Rhonda Alendresis is not quite cut-out for her job as a garrison guard at the high security prison on Zurin Five.  But, as a medic, her skills are a necessary garrison component.  Even though Captain Cole Riggeur doesn't care for the artistic Rhonda's disregard for rule and regulation, he does admire her skill and perseverance.  And, when the prison is forced to go on lockdown when the power mysteriously fails, Rhonda and Cole are left alone to secure the reactor and make sure that the lower levels of the prison that house the most violent criminals are under control.  But, as Rhonda and Cole come to realize that the power problems are more than the result of the planet's unstable seismic situation, they'll have to use every bit of their wits and ingenuity just to survive.

Trapped on the lower levels with limited time and weapons, Rhonda and Cole must rely on each other if they are going to outwit their many foes and reach the surface alive.  But, can Cole trust a woman with little experience and a blatant need to challenge authority at every turn?  And, is the free-spirited Rhonda willing to put her life in the hands of a man that doesn't seem to be able to see beyond the need for order?  As the temperature outside the prison begins to heat up, so does Rhonda and Cole's attraction for each other.  Will these opposites attract under extreme pressure--and will they even make it out alive?  You'll have to read THE GARRISON:  LOCKDOWN to find out! 

THE GARRISON:  LOCKDOWN is wonderful!  This story is bright, compelling, full of wit and humor, and salted with just the right mix of romance and action.  Rhonda is ingenuous, plucky, and brave--with just enough naiveté to make her real and endearing.  Cole is noble and clever, with a few flaws throw in to make this futuristic Achilles seem attainable and mortal.  The villains are completely villainous--brutal, raw, and primal in every instance.  Although there are certainly a few morals to this story, they are woven neatly into the plot and don't come across as heavy-handed, but rather as organic developments of the characters' natures.  If you are a fan of action/adventure, sci-fi, or romance, you'll find THE GARRISON:  LOCKDOWN to be your cup of tea!  With such a strong heroine, this book will appeal to men and women alike.  Once again Vijaya Schartz has managed to give us a strong female character that manages to save the day without losing the essence of what it means to be a woman.