Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series) by Armand Rosamilia

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series) Reviews

• 
  Jason Meuschke

  Off to a great start
  
  Been a fan of Armand’s work for years now but his crime thriller is something different and exciting! Armand hits it out of the park carefully balancing multiple plots and characters while building this detailed world around them. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
• 
  Tom Duffy

  Can’t wait for the next one. Such a fun read. The writing was strong and the characters fleshed out well. If you’ve read the Dirty Deeds series, you’ll pick up an a bunch of Easter eggs in here. And you get to find out who lives above The Ruby Skull. Cassie Conway is an intriguing character and I hope there is more of her to come.
• 
  Chad Hoey

  I just finished the audio book. Very good story. The story keeps flowing along with no weak spots and makes you want to keep going. I’ll be checking out the rest of the series. It was extra fun for me cause I lived in the area where this took place and new where everything was that was in the story.
• 
  Desiree

  Clayton is a man that has made some really bad life decisions but is doing his best to correct his past mistakes. Growing up with a father that was well known for his criminal connections and prolific lifestyle wasn't easy. He became a cop and was doing well, until his gambling problem cost him his job and his family. Now, three years later, he's working for a repo company, keeping his head down, trying to win his family back, and get his job back in law enforcement. When his boss involves him in a boat repo of a drug cartel, he finds himself being approached by the FBI. And as if that wasn't crazy enough, suddenly, his sister- that spells out trouble every time she's around- is back in town. Between the FBI pursuing him, his sister's cryptic conversations, and his dad coming up again, he's not sure which way is up. Can Clayton-not Clay- help the FBI, and figure out his sister before all is lost? Or is this just the beginning of something greater than him?
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I could envision each character as the story played out. His boss and coworkers were all believable. The author did an excellent job writing the struggles of each character and their thought processes. I appreciated that Clayton started realizing that it wasn't just the gambling that was the problem, but his selfishness and self-loathing that makes him unapproachable to others. When he really starts to look past himself and see others, that is when he truly starts to change and see what has been right in front of him for the last three years.
  
  This is the first of many books, I hope!
• 
  Lorrene Huisman

  This book was a freaking well written fantastic adventure! I was hooked from the character introductions. The characters were connectable, and the action was tense and a good build up!
  
  The book gave so much. I felt I was right there with everything that was going on. From figuring out characters whom to trust, and whom you knew you could a first glance, and when it comes down to it, you would sacrifice everything for those you love. Amazing writing. I could not put it down. It kept me interested till the final word on the final page. Loved it! Really exciting read and a fulfilling time!
  
  I was hooked, no questions asked. The writing was good and kept you holding on till everything came together. I am so glad I came across this book! Highly recommend this book and author!
  
• 
  Maryn Belling

  Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia - Review by Maryn Belling
  
  When self-fulfilling catastrophe strikes people make one of 3 choices:
  try to get back to “before”
  wallow in self-pity
  get help, learn, grow, and move forward
  
  Too “in your face”? Ok look at a plant gone to seed. It can become:
  harvested & dried for future planting
  mulched into the ground as nutrients for others
  get carried off by a bird or wildlife to a new field
  
  That’s where we find Clayton “don’t call me Clay” - 3 years into self-pity & trying to get back to “before”. Even his daughter can see he needs help. Will he grab a lifeline, or will he continue to pour alcohol on his backward-looking journey?
  
  If you’ve ever wondered what The Sopranos or Sons of Anarchy would be like if it were relocated to Jacksonville, recalibrated with bougie rum, Jaws one-liners, a soundtrack country and trop pop, Shakedown marks the spot on your treasure map.
  
  Does the Shakedown map lead to redemption from addiction & self-destruction?
  
  The kindle book includes a few chapters of book 2 in the series to continue the beach read.
  
  CWs: addiction, alcoholism, divorce, toxic masculinity
  
  Tags: Shake Down, First Coast Thriller Series, Armand Rosamilia, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Crime, Thriller
• 
  Angela Shirley

  Clayton is lost at the moment, with his life as he knows it gone, losing his family and job as a police officer to his gambling addiction is there ever a way to get back on the right track. Until he gets a job with Jimmy within the Repo business until things start becoming weird and people are going missing.
  
  Can Clayton get back his life and find out what is going on when people start going missing and he tries to help the local force, will he put himself and his family in the middle of something he can't get out of.
  
  This is the first book I have read by this author and have to say I pleasantly surprised with the story and the drama written with the pages. The characters are well developed and drive the story as the twists and turns adds to the overall intensity of the story.
  
  I love a good flawed character trying to make good and Clayton is up there with the best, the way he is trying to get back his family and trying to resolve some his past is brilliant to read and you are invested from the first chapter as he is a likable rogue. The secondary characters complete the story and drive through to make you want to keep turning the pages to read what will happen next.
  
  I definitely recommend this book and would love to read more of this series and the author in the future.
• 
  Jenny

  I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping crime thriller, which had me hooked from start to finish. The main character, Clayton Conway is an ex-cop who has made some mistakes and is now working at a repo company. Clayton is concentrating on raising his daughter and keeping friendly with her mother, his ex-wife. He's renting a small apartment over a bar in Jacksonville Beach, and is happy if he makes enough money to pay his rent. Thinking he had left his dangerous life behind him, along with being a cop, Clayton gets mixed up with the Orenato Cartel, when one of their speedboats is repossessed.
  Clayton realises that it’s not just him who’s in danger but also his family and friends, and he’s determined to protect them, as long as his own weaknesses don’t get the better of him, again. Full of drama and suspense this was an entertaining and engaging read, with a great main character in Clayton, who’s both likeable and relatable, whilst also being realistic. I found it hard to put this book down once I had started it and I am now looking forward to the next book in the series. 


• 
  Kerry carr

  This is the first book in the First Coast Thriller series. It is a great start to the series. This book is definately one that will keep a reader gripped and on the edge of their seat from start to finish. I loved it. I literally couldn't put it down and the pace was fast enough that it kept me engaged without missing any details or depth.
  
  This books is a crime Thriller and has so many twists and turns at the reader cannot be sure of what to expect or what the outcome can be. When you mix cartel boats and investigations with the FBI you just know that things are going to be pretty or plain sailing and lives will be on the line.
  
  Our main character Clayton has had a rough time of things. He was part of JSO but he gambling addiction got the best of him and now he's a repo man. All he wants is to get back into law enforcement and make his family proud.
  When he is offered that change he grabs for it however it comes at a cost and that cost is crossing dangerous people and putting the family and friends he loves into harms way.
• 
  Angela

  3.5 Stars
  
  Shake Down is the first book in the First Coast Thriller series by Armand Rosamilia. As this is my first foray into Mr. Rosamilia’s work, I was unsure of what to expect- but I love a great crime thriller, and as I am a bit of a book addict, I devour my way through dozens of books a month and so I am always looking for more authors to add to my TBR list- so one-click I did and plunged into the adventure.
  Clayton Conway was forced off the police force due to his own doing. Mistakes that left him with little choice but to go into the repo game- recovering cars and boats to make ends meet. But when a powerboat belonging to a notorious cartel comes up for repo, things take a dangerous turn. What happens next? You will need to read all the intriguing details for yourself!
  I will definitely be joining Clayton for more adventures in the future. As well as keeping a lookout for anything else Mr. Rosamilia produces. Now I’m off to read ‘Throw Down’ (Book #2 First Coast Thriller Series).
  Happy Reading!
  
  Thank you, Armand Rosamilia!
  
• 
  Devon Pulliam

  You quickly discover Clayton, not Clay, is one of those guys who is trying to fix his past by changing his current self. You learn that as an ex-cop he made some mistakes and is trying to get back to his cop life and his family that he lost. He didn't come from the best parenting but wants to do better.
  
  Then you learn he is a repo guy. The description of the boat repos had me relating as I am not the best on a boat either. But you can relate to him in various ways.
  
  The ex-cop turned FBI helper and the crew working at D&D puts the work they do into real perspective. It also shows that you have to be a team player when it comes to certain types of work as well.
  
  This was my first time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the crime and thriller this story brought and will be reading more. It was one that once you got engaged you needed to know what was going to happen next. Wither it was Clay, Cassie, Wendell, Neil.... I needed to know what was happening next. I loved that it was a fast paced read to.
• 
  Amy Brennan

  I absolutely love the way the characters are introduced and how we are able to connect with Clayton 'Clay' on a personal level before really getting to the plot. It brings in a comedic aspect to the suspense filled adventure with some heartache, some doubt, some mystery and just a lot of action as a whole. The writing itself draws the reader in, and I personally felt like I was too intrigued to not continue reading. Humans make mistakes, and we shouldn't be defined by those mistakes, be it if they were in the past, are in the present, or to happen in the future. I feel this novel touched on that very well.
  
  I think that this author really knows how to build up his stories all around, and to keep the reader guessing by staying one step ahead, but also letting the reader in on the thoughts of the characters to the point where we feel we know where the next step will land, and who really knows if they'll misstep. I guess you will have to read it and find out! I look forward to reading more of this series, and author. Worth a read!
• 
  Bobbi Wagner

  This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I look forward to reading more in this series in the future. This is a well written story where the characters bring the twists and turns to a new level. A story that is full of action and suspense. It has great growth throughout the story as well. I found this story to be fast paced and hard to put down. An engaging story that had me coming back for more. A story about an ex-cop who now does repo and has repossessed the wrong boat. Now the cartel is after what was taken from them. I really enjoyed how the author used details to make the characters relatable and supportive. They made the story feel realistic, as if you were right there with them. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. I really enjoyed reading this story. I highly recommend this story.
• 
  Shannen

  This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very beginning and can’t wait to pick up the second book in the First Coast Thriller Series!
  
  Clayton “Don’t Call Me Clay” Conaway is an ex-cop who is trying to get his life together after making some unwise decisions. He has a less than ideal relationship with his sister and father, both of which haunt him in his day-to-day life. All he really wants is to be a cop and back at home with his wife and daughter again. As he works with D&D Recovery and coasts by on auto-pilot, he realizes that maybe what he wants is within reach. Will he succeed in attaining his goals or does getting in the cartel’s crosshairs end it all?
  
  I can’t believe I haven’t picked up a book by Armand Rosamilia before but that ends now! I will be searching out other series from this author. You won’t be disappointed reading this fast-paced crime thriller!
• 
  Heidi Sturgess

  So Clayton didn’t really grow up with the best role model for a father and he’s determined to do better and becomes a cop and all seems well but then the gambling monster takes over and he looses not only his job but his family , a very hard price to pay .
  
  Clayton may have made mistakes in the past but everyone deserves another chance , right ? So he’s got a job , his family back and it just may be coming together for him ….
  
  
  I feel sorry for Clayton he’s really trying hard but life just keeps throwing curve balls at him , what seemed like a stable job is now not so kosher , his boss is involved with the cartel , both his father and sister are coming at him from different angles and then the FBI wants a piece of him as well , good grief something has got to give !
  
  
  All I’m going to say is expect the unexpected because all is definitely not as it seems . Despite the thrills and chills this book gave me it also allowed me to be sympathetic…
  
  
  I think I’d like to read some more ❣️📕
• 
  Mercedes Jones

  Clayton lives a simple life, go to work, take care of his daughter, and try to stay out of trouble. He has had enough trouble on his doorstep, due to his gambling addiction, he lost his job as a police officer. He now works as a repo man with some interesting coworkers. When he’s not at work or with his daughter, you can find him at “The Ruby Skull,” the bar underneath his apartment. Clayton is trying to better his life but when he gets mixed into some cartel business, that’s not always the easiest thing to do. Will the cartel mess up Clayton’s life even more or can he keep it all together?
  Wow, action packed and a great story! The characters were unique. This mystery thriller kept me on my toes and had me hanging out to every word. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but will be added more of his work to my list! Very well written and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
  
• 
  Tausha Treadway

  Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia. I really enjoyed this book. Its a crime thriller and that is one of my favorite genres. I can't wait to read this next book in this series. This story is of Clayton Conway who was a cop but due to his gambling addiction he has lost everything. His career and his family. He's trying desperately to make it up to his wife and daughter but its slow going at best. He's renting a room above a bar and now is a repo man. When he gets a order to repo a powerboat that belongs to a cartel member things take a much heated turn. Clayton thinks if he can bust up this cartel he can get back his old job as a cop. The danger even effects his wife and kids. He will do anything to protect them. This book is full of twists and turns you don't see coming and it will keep you turning pages til you are finished!
• 
  Robin Rankin

  Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series Book 1)
  
  The cover to this book is what got me, how could it not be good with the sun and water?  This book did not disappoint me at all.
  
  Clayton has a lot weighing down on him, his teenage daughter,  ex-wife, child support, his bills and staying clean.  Not to mention his sister dropping in for a visit.
  
  I was hooked as soon as I read the first chapter and it kept me hooked until the end, but my favorite part happened in chapter 2 as Clayton was driving the boat.  Reminded me of an experience my husband had on a boat several years ago which I thought was funny,  he did not and I don't think Clayton would have appreciated my laughter.
  
  I have added the rest of this series to my TBR list, want to see what kind of trouble Clayton, Jimmy and the rest of the gang find.
• 
  Jenni Bishop

  Armand Rosamilia is a new author to me so I was unsure what to expect. He is known to have eclectic tastes in writing and not confined to one genre. His books include crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, nonfiction and more.
  
  Shake Down is an interesting thriller mystery that is a little fun, a lot suspenseful and well-written with a good storyline. There is action, murder, mayhem, with intrigue making it an enjoyable read.
  
  Armand weaves a thrilling tale in this new series that is unique with well-developed strong characters. The plot is well thought out keeping the reader interested in the outcome.
  
  I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
• 
  Julie

  Clayton misses his old life....his wife, his kid, his job as a cop. He's doing his best to right his previous wrongs and is working as a repo man. When he's asked to repo a boat, he gets weak in the knees and literally spends the rest of the trip throwing up. Little does he know, that's how his stomach would feel since the cartel is now on his back.
  
  This is a new-to-me author and I found myself unable to put this book down for any extended period of time. It was fast-paced, full of action and adventure. There are several jokes included, mostly movie references, that put a smile on the face of the reader and one particular scene that made me fist pump in the air! I look forward to reading more from Mr. Rosamilia as I really enjoyed this story!
• 
  Barbie England

  Shakedown is the first novel in the First Coast Thriller series. It highlights the story of what happens when a cartel’s boat gets repossessed. Clayton Conway is an ex-cop who works for D&D Recovery, and while he is trying to help the FBI with their investigation into the cartel he is also in the process of recovering from his personal demons. Xavier and Jimmy who are both Clayton’s co-workers assist him try to keep the cartel from dominating Jacksonville Florida. Cassie (Clayton’s sister), he is daughter, Reese, and his estranged father, Wendell all play a role in what happens with the crew of D&D. This first book in the series sets up a nice cliffhanger for the next installment of the First Coast Thriller Series.
• 
  Ashley Mertz

  Shake Down
  Armand Rosamilia
  4 Star Review
  
  Following a gambling addiction that causes his family to fall apart, ex-Cop Clayton Conway is repossessing boats and automobiles in order to raise his daughter and pay for his tiny apartment. When he repossesses a speedboat that belongs to the Orenato cartel his family and friends are in danger. Determined to do whatever it takes Conway will keep his loved ones safe.
  
  Shake Down is the first book in the First Coast Thriller Series. This thriller mystery is an edge of your seat kind of read. Rosamilia engages his readers with his realistic storylines and relatable characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick paced, enjoyable thriller. I can’t wait to see what is in store for book two.
  
• 
  Christina Gran

  Fast paced, quick read….I was so enthralled that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happened at the end! My first read from Armand Rosamila, but surely won’t be my last! I can’t wait to delve into the 2nd book of this magnificent new series.
  Clayton is an ex-cop down on his luck. Based upon some poor life choices, Clayton lost his job & his family, but he is determined to turn his life around and win his family back and pursue another career in law enforcement. Clayton is working as a repo man, when his boss has him repoing a boat that is involved with a drug cartel. Can Clayton help the FBI, save his sister & out run the drug cartel that is after him? Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! Can’t wait to read book 2!
• 
  Katie

  I love when an author can seamlessly weave different character's viewpoints into a single storyline. This book did not disappoint!! Mystery, intrigue, thrills, suspense, and just enough information about the characters to keep you needing more. I was thrilled to see this is a series and I cannot wait to read more about Clayton, Jimmy, Neil, Xavier and the rest of the characters we have met so far. I also really enjoyed the pace of the book. I wanted to keep reading and was on the edge of my seat. Armand gets you started with enough details, but doesn't get hung up on adding fluff. Very enjoyable!!