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Warrior Elite #4

Protected and Punished

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The ISC created me for one purpose: to accept pain. I move from one test subject to the next, taking their physical and emotional struggles away.
When Subject 869, an alien alpha with crimson eyes and merciless hands, demands more from me, I can’t give him what he wants most.
My pleasure.

Will he let me go, or are we doomed to destroy one another?

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V.T. Bonds

88 books596 followers

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5 stars
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24 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Marcie.
1,120 reviews59 followers
July 24, 2022
I was not expecting the emotional blows that VT delivered with this newest novel in her Warrior Elites series and I loved it (even though I despise crying).

Subject 66 has lived a life within the horrible ISC base. All this young omega knows is pain and has this uncanny ability to take calm even the most savage of characters. My heart broke repeatedly for this heroine, her torturous upbringing and daily life is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I adore her strength and determination so much, but when she realizes Lyc is her lifemate she made my heart bleed with her protective manners over him.

Lyc lives for the fight and when he gets himself captured in order to save his teammates I knew I was gonna love him - but when he laid eyes on his lifemate I melted. This growly, grumpy, blood thirsty alpha melted my soul with his actions towards Subject 66.

These two together are everything I love to see - there are similarities in their personalities yet huge differences. I adored how Subject 66 protected Lyc however she could and he returned the actions ten fold when the tables turned.

VT’s ability to write a sci-fi novel that has just as much emotional pull while being fast paced and packed with tons of action shines so bright. She created two characters that know so much pain and anguish, yet when these two love they do it with entire being. Throw in the vibrant detail and suspense, this got me out of my book slump I have been wallowing in for the past month now. She made me laugh, cry, hold my breath, swoon and yell with victory as I made my way thru and I can’t leave out how happy it made me to see Evie and Vander (from her Alpha Elite series) make an appearance. I loved every single word and can’t wait to see what she has in store for Commander Steil!
Profile Image for majsan.
268 reviews
May 10, 2023
What the poo??
One second they were fighting seven alien alphas, and the next they were having sex among their dead bodies, while their captors were watching in the cameras. The writing was so unclear I just couldn’t keep up.
And also, why was it dripping down to the floor??, creating a puddle??, that she slipped in???

I don’t think I understood a single thing that happened between the chapters 4-23.
Like what?!
All of a sudden the compound was being attacked? By who? Why? When? Why didn’t she and the alien notice, shouldn’t there have been some kind of alarm or something? No. The guards came to fetch them and all of a sudden, all their prisoners were running around the corridors… and the guards were surprised 😯

I honestly don’t know. Maybe it was the fact that this was the first book I read in the series🤷‍♀️

1/5⭐️
Profile Image for kymagirl.
5,906 reviews91 followers
February 20, 2024
Omega Subject 66C has been raised, experimented on, subjugated and abused by International Science Corps (ISC) for her entire existence. Her existence is to allow other prisoners to beat her and then internalize their pain and anger into herself, but when she's placed in a cell with alpha Lyc (H), part of an anti-ISC team, she worries that he may bring her the greatest pain of all and fights her connection with him. As her alpha, Lyc wants to protect her and make her his but their imprisonment poses challenges and he's amazing as to how he treats Subject 66C, even as she constantly fulfills her ingrained ISC training. This one was a new level of darkness and ISC cruelty - there is quite a bit of violence incorporated with the sexual attraction between Lyc and Subject 66C. A dark and intense fated mates Omegaverse romance with plenty of heat, including heats, rutting, claiming (she bites him, but he doesn't bite her), nesting, knotting and more.

Audio: The narrators did an excellent job with this story and really helped bring it to life from the written word. Really glad that two narrators, a male narrator and a female narrator, were used – it makes such a difference to hear male dialogue with a male voice and female dialogue with a female voice. Curt Bonnem really brought a nice, growly tone to Lyc, and Tieran Wilder gave Subject 66C a pain-filled yet resilient tone that seemed to capture her character.
Profile Image for Nina.
256 reviews
December 4, 2022
It was weird I Lil hard to follow and im not 100% sure what creature they actually are
Profile Image for Deanna.
594 reviews18 followers
July 30, 2022
This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. But I did have a problem with the FMC.. actually a couple of them. I really hated that she didn't get a name until almost the last page of the book. It really upset me. I was also hoping that she would chose a name that meant little warrior as that was what Lyc always called her. Pixie just doesn't seem to suite her. The thing that bothered me about Pixie is that while they were in the ISC compound.. whenever Lyc would try to get information from her that would help them escape she denied him that information. It really bothered me. Also when there was a chance for them to escape from the cave where they first mated.. she shot any chances of that happening by putting him in the chains that they ordered her to. Now I'm not sure that they would have been able to escape at that point... but she didn't even try and that really irritated me. She always did the exact opposite of what Lyc wanted her to do and they both ended up paying the price for it. I found myself mostly irritated with her and I didn't like that at all. The only other thing I didn't like was... Lyc didn't mark "claim" her. Unless I somehow missed that part? Usually there is a big scene where this happens and we get that when Pixie puts her mark on Lyc... but we didn't get his part and I missed that.

Other than those few things I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next in the series! Bring on the Commander Steil's story! I am dying to read it!
3,073 reviews
July 18, 2022
Continuation to this wonderful series, riveting read I thoroughly enjoyed
This series as I have read the separate books as they have been released, I have to say have gotten better and better and the scenario and the characters are simply wonderful as I loved this authors books and I have never yet read one that I have not been totally blown away by.
This story was all about the characters Lync who is an Alpha Elite and is also referred to as 66C and he is determined to rescue her from ISC where she has been held captive since birth, she is his and he has to convince her of this fact as well.
As you read this book you will be like be blown away by how totally well written the characters and their lives are going to work out. I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this simply wonderful book.
I do not want to spoil the plot so will say no more about the three of them, I assure you that you will enjoy every single moment of this book.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,449 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2022
Finally we get Lyc’s story! A fascinating male full of mystery and visions. The story begins from when the Alpha Elite save the omegas from Veena’s rescue. It is a bit dark with some abuse and trauma. Commander Steil and Lyc move the traumatized omegas to safety but encounter an ambush that Lyc tries to avoid. Things go to pot for our amazing Alpha complete with amazing fight scenes. I could visualize him on the big screen performing these Cirque du Soliel feats - that incredible. I am a huge Alpha Elite fan. These males are so macho to see them practically on their knees for their female life mates is humbling for such a fierce warrior. I love it. It’s like comparing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson humbled by something small as a child or puppy. Long time I waited for Lyc to get his story and it is so appropriate and fitting. His female Subject 66C has no real name (don’t worry she does get one later) and her power competes and powers over Lyc. Reading their story makes me want to hug myself because they are incredible together and adding a bit of ice breaker comic relief with Evie is a perfect means of exorcising the stress and angst felt in reading their high action scenes. Well done to the author, and I continue to love this series.
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,855 reviews
April 18, 2023
This is the fourth book in the continuation of the Warrior Elite Series.

She doesn't have a name other than 66C. She was created to accept pain and that in itself was a driving force...Until Lyc. Lyc is captured by the ISC...and they are even more dangerous than described now that he is back. Lyc overtime realizes that 66C is not only his but understands and learns that 66C is exactly who and what he needs...hist life mate.

After being captured, the visions for him that Lyc has are a constant reminder of what has to happen to survive. But Lyc will not allow 66C to continue to live in the horrific place of the ICS. He fights, claws and kill to proatect until his team comes for him, he just had to hold on til they do. He has to keep alive and constantly remind 66C that she isnot a number and a letter but his...only his.

I am enthralled at the voice of Kurt Bonnem and Tieran Wilder. They know how to relay the emotions in the scene and how to switch between anger and lust in a blink of an eye. "Chef's Kiss"

I love this series for the mere fact that in the midst of the darkest of the dark love will always win.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,028 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2022
V. T. Bonds always delivers emotionally intense reads, but this one might just top the list. I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest and stomped on. It was brutal. It kind of sounds strange to say this, but it's beautiful in all it's brutality. There were very few moments when I didn't feel like I wanted to burst into tears, but the fact that Ms. Bonds can evoke that level of emotion shows what a master she is at her craft. The situations the characters find themselves in are horrifying and their strength is beyond measure. As a survivor of childhood trauma, I could easily relate to the female character and I found her inner core both reassuring and inspiring. Nothing brings me more joy than reading about a character who lives through hell and comes out stronger. That's what this story is. No matter how bad things are, and they can be pretty bad, there is hope.

This is my favorite story in this series, so far, and after that ending I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
Profile Image for Ridwaana.
390 reviews
July 31, 2022
brutal and beautiful

This book made me feel so many things. What the ISC subjected the protagonist to is unspeakable. There were some difficult moments. Even with her omega gifts, no one should have had to endure that. Ever. She may have been created to withstand pain, but the chink in her armor was Lyc. With every story, we learn more that there is no bottom for the ISC. No line they won’t cross and no mercy for those they capture and experiment on. There was a pervasive, consuming sense of powerlessness and dread. Their time together represented bright spots on an otherwise bleak horizon. The protagonist is different from the other omegas because she didn’t have a past. The ISC tried to take everything from her. Lyc could see the future and it tormented him but also grounded him. He’d given up on any possibility of happiness for himself. It’s hard to imagine any two characters more deserving of rest and a happily ever after. I love their dynamic, chemistry, and story. I’m excited about the rest of this series. Well done!
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,023 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2023
Wow! What a read! This is a very dark book, part of the Warrior Elite series, and so good! Subject 66C has belonged to the ISC since she was a child. She has a special gift, one where she can calm others by taking their pain, fear, or emotional struggles into herself; so 66C must calm other suffering test subjects. Since she was a young teen, she has been subjected to rape, torture, deprivation, and both mental and physical abuse. She has never known another life until the capture of subject 869, a huge scaled alien alpha. He scares her more than anything ever has.

I love a dark, angsty book, full of emotion. This one delivers. It is very well written, with beautiful, wonder characters. You get all the feels from this book. This book can be read alone, but it is book four of a series. ( I read this one first, and now I need to go back to read the first three, as I feel something is missing.) If someone has triggers, read warnings. This is not a light read. But if triggers aren't an issue, it is a great story.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,043 reviews48 followers
May 10, 2023
I loved this book. I was both fascinated by omega Subject 66C's abilities, and heartbroken by the pain she suffers, and how she is tortured so as to ascertain what her body can handle and heal from. Her abuse is probably worse than that of the omegas in the previous books in my opinion. She is such a powerful and strong-minded woman- to keep her composure and not show fear or pain. I really admired her for that. Lyc was captured and 66C was sent in to deal with his rage. I liked the way that they communicated during this exchange without words and yet managed to glean an understanding of each other. I found this story was riveting and my favorite in the series so far.

I listened to this as an audiobook. Curt Bonnem continues to voice the males in this series, and we get a new female narrator for the heroines. I thought Tieran Wilder was a perfect match for 66C. I don't know if it was her tone or her inflection, but as soon as I heard her speak, I knew she was perfect for this heroine.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Profile Image for Michelle.
485 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2023
Where do I begin? This one...it hits hard. There's so much despair and yet there's this light the shines so bright no matter how dark it seems. That's what Subject 66C is. A beam of light in a world of darkness. She's not aware of this as all she has ever known is pain and suffering. Not until she meets Lyc, or Subject 869. Lyc has been taken prisoner and finds himself within the ISC machinations. He'll do all that he can to escape them. Well, that is until he meets his fated mate. Now he'll do all he can to ensure her well being, even if it means submitting to the ISC.

The narrators did a wonderful job with this one. You can feel all the anguish and despair of Subject 66C as she fights her daily battles. You can feel all of Lyc's anger and resentment towards the ISC for their manipulations and games they force their subjects to endure. It was very important to get this correctly expressed in the audio and both Curt Bonnem and Tieran Wilder did this and more.

Overall, this book is a lot darker in content than the previous book but it's a great addition to this series. It really shows the depth of how cruel and sadistic the ISC is. It may not be for everyone for sure (a lot of triggers for the more sensitive readers) but if you enjoy the darker side of romance in the OV genre, this is a definite read.
543 reviews
July 15, 2022
This book and series continue to blow my mind. Each book and their characters intertwine so wonderfully that you must read this whole series to enjoy all the wonderfully written characters and they're totally unique stories. You may also read this as a standalone too!

This story is about Lyc an Alpha Elite and Subject 66C his lifemate Omega with special abilities who has been with the ISC since birth. When Lyc is abducted and meets her, he is hell bent on rescuing them from the ISC and certain torture and death. There is only one problem, that is getting her to realize she is his.

This book ends with a HEA and leaps into what will be the next book and characters. I so can’t wait!
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,786 reviews23 followers
July 20, 2022
I am continually amazed by the intense omega-verse that V.T. Bonds is able to share with us, especially in her Warrior Elite series.

Subject 66C and Lyc’s story punched a hole in my heart. It took an even deeper step into the world of the ISC and the incredibly dangerous and deadly scientists, Enforcers, and the Director who took young Omegas and experimented on them.

Watching Lyc’s turmoil, as his visions provided endlessly hostile results, also kept this story perilously close to the edge of sanity. A happy ending is fleeting in a world of such terror, but Bonds uses her language to build bridges of understanding between unexpected mates.

Protected and Punished, book 4 in her series, defies true romanticism, yet provides it nonetheless.
Profile Image for Emily.
285 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2022
I have loved all the books in Bonds’ Warrior Elite series. But Protected and Punished's plot felt very different from the other books in the series—in a very good way—and I enjoyed it immensely! Bonds just delivers all the action and suspense, and sexy-times you want in a story, and at a good pace too. I especially loved how the heroine managed to protect Lyc throughout his captivity at the ISC facility. I believe he wouldn't have made it without her deflections and diversions. I also think this is one of the loveliest, most compelling first mating/bonding scenes the author has written. I felt all warm and gooey inside after reading it. And fired-up, too--😍 LOL! 5 stars.

I received a review copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, authentic opinion.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,515 reviews78 followers
July 26, 2022
WOW! That was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Subject 66C and Lyc’s story pulled on my heartstrings more than any of the other Alpha Elite stories did.

Subject 66C’s past will gut you and maybe even make you cry a little. My heart ached for her and what she has been through. The fact that she can be an incredible woman after all of that shows us how much of a survivor she is. Lyc is the perfect match for her. When they first meet you could feel that instant connection lock into place and you just knew these two were going to be explosive together.

Another incredible story by this amazing author, with loads of imagery and outstanding world building, this story will definitely keep you riveted to your seat the whole way through.
171 reviews
August 17, 2022
The warning that the author has put on the book is real. This book is darker than any of the other books of hers that I have read. But it is so raw and emotional, that I could not put it down. That is not necessarily true. There were times I had to stop and breathe and think because the pain that VT writes about that Pixie/Subect 66C feels is so real you just have to absorb it before moving forward in the book. The anger that it created for the ISC is so real, how horrible, demented and cruel they are just knows no bounds. But Lyc, he is the perfect Warrior Elite to pull her from her drowning pain; to show her that she is more than just created to be used by the ISC. It takes a lot but Lyc & Pixie finally find the strength to see what they can be together.
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
April 21, 2023
AUDIOBOOK edition
My first book from the author and being thrust into the series at book 4, I should have known better LOL It was a tad too gruesome for me, being a creative person, I have a vivid imagination. I continued listening hoping it will have a HEA of at least a HFN ... the story is about survival and finding that one mate that makes it all worth it. The ending made me happy. So yes, I will check the previous books in the series. - 4 stars
Curt Bonnem is a new voice for me, and I like how it gave each character their own voice especially the Alphas. Tieran Wilder is one of my fave narrators, she has that warm voice that draws the listener in. - 5 stars
Profile Image for Amy.
1,448 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2023
This book was a bit more tragic then the others I had listened to. Well it started that way anyhow and ended up with a lovely ending. The narrators were awesome in their delivery of the characters . An unnamed omega tested by the ise was used to torture a alien alpha and through out the torture they each found their life mate in one another. No matter how bad the circumstances were they held on for each other . There was plenty of steam in this book as the others . The dual knot in this one seemed kind of crazy .I really enjoyed this book and was happy when the un named omega chose her name. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series .
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,484 reviews7 followers
May 3, 2023
This is my first V.T Bonds book, and I am definitely hooked. The story had a lot of raw emotion as Lyk and Pixi had to deal with the effects of ling term captivity on Pixi and the drive to mate in a prison of psychopaths. This book really focused on the characters and made them real. The book also had some very involved sex scenes that are not for the faint of heart. I loved that there was a male and female narrator and that the male didn't have to read the female parts and vis versa. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the story to life.
Profile Image for Karen.
554 reviews15 followers
July 21, 2022
Wow what a story!! Once again we see Bonds bring an incredible, heart-wrenching story that makes you feels for these characters. Lyc is no different. We finally get to see his story and it is incredible!! This entire series seems to only get better and better with each installment. Hell bent Alphas and reluctant Omegas is the name of the game here folks and it is so good!!! Bonds set the stage for the next book in the Warrior Elite Series and I CANT WAIT!!
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,798 reviews67 followers
July 25, 2022
I’m so in love with this series. In this installment we get Lyc and his mate, Subject 66C’s story. Subject 66C has special abilities and has lived a horrific life within the ISC. When Lyc is captured and meets Subject 66C, he’s determined to rescue her from the ISC. I absolutely adored the heroine, her character showed such incredible strength, and I loved how protective she became of Lyc. Another terrific addition to this series and one I tremendously enjoyed.
Profile Image for Susan Cox.
638 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
She was never protected...

The life of subject 66C was filled with misery and pain. Day in and day out. She knew her job and knew if she failed she would be the one who hurt for a long while. She steals their their pain whether physical or emotional. When she is sent to subject 869 things changed. He wants for herself. Is it possible for this spark between them can grow? If you have triggers this may not be the book for you.

1,152 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2022
66C is a young woman stuck doing the bidding of the ISC. She endures the pain of countless others but she was made for this. Lyn gets captured and 66C is brought in to control him. He would never hurt her because little does she know they are lifemates. All of her life it was never her own, she was owned by the ISC. He shows her otherwise. Can they escape the horrors of the ISC and be happy? Very good story.
2,976 reviews44 followers
April 29, 2023
Amazing dual narration from Narrated from Curt Bonnem and Tieran Wilder


For her whole life Omega Subject 66C has been raised, experimented on, subjugated and abused by International Science Corps (ISC). One days she's placed in a cell with alpha Lyc (H), part of an anti-ISC team, she worries that he may bring her the greatest pain of all and fights her connection with him. Lyc just wants to protect her. This one was a new level of darkness and ISC cruelty .
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,839 reviews21 followers
May 11, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Warrior Elite series, a Dark Omegaverse Sci-Fi Romance. This story is darker than the other books in the series. The characters are well developed, and interesting. The storyline is dark, intense, and captivating. Curt Bonnem and Tieran Wilder did a great job bringing this story to life. Looking forward to listening to Revived and Rutted, the next book in the series. #StoryOrigin
1,096 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2023
66C has grown up under groug and a treast subject for the ISC, she has never known freedom. She is there to take the fear and pain of the other prisoners. When she meets Lyc she believes he will destroy her. She can take the pain, she does know if she can survive the pleasure only he can give her. They are both prisoners being tortured in the most unspeakable ways.
This is a brilliant listen the depth that V T Bonds has given her characters is amazing.
The duel narration is excellent.
504 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2022
So I really enjoy reading this series. I will admit the last book is still my favorites of the series. But I still really liked this couple. It was it always interesting how there is a link between these destined mates before they even meet most times. And I found this omegas power interesting. I loved how this one ended as well. And as always I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Lina Bee.
23 reviews
April 24, 2023
Check TW for this book before listening or reading!
This is a book 4 in a warrior elite series. Fast paced with lots of heartbreak and heat. Two characters go through so much pain but still able to love and be happy at the end.
I love the duet narration, it bring the story to life for me while listening. Narrators did a great job of acting out the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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