of them are very very short. Mexico is a major backdrop for the leading and supporting characters. That was one of the things that peaked my interest. A different atmosphere than what I see every day.
Three lives are connected with love and a need for safety. Carlos and Mia find each other on a scorching day in Mexico. From that day forward their lives intertwine and nourish each other. The unlikely match of an American mother and a young man born into the drug world works. Lucia, an FBI agent, noticed Carlos when he was young and years later does her best to ensure the couples' freedom and safety. Wrapped around this love story, is action and danger. Carlos was born into a drug cartel to relatives who are power and money hungry. From the start, his chance at a healthy life is diminished because of that. Where his family, friends, and surrounding lead him affects his view of life and the world. Overtime Mia's influence on him changes the way he sees himself and the world.
'Target In The Sun' has a lot of supporting characters. Carlos' large family and friends where well interwoven. I don't know how Filler could have achieved the same effect without them. Most of them are villainous. I'm grateful that she provided choices on who to dislike the most. Hateful villains can definitely make or break a story, in my opinion. I didn't like most of Carlos' uncles or their sons. One uncle stood out, uncle Tomas. His actions early in Carlos' life affected the major characters views of the world. It was definitely part of the reason that the young man fully trusted no one.
There is some sexual content. Most of it is light, and, I don't remember any of it being graphic. If you're looking for a book without curse words, this isn't for you either. However, cursing isn't in most of the chapters.
I'm glad that I found Lynda Filler's writing style. It made me look at things a little differently, that's what reading is supposed to do. So mission accomplished. I haven't read any of her work before this one, but, interest piqued! This book is for anyone who likes romance, thrillers, action or all of the above.
***** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT*** SPOILER ALERT***
Lucia's life as an FBI agent is pretty much over before chapter twelve. It took her a while to face that fact. Everything that she did for the couple that reached out to her, and, touched her with their journals and correspondence; could drop her into hot water. After Mia contacted her for help, Lucia was too involved. And, she knew it. Before the end of the story, the relationship between Mia and Carlos matures into love, trust, and hopeful devotion.
Carlos' adoptive mother Kathleen Connor did her best. The woman had a heart for reaching out and helping people in her community. She wanted to change his life for the better by taking him away from the dangerous lifestyle. His secrets stopped the change before it truly started.
Usually, I go into detail about a villain or two. There are so many dark characters in this that I can't seem to pick even one to talk about in detail. All of them are involved in the drug market and are ruthless in their hunt for power.
I hope this review was helpful. Have a great day.
June 9, 2018
Wow so much suspense and Romance!
February 26, 2017
The provided description of the book hardly leaves much out, but there is way more to this book. There are three main characters in the book: FBI detective Lucia, Carlos and Mia. While reading this book, I found that the characters chosen in this book are really interesting and disturbed in their own way. I really liked that a character is retelling the story of other characters, which makes two stories going on at the same time. I really liked Carlos as a character; he is this bad boy with incredibly kind heart in a way, and always trying to help. He is very interesting to read about. After reading about the author, Mia’s life story somehow reminds me of the author’s life story. Was the author writing about her wishes and experiences??? Let’s leave that to your imagination. I’m very grateful, that author gave voice to more than one character, it was great to see the story from their perspective and it makes the whole book more interesting to read.
While reading this book, I really enjoyed the plot itself. This exotic life in Mexico and the daily struggle, which ordinary people have to go through, really fascinated me. Even though the story was interesting, I missed some twists and turns in this story, it kind of plodded along. The writing style in this publication was really interesting; it was like a diary with this very naive way of writing. The language was very easy to read, but there were some Spanish phrases for which you might need to use some sort of translator. I am not a fan of long chapters as it gets me bored really easy, that’s why I was very happy to see that chapters in this novel are short and quick to read. This book is not very suitable for young people; it does contain a lot of sexual scenes and talks about sex. I really liked that this book discussed the situations which are everyday life in Mexico. The struggles which ordinary Mexicans have to face to feed their families and how easy it is to slip into a criminal’s life. I really enjoyed that author was discussing the drug problems and how it is influencing all people down the trafficking chain. The ending of the book was really well thought through and concluded the book really nicely. When I heard that there is a second book, I was surprised but at the same time intrigued. So to conclude, if you are looking for something related with Mexican drug cartels, exotic and romantic, give this book a go and you might be pleasantly surprised.
While reading this book, I really enjoyed the plot itself. This exotic life in Mexico and the daily struggle, which ordinary people have to go through, really fascinated me. Even though the story was interesting, I missed some twists and turns in this story, it kind of plodded along. The writing style in this publication was really interesting; it was like a diary with this very naive way of writing. The language was very easy to read, but there were some Spanish phrases for which you might need to use some sort of translator. I am not a fan of long chapters as it gets me bored really easy, that’s why I was very happy to see that chapters in this novel are short and quick to read. This book is not very suitable for young people; it does contain a lot of sexual scenes and talks about sex. I really liked that this book discussed the situations which are everyday life in Mexico. The struggles which ordinary Mexicans have to face to feed their families and how easy it is to slip into a criminal’s life. I really enjoyed that author was discussing the drug problems and how it is influencing all people down the trafficking chain. The ending of the book was really well thought through and concluded the book really nicely. When I heard that there is a second book, I was surprised but at the same time intrigued. So to conclude, if you are looking for something related with Mexican drug cartels, exotic and romantic, give this book a go and you might be pleasantly surprised.
September 24, 2022
Carlos is a Mexican boy that loses her parents when he was in his earliest childhood and was used by his relatives to traffic drugs moving in and out of US territory as if he were a ghost without identity. After a time, an American family adopted him, but he continues linked with his relatives in Mexico, being used as a drug dealer until his youth.
Carlos grew up and he knows Mia, and because of his romance with her, the help of her adoptive mother, and a policewoman, Carlos is rescued from being arrested or murdered for crimes that he was obliged to commit.
Target in the Sun has a very alluring synopsis, but the fact is that despite the fulfillment of the synopsis’s promises (the plot really is about the underworld of organized drug trafficking) I supposed the novel would bring the pace of the polices romance with pinches of romantic novels, the classical “undertone” of romance, but this does not happen here.
The author, as I said, really fulfills her promise, but in a very superficial way. She takes off all the heaviness of this subject, and the necessary seriousness to approach the theme. Even the romance between Carlos and Mia is equally superficial, despite the book‘s ending.
In this way, the novel that could be a turning page is in fact, an empty and simple reading and not a breathtaking kind of work that really could be.
Carlos grew up and he knows Mia, and because of his romance with her, the help of her adoptive mother, and a policewoman, Carlos is rescued from being arrested or murdered for crimes that he was obliged to commit.
Target in the Sun has a very alluring synopsis, but the fact is that despite the fulfillment of the synopsis’s promises (the plot really is about the underworld of organized drug trafficking) I supposed the novel would bring the pace of the polices romance with pinches of romantic novels, the classical “undertone” of romance, but this does not happen here.
The author, as I said, really fulfills her promise, but in a very superficial way. She takes off all the heaviness of this subject, and the necessary seriousness to approach the theme. Even the romance between Carlos and Mia is equally superficial, despite the book‘s ending.
In this way, the novel that could be a turning page is in fact, an empty and simple reading and not a breathtaking kind of work that really could be.
September 20, 2017
This book is written in short chapters that are mostly emails and journal entries. There are three main characters: Carlos, orphaned at a young age with family ties in the Mexican Cartels, Mia, an older woman looking for life in trips to Mexico away from her husband and son, and, Lucia, an FBI agent who helps link and lead you through the story. This appears to be the first book in the Carlos & Mia series.
I did enjoy the characters and the slow peeling back of their stories. The mixture of cultures, locations and romance was well done. That said there is a lot of skipping between characters, locations and time. I found myself having to go back a page at times to make sure I had the right character or time period.
I enjoyed the book but there were a lot of questions left unanswered. A lot of scenes were left without explanation and appeared to be glimpses into partial subplots or minor characters. I wish a few more lose ends had been wrapped up. If I had it to do over I would wait until I had the second book in hand and then read them together with the hope of getting closure on some parts of the story. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can do that now.
I did enjoy the characters and the slow peeling back of their stories. The mixture of cultures, locations and romance was well done. That said there is a lot of skipping between characters, locations and time. I found myself having to go back a page at times to make sure I had the right character or time period.
I enjoyed the book but there were a lot of questions left unanswered. A lot of scenes were left without explanation and appeared to be glimpses into partial subplots or minor characters. I wish a few more lose ends had been wrapped up. If I had it to do over I would wait until I had the second book in hand and then read them together with the hope of getting closure on some parts of the story. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can do that now.
September 11, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. The story unfolds primarily through journal entries and emails exchanged by unlikely lovers, Mia and Carlos. Their romance is based on mutual need for acceptance and longing for parental attention, and a strong physical attraction. The reader wonders all the way through whether these two will end up together or even alive. The tension makes for a fast satisfying read. Lucia, a decorated FBI agent, leads the reader through the story from her perspective. She risks her career and life trying to help Mia and Carlos escape the wrath of a Mexican drug cartel. Her motives and perhaps the reason for her bond with them appear to be somewhat similar to those of the lovers with respect to early life experiences. I especially liked the realism and obvious research underlying the Mexican and U.S. drug interdiction efforts, and the rich descriptions of locations.
March 7, 2017
Targets in the sun is a love story like no other. Filled with suspense, pain, love and drugs this book is a page Turner. Written in the form of letters, paper clippings and quotes it tells the story of Carlos ( a boy whose family are like the drug Mafia of Mexico) , Mia ( a party girl with an alcoholic father) and Lucia (an FBI agent) and how they all connect and save each other. To begin with getting used to the flashbacks and different narratives was quite confusing but once I got into it, which didn't take long, I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. I believe the author did quite a bit of research for this book and it really gives you a feel of what life in Mexico and the drug problem is like. Strong characters and written extremely well. Highly recommend to fans of suspense, thriller, romance or. Anyone just looking for an interesting and different read xx
January 30, 2016
This story was a poignant memorial to the lives of two lovers, finding their true soulmate. While it begins with a single special agent and her struggles within her career, it evolves as she discovers journal entries of Carlos and his activities within the dark underworld of the drug cartels.
His need for survival allows him to do things that gradually chip away at his own humanity. That is, until his finds his love, a real reason for living, and a bright spark of hope in his life.
This book is flowing, sensual, and exciting in its tragic and heartbreaking travels through two lives, as viewed by the agent. Her empathy for such lives that are constantly filled with obstacles creates an incredible bond with them. Well written with gorgeous details and descriptions.
His need for survival allows him to do things that gradually chip away at his own humanity. That is, until his finds his love, a real reason for living, and a bright spark of hope in his life.
This book is flowing, sensual, and exciting in its tragic and heartbreaking travels through two lives, as viewed by the agent. Her empathy for such lives that are constantly filled with obstacles creates an incredible bond with them. Well written with gorgeous details and descriptions.
August 22, 2016
A compelling read from the start as the story follows the life and struggles of Carlos, orphaned at a young age and disowned by his family. Carlos struggles to make sense of the complicated and desperate world he lives in, battling with abandonment as every woman he loves eventually leaves him. Then we meet Mia and learn about her life, and how the two build their budding romance until she becomes his soul mate and his rock. The story is told in the form of journals which is an unusual approach but one which works perfectly. I was totally rooting for the wayward child and hoping for a happy ending to his struggles. Beautifully written and totally consuming, a must read and highly recommended.
April 23, 2017
“Target in the Sun” is a story of love, fate, passion, lust, danger and empathy. Beautiful descriptions of Puerta Vallarta set the scene of Carlos’ childhood, surrounded by corruption of the cartel and poverty. Will Carlos grow up to be in the business of his father? The lives of Carlos and Mia, an older American woman, unfold in journal entries and emails, which worked well bringing their voice into the book. An FBI Agent, Lucia is giving us the third perspective. It was a little difficult to keep adjusting to the different years, sometimes with huge leaps, but I kept reading. It’s not an easy afternoon read, but a read worthwhile. I didn’t realize that the ending would be un-ending and I will have to wait for the second book.
August 19, 2016
Ive got to say this book was really good. I really enjoyed it. Romance...and action. What i liked the most was the way it was written, with different prespectives. At first I looked at the list of chapters and thought...wow...how many pages is this book! After reading it, the number of chapters made sense. Lynda did a great job with this novel. It's not easy to pull of this writing style, but she does it effortlessly. Some books you read and think, yeah its similar to this or that and very predictable. Target in the sun isn't your typical romance novel...it's better.
I can't recommend it enough.
I can't recommend it enough.
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